Please Bring This Pre-Convention Journal

JOURNAL of the

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION

of the

Episcopal Church

in the

Diocese of West Virginia

held in

Morgantown, West Virginia

Hosted by

St. Thomas à Becket Episcopal Church Morgantown, West Virginia

October 24-26, 2008

Journal of the 131st Annual Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia

Table of Contents Page The Bishop and Diocesan Staff; Officers of the Diocese; Committees and Task Forces; Facilities ...... 2 Classification of Parishes and Missions ...... 7 Clergy of the Diocese ...... 9 The Bishop‘s Official Acts and Papers ...... 13 Delegates and Alternates in Attendance at 131st Annual Convention of the Diocese ...... 15 Journal of the Proceedings: Friday, October 24, 2008 ...... 19 Saturday, October 25, 2008 ...... 45 Pastoral Letter of the Bishop ...... 64 2008 Convention Sermon ...... 68 Bishop Klusmeyer‘s Diary for 2007 ...... 72 Resolutions as Passed at Convention ...... 88 Resolution Presented to Convention ...... 91 Necrology of the Diocese, September 2007 – August 2008 ...... 105 Reports on the Mission and Ministry ...... 108 Financial Section: Missionary Apportionment and Diocesan Budget – Final 2008, Proposed 2009 ...... 144 Auditor‘s Report for 2007 ...... 152 Draft - The Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of WV...... 172 The Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of WV ...... 230 Resolutions Referred to Dioceses from the 75th General Convention ...... 278

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST VIRGINIA Diocesan House: 1608 Virginia Street, East Charleston, West Virginia 25311 Mailing Address: PO Box 5400 Charleston, West Virginia 25361 Telephone: 304-344-3597 or Toll-free 866-549-8346 Fax: 304-343-3295 Chapel of the Resurrection

The Bishop: The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer

Archdeacon in Charge of Ministry Development: The Ven. Faith C. Perrizo

Canon for Congregational Development: The Rev. Canon Donald Vinson

Chief Financial Officer: Mr. David Ramkey

Financial Assistant: Ms. Annette Combs

Diocesan Youth Minister: Mr. Jason Beschinski

Diocesan Administrator: Ms. Mollie Bailey

Bishop’s Secretary: Ms. C. Gwyn Wolfe

Bishop’s Chaplain to Retired Clergy/Spouses: The Rev. Robert Thomas

Treasurer of the Diocese: Mr. Charles Hunsaker

Chancellor of the Diocese: Mr. John R. McGhee, Jr.

Vice Chancellor of the Diocese: Mr. John F. Hussell, IV 2

Diocesan Trustees: Mr. Ben Hardesty (2010) Mr. Jim Morgan (2012) Mr. Paul Hicks (2011) Ms. Frederica Davis (2008) Mr. Donald MacNaughtan (2009)

Historiographer: vacant

Secretary of the 2008 Convention: Ms. C. Gwyn Wolfe

Chair of the 2008 Convention: The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer

Vice-Chair of the 2008 Convention: The Rev. Art Bennett

Dayspring Editor: The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker

Standing Committee: Ms. Harriette Cyrus (2009), President The Rev. Keith Butler (2008) Dr. Jim Shaver (2008) Mr. Jack Sturgeon (2009) The Rev. Lisa Davis-Heller (2009) The Rev. Art Bennett (2009) Dr. John Fuller (2009) The Rev. Art Bennett (2010) The Rev. Pat Geerdes (2010)

Diocesan Council: Eastern Deanery The Very Rev. Melanie McCarley (2008) Charles Town - Zion Mr. Robert DuBose (2008) Nelson Cluster Kanawha Deanery The Very Rev. Cheryl Winter (2010) St. Timothy's - Hurricane Ms. Sharon Strand (2010) Monongahela Deanery The Very Rev. Pamela Shier (2010) Salem - Prince of Peace Ms. Mary Ann Kersting (2009) Christ Church - Clarksburg 3

Northern Deanery The Very Rev. Theresa Kelley (2011) Wheeling - St. Matthew's Ms. Linda Comins (2010) Wheeling - St. Matthew's Ohio Valley Deanery The Very Rev. Richard Heller (2009) Ohio Valley Episcopal Ministries Jackie Purkey (2011) Parkersburg - Good Shepherd Southern Deanery The Very Rev. Eric Miller (2008) St. Stephen‘s - Beckley Ms. Melanie Dragan (2007) Oak Hill – St. Andrew‘s Southwestern Deanery The Very Rev. Kevin Kelly (2007) Trinity, Huntington Lay position vacant Ex Officio Mr. John McGhee, Chancellor John Hussell, Vice-Chancellor Mr. Charles Hunsaker, Treasurer Ms. Becki Krzywdik, Convener, Women‘s Ministries Mr. Jim Anderson, President, ECM Mr. Harold Stewart, Chair, Commission to End Racism Staff Resources The Ven. Faith Perrizo, Archdeacon The Rev. Canon Donald Vinson, Canon for Congregational Development Mr. David Ramkey, Chief Financial Officer Ms. Annette Combs, Financial Assistant Ms. Mollie Bailey, Diocesan Administrator Ms. Gwyn Wolfe, Bishop‘s Secretary Secretary to Council Ms. Linda Comins

Ecclesiastical Court: The Very Rev. Kevin Kelly (2008) The Rev. Cynthia Walter (2008) The Rev. Susan MacDonald (2008) The Hon. Robert Burnside (2008) The Hon. Mary Stanley (2008)

Committee on Constitution and Canons: John McGhee, Chancellor, Chair John Hussell, Vice-Chancellor, Ex Officio Fran Rollins (2008) The Rev. Dr. Patricia Geerdes (2008) John Proctor (2009) The Rev. George Sherrill (2010) 4

Robert ―Bo‖ Sweeney, Jr. (2010)

Provincial Synod Deputies: The Rev. Melanie McCarley (Exec. Council Rep.) Mr. Harold Stewart

West Virginia Council of Churches Delegates: The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, 1st Vice President Mr. Griffin Callahan (2008) Ms. Mary Snow (2008)

Virginia Theological Seminary Trustees: The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer The Very Rev. Kevin Kelly (2013) Ms. Sissy Poland (2012)

Commission on Ministry: Tom Gilpin, Acting Chair (2008) The Rev. Dale (Gene) Sheppard, Acting Vice-Chair (2009) The Rev. Jim Kelley (2008) Jim Duguid (2008) The Rev. G.T. Schramm (2008) Pat McMillan (2008) Kitty Byus (2009) The Very Rev. Kevin Kelly (2009) Rosie Wood (2009) Monika Hussell (2010) The Rev. Roy Gene Crist (2010) The Very Rev. Eric Miller (2010) The Rev. Marie Mulford (2010) Harriette Cyrus, Standing Committee Representative The Rev. Dr. George D. Moses, Psychologist Consultant

Women’s Ministries Committee: Convener: Ms. Becki Krzywdik (2010) Altar Guild Directress: Ms. Hollie Mitchell (2010) Book of Remembrance: Ms. Marie Hunsaker (2010) CPC: Ms. Debbie Ventura (2010) UTO: Ms. Becky Szabo (2010) Love-in-Action: Ms. Barbara Carter (2010) Women‘s Conference: Ms. Becki Krzywdik (2010) Daughters of the King: Ms. Linda Johnson (2010) Member at Large: Ms. Paula Hoffman (2010) Member at Large & Newsletter Editor: Tamela Rankin (2010) 5

Women‘s Committee Emeritus: Ms. Karen Grisell Province III ECW President and National ECW Board Representative: Patricia S. Haldeman (2010)

Episcopal Churchmen: President: Mr. Jim Anderson (2009) Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Ron King (2009)

Program Committee Chairs: Architectural Advisory Committee: Mr. Lloyd Miller Church Commission on Children: Ms. Laura Leslie College & Young Adult Ministry: The Rev. Siobhan Patterson Commission on Evangelism: The Rev. Cynthia Walter Commission on Spirituality: Ms. Linda Comins Commission on Stewardship: Ms. Linda Crocker Commission to End Racism: Mr. Harold Stewart Companion Diocese: The Rev. Lisa Davis-Heller DaySpring Board: The Rev. Betsy Walker (editor) Disciples Net: Ms. Pat Haldeman Ecumenical Officer: The Rev. Keith Butler EFM: Ms. Beth Hamrick Environmental Advisory: Mr. Jim Holliday Equipping the Saints: The Very Rev. Cheryl Winter Faith Alive: Mr. John Doughty Health Ministries: Ms. Debbie Ventura Liturgy and Music Committee: The Rev. Keith Butler National Cathedral: Ms. Hollie Mitchell Prison Ministries: The Rev. Betsy Walker Regional Ministries: The Rev. Theresa Kelley

Highland Educational Project: Ms. Lori Hill-Osborne

Peterkin Camp and Conference Center: Ms. Daisy McBride, Director

Sandscrest: Mrs. Sarah Lydick, Director

CLASSIFICATION OF PARISHES AND MISSIONS OF THE DIOCESE OF WEST VIRGINIA AS OF AUGUST 31, 2008

Parishes (43) Barboursville, St. Andrew‘s Morgantown, St. Thomas á Becket Beckley, St. Stephen‘s Morgantown, Trinity Berkeley Springs, St. Mark‘s Moundsville, Trinity Bluefield, Christ Charles Town, Zion New Martinsville, St. Ann‘s Charleston, St. Christopher Oak Hill, St. Andrew‘s Charleston, St. John‘s Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Parkersburg, Trinity Charleston, St. Matthew‘s Point Pleasant, Christ Clarksburg, Christ St. Albans, St. Mark‘s Elkins, Grace St. Mary‘s, Grace Fairmont, Christ Shepherdstown, Trinity Hansford, Good Shepherd Sistersville, St. Paul‘s Huntington, St. John‘s Huntington, St. Peter‘s Weirton, St. Thomas‘ Huntington, Trinity Wellsburg, Christ Hurricane, St. Timothy‘s Weston, St. Paul‘s Keyser, Emmanuel Wheeling, Lawrencefield Parish Lewisburg, St. James‘ Wheeling, St. Matthew‘s Logan, Holy Trinity Wheeling, St. Paul‘s Martinsburg, Trinity White Sulphur Springs, St. Thomas‘ Montgomery, Calvary

Organized Missions (29) Ansted, Redeemer Moorefield, Emmanuel Buckhannon, Transfiguration Mullens, St. Andrews‘ Charles Town, St. Philip‘s Princeton, Heavenly Rest Ravenswood, Grace Ripley, St. John‘s Rippon, St. John‘s Colliers, Olde St. John‘s Romney, St. Stephen‘s Glenville, St. Mark‘s Ronceverte, Incarnation Grafton, St. Matthias‘ Salem, Prince of Peace Harpers Ferry, St. John‘s Summersville, St. Martin‘s Hedgesville, Mt. Zion Union, All Saints‘ Hinton, Ascension Welch, St. Luke‘s Kingwood, St. Michael‘s Wheeling, St Luke‘s Marlinton, St. John‘s Williamson, St. Paul‘s Middleway, Grace Williamstown, Christ

Unorganized Missions (6) Charleston, Diocesan House, Chapel of the Resurrection Keystone, HEP, Episcopal Community Church Leetown, St. Bartholomew‘s Snowshoe, Chapel on the Mount Summit Point, Holy Spirit (ceased holding services)

THE CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF WEST VIRGINIA IN ORDER OF CANONICAL RESIDENCE As of August 31, 2008

Bishops 1989 The Rt. Rev. John H. Smith (Ret.) – Brunswick, ME 2001 The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer – Charleston

Priests 1952 The Rev. Walter J. Mycoff, Sr. (Ret.) – Summersville 1961 The Rev. Griffin Callahan (Ret.) – Bluefield 1962 The Rev. William Kieldsing (Ret.) – Florida The Rev. George A. Burns (NP) – Florida 1963 The Rev. T. Roger McGuire (Ret.) – Lindside The Rev. William M. Kirkland (Ret.) – Scott Depot 1965 The Rev. Robert L. Thomas (Ret.) – Huntington The Rev. Samuel W. Allinder, Jr. (Ret.) – McDonald, PA 1969 The Rev. Arthur L. Bennett, III – Parkersburg 1971 The Rev. James M. Martin (Ret.) – Florida 1972 The Rev. Esber N. Tweel (Ret.) – Charleston 1973 The Rev. James P. Bercovitz (Ret.) – Buckhannon The Rev. Leonard S. Gross (Ret.) – Morgantown The Rev. Hayward R. Perkey (Ret.) – St. Marys 1974 The Rev. Adeeb M. Khalil (Ret.) – Mullens The Rev. Gilbert H. Watkins (Ret.) – St. Albans 1975 The Rev. David G. Bicking (NP) – Winchester, VA The Rev. Russell G. Lockett (NP) – Sistersville 1977 The Rev. G. T. Schramm – Shepherdstown 1978 The Rev. George D. Moses (NP) – Morgantown 1982 The Rev. Marian S. Mazgaj (Ret.) – Valley Grove The Rev. Jack Neilson (Ret.) – Ohio The Rev. Arthur C. Chard, Jr. (Ret.) – Kentucky The Rev. Thomas C. Seitz, Sr. (Ret.) – Florida The Rev. Pamela C. Shier – Salem The Rev. Anne Kinney (Ret.) – Parkersburg 1985 The Rev. Alan W. Jenks (NP) (Ret.) – Kingwood The Rev. James A. Reed, Sr. (Ret.) 1987 The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker (NP) – Lewisburg The Rev. Roy Gene Crist – Ansted 1988 The Rev. Cheryl Winter – Hurricane 1989 The Rev. John D. Alfriend (Ret.) – Charles Town 1990 The Rev. Larry D. Jackson – Parkersburg The Rev. Mark E. Seitz – Wheeling 1991 The Rev. Stanley B. Jones (Ret.) – Shepherdstown 9

The Rev. Daniel L. Lynch (Ret.) – North Carolina The Rev. Richard L. Skaggs – Wheeling The Rev. Gary Waple (Ret.), Deacon – Lewisburg The Rev. Joseph H. Scheff (Ret.) – Daniels The Rev. Donald W. A. Bretz – Oklahoma The Rev. Kirk B. Haas – Morgantown 1993 The Rev. Edward R. Greene (Ret.) – Maine The Rev. John W. T. Weise (Ret.) – Virginia 1994 The Rev. Robert J. Anderson - Texas The Rev. Canon Donald K. Vinson – Huntington 1995 The Rev. Isabel Aird, Deacon (Ret.) – Oregon The Rev. Paul B. Bresnahan (Ret.) – St. Albans 1996 The Rev. E. Joseph Mackov (Ret.) – Keyser 1997 The Rev. Raymond J. Hage – River Bend Cluster The Rev. Stanley W. Holmes – Hansford The Rev. Dallas B. Shaffer (Ret.) – Keyser The Rev. Michael G. Simon – Hampshire/Hardy Yoke 1998 The Rev. Donald Raih (Ret.) – Romney The Rev. Frederick L. Bird – Elkins The Rev. Frank S. Coe, III (Ret.) – Harpers Ferry The Rev. Adam Kradel – Wisconsin 1999 The Rev. Victor Lawson (Ret.) – Charles Town The Rev. William Armstrong – Princeton The Rev. Teresa Wayman – Glenville 2000 The Rev. Sarah Bailey (Ret.) – Berkeley Springs The Rev. Hilda Kennedy (Ret.) – Northfork The Rev. Keith Butler – White Sulphur Springs The Rev. Jim Kelley, Deacon – Wheeling The Rev. Teresa Kelley – Wheeling The Rev. Gary Hawkins - Maryland 2001 The Rev. Jean-Jacques D‘Aoust – Colorado The Rev. George Kostas – Logan/Williamson The Rev. Melanie McCarley – Charles Town The Rev. Kevin Kelly – Huntington The Rev. Lisa Davis-Heller – St. Marys 2002 The Rev. Zach Drennen – Pittsburgh The Rev. Patricia Geerdes – Moundsville The Rev. Rodgers Wood (Ret.) – Cross Lanes The Rev. Eric Miller – Beckley The Rev. Laureen Moyer (NP) – California The Rev. Marie Mulford – Ohio 2003 The Rev. Reed Wood – Barboursville The Rev. Richard Heller – St. Marys 2004 The Rev. David Thabet (Ret.) – Huntington 10

The Ven. Faith C. Perrizo - Archdeacon The Rev. Nick England, Deacon – Williamson/Logan The Rev. William C. Thomas -- Charleston 2005 The Rev. Georgia DuBose – Harpers Ferry 2006 The Rev. Siobhan Patterson -- Huntington The Rev. George Sherrill – Hurricane The Rev. Gene Sheppard -- Colliers The Rev. Cynthia Walter – Wheeling The Rev. Geoff Coupland – Virginia The Rev. Joyce Wilkinson (NP) -- Texas The Rev. Julie Harris – Martinsburg 2007 The Rev. Mike Snider – Bluefield The Rev. Kent Higgins -- Hinton The Rev. F. Andrew ―Rick‖ Rutledge -- Summersville The Rev. Denise Giardina, Deacon – Charleston The Rev. Adam Thomas – Martinsburg The Rev. Susan MacDonald -- Shepherdstown The Rev. Ben James – Union 2008 John Valentine – Weston/Buckhannon Paul Hicks – Parkersburg Ralph Matthew (Ben) James – Union Susan MacDonald – Shepherdstown Adam Thomas – Martinsburg Susan Latimer – Charleston William Barfield – St. Albans Jim Morgan (Deacon) – Huntington Jim Lanter (Deacon) – Marlinton/Snowshoe -+ IN PROCESS FOR HOLY ORDERS - As of August 31, 2008 Amy Porterfield Rebecca Cyrus Josh Saxe Robert Thompson John Valentine Adam Thomas James Lanter James Morgan

ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD - September 1, 2007 – August 31, 2008 Michael Snider (10-29-07) Ralph Matthew (Ben) James (6-14-08) Susan MacDonald (6-14-08) Adam Thomas (6-14-08)

RECEIVED TO THE PRIESTHOOD - September 1, 2007 – August 31, 2008 John Valentine (May 3, 2008)

RESTORATION TO THE DIACONATE - September 1, 2007 –August 31, 2008 Denise Giardina (12-3-07)

ORDINATIONS TO THE DIACONATE - September 1, 2007 –August 31, 2008 Adam Thomas (12-15-07) Transitional deacon Susan MacDonald (12-15-07) Transitional deacon Ralph Matthew (Ben) James 12-15-07 Transitional deacon Paul Hicks (5-1-08) Transitional deacon

LETTERS DIMISSORY ACCEPTED September 1, 2007 – August 31, 2008 Susan Latimer (8-13-08) William Barfield (8-20-08)

LETTERS DIMISSORY SENT - September 1, 2007 – August.31, 2008 Deborah Rankin (10-04-07) Elizabeth Hoster (10-22-07) Robert Howell (12-4-07) Wayne Rollins (2-12-08) Julian Hope (3-14-08) Dan MacGill (5-30-08)

RELEASED FROM ORDER - September 1, 2007 – August .3 1, 2008 James Conyers (11-08-07)

LICENSED TO OFFICIATE – as of August 31, 2008 The Rev. Alex Black, Retired ELCA Bishop The Rev. Harold E. Bishop, Jr., Diocese of Maryland The Rev. John G. Cockrell, Diocese of South Carolina The Rev. Dr. James W. Farwell, Diocese of Atlanta The Rev. William Fulks, Diocese of Pennsylvania The Very Rev. Donald Krickbaum, Diocese of SE Florida The Rev. Jim Lewis, Diocese of Delaware The Rev. Henry ‗Mac‘ McLeod, Diocese of Vermont The Rev. Birk S. Stathers, Jr., Diocese of Southwest Florida The Rev. Martin G. Townsend, Diocese of Virginia The Rev. David F. Wayland, Diocese of Virginia

CLERGY DECEASED - September 1, 2006 – August 31, 2007 The Rev. Alice Thornton (12-2-07)

BISHOP KLUSMEYER’S OFFICIAL ACTS – 2007

Visitations 45 Celebration of Eucharist 69 Confirmations 78 Received from other Communion 8 Renewed Baptismal Covenant 1 Renewed Ordination Vows at ‘07 Convention Baptisms 4 Admit First Communion 2 Private Communion to Shut-Ins 4 Healing/Unction 8 Bishop Consecration 3 Diaconal Ordinations 3 Priesthood Ordinations 5 Renunciations; Suspensions; Inhibitions 1 Sermons/Homilies 96 Addresses 1 Teaching/Bible Study 7 Retreats 0 Dedications 2 Weddings 2 Funerals 4 Institutions 0 Letters Dimissory 5 Consents to Elections 12 Consents to Retirements/Resignations 3 Consents to Ordination & Consecration 3 ______

DIOCESAN PARTICULARS:

Letters Dimissory - Received: The Rev. Michael Snider

Letters Dimissory – Sent: The Rev. Elizabeth Morgan The Rev. Deborah Rankin The Rev. Elizabeth Hoster The Rev. Robert Howell

Ordinations - Deacons: The Rev. Adam Thomas The Rev. Susan MacDonald 13

The Rev. Ben James

Ordinations – Priest: The Rev. Kent Higgins The Rev. Rick Rutledge The Rev. Michael Snider The Rev. Todd Vie (Southwestern Virginia) The Rev. Diane Vie (Southwestern Virginia)

Institutions: None

Restorations: The Rev. Denise Giardina

Suspensions: None

Renunciation James Conyers

HOUSE OF BISHOPS PARTICULARS

Consent to Retirements / Resignations: 1. The Rt. Rev. David J. Bena, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Albany 2. The Rt. Rev. William J. Skilton, Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina 3. The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey N. Steenson, Bishop of the Diocese of Rio Grande

Consent to Election 1. Bishop Suffragan for the Diocese of Alabama 2. Bishop Coadjutor for the Diocese of Maine 3. Bishop Coadjutor for the Diocese of Puerto Rico

Consent to Ordination & Consecration: 1. The Rev. Dabney Smith, Bishop of Southwest Florida 2. The Rev. Thomas Edward Breidenthal., Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio 3. The Rev. William J. Skilton, Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina 4. The Rev. Shannon Sherwood Johnston, Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Virginia 14

5. The Rev. Laura Jean Ahrens, to Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Connecticut 6. The Rev. Edward Joseph Konieczny, to Bishop of the Diocese of Oklahoma 7. The Rev. Gregory Harold Rickel, to Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia 8. The Rev. Sean Walter Rowe, to Bishop of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania 9. The Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, to Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina 10. The Rev. John McKee Sloan, to Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama 11. The Rev. Dan Thomas Edwards, to Bishop of the Diocese of Nevada 12. The Rev. Jeffrey Dean Lee, to Bishop of the Diocese of Chicago

DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES IN ATTENDANCE AT THE 131st CONVENTION

Eastern Deanery Berkeley Springs, St. Mark‘s – none Charles Town, St. Philip‘s – Harold Stewart, Carolyn Stewart Charles Town, Zion – MaryBeth Anderson, Joyce Smith, Janet Barker, Laurie Delaney Harpers Ferry, St. John‘s – Robert DuBose, Margie Yoe Hedgesville, Mt. Zion – Douglas Dirting, Vickie Dirting Keyser, Emmanuel – Sarah Crall, Al Crall Leetown, St. Bartholomew's – none Martinsburg, Trinity – Judith McIntyre, Lynn Thompson, Eva Lynne Siebert, Sarah Steptoe, Peggy Lasecki Middleway, Grace – Amon Grantham, Peggy Grantham Moorefield, Emmanuel – Jack Hauber Rippon, St. John‘s – Douglas Stolipher, Nancy Stolipher Romney, St. Stephen‘s – Hazel Poole Shepherdstown, Trinity – Wilma Coe, Mary Blue, Jane McSwain

Kanawha Deanery Charleston, St. Christopher – Ronald King, Jon Murphy, Debi Murphy, John Fuller Charleston, St. John‘s – Elizabeth Hamrick, Michelle Walker, Brooks McCabe Charleston, St. Matthew‘s – Sharon Strand, Jim Sutherland, Mark Robinson Hurricane, St. Timothy‘s – Kim Montgomery, Lola Warren, Kitty Byus, Nancy Soulsby Logan, Holy Trinity – Dennis Trader St. Albans, St. Mark‘s – Susan Day, Rebecca Rodak Williamson, St. Paul‘s – Margaret VanZant

Monongahela Deanery Buckhannon, Transfiguration – Dorothy Eiker, Roianne Hackett Clarksburg, Christ – Jane Wade, Nancy Cotten Elkins, Grace – Margaret Gault, Donetta Bird Fairmont, Christ – Barbara Barkley, Louise Starr Glenville, St. Mark‘s – Nancy Wemm, Dennis Wemm Grafton, St. Matthias‘ – Martha Steadman Kingwood, St. Michael‘s – Jean Donarski, Caroline Richmond Morgantown, St. Thomas á Becket – Sarah Royall, Al Prichard, Aurie Acciavatti, John Beall, Ted Walton

Morgantown, Trinity – Nicole Carpenter, Johanna Rengers, Robert Justiss Salem, Prince of Peace – John Nelson, Sherri Nelson Weston, St. Paul‘s – Jim Shaver

Southern Deanery Ansted, Redeemer – none Beckley, St. Stephen‘s – Eddie Isom, Kate Hatfield, Debbie Ventura, Bluefield, Christ – Becky Beckett, John Beckett Hansford, Good Shepherd – Patricia Arms, Amy Berry Hinton, Ascension – Darrell Martin, Nancy Martin Lewisburg, St. James‘ – William Lemley, Marta Lemley Marlinton, St. John‘s – Constance Zeitler Montgomery, Calvary – Wayne Campbell, Joy Humphries Mullens, St. Andrew‘s – Griffin Callahan, Jr., Lynn Callahan Oak Hill, St. Andrew‘s – Kathy Rutledge Princeton, Heavenly Rest – Wanda Myers Ronceverte, Incarnation – Diana Dyke, Bob Dyke Summersville, St. Martin‘s – Gary Ashby, Margaret Ashby Union, All Saints‘ – Greg Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson Welch, St. Luke‘s – Lori Osborne White Sulphur Springs, St. Thomas‘ – Julia Gillilan

Northern Deanery Colliers, Olde St. John‘s – Jim Shorts, Margaret Shorts Moundsville, Trinity – Doug Pettit, Barbara Pettit Weirton, St. Thomas‘ – Rae Kosarik, Joseph Kosarik Wellsburg, Christ – Becki Krzywdik, Michelle Mitchell Wheeling, Lawrencefield Parish – Karen Dalby, Barbara Hinkle Wheeling, St. Luke‘s – Don Rebich Wheeling, St. Matthew‘s – Linda Comins, Marc Harshman, Joyce Rose Wheeling, St. Paul‘s – Frank McDonnell, Amy McDonnell

Ohio Valley Deanery New Martinsville, St. Ann‘s – Elise MacIntyre, Ann Luzader Parkersburg, Good Shepherd – Linda Bennett, Jerry Shaw, Toni DeVore, Marie Hunsaker, Jackie Purkey Parkersburg, Trinity – Scott Ramsay, Paul Miller Sistersville, St. Paul‘s – Mary Ann Worst, Nancy Miller St. Marys, Grace – Penny Mahaney Williamstown, Christ Memorial – Howard Nicholas

Southwestern Deanery 17

Barboursville, St. Andrew‘s – none Huntington, St. John‘s – Jerry Coleman, David Castleberry, Barbara Ladner, Tim Saxe Huntington, St. Peter‘s – Brent Williams, Sue Williams Huntington, Trinity – Carolee Rahal, Carolyn Hunter, Alan Hamilton, Edward Rahal, Barbara Hamilton Point Pleasant, Christ – Holly Siders, Ron Siders, Jack Sturgeon, Anna Lou Sturgeon Ravenswood, Grace – Gail Westenhaver, Annette Rauh Ripley, St. John‘s – Toren Hayes

Episcopal Youth Fellowship none

Diocesan Officers Treasurer – Charles Hunsaker (ex officio without vote) Chancellor – John McGhee (ex officio without vote) Vice-Chancellor – John Hussell (ex officio without vote)

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS 131st Diocesan Convention, October 24-26, 2008 Morgantown, West Virginia Hosted by St. Thomas à Becket Episcopal Church, Morgantown, WV

Convention Theme: “Build My Church: Tools of the Trade”

FIRST LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Friday, October 24, 2008 The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, Seventh Bishop of the Diocese of West Virginia, convened the 131st Annual Diocesan Convention at 1:41 P.M. in the name of the Lord and called the delegates to order. Fr. Art Bennett led those assembled in the following opening prayer: Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in this 131st Diocesan meeting of the Diocese of West Virginia for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Mr. John McGhee, Chancellor, declared that a quorum was present according to Article IV of the Constitution and that business could begin. There were more than ten (10) clergy and more than ten (10) lay delegates registered. Bishop Klusmeyer presented for ratification the Convention Committees for Seating of Clergy and Seating of Lay Delegates. He asked the Convention to ratify the Revs. Kirk Haas, Susan MacDonald and Stan Holmes, for the Committee for Seating of Clergy, and Ms. Sharon Strand, Ms. Becki Krzywdik and Mr. Harold Stewart, for the Committee for Seating of Lay Delegates. Said committees were ratified. A question was raised about the seating of a congregation. Bishop Klusmeyer asked the Convention Committee for Seating of Lay Delegates to assemble, with supplied documentation, confer and return to Convention with a recommendation. Bishop Klusmeyer nominated The Rev. Art Bennett to be the Vice-Chair of this Convention. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The following Convention Appointments were offered and ratified: Courtesy Resolutions The Rev. Siobhán Patterson Grif Callahan

Board of Tellers (and Pages) C. Gwyn Wolfe, Chair The Rev. Rick Rutledge – Head Teller The Rev. Ben James The Rev. Susan MacDonald The Rev. Adam Thomas Barbara Barkley Al Prichard Jim Sutherland Jane Wade Resolutions Committee John Hussell, Chair The Rev. Julie Harris Marc Harshman Barbara Hinkle Greg Johnson The Very Rev. Kevin Kelly Darrell Martin The Rev. Mark Seitz The Very Rev. Pamela Shier The Rev. Elizabeth Walker The Agenda for this Convention, as published in Convention Crossroads was presented. The following correction to the Agenda was made: the forum to be presented tomorrow by Dean Markham is entitled ―Episcopal Liturgy and Dynamic Congregations‖. His keynote address will be ―Being a Self-Confident Episcopalian.‖ Motion was made to accept the Agenda as corrected. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Remembrance was given of those in our Diocese who have departed this life during this past year. The Necrology for 2007 was presented as printed in the Convention Crossroads. The following Prayer for the Departed was said by Bishop Klusmeyer: And now, dear Lord, we give our beloved brothers and sisters back to thee who gavest them to us. Yet as thou did not lose them in giving, so we have not lost them forever by their return. For what is thine is always ours if we are thine, and life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only an horizon. An horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God that we may see further. Cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly. Draw us closer to thyself that we may know ourselves nearer to our beloved

who are with thee, that where they are and thou art we too one day may be. In Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Bishop Klusmeyer then had the Convention work in small groups to discuss the following meditation: John 10: 7-18 7 So again Jesus said to them, ‗Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11 ‗I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18No one takes* it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.‘ 1. What word or words stand out to you? 2. What was that saying to the Church then? 3. What does that say to us as a Church in the 21st century? Mr. Harold Stewart, Chairperson of the Convention Committee for Seating of Lay Delegates, was called upon to report regarding the seating of delegates from St. Andrew's-on-the- Mount, Mountain Mission. The Committee met with representatives of St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount, conferred with the Chancellors. Mr. Stewart reported that all information that was provided to the Committee was reviewed. Based on the fact that St. Andrew's- on-the-Mount was officially closed on July 1, 2008 the Convention Committee for Seating of Lay Delegates recommends that they not be given voice, seat or vote at this

131st Diocesan Convention. A motion was made that St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount not be given voice, seat or vote at this 131st Diocesan Convention. The Very Rev. Melanie McCarley, Dean of the Eastern Deanery, of which St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount is a former member stated: It is with great sadness and regret that I also feel that this motion does need to be approved at this time. It comes also with prayer from the Eastern Panhandle that all those involved in the closure of St. Andrew's might be able to work to preserve the peace and unity of our Church in the body of Christ. And so I accept this motion. Bob DuBose, president of the Eastern Deanery, stated: As the President of the Eastern Deanery, and friend of St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount for very many years, I find this situation regrettable and sad. But, I believe the Bishop is very wise and has taken the right course of action as recommended to him by a very senior and honorable group. Therefore, I also recognize that St. Andrew's was closed on the first of July. Therefore, I support the motion. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Bishop Klusmeyer asked that Ms. Kate Conant, former member of St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount, remain as a guest of Convention. Bishop Klusmeyer recognized and thanked the members of the Convention Planning Committee from host church, St. Thomas à Becket Episcopal Church in Morgantown. Senior Warden John Beall, on behalf of St. Thomas à Becket Church in Morgantown, welcomed attendees of the Diocesan Convention. Mr. Beall recognized numerous members of the Convention Planning Committee from St. Thomas à Becket, who were given a hearty round of applause. Mr. Beall also announced that St. Thomas à Becket has called a new rector, The Rev. Julie Murdoch, who will arrive soon at the church. The 2009 Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia will be held in Charleston, WV. St. Matthew's – Charleston will be the host church. The Chair recognized The Rev. Siobhán Patterson and Mr. Grif Callahan who presented the following Courtesy Resolutions: Be it Resolved that the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia extends a heartfelt greeting to our companion Diocese of 22

Tuam, Killala, and Achonry in Ireland. Be it further resolved that we will strive joyfully to increase understanding and inspiration to further Christ‘s work in both Dioceses. We look forward to extending our relationship with the Rt. Rev. Dr. Richard Henderson, Bishop of Tuam, Killala, and Achonry, The Very Rev. Patrick Towers, chair of the Irish Companion Diocese Committee, and Stephen Brickenden, Diocesan Youth Minister, as we work to celebrate our diversity and learn in our commonality. Be it Resolved that this 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia grant to our keynote speaker, The Very Rev. Dr. Ian Markham, to our guest The Rev. Dr. Bill Doubleday, to any other official guests of the convention, to interim clergy not canonically resident in the Diocese, and to members of the Standing Committee not already having the same, seat and voice in our deliberations. Be it Resolved that this 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia sends warm and heartfelt greetings to the Rt. Rev. Robert P. Atkinson, Fifth Bishop of West Virginia, and his wife, Rosemary; to the Rt. Rev. John H. Smith, Sixth Bishop of West Virginia, and his wife, Victoria; and to the Rt. Rev. W. Franklin Carr, former Bishop Suffragan of West Virginia and his wife, Lena, as we continue to express to all of them our deep and sincere gratitude for their years of leadership and ministry with us. A motion was made to accept each of these Courtesy Resolutions. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Interspersed throughout Convention will be special ―Minutes‖ from the Commission on Evangelism. Committee on Evangelism ―Minute‖ No. 1: (presented by Toni Devore). Ms. Devore encouraged the use of signs at one‘s church, which was encouraged by a gentleman from the Magnetic Church Conference who came to Good Shepherd to speak. These include signs to direct visitors, newcomers and congregants; sign(s) in the front of the church; name tags to be worn every Sunday (for visitors, as well as members); make sure that the numbers of the street address are plainly visible. One of the major things that they took from the Magnetic Church is to make sure that visitors and congregants can find what they need -- ―Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs.‖ Bishop Klusmeyer announced that flu shots, sponsored by Health Ministries, will be given from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. There are 12 extra flu shots available for anyone who did not sign up for these shots but are interested in obtaining one.

Bishop Klusmeyer announced that the Convention Offering this year will be designated for Millennium Development Goals. The Bishop‘s Offering, comprised of the loose offering taken at Visitations, will be designated to the Highland Education Project. Marsha Klusmeyer made an announcement regarding the sale of shopping bags for $5, proceeds to go toward MDG #7. Bishop Klusmeyer issued the Final Call for Resolutions from the floor as provided for in Canon 19, Section 2, which provides for resolutions so timely they could not have been presented 45 days prior to Convention. The Rev. Art Bennett presented a packet to Mr. John Hussell, chair of the Resolutions Committee. Open Hearings will be held tonight for Resolutions, Constitution and Canons, and Budget. There will be also be a special presentation by Bishop and Marsha Klusmeyer. As prescribed by Canon, Bishop Klusmeyer presented to the Convention his Canonical Papers. Presented were the following: The Bishop's Diary for the year 2007; Summary of Official Acts of Bishop Klusmeyer; List of the Clergy Canonically Resident as of September 1, 2008; Postulants for Holy Orders; Candidates for Holy Orders; Ordinations to the Diaconate; Ordinations to the Priesthood; Letters Dimissory; Acceptance of Letters Dimissory; and Clergy Licensed to Officiate as of September 1, 2008. These documents are located elsewhere in this Journal. Minutes of 2007 Convention, as printed in the 2007 Journal, were presented. A motion was made to approve these Minutes as written. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to receive by title the reports as in the Pre-Convention Journal on pages 46-67. (The 2008 Pre-Convention Journal was distributed on CD‘s, which was cost-saving and environmentally conscious.) This motion was unanimously passed; these reports were filed by title and are recorded elsewhere in this Journal. Bishop Klusmeyer announced and welcomed clergy new to the Diocese of West Virginia: The Rev. Julie Murdoch (St. Thomas à Becket – Morgantown); The Rev. Karen Humbert (St. John's – Huntington); -The Rev. Adam Thomas (priested and serving at Trinity – Martinsburg); The Rev. Susan MacDonald (priested this last year); The Rev. Ben James (priested this last year and serving at All Saints‘ – Union); The Rev George Sherrill (transferred as rector to Christ Church – Clarksburg); The Rev. Siobhán Patterson (will be transferring as rector to Christ Church – Fairmont); The Rev. John Valentine (St. Paul's – Weston and Transfiguration – Buckhannon); The Rev. Susan Latimer (St. John's –

Charleston); The Rev. Bill Barfield (St. Mark's – St Albans); The Rt. Rev. Martin Townsend (resigned – serving as long-term priest-in-charge at Emmanuel – Keyser); Paul Hicks (ordained Deacon this past year; serving at Trinity – Parkersburg); The Rev. Jim Morgan (ordained Deacon this past year; serving at Trinity – Huntington); The Rev. Jim Lanter (ordained Deacon this past year; serving at St. John's – Marlinton and Chapel-on-the-Mount – Snowshoe); The Rev. Mike Snider (priested this past year; serving as rector of Christ Church – Bluefield). Bishop Klusmeyer announced the following clergy retiring or retired clergy: The Rev. Kirk Haas (Trinity – Morgantown); The Rev. Hilda Kennedy (HEP – McDowell County); The Rev. Art Bennett (Good Shepherd – Parkersburg). The Bishop then introduced the new members of the Diocesan Council and asked that their elections (within the Deaneries) be ratified by Convention, which they were. The new members are: Becky Wood, Southwestern Deanery Melanie McCarley, Eastern Deanery Mike Snider, New Southern Deanery

Bishop Klusmeyer then asked the Convention assembled to accept and ratify the following committee appointments. The same was moved, seconded and approved. The Altar Guild (Directress): Ms. Hollie Mitchell The Architectural Advisory Committee: Mr. David McKinley, Mr. Lloyd Miller The Church Commission for Children: Mr. Luther Crouthamel, Mr. Marc Harshman, Ms. Becki Krzywdik, Ms. Jocelyn Kyte, The Rev. George Sherrill, The Rev. Stan Holmes, Mrs. Connie Stone, The Rt. Rev. Mike Klusmeyer, Mr. Laura Leslie (chair). The Church Pension Fund Committee: Mr. Charlie Hunsaker, Mr. Donald Smith, Mr. Greg Janes, Mr. Jack Sturgeon, The Rev. Canon Donald Vinson, The Rev. Eric Miller, The Rev. Susan Latimer. College and Young Adult Ministry: The Rev. Siobhán Patterson, Ms. Amy Seitz, Mr. Adam Harris, Ms. Caitlin McIntyre, Ms. Maria Kinard, Ms. Nicki Carpenter. The Evangelism Commission: The Rev. Cynthia Walter, Mr. David Hurlbut, The Rev. Kent Higgins, Ms. Paula Hoffman, Ms. Arlena Straw, The Rev. Canon Donald Vinson. The Commission on Ministry: The Rev. G.T. Schramm, The Rev. James Kelley, The Rev. Richard Skaggs, Ms. Cheryl Prichard, Mr.

Jim Duguid, Ms. Ellie Crump, Mr. Thomas Gilpin, The Rev. Gene Sheppard, The Rev. Roy Gene Crist, The Rev. Eric Miller, The Very Rev. Kevin Kelly, Ms. Monika Hussell, Ms. Kitty Byus, Ms Rosie Wood. The Commission on Stewardship: Dr. Timothy Saxe, Mr. Bruce Moss, Mr. Jack Hauber, The Rev. John Valentine, The Rev. Julie Harris, The Rev. Mike Snider, Ms. Judy Sheets, Ms. Linda Crocker, The Rev. Stan Holmes, Ms. Sally Lane, The Rev. Mark Seitz, Mr. Ted Walton, The Rev. William Carl Thomas, The Rev. Canon Donald Vinson. The Commission to End Racism: Ms Odaris Farmer, Ms. Mary Snow, Ms. Mildred Holt, Mr. Harold Stewart, The Rev. Dallas Shaffer, Mrs. Jennie Shaffer, Laurie Thompson, Mr. James A. Tolbert, Mrs. Carolyn Stewart, Ms. Suzanne Warinsky-High, Mrs. Ann Burr, Ms. Linda Comins, The Rev. Canon Donald Vinson. The Companion Diocese Committee: Ms. Becky Szabo, The Rev. Georgia Dubose, The Rev. Lisa Davis-Heller. Equipping the Saints Board: The Very Rev. Cheryl Winter, Mr. Darrell Martin, Dr. Victoria Phillips, Ms. Beth Marquart, The Rev. Siobhán Patterson. Health Ministries: Ms. Debbie Ventura, Ms. Anna Lou Sturgeon, Mrs. Marion Culbertson, The Rev. Canon Donald Vinson, Mrs. Wanda Myers. Histiographer: Ms. Janet Morris (Interim). Mission Trip Committee: Mr. Al Prichard, Mr. Chad Slater, Mrs. Jane Crist, The Rev. Jim Morgan, The Very Rev. Melanie McCarley, Ms. Julie Gyongyosi, Dr. John Murphy, Mrs. Debbie Murphy. The Peterkin Board: Mr. Nathan Arnett, The Rev. Bill Barfield, Mr. Jason Beschinski, Ms. Daisy McBride, Mr. Dick Bonnet, The Rev. Zach Drennen, Mr. Charlie Hunsaker, Mr. Scott Meachum, Mr. Keith Proctor, The Rev. Michael Simon, Mr. Pete Thompson. The Regional Ministries Commission: The Rev. Michael Simon, Ms Catherine Trefz, Ms. Linda Comins, The Rev. Roy Gene Crist, Mr. Richard Donnell, Ms. Margi Gault, The Rev. Kent Higgins, The Very Rev. Theresa Kelley, The Rev. Jim Lanter, Ms. Penny Mahaney, J.R. or Tina Morgan, The Ven. Faith Perrizo, Ms. Ann Burr, The Rev. George Kostas, Mrs. Kathleen Ratliff, Mr. Tom Reed. The candidates for various offices were introduced. The names of those running for office were in Convention packets. They are: Trustee: Jed Smith; Standing Committee: The Rev. Roy Gene Crist and Nick Reynolds; Constitution and Canons : Roger Wolfe; Sandscrest

Foundation: The Rev. Gene Sheppard, Sarah Barickman, Julie Nelson and Steve Szabo; Ecclesiastical Court: The Rev. Cynthia Walters, The Rev. Susan MacDonald, The Rev. William C. Thomas, Kit Francis and Fran Rollins. Nominations were asked for from the floor. None were received. It was moved that nominations be closed. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The Rev. Mark Seitz moved that, based on the grounds that none of these elections were contested, the nominations be accepted by affirmation. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Chancellor McGhee announced that there would be a Constitution and Canons Committee open hearing that evening. The draft of the proposed Constitution has been on the Diocesan website for several months; it has been mailed to each of the congregations; it is contained in the Preconvention Journal (page 95). Under our current Constitution, any alterations to the Constitution need to be a two-year process such that the Constitution and Canons Committee proposes the changes to the Diocese of West Virginia. If these proposed changes pass one year, they will layover and be voted upon again at Diocesan Convention the next year. If they pass this second year they will become effective. Due to an error made by the Chancellor regarding the adoption of the Constitution at last year‘s Convention – they needed to be voted upon by Orders -- this year will be the first of a hopeful two-year affirmative vote for a new Constitution for the Diocese. Canons can be amended in a single year. If all goes smoothly, a vote on the second year of the Constitution and a vote on the new Canons will take place at next year‘s Convention. Ms. Frederica Davis, Head Trustee, presented the following Trustees report: The Trustees of the Diocese of West Virginia look after the investments and the real property of the Diocese. Each parish can choose to send us their investments, also, often specifying a formula as to how they wish the funds to be managed. We can create an account according to their guidelines. These are known as our ―pooled funds.‖ There are other pooled funds; there are also Diocesan pooled funds which we also manage. They are often made up of gifts to the Diocese with specific purpose(s) as to how the funds are to be used. We use a company named Morgan Keegan as our consulting group, and we have formulated an investment policy over time. Our portfolio is a diversified one: 35% in fixed income, 40% in large cap; 10% small cap; 10% international; 6% cash.

WesBanco acts as our banker. The reality of the market is not too good these days. The market has basically been down, in general approximately 30%. Fortunately, we have had very little activity because we did not own any egregious stock. The question of Social Responsible Investing (SRI) has been investigated by the Trustees. SRI has come to the forefront recently. We have asked Morgan-Keegan to put our portfolio through the SRI grid. None of our stocks were kicked out. The Trustees err on the side of being conservative when it comes to investing in restricted funds. The Trustees have not adopted a formal SRI policy; the implementation and creation of such a policy would be difficult. What one person sees as egregious, another might see as benign. The Trustees have also dealt with oil and gas leases. We also have a time share at Canaan that the Diocese is offering for sale for $100. Please see me if you are interested. Archdeacon Perrizo gave the following report on Deployment: This has been a busy year in deployment. We have had over ten full-time openings and several part-time openings in the Diocese to fill. I would like to thank all the search committees and vestries that have worked so hard. I also want to thank the three people who work with me as consultants: The Rev. Cheryl Winter, Jan Callen, and Mary Anne Kersting. The following persons have been called: The Rev. Bill Barfield – St. Mark's, St. Albans; The Rev. Scott Fuir – St. James‘, Lewisburg; The Rev. Karen Humbert – St. John's, Huntington; The Rev. Siobhán Patterson – Christ Church, Fairmont; The Rev. Julie Murdoch – St. Thomas à Becket, Morgantown; The Rev. Susan Latimer – St John's, Charleston; The Rev. George Sherrill – Christ Church, Clarksburg; The Rt. Rev. Martin Townsend – Emmanuel, Keyser; The Rev. John Valentine – St. Paul's, Weston and Church of the Transfiguration, Buckhannon. St. Christopher in Charleston called a rector that did not work out. They are working on their second call. I have also been working with congregations that have a need for part-time clergy. We have several retired clergy that are helping with some of those places. The Very Rev. Theresa Kelley and Archdeacon Perrizo made the following report on Team Ministry: The Team Ministry Pilot Project involves a two-prong approach. The first is the ETS program; the second offers a more local delivery formation using a Life Cycles curriculum that was devised in the Diocese of Northern Michigan. Five regional ministries are

participating in this pilot project: Snowshoe-Marlinton; Hinton; Emmanuel-Moorefield; New River Episcopal Ministries and the Brooke Hancock Regional Ministries. We have six ministry developers: The Rev. Kent Higgins, The Rev. Gene Sheppard; The Rev. Michael Simon; The Very Rev. Theresa Kelley and The Rev. Roy Gene Crist, and The Very Rev. Kevin Kelly. Each constituent is given an option between ETS and Life Cycles. Romney- Moorefield has 11 attending ETS; Hinton has 3. Eight people from Marlinton-Snowshoe are doing Life Cycles. Four from the New River Episcopal Ministries are doing Life Cycles. Five from Brooke- Hancock are doing Life Cycles. The commitment is for one year, to be reviewed the summer of 2008. We have an evaluation form out for those who are finishing up their first year to give us feedback. We are having very positive remarks so far, especially on the local delivery of formation. We are looking forward to see where God is calling us with this program. The Team Ministry model is actually a model that goes back a very long way – all the way to Moses. Later, of course, Jesus called twelve disciples to help him. When Paul was doing his ministry, he would look at folks in a new place and form a team for ministry. So, our Team Ministry model is designed to help folks in a small community discern who can comprise a team, and then raise up the team lead, including a person to be the sacramentalist. The Team Ministry programs include the Retreat Weekends for discernment and team development, as well as education through ETS or Life Cycles. Again, this is a pilot project – a three year one. We are looking at what the strengths and weaknesses are of each approach. Our goal is to develop a program that covers all aspects needed and desired to develop a fruitful team ministry. Next week, Theresa Kelley, Jack Hauber, Becki Krzywdik and Faith Perrizo will be presenting a team ministry model concept to several of the churches in the Eastern Panhandle. Each of these churches has a part-time priest, but is looking at how God might be calling them to do ministry differently in the future. The Revs. Gene Sheppard and Theresa Kelley reported the following on the Vision for Ministry Task Force: The Vision for Ministry Task Force was formed by the Commission on Ministry last year in direct response to a Resolution of last year‘s Diocesan Convention. This Resolution concerned the equality of priests: between the locally-trained priests and the seminary-trained priests. The Task Force consists of 15 members: three seminary-trained priests, five locally-trained priests, one 29 locally-trained deacon, three lay persons and two college students, along with The Ven. Faith Perrizo and Bishop Klusmeyer, who was invited by the Task Force to sit in as a representative of the Diocese. The members are: The Rev. Gene Sheppard, The Very Rev. Theresa Kelley (co-chairs); Jan Callen, The Rev. George Sherrill, The Rev. Roy Gene Crist, The Rev. Marie Mulford, The Rev. Kent Higgins, The Rev. Susan MacDonald, The Rev. Jim Kelley, Vicki Phillips, Karen Proctor, Jack Sturgeon, Nathan Heller and Alina Cuadra. We would like to offer that you come to us as individuals to offer your recommendations as to what you think this vision for ministry in this Diocese should be. We realized from the onset that this was going to be a daunting task, so we met the first time in a spiritual retreat setting. We had a trained and licensed spiritual director from outside the Diocese to lead this retreat. It was a wonderful weekend. We met two other times during the past year, both times at the Holiday Inn in Clarksburg. We began our meetings at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays and try to be done by 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. In between these two meetings we spent much time corresponding via telephone, email and conference calls. A lot of work has gone into this process already. We also realize that we would like to address the Resolution about the equality of priests. We came up with what we believe is an answer. Not only did the numbers on this Task Force contribute, we asked others for their thoughts outside of the Task Force. We also realized, along with this Resolution, that when we are talking about the equality of ministry we are also talking about not just the ordained ministry, we are also talking about all of us. All of us are baptized ministers – every one of us has been called for ministry in our churches. That is where we are now. We are going to continue on with this and work throughout the next year or however long it takes to come up with what we believe is a sound vision for ministry for this Diocese to include all the ministers: laity as well as ordained. As we continue, if you have something you would like to add, please let us know. The statement: There is no doubt that all priests receive all the elements of their Order, regardless of the Canonical provision under which they were ordained. Canon 9 and other locally-trained priests are no different from any other priests, and all are entitled to the respect due their offices. Different congregations are in different places in their parish life cycles, and thus require different types of services from the priest serving them. These needs can vary widely from congregation to congregation and within the same congregation 30

over time. By the same token, priests have living situations such as children to educate and other demands which factors into the compensation they need in order to serve any congregation. Thus it is clear that while a priest is a priest is a priest, and a church is a church is a church, neither statement adequately describes a deployment process which requires extensive discernment by all parties involved. It therefore follows that priests will be compensated in a variety of ways – ways which are appropriate to their individual situations and to the services they will be providing. Congregations calling vocational priests (i.e. those who derive their compensation primarily or exclusively from the church) are required by existing Canon to compensate them in accordance with established Diocesan minimums. Those minimums include stipends, insurance, pension fund contributions, housing etc. Congregations calling bi-vocational priests, such as those who have income which may derive from other paying positions in addition to any compensation from the church, are allowed by Resolution of the 2003 Diocesan Convention to fairly compensate them in a manner acceptable to the priests, the congregational vestry or other governing body, and the Bishop. While the original Resolution refers specifically to Canon 9 priests, a broad reading is consistent with the spirit of the Resolution and intent of the Canons. Thus, a congregation may desire to call a particular priest but not have the financial capacity to do so. This particular priest may or may not require compensation from a congregation in order to serve it. It is the policy of this Diocese of West Virginia that all agreements between congregations and the priests serving them shall be equitable. It was announced by Bishop Klusmeyer that the election for the Standing Committee shall be by ballot tomorrow. This is according to Canon 17.1. Mr. Charlie Hunsaker, Treasurer, and David Ramkey, CFO, then presented the Diocesan budget for the year 2009 (found elsewhere in this Journal). Mr. Ramkey reviewed the 2007 audit performed by Dixon Hughes, and gave a brief summary of investments. A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer‘s Report for 2007, which passed unanimously. Mr. Hunsaker stated that David Ramkey is not a member of the Audit Committee of the Diocese; this was reported incorrectly in the Preconvention Journal. The CFO, Treasurer and Bishop are all ineligible to be members of the Audit Committee.

Announcement was made that the Budget Committee open hearing will be held this evening. The Rev. Canon Donald Vinson then made the following report: Canon Vinson invited those in leadership positions in congregations to call upon him with any concerns and ideas concerning congregational life and vitality of our congregations, especially areas of leadership and growth. This could be: a ―Vestry 101‖ meeting, especially after the first of the year when there are new vestry members; Mutual ministry review, especially those who have new rectors – after one year of having a new rector, and every three years after that. Vestry Days and Vestry Retreats; Congregational consultations; Congregational Fresh Start during the time when a congregation has an interim clergy, have just called new rectors or as soon as there is a clerical vacancy in a church.

Canon Vinson, on behalf of the Evangelism Commission, presented the award for the Best Bulletin Contest. St. John's – Harpers Ferry and Grace Church – Elkins were recognized in the smaller congregations; Trinity – Huntington and Good Shepherd – Parkersburg were recognized in the larger congregations. Ascension Church – Hinton was presented with a check for $250 for the Best Bulletin award. Bishop Klusmeyer reported on redirection of funds: 2004: $1,948 – Boys Home Covington, VA 2005: $11,423 – Diocese of Louisiana (Katrina) 2006: $13,586 – Diocese of Louisiana (Katrina) 2007: $5,077 – Elewana Project in Katakwa, Kenya

Bishop Klusmeyer announced that the Bishop‘s Ball will be held on April 24, 2009 at the Stonewall Jackson Resort; a golf outing ―Tee Time with the Bishop‖ will be held at Stonewall on April 25, 2009. Bishop Klusmeyer announced dinner this evening, open hearings and meetings for tonight, forums tomorrow morning, and continued plenary session tomorrow afternoon. The session was recessed at 4:10 p.m.

OPENING EUCHARIST was held beginning at 4:20 p.m. Bishop Klusmeyer presented the following State of the Diocese address: Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks for you to God, each and every day of my prayers. For God has called us together for a goodly purpose that will help each of us to perform that which God has called us to do. I cannot but be with a deep feeling of responsibility and awe that we enter upon our work in this Diocese. In my preparatory comments, I just want to give a quick thank you to each of the Staff: To Mollie who is now the Senior member of the Staff, who is faithful to the work and ministry of the Diocese of West Virginia. To Annette Combs who has most recently joined us, and helps to keep the financial books in order. To David Ramkey who is our Chief Financial Officer, for his attention to the careful administration of the financial assets of the Diocese. To Jason Beschinski, our Youth Minister, for his love of the youth, and his vision for what the Church is, and can be in the next generation. To Gwyn Wolfe, who has come to the Diocesan Office to help keep my life in order and to do the work called to do. To Betsy Walker for her ministry with DaySpring, that continues to win awards, and presents the Diocese in all of its diversity and generosity. To Daisy McBride for her love and support for Peterkin. To Sarah Lydick for her hospitality and graciousness at Sandscrest. To Donald Vinson, who last year had just joined the staff. He has been extremely busy traveling around the Diocese, and has added wisdom, humor and insight through various resources – including his Volleys from the Canon; I thank Linda for sharing him with me and the Diocese, and for both of them sharing in the life of the Diocese.

To Faith Perrizo for her continued joy in the life of Jesus – her love of small churches, and her faithful ministry and service in West Virginia. She was nominated for the position of Bishop in Idaho, and I know that she saw that as a discernment process, but I‘m glad to say that God told her to stay! In addition, I want to thank the families and friends of each of those people for their support, love and willingness to sacrifice. I especially want to thank my wife Marsha for her willingness to put up with my long absences and time away. She is always there on the other end of the phone, and warmly welcomes me home. Thirty-one-plus years ago, she became my wife and my partner and I am grateful for her love and support. I thank God each day to have her in my life. I thank the Chancellors, the Trustees, the Treasurer, and all those many volunteers – especially Jane Walker – for the donation of time and talents to this Diocese. We could not do any of what we do without your help. Thank you and God bless you. Jane has been a vital part of the life of the office – helping in every way possible. She is almost a full-time part of the staff who does this out of her love for the Diocese of West Virginia. I also want to thank each of you for the faithful ministries you continue to do. For your prayers, witness to Christ through this State, and for all that you do in the name of Jesus and the Diocese of West Virginia. Now . . . I would like to speak to three major topics: the Anglican Communion, the National Church and the Diocese of West Virginia. This is the State of the Church address and I believe all three are intertwined. This past summer Marsha and I went to the Lambeth Conference for the once every decade conference of the bishops of the Anglican Communion. More than 650 bishops (and most spouses) descended upon Canterbury for nearly three weeks. If you read the brief material that was published before the Conference, you knew that this Conference would be different – no legislative sessions and no resolutions. Instead, we gathered daily for Eucharist, Bible Study, Indaba Groups (groups designed for talking and listening), self select groups in various topics, and for Evening presentations. For those who were waiting for the Episcopal Church to be removed from the Anglican Communion, they were disappointed. For those who were waiting for someone to affirm the actions of

34 previous Episcopal General Conventions, they were disappointed, also. The Archbishop of Canterbury said that there were some who felt this new way would not work. Then he questioned us by asking ―How well did the old way work? We voted up or down on issues, and people left angry, divided and broken.‖ So, we tried this new way which was also intended to give the Anglican Communion a ―breather‖ – some space for us to talk together. With regard to some ‗desires‘ on the part of some – to be kicked out, or to be removed ‗for awhile‘, I am reminded of two different couples, both celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries. For the first, the woman was asked, ―In all of these 50 years, did you ever once think of divorce?‖ Her response was ―Divorce, never. Murder, many times.‖ There are times when those around the Communion would like to kill each other rather than to divorce each other. For the second couple, the man was asked how his marriage had been so successful for 50 years. He responded by saying, ―on our 25th Anniversary, I took my wife to Rome. Now, for our 50th Anniversary, I‘m going to Rome to get her and bring her back home.‖ There are some who call for a season apart. A marriage is not a time apart, but rather a time together. Marriage, which the Anglican Communion resembles loosely, is not a matter of separation, but rather of staying together and working even difficult issues out. The Lambeth Conference was born out of controversy, and 100 years later, it still exists to bring the bishops together, to talk about the Church, Christ, ministry and Mission. The time at Lambeth was spent meeting bishops from around the world, and discussing what was happening in their various dioceses. We talk about our own ―internal issues,‖ and at the same time, we hear from bishops around the Communion, to hear of the miracles that take place there. When we put our list of conversations – demographics, aging buildings, studies of congregational development against what others are talking about – infant mortality, illiteracy, HIV/AIDS and malaria – our problems seem rather trite, and we need to get back to the basics of ministry to those to whom Christ has sent us. He did not send us out into the world to gaze at our own institution. He sent us that we might bring His presence to those who are hungry, dying, lonely or in prison.

Having spent much time with bishops from Angola (civil war for more than two decades), Niassa (average age of 39 and dropping), Wau (the Sudan, where I thought he was going to pack me in his suitcase to bring me home, as a companion diocese bishop), Rejaf (also from the Sudan, where the bishop has been ‗assigned‘ to us by Archbishop Daniel, to explore Companion relationship, and who said we would be a lifeline), and the Dornakal (in South India, the bishop and I were in seminary together at General in the late 70‘s), various Tanzanian bishops, Katakwa, Peru, Tuam and various others from around the world. After speaking with all of these individuals, I realize that there is much good taking place around the Anglican Communion that we can be proud of. We participate, through prayer, financial support and personal visitations and encouragement in these ministries. When floods or tsunamis wipe out communities, we are there, through ERD or personal contacts. Many, many times, bishops came up to me and said that they value the Episcopal Church. They don‘t always agree with us, or American ways, but they long for our relationship with the Anglican Communion. I do believe that, even though nearly 200 bishops were not present, the people at the Conference wanted to be there, wanted to work through our disagreements, and want to keep the Anglican Communion together for the accomplishment of God‘s Mission. We can do all things through Christ. I don‘t remember who said the following, but there was a quote that said something to the effect that ‗there is nothing that together, with Christ, we can‘t accomplish.‘ Amen to that. Rumors were checked out, and questions answered. Face to face interpersonal relationships began, and I pray that we will have the opportunity to continue to build on the progress begun at Lambeth 2008. The National Church: This past year, we have seen the departures of two dioceses from the Episcopal Church – or at least the bishop and most of the people we knew as Episcopalians left the Episcopal Church. There is no joy in this. It grieves God‘s Holy Spirit to see the Church in turmoil and division. Recently at a Clergy Day in Bridgeport, one of the clergy asked if, ecclesiologically I thought that dioceses could appropriately leave the Episcopal Church. My answer was a quick ―No.‖ Individuals leave, congregations or dioceses do not.

My experience with the House of Bishops is that most of us are willing to work together – again despite our differences. As we work together, I find that some of my closest friends and colleagues are both those with whom I agree and those with whom I do not agree theologically. We recognize that the Episcopal Church has always been a place for those of differing opinions. However, it is also a place where we all – ALL OF US – proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. He is the Messiah, the Son of God. Amen. I believe that we as a Church must do more theological work, rather than just theological reflection, or passing opinions off as theology. We all have opinions, and we all are theologians (as we all talk about God), but we all – all members of the Body of Christ – must take seriously the work of studying the Trinity through personal scripture reading, Bible Study, sharing and more reading of true books of theology. As a Church, we must get back to some basics, such as Theological Study. On another front, let us remember that the Episcopal Church gathered more than 1,000 young people in San Antonio, Texas for another Episcopal Youth Event. Unfortunately, because of Lambeth, I did not attend. Personally I would have rather been there. There is much going on in the Episcopal Church that we need to celebrate. Souls and lives are being saved throughout the Episcopal Church. The Sacraments are administered, the Word preached and taught, and people ARE being brought to Christ through this small entity called the Episcopal Church.

Now our own Diocese. As I have said so many times before, I give thanks to God daily, for the privilege of being the Bishop of West Virginia. The history, the beauty of the mountains, the wonderfully faithful people who love Christ and Christ's Church. The rich heritage of the Diocese continues to shine through: from North to South and East to West, our 69 congregations and ministries witness to the love of God in Christ Jesus. However, we have much to do on many fronts. A few weeks ago, Dr Sonya Armstrong, Mr. Harold Stewart, Mrs. Carolyn Stewart, Archdeacon Perrizo and I attended the Episcopal Church National Day of Repentance, in Philadelphia. First I want to thank each of them for taking the time from their personal, busy schedules to be present. 37

It was a day (actually it was two days, but who's counting?) when the Episcopal Church, via the Presiding Bishop, about 15 other bishops and hundreds of individuals from around the country came together to learn more about the sin of racism and slavery, how the Episcopal Church has historically participated in this and to publicly apologize for our participation in these sins. Now I have to say, that I thought I knew about racism. I certainly know it's a sin, and is something to be stricken from our lives and our Church. I lived in an integrated community, where the neighbors across the street were African-Americans, and each had an advanced academic degree. They taught in the local high school, and were well regarded by the teaching community. They had older sons (in high school or college, when I was still in grade school). The welcomed me into their household and, in my recollection, they treated me not only as one of their own family, they treated me better than my own parents! My grade school was fully integrated. The persons of color were always called out of class because their bus has either arrived early, or was going to be delayed. One of the young girls of color was a VERY close friend of mine, and I would admit that she was my girlfriend, though I doubt that she would have admitted or agreed with me on that statement. I certainly had a crush on Marilyn. Over the years, I have heard more and more stories about how the Gilmores (my neighbors) were not well received in my neighborhood. There was resentment in the school for the students from Rudner Court. Racism was alive and well in Norwalk Connecticut! I know about racism. I know about slavery. I even learned about the terrible complicity between Ghana, the US and England during the slave trade. The ships picked up the slaves in Ghana, delivered them in the US, and the money paid went back to England, for investments in society, and for the purchase of more ships to bring more slaves, to keep the whole circle unbroken. But the words in Philadelphia brought tears to my eyes. Let me say — I have much to learn and I have much to repent about. We have much to learn, and we have much to repent about. In the 1860's, at a time when the Diocese of West Virginia was a part of the Diocese of Virginia, with Churches throughout what we now know as West Virginia, 80% of the Clergy of the Diocese of Virginia (we are 38 included in that number) owned slaves. 80%! We are not without fault! Money made by the people in the south, on the backs of slaves, found its way into the north, for investment, where the money was used further the northern economy. JP Morgan, an Episcopalian, and sometime saint in this Church, made money from the produce made by slaves. He invested in the Church Pension Fund, and ultimately, our clergy pensions are safe because of the sin of slavery. I look at the Church in Bunker Hill, and see the 'slave door' that exists. Over the years, I have wrestled with whether we ought to close and shutter that door, or leave it as it is. We will leave it as it is, but only as a reminder that this is how we treated people, and we will never allow this again. Emmanuel, Oakhurst, near White Sulphur Springs was a church/congregation started so that the 'servants' would have a place to worship on Sunday. They obviously were not welcome at St Thomas. St Philip's, Charles Town was also built to provide `them' with a place to worship, after the gallery was taken out of Zion. Ladies and Gentlemen — while slavery has ended, the remnants of oppression, racism, slavery and other sins still appear in West Virginia. On behalf of the People and Clergy of West Virginia, I apologize for all these sins — known and unknown. We MUST make a better show in the future than we have in the past.

I am thankful to Mr. Harold Stewart, a recipient of the Bishop's Shell award last year, and deserving of another this year, and to the Reverend Victor Lawson for the work they are doing on our behalf, to comply with Resolution Al23 from General Convention 2006 — which calls upon each Diocese to examine its history and complicity in slavery and racism. We have much for which we ought to repent. I thank Harold and Father Lawson for the work they are doing, and I pray that they will bring to light that which has been in the dark. I pray that we all may apologize for what we have done. God have mercy on our souls.

Sandscrest — We have an excellent Director in Sarah Lydick, who embodies hospitality and provides fine food. We need to strengthen our history of excellent spiritual programs and retreats. Our facilities are aged, though still beautiful. We have much to be thankful for there, but still much to be done.

Two years ago, I called for the exploration of a retirement home at Sandscrest, which would be in keeping with the original intent of Harry and Helen Sands. This past year, a Task Force was created, with a diverse group from around the State (including Secretary of State, Betty Ireland, Mr. David McKinley, of Wheeling, Mr. Steve Roberts of the WV State Chamber of Commerce, and others) who have engaged a firm for a feasibility study. I do not know if this project can be done or will be done. I would rather not do it than to do it wrongly, poorly or at the wrong time. We will know soon what the next steps, if any, should be.

HEP — the Highland Educational Project.

The Premier program in McDowell County, respected and accepted by everyone, has a new Director — Lori Hill Osborne. After the Rev Hilda Kennedy retired this past year, Lori served as Interim Director, and I have asked her to take on the fulltime responsibility of the Directorship. She has accepted. Many of those who have been around West Virginia for a long time know about HEP, but many in our Diocese do not. HEP continues with our Work camps in the summer, and continues to be a presence in McDowell County. About a year ago, the State of West Virginia gave HEP the community center, along with about 8 acres of land. They gave it to the Diocese, and HEP, because we are the major dominant caring presence in the County. We are outside of Welch by a few miles, but we continue to be the anchor within the Community at large. We have sold the old HEP building, and have moved completely into the Premier Learning Center...continuing the tradition of education for literacy. Recently Lori opened the doors of the Learning Center so that individuals could study to get their mining license, to work in coal mines - both above and below ground. Computer labs are available, and we oversee the life on the mountain in Premier Park. We will continue to explore 40 new educational opportunities there, and to continue to be present in McDowell County. Peterkin — ah, Peterkin. Two years ago, at our Convention at Pipestem, we reduced the budgeted support of Peterkin. It went from $150,000 to $100,000. There was much discussion about this, and certainly much angst. In realty, last year we supported Peterkin in the amount of about $170,000. Now this includes some accounting changes (like moving from a cash to an accrual method) and some additional grants that were received — including one from the Rowley Foundation, in Wheeling. We are extremely thankful for those kinds of gifts, and for the Rev Mark Seitz for helping bring some to our attention. In addition, the buildings that were built (the new buildings as we call them) — Campbell Lodge, Atkinson Lodge and Smith Lodge — still have a mortgage on them in the amount of about $100,000. God willing through various sources, and with the assistance of the Diocesan Trustees, this debt will be eliminated by year end.

I understand that there have also been rumors circulating around about Peterkin — that the Diocese, or the Bishop, is going to, or wants to sell Peterkin. Let me be clear — that has never been talked about. That is not on the table, that is not in the room, that is not on the radar screen, and that will not happen on my watch.

I do believe, however, that doing business at Peterkin has to be different. The new Board has met a couple of times this past year, and is still in the process of being built. It cannot focus on the past, but must focus on the future. I recently read that Wayne Gretzky, of hockey fame, said that his success was because he skated to where the puck was going, rather than to where the puck had been. A nice image, and a nice vision for where we must be also. Peterkin is a Mission of this Diocese. I am thankful for all those who have supported it in the past, all those who use it, and all those who care so much for it. In the past year, I have had two conversations with two different people. Both were proud and happy to announce to me that they had just included Peterkin in their wills. One stated that it would be a 'remainder trust,' and the other announced that he was giving Peterkin $100,000, from his estate. I am deeply thankful to both of

41 these families, and I call upon you. Have you included Peterkin or the Diocese in your will? Two years ago, I stated in my State of the Church Address that the time had come for a Capital Campaign, the likes of which have never been seen before in the Diocese of West Virginia. I had hoped that this would begin then. However, as many know it is difficult to begin a campaign when one is still hanging over our heads. The Peterkin Campaign has not gone away. It will be completed, and paid for by year end, and thus opening the opportunity for us to do visioning and campaigning that one cannot imagine. We are called back to 'Build My Church.' Once again, our focus is on St Francis' words that he heard from Jesus, and are the same words we hear today! It is not my Church. It is not your Church. It is the Church of Jesus Christ, and Jesus calls us to build up this Body for His sake. Do you or I want to stand at the pearly gates of heaven, and when asked what did we do? Respond by saying "Not much," or "Well, I waited until there was no one left, and I turned the lights out." Those two responses are not an option! Build my Church! Here I go again! Three years ago I asked the Diocese to grow by 10%. We have not done that. But that doesn't mean we stop trying. Whatever difficulties may have been in the way of attaining that goal (which was modest, and presumptive on my part — I should have realized that God can make us grow by 1000-%, by God's spirit) I have been happy to find in my visits during the past year, everywhere a hopeful spirit. Many congregations have done great work. We have had 2 Magnetic Church Conferences that have brought new ideas and new life to light. Ministry is still growing in West Virginia. We do have our challenges, but more importantly, we have God on our side. Not achieving the 10% goal doesn't mean that we go to a new strategic plan. I believe that the strategic plan has already been written: Go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Earlier this year, I asked the Diocesan Council to envision what it would look like if we were 20 Episcopalians new to the State of West Virginia, and there was no Episcopal Church anywhere to be found. We took a couple of hours to envision this, and found that

(as you might imagine) that which we created looked nothing like what we have today. The Diocesan Council imagined a Diocese with 3 or 4 strong ministry centers, scattered around the State, with various missionary outposts, staffed by skilled lay and ordained ministers. The focus was clearly on outreach and giving — ministry and mission. A New Creation was envisioned, and so it is time to move into that New Creation, and to dream the Dream that God has for us. I go back to my Address from two years ago, and I still see the Dreams that God may want us to dream into. New Ministries in Morgantown, Teays Valley, the Eastern Panhandle. Deeper support of our ministries at Peterkin, Sandscrest and HEP. Ministry to those in Higher Education, for these are the people we must engage and excite for not only ministry from our pews, but also ordained leadership in the not too distant future. Presently, we have 4 seminarians in Seminary. All of them are under the age of 30. In the past 2 years, I have ordained 2 people under the age of 30. Youth is present. We MUST bring more into our fold. I repeat, and am now ultimately, undividedly focused on what we must do now. We must Build Christ's Church! We must buy land, for future new Church development We must build the endowment for the Diocese, so that apportionments can be lowered, and assistance can be given to congregations throughout the Diocese. We are on the beginning trails of investigating a Retirement Home at Sandscrest, per the desires of Harry and Helen Sands. The time is now. Let me be clear! The time is now to Build My Church! We gather here this weekend to receive tools for Ministry, for the building up of Christ's Church. Dean Markham, Father Doubleday, Canon Debby Short, Dr Vicki Philips, Dean Donald Krickbaum and Ms Beth Marquart are here to help equip us for the ministry that God is calling us to, so that we can go out from these walls, energized and focused on building Christ's Church.

A book title tells us how we all usually think: your God is too small. Our God is not too small. Our God is the God of Creation — The God of Jesus Christ — the God and Father of us all. For Our God, nothing is impossible. What is God's dream for us? What is God's Dream for this Diocese? For the People of God in West Virginia? I believe that God 's Dream is for us to give ourselves, to give of ourselves and to build this Church so that all will know that it was not by our own power, but by the Power of Jesus Christ that we have a New Church and a New Creation — a new Vision and a new Ministry. Lives will be transformed. Churches will be built. Just close your eyes for a moment, and dream with me — that the miracles that God has in store for us, can be possible, if we open our hands, our hearts enough to risk enough to step out enough to allow God to call us to a new, frightening and wonderful future together. Jesus said "I am with you always, even to the end of the ages." Open your eyes, and see Christ at this altar. Christ sitting next to you, Christ across the street. Let us dream together, and dream God's dream. Lord, Give us the gift of fantasy The gift of the child To go by imagination Where cars cannot travel, Where danger will keep us out, Where we are too rich or too poor to enter Too great or too small, Too black or too white, Too weak or too strong. Give us the gift of mind To join with those in generations before And generations to come. Give us the free imagination to join The three bears who eat porridge, The three pigs who build houses, The 5,000 who eat two fish, The resurrected Jesus, who comes in the sacraments. Give us the heart to join the living and the dead And to be as sure of the life to come

As we are of this very day, Give us the gift to marvel At the new life of Jesus And the new life to come. Let the new life come to us today. In Christ's Name, we pray. Amen.

SECOND LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Saturday, October 25, 2008 Meeting reconvened at 1:15 p.m. Bishop Klusmeyer opened the meeting with prayer: O God, by your grace, you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop and our other clergy and all our people. Grant that your word may be truly preached and truly heard, your sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your spirit fashion our lives according to the example of your son. And grant that we may show the power of your love to all among who we live. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Bishop Klusmeyer said a prayer of strength and wellness for The Very Rev Cheryl Winter, and Betty Walker, mother of The Rev. Betsy Walker: O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity. Be present in your goodness with your servants Cheryl and Betty that their weakness may be banished and their strength restored, and that their health may be being renewed they may bless you holy name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lisa Davis-Heller announced that the Standing Committee will meet at the end of this Plenary Session. Committee on Evangelism ―Minute‖ No. 2: (presented by Mr. Darrell Martin, Ascension Church - Hinton). Members of Ascension Church – Hinton attended a Magnetic Church program. They returned with a lot of good ideas, looking through the eyes of a visitor; physically cleaning and straightening up one‘s church; installation of new signs; developing a website, newsletter, small group Bible study, co-sponsoring music events with other churches, redesigning bulletins, and outreach programs to one‘s community.

Laura Leslie, chair of the Church Commission for Children, made the following report: The Church Commission for Children requested congregations to complete a survey regarding children‘s ministry in June 2006. 41 surveys were returned. The most salient observation was that there are ―good programs in place and yet few are attending.‖ A key element may not be ―appeal‖ to children, but rather a linkage/connection to their parents. There is a need to rescue ―time‖ for our children and for ourselves as their mentors and teachers. Empathy, listening and the idea of ―radical hospitality‖ all have particular relevance with our understanding of children. More particular observations from the children‘s ministry congregational surveys include the following: Team teaching is recommended, especially when volunteers are limited. Personal invitation is a tried and true positive with children, parents and volunteers. Programs that allow children to be involved in the ―real‖ world seem to be especially successful – summer lunch feeding programs, Christmas distributions, food pantry help and Salvation Army. Intergenerational activities seem to be successful in many parishes. The involvement of children in worship opportunities, including Sunday services, is a positive experience. A question for many of our congregations is how we address a wide range of ages with one teacher. Many successful programs were enumerated. These include Godly Play, Episcopal Children‘s Curriculum, Living the Good News, Seedlings, various Vacation Bible School programs, Youth – Rite 13, Youth J2A. The Church Commission for Children will continue to address these issues of children‘s ministry. Marc Harshman, of the Church Commission for Children, gave the following report: At last year‘s Diocesan Convention in a Resolution by the Church Commission for Children, every church was challenged to commit

46 itself to establishing ―at least one new ministry with and/or for children‖ in the coming year. The Church Commission for Children is excited to report that we have received over thirty-four responses from churches to this challenge. And what responses these are! There is surely a terrific amount of good work for the children of WV going on in and through our Episcopal Church. Now, by no means did all of the responses represent brand new ideas, though there are several exciting ideas that certainly seemed new to us. But beyond that, we simply see lots of ‗new‘ effort, so many churches trying things ‗new‘ to them or in many cases renewing sound programs that for whatever reason may have been let go in the past. But make no mistake there is a ‗newness‘ in all of these responses – be it new idea, new approach, new energy. (And the good Lord did say, did he not, that He will make all things new!) Let us try to survey for you now a sampling of what we heard. Several churches we observed are simply being more intentional about the inclusion of children and youth in primary worship services -- be it as choir members, ushers, lectors or element bearers. In some instances this has meant the addition of a children‘s sermon done for, or even by, children (sometimes with puppets). In others it has meant the addition of a child-friendly or inter-generational service. Similarly, more than one church has either instituted or re-instituted a children‘s chapel that mirrors the morning‘s lections. And yet another has provided detailed instruction in all aspects of the worship service eventually culminating in a worship service conducted almost exclusively by the children and youth themselves. Although Sunday School and Vacation Bible School may sound like just part of the normal regimen for some churches, we find their new creation or renewal in several of the parishes who reported to us to be a true cause for a celebration of a new spirit working in ministry to children across the Diocese. Sometimes this has meant trying Godly Play for a first time or instituting the Musikgarten curriculum. It is also gratifying to observe the many ways in which children (and youth) have been allowed to take new leadership roles in the outreach projects. These projects include the Heifer Project, bringing up ongoing outreach items during the offertory, children gathering books for another church‘s after-school library, and in instance, a church has included youth in the expansion of their

Prayer Quilt Project. A further development from this last activity is the creation of prayer quilts specifically for children themselves. Although it has taken several forms, many parishes have gathered or purchased books to give to children in the communities either directly or through gifts made to local schools. Other initiatives include the creation of a table ministry that distributes litanies, prayers, book suggestions, etc. to families. Other programs have begun to offer guidance and training for children related activities such as First Communion, accolyting, Sunday School leadership and the creation of Children‘s Ministry Team. Further initiatives we noted added a children‘s Christmas pageant to the year. Lenten services, Halloween open-house, a kickoff September carnival, the creation of a children‘s/church specific Advent Calendar, as well as various reward and recognition ceremonies were also noted. Another creative idea we noted was the support of children by supporting their parents through use of Canon Rev. Ann Kitch‘s Baptism and Parenting book. Although not new programming per se, many churches took this as an opportunity to financially support children-related institutions, such as Peterkin, Greenbrier Episcopal School, and Elewana. Lastly, we were not only impressed by the effort and creativity of some of our smaller parishes who, recognizing that they do not have families with young children, nonetheless have reached out in ministry to children anyway. Ascension – Hinton has conducted book give-aways to community children several times a year now with the creative addition of a bookmark that reads ―Ascension Episcopal Church NEEDS CHILDREN TO: read lessons, serve during church, light candles, carry the cross, LOVE, bring parents. We think that sounds just great! And finally, this from another small church, Calvary Episcopal in Montgomery: Let us read to you part of their letter response: Calvary Episcopal makes up a very small portion of the church presence in Montgomery, comparatively small. Our average Sunday attendance is eight – all above the age of 60. We have no families in our current membership roles with children. Admittedly, this is a concern to us but thanks to your resolution, it has allowed us to see that simply because we don‘t have children, we can still minister to children. This resolution has allowed us to see our circumstances as an opportunity, and has stirred some much-needed enthusiasm within our small 48

community of faith. Therefore, after much dialogue and prayerful discernment, Calvary is excited to share with you our first endeavor for children‘s ministry here in many years. We have committed ourselves to clothe five needy children in our community for the upcoming school year. We are going to find five children who don‘t have the clothing resources for attending school (clothes, shoes, coats, etc.) we have committed to spend, initially, five hundred dollars on this ministry and go out ourselves and buy and delivery the items to the children. Our hope is that through this ministry we open a relationship with the children to whom we minister. Our prayer is that through this initial effort long term relationships will transpire. As small as this ministry may seem, it is a rather big step for us. Thank you for challenging the hearts and minds of all Episcopal churches in our Diocese, and especially thank you for encouraging us with this opportunity to truly ‗be the Church.‘ Signed: In Christ, the congregation of Calvary Episcopal Church. We thank Calvary Episcopal Church, we thank all the 34 churches who have helped to point out to us such great ways forward, and we look forward to hearing from the rest of you. Thank you very much. The following additional Courtesy Resolutions were presented: Resolved, That 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia recognizes The Rev. Jim Reed for his unwavering service to the Brooke-Hancock Episcopal Ministries for over twenty years; And be it further Resolved that this Convention celebrates the ordained ministry of those clergy who unselfishly serve the Diocese of West Virginia through the call of being locally trained with no or little compensation for their service by which The Rev. Jim Reed has been a prime example.

Resolved, That 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia recognizes Wendy Speer for her unequaled service to Peterkin for over fourteen years of service as hike leader for the Hallelujah Hike; And be it further Resolved, that this Convention not only recognize Wendy‘s service to Peterkin but also that of her family for going above and beyond what was expected as leaders to make the Hallelujah Hike a success which continues to this day.

A motion was made to accept each of these Courtesy Resolutions. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Jason Beschinski gave the following Youth Ministries report: West Virginia is interesting. In the past year we have had two big youth events. We took a group to Night Watch in NYC, and we took a group of 12 plus myself to EYE in San Antonio to the big national youth event they do every three years. These were wonderful and successful events. However, we cancelled two events due to lack of participation. This is really frustrating because there are so many young people in our Diocese that want to be active and participate. Transportation continues to be a major issue in the Youth Ministries Program. Keeping that in mind, over the next year or two, there will be a shift in the emphasis of youth ministries in West Virginia. A much larger portion of my focus is going to be on raising up parish youth ministry programs, helping equip people to do ministry, and addressing the question of how to provide true formation when some churches only two or three youth. How do we move beyond a youth group model for youth group ministry? I have been doing some collaboration and conversation with other Diocese coordinators, who are also struggling with this question. It is not a situation unique to West Virginia. It is my hope over the course of the next year and a half to two years to start working with parishes, collaborating as a resource for them, and to raise up local and parish youth ministry across the Diocese. While we won‘t have a lot of Diocesan youth events, there will hopefully be some local stuff raised up, perhaps some Deanery events. We will still continue to participate in the Provincial Youth Event in the Spring and General Convention in the summer. ―Faith in 3D‖ is an ecumenical endeavor by the National Church; it is partnership with the Episcopal Church, the cooperative Baptists and the Presbyterian Church. One of the major goals of the event, held at Disney, is to expose young people (6th – 12th grades) to worship that might be a little different from what they do every Sunday. Each denomination takes one major worship service over the course of the weekend. Disney sends in their leadership training team, who address leadership skills with the young people. It occurs in 2009 the weekend of MLK Day. The Diocese is paying airfare, which just leaves a $320 registration fee for the participants. All summer camps at Peterkin had an increase in numbers this year, with the exception of Senior Camp. Family was sold out. We

still have a long way to go with summer camp. There are a lot of things that need to be done, but I am pleased with the movements that are being made. We are trying to get Peterkin certified with the American Camping Association. This will make us more marketable to outside groups because we would be recognized as meeting certain standards. It will also it goes a long way toward controlling liability, making sure we follow accepted safety procedures. It covers everything from the way food is prepared, to the structure of camp days, to pool maintenance and more. I anticipate meeting with the ACA in another year or two. A new focus for me has been Campus Ministry on a larger sense. The Diocese has vocally renewed their commitment to Campus Ministry; the budget reflects a $35K increase to that ministry. It is primarily focused at WVU and Marshall. We hope to raise up some peer ministers; the National Church has a peer ministry training program which covers basic pastoral skills, planning events, outreach and recruiting, and more. This peer ministry program will allow branching into the schools that have smaller populations. Gwyn Wolfe, Secretary of Convention, explained that all voting delegates need to be wearing the white and gold ribbon stating ―Voting Delegate,‖ which is how Tellers are to identify those persons eligible to vote. Charlie Hunsaker, Treasurer, presented the final Budget for 2009. This budget is presented elsewhere in this Journal. There are a few errors in the proposed budget published in the Preconvention Journal.; these are corrected herein. It was explained by Treasurer, Charlie Hunsaker, that the budget this year was created without the assistance of the Budget Committee, due to the hiring of a new CFO and the year-end duties that quickly needed to be done. It is anticipated that the Budget Committee will meet for the 2010 proposed budget. Wayne Campbell, Montgomery – Calvary Church, read the following letter to Convention: Brothers and sisters: Before we vote on the proposed Budget, I would like to ask your consideration for a new situation that Calvary Church finds itself in. At the beginning of the year 2007, Calvary Episcopal Church – Montgomery and Good Shepherd – Hansford entered into a mutual agreement by faith to support a full time sacramental and pastoral presence in our area, with the hope of building up both church ministries in our area. Both congregations found themselves in a declining situation in the past several 51

decades. Both congregations realized initially they would have to use monies from the funds that were for our endowments. We did this, finding ourselves having to withdraw a significant amount from the Diocesan trust and cash in CD‘s to fulfill our obligation. This surprisingly showed up as income in the formula that is used to assess the apportionment, thus increasing our apportionment $1,043. This, in our opinion, is an unjust increase that was unforeseen in our understanding when we agreed to this venture with the Bishop to build a church. If anything, according to our income, if this comes from pledges and offerings, we should be getting a decrease (since we are down to eight members and still going strong) in our apportionment, rather than an increase. I am asking on behalf of Calvary Church that this body, before voting on the proposed Budget for 2009, waive the $1,000 increase in Calvary‘s apportionment. If we, as the Diocese of West Virginia, are going to step out of the box and by faith meet the challenges of small churches in our Diocese, we don‘t need to be burdened by apportionment formulas that penalize you for taking bold steps to be the church. I ask that you recalculate your proposed apportionment before voting on this Budget. Thank you. Calvary Episcopal Church Vestry. Wayne Campbell made the motion that Calvary – Montgomery‘s apportionment be reduced by $1,000 for 2009. Motion was seconded. After discussion, Mr. Campbell amended the motion: Motion amended to bring a request for a $1,000 reduction in apportionment before the next Diocesan Council meeting. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. It was moved and seconded to call the question regarding the Budget. It was unanimously voted to stop the debate. The motion that the Proposed Budget, as presented with corrections, was voted upon. It passed with a clear majority. Charlie Hunsaker made the following motion: Resolved that the 2009 Diocesan Council budget is approved, with authorization to the Diocesan Council to amend from time to time, as needed, provided no missionary apportionment total or missionary apportionment of any parish is affected. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Evangelism Committee minute No. 3: (Fr. Kent Higgins) The Diocese has sponsored a program on West Virginia Public Radio, in the hope that this will carry the news of it back to one‘s congregation. The Evangelism Commission is available as a resource for every congregation. Please feel free to call on them. 52

They have a few copies of Krista Tippett‘s book about her life, and how she came to host the program, ―Speaking of Faith.‖ There are people in all our communities who have been driven from churches because they do not fit, or because they cannot accept what some preachers say the Bible means. Despite what is written in the press, we are not a church where anything goes, but we are a church to which anyone can come. A five minute stretch was led by Ms. Anna Lou Sturgeon of Health Ministries. Resolutions: Proposed Resolution 1: The pages and tellers passed out a ―Substitute Resolution: All Priests are Equal.‖ The text if this Substitute Resolution is thus: SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION: ALL PRIESTS ARE EQUAL. Resolved, That the Diocese of West Virginia affirms that all priests licensed in this Diocese are equal in their authority to preach the Gospel and celebrate the sacraments under the authority of the Bishop without regard to the form of their training or the provision of the canons under which they were ordained. Each is due the respect that is afforded any who serves in the priestly office of ministry. And be it further resolved, That the Diocese of West Virginia affirms that all congregations are graced by God with the capability to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with their communities. And be it further resolved, That although each congregation has a different financial ability to underwrite the sharing of the Gospel each is charged to use its financial resources to best accomplish that ministry. And be it further resolved, That within their capacity each congregation is to call and compensate clergy to share in the work of proclaiming the Gospel in their communities. And be it further resolved, That congregations and clergy are to work with the Bishop to develop a letter of agreement at the time of the clergy‘s call that is responsible in what it expects of both the congregation and the clergy given the different levels of congregational capacity and clergy need. This agreement is to be reviewed at least bi-annually and particularly when the circumstances of either the congregation or the clergy change substantially. 53

Based upon these changes, the Resolutions Committee recommends that Resolution1 be passed as substituted. Since this recommendation comes from a committee, it needs no second. Lengthy discussion ensued. Several people rose to speak, some for the Resolution, some respecting the Resolution for its content, and others concerned that it may lower the academic standards of the priesthood. The following items were clarified: If a locally raised-up priest would desire to become clergy at a different congregation/cure, he/she would put his/her name in the running for such a position. Bishop Klusmeyer stated that he hopes clergy would not see this as a back door into a different position; however, there is nothing that could prevent this. Compensation for clergy is not mandatory. Any compensation must be reviewed by the vestry, the priest and the Bishop‘s office. This particular Resolution‘s spirit already exists on a national level. There is a national canon that came about beginning in 1964 (Bishop Gordon – Alaska) to address needs of small congregations. The Commission on Ministry works very hard on this issue. The content of the Resolution is regulated through the Commission on Ministry, the Bishop and the local church. Resolution 1, as amended, was put to a voice vote and passed. Proposed Resolution 2: St. John's – Charleston is the sponsor of this resolution. After a meeting of the Kanawha Deanery, the initial sponsors have requested it be amended, thusly: Be it resolved, That this 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia establish a Task Force, the membership of which to be appointed by the Bishop, to develop a process of Diocesan-wide dialogue and listening, designed to bring gay, lesbian and heterosexual people fully into the church‘s conversation on human sexuality. And be it further resolved, that this Task Force present a recommendation for the implementation of this process to the 132nd Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia. The Resolutions Committee recommends that Resolution 2 as amended be adopted. This motion needed no second because it came from a committee. This motion, with the above noted amendment, passed unanimously by voice vote.

Bishop Klusmeyer stated that this Task Force will be called Diocesan Indaba Process, and the appointments to that Committee will be completed within two weeks. Proposed Resolution 3: This Resolution relates to Millennium Development Goals. It is sponsored by St. John's Episcopal Church -- Charleston. Clarification was made that the Colors of Life Africa will be designated an MDG recipient, not the only recipient. This motion needed no second because it came from a committee. This motion passed unanimously. Proposed Resolution 4: This Resolution regards recognition of St. Andrew's on-the-Mount as a parish. Convention voted yesterday afternoon that St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount does not have parish status. Therefore, Resolution 4 has been addressed in some fashion by this Convention. Nevertheless, at the Resolutions Committee open hearing last night, the sponsor of this Resolution proposed a substitute resolution number 4: Resolved that the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia hereby rescinds the closing of St. Andrew's- on-the-Mount Episcopal Church. As a procedural matter, because St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount does not have seat, voice or vote it is not appropriate to amend the Resolution. Therefore, what we will be voting on is the text as you have it in the Convention Crossroads. Based on that, the Resolution Committee recommends that Resolution 4 not be passed. Bob DuBose recommended that the Chair declare this motion out of order and it not be voted upon. Bishop Klusmeyer, as Chair, so ruled. Proposed Resolution 5. This is a second Resolution concerning St. Andrew's on-the-Mount which relates to secession of territory in Diocese of WV to Diocese of Virginia. After careful analysis of Canons (Article 5.6), it was determined that there are five requirements to the process of secession of territory of a Diocese. Those hurdles: 1. Convention from the Diocese from a parish secedes must vote and approve the secession. 2. The Diocese to which a parish secedes must vote and approve the secession. 3. The Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese to which a parish secedes must approve the secession. 4. The Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese from which a parish secedes must approve the secession. 5. The House of Bishops and General Convention must vote to accept the secession. It is the consensus of the Resolutions Committee that these five hurdles cannot be cleared; thus the Resolution Committee recommended this Resolution not be passed.

Bishop Klusmeyer stated that there has been a lot of discussion and concern about the people of St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount. There is no cause for rejoicing that this church must close; indeed, there is much sorrow around this closing. The Eastern Deanery has expressed deep concern for the former members of this church. Some people who attended there are going to Zion church in nearby Charles Town. There is a need for pastoral care and response to some former members of St. Andrew‘s-on-the-Mount. The Eastern Deanery has expressed a great concern for the former members of St. Andrew's-on-the-Mount. Bishop Klusmeyer thereby called for the congregations of the Eastern Deanery, The Rt. Rev. Melanie McCarley – Dean, and all those that make up the Eastern Deanery to make sure that pastoral care and provision for all the people of this former congregation are well cared for. Since this recommendation comes from a Committee, the recommendation that this motion be defeated, a second is not needed. The motion was opposed unanimously by voice vote. Proposed Resolution 6: This Resolution discusses diocesan companion relationships. It is sponsored by The Rev. Zach Drennen, who is a missionary from the Diocese of West Virginia in the Diocese of Katakwa in the province of Kenya. The original amendment has been revised and amended by the Resolutions Committee. These amendments were approved by Fr. Drennen. The first two paragraphs of the proposed Resolution were stricken. The Resolution, with its amendments is: Resolved that the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia encourage the Diocesan Companion Diocese Commission to explore future possibilities for Companion Relationships around the Anglican Communion, with special attention afforded to the Diocese of Katakwa and the current and previous companion relationships of the Diocese of West Virginia; Be it further resolved that the Diocesan Companion Diocese Commission report back to the 2009 Convention to recommend the establishment of a companion relationship to the 2009 Convention. The Resolutions Committee recommends that this Resolution, as amended, be passed. Zach Drennen commented that he would like to see a companion Diocesan relationship between the Diocese of West Virginia and the Diocese of Katakwa. The Rev. Bill Thomas also spoke in favor of this relationship.

Since Diocesan Council meets, in essence, as the ―recessed Convention,‖ Bishop Klusmeyer feels that it could be appropriate to begin conversation, etc. with a selected companion Diocese prior to the Diocesan Convention meeting next year. However, a formal relationship could not be established until it is approved by Diocesan Convention. Bishop Klusmeyer supports Resolution. Bishop Henderson, of the Diocese of Tuam, our current Companion Diocese, has talked with Bishop Klusmeyer about developing a three-way companion Diocese relationship. At the Lambeth Conference, Bishop Klusmeyer was exposed to the concept of ―Link Dioceses‖. In a link relationship, one should be able to ask the question – how has mission been enhanced because of this link? That is groundwork of the Companion Diocese Committee needs to explore. It is more involved than the exchange of money from us and bringing a new experience to us. It should be about touching the lives and hearts of people. Since these amendments came from a committee, they need no second. The motion to approve the Resolution 6, as amended, passed unanimously. Proposed Resolution 7 This Resolution concerns support for military personnel, military veterans and their families sponsored by The Rev. William Thomas. Based upon discussion that this Resolution cites two resources for providing this support, but does not make these resources exclusive, the Resolutions Committee recommends that Resolution Number 7 be adopted as submitted. This motion needed no second because it came from a committee. This motion passed unanimously. Proposed Resolutions 8 and 9. This Resolutions Committee recommended that these Resolutions of appreciation [for The Rev. Jim Reed and Ms. Wendy Speer] be treated as Courtesy Resolutions. Sponsors of both Resolutions agreed at the Resolutions Committee meeting held the previous night. Both of these would be referred to the Courtesy Committee for acknowledgement during the afternoon meeting, and a letter sent to both individuals since they were not present at this Diocesan Convention. This recommendation needed no second because it came from a committee. This recommendation passed unanimously. Proposed Resolution 10. This Resolution urges the West Virginia Legislature to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and to add sexual orientation to the hate crimes statute in WV. The sponsor is St. John's Episcopal Church in Charleston prior to a meeting

57 of the Kanawha Deanery. Subsequent to the meeting of the Kanawha Deanery, the initial sponsors of the Resolution indicated that they wish to amend the Resolution. This adds a second operative paragraph to the Resolution thusly: Be it further resolved, that the Bishop of the Diocese of West Virginia communicate such to each member of the West Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates prior to the start of the 2009 legislative session on Wednesday, January 7, 2009. This is a friendly amendment and as such the Resolutions Committee recommends that Resolution 10 be passed as amended. This motion needed no second because it came from a committee. This motion passed unanimously. Ballots were distributed, with an explanation of the voting process, for the Standing Committee election. Linda Crocker, chairperson of the Stewardship Commission, announced that there are resources for the Stewardship Commission at their booth in the Exhibitors Hall. There is a TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship) Convention in Gatlinburg, TN February 10- 11, 2009. They are developing a Diocesan-wide program for Lent. Every Wednesday night in Lent, each church can do a study that will be prepared for them. This is a way to get congregations to think about Stewardship. Stewardship involves the giving of a variety of individual resources, not just money. The Rev. Bill Thomas announced that each table in the Convention Hall has a supply of ―StewardChips‖, chips which should help increase energy through carbohydrate intake. The Rev. Bill Thomas made a presentation regarding Stewardship. The Magnetic Church is an integral part of Evangelism. Virtually every offering of our Church involves stewardship in some form. The Stewardship Commission now has a website, http://wvstewardship.com/Home.html. This website includes materials on Evangelism, Worship, Christian Formation and Stewardship. Included are links to resources of these various categories. There is even a link to contact our Stewardship Commission. Bishop Klusmeyer announced the results of the election to the Standing Committee: The Rev. Roy Gene Crist was elected presbyter to the Standing Committee with 126 affirmative votes; Nick Reynolds was elected lay representative to the Standing Committee with 131 affirmative votes.

It is proposed that next year‘s Convention will be held October 2-4, 2009 in Charleston at the Marriott Town Center. Host Church will be St. Matthew's of Charleston. A motion was made. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Chancellor McGhee spoke on the proposed Constitution and Canons. The proposed Constitution last year did not pass because we did not vote by Orders. Therefore, this year‘s vote will hopefully be the first of two year‘s consent by voting by Orders. Under our current Constitution, any alterations to the Constitution need to be a two-year process such that the Constitution and Canons Committee proposes the changes to the Diocese of West Virginia. If these proposed changes pass one year, they will layover and be voted upon again at Diocesan Convention the next year. If they pass this second year they will become effective. Canons, however, can be amended in a single year. Hopefully, this year will be the first of two years for passing. If so, the new Constitution and Canons would become effective January 1, 2010. The draft of the proposed Constitution has been on the Diocesan website for several months; its availability on the website has been publicized through the listserve WVMission, the Koinonia, and the DaySpring. In addition, it has been mailed to each of the congregations and is contained in the Preconvention Journal (page 99). There was also a conference call made available for all those who wished to comment on the proposed Constitution. One person, Bill Saviers, made himself available for this conference call. There is one change that the Constitution and Canons Committee, which met last night, is proposing to Article 9, Section 2: It shall be the Chancellor‘s duty to be the legal advisor to the Ecclesiastical Authority and to the extent not in conflict with said duties, the Standing Committee. Since this proposal comes from a committee, it requires no second. The vote was taken by Orders: Clergy voted and passed the proposed Constitution by standing; Lay persons voted and passed the proposed Constitution by standing. The current draft of the proposed Canons will be posted on the Diocesan website shortly after Convention. Chancellor McGhee invites any and all comments regarding these proposed Canons. The Constitution and Canons Committee anticipates having a complete set of proposed Canons for voting upon at next year‘s Convention.

The Taize service will be held this evening at 5:00 p.m. All were invited to attend. The session was recessed at 4:34 p.m. During dinner Bishop‘s Shell Awards were presented to Betty Curtis Purcell from Trinity – Huntington, and Mary Elliott Fish now at Trinity – Martinsburg. Betty Curtiss Purcell has been a member of Trinity Church, Huntington her entire life. A native of Huntington, she is a graduate of what was then Marshall College. Only a little over a year ago, she finally sold the house in which she was born, raised and lived for nearly all her life, except for the time she lived in Virginia. Apart from that, Betty has lived and worked in Huntington almost her entire life, and her encyclopedic knowledge of the history of Huntington, Trinity Church, and its parishioners is beyond impressive. For twenty years, Betty worked as Volunteer Coordinator at Trinity Church. She handled the mailing out of schedules, calendars and reminder postcards for nearly every group, ministry and function of the church, from Acolytes and Altar Guild to Ushers and Vestries. She helped to make arrangements for regular services and meetings, for weddings, funerals, Bishops‘ Visitations, and everything else for which there was a need. Should there be last minute cancellations, it was not uncommon for Betty to be on the phone well into the evening hours, making sure that all bases were covered. Now 86 and ―retired,‖ Betty still volunteers in the parish office at least one day a week and is always willing to fill in at other times when the need arises. She has proved herself not only a faithful employee, but also one of our most committed and hard-working parishioners. She is quick to tell anyone who cares to listen that Trinity Church is, and always has been, her family. She has certainly proven that sentiment to be true.

Mary Elliott Fish was born in Sistersville on July 26, 1921. Her father, John, was in the banking industry. Her paternal grandfather – The Rev. James L. Fish was an Episcopal Priest from England and served numerous parishes in Ohio and West Virginia. Mary remembers with fondness growing up at St. Paul‘s, in Sistersville, WV.

Mary was baptized in 1932 and confirmed by Bishop Wm. Gravett on Dec. 9, 1936. Her parents were active at St. Paul‘s, Sistersville – her mother as the president of the women‘s guild and her father as a teacher in the men/boys‘ bible study. Mary remembers her Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Broadwater, as having a strong impact on her emerging faith. As young adult, Mary‘s love of children and depth of faith was recognized by the parish of Trinity, Huntington who provided a scholarship for her to study at Wyndham House in NYC. She spent two years studying theology at Wyndham House and nearby seminaries to prepare her for a ministry in Christian Education. Mary speaks highly of the Director of the School, Johanna Mott. She has a Wyndham House Cross which she describes it as a wooden cross with a silver Ascending Christ on the wood. Mary also studied at a business school which provided a solid foundation on which to build her 42 years of service to several Bishops in the Diocese of West Virginia as an administrative assistant. One of her first jobs was at the Ogleby Institute in Wheeling. Mary was approached by The Rt. Rev. Robert Strider (Bishop from 1939-1955) to come to work for the Diocese of West Virginia as his administrative assistant. She served in that capacity in Wheeling, WV. During the time she lived in Wheeling she was an active parishioner at St. Matthew‘s. After Bishop Campbell retired in 1955 Mary held a position at Wheeling Steel for a brief period of time. She describes it as ―drudgery‖. Bp. Campbell (co-adjutor 1950, Bishop 1955-1976) ―rescued‖ her and brought her to Charleston to resume her ministry as administrative assistant to the Bishop. Bishop Campbell used Mary‘s many talents and she did workshops around the diocese. Mary continued to serve as the administrative assistant to The Rt. Rev. Robert P. Atkinson (coadjutor 1973, Bishop 1976-1988). During her years in Charleston, Mary was active at St. John‘s. Bishop Atkinson hailed from Martinsburg and had served as a priest at Trinity, Huntington. Thus, he and Mary‘s paths connected on many levels. When he retired, Mary also retired from Diocesan Ministry. She recalls contacting The Rev. Jim Wagoner, rector at Trinity, Martinsburg and saying, ―put me to work.‖ Although Mary ―retired‖ from active ministry, she was a force to be reckoned with. At Trinity, Mary served as the parish registrar and as a director of Christian Education, helping develop a strong children‘s ministry.

She delighted the children with her clown ministry, puppetry and story-telling. Mary loved Pentecost, and one of my fondest memories is of Mary surrounded by red balloons. Mary is an honorary member of a local organization that was started in 1904. It is called ―Travel Club‖. The members choose a topic each year and write papers on various places of interest. Mary could probably write a book about the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of West Virginia. With her sense of loyalty to Christ‘s church, she probably has much to say. Mary lived her life as a child of God in his service. She found her calling serving the clergy and people in the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia. From Sistersville, to Huntington; from Wheeling to Charleston; and finally, to Martinsburg, Mary‘s journey followed in the footsteps of her paternal grandfather.* While her circuit riding was not on horseback, Mary, in her own way spread the gospel far and away. Mary is a person who enjoys people and she has many friends across the state. She is loyal, honest, and assertive when she believes strongly in something. She is patient, gracious, soft voiced, and kind. She is fun-loving and a child at heart. She readily shares her time, talent, and treasure. Showing all of us what it means to live a Christian Life. * In many ways Mary has been influenced by her grandfather, The Rev. James L. Fish, who immigrated to the United States from New Castle on Thames, England. He was ordained an Episcopal Deacon in St. Mathias Church – Grafton, WV (Mother‘s Day began at St. Mathias in 1902). In 1902, James Fish was ordained to the Priesthood and served as many as eleven churches at different times, becoming sort of a circuit rider. Among the churches served by The Rev. James Fish were: St. Barnabas, Davis; Douglas Mission, Parsons; Thomas Mission, Thomas; Bayard Mission, Bayard; Grace Church, Elkins; Keyser Mission, Keyser; Trinity, Moundsville; St. Paul‘s, Elm Grove; St. Paul‘s, Sistersville; St. Matthew‘s, Chester; St. Andrews‘s, South Wheeling; St. Ann‘s, New Martinsville; Church of the Good Shepherd, Hansford; and Calvary, Montgomery. He also serves as Chaplain at Sheltering Arms Hospital, Montgomery.

Presentations were given to the speakers at Convention: Dean Ian Markham, The Very Rev. Donald Krickbaum, Beth Marquart, Vicki

Phillips and Debbie Short. Also, a thank you gift was presented to The Very Rev. Cheryl Winter. The keynote speaker was Dean Ian Markham, who currently serves as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia and as Priest Associate at St. Paul‘s Church in Alexandria. Prior to Dean Markham‘s appointment in 2001 he served as Dean and Professor of Theology and Ethics at Harford Seminary in Connecticut, and as Visiting Professor of Globalization, Ethics, and Islam at Leeds Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. Dean Markham‘s awards include the Robertson Fellow 2006; Teape Lecturer in India 2004; Claggett Fellow attached to Washington National Cathedral in 2000; and Frank Woods Fellow at Trinity College, Melbourne in 1997. With degrees from London, Cambridge, and Exeter Universities he is the author and editor of numerous books including: A Theology of Engagement; Truth and the Reality of God; Do Morals Matter; and Understanding Christian Doctrine. A Transcription of his Keynote Address can be found elsewhere in this Journal.

Sunday, October 26, 2008: The 131st Annual Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia officially adjourned on Sunday morning, October 26th, following a Holy Eucharist with Bishop Klusmeyer as celebrant and The Very Rev. Dr. Ian Markham as preacher. The Pastoral Letter of Bishop Klusmeyer (found elsewhere in this Journal) was sent to each congregation to be read the morning of Sunday, October 26, 2008, in all congregations throughout the Diocese. At the conclusion of the Holy Eucharist, box lunches were available for the journey home.

BISHOP’S PASTORAL LETTER To be read October 26, 2008, after the Peace at each Congregation at each service in the Diocese of West Virginia

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Diocese of West Virginia, through its clergy, delegates and Bishop meeting in Morgantown send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus. We have come together this weekend to do the work and ministry of God. At times, temporal concerns, such as passing a Budget for 2009, voting on resolutions and our Constitution and Canons have gotten in the way of doing the work of the Church, which is to Worship, praise and adore our Lord Jesus. We recognize the God has given us his Grace, and filled us with the abundance of life, for it is the will of God that we should have life, and have it abundantly. It is not the will for us to ‘come up short.’ Even in the midst of the most severe financial crisis in the history of the United States, and perhaps the world, we are still blessed by God, and need to recognize that we are still the most affluent society in history. With this blessing, and with our abundance, we reflect upon what it means to be Episcopalians and people of the United States. Even our poorest of the poor live in abundance when compared to many around the world. This past summer at Lambeth, in conversations with bishops from around the Anglican Communion, I learned that in sections of Mozambique, babies born during the rainy season have a 100% chance of dying before their first birthdays; Illiteracy is rampant, and civil wars continue in far regions of our globe. While our men and women are fighting in wars around the world, we pray for them. We pray for their safety and for their safe return. We live here in relative safety, and give thanks for the communities in which we live. For the past several years, the Episcopal Church has called upon her dioceses to make an inventory of our history, with regard to racism and slavery, so that we might recognize how we have participated in the sin of racism. Recently at a national gathering in Philadelphia, it 64 was recognized that during the 1860’s, 80% of the clergy of the Diocese of Virginia (during a time when West Virginia was a part of the Diocese of Virginia) owned slaves. Even today, we cannot say that this Diocese has not benefited from the sin of racism and slavery. We are called to a new life and a new way of approaching our future. And what would that new way be? I think that today’s Gospel says it all: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind, and Love your neighbor as yourself. There has been much written about love. Volumes of songs have been written, regarding love – some that are saccharine, others that are nostalgic. Often we have an image of love that is actually more of a romantic feeling rather than true love. Love becomes passionate, and consuming, but that which is passionate and consuming is not love, but rather desire. Love of God – true love of God – is passionate and consuming, but a different kind. We are called to love God and to love our neighbor … with all of our hearts, our minds and our souls … in other words, with all that we have, and all that we are. Our total beings are called to love God and neighbor: God and other. In the Bible, we read much about ‘love.’ “God so loved the world…” Paul describes this love when he calls us to be images of that love, when he writes in the 13th Chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians: Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; Love is not irritable or resentful; Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

As love is patient, kind, not envious, does not insist on its own way, etc, we realize that these attributes also define God. God is patient, kind, not resentful. God bears all things, hopes all things and God never ends. Rob Bell, in his book, Velvet Elvis, asks about the meaning of God’s love. He writes, So why did God give his Son? Because God loves the world. But what does it mean for God to love the world? Does God love evil people? Mean people? People who don’t think that god exists? People who think that God loves only them? If you do enough evil, can you exhaust God’s love? Because God loves the world is an answer to the question, why did God give his Son? It’s a real answer; it’s an answer you can trust; it’s an answer you can base your life on. It’s an answer you can know. But is also raises a new set of questions. Why does God love the world? What motivates God to love like this? What does God get out of it? The writers of the Bible, especially one named John, would answer this way: “Because God is love.” Which is an answer, of course, but as you probably have figured out by now, it raises even deeper questions: How can God BE love? Is every experience of love an experience of God? Is every experience of God an experience of love? So God is love is an answer to the question, why does God love the world? But as an answer it raises even more questions. And we could go on and on and on. (Velvet Elvis, pp. 32, 33) Love is patient and kind… God is love, so God is patient and kind… We are made in the Image of God (the Imago Dei), so we ought to be able to say that “We are patient and kind…” But we usually fail to fulfill that perfect image of love. We look to ourselves, rather than to the other. Too often, our attempts at love are attempts to draw people into our way of living and our way of seeing. Our love, too often, is conditional. 66

But, true love takes us out of ourselves, and draws us toward the other. José Ortega y Gasset, a Latin American philosopher states that “Love…is the exact reverse of desire, for love is all activity. Instead of the object coming to me, it is I who go to the object and become part of it.” (Ortega y Gasset – “On Love” p. 10) It is God who makes the move toward us, and becomes part of us. God becomes human, in Jesus Christ, and shows us God’s true and total love. God takes the initiative, and reaches toward us, to become a part of us. God does not ‘sit back and wait’ for us to finally come to God. As God has taken the initiative to reach out to us, to show us true and unconditional love, we are each called to take the initial steps away from ourselves, personally or as Episcopal Congregations of the Diocese of West Virginia, and to move toward God and our neighbor – God and the Other – to join them. Love is a risky venture. We never truly know if we will be rejected or accepted. Will love be returned? True love doesn’t take that into consideration. True love risks being the fool and to love in spite of all else. True love is unconditional. True love is God’s love, and we are called to reach out to embrace our neighbor, whether they are across the street, or around the globe. We love regardless of background, class or any other man-made classification. Love is risky, and we are called to risk all that we have in the Name of Christ Jesus. I call upon the congregations of the Diocese to take the risk to care enough, to risk enough to love enough to make Christ’s love real, tangible and present in our communities throughout the State of West Virginia. Neighbors are rich and poor. Neighbors are black and white. Neighbors are near and far away. Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, Show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you. (The Hymnal 1982, Hymn 602, Ghanaian) Amen.

CONVENTION SERMON

Presented by The Very Rev. Ian Markham October 26, 2008 At the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia Eucharist

May the words of my lips and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our God. Amen My texts today are those words you just heard from the Gospel: You shall love the Lord God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. You have been very tolerant over the course of these few days with my presentations, my propensities to share with you stories around my twelve year old son. I am pleased to have you tolerate one more story. The location is set at a MacDonald’s restaurant, which I must confess I rather like the French fries. Father and son are sitting there, looking at their respective hamburgers. And, as often happens in conversation, we got to the point where we were talking about the speed of light. And I explained to Luke that he is not seeing me as I am now, he is seeing me as I was before the light reached his eyes. For light, as you know, travels at 186,000 miles per second, which means there is a lapse of time between him looking at me and him seeing me. And I explained that it is possible in this lapse of time that I might have morphed into an ice cream cone or a giraffe. So my twelve year old son pauses for a moment and thinks about this. In a very loud voice, in the middle of this restaurant, he suddenly goes, “Oh, no! I’m stuck in the past!” Now, actually, the problem of the distance between a person’s eyes and the object they are looking at in a MacDonald’s restaurant is not very great, because the distance is very short. When it comes to this Universe, it’s actually a very useful tool. In fact, it is the only way that we can start talking about the size of this Universe. Light travels at 186,000 miles per second. So that means that in one second, if you were to travel around the earth, you would be able to rotate the earth seven and one-half times. And in one year, light travels 9.5 trillion

68 kilometers. Now, to give you a sense about how big this universe is, let’s do a little exercise where we reduce the scale of the universe by ten billion times. The earth – the entire globe – becomes a pinhead. And 16 yards away would be a grapefruit in this scale -- the sun. The nearest star on the scale would be 2,485 miles away: California. The light from that star takes 4.3 years to reach earth. Now, our sun, the nearest star, is part of the galaxy known as the Milky Way. Inside the Milky Way there are about 500 billion stars. It’s about 100,000 light years across. And our galaxy passes a group of galaxies, known as super cluster. It is estimated that there are 10 million super clusters in this universe. We are jolly small. And this universe is incredibly big. Now when it comes to loving the lord your God with all your mind, the important thing to remember is that one should never fail to question. One should always be in the business of seeking the truth. And one should be willing to wait on God. For about 200 years, all this space in the universe created a big problem for faith. People used to say, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, for example, how likely is it that the Creator of all of this vast space would care about you and me. And that looked like a pretty decent question when you puzzled about it. And then in the late 1970’s, a gentleman by the name of Brandon Carter came up with a real insight. The mathematical achievement of all of this is remarkable. And it looks like all this space was absolutely essential to enable us to emerge. In fact he coined the phrase “The Anthropic Principle”. And since then, a proliferation of literature has emerged amongst astrophysicists which has nothing to do with intelligent design -- even atheists accept the data. There are about 30 variables, that if one had been slightly different, no life would have emerged. Let’s give you one illustration: At the point of the Big Bang, the balance between the gravitational force and the acceleration of expansion had to be perfect for a planet to form. If the balance had not been perfect, we would have crushed in on ourselves, or we would have had a black hole and universe would have gone berserk. It was so finely balanced that physicists now know that it requires accuracy of one power to 10 to the 60. Now that is a big number. If you had a gun and was aiming at a target at the other side of the Universe, you would have to be accurate 1 power ten to the 60. And had it been slightly different, we would never have been.

That fact, coupled with others, seems to point to the fact that this Universe always intended life to emerge. It’s like the Universe knew we were going to come. To give you an illustration, you find in the literature, imagine you go to a hotel. You go to your room, and say, “That’s weird, they’ve decorated in the colors that I just painted my bedroom at home.” Then you look over the bed, and there is your favorite image; you listen to the music, and sure enough it is your favorite artist. And you go to the refrigerator and it packed full of all your favorite fruits and candies. And you go into the bathroom and it’s full of your favorite toiletries. And you stare at the bed, and sure enough it is the pillow that you really insist that enables you to have a decent night’s sleep. You realize this cannot be a fluke – someone knew you were coming. What we now know is that all this vastness was necessary to enable us to be. And that all the variable points when it could have easily been different is perfect. What astrophysicists are learning . . . we are living in a Universe which is intended for us to be. In our three readings, you get a sense of the intimacy that God wants to have with each and every one of us. In Deuteronomy, the unity to like Moses, there is that beautiful expression, “the Lord knew face to face.” God had an intimate relationship – the Creator of everything that is – had an intimate relationship with this human life. Or in Thessalonians, when Paul is trying to explain to the church exactly how and why he had been the way he had been. He inspired the people in that church to recognize that he was willing to be examined by God Almighty, the Creator of everything that is, in terms of his motives and dispositions. God can test our hearts, he writes. God in an intimate relationship with Moses. God is willing to examine each and every one of us for our inner lives, our underlying motives, our inner dispositions. And finally Jesus. When Jesus was asked which of the two greatest commandments, he first and foremost invoked the love that we are called to have of the Creator who always intended us to be, who desired to be in a loving relationship with us, who reaches out to every single human soul and desires to connect. And then out of that place, says Jesus, you are granted the gift and capacity to enable us to love others. So on this

70 day, let us pause and marvel the miracle of the Creator who created this vastness, a vastness that was essential to enable us to be. And this Creator who desires to be intimate and close to each and every one of us. And let us learn to be thankful. Amen. Amen

BISHOP’S DIARY – 2007

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Diocese of West Virginia:

I would like to say that 2007 was a very busy year in terms of travel, meetings, visitations, etc. I truly enjoy the myriad of adventures and experiences that I have experienced during the year, and while it is difficult to do as much traveling as is required, the meeting of people and the events at which I am present are exhilarating!

I thank you for the privilege of serving as your Bishop, and I present you my Annual Diary.

2007 Comments 1-Jan We took holiday break of January 1 2-Jan We took holiday break of January 2 3-Jan I met with Gwyn Wolfe in my office, and then had other meetings and appointments in my office.

4-Jan Appointments all day, including phone meeting with Episcopal Appalachian Ministries in the morning.

5-Jan Staff meeting in office. Met with Faith Perrizo and Debbie Short regarding grant applications.

6-Jan 7-Jan Visitation: Fairmont - Christ Church. We discussed creative opportunities for the future. 8-Jan I was in the office to catch up on paperwork and to do some reading. 9-Jan I had doctor's appointment in the morning; meetings and appointments in my office in the afternoon.

10-Jan The DaySpring Board met; I had a dentist's appointment in the afternoon, and caught up on paperwork and phone calls.

11-Jan In the office all day. 12-Jan I performed the opening prayer for the Senate at the State Capitol. I had appointments in the afternoon.

13-Jan 14-Jan Visitation: Charleston - St. James'. 15-Jan Day off.

16-Jan I was in the office in the morning. Drove to Bridgeport to meet with a group that we call the I-79 Corridor regarding mutual and cooperative ministries between the Episcopal Church and the Lutheran Church (ELCA).

17-Jan Diocesan Trustees met at the Diocesan House. 18-Jan I had phone meetings in the morning, and had appointments in the office in the afternoon. 19-Jan Diocesan Council meeting at Bridgeport, WV. 20-Jan Diocesan Council meeting at Bridgeport concludes. In the evening, I had dinner with The Rev. Cynthia and Rich Walter in the evening. 21-Jan Visitation: Wheeling - St. Paul's, and drove home in a blizzard. 22-Jan Appointments in the office. 23-Jan I met with Marlin Witt to discuss Peterkin and its finances. I had appointments in the office in the afternoon.

24-Jan I had appointments in the morning; in the afternoon I went to Barboursville to meet with the Vestry of St. Andrew's.

25-Jan I drove to Fairmont to meet with Bishop Dunkin of the ELCA to talk further about cooperative ministries.

26-Jan I was in Martinsburg. 27-Jan I met with the Nelson Cluster in Martinsburg to discuss their future. I had dinner with the Vestry of Emmanuel - Keyser.

28-Jan Visitation: Keyser -- Emmanuel. 1 baptism. 29-Jan Met with Jason Beschinski at the Diocesan House to review a grant request to the National Church.

30-Jan I met with the Kanawha Deanery at St. Timothy's. 31-Jan I had meetings in the morning. The rest of the day I met with the Constitution and Canons Committee.

1-Feb I was in the office. I had lunch with Bruce Moss, Senior Warden of St. Mark's -- St. Albans to talk about their search and process. 2-Feb I had appointments in the office all day. 3-Feb I left for Zurich for the meeting of the International Bishops' Conference of the Olde Catholic Church.

4-Feb Arrived in Zurich. 5-Feb Attended International Bishops' Conference of the Olde Catholic Church.

6-Feb Attended International Bishops' Conference of the Olde Catholic Church. 7-Feb Attended International Bishops' Conference of the Olde Catholic Church. 8-Feb Attended International Bishops' Conference of the Olde Catholic Church. 9-Feb Returned home from Zurich. 10-Feb Standing Committee meeting in my office. 11-Feb Visitation: Parkersburg -- Church of the Good Shepherd. 9 confirmations. 12-Feb Appointments in the office all day. 13-Feb Appointments in the office all day. 14-Feb Blizzard in Charleston, as well as tornadoes in New Orleans. Bishop Jenkins was supposed to come to join us for Clergy Day, but we had to cancel that. 15-Feb I flew to Living Stones in Spokane, WA. 16-Feb Attended Living Stones meeting in Spokane, WA. 17-Feb Attended Living Stones meeting in Spokane, WA. 18-Feb Attended Living Stones meeting in Spokane, WA. 19-Feb Attended Living Stones meeting in Spokane, WA. 20-Feb Attended Living Stones meeting in Spokane, WA. 21-Feb I returned home from Living Stones. 22-Feb I had appointments and phone conversations in the office. In the afternoon there was a Bexley Hall Board of Trustees phone conference. 23-Feb Traveled to Morgantown. Visited with The Rev. Tony Clavier in his house. I met with George Moses in his office.

24-Feb Marsha and I drove to Snowshoe to prepare for my visitation on Sunday morning. 25-Feb Visitation at Snowshoe - Marlinton. We had about 90 people, which included a large youth group from Virginia. As we were trying to leave for Marlinton, there had been about a foot of snow on the mountain, and even my SUV got stuck.

Fortunately, we had some students from VMI who seemed to pick up the car and carry it onto the plowed street!

We drove carefully to Marlinton, following Jim Lanter, where I did my visitation at St. John's - Marlinton. We drove home. By the time we returned to Charleston, it was 50 degrees and sunny.

26-Feb Day off.

27-Feb I had appointments in the morning; met with the West Virginia Council of Churches (WVCC) Executive Council throughout most of the rest of the day. 28-Feb I flew to San Francisco for meeting with bishops where we discussed Family Systems theories regarding congregations and dioceses. 1-Mar Attended Family Systems with the bishops. 2-Mar Attended Family Systems with the bishops. 3-Mar Attended Family Systems with the bishops. 4-Mar Visitation: Charleston - Good Shepherd. 5-Mar I caught up on paperwork and phone calls. 6-Mar I had appointments throughout the day in my office. 7-Mar Meetings in my office, and caught up on correspondence. 8-Mar We had a staff meeting in the morning; appointments and phone calls in the afternoon. 9-Mar I traveled to the Eastern Panhandle. I had appointments at the Holiday Inn in the afternoon, discussing with Grace Church -- Middleway their progress. 10-Mar We had a meeting with the Nelson Cluster to discuss their progress in working together as a Cluster and individually. I had dinner with Faith Perrizo and Debbie Short to debrief after the day.

11-Mar Visitation: Middleway -- Grace Church. 5 confirmations. I met with the Sisters of Charity. 12-Mar Returned to Charleston. 13-Mar I met with The Very Rev. Kevin Kelly and others throughout the day. 14-Mar I left for Camp Allen for the House of Bishops meeting. 15-Mar Attended House of Bishops meeting. 16-Mar Attended House of Bishops meeting. 17-Mar Attended House of Bishops meeting. 18-Mar Attended House of Bishops meeting. 19-Mar Attended House of Bishops meeting. 20-Mar Attended House of Bishops meeting. 21-Mar Attended House of Bishops meeting. 22-Mar Returned from House of Bishops meeting. 23-Mar I attended a Commission on Ministry meeting.

24-Mar I attended a Commission on Ministry meeting; traveled to Morgantown for next day's visitation.

25-Mar Visitation: Morgantown -- Trinity. 2 confirmations. 26-Mar Meetings in the office all day. 27-Mar Meetings in the office all day. 28-Mar Meetings in the office; I went to Huntington to be a part of St. John's and Trinity's Lenten program.

29-Mar I went to the WVCC to a mountaintop removal site. Concluded with a WVCC board meeting.

30-Mar I had a nice conversation with Bishop Richard Henderson, bishop of our companion diocese from Tuam, Ireland. I had dinner with Rodge and Rosie Wood. 31-Mar I joined the Regional Ministries Commission in Flatwoods for a short while, and met with The Rev. Michael Simon and The Ven. Faith Perrizo regarding Romney and Moorefield. 1-Apr Psalm Sunday. Visitation in Logan and Williamson. I had a wonderful time in Williamson with their choir.

2-Apr I drove to Sistersville to talk with Fr. Russell Lockett and to visit around Sistersville and the Ohio Valley.

3-Apr Appointments in my office, including a visit with a young family that wanted to talk about Episcopal high school.

4-Apr Appointments and phone calls in my office in the morning; drove to Ripley for a meeting of the Genevieve Starchier Foundation, a scholarship fund set up by Genevieve Starchier for high school students in Jackson County.

5-Apr It was a quiet day in the office. I went to Beckley for Maundy Thursday liturgy. 6-Apr Good Friday. Again a quiet day, then drove to St. Timothy's -- Hurricane for Good Friday liturgy.

7-Apr Marsha and I drove to Lewisburg in the evening for the Great Vigil at St. James'. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Lewisburg.

8-Apr Easter Sunday. Sunrise service at The Greenbrier. Held Easter Service at St. Thomas' -- White Sulphur Springs. The Greenbrier allowed us to stay overnight that one night. 9-Apr Office closed 10-Apr I went to Sarasota with Marsha to meet with Bishop Dabney Smith. We were there through the 13th of April.

11-Apr see above

12-Apr see above 13-Apr see above 14-Apr I came back to Charleston. I went to Bridgeport, where I had Eucharist that evening and then met with the Vestry of Christ Church and St. Barnabas. 15-Apr Visitation: Eucharist/congregational breakfast and time with Christ Church Clarksburg. 16-Apr I was in the office, catching up on paperwork. I met with Trinity - - Parkersburg in the evening. 17-Apr Staff meeting in the morning. Met with St. Paul's -- Weston and Transfiguration -- Buckhannon in the evening.

18-Apr Appointments in my office and then meeting with the Diocesan Trustees. 19-Apr catch-up in my office. Meeting in trinity -- Huntington in Huntington. 20-Apr Appointments in my office. 21-Apr I drove to Morgantown and had dinner with Vestry. 22-Apr Visitation: St. Thomas á Becket - Morgantown 23-Apr Appointments in my office. 24-Apr Appointments in my office working on finances with Marlin Witt 25-Apr Staff meeting in the morning; Audit Committee meeting in the afternoon 26-Apr Reynolds Hospital Board meeting in Moundsville 27-Apr I traveled to Columbus, Ohio for the consecration of Bishop Briedenthal. 28-Apr Consecration of Bishop Briedenthal 29-Apr Visitation: St. Mark's Glenville with picnic with congregation 30-Apr Asheville, NC to meet with ECCC Board to talk about camps and conference centers in the Episcopal Church

1-May Asheville, NC to meet with ECCC Board to talk about camps and conference centers in the Episcopal Church

2-May Asheville, NC to meet with ECCC Board to talk about camps and conference centers in the Episcopal Church

3-May Appointments in the office all day; lunch with Jay and Tom Goldman. 4-May I flew to Washington, D.C. for our nephew's wedding 5-May Arlington, VA to officiate at our nephew's wedding. Thanks to the work of Gwyn and the county officials of Arlington I was

authorized to officiate at this wedding.

6-May Reception for Martha Horne at VTS in preparation for her retirement. 7-May Returned to Charleston. 8-May Meetings in the office; met at the Greenbrier Episcopal School in Lewisburg for their Board Meeting.

9-May Staff meeting in the morning; met with Gale Lea Rubrecht for lunch to talk about the Bishop's Ball. Appointments in the office in the afternoon. 10-May Appointments in the office during the day. Meeting with the Epiphany Episcopal Fellowship at Good Shepherd in Charleston. 11-May Appointments in the office. 12-May We went to All Souls' -- Daniels for the last and closing service. This was followed by the blessing of the boats at New River Ministries. 13-May Visitation: St. Matthew's -- Charleston 14-May I went to VTS for their board meeting. 15-May Attended the VTS board meeting. 16-May Attended committee meetings of VTS. 17-May VTS Commencement. Flew home. 18-May I traveled to Rochester, NY, returning that evening, for a Board Meeting of Bexley Hall. 19-May I was in the Eastern Panhandle; met the Outback with numerous people. 20-May Visitation: Romney - Peterkin for the Women's Conference. 21-May Province III meeting in Martinsburg 22-May Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic meeting in Huttonsville. 23-May I drove back to Charleston. 24-May I had meetings in my office all day. 25-May I had meetings in my office; I traveled to Washington, D.C. for the consecration of Shannon Johnston, coadjutor of Diocese of Virginia. 26-May Traveled home. 27-May Visitation: Christ Church -- Bluefield. 28-May Day off for Memorial Day.

29-May We had a Clergy Day at Fairmont -- Christ Church. Tom Gossens was there to talk about Stewardship.

30-May I met in Bridgeport with the newly formed Commission on Stewardship with Tom Gossens; Linda Crocker was appointed as chairperson. 31-May Appointments in my office. 1-Jun In the morning I drove to Sandscrest, where I met with John Valentine regarding his ordination process.

2-Jun I met with St. Brendan's in the afternoon (Pittsburgh), following Council meeting. 3-Jun Visitation: St. Brendan's -- Pittsburgh. When I returned home June 3 I received an email that Bishop Jim Kelsey, Northern Michigan, had been killed in a automobile accident. 4-Jun I traveled to Madison, WS to meet with Adam and Melissa Kradel. I then met with my Systems Group, comprised of four other bishops outside of Chicago. 5-Jun Systems Group 6-Jun Systems Group 7-Jun Systems Group ended. Three of us drove to Marquette, MI for the funeral of Bishop Jim Kelsey. 8-Jun Funeral of Bishop Jim Kelsey. 9-Jun Traveled back to Chicago, where I returned home to Charleston. 10-Jun Visitation: St. John's -- Ripley 11-Jun Meetings in my office, especially to talk about Diocesan Convention. 12-Jun Meetings in my office. 13-Jun Evangelism Commission met in my office to talk about being reformed. 14-Jun Meetings in my office. 15-Jun Day off 16-Jun Ordination to the priesthood -- St. Timothy's -- Hurricane. 17-Jun Visitation: Princeton -- Church of the Heavenly Rest. 18-Jun Appointments in my office 19-Jun Appointments in my office, along with meeting for the Genevieve Starcher Foundation. 20-Jun Appointments in my office. 21-Jun Appointments in my office, and meeting for the West Virginia Council of Churches at their office in Charleston.

22-Jun We left for Jamestown for the Celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the Founding of Jamestown and the first Eucharist celebrated in the colonies. 23-Jun Eucharist at Jamestown. 24-Jun We were in Jamestown. 25-Jun We stayed at Jamestown for the Episcopal Historical Society Annual Meeting 26-Jun We stayed at Jamestown for the Episcopal Historical Society Annual Meeting 27-Jun Returned home from Jamestown. 28-Jun Day off, though I had numerous phone calls. 29-Jun I traveled to the Eastern Panhandle. I had appointments at the Holiday Inn in the afternoon, discussing with Grace Church -- Middleway their progress. 30-Jun Met with the Sisters of Charity in Martinsburg, along with numerous other meetings and appointments in Martinsburg.

1-Jul Visitation: Leetown - St. Bartholomew's. Evening prayer -- Anglican Roman Catholic service in Charles Town.

2-Jul I returned home to Charleston. 3-Jul Appointments in my office 4-Jul Day off for Independence Day 5-Jul Marsha and I left on vacation. We flew to Paris. 6-Jul On vacation 7-Jul On vacation 8-Jul On vacation 9-Jul On vacation 10-Jul On vacation 11-Jul On vacation 12-Jul On vacation 13-Jul On vacation 14-Jul On vacation 15-Jul On vacation 16-Jul On vacation 17-Jul On vacation 18-Jul On vacation 19-Jul On vacation

20-Jul On vacation 21-Jul On vacation 22-Jul On vacation 23-Jul On vacation 24-Jul On vacation 25-Jul Returned home to Charleston. 26-Jul Mary Fish's birthday. I was still on vacation. 27-Jul Traveled to Marlinton to meet with parishioners there. 28-Jul Visitation: Summersville -- St. Martins in the field. Dedicated stained-glass windows there in honor of Walt Mycoff.

29-Jul 30-Jul Appointments in my office 31-Jul Day off 1-Aug Day off 2-Aug Appointments in my office; talked with Gale Rubrecht again about the Bishop's Ball. 3-Aug Appointments in my office 4-Aug Traveled to the Eastern Panhandle; I had appointments in Martinsburg. Traveled to Gettysburg to have dinner with my mother. 5-Aug Visitation: Rippon -- St. John's; Charles Town -- St. Philip's. I had appointments in the afternoon.

6-Aug Returned from the Eastern Panhandle. 7-Aug Appointments in office; that evening drove to Cedar Point in Ohio. 8-Aug We had the Cedar Point Day for the Diocesan Youth. 9-Aug Returned to Charleston. I had appointments in my office in the afternoon. 10-Aug I had appointments in the morning; drove to Huttonsville for ETS. 11-Aug ETS 12-Aug Visitation: St. Albans -- St. Mark's 13-Aug Marsha and my 30th wedding anniversary. I took the day off. 14-Aug Appointments in my office. 15-Aug Appointments in my office 16-Aug Appointments in my office

17-Aug I met with the Diocesan Trustees in the office 18-Aug 19-Aug Visitation: Hansford -- Good Shepherd 20-Aug I traveled to Beckley to meet with Carol Ann Nestor. 21-Aug Appointments in my office 22-Aug Appointments in my office 23-Aug Appointments in my office 24-Aug Diocesan Council at Sandscrest 25-Aug Diocesan Council at Sandscrest 26-Aug I flew to Zurich for the Old Catholics Theological Conference, where I met with Tom Ferguson from the National Church Office, as well as two other priests from the ECUSA. 27-Aug Old Catholics Theological Conference 28-Aug Old Catholics Theological Conference 29-Aug Old Catholics Theological Conference 30-Aug Old Catholics Theological Conference 31-Aug Old Catholics Theological Conference 1-Sep I returned home to Charleston. 2-Sep Day off. The Rt. Rev. Jane Dixon took my visitations in Charles Town -- Zion and St. John's -- Harpers Ferry.

3-Sep Office closed for Labor Day 4-Sep Appointments in my office 5-Sep Attended funeral of Bishop Dabney Smith's mother in Florida. 6-Sep Appointments in my office 7-Sep I traveled to Erie, PA for the consecration of the Bishop of NE Pennsylvania, Sean Rowe. 8-Sep Returned home to Charleston. 9-Sep Visitation: Huntington -- Trinity 10-Sep Day off 11-Sep Clergy Day at Christ Church -- Clarksburg. Michael Battle was our guest speaker. 12-Sep Eastern Panhandle: appointments in Martinsburg and met in the evening with the Nelson Cluster for an 18-month review of their mission and ministry. 13-Sep I traveled home to Charleston; staff meeting in the afternoon at the office. 14-Sep Meetings regarding Convention

15-Sep I flew to Washington, D.C. to attend The Very Rev. Melanie McCarley father's funeral. I flew home later that afternoon

16-Sep Visitation: Beckley -- St. Stephen's; Bluefield for dedication of a park which Bea Paine helped organize and create.

17-Sep I went to the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans, where the Archbishop of Canterbury met with us; also we talked and visited a great deal of service projects around the city.

18-Sep House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans 19-Sep House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans 20-Sep House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans 21-Sep House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans 22-Sep House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans 23-Sep Visitation: Mobile, Alabama -- for the Diocese of Central Gulf Coast, where I presided at the church for the deaf.

24-Sep House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans 25-Sep House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans 26-Sep Returned home to Charleston. 27-Sep Diocesan Convention 28-Sep Diocesan Convention 29-Sep Diocesan Convention 30-Sep Day off 1-Oct Day off 2-Oct Doctor's appointment in the morning; back to the office for meetings in the afternoon. 3-Oct Appointments in my office all day 4-Oct Catch up on office work. 5-Oct Catch up on office work. 6-Oct Drove to Clover for a Eucharist at the old Church of Cloverlick. We had a nice turnout. Many of the people from Marlinton as well as some from Charleston were present. 7-Oct Visitation: Huntington -- St. John's; flew to Chicago for Marsha's niece's wedding. I missed the wedding but arrived just in time to say grace at the reception. 8-Oct We flew home. It was Marsha's birthday. 9-Oct Appointments in my office

10-Oct Attended with Faith Perrizo and Debbie Short a meeting at St. Marys -- Grace Church regarding the Ohio Valley Cluster.

11-Oct Staff meeting and Appointments in my office all day. 12-Oct Bishop's Ball -- Stonewall Jackson Resort. I had meetings during the day. We stayed overnight.

13-Oct Returned home to Charleston. 14-Oct Visitation: Kingwood -- St. Michaels; ARC evening prayer service with Bishop Bransfield at St. Thomas á Becket in Morgantown. Bishop Bransfield presided and I preached. 15-Oct Clergy Conference at Peterkin. 16-Oct Clergy Conference at Peterkin. 17-Oct Clergy Conference at Peterkin. 18-Oct Sandscrest Foundation and Board meeting at Sandscrest -- Annual meeting. In the evening I met with the COM at Sandscrest. 19-Oct Returned home to Charleston. In the evening Marsha and I drove to Ansted for Bridge Day the next day.

20-Oct Bridge Day. I zip-lined off of the New River Gorge Bridge to raise monies to eradicate illiteracy. In the evening I drove to Christ Church -- Bluefield for Mike Snider's ordination. 21-Oct It was scheduled for the WVCC to sponsor the judicatory leaders to visit ecumenical churches. That was scratched at some point, so I had the Sunday free. In the evening at St. John's in Charleston I attended the WVCC annual assembly.

22-Oct I attended the WVCC assembly. 23-Oct I left for Boston, MA in the late afternoon. I had dinner with Anna and Bishop Harris from MA. I met with my Systems Group. 24-Oct I met with my Systems Group. 25-Oct I returned home to Charleston. 26-Oct Appointments in my office

27-Oct I drove to Wheeling and had dinner with Rich and Cynthia Walter. 28-Oct Visitation: Wheeling -- Lawrencefield Chapel 29-Oct Appointments in my office 30-Oct Appointments in my office 31-Oct Appointments in my office 1-Nov Appointments and phone calls in the office

2-Nov Appointments in my office 3-Nov I drove to Romney for confirmation service at Peterkin with St. Stephen's -- Romney. Afterwards I drove back to Charleston

4-Nov Visitation: Charleston -- St. John's at 8:00 a.m. to announce Denise Giardina would be reinstated to the diaconate. South Charleston -- All Saints' for their final Eucharist. 5-Nov Appointments in my office all day 6-Nov I drove to Parkersburg for some appointments; in the evening I went to St. Luke's Charleston for their closing service.

7-Nov Appointments in my office, especially interviews for potential candidates for the CFO position.

8-Nov Appointments in my office, interviews and a meeting the Standing Committee. 9-Nov I drove to Sandscrest for Diocesan Council meeting that day. 10-Nov Diocesan Council -- Sandscrest. I drove to the Eastern Panhandle 11-Nov Visitation: Shepherdstown -- Trinity. In the afternoon I met with the Nelson Cluster Task Force to talk about the future of the Nelson Cluster. 12-Nov I was at VTS for their board meeting 13-Nov I was at VTS for their board meeting 14-Nov I was at VTS for their board meeting 15-Nov I returned to Charleston 16-Nov Day off 17-Nov I drove to Williamson for the consecration and dedication of their new altar. 18-Nov Visitation: Barboursville -- St. Andrew's; appointment in my office in the afternoon 19-Nov Appointments in my office, along with the Grants for Mission meeting 20-Nov Appointments in my office; in the evening picked up my mother from the airport for Thanksgiving visit.

21-Nov Appointments in my office in the morning and phone calls; took the rest of the day off. 22-Nov Holiday -- Thanksgiving 23-Nov Holiday -- Thanksgiving 24-Nov Holiday -- Thanksgiving 25-Nov Visitation - Hinton: Ascension

26-Nov Flew to Ft. Lauderdale for CREDO. I was there with about 30 other bishops for the CREDO for Bishops.

27-Nov CREDO 28-Nov CREDO 29-Nov CREDO 30-Nov CREDO 1-Dec CREDO 2-Dec CREDO 3-Dec Returned home to Charleston. 4-Dec Appointments in my office 5-Dec Appointments in my office 6-Dec I traveled to Lynchburg, VA in the late afternoon to have dinner with my cousin. 7-Dec Ordination rehearsal 8-Dec Ordained two people to the priesthood, a husband and wife who had been parishioners of mine in Wheaton, IL. Returned home to Charleston 9-Dec Visitation: Pt. Pleasant -- Christ Church 10-Dec Appointments in my office, then drove to Eastern Panhandle to attend funeral of Alice Thornton at Zion Church in Charles Town. 11-Dec Returned home to Charleston 12-Dec Appointments in my office 13-Dec Traveled to White Sulphur Springs and Lewisburg to meet with Fr. Butler and St. James' congregation. We discussed the future after Jim Conyers resignation and intention to go the Roman Catholic Church.

14-Dec Appointments in my office 15-Dec Diaconal Ordination at Parkersburg -- Good Shepherd 16-Dec Visitation: Ravenswood - Grace Church 17-Dec I traveled to Premier Park in McDowell County for a HEP Board meeting. 18-Dec Appointments in my office 19-Dec Appointments in my office; had lunch with the Kanawha Deanery clergy to say goodbye to Wayne Rollins

20-Dec Appointments in my office and met with St. Christopher as they began to set up their new church. In the evening I went to Huntington to have dinner with the Convention Planning Committee from Trinity Huntington.

21-Dec Staff meeting in the morning, then a farewell party for Debbie Short in the afternoon. 22-Dec 23-Dec Visitation: Wellsburg -- Christ Church 24-Dec I presided at the Midnight Mass at St. John's - Charleston, with The Rev. David Hackett presiding.

25-Dec We had Eucharist in our living room. 26-Dec Day off; it was Adeeb Khalil's 70th birthday. 27-Dec Day off 28-Dec Day off 29-Dec Day off 30-Dec Visitation: Charleston: St. Luke's, now called St. Christopher. 31-Dec Day off; Anna had her 21st birthday.

TEXT OF RESOLUTIONS AS ADOPTED AT THE 131st ANNUAL Diocesan CONVENTION

(Resolution 1) as adopted Resolution re Equality of Priests ALL PRIESTS ARE EQUAL Submitted by Bob DuBose Resolved, That the Diocese of West Virginia affirms that all priests licensed in this Diocese are equal in their authority to preach the Gospel and celebrate the sacraments under the authority of the Bishop without regard to the form of their training or the provision of the canons under which they were ordained. Each is due the respect that is afforded any who serves in the priestly office of ministry. And be it further resolved, That the Diocese of West Virginia affirms that all congregations are graced by God with the capability to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with their communities. And be it further resolved, That although each congregation has a different financial ability to underwrite the sharing of the Gospel each is charged to use its financial resources to best accomplish that ministry. And be it further resolved, That within their capacity each congregation is to call and compensate clergy to share in the work of proclaiming the Gospel in their communities. And be it further resolved, That congregations and clergy are to work with the Bishop to develop a letter of agreement at the time of the clergy’s call that is responsible in what it expects of both the congregation and the clergy given the different levels of congregational capacity and clergy need. This agreement is to be reviewed at least bi-annually and particularly when the circumstances of either the congregation or the clergy change substantially.

(Resolution 2) as adopted Establish a Diocese-wide dialogue and listening process to bring gay, lesbian and heterosexual people fully into the Church’s conversation about human sexuality Submitted by: The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Charleston Susan J. Latimer, Rector Be it resolved, That this 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia establish a Task Force, the membership of which to be appointed by the Bishop, to develop a process of Diocesan-wide dialogue and listening, designed to bring gay, lesbian and heterosexual people fully into the church’s conversation on human sexuality. And be it further resolved, that this Task Force present a recommendation for the implementation of this process to the 132nd Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia. (Resolution 3) as adopted Colors of Life Africa (COLA) designated as an official diocesan MDG project. Submitted by: The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Charleston Susan J. Latimer, Rector Resolved, That Colors of Life Africa (COLA), be designated an official Millennium Development Goal (MDG) project of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia. (Resolution 4) as adopted Approval for a Companion Relationship with Diocese of Katakwa and for further exploration of Diocesan Relationships around the Anglican Communion. Faithfully submitted by The Rev. Zachary Drennen Resolved that the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia encourage the Diocesan Companion Diocese Commission to explore future possibilities for Companion Relationships around the Anglican Communion, with special attention afforded to the Diocese of Katakwa and the current and previous companion relationships of the Diocese of West Virginia; Be it further resolved that the Diocesan Companion Diocese Commission report back to the 2009 Convention to recommend the establishment of a companion relationship to the 2009 Convention.

(Resolution 5) as adopted Support for Current Military Personnel, Military Veterans, and Their Families Submitted by The Reverend William Carl Thomas Rector, Saint Matthews Episcopal Church, Charleston, West Virginia (former Chaplain in the United States Army Reserve, 1990-1996) Resolved, That 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia calls every congregation to support current military personnel, military veterans, and their families with our prayers, both personal and corporate, and by using such tools for ministry as offered by the Home Support Team (H.O.S.T.) community outreach program encouraged by the Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies; and CARENET: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon administered through the West Virginia Council of Churches. (Resolution 6) as adopted Urge the West Virginia State Legislature to Prohibit Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and to Add Sexual Orientation to the Hate Crimes Statute. Submitted by: The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Charleston Susan J. Latimer, Rector Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia urge members of the West Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates to pass legislation which would amend the current state human rights law, W. Va. Code 5-11-1 et seq. to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and to add sexual orientation to the motivations justifying prosecution under the West Virginia Hate Crimes statute, W. Va. Code § 61-6-21. Be it further resolved, that the Bishop of the Diocese of West Virginia communicate such to each member of the West Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates prior to the start of the 2009 legislative session on Wednesday, January 7, 2009.

TEXT OF RESOLUTIONS AS PRESENTED TO THE 131st CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF WEST VIRGINIA

(Resolution 1 – as presented) Resolution re Equality of Priests ALL PRIESTS ARE EQUAL Submitted by Bob DuBose

Resolved, That this Diocese recognizes that all priests ordained in this Diocese since the General Convention of 2003 are equal in all aspects, as mandated by the Canons of the Episcopal Church, and be it further Resolved, That all priests in this Diocese, except those ordained as “Canon 9” priests prior to the General Convention of 2003 but who may be compensated as established by resolution at the 2003 Diocesan Convention, are equally entitled to just compensation as required by Canon 6 of the Canons of the Diocese of West Virginia. Such compensation shall include stipend and, depending upon mutual agreement, housing or allowances for housing, transportation, continuing education, health insurance, retirement benefits, and such other allowances for professional expenses as employment situations warrant, and letters of agreement specify, and that compensation for part-time employment shall be extended on the basis of percentage of time worked as opposed to full-time employment, and that no priests in this Diocese shall be assigned by the Ecclesiastical Authority to function and work as priests without just compensation unless they voluntarily accept such employment conditions.

EXPLANATION: This resolution in no way mandates that all priests in this Diocese receive full compensation. It only states that there cannot be an inferior class of priests who are never in their entire careers given the chance for full, or even partial, remuneration for their work. Various situations and modalities where only partial or no compensation is given to priests, any and all priests, who accept such conditions, are still possible and desirable. Although reinstitution of Canon 9 is a sincere effort to eliminate financial burdens of small churches while providing them with priest services, achieving this on the backs of a lower order of priests who do 91 the work of the church but cannot, ever, be compensated for their work, or aspire to advancement of any kind, is anachronistic, unjust, and canonically unlawful. Canonically Unlawful. The 2003 General Convention of the Episcopal Church, by an 85% vote, eliminated the order of Priests variously known as “Canon 9 Priests, “or “locally ordained Priests,” or “locally raised priests,” or “local canon priests,” or “Diocesan trained priests,” and removed the previous Canon III.9 regarding this order of priests from its Canons. A senior priest of this Diocese, who was on the Canons Committee of the National Church which did away with Canon 9 in 2003, stated that “there was never any intention by the Canons Committee to recreate any "two class system" in some new form.” Canon law follows roughly the concepts of secular law, and it recognizes the “intent” of legislation in order to interpret the law when there is a question of interpretation. Thus there is no question that this reinstitution of Canon 9 is Canonically unlawful. The Path to Priesthood. The present Canon III.8 of the Episcopal Church, titled “Of the Ordination of Priests,” allows for various ways to prepare for the priesthood, but states unequivocally that once candidates have completed all the Canonical requirements satisfactorily as decided by the Bishop, advised by the Commission on Ministry, and have been duly ordained by the Bishop, they are from that time all in equal status as Priests of the Church of God. As such they are all equally bound to perform all the duties of Priests as set forth in Canons, the Book of Common Prayer, and tradition, and are equally entitled to all service, perquisites, and compensation as priests, as established by the Diocese for all the Priests in this Diocese, unless they voluntarily forego such perquisites and compensation. A Very Inferior Order of Priests. To say that these misnamed “Diocesan Trained Priests”(they were trained by Bexley Hall Seminary, which is not located in our Diocese) are equal to regular priests, just different, and serving a different calling, is not a true statement. According to “policy,” they are to serve throughout their professional careers without compensation of any kind, and are harshly limited in vocation opportunities and priestly responsibilities. They can never aspire to be Rectors, Vicars, or Interim Priests, and must have a “supervising priest” throughout their careers. Does this make them equal to real, full priests? There is no mendicant, or separate, order of 92

Priesthood in the Episcopal Church to which these half-ordained persons might aspire as a “calling.” The only calling of a priest is to be a priest, in the full Canonical and Sacred meaning of that high title. Work without pay. Should persons working many hours a week on pastoral care, church administration, Christian Education, preparation for and officiating at Sunday services, and the many other chores of priests, not be ever allowed to be compensated, even if their churches are willing and able to compensate them at least partially? This does not mean that priests, any priests, who, because of outside income, are precluded from voluntarily accepting to serve congregations without remuneration or with reduced remuneration. Are ETS-trained priests really inferior? Are these priests who received their education from a great Seminary, in a modern system, much by internet but with frequent interaction with professors, really so inferior to those who followed the old, traditional method of physically attending and living in seminaries, as this policy would assert? Senior members of the Commission on Ministry, such as the Rev. Victor Lawson, have stated without reservation that the candidates who came up through the Equipping the Saints Program were uniformly equal to and in most cases superior in all qualifications for the priesthood than those who had just come out of seminary. All of these “Non Residential Seminary Trained Priests”, for instance, had extraordinarily impressive academic credentials, life and management experience, before they went into the ETS program. If they are considered not qualified solely because of not following the traditional track, then we must not ordain them We must not ordain unqualified persons, or half-qualified persons, to the wonderful and holy order of priesthood. Justice. If the only way the Episcopal Church in West Virginia can survive is to create an order of priests who will do the work of priests, but who will not be compensated, and who will in all aspects be second-class priests, then we must worry about our church. We talk in our pulpits about justice. This anachronistic move is unjust, demeaning to these priests, and must be done away with. A priest is a priest. The Primary Reason is Financial. The Canon 9 system was reestablished in order to provide sacramental services to the many small churches in West Virginia which lack enough income to 93 remunerate full-time clergy. This motive is honorable and understandable—finances are important. Having the Eucharist celebrated in each church each Sunday by a priest is a noble goal. But must we build our church on the backs of a class of uncompensated, second-class, priests, solely in order to save money? There are better ways to meet the financial problem. The financial motivation for this historical throwback has no basis. There are many tried and successful methods for providing priestly and other ministry services to the many small churches in West Virginia, such as yoking, team ministries, using retired and supply priests, staggering of service times, compensation based on a scale of hours worked and services provided, priests able and willing to accept little or no compensation because they have other sources of income, using ordained Deacons who are granted authority to celebrate the Eucharist (quite allowed by Canons), and occasional morning prayer conducted by licensed worship leaders. Thus there is no financial or otherwise justification for instituting a canonically unlawful and morally unjust system of establishing an order of uncompensated and limited priests.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED WITH AMENDMENT

(Resolution 2 – as presented) Establish a Diocese-wide dialogue and listening process to bring gay, lesbian and heterosexual people fully into the Church’s conversation about human sexuality Submitted by: The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Charleston WV; Susan J. Latimer, Rector

EXPLANATION: As a result of the actions of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA in 2003 and following the actions of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, USA in 2006, dioceses of the Episcopal Church, USA engaged in meaningful dialogue and engaged in listening processes concerning human sexuality of all people in the life of the church regardless of sexual orientation. Such conversations began in our diocese shortly after the Episcopal Church USA General Convention of 2003 under the auspices of the Family Life 94

Task Force. We are not aware of a continuing dialogue or actively maintained listening process in our diocese at this time. A facilitated listening process using tools such as Appreciative Inquiry would afford us, as a diocese, an opportunity to listen to one another in a meaningful way, learn from one another and hold one another in respect and with love as brothers and sisters in Christ even as we explore our differing beliefs which we hold across a continuum concerning human sexuality. The House of Bishops, in their response dated September 25, 2007 (House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, Louisiana) entitled A Response to Questions and Concerns Raised by our Anglican Communion Partners charges all provinces of the Anglican Communion to engage in a "listening process" designed to bring gay and lesbian Anglicans fully into the Church's conversation about human sexuality. Resolved, That the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, as a member of a province of the Anglican Communion establish, nurture and support a formal diocese-wide dialogue and listening process designed to bring gay, lesbian and heterosexual people fully into the Church’s conversation about human sexuality.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED WITH AMENDMENT

(Resolution 3 – as presented) Colors of Life Africa (COLA) designated as an official diocesan MDG project. Submitted by: The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Charleston WV; Susan J. Latimer, Rector

EXPLANATION: COLA is a co-operative in Nairobi, Kenya providing employment for and benefiting 1000 people who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The Outreach Ministry Team of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charleston, West Virginia has facilitated the sale of sustainable products since 2003, returning $40,000 in direct aid to the community. Many Episcopal churches in the Diocese of West Virginia, including St.- Timothy-in-the-Valley, Hurricane, Trinity, Huntington, St. James’, 95

Lewisburg, Thomas á Becket, Morgantown and St. Mark’s, St. Albans and the U2charist at the Marshall University Campus Christian Center, Huntington, West Virginia have supported COLA through the sale of sustainable products in their local churches. Isabel Mwangi, COLA’s leader, was designated United Nations Development Program Women of the Year for 2005 as a result of the partnership undertaken between COLA. St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia. COLA’s work encompasses every Millennium Development Goal (MDG), including: halving extreme poverty halting the spread of HIV/AIDS providing universal primary education in the world by 2015 benefiting women and children by targeting HIV/AIDS, education and poverty reduction Resolved, That Colors of Life Africa (COLA), be designated an official Millennium Development Goal (MDG) project of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia.

THIS RESOLUTION PASSED.

(Resolution 4 – as presented) Continued recognition of the Parish of Saint Andrew's-on-the-Mount, Mountain Mission Submitted by Kathryn Bailey Conant

Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia continue to recognize Saint Andrew's-on-the-Mount Episcopal Church, Mountain Mission, West Virginia, as a parish of The Episcopal Church; and be it further Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia disavow and rescind any actions to the contrary by any person or organization affiliated with the Diocese of West Virginia or The Episcopal Church, or any congregation or communicants thereof EXPLANATION: Saint Andrew's-on-the-Mount is classified as a parish (Mountain Mission, St. Andrew's) as of August 31, 2007 (page 7 of the Journal of 130th Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia). The Right Reverend William Michie Klusmeyer, Bishop of West Virginia, in

96 violation of Canons 8.9 and 8.11, declared on 3 March 2008 that Saint Andrew's-on-the-Mount was closing on 1 July 2008 and sought approval for such action of the Diocesan Council on 18 April 2008. None of the criteria for the application of these canons apply to Saint Andrew's-on-the-Mount, which has at least 26 communicants; has sent a lay delegate to convention every year; is current on payment of its Missionary Apportionment; is self-supporting; and had maintained fully-paid clergy presence through the Nelson Cluster clergy and supply clergy. Bishop Klusmeyer has now instructed supply clergy in the Diocese not to celebrate Holy Eucharist at Saint Andrew's-on-the- Mount and sought to claim parish property for the diocese. Saint Andrew's-on-the-Mount Episcopal Church fully intends to continue as a parish of The Episcopal Church, with its vestry yielding allegiance to the Episcopal Church and adherence to its doctrine, discipline, and worship.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS OUT OF ORDER, THUS NOT VOTED UPON.

(Resolution 5 – as presented) Concerning: Cession of Territory to the Diocese of Virginia Submitted by Kathryn Bailey Conant

Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia agree to the cession of territory to the Diocese of Virginia, namely that territory east of the Shenandoah River to the West Virginia-Virginia state line, including the unincorporated community of Mountain Mission; and be it further Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia immediately notify the Diocese of Virginia of this agreement and request the agreement of the 214th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia, to take place January 23-24, 2009, in Reston, Virginia; and be it further Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia direct its Ecclesiastical Authority to consent immediately to such cession of territory; and be it further Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia request the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese of Virginia to consent to such cession of territory; and be it further 97

Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia request the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese of Virginia to consent to such cession of territory; and be it further Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia, upon the mutual agreement with the Diocese of Virginia, direct its Ecclesiastical Authority to seek the approval of such cession by the General Convention or by a majority of Bishops having jurisdiction in the United States, and of the Standing Committees of the Dioceses EXPLANATION: Provision for such cession of diocesan territory is made in Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of General Convention:

The parish of Saint Andrew's-on-the-Mount Episcopal Church is located on the Blue Ridge in Mountain Mission, West Virginia, about 325 miles by road from the sea of the Diocese of West Virginia in Charleston, West Virginia, and 160 miles by road from the sea of the Diocese of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. The territory described is the only part of the Blue Ridge in the Diocese of West Virginia and is separated from the rest of the Diocese of West Virginia by the Shenandoah River and adjoins the Diocese of Virginia. Cession of the territory from the Diocese of West Virginia to the Diocese of Virginia would be in the best interests of both Dioceses and further the continuing Episcopal presence in this mountain community.

THIS RESOLUTION DID NOT PASS.

(Resolution 6 – as presented) Approval for a Companion Relationship with Diocese of Katakwa and for further exploration of Diocesan Relationships around the Anglican Communion. Faithfully submitted by The Rev. Zachary Drennen

Resolved, that the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia endorses the formation of a Companion Relationship between this diocese and the Diocese of Katakwa in the province of Kenya, beginning January 1st 2009 and continuing until December 31st, 2014 or terminated by mutual consent; and be it further Resolved, that the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia encourage and empower the Diocesan Companion Diocese Commission to implement this relationship, including the recruitment of persons and congregations in the diocese to participate in this relationship; and be it further Resolved, that the 131st Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia encourage and empower the Diocesan Companion Diocese Commission to explore future possibilities for Companion Relationships around the Anglican Communion, with special attention afforded to the Diocese’ current and previous companion relationships, and to report back to the 2009 Convention with recommendations to the Convention.

EXPLANATION: The Diocese currently enjoys a number of both formal and informal relationships within the Anglican Communion. The relationship with the Diocese of Katakwa, located in Western Kenya, exists through the missionary work of the Rev. Zach Drennen, priest in West Virginia and resident of Kenya. The formation of a companion relationship with Katakwa would formalize this existing friendship and strengthen each diocese in its own ministry through mutual encouragement, intensified concern for one another, and exchange of spiritual and material resources. The current presence of a long-term missionary in Katakwa only serves to further enhance the potential benefit of the relationship: the missionary is well placed to serve as a liaison between the two dioceses and facilitate the exchange of prayer, encouragement, resources, and personnel. Other Diocesan relationships exist, as well. The Diocese of West 100

Virginia is engaged in a companion relationship with the Diocese of Tuam, though the last eight years have produced no missionary efforts and little benefit to either Diocese. Furthermore, as recently as this year, Bishop Klusmeyer asked Diocesan Council for permission to investigate a companion relationship with a Diocese within the Sudan. Lastly, West Virginia has, in the past, enjoyed various relationships within the province of Tanzania. The potential benefit in ministry and mission within these relationships is limitless. But they require careful exploration, consideration, and direction. This resolution would provide the Diocese, through the ongoing work of missionaries and the Companion Diocese Commission (The Rev. Lisa Davis Heller: Chair), with a recommended and considered way forward to engage in these relationships.

THIS RESOLUTION PASSED WITH AMENDMENT.

(Resolution 7 – as presented) Support for Current Military Personnel, Military Veterans, and Their Families Submitted by The Reverend William Carl Thomas Rector, Saint Matthews Episcopal Church, Charleston, West Virginia (former Chaplain in the United States Army Reserve, 1990-1996)

Resolved, That 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia calls every congregation to support current military personnel, military veterans, and their families with our prayers, both personal and corporate, and by using such tools for ministry as offered by the Home Support Team (H.O.S.T.) community outreach program encouraged by the Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies; and CARENET: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon administered through the West Virginia Council of Churches.

EXPLANATION: Mission Statement of H.O.S.T The Episcopal Church wants to be more intentional in its response to the growing needs of U.S. military personnel, their families, and community impacted by the on-going conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, a program of community outreach called “Home Support 101

Team” (or “H.O.S.T.”) has been encouraged by the Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies of the Episcopal Church, to lead our church’s response to the growing number of persons impacted when a loved one is deployed in harm’s way and when he or she returns. Currently over 150,000 American troops and civilian contract personnel are deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Over 4,000 have died and over 29,000 have returned home wounded, including many amputees and otherwise maimed for life. Every American community, large and small, is being impacted by the deployment of local National Guard and Reserve personnel in addition to the huge number of Active Duty (full time) troops who absent themselves from family and community. We believe the need is great for local faith-based communities to be pro-active in reaching out to these families and individuals. Nearly 50% of those being deployed in harm’s way are from local Reserve and National Guard units and don’t always have access to a military installation which has support groups and other resources for Active Duty military families. Therefore, it is important for faith-based communities to be creative in meeting the growing needs of families and persons in the community who are impacted when a member is deployed or returns home physically maimed or emotionally traumatized. The fear of this possibility is often a great burden on families who have a loved one deployed. H.O.S.T. seeks to address this anxiety. H.O.S.T. is ecumenical, inter-faith and non-partisan in all respects. Otherwise it will not reach the targeted population of all local families/individuals who have been impacted by the war. H.O.S.T. is neither limited to those who have Episcopal Church membership ties, nor is it a proselytizing instrument. Episcopal Church dioceses and congregations will be expected to join hands with local churches/institutions of other denominations, with synagogues, mosques and other religious organizations (clergy groups, ecumenical lay groups, etc.), and with non-religious groups. Source: http://www.episcochap.org/HOST_program_new.html About CARE-NET: Caring Beyond the Yellow Ribbon The West Virginia Council of Churches has taken up the mantle of caring for our military and their families as they deploy and redeploy from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the post 9/11 world, the Army and Air 102

National Guard plus the Reserve Components have answered the call and serves in support of their state and country. Right now units are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. The West Virginia Council of Churches has pioneered a program called CARE-NET: Caring Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. The program is named as a reminder that the support of our military and their families cannot end when they return from deployment and the yellow ribbons are untied. The program will provide informational events and activities to assist military members and their families through all phases of the deployment cycle including pre and post deployment. The project targets all prior and current military members who claim West Virginia as home. This website will provide information, articles, community and military events and activities that link the community and military together. Source: http://carenetwv.org/?content=about

THIS RESOLUTION PASSED.

(Resolution 8 – as presented) Recognition of The Rev. Jim Reed for his service to the Brooke- Hancock Episcopal Ministries Submitted by the Brooke-Hancock Episcopal Ministries

Resolved, That 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia recognizes The Rev. Jim Reed for his unwavering service to the Brooke-Hancock Episcopal Ministries for over twenty years; And be it further Resolved that this Convention celebrates the ordained ministry of those clergy who unselfishly serve the Diocese of West Virginia through the call of being locally trained with no or little compensation for their service by which The Rev. Jim Reed has been a prime example.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COURTESY RESOLUTIONS.

(Resolution 9 – as presented) Recognition of Wendy Speer for her service to the Hallelujah Hike and Peterkin 103

Submitted by the Brooke-Hancock Episcopal Ministries

Resolved, That 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia recognizes Wendy Speer for her unequaled service to Peterkin for over fourteen years of service as hike leader for the Hallelujah Hike; And be it further Resolved, that this Convention not only recognize Wendy’s service to Peterkin but also that of her family for going above and beyond what was expected as leaders to make the Hallelujah Hike a success which continues to this day.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON COURTESY RESOLUTIONS.

(Resolution 10 – as presented) Urge the West Virginia State Legislature to Prohibit Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and to Add Sexual Orientation to the Hate Crimes Statute. Submitted by: The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Charleston WV; Susan J. Latimer, Rector

EXPLANATION: As people of Christ, we believe all persons within the boundaries of the State of West Virginia have the right to be free from any violence, or intimidation by threat of violence committed against their persons or property because of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.

Resolved, That the 131st Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia urge members of the West Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates to pass legislation which would amend the current state human rights law, W. Va. Code 5-11-1 et seq. to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and to add sexual orientation to the motivations justifying prosecution under the West Virginia Hate Crimes statute, W. Va. Code § 61-6-21.

THIS RESOLUTION PASSED WITH AMENDMENT.

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NECROLOGY OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST VIRGINIA SEPTEMBER 2007 – AUGUST 2008

Armstrong, Julia Elizabeth – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Ayers, William –Trinity, Shepherdstown Baldwin, Kalista J. – Trinity, Martinsburg Borwin, J. Glenn – Zion, Charles Town Brabbon, Arnold – Calvary Church, Montgomery Call, Sonya – Christ Church, Point Pleasant Carson, Josephus ―Joe‖ – Zion, Charles Town Carson, Josephus Ross – St. Andrew‘s, Mountain Mission Casto, Alice Virginia – Trinity, Huntington Cather, Alexander Goff – Christ Church, Clarksburg Cather, Edit – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Christian, Diane K. – Trinity, Huntington Cole, Eleanor ―Susie‖ Kay – St. Matthew's, Charleston Conaway, A. Herman – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Cooke, Anne Perkins – Zion, Charles Town Cornell, Georgia W. – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Covey, Elizabeth ―Betsy‖ Nelson – Zion, Charles Town Creamer, Pauline D‘Angelo – Zion, Charles Town Crichton, William IV – St. Matthew's, Charleston Cropp, Robert – Christ Church, Clarksburg Dailey, Hazelteene – Zion, Charles Town Darby, Albert Darius, Jr. – Trinity, Martinsburg Deem, Sara Grant DeVore – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Emmert, Anne Lucas – Trinity, Martinsburg Ewing, Margaret – St. Luke‘s, Wheeling Farha, Macel – Calvary Church, Montgomery Ferguson, Mavis L. – Zion, Charles Town Fields, Alice – St. John‘s, Huntington Fletcher, Susie A. – Trinity, Martinsburg French, William ―Bill‖ – St. Paul‘s, Williamson Gerwig, Helen S. – Trinity, Parkersburg Gibson, Urath Cockey – Zion, Charles Town Gilmore, Marvin ―Gil‖ – Trinity, Parkersburg Goodykoontz, H. Alan – Christ Church, Bluefield Gore, William Irvin – Zion, Charles Town Hamrick, Larry – St. Paul‘s, Williamson Hannan, Dorothea B. – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Harlow, Albert H. – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Harmon, Max – Trinity, Shepherdstown

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Haynes, Benjamin W. – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Hazlett, Waldean – St. Mark‘s, St. Albans Heishman, Ruth C. – Emmanuel, Moorefield Holloway, Calvert Jones Rankin – Lawrencefield, Wheeling Hudson, Betty Lou – Trinity, Martinsburg Jones, Nedra – Christ Church, Point Pleasant Keyser, Dr. Dale Dunfee – Zion Charles Town King, Roberta – Lawrencefield Parish, Wheeling Klein, Kittie Lynn – Trinity, Huntington Kootz, Leslie L. – St. Matthew's, Charleston Leachman, Burton B. – Christ Church, Clarksburg Legg, James – St. Mark‘s, St. Albans Lewis, Donald – Good Shepherd, Hansford Lewis, Donald – Good Shepherd, Hansford Lewis, Mary Ann – St. Mark‘s, St. Albans Limer, Emma Lou – Christ Church, Clarksburg Lippencott, Edith Ridley – Zion, Charles Town Loiseau, Eugene V. – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Matthews, Frank Eldridge, Jr. – Trinity, Huntington McAtee, Burke Lee – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd McAtee, Robert Ogle – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd McCue, Dr. Ralph W. – Christ Church, Bluefield McIver, Madalean – Charles Town, St. Phillip's Miller, Joan Ellen – Trinity, Martinsburg Mills, Mildred – Christ Church, Clarksburg Minton, Sheila Jo – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Moler, Edward Spencer – Trinity, Martinsburg Morgan, Lloyd H., Jr. – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Morgan, Sue Ann – Trinity, Martinsburg Orrence, Patricia – Trinity, Shepherdstown Panteloukas, Chris – Christ Church, Point Pleasant Pickering, Jennifer Jane ―Missy‖ – St. Matthew's, Charleston Pollard, Mildred M. – Trinity, Huntington Posey, Patricia Jean – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Rapp, Florence – Trinity, Parkersburg Reynolds, Catherine – St. Mark‘s, St. Albans Reynolds, Jenny – St. Paul‘s, Williamson Reynolds, Stephen (Butch) – St. Thomas, White Sulphur Springs Robinson, Isabel Merchant – Zion, Charles Town Russell, Ann – St. Paul‘s, Wheeling Saxe, Martha – St. John‘s, Huntington Shaw, Betty Langford – Trinity, Martinsburg

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Sjoberg, Arne – St. Matthias, Grafton Smith, Alice E. – Trinity, Parkersburg Sowers, Leon – Zion, Charles Town Spielman, Vernon ―Joe‖ Lee – Mt. Zion, Hedgesville Stapleton, Ernest – Holy Trinity, Logan Steers, Jackie – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Stepp, Jean – St. Paul‘s, Williamson Swearigen, Anne D. – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Troutman, Aldene Morris Lothes – St. Matthew's, Charleston Tyree, Ruby A. – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Underwood, Margaret Ann – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd VanBuren, Patricia – St. Mark‘s, St. Albans Vannoy, Doranne Boyd – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Walter, Lorena Andrew's Anderson ―Kitty‖ – St. Matthew's, Charleston White, Lillian Leon Hudson – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Whitehair, Lois Williams – Parkersburg, Good Shepherd Williams, George Morgan – Zion, Charles Town Wilson, Mark D. – Christ Church, Clarksburg Wolfe, Richard Vernon – St. Michael‘s, Kingwood Woodall, Helen – Trinity, Huntington Wright, Emily Broadwater – St. Paul‘s, Sistersville

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COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

ALTAR GUILD Hollie Mitchell – Chair I have traveled around this beautiful adopted home state of ours for the past three years as your Altar Guild Directress. The first year, Sister Julian and I had four scheduled ―workshops.‖ These were well-attended and so, I continued on my own for the next two years doing ―workshops by invitation.‖ So far, 30+ churches have been represented by 130+ interested persons. I have learned so very much and have met so many women and men dedicated to this ministry of ―Setting the Lord‘s Table‖. I am always available for a ―workshop;‖ I can be reached via phone call or email. I would like to announce a state wide call for a more unified altar guild – a state chapter. Please call, email or write to me with your thoughts and ideas on this exciting adventure! I am eager to hear from all of you. I can be reached at 304-776-8315.

ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mr. Lloyd Miller – Chair There has been no activity since the 2007 Diocesan Convention.

AUDIT COMMITTEE Richard (Kit) Francis – Temporary Chair The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to: 1) oversee the financial reporting process; 2) monitor the choice of accounting policies and principals; 3) monitor the internal fiscal control process; and 4) oversee the hiring and performance of the auditors, including a careful review of their audit report. Those serving on the Committee are Carlyle Farnsworth, Richard (Kit) Francis, Hal Foss, Sheila Dyche, Dr. Michael R. Anderson, and Walter (Buck) Sowers. The Audit Committee met twice with the Independent Auditors, Dixon Hughes PLLC and the Diocese financial management team, and reviewed the 2007 audited financial statements and management‘s comments. The Independent Auditors issued an unqualified (clean) opinion on the Diocese Financial Statements for 2007. However, they did report a material weakness in internal controls due to not recording and reconciling investment transactions in a timely manner throughout the year. The steps that financial management of the Diocese will take

108 to correct this material weakness were discussed, and will be reviewed in 2009. During 2009, the Committee plans to adopt a charter to guide its activity in years to come.

BUDGET COMMITTEE Charles R. Hunsaker – Acting Chair After discussions between the Bishop, the Treasurer and the Chief Financial Officer it was determined that for the 2009 Diocesan Budget, the Diocesan Council would serve as a budget committee of the whole. This was undertaken because of time deadlines and due to the fact that the very limited number of discretionary spending items did not request Committee consideration since Council, of necessity, must ultimately make these determinations.

CHURCH COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN Laura Leslie – Chair The mission of the Church Commission for Children is to respond in new and intentional ways to Christ‘s mandate that we welcome, care for, bless and bring all children close to God. We are committed to ensuring the well being of all children by being responsive to their spiritual, physical and mental needs. Our mission extends to ensure the safety of God‘s children through a commitment that our churches are safe havens for children, where they are free from neglect and abuse. Our commitment to children calls us to support all families in bringing up their children in the Christian faith and life. The Commission will serve as a resource for churches seeking to nurture and minister to children in their communities. The focus of the Commission is children from birth through fifth grade. The most significant accomplishment of the Commission in the past year was the 2007 Diocesan Convention, celebrating the spiritual life of the child; the theme was ―This Little Light of Mine‖. Our keynote speaker, Rev. Canon Anne Kitch, presented her address, ―Baptized into One Body: Children as Full Members‖. Four forums were well attended with 20 – 30 participants in each of the two sessions. Rev. Canon Anne Kitch addressed ―Holy Households: Faith Formation in the Home‖. Bill Gordh, demonstrated his expertise in his workshop, ―Creating a Meaningful Children‘s Chapel‖. In addition, Bill provided the second evening entertainment with his stories and music. Andrea Burch discussed ―Enhancing Relationships with Children‖. Marc Harshman addressed ―The Story Table‖, an examination of the role storytelling has in family rituals and how it can be used to provide the religious anchor to healthy family life. The Saturday Eucharist was child friendly; children read the lessons and led the Prayers of the 109

People, written by the campers from Peterkin Junior Camp. Child care was provided for participants during business and educational sessions. Registration fees for children were waived with reasonable costs for meals. Books written by our speakers were sold at the Commission exhibit. Recordings were made of the keynote address and forums with the intention of providing a copy to each congregation. However, the cost was exorbitant; two copies of the DVD for each speaker with one of their books or handouts are available to borrow from the Diocesan office. Two resolutions sponsored by the Church Commission for Children were passed by delegates to the 2007 Diocesan Convention. Resolution 7 resolved that each congregation commit itself to at least one new ministry with children in the coming year and submit a report to the Commission. Thirty congregations responded, and a summary will be provided during the 2008 convention. Resolution 8 called upon all lay persons and clergy to actively support state and federal legislative initiatives that provide for the welfare of all children in this state and to contact Legislative and Congressional representatives in support of appropriate children‘s legislation. The Commission supported several bills related to child abuse and neglect sponsored by the WV State Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Children and Families. Commission members hosted a regional day long workshop, ―Children‘s Programming‖, with a focus on Vacation Bible School, Children‘s Worship, seasonal activities and Sunday School October, 2007 in Bridgeport with ten participants. The Church Commission for Children is coordinating the child care for attendees of the 2008 Convention and providing a children‘s ―pajama party‖ with music and storytelling. Commission members have conducted an in-depth review of congregational surveys of children‘s ministry completed in 2006. A summary of the surveys will be provided at the 2008 convention. The Commission has continued its work in compiling children‘s ministry resources. A beginning bibliography of spirituality for children and youth is available on the Diocesan website. Free or low-cost resources have been distributed via WV Mission, as a handout in this Convention packet and on the Diocesan website. Future work for the Church Commission for Children includes the following: -continue to compile children‘s ministry resources, publicize them to congregations and serve as consultants -review and publicize outreach opportunities with children -redefine Commission mission and objectives with the assistance of a consultant 110

-coordinate child care for the 2009 Diocesan Convention Members of the 2007-2008 Church Commission for Children are Laura Leslie, chairperson, Luther Crouthamel, Marc Harshman, Rev. Stan Holmes, Becki Krzywdik, Joycelyn Kyte, Rev. George Sherrill, Connie Stone, and Bishop Mike Klusmeyer, Diocesan Liaison

CHURCH PENSION FUND David Ramkey – Chair The primary purpose of this committee is to represent the interests of the clergy of the diocese by reviewing and evaluating the clergy pension plan maintained by the Church Pension Group. The committee has been asked to expand its role to assume a responsibility and oversight function of the lay pension plan as well. The Church Pension Fund continues to have an accumulated surplus over required reserves for future benefits. This surplus allows the Fund to conservatively increase services and provide additional benefits to retirees and current participants. In today‘s world of uncertainty and under-funded pension plans, it is a blessing to be charged with reviewing a plan that is over funded and expanding benefits available to current and retired clergy. The Lay Pension plan was slightly over funded on an actuarial basis at the end of 2007. Some questions arose concerning the assumptions used in the calculations and will be discussed with the plan administrator. The committee has also been in contact with the Church Pension Fund to initiate the consolidation of the Diocesan Lay Pension Plan into the Church Pension Fund‘s Lay Pension plan. We will continue to work with the Church Pension Fund to accomplish this goal.

COMMISSION ON COLLEGE AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY The Rev. Siobhan Patterson – Chair This year, a Campus Ministry Task Force, now Commission on College and Young Adult Ministry, was created ―to guide and shape campus ministry in the diocese, and to be a sounding board and resource to campus ministers/ministries in West Virginia.‖ The committee began meeting in April and is made up of students, campus ministers, clergy, and lay leaders (committee members are listed below). The committee designed a campus ministry booklet for distribution to high school students, and copies were given to students at Senior Camp in June. The booklet highlights diocesan campus ministry and the campus ministries at Marshall and WVU. The committee is also working on a campus ministry resource booklet to distribute to parishes at Convention.

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A Facebook group was created to gather students and communicate ideas and information about diocesan campus ministry events. In addition to the Facebook group, the committee is creating a database of students and is planning to mail regular newsletter to students. Retreats, service projects, and/or fun events will be planned and carried out by the committee each semester. The fall retreat, which will be held at Peterkin, is scheduled for October 17-19, 2008. For ongoing information, visit the committee‘s weblog at http://taskforcewv.wordpress.com/. Committee members: Jason Beschinski, Ann Burr, Nicki Carpenter, Adam Harris, Maria Kinard, Caitlin McIntyre, The Rev. Eric Miller, The Rev. Siobhán Patterson (Chair), Vicky Phillips, Amy Porterfield, Emily Rengers, Amy Seitz, The Rev. Adam Thomas, and The Rev. Cheryl Winter

COMMISSION ON EVANGELISM The Rev. Cynthia Walter – Chair Since our reorganization in 2007, the Commission on Evangelism has pursued a four-pronged strategy: 1. To define and communicate expectations about evangelism to clergy and congregations. 2. To offer an annual evangelism conference. 3. To provide regular communication about evangelism to parishes and individuals. 4. To provide and share evangelism resources in the form of information and grants of money in support of evangelism projects. In support of the first and fourth provisions, we have developed a brochure detailing our views on evangelism, our strategy, and the procedure for applying for a grant. The centerpiece of our strategy in 2008 (provision 2) was our Magnetic Church Conference in April, attended by more than 100 enthusiastic churchpeople. We have contacted and have been contacted by many conference alumni who are undertaking new projects in their parishes based on Magnetic Church principles. These initiatives range from revamping Sunday bulletins to implementing ambitious new programs. The Commission finds much opportunity in the areas of follow-up and implementation in the aftermath of the Magnetic Church Conference. Therefore we have revised the second provision of our four-pronged strategy from ―Annual evangelism conference‖ to ―Annual evangelism focus or effort.‖ Along with following-up with individual parishes to help implement new evangelism initiatives, the Commission is investigating a publicity effort for evangelism diocese-wide. These two emphases

112 will be the Commission‘s annual evangelism focus or effort for 2008- 2009. In support of provision three, Canon Don Vinson regularly emails clergy and parish leaders in the diocese with ―Canon Volleys‖ pertinent to the idea of spreading the Gospel through parish life. Don has personally underwritten a Commission-sponsored contest for the best Sunday bulletin in the diocese. The winner will be announced at Convention. As for provision four, the sharing of resources, the Commission has awarded two grants so far in 2008. Ascension Church, Hinton, received support for a summer music program. St. John‘s, Marlinton received support for the distribution of canvas grocery bags with the church logo at the local Harvest Festival. Additional grant money is available and if not used by individual parishes may be funneled toward diocesan publicity efforts that are under investigation (like billboards and radio spots.) Commission members are willing to visit churches for vestry orientation and adult education about evangelism, church building inventory (how welcoming are you?), publication review, and encouragement into how the parish can serve in their immediate context.

COMMISSION ON MINISTRY Mr. Tom Gilpin - Interim Acting Chair The Rev. Gene Sheppard – Acting Vice Chair The Commission on Ministry (the ―COM‖) has the task of overseeing and developing the ministry of the diocese in conjunction with the Bishop. The revision of the ministry canons (Title III) at the 2003 and 2006 conventions revised the role of the COM and affected the discernment, recruitment and training/equipping processes for both lay and ordained ministries. The COM is expected to help develop the ministries of all baptized persons, raise up and recruit persons for lay and ordained ministry, assist in the discernment processes of individuals and congregations, make recommendations to the Bishop at various stages of the ordination process, develop and monitor the formation of those in the ordination process, provide for licensing of lay ministries, and to oversee a Council of Deacons. The various processes continue to evolve and are routinely reviewed and tweaked in an effort to make them more effective. Although the COM deliberates and makes its decisions separately, the COM works collaboratively with the Standing Committee on many of its processes and meets jointly with the Standing Committee for parts of its meetings. In addition to its ongoing responsibilities the 2007 Diocesan Convention referred two resolutions relating to clergy compensation to the COM for review and report.

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The COM usually meets twice annually, in the Fall (October) and in the Spring (March). The Fall meeting includes receiving and acting upon recommendations from the Ministry Discernment Retreat (MDR) staff concerning postulancy for nominees attending the Fall MDR (usually held in September). The Spring meeting includes candidacy interviews, attestations as to continuing formation and recommendations concerning candidacy or postulancy from the Spring MDR (usually held in February). At each meeting reports from its committees and those members serving as liaisons to postulants and candidates are made. In the 2007-8 cycle due to an early Easter and a variety of scheduling conflicts with potential meeting places the Spring MDR was not held until May. This necessitated a third COM meeting in June. To assist in the discharge of these responsibilities, the COM has divided its work among committees with the following areas of responsibility: Vocation (sponsors the Ministry Discernment Retreat), Deacons, Ministry of the Baptized, Continuing Education, and Formation. Reports are also received by the COM from Equipping the Saints and other diocesan training programs, as well as communications from the Regional Ministry Commission as they relate to the work of the COM. Additionally, in connection with the matters referred to the COM by the 2007 Diocesan Convention, the COM created two task forces as follows: 1. Task Force on Clergy Compensation. The work of this task force was mainly dependent on the work of the second task force which was tasked with making policy recommendations on compensating and/or stipending clergy of different training backgrounds. 2. Vision for Ministry Task Force. The primary goals and focus of this task force was to produce a written vision for ministry for Diocese of West Virginia which would identify diocesan resources and other needed resources and clarify the formation process for all ministries. Other key charges to this task force were to address the various issues involving seminary versus locally trained clergy, particularly those centering around compensating and/or stipending clergy of different training backgrounds and to study and report on the health and future of various smaller, non-self sustaining and non-growing churches. This task force has met several times and divided itself into a couple of committees. It is not anticipated that a final report can be made until the 2009 Diocesan Convention. The Continuing Education Committee recommended several continuing education grants which were approved by the COM. This 114 committee is developing a form to document the use of grants in accordance with their applications. The Formation Committee works mainly through liaisons appointed for postulants and candidates. Additional training for clergy as to gift identification, recruitment and the discernment process for lay and clerical ministries has been deemed necessary by the COM and the process for implementation of this training is continuing. The Deacons‘ Committee has continued to meet in the last year and is focusing on education about the Diaconate and discernment of vocation to the Diaconate. The Vocation Committee sponsored two Ministry Discernment Retreats and made various recommendations for postulancy. The COM continues to receive and consider suggestions from participants as to the MDR structure. Within the parameters of the 2006 Canons, the COM continues to discuss and review appropriate standards of preparation and formation for the various ministries particularly those involving non-seminary training for persons seeking ordination to the priesthood. Although many components of the standards continue to evolve, during the past year and in consultation and conversation with the Bishop, these standards have become clearer and more definitive. As part of this evolution the COM and as reported last year, with the concurrence of the Bishop, authorized the commencement of a Team Ministry Pilot Project to become the model for team ministry discernment and preparation including calls to local ordination. The 2007 action of the COM in placing a moratorium on all persons from entering the process for the locally trained priesthood except those in the pilot project was reaffirmed in 2007-8 as a policy of the Diocese. The COM clarified that those in a pilot program had to use either the ETS or Life Cycles Program. The following five approved team ministry groups are involved in this process with the program being followed noted for each: Romney-Moorefield...... ETS Hinton ...... ETS Snowshoe - Marlinton ...... Life Cycles New River Ministries ...... Life Cycles Brooke Hancock Cluster ...... Life Cycles The efficacy of this pilot program is also a subject for review by the Vision for Ministry task force. This pilot program also calls for a MDR for the local team. The first team will go to a MDR late in September The COM spent considerable time in its meetings dealing with lay formation and licensure particularly insofar as the interplay between ETS and Life Cycles was concerned. Although the COM saw no canonical role for it with respect to the licensure of any particular 115 person, it did have a role in recommending the process for licensure and made several recommendations to the Bishop in this regard. Among these recommendations were the following relating to the initiation of the process for licensure: 1. The COM confirmed its understanding of the national cannons that licensure is to meet the needs of congregation and can only be initiated by a request from a member of clergy or other person with oversight of congregation. 2. It was recommended that diocesan policy be that applications for licensure normally come from rector, priest in charge, missioner and in the case of an interim clergy, in consultation with the Bishop, prior to formal application for individual licensure. Since last year‘s COM report the COM made the following recommendations with respect to persons in the ordination process: October 2007: John Valentine was recommended to be received for ordination and Robert Thompson and Joshua Saxe were recommended for Postulancy. The COM attested to the continuing formation for candidacy of Jim Morgan. At the March 2008 meeting the COM attested to the successful completion of programs of formation and demonstration of proficiency in required areas of study of The Revs. Susan McDonald, Ralph Matthew James and Adam Thomas who were recommended to the Standing Committee and the Bishop for ordination to the Priesthood. The COM also recommended ordination to the diaconate for Paul Hicks. At the June 2008 meeting the COM confirmed the earlier telephonic recommendation of postulancy for Charles Alex Riffee and Josiah Rengers (for the priesthood) and Alfred Pritchard (for the diaconate). The COM attested to the successful completion of programs of formation and demonstration of proficiency in required areas of study of Jim Lanter and Jim Morgan who were respectively recommended to the Standing Committee and the Bishop for ordination to the Priesthood and Diaconate.

COMMISSION ON SPIRITUALITY Marty French - Chair The Commission on Spirituality during the past year was actively involved in several activities to promote spirituality throughout the Diocese of West Virginia. Mission Statement: In a November 11 meeting at Sandscrest the Commission approved its mission statement: The mission of the Commission on Spirituality is to foster the practice of prayer and spiritual growth in the diocese of West Virginia

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Silent Retreat: As preparation for its primary activity, the Commission made final plans for the traditional Silent Retreat at Bishop Hodges Center in the second week of February, 2008. The eighth annual Diocesan Silent Retreat was held at Bishop Hodges‘ Pastoral Center in Huttonsville, February 21-24, 2008. Father Michael McKay, OSB, of Wheeling, was the retreat leader. Silent Retreats are sponsored by the Commission on Spirituality every February. Silence is maintained throughout the Retreat, including meals (only exceptions: Thursday night dinner and Sunday brunch) with well planned worship services and guided meditation. The 2009 Silent Retreat is scheduled for Thursday, February 19 through Sunday,-22, 2009 The Labyrinth: The Commission also is custodian of The Labyrinth, currently housed in the Diocesan Office. Website: The Diocese‘s new website was posted in Nov. and the Commission has a link Marty has looked at other websites for spirituality commissions. She brought information for commission members to peruse. December Advent Quiet Day: An Advent Day of Reflection Retreat was held on December 1 at St. Thomas a Becket Episcopal Church in Morgantown. The Rev. Susan McGhee was retreat leader and mentored participants in contemplative prayer. Chaplains: Commission Members agreed that their meetings could be models for the Commission and decided to have a chaplain for each meeting and experience a different kind of spiritual discipline or practice at each meeting. Retreat Schedules: Commission Members also questioned whether the Silent Retreat should be held every year and discussed expanding different kinds of formats for different kinds of people? February meeting at Silent Retreat--any thoughts to reconsider for June meeting, but brief meeting June meeting—June 1-3 at Sandscrest cancelled.

COMMISSION ON STEWARDSHIP Linda Crocker – Chair Commission on Stewardship The current Commission has been in place for a year and a half. We have spent this time getting to know each other, familiarizing ourselves with resources, visiting congregations and planning. Ted Walton and I attended the TENS conference in Kansas City, MO in April where we learned about ―the power of witness in nurturing generosity‖. The practice of sharing our stories and asking others to share theirs is essential to encouraging faith-based stewardship, just as it is to evangelism, church growth, and discipleship. 117

We joined TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship) as a corporate member and will continue our annual membership. Their website (www.tens.org) is full of stewardship resources everyone in the diocese can use. Additionally we receive Networking, the TENS newsletter 6 times a year. If you would like to be on the mailing list or have questions about the website, just contact me. Last fall we purchased a professional stewardship presentation that can be adapted for a variety of settings. We are developing expertise in giving the presentation and welcome invitations from congregations who would like to include it as part of their program. By the time of Convention we hope to have our new website available (www.wvstewardship.com). We want to make access to stewardship resources easily available to everyone in the Diocese. We welcome your comments and suggestions for additions or improvements. We are currently planning a diocesan-wide Lent series that will highlight various aspects of stewardship. Every church will be invited to participate in a deanery-wide event in their area one of the Wednesday evenings in Lent led by Commission members. We will also provide four other activities that churches can do individually or with neighboring congregations during the remaining weeks of Lent. These will all be enjoyable, interactive and easy to use. Our current stewardship team is small but enthusiastic. If you feel called to this area of ministry we would welcome your help. Please contact me or the bishop to express your interest. Members include: Mrs. Linda Crocker (Chair), The Rev Stanley Holmes, Ms. Sally Lane, Mr. Ted Walton, The Rev. William Thomas and The Rev. Donald Vinson.

COMMISSION TO END RACISM Harold Stewart – Chair Utilizing education, group interaction, anti-racism dialogues, and prayer, the goal of the commission is to bring about mutual understanding, respect, appreciation, and fair treatment for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Racism is a critical issue and must be taken seriously by this Diocese, and that means every congregation and person in the Diocese. Just to remind you, the 128th Annual Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia passed a resolution submitted by the Commission to End Racism that committed the Diocese to work to become a church committed to ending institutional and other forms of racism in this Diocese, and that each congregation commit itself to the work of overcoming the sin of racism through dialogue and training offered by the Commission to End Racism. It further made this training a requirement for all lay and ordained persons in leadership positions in 118 the Diocese including parishes and mission involved in a search process along with their vestries. Dialogues have been held in most of the Deaneries; however, all ordained and lay persons in leadership positions in the Diocese have not had this training as required by the resolution passed at the 128th Diocesan Convention and we urge you to contact the Commission to schedule the training. Training was scheduled in May, June and October of this year and was canceled due to lack of participation. Please visit our booth at Convention and sign up your Congregation for the Anti-Racism Training.

COMPANION DIOCESE COMMITTEE Lisa Davis Heller – Chair Holy Trinity Huntington and The Diocese hosted Bishop Richard Henderson during Holy Week and enjoyed his incredible gifts of teaching and preaching in a Holy Week series. The gracious people of Holy Trinity then responded in kind with their culinary and hospitality gifts. On July fourth, an entourage of six, Gwyn Wolfe, Linda and The Rev Donald Vinson, The Rev Cheryl Winter, Nenna Thomas and Lisa Heller, embarked on a trek to the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Anchonry. A few days into our trip we connected with Bishop Henderson and his family along with Bishop Klusmeyer and Marsha for a dinner at the Bishops home. The Rev. Neal O'Raw was our travel guide for the five day adventure replete with stories, good humor and wonderful experience of Irish culture and grace. Although we enjoyed our cultural and historical differences, we found that our work in Christ and the work of our Diocese are very much the same. We are very grateful for the clergy and hosts who received us with warm hearts and open arms.

CONSTITUTION AND CANONS COMMITTEE John McGhee – Chair The Constitution and Canons Committee is comprised of the chancellor, vice chancellor, 3 elected lay members and 3 elected clergy members (we are currently at only 2 clergy members following the resignation of Jim Conyers). As most attending Convention will be aware, this committee has been working for the last several years on a complete rewrite of the diocesan constitution and canons to update the documents and to hopefully make them more user-friendly by way of organization. At Convention 2007 we had passed the draft new constitution for what would be the first of two required successive year 119 votes with the prospect of the second required vote taking place at Convention 2008 at which time the draft new canons would also be voted upon such that both new documents would become effective at the same time. Due to an oversight of formality of not taking the vote on the constitution by orders and because of a desire to address questions for further revision, the current plan is for a vote at Convention 2008 to take place (by orders) to vote upon a newly updated version of the constitution for the first of the two successive votes with a vote also to be taken on the newest version of the canons. Both documents have been posted on the diocesan website with a notice to all congregations of the postings and the ability to obtain a hard copy from the diocesan office if needed. It is anticipated that if the documents are approved by Convention (2008 voting for the first of two years‘ approval of the constitution and on the canons and the constitution approved again at Convention 2009) the vote will be pursuant to resolution making both documents to become effective 1-1- 10. A diocesan-wide call-in conference was arranged and announced so that anyone in the diocese with questions or comments could take them up with the committee. Although there were no takers for the official conference, several individuals in the diocese have provided input. The committee (whose personnel has changed slightly each year with one new clergy and one new lay person coming on board each year to replace those finishing their 3 year terms) have spent numerous hours researching, drafting, reviewing, editing and meeting to discuss the current drafts. Should you have any questions or comments (or by chance thanks) please pass them on to any committee member.

THE DAYSPRING The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker – Editor The Dayspring is now in its eighteenth year of publication within the diocese. Six issues appeared during 2007, with four-color process for the covers and centerfold sections of each issue. A special Convention Crossroads issue was also produced for the 130th. Diocesan Convention. The editorial board met prior to publication of issues of The Dayspring. Members include: Jeannie Todaro, Sally Lane, and Pat Pate. Their enthusiasm and dedication to your diocesan newspaper remain unequalled and I appreciate their support and creativity very much. I also appreciate the efforts of everyone at Diocesan House throughout this past year. Truly The Dayspring would not exist if it weren't for the folks in Charleston at 1608 Virginia Street. We appreciate the efforts of Mollie Bailey, Gwyn Wolfe, David Ramkey, and of course, our Bishop, for their ministry with The Dayspring. 120

The Dayspring received national recognition from Episcopal Communicators at the annual conference in 2008 for work produced in 2007 (Category: dioceses below 12,000 circulation): Honorable Mention: Devotional/Inspirational Article - "Elizabethan Prose" - The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker, writer and editor. Honorable Mention: Humor - ―Episcopet‖ Michael Galligan, photographer, The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker, editor. Honorable Mention: Editorial Writing: Critical Review - ―The Close: A Young Woman‘s First Year at Seminary‖ - Marc Harshman, writer/reviewer; The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker, editor. · Award of Merit: Photography: Overall Use/Single Issue - ―The Dayspring‖ - The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker editor/designer. Award of Merit: Humor - ―Episcopet‖ - Greg Johnson, Photographer, The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker, editor. Award of Merit: Editorial Layout: Front Page - May/June issue - Michael Fannon, photographer; The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker, editor. Award of Excellence: Photography: Single Photo - ‗Bell Ringer Shea Smith‖ - Michael Fannon, photographer; The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker, editor. We also received Honorable Mention in the General Excellence category: Honorable Mention; General Excellence: Newspapers/Periodicals - The Dayspring Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, publisher; The Rev. Elizabeth A. Walker, editor. We now have received a total of 84 Polly Bond awards, winning something each year since we began entering the competition in 1990. Your Diocesan newspaper continues to be printed as a tabloid-sized publication, which continues to offer a financial savings for the diocese. The Dayspring enjoys a wide readership and is well regarded throughout the diocese. As always, you are encouraged to submit photos, poems, articles, letters, etc. for possible inclusion in The Dayspring. We have recognized better quality digital photos being sent more frequently via e-mail and the Internet. It is a delight to work at a time when communication is readily available from a variety of sources. Your suggestions, comments, criticism, letters, and opinions are welcome. This is YOUR diocesan publication and we hope to make each and every issue the very best we can for you and for our beloved diocese. I thank everyone for the encouragement, support, and ideas that have been so graciously given to me as editor. I am grateful for Bishop Klusmeyer's continued enthusiastic support for The Dayspring. 121

DIOCESAN COUNCIL Linda Comins – Secretary The Diocesan Council of the Episcopal Church in West Virginia meets four times a year, usually from Friday afternoon until noon Saturday. Voting members include one priest and one layperson from each deanery and representatives of Women‘s Ministries, Episcopal Church Men, Youth Fellowship and the Commission to End Racism. The Treasurer and Chancellors are ex-officio and the Bishop and staff serves as resource. Members of the Standing Committee also attend, participate and report to Council occasionally. In 2007, Diocesan Council met at St. Barnabas, Bridgeport, Jan. 19-20; at Sandscrest Conference and Retreat Center, June 1-2; at Sandscrest, Aug. 24-25; at Sandscrest, Nov. 9-10. Action of the Council in 2007 included: Approved a balanced 2008 budget of $1,855, 167. Designated that the $13,586.28 in redirected 2006 national assessment funds be given to Bishop Charles Jenkins of Louisiana to target projects not covered under Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Awarded 21 outreach mini-grants totaling $20,165. Approved seven Episcopal Advance Fund loans, totaling $65,000, to congregations. Receiving the loans were St. James, Lewisburg, $10,000; Christ Church, Williamstown, $5,000; St. Barts, Leetown, up to $10,000; St. Andrew‘s, Oak Hill, $10,000; Emmanuel, Moorefield, $10,000; Emmanuel, Keyser, $10,000; Lawrencefield Parish Church, Wheeling, $10,000. Approved two Christian Century Fund loans, totaling $10,000, to congregations. Receiving the loans were Christ Church, Williamstown, $5,000, and Christ Church, Point Pleasant, $5,000. Directed that the largest of the new lodges at Peterkin be named in memory of Bishop Campbell and that the other two new lodges be named in honor of Bishop Atkinson and Bishop Smith, respectively, and directed that significant givers to the Peterkin Capital Campaign be offered the opportunity to name something as promised earlier. Approved in August a $12,000 transfer of funds to Peterkin to pay bills. Authorized in November the expenditure of an additional $57,000 for Peterkin expenses through Dec. 31, 2007. Moved to pay off uncollectable Peterkin pledges with $115,000 loan from New Dynamics, to be repaid to New Dynamics as money becomes available.

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Moved to transfer $8,000 from the former Peterkin bookstore‘s checking balance to New Dynamics. Committed $10,000, through the Bishop‘s visitation offering and the line item for campus ministry, for campus ministry at West Virginia University in 2008. Acknowledged that the 2005 apportionment of Chapel on the Mount, Snowshoe, is probably uncollectable and encouraged Chapel on the Mount to repay the amount as able, rather than to forgive the amount owed. Reduced the missionary apportionment of Trinity, Morgantown, by $5,000. Reduced the missionary apportionment of Grace, Ravenswood, to $4,562 Receiving outreach mini-grants in 2007 were the following: St. Stephen‘s, Romney, $500 for books to be distributed in a local school. Greenbrier Episcopal School, White Sulphur Springs, $500 for professional development.; Ohio Valley Episcopal Ministries, $1,000 for drums and percussion for drum circles. Nelson Cluster, $500 for postcard advertising for St. John‘s, Rippon. Rea of Hope Fellowship Home, Charleston, $1,500 for residents‘ needs. St. Mark‘s, Berkeley Springs, $750 for Community Connections program. Episcopal Church Men of Christ Church, Point Pleasant, $1,000 for children‘s shoes program. Good Shepherd, Parkersburg, $750 for Adopted Families Christmas program. Good Shepherd, Hansford, $1,200 for monthly youth program. Zion, Charles Town, $1,000 for two or more leadership development programs. St. James, Charleston, $1,200 for supplies, literature and food for summer day camp. St. Mark‘s, St. Albans, $500 for library organization. Trinity, Huntington, $650 for Choosy Cooks Choose cooking classes. St. Paul‘s, Weston, $165 for trailer garden. St. Paul‘s, Williamson, $1,200 for GED classes for home- confinement participants. Trinity, Parkersburg, $1,500 to assist FaithLink Ministry of the Parkersburg-Wood County area in the production and mass 123

distribution of videos to publicize the ministry, to recruit volunteers and gain financial support. Good News Mountaineer Garage (request endorsed by St. John‘s, Charleston, and St. James, Lewisburg), $2,000 for marketing the used-auto donation program to potential donors in Mercer County. Jefferson County Community Ministries (request endorsed by the Nelson Cluster), $1,500 to assist those in need with utilities, rent, food, clothing and prescription medicine. Christ Church, Bluefield, $750 for a Godly Play program. St. Thomas, Weirton, $1,000 for the Shepherd‘s Pantry to provide food items and grocery certificates. St. Luke‘s, Wheeling, $1,000 for the Christmas Day community dinner.

DISCIPLES NET Patricia Haldeman – Chair The mission of Disciples Net is to provide the peoples of the Diocese with tools to do Christ‘s work in the world. That is, to provide them with ideas and with experiences to enrich their ministries as well as suggestions for dealing with difficult situations. In April of 2008 Disciples Net offered a weekend conference at Flatwoods entitled ―Congregational Development for Baptismal Ministry: It‘s a Process not a Program‖ led by the Rev. Canon Margaret Babcock, Canon for Ministry and Congregational Development for the Diocese of Wyoming. It was an exceptional program with many ideas for Congregational Development. Thoughts from those who attended included ―.... very good information...... tools given to build an increased lay person‘s ministry and resultant growth....‖ ―..... best explanation of Baptismal Ministry and developing a congregation. Margaret is inspirational! ...many resources available in the process... looking at both ministry approaches, ....serious conversations with congregation members is an important step...‖―Very specific programs for small congregations…problem solving and moving forward....More than one ―model‖ of a church.‖ ―A gracious, intelligent and compassionate presenter with a lot of information…..‖―Roundtable discussions and Rev. Babcock always able to answer everyone‘s questions .... all sessions were filled with memorable, useful information.... gained many insights and suggestions that I can‘t wait to use...... a list of questions to ask. Suggestions on how to ask not tell. ... learned not to use the word change and to have an open plan. Rooted in God is one of the tools to use in the formation step. ... will definitely look into using this piece of work in our work..

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Margaret had much to offer and those who attended with a group from their congregation or cluster (regional ministry) certainly benefited more than those who attended alone as time was given to explore setting a plan in motion when returning home. The Bishop‘s presence and homily was appreciated by all. Stan Holmes with his joyful music and easy going personality certainly added to the festivities. The committee wishes to thank you both as well as all who participated in the activities of the weekend. In September, the Diocese of West Virginia through Disciples Net, once again joined with the Diocese of Southern Ohio to present Mountain Grace V. This conference is designed to make people more aware of the effects of living in Appalachia. The Diocese of West Virginia is the only diocese that lies completely within the boundaries of Appalachia and yet many of us have denied this fact.....thus denying the effects that Appalachia has on our lives. The keynote speaker Dr. Tupper Morehead from East Tennessee offered a vision of what the Church can be in this region. Workshops were offered on Partners in Ministry, Sustainable Community Development, Contextualizing Your Ministry, Mountain Top Removal, Local Food Systems/Sustainable Agriculture, Appalachian Music/Episcopal Context, Yeasty Leadership and Models of Area Ministry. If you have not attended a Disciples Net meeting, please plan to do so. They were originally designed for small churches and those receiving Grants-For-Mission... now they are open to everyone. As the late Rev. Hugh Walker once said to me: ―What Disciples Net offers has value to all congregations who are interested in bettering themselves and becoming more vital not just the small churches. ‖ The meetings are informal, the range of subject matter varies from meeting to meeting and one always comes away uplifted and with some practical ideas to take back home. Finally, it is a blessing to work with everyone on the committee. Each member brings so much to the table. Over the years we have built up a trust in one another as we bat around ideas, express frustrations, share our experiences and work toward providing ways to assist the congregations of the diocese to do Christ‘s work in the world. This year Barbara and Nick Carter plan to move to Virginia. We, thank them for their ministries on all levels of diocesan life. They will both be greatly missed. May God continue to watch over them as they begin the next part of their journey. The members of the committee are: Barbara and Nick Carter, Grace Church, Elkins, North Central Cluster: Roy Gene and Jane Crist, New River Episcopal Ministries: Jim and Theresa Kelley, St. Luke‘s, Wheeling and the Wheeling Cluster: Jack and Anna Lou Sturgeon,

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Christ Church, Pt. Pleasant and River Bend Episcopal Ministries: Patricia S. Haldeman, Prince of Peace, Salem,: Chair.

ECCLESIASTICAL TRIAL COURT The Very Rev. R. Kevin Kelly – Chair By the grace of God, this court has been inactive for the last year.

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY Elizabeth Hamrick – Chair Education for Ministry is an almost 30-year-old program that was founded and continues to be administered by the University of the South School of Theology. The Diocese has supported our participation since the 1990s. Participants in the program commit to one 36-week year at a time, studying Old Testament the first year, New Testament the second year, church history the third year, and personal theology the final year. Central to the program is the theological reflection. The benefit of the program for the participants is the sense of faith community in the small group. We become friends, study together, eat together (of course), and have fun. The purpose of the program, as its name implies, is to help individuals prepare themselves to live their lives – whatever those lives may entail – in Christian service. (Oh, yes, and by the way, there are no papers!) The 2007-2008 year since last convention has been a busy one. West Virginia has six EFM groups: two in Charleston, two in Huntington, one in Parkersburg, and one at the Federal women‘s prison at Alderson. At the invitation of Betsy Walker, the chaplain, I represented the Diocese at the graduation ceremony (designed by the participants) at the prison at Alderson. The change in the participants was dramatic; they learned to think differently and look at their lives in the long term. The participants leave Alderson with a special readiness to face real life, and some continue the program after leaving Alderson. Each mentor must receive training at least once in an 18-month time span. Seventeen mentors attended mentor training at Sandscrest in August. One trainee, the Reverend Gene Sheppard, hopes to begin a group in the Northern Panhandle. We were fortunate to have Martha Gilliam from Texas as basic trainer and Edward deBary, one of the programs initiators, as the formation trainer. The cost to the Diocese includes $1,500 for sponsorship and about $3,700 for materials for the Alderson inmates. The training program supports itself.

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EPISCOPAL APPALACHIAN MINISTRIES Submitted by The Very Rev. Theresa Kelley The Episcopal Appalachian Ministries‘ (EAM) mission is to inspire, nurture and affirm those who serve the unique needs of the people of Appalachia through advocacy, consciousness-raising, networking, education and other appropriate programs, working through the Diocesan channels and with the authority of the respective bishops. EAM Board members are made up of representatives from the following member dioceses: Bethlehem, Central Pennsylvania, Lexington, North Carolina, Southern Ohio, Southwestern Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, East Tennessee and Maryland. The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer and The Rev. Theresa Kelley serve on the board from West Virginia. EAM Program work is faceted into three areas: Education (such as a clearing house for Appalachian culture, history, economics and more); working on small church issues, Mountain Echoes, Distinctive Thumbprints in Regional Ministry and study guide, working to bring young people back into the church or keep them here, and more); Advocacy: (such as public policy work within the Episcopal Church and as part of the ecumenical religious community, work on local issues – organization and funding; working with other networks such and Episcopal Urban Caucus (EUC), Episcopal Network for Economic Justice (ENEJ), Jubilee Ministry, Welfare Reform Groups, Environmental groups, Rural Ministry Network, East Tennessee Appalachian Ministry team, and more); Mission (such as work camps [where the three prongs of Ministry – Education, Advocacy, Mission – converge, outlet for groups who want to aid the region by sending in materials – computers, toys and clothing for children, facilitating service projects for individuals and/or congregations, usually from outside the region, and more). EAM also offers small grants. Grant applications are available for the Elledge Scholarship Fund. The purpose of the Elledge Scholarship Fund is to make it possible for members of small Appalachian congregations to attend national or regional conferences or training events that will enhance their ministry/ministry development. Any small congregation in an EAM diocese is eligible to apply. For more information or to request an application, please contact The Rev. Theresa Kelley at [email protected] or Mike Maloney, interim executive coordinator, at [email protected].

EPISCOPAL CHURCH MEN Jim Anderson – Chair No report was submitted on behalf of the Episcopal Church Men.

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EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT Diocesan Coordinator: Griff Callahan Episcopal Relief and Development is a compassionate response of the Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. ERD provides emergency assistance after disasters, rebuilds communities when the crisis is over, and helps children and families climb out of poverty. In 2000 leaders from 191 nations, including the United States, agreed on a plan to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015. At General Convention 2006 the Episcopal Church made the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) a mission priority. All of Episcopal and Relief and Development‘s international programs address the MDGs.

The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are: 1. eradicate extreme poverty and hunger 2. achieve universal primary education 3. promote gender equality and empower women 4. reduce child mortality 5. improve maternal health 6. combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases 7. ensure environmental stability 8. develop a global partnership for development.

As called for by General Convention 2006, the diocese is establishing a Global Reconciliation Commission to mobilize Episcopalians to support the MDGs and to contribute 0.7% toward their achievement. The MDG Inspiration Fund is a new partnership between ERD, Jubilee Ministries, and the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church to raise $3 million to fight malaria and other preventable diseases. Over the next two years, from 2007-2009, the Executive Council and ERD will identify contributions to reach a goal of $1 million for the MDG Inspiration Fund. The $1 million will be used to ―inspire‖ individuals, congregations and dioceses to contribute $2 million with the aim of raising a total of $3 million by 2009. Information about this fund will be sent to churches and individuals. In 2006, 99 donors in our diocese contributed $28, 234 to ERD. Eleven of those were churches. With 73 churches listed on the website, we have a long way to go to recognize the need to support our relief and development organization. The first half of 2007 has had 61 donors contributing $11,846; 6 are churches. A goal for 2008 is for every church and the diocese to be donors to ERD and every member also. 128

EPISCOPAL YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Jason Beschinski Diocesan Youth Ministries Coordinator Youth in the Diocese of West Virginia had several opportunities to participate in a variety of youth events over the course of the past year: Last Fall, a delegation of youth attended the Peer Ministry training that was sponsored by the National Church. Peer Ministry training equips youth with basic skills in the areas of hospitality, inclusion, and pastoral care. Having attended the training, these youth will now help bring the program into WV. A group of high school students went to New York City to attend Nightwatch at St. John the Divine Cathedral. While there we learned about the role of architecture in worship and had a chance to explore the huge cathedral through a series of tours, scavenger hunts, and worship services. The Diocese of West Virginia continues to be a strong presence in Provincial youth ministry. We sent a delegation to the Youth Ministries Network Meeting last fall, and youth have served the planning team for provincial youth events. This past summer, youth travelled to San Antonio for the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE). EYE is a youth event (mandated by General Convention) that takes place every three years. With over 1500 Episcopalians in attendance, this event provides a unique perspective of the Episcopal Church to our young people. Summer camp offers youth a chance to gather at Peterkin for a week of fellowship, Christian education, worship, and fun. In addition, summer camp provides an excellent chance for older youth to take on a ministry/leadership role as a Counselor-in- Training (CIT). As the Diocesan Youth Ministries Coordinator, I continue to work with parishes to develop viable methods of youth ministry and Christian education for our middle school and high school students. It is my hope to focus more time directly into working with parishes, especially those with a very small number of young people in the congregation. I am currently finalizing a presentation for parishes that addresses some of the challenges of working with a small group of young people that includes some resources and curriculum materials.

EQUIPPING THE SAINTS Beth Marquart ETS Administrator Equipping the Saints (ETS) is a program of spiritual formation, instruction and study with an emphasis on practical ministry to equip congregational leaders to strengthen the ministry of the church by 129 building up the body of Christ. The program is based in a reflection/action model which asks the participant to set learning goals to strengthen ministry skills, complete ministry projects and reflect on the action of ministry in small mentor groups. Mentor groups meet monthly in regional settings throughout the diocese, assisting participants in developing and maintaining regular practices of prayer and spiritual formation as the basis of ministry. Academic learning, led by the faculty of Bexley Hall Seminary based in Columbus, OH, in Theology, Old Testament, New Testament, Ethics and Anglicanism are presented in rotation across a three-year learning cycle. Each year two instructional weekends are offered. We‘ve had a busy year. Founding board member and program dean, the Rev. Dr. Karl Ruttan, resigned his position on December 31, 2007 and we welcomed incoming dean, the Very Rev. Cheryl Winter. In addition, founding board members Guy Gage and Canon Debbie Short tendered their resignations, as did the Rev. Nick England. We welcomed new board members, Sally Lane and the Rev.‘s Ben James and Rick Rutledge. During the 2007-2008 learning year we continued offering one-year learning programs, this year focusing on worship leadership, Christian formation and outreach. Successful completion of these programs may lead to licensing in the diocese. In 2008 we will offer learning programs in homiletics and evangelism. Additionally, ETS continued to participate in the Mutual Ministry trial (training teams from congregations raising up lay and ordained ministries) with three teams participating in the program. ETS has completed its ninth year and we have trained over 300 people in our various programs. Thirty-five people have completed the three- year program. During 2008, thirty-eight people participated in training programs, with three people completing the requirements for one-year training programs. In addition, the first licenses were awarded to ETS graduate Beth Marquart to serve as a preacher, catechist and worship leader. As a result of ETS training, new ministries have begun throughout the diocese including: music programs such as Sunday morning choir, Taize, and children=s choirs. Outreach programs have included healing services, lunch and after school programs, prison ministries and a bike give-away program. An on-line spirituality group meets and discusses their faith. Training has also strengthened the ministry of eucharistic ministers and vestry members. The enthusiasm of participants has been very high. Each year we complete an annual evaluation process which includes written evaluations by participants, mentors and tutors. The feedback we receive is used to continuously improve the participants experience and strengthen program components. We have attempted to meets the 130 needs of busy lay persons who want to strengthen their ministries without the requiring the rigors of the academic program for persons seeking ordination. We believe that this program offers the church a model for training and spiritual formation. It offers a program for the ministry of all the baptized and offers sufficient training for licensing of lay ministries in evangelism, preaching, worship leadership, outreach, pastoral leadership and Christian formation. It offers a local training model for those seeking holy orders. Furthermore ETS believes that if local training is to be successful it must include teams lay leaders working along with persons training of for holy orders. We thank the diocese of its support of this program, which seeks to strengthen our congregation=s ministries.

GRANTS FOR MISSION The Rev. Larry D. Jackson – Chair Committee members Ann Burr, Steve Szabo, Elise McIntire, Gail Westenhaver, Rachael Williams, Debbie Short, Financial Officer David Ramkey, The Rev. Theresa Kelley, The Rev. Rick Rutledge and Bishop Klusmeyer were given the responsibility of reviewing requests for mission work and support. The applications came from churches and regional ministries (clusters) of this Diocese and after the review process, grants were awarded for their mission work in their particular area of the Diocese. This is a very important and challenging responsibility as there is only so much money budgeted for grants and it never seems to be enough. The requests always are greater than the amount budgeted by Diocesan Convention. Thus, it is a continuous challenge to those making application for a grant to reduce their requests so that they are not relying so much on Diocesan support. This year as an initiative for new ministries in the Diocese, the Committee set aside $10,000 to assist with the initial funding of these new ministries. For the last couple of years, the requests prevented any kind of pro-action on the part of the Grants Committee. This act reduced the amount to be awarded for the year, but provided the opportunity for new ministry and mission in the Diocese. With the constant change in the economy, the important of the Grants for Mission program is like a lifeline for the small church or a regional ministry.

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HEALTH MINISTRIES COMMITTEE Debbie Ventura – Chair The purpose of the Health Ministries committee of the Diocese of West Virginia is to assist local congregations in reclaiming the gospel mission of health and wholeness. The committee strives to assist congregations in wellness of spirit, mind and body. Approximately 20 congregations have what we fondly refer to as a ―parish contact‖. This person has an interest in wellness and will often serve their congregation in identifying needs, organizing events, services, etc. We are striving to reach out to other congregations that do not presently have a parish contact. We are currently sending ―Backdoor Readings‖ monthly to all parish contacts. These readings contain information presented in an interesting format and are typically posted in rest rooms. We are creating a brochure for local congregations and planning a training/networking opportunity for all parish contacts this fall. This is a young committee that meets as the group feels is needed. We welcome all inquiries from interested persons. Health Ministries involvement with Diocesan Convention We are working with the local health department in providing flu shots on Friday October, 24th at the Convention We have emphasized healthy food choices for all meals and breaks. We will incorporate short energizers into the agenda. This will be led by a member of the commission or qualified person. These energizers will aid all in attendance to help relieve anxiety, improve mental alertness, etc. and will last only a few minutes & include: mild stretching, chair yoga, relaxation breathing, etc. We have a ―tool box‖ to have on display at the registration table, which will be given away at the conclusion of the convention. We are open to suggestions on how we can incorporate a healthy lifestyle into our convention!

JUBILEE CENTERS The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor – the year of jubilee freedom. (A Ministry Based on Luke 4:18-19)

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Jubilee Ministry is an organizing principle for understanding and interpreting Christian Ministry; it makes a direct and dynamic link between our theology and our ethics; the talk of our faith and the walk of our faith. Through Jubilee Ministry, people are empowered locally and the church is provided the opportunity to live out its prophetic role in its respective community. The creation of Jubilee Ministry in 1982 by General Convention in New Orleans heralded a new era of work for the Episcopal Church. Jubilee was mandated as a ministry of joint discipleship with poor and oppressed people wherever they are found, to meet basic human needs and build a just society. This mandate has evolved through the years and been shaped by the social, economic, political and cultural realities of the times. Advocacy and Empowerment are included in Jubilee Ministry because those engaged in this ministry frequently need the type of assistance found only in programs that get at the root of a problem, are in need of someone to be involved on behalf of the poor and oppressed being served, and/or work with persons who lack a sense of self-esteem and dignity that is vital in order for people to be empowered to do for themselves.

Criteria for Jubilee Ministry Center Recognition

1. Must be an Episcopal Congregation, ecumenical cluster with Episcopal presence, and/or an agency with connections to the Episcopal Church. 2. Must be engaged in programs among and with poor and oppressed people wherever they are located. 3. Must include at least one or more of the following: a. human rights advocacy program; b. human service program; or c. lay leadership. 4. Must be willing to: a. reflect theologically upon its learnings in ministry; b. demonstrate the operation of its programs to others as models; & c. act as a resource center for other Jubilee Ministry centers.

We are extremely proud of all our Jubilee Centers. We are most fortunate to have so many centers engaged in ministry to the poor and oppressed. Each Center must be visited every seven years and reconfirmed as a Jubilee Center. Last year none of the Jubilee Centers needed to be reconfirmed. 133

Jubilee Centers which continue their ministries are St. Luke‘s-on-the- Island which has a Friday night youth group that provides programs and activities for Street children; they also host an ecumenical Free Sunday Christian Dinner; the New River Episcopal Ministries, which has several ministries, including Feeding the Hungry, Paddles & Parachutes, and Blessing of the Boats, among other ministries; Ascension, Hinton, which provides a free book program; St. James‘, Charleston, which supports an active prison ministry and Angel Tree Program; St. John‘s, Charleston, home of the Manna Meal free breakfast and lunch program, and the ministry of Covenant House which provides emergency assistance, literacy training, support groups, as well as a residence for persons with AIDS; St. John‘s, Huntington, which provides an after-school enrichment program; Trinity, Huntington, which offers food and clothing assistance; and Highland Educational Project, Keystone, which provides basic needs to the economically depressed; Trinity Church, Morgantown, which continues to feed the hungry a daily free lunch through an ecumenical ministry supported by twelve churches and a synagogue. The center also meets emergency needs of the poor through its Matthew 25 ministry; St. Mark's, St. Albans: Christ Kitchen, which provides ecumenical hot meals program, feeding 35-50 people 5 days a week. St. Albans Community Food Pantry: an ecumenical distribution center housed at St. Mark‘s, distributing non-perishables to families in need. Zion, Charles Town: Zion, Charles Town received their designation as a Jubilee Center this past year. They have a Monthly Meal Ministry provides a free meal (dine in, carry out or delivery) for anyone who requests the last Saturday of each month; Parish food pantry for persons who are passing through their community; Peace Fellowship, Covenant member, Jefferson County Community Ministries (JCCM), Board member, Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Jubilee Center, contact Donald Vinson at the Diocesan House.

NATIONAL CATHEDRAL Hollie Mitchell West Virginia Major State Day was held January 27, 2008 at the Washington National Cathedral. This was the biggest congregation at the Cathedral for a Major State Day! A Major State Day happens only once every four years. After 16 months of promotions and meetings, West Virginians filled the galleries, as no other state has done!! It was a wonderful bless for all involved. PLEASE contact me, Hollie Mitchell, by phone (304-776-8315) or e- mail ([email protected]) for information regarding Washington National Cathedral. 134

PETERKIN CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER Daisy McBride – Director Greetings from Peterkin. It is my hope that you will all take an opportunity this year to experience this special place. Since 1941, Peterkin has enriched the lives of countless Episcopalians and others. Located in the beautiful hills of the Potomac Highlands, with more than 1,200 acres, the grounds include hiking trails, swimming pool, quiet wooded covers, basketball, tennis, and trout fishing in Mill Run. Peterkin continues to be blessed by the ministry of a wonderful and dedicated staff: Daisy McBride, Director; and Gary McBride, maintenance. Peterkin is a wonderful ministry. We encourage all to come and visit with us and to experience Living Under Grace, and the presence of God. The mission of Peterkin Camp and Conference Center is to proclaim the kingdom of God as revealed in Jesus Christ by offering an environment which promotes Christian growth and ministry. We thank you for your continuing prayers and support. Activities that have taken place this year are: January 2008: First Presbyterian Church – Weekend Retreat; WV Forestry – Day Retreat February 2008: Presbyterian Church of Cumberland – Weekend Retreat; Hampshire County Community Quilters were here for the first time. They enjoyed themselves very much and have booked a fall retreat. The Quilters also presented Peterkin with a beautiful quilt composed of many different patterns. March 2008: College Retreat – Weekend Retreat. April 2008: Mountain State Fiber Arts – Weekend Retreat; St. Patrick‘s – Weekend Retreat; May 2008: Work weekend was cancelled due to lack of participation; Episcopal Church Women: Weekend Retreat. June 2008 through August 2, 2008: Hampshire County Sherriff‘s Kids Kamp – 90 campers Weekend Retreat; 4-H Swimmers; 4-H Conservation Camp; Counselor Training Week; Diocesan Camps: Family Camp – 111 campers; Senior Camp – 56 campers; Halleluiah Hike: 19 campers; Junior Camp – 27 campers; Intermediate Camp – 48 campers; Creative Arts Camp – 27 campers; total of 288 campers. This summer, camp was great. The campers had a great time. We had a few new people on board this year. Pete Thompson came on board as the new summer program person. Pete did a great job. We also had a few priests that were new that had never been to Peterkin before. I thank everyone that gave up time and vacations to come to Peterkin and be with the campers. August 2008: Jeremiah Project – a full week of camp. This was a great week for them this year. These are young girls and boys from the United Methodist Churches in Virginia who come to the country to do

135 repair work to homes of the elderly. They had a total of 81 campers; Round Hill United Methodist – Day Retreat. Projects for the summer: Prayer Hill has new benches and looks great. Thanks to the campers. We also now have beautiful soccer goals and 11 new soccer balls; we thank the family campers for these. The campers love them. Our campers also have painted the picnic tables on the advent pad. They look great. Thanks to these campers. We have taken on the task of moving the main office to the Director‘s house. By doing this we are in the process of turning the old office into a small kitchen for Gravatt guests. This will cut down on heating the big dining hall. We are planning on finishing this project soon. There are several tasks that we are looking at for a work weekend. There are many things that need to be upgraded. For those of you that have never been to Peterkin, I invite you to visit and enjoy God‘s great creation. I have had the pleasure of being here for 13 years. Peterkin to me is more than a job. It‘s my calling.

PROVINCIAL SYNOD DEPUTIES The Very Rev. Melanie McCarley, Province Representative Province III was granted authority by the Constitutions and Canons for the government of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. There are a total of nine provinces in the Episcopal Church. Province III exists to further the mission of the Episcopal Church by coordinating the interdependent ministries of its thirteen dioceses in a spirit of mutual responsibility. The thirteen dioceses of Bethlehem, Central Pennsylvania, Delaware, Easton, Maryland, Northwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Southern Virginia, Southwestern Virginia, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia are encompassed in the five states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The goal of Province III is to encourage a forum for the sharing of programs and ministries by the people of the 1187 provincial parishes and the thirteen dioceses in such a way as to develop effective strategies for coordinating and enhancing the use of regional and national resources. To that end Province III has eleven Network Program Coordinators who facilitate programs on Anti Racism training to events that help our Youth to reach their leadership potential. In addition, there are Network Coordinators for the following programs: Anti-Racism, Christian Education, Church Periodical Club, Commission on Ministry, Episcopal Church Women, Companion Relationships, Evangelism/Congregational Development, Health Ministries, Higher Education, Peace and Justice, United Thank Offering and Youth Ministry. 136

Province III also provides opportunities for groups and networks within the Province to influence those people involved in decision-making at all levels of this Church, particularly General Convention, the Executive Council and Executive Council Staff. Events held this year included two Province meetings, February 21, 2008 and an annual Synod Conference, May 18 - 20, at the Holiday Inn, Martinsburg, WV. The theme this year was ―On the Homefront: Ministering to Military Personnel and their Families‖. A Health Ministry Program is scheduled for October, 5-10, 2008 in Buckeystown, MD in addition to a Mission Trip to New Orleans, LA, also in the month of October. The most recent edition of the Province Three Newsletter is available by contacting the Province Coordinator, The Reverend Barbara J. Seras by calling 717-385-2667 or by contacting her via e-mail on the Province III website. Additional up-to-date information can be found on the Province III website www.province3.org.

REGIONAL MINISTRIES COMMISSION The Very Rev. Theresa Kelley – Chair The Regional Ministries Commission (RMC) was established by the Bishop to continue the work done by the Cluster Review Committee during 2003-04. The RMC provides oversight in areas of Baptismal Ministry Education, Regional Ministry Review process, and ongoing support of the clergy and laity ministering in such configurations. Membership on the commission includes one representative from each Regional Ministry/Cluster, recommended by their respective Regional Ministry Council and appointed by the Bishop, and four ordained persons appointed by the Bishop. The RMC met twice in 2007. Reports from each Regional Ministry are shared and when appropriate, discussion on key points is heard. Actions taken by the RMC include continuing work with the Constitution and Canons Committee to incorporate the draft of Canon 9 devised by the RMC; submitting a proposal to the Commission on Ministry for a pilot project that would introduce/implement the study program, LifeCycles; devising three retreats for the pilot project; conducting three Regional ministries Reviews and representation on the newly formed Vision for Ministry task force. The RMC presented a case study at the Living Stones Annual Partnership Meeting in Spokane, Washington in February 2007.

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SANDSCREST Submitted by Sarah Lydick Sandscrest is a beautiful estate in the rolling hills that has been operating as a conference and retreat center, fulfilling our ministry of hospitality through the Diocese of West Virginia since 1956. The year 2007 was a time of growth and success, as we continued to see facility use and attendance rise. We are receiving an increasing number of requests for programming, and hope to fill some of those needs in the coming year. As each new challenge arises, we are grateful for the support that we consistently receive from the Diocese and our Board and Foundation. Thank you! In 2007, we served 6,705 meals and hosted 597 overnight guests for retreat. We continue to nurture a relationship with the Sisters of Saint Joseph; we have collaborated for an annual dinner event for the past 3 years, each one more successful than the last. We are looking into the future with much excitement and hope for what Sandscrest ‗can‘ be…the Diocese sponsored a consultant to visit us this year, that has created an awesome vision for the grounds here, and we couldn‘t be more eager to get started. We continue to offer a quiet retreat for reflection, learning and refreshment. We are blessed with a fantastic staff that continues to bring smiles to our guests‘ faces. We‘d like to extend a warm welcome to ALL the congregations in our Diocese…come and be refreshed! We look forward to seeing you soon!

UNITED THANK OFFERING Becky Szabo The Blue Box is so important to the success of the UTO. It is such a blessing to the GIVER! It reminds him/her to be mindful of being thankful. With each offering into the box, a prayer of thanksgiving goes up. Soon, those prayers are so uplifting to the giver that he/she begins to realize just how much there is to be thankful for each and every day. The money awarded through the grants blesses many lives each day. All who work within the UTO family feel blessed as well. Contact me for information, supplies or help with any UTO matter. I am Becky Szabo, 1328 Main Street, Follansbee, WV 26037. E-mail is a good option: I am [email protected]. If you‘d like to call, it is 304 527-2537.

City, Church 2006 Diocesan Convention Boxes & Healing Service $ 10.00 Ansted, Church of the Redeemer $ 125.00 Beckley, St. Stephen's $ 346.43

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Berkeley Springs, St. Mark's $ - Bluefield, Christ Church $ 211.00 Buckhannon, Transfiguration $ - Charles Town, St. Philip's $ - Charles Town, Zion $ 419.58 Charleston, Good Shepherd $ 141.00 Charleston, St. James $ 134.00 Charleston, St. John's $ 531.75 Charleston, St. Luke's $ 167.00 Charleston, St. Matthew's $ - Clarksburg, Christ Church $ 310.10 Colliers, Olde St. John's $ 317.32 Elkins, Grace $ - Fairmont, Christ Church $ - Glenville, St. Mark's at Valley Park $ - Grafton, St. Matthias $ 88.00 Hansford, Good Shepherd $ 1,017.47 Harpers Ferry, St. John's $ 120.00 Hedgesville, Mt. Zion $ - Hinton, Ascension $ 350.00 Huntington, St. John's $ 448.49 Huntington, St. Peter's $ 621.40 Huntington, Trinity $ - Hurricane, St. Timothy's in the Valley $ 625.00 Keyser, Emmanuel $ 479.05 Kingwood, St. Michael's $ 280.00 Leetown, St. Bartholomew's $ - Lewisburg, St. James $ 213.24 Logan, Holy Trinity $ 191.00 Marlinton, St. John's $ - Martinsburg, Trinity $ 466.49 Middleway, Grace $ 322.62 Montgomery, Calvary $ 95.50 Moorefield, Emmanuel $ - Morgantown, St. Thomas-a-Beckett $ 143.50 Morgantown, Trinity $ 261.01 Moundsville, Trinity $ 400.00 Mullens, St. Andrew's $ 170.00

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New Martinsville, St. Ann's $ 142.00 Oak Hill, St. Andrew's $ 335.00 Parkersburg, Good Shepherd $ - Parkersburg, Trinity $ 458.30 Point Pleasant, Christ $ 300.00 Princeton, Heavenly Rest $ 110.00 Ravenswood, Grace $ 138.00 Ripley, St. John's $ 100.00 Rippon, St. John's $ 23.00 Romney, St. Stephen's $ 146.00 Ronceverte, Incarnation $ 100.00 St. Albans, St. Mark's $ 683.18 St. Mary's, Grace $ 25.00 Salem, Prince of Peace $ 430.00 Shepherdstown, Trinity $ - Sistersville, St. Paul's $ 250.00 Snowshoe, Chapel On The Mount $ - South Charleston, All Saints $ 149.67 Union, All Saints $ - Weirton, St. Thomas $ 218.80 Welch, St. Luke's $ 100.00 Wellsburg, Christ Church $ 150.00 Weston, St. Paul's $ 236.00 Wheeling, Lawrencefield Parish $ 656.00 Wheeling, St. Luke's $ 150.00 Wheeling, St. Matthew's $ 1,350.14 Wheeling, St. Paul's $ 100.00 White Sulphur Springs, St. Thomas $ 710.52 Williamson, St. Paul's $ 212.00 Williamstown, Christ Memorial $ 201.00 Charleston, St. Christopher's $ 189.00 $ - Total $16,587.31

VIRGINIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BOARD Sissy Poland, Trustee The Very Rev. Ian Markham, Ph.D. was installed as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary on November 13, 2007. Under his leadership and vision, many organizational changes have 140 occurred that will enable VTS to remain a strong theological academic institution. Dr. Timothy Sedgwick was named Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo was appointed Director of the newly created Institute for Christian Formation and Leadership. The Rev. Dr. Barney Hawkins was named as the first Executive Director of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. Heather Zdancewicz was elected Vice President for Administration and Finance. Music scholar and composer Dr. William Bradley Roberts joined the faculty as Associate Professor of Church Music. The Board accepted the proposal to transform the Packard Laird building into a Welcome Center to ensure that the formation goal of welcome and hospitality is central to our life and worship. The Center for the Ministry of Teaching and Lifetime Theological Education merged to create the Institute for Christian Formation and Leadership which will be housed in Key Hall and Bohlen. Renovations to Key Hall and Bohlen should be completed by October 2008. The campus will also see new signage and street names to better aid visitors and emergency responders in finding their destination. The Spriggs Lectures at the 2007 Alumni Convocation were delivered by Juan Williams, Senior Correspondent for NPR, and Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent for PBS. On April 22, 2008, in celebration of Earth Day, VTS launched the first Kreitler Environmental Lecture featuring Dr. Ellen Davis, professor of bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School. The Commencement address was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo. Among the fifty-nine candidates receiving degress and certificates of work accomplished were our diocesan seminarians Adam Thomas and James Lanter . On the night before Commencement, the Service for the Mission of the Church was held in the Seminary Chapel with the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori preaching the sermon. VTS hosted a booth at the Lambeth Conference in London featuring faculty books, brochures on VTS academic programs, pictures and items that reflect our commitment to cross cultural theological education. VTS also hosted a dinner for 250 Alumni, bishops and spouses, friends of VTS and global partners to celebrate the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. The Rev. Cheryl Winter completed her term on the Board of Trustees and elected not to seek reappointment. Her many years of dedicated service to the Seminary are greatly appreciated. The Rev. Kevin Kelly was elected as our clergy representative to serve a five year term. Bishop Klusmeyer and I also represent the Diocese on the Board of Trustees.

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WEST VIRGINIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Submitted by The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer The West Virginia Council of Churches continues to be an active part of the life of West Virginia, as it calls the various Judicatories and Churches together for common witness and ministry. During 2007, the Reverend Tony Clavier served as the Ecumenical Officer for the Diocese of West Virginia, and served on the Board of the Council of Churches. Unfortunately due to health reasons, he was not able to attend regular meetings. In addition, Bishop Klusmeyer served as the Vice President of the WVCC Board. He attended most meetings, as well as the Executive Committee meetings throughout the year. During the past few years, and especially in 2007, the WVCC has been public and in the forefront of major issues throughout the State of West Virginia. We raised and distributed money for the families of the Sago Mine disaster, we challenged the State Legislature on issues such as health care, education and gambling. More importantly, the WVCC gathers the leaders and members of the Judicatories together to witness to the visible unity of Christ‘s Church. Together we can do much more than we can do individually. The WVCC presents a common vision for what the Church should look like. Obviously we have our various separations and distinctions, but we are called together to witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ, and we do this quite well. Apart from the official structure of the WVCC, but as an additional element of our ecumenical efforts, the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia along with the Lutheran Synod of West Virginia-Western Maryland and the United Methodist Church of West Virginia gathered at West Virginia Wesleyan College for a joint Eucharist. The Episcopal Church and the ELCA (Lutheran Church) are in full communion, and continue to work together. At the General Convention 2006, the Episcopal Church voted to enter into Interim Eucharistic Sharing with the United Methodist Church. Because of this relationship, and the fact that the Lutherans and Methodists are also in Eucharistic fellowship, we were able to join together, with Bishop Lyght hosting, Bishop Duncan preaching and Bishop Klusmeyer as the Chief Celebrant, at Wesleyan to show our early efforts at unity in the Name of Christ. The Council of Churches continues to minister in various aspects of life, and will continue to be a vital part of the ministry of the Episcopal Diocese.

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WOMEN’S MINISTRIES Becki Krzywdik – Chair As Convener, I attended the Annual Meeting of the Province III ECW held in Washington, D.C. in October 2007. This was a wonderful weekend. It was a time of networking and sharing with other Conveners and Presidents in our Province the ministries that are going in our dioceses. I came away from that meeting excited and energized with a few ideas for ministry that I hope to share with you soon. In May 2008 women from around the diocese met for the Annual Women‘s Conference at Peterkin. This year‘s guest speaker was The Rev. Dr. Margaret Guenther who led us in ―The Practice of Prayer‖, the title of her newest book. We looked at our ways of praying and how we can be open and creative in our lifelong conversations with God. To go along with the theme of the weekend, we added additional activities / workshops: a labyrinth walk, making and learning to use Anglican Prayer Beads, and Prayer Shawl (knitting) Ministries. It truly was a wonderful weekend. Our Women‘s Ministries Committee this year finds itself in a period of transitions. This was my last year for being the Women‘s Conference Coordinator. I have dearly loved every minute of this ministry to and for the women of the diocese. It was however, time for me to hand over this ministry to someone else. The Women‘s Conference Coordinator for 2009 will be Mrs. Marie Hunsaker. Marie was our chairperson for The Book of Remembrance. Ms. Paula Hoffman will being taking over this ministry. At our annual meeting in May, it was with sadness and regret that Mrs. Barbara Carter, longtime chair of Love-In-Action, told us that she and her husband, Nick, would be leaving the diocese this fall. I‘m sure that all of you will join us in thanking her for her dedicated years of enthusiastic service in this ministry. We anticipate naming a new Love-In-Action chairperson in the near future and will make that person known to you when it happens. Let me say that it has been my privilege to work with such a wonderful group of women, not only on the Committee, but with all of you in our congregations. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of representing the women of this diocese, and thank you all for the time, effort and love that you put into your work for the Lord — serving your churches, communities, diocese, nation and world abroad. May God bless each and every one of us as we move into another year of meaningful relationships and ministries with one another.

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2009 BUDGET

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS‘ REPORT

EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF WEST VIRGINIA

December2008 Final 31, 20062009 Proposed Congregations: Ansted, Redeemer 3,020 3,517 Barboursville, St. Andrew's 9,751 9,751 Beckley, St. Stephen's 32,232 33,737 Berkeley Springs, St. Mark's 11,525 11,612 Bluefield, Christ 27,407 26,479 Buckhannon, Transfiguration 7,574 6,901 Charles Town, St. Phillip's 5,632 5,732 Charles Town, Zion 39,741 35,327 Charleston, Good Shepherd 31,172 n/a Charleston, St. Christopher 65,776 Charleston, St. James' 8,029 n/a Charleston, St. John's 95,030 96,053 Charleston, St. Luke's 22,919 n/a Charleston, St. Matthew's 71,250 69,071 Chester, St. Matthew's n/a Clarksburg, Christ 40,539 39,702 Colliers, St. John's 4,765 5,162 Daniels, All Souls' n/a Elkins, Grace 9,376 9,301 Fairmont, Christ 26,557 26,338 Glenville, St. Mark 1,224 1,497 144

Grafton, St. Matthias' 4,420 4,793 Hansford, Good Shepherd 6,367 6,713 Harpers Ferry, St. John's 4,488 4,554 Hedgesville, Mt. Zion 10,000 10,000 Hinton, Ascension 4,443 5,324 Huntington, St. John's 55,037 60,081 Huntington, St. Peter's 17,581 17,643 Huntington, Trinity 55,037 57,083 Hurricane, St. Timothy's 27,739 30,130 Keyser, Emmanuel 40,503 38,290 Kingwood, St. Michael's 3,692 3,357 Leetown, St Bartholomew 3,069 2,857 Lewisburg, St. James' 28,922 30,190 Logan, Holy Trinity 3,064 2,569 Marlinton, St. John's 5,108 4,508 Martinsburg, Trinity 37,042 37,533 Middleway, Grace 5,106 6,242 Montgomery, Calvary 3,721 4,764 Moorefield, Emmanuel 4,066 4,668 Morgantown, Thomas 'a Becket 25,462 31,395 Morgantown, Trinity 30,300 29,711 Moundsville, Trinity 11,267 13,154 Mt. Mission, St. Andrew's 4,123 n/a Mullens, St. Andrew's 2,957 3,127 New Martinsville, St. Ann's 6,280 6,586 Oak Hill, St. Andrew's 10,227 11,489 Parkersburg, Good Shepherd 52,846 49,903 Parkersburg, Trinity 47,264 49,130 Pt. Pleasant, Christ 14,416 15,129 Princeton, Heavenly Rest 10,109 8,640 Ravenswood, Grace 7,034 6,064

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2008 Final 2009 Proposed Ripley, St. John's 6,665 6,952 Rippon, St. John's 3,897 4,224 Romney, St. Stephen's 4,075 4,661 Ronceverte, Incarnation 3,667 3,708 St. Albans, St. Mark's 43,107 41,138 St. Marys, Grace 4,259 3,921 Salem, Prince of Peace 1,581 2,095 Shepherdstown, Trinity 41,976 43,367 Sistersville, St. Paul's 8,934 26,069 Snowshoe, Chapel on the Mount 3,173 2,183 S. Charleston, All Saints' 11,835 n/a Summersville, St. Martin's 2,909 3,175 Union, All Saints' 3,815 3,937 Weirton, St. Thomas' 10,615 10,132 Welch, St. Luke's 2,127 n/a Wellsburg, Christ 9,404 9,393 Weston, St. Paul's 17,511 19,769 Wheeling, Lawrencefield 23,703 26,068 Wheeling, St. Luke's 8,171 6,689 Wheeling, St. Matthew's 85,463 87,326 Wheeling, St. Paul's 2,079 2,517 White Sul. Spgs., St. Thomas' 21,480 23,201 Williamson, St. Paul's 9,048 9,600 Williamstown, Christ 4,607 5,185 Reserve for Uncollectable Accounts -50,043 -50,043

Subtotal $1,273,491 $ 1,296,850

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2008 Final 2009 Proposed

Permanent & Other Funds Permanent $ 506,115 $ 515,799 Hamilton Despard Gerhardt McDonald Sheltering Arms Geary Jackson Ouida C. Watts Episcopal Retirement Lay Pension Episcopacy Endowment Other Contingency New Dynamics Cross Lanes Oil and Gas receipts Other funds to 5% adjustment Subtotal $ 506,115 $ 515,799 Previously Designated Funds Advance from Contingency $ 3,000 $ 14,000 TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 1,782,606 $ 1,826,649

EXPENSES 2008 Final 2009 Proposed Mission/Evangelism Outreach National Church Assessment $ 125,000 $ 140,000 147

Provincial Assessment $ 1,500 $ 1,500 HEP $ 50,000 $ 50,000 Sandscrest Companion Diocese $ 4,000 $ 4,000 Ecumenism Ecumenism(WVCC & Ecumenism) $ 8,500 $ 8,500 Deployment $ 9,300 $ 9,300 Evangelism $ 12,000 $ 12,000 Communications: Dayspring $ 25,000 $ 25,000 MDGs - Haiti $ 8,000 $ 8,000 Ministries Health Ministries $ 2,000 $ 2,000 Commission to End Racism $ 4,500 $ 4,500 EAM $ 3,200 $ 3,200 Epis Church Men $ - $ - Women's(UTO & ECW) $ 11,000 $ 11,000 Visioning for Mission (SPP) Mission/New Church Grants for Mission $ 110,000 $ 99,000 Bishop's Reserve $ 15,000 $ 15,000 Congregational Revitalization $ 9,000 $ - Regional/Cluster Ministry Accessibility Task Force Grants (Habitat for Humanity, Accessibility, Health, Lay Min.) Mini-Grants Total (2007 and forward) $ 20,000 $ 10,000

Total - Mission/Evangelism $ 418,000 $ 403,000

2008 Final 2009 Proposed Spiritual Growth & Faith Dev. Renewal

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Clergy & Spouse Wellness $ 3,000 $ 3,000 Resource Center $ - $ - Sisters of Charity Church Commission for Children(Family $ Life 5,000 TF) $ 5,000 Conversion Stewardship $ 1,500 $ 1,500 Planned Giving $ - $ - Disciples.Net $ 15,000 $ 15,000 Regional Ministry $ 7,300 $ 7,300 Ministry Development Commission on Spirituality $ 8,000 $ 8,000 Commission on Ministry $ 25,000 $ 25,000 Priest Intern Program $ 60,000 $ 40,000 Equipping The Saints $ 35,000 $ 35,000 EFM(Education for Ministry) $ 2,000 $ 2,000 Comm. On Liturgics & Music $ 1,500 $ 1,500 Grants (Family, Worship) Total - Spiritual Growth & Faith Development $ 163,300 $ 143,300

2008 Final 2009 Proposed Children, Youth & Young Adults Peterkin $ 120,000 $ 130,000 Youth Ministry $ 25,000 $ 25,000 College Ministry $ 12,500 $ 12,500 Campus Ministry - Marshall University $ 35,000 Grants (Children at Risk, etc.) Total - Children, Youth & Young Adult Ministry $ 157,500 $ 202,500

2008 Final 2009 Proposed

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Ministry Support Diocesan Center Regular Maintenance $ 3,000 $ 3,000 Major Maintenance $ 5,000 $ 5,000 Decorating $ - $ - Telephone $ 18,000 $ 18,000 Utilities $ 13,000 $ 13,000 Equipment Replacement $ 2,500 $ 5,000 Office Expense $ 40,000 $ 40,000 Property Insurance $ 23,000 $ 17,000 Fed. Taxes & Workers Comp. $ 32,000 $ 25,500 Health Insurance (Retired) $ 14,000 $ 14,000 Auditing $ 22,000 $ 22,000 Computer Expense $ 9,000 $ 10,000 Publications $ 10,000 $ 10,000 MEF Retirement Fund $ 4,260 $ 4,260 Retired Bishop's Supp. $ 3,000 $ 3,000 Car Replacement $ 12,000 $ 12,000 Deputies to General Convention $ 14,000 $ 14,000 Bishop's National Meetings $ 10,000 $ 8,500 Standing Committee $ - $ 7,000 Dio. Conferences & Meetings $ 15,000 $ 20,000 Staff Group Insurance $ 132,700 $ 155,275 Pensions: Clergy $ 50,000 $ 51,500 Lay $ 26,000 $ 22,000 Continuing Education $ 3,000 $ 5,200 Archive Office $ 600 $ 500 Subtotal $ 462,060 $ 485,735 Diocesan Staff Support Bishop $ 129,576 $ 125,136 Other Clergy $ 161,020 $ 154,789 Lay $ 216,150 $ 232,189

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Merit Increases Total Staff Support $ 506,746 $ 512,114 Bishop & Staff Travel $ 75,000 $ 80,000 Total - Ministry Support $ 1,043,806 $ 1,077,849

2008 Final 2009 Proposed

Total Receipts $ 1,782,606 $ 1,826,649

Expenses

Children, Youth & Young Adults $ 157,500 $ 202,500

Spiritual Growth & Faith Development $ 163,300 $ 143,300

Mission/Evangelism $ 418,000 $ 403,000

Ministry Support $ 1,043,806 $ 1,077,849

Reserve for Contingency

Total Expenses $ 1,782,606 $ 1,826,649 Budget (Shortfall) Surplus $ (0) $ (0)

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