45th ANNUAL CONVENTION DIOCESE of SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INSIDE: SPEAKERS, MINISTRY REPORTS, ELECTIONS, 2014 BUDGET 2013 Diocesan Convention Friday, October 18 to Saturday, October 19 Punta Gorda, Florida 2013 Convention Highlights Special Guest on 45th Anniversary The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida This is a special one for us: our 45th annual convention. It was in 1969 that the Diocese of South Florida was divided The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop into what we know today as the dioceses of Southwest Florida; Central Florida; and Southeast Florida. On October 16, 1969, the first convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida was held at the Bath Club in North Redington Beach, and the Rev. William Loftin Hargrave was elected our September 2013 first bishop. It’s fitting, therefore, that our special guest for this anniversary 8005 25th St. East Dear Diocese of Southwest Florida, convention weekend is the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal What’s Inside Parrish, FL 34219 Church, The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori. We are Welcome to the 45th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. This year, our always happy to welcome a fellow Floridian home: Bishop Phone: (941) 556-0315 theme is Christ is Made the Sure Foundation; the words, of course, taken from that beloved Hynn In Florida: (800) 992-7699 Katharine is a native of Pensacola. You’ll have a chance on Friday Voting procedures ......................... 8 Number 518. The theme is a reminder that no matter what the task, no matter what the difficulty, Fax: (941) 556-0321 afternoon to ask questions of her and hear from her about what’s Agenda ........................................... 9 www.episcopalswfl.org no matter how grand or modest our strivings, we are safe in everything when we make Christ the going on in the Episcopal Church and around the world in the Rules of Convention .................... 10 “head and cornerstone.” Anglican Communion. She will preach and celebrate at our opening Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Elections ......................................... 11 The words were adapted from Latin by John Mason Neale, a Victorian priest who did so much to Resolutions ................................... 29 re-invigorate the Anglican church in the 19th Century. They read: Focus on Youth Ministry, Healthy Parishes The proposed 2014 Budget ......... 43 Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone, Reports to Convention ................ 58 Chosen of the Lord and precious, Binding all the church in one; Our workshops this year touch on a variety of topics Holy Zion’s help forever, and her confidence alone. that you’ve told us you want to know more about: capital campaigns, the emerging church, youth ministry, growing Growing up with the 1940 Hymnal, we sang this hymn to a different tune and the 1982 Hymnal Some of you have asked why we don’t hold the Opening healthier and holier parishes, Hispanic ministry, men’s re-matched the lyrics to the 17th century composer Henry Purcell’s grand tune of Westminster Eucharist at the Church of the Good Shepherd, where we ministry, human trafficking. Those topics reflect some of Abbey. I have always drawn strength from this ancient hymn and look forward to singing these enjoy the Friday night dinner party that follows the service. the big issues churches everywhere are dealing with. We’re words in unison, when we come to the table as the body of Christ, in October at our Diocesan The answer: It’s too small. Good Shepherd’s sanctuary can pleased to be on the leading edge of those topics. Convention. hold 300 worshipers maximum. The convention Eucharist regularly attracts nearly 500. It is with great joy that I announce this year’s special convention guest. The Presiding Bishop, Worship at Center of Weekend The Most. Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, will speak to the convention Friday afternoon, Large Slate of Nominees preach and celebrate Holy Eucharist with us Friday night, and join us Saturday morning for part When we ask for feedback about the annual convention of our business session. We celebrate her arrival not only as a personal friend and fellow Florid- weekend, many people tell us how much they appreciate On Saturday, we’ll do the work of the diocese: Bishop ian, but as the precious representative of a long line of Christian leaders who gave us the legacy the opportunity to worship together as a diocese. We offer Smith’s “State of the Diocese” address, elections, resolutions, that we are striving to live out, “Binding all the church in one”. Morning Prayer at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday in Hibiscus the budget. This is where we set the road map for the future Hall. This year’s Opening Eucharist will begin at 5:30 p.m. of our diocese, so please do your homework in advance: Read I look forward to our time together at convention this year. Until then, I invite your prayers for on Friday in Hibiscus Hall. We are honored that The Most the biographies of those who are running for office, study the our common mission, confident in Christ alone. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Epis- resolutions, and examine the budget. copal Church, will be with us to preach and celebrate. Faithfully yours, From Program Chair Judy Stark It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our convention weekend really is the most wonderful time of the year for the Diocese of Southwest Florida. It’s the time we come together as the diocesan family for educa- tion, fellowship, worship, fun and food. Many of you have told us that a high point of the weekend is the chance to see old friends, connect in person with those you communicate with only via phone or online the rest of the year, and meet new friends. So welcome to convention! Questions? Email me at [email protected] or follow me on Twitter at @judystark 2 Christ is Made The Sure Foundation 45th Annual Convention 3 Welcome to Punta Gorda Friday Workshop Schedule Register First on Friday Morning congregational leaders to prepare, and effective approaches • Locate the registration tables on the con- to invite the participation and support of major donors. As a course of the conference center. Diocesan MORNING SESSION: lead-in to this workshop, we will offer a diocesan webinar on staff will be there to greet you and answer October 2 to get participants ready for the workshop. Watch any questions. 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon for details about the webinar on the diocesan website, www. • Registration for Friday is alphabetically episcopalswfl.org. organized from A to Z. There is no designa- tion for clergy or lay. Presenter: Terri Mathes, program director for the Episcopal • Everyone is listed by individual last name, From Striving to Thriving: Church Foundation, with primary responsibility for capital not by congregation or city. campaign services and diocesan solutions. The mission of the • You will be handed your nametag. If you Building a Community of Hope Episcopal Church Foundation is to strengthen the leadership and have pre-selected lunch and or dinner, you financial capabilities of Episcopal congregations, dioceses, and will be handed a ticket. Jesus came to offer us abundant life, a related organizations to pursue their mission and ministry. The • Once you have received these materials, life that brings forth the fruit of peace, presentation is in conjunction with the Rev. Canon Chris Gray, enjoy continental breakfast on the Riverwalk joy, and hope. Yet many congregations Diocesan Office of Development. at the north end of the building, visit the and individuals struggle to discover ministry fair, and locate your first workshop the fullness of this abundant life. Fresh Expressions of room. Rather than thriving spiritually, many Christian Community with • Morning Prayer is in Hibiscus Hall at 9 congregations are simply striving to The Rev. Eric Cooter and a.m. stay afloat. In this workshop, we will The Rev. Bryan O’Carroll, St. George’s , Bradenton, registers in 2012 with wife Susan. explore the roots of striving as well Mission Leaders from as various unhealthy patterns that Across the Diocese hinder congregations and individuals Friday Ministry Fair and to sit back, talk with old friends and meet new ones. from fully living into God’s vision and Nearly 20 percent of Americans identify Our hosts again this year are the congregation of Church plan for them. We will also discuss themselves as “nones” – people with no Our Ministry Fair, on the main concourse, shows off the of the Good Shepherd and their rector, The Rev. Roy Tuff. specific steps that congregations can religious affiliation. Our challenge now breadth and depth of ministry in our diocese with displays They look forward to welcoming you to our Friday night party. take to create a culture of healing and is to create safe spaces, “third places,” and from congregations, ministry groups, national organizations We’ll have tents outside with tables, lights and fans and a bar renewal that will enable them to build “modern wells” where those who seek and businesses that specialize in church products and services. offering soft drinks, wine and beer. Inside the parish hall: more an authentic community of hope, a grace, reconciliation, and love in Christ There are shopping opportunities here and opportunities to tables and the buffet line. Pre-registration and payment for community that is not simply striving can feel welcome as they question, explore contribute to Episcopal charitable causes, and there are always the Friday Night Party must be made on a Friday registration to exist, but spiritually thriving and and experiment. These places are in the surprises. Don’t forget to visit our very popular Altar Guild form.