Bishop Baxter Writes...

April 25, 2011

Dear Sisters & Brothers;

I am taking a few days away from the office this week for rest and refreshment with my family after the busy-ness of Holy Week.

I would like to encourage each of us at this time to think and pray about our upcoming Annual Convention.

The Spring Convocation meetings will be held in May (see the list at the bottom of this page) in preparation for Convention. Delegates and Alternates should plan to attend these meetings, but all are welcome to attend to stay up to date on your Convocation, Diocesan matters and, of course, Convention.

We have some exciting things happening at Convention this year. For the first time, we are planning “gavel to gavel” live stream coverage on the diocesan website of the Convention business session on Friday, June 10th. Information on how to access the link will be available on the website as we draw closer to the day.

Dr. Jason Byassee, an expert on the ministry of small churches, will be our keynote speaker this year. Go to our website to hear a podcast interview with Professor Byassee about his book, The Gifts of the Small Church.

The Saturday of Convention (June 11th) will be Diocesan Children and Youth Day. Starting at 8:45 am, there will be workshops for young people, parents, and folks who work with children and youth. I am very excited about the special Eucharist that will be held in Rooke Chapel, with the liturgy written by our own diocesan youth. It will highlight the children and youth in leadership roles and in the choirs and music. The day will be topped with a picnic outside Rooke Chapel, with more music by our talented young people. Don’t miss out on this grand celebration – even if you are not planning to attend the rest of the Convention weekend – I know you will be uplifted and blessed.

I hope you all had a blessed and joyful Easter Sunday and continue with joy this Eastertide. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Peace & Grace,
+Nathan