To all clergy and lay deputies to the 146th Annual Diocesan Convention:
A Diocesan Convention workshop, "Property Negotiations Update," facilitated by Russ Ayres, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Andy Roman, Diocesan Chancellor, has been added to the list of available workshops.
If you have not yet registered for the 2011 Diocesan Convention, please complete the online registration form as soon as possible by clicking here.
Convention will be held on November 4 and 5, 2011 at Christ Episcopal Church, North Hills. More information, including the Convention agenda, is available in the Pre-Convention Journal at https://www.episcopalpgh.org/2011-convention/
If you previously registered and would like to change your workshop choice, please email your request to office@episcopalpgh.org. The revised workshop descriptions are below and a printable version is available by clicking here.
Diocesan Convention Workshops
Saturday, November 5, 2011 – 11:15 a.m.
Property Negotiations Update
What has been happening on the parish property front since the Diocese announced the two agreements in February? What are the concepts and principles that have guided the negotiations to date, and how does the Diocese make decisions? Deputies are invited to this workshop to hear a report on this topic from Russ Ayres, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Andy Roman, Chancellor, and to have the opportunity to ask questions and to comment.
Stewardship in Smaller Parishes
"We're a small parish." "The economy is bad." Before you throw up your hands, let this workshop expand your horizons and refresh your spirit. Clergy, vestry members, and parish treasurers will find this event helpful in parish leadership, but all parishioners who care about the state of their parish should also find ideas about personal stewardship. John Wray, Director of Stewardship at Calvary Episcopal Church, has a long career in many dimensions of stewardship and has worked with parishes of all sizes.
Episcopal Church Perspectives
"What's happening in the Episcopal Church?" This and other questions you wanted to ask "someone who knows" will be welcomed at this workshop. Starting with an overview of the work of the Church and the changes that have happened, Dr. Simons will sort fact from fiction. There will be generous opportunity for questions from participants. The Rev. Dr. Jim Simons, rector of St. Michael's, Ligonier, is also a member of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, and chair of the committee that coordinates the flow of legislation at General Convention.
Telling Your Parish Story
Regardless of how we get the word out, what we say about ourselves is key. How do we define a simple, consistent, and effective message about who we are? Diocesan communication director Rich Creehan leads an exercise in developing a story line for your parish based on examples from recent events in the diocese.
Prayer in Community
Our prayer life and our communities (parish and beyond) are enriched by praying with others. Four groups that have prayer in common, but with different structures and emphases, will be showcased. Sharing their perspectives will be Celinda Scott (Anglican Fellowship of Prayer), Kate Geiger (Daughters of the King), John and Annis Rogers (Cursillo), and Catherine Davidson (centering prayer groups).
Time to Talk
We need more time just to talk" has been a comment from the evaluations of two events sponsored by the Diocesan Life Committee: "Moving Forward Together" in April 2010 and "The Conversation Continues" at the 2010 Diocesan Convention. This opportunity will start with sorting out interests and then move into interest-based groups to "just talk." Walter Bowman, Diocesan Life Committee member, will be joined by the Rev. Dr. Jay Geisler, of St. Peter's, Brentwood, and Canon for Formation, to lead this workshop.
Joyful People, Joyful Noise
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord" is your option in this workshop period of singing "just for fun." Join members of the Calvary and St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon, choirs in connecting with our voices and singing a variety of sacred music, some familiar, some not-so-familiar. Choral experience or music-reading ability is not required; come and enjoy some musical fellowship. Dr. Alan Lewis, Director of Music at Calvary, and Jon Kolenchak, Organist/Choirmaster at Christ Church, North Hills, will coordinate this activity.
Episcopal Relief & Development – News You Can Use
Learn about the many aspects of the work of ER&D in "healing a hurting world." How can your parish integrate support of ER&D in year-round activities? How can families use ER&D to help children learn about charitable giving? How can you benefit from investment in income-producing gift annuities? What about your estate plan? Be inspired to build ER&D into many dimensions of your life with help from an ER&D representative under the diocesan leadership of ER&D coordinator Judy Rosensteel. Parish ER&D representatives are particularly urged to attend.