One final reflection about our recent Diocesan Convention. Notwithstanding all the positive elements – seven ordinations, varied worship, and a sense of renewed purposefulness – the fact remains that there were a preponderance of heads that were grayed or bald (yours truly among the latter). It’s a pity.

There’s lots of anecdotal evidence that we’ve been getting better at involving our young people in the life of the church. If gathering in community is what we’re about, we need to find ways to incorporate these younger voices at the diocesan level as more than spectators. Their energy and commitment could do us some good. They’re still discovering things that we’ve either come to take for granted or forgotten we believe. Yes, the slogans on the t-shirts can be off-putting, but it’s a joy to be in their presence.

Rowan Speaks

Reuters carried excerpts of an interestingly frank interview with Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams recently. You can find the full story in The Scotsman here. In it, the Archbishop says, “The task I've got is to try and maintain as long as possible the space in which people can have constructive disagreements, learn from each other, and try and hold that within an agreed framework of discipline and practice.”

One of the obligations of anyone trying to define the boundaries for such dialogue would seem to be letting folks on either side know when they’re out of bounds. We wish the Archbishop well, though we wish that he had blown his whistle a little earlier, before some of the players had started to move the goal posts. It might have made his current situation a lot simpler.

What I Learned at Diocesan Convention

Fr. Bill Murphey has worked in this Diocese for over 52 years, and he still hasn’t lost his sense of humor.

Charlie and Alice McNutt do a better-than-average jitterbug.

Want to know how Job felt? Visit the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

“Most efficient dispatch of business” award: Archdeacon Andy France, whose report on resolutions contained no resolutions.

“Hidden talent” award: to the Rev. Patrick Collins for his exhibit of custom-designed contemporary stained glass.

Four bishops and 150 ordained clergy couldn’t fend off the second end-of-banquet thunderstorm in as many years.

Lighting incense in a small room will probably set off a fire alarm.

Despite being the youngest priest in the Diocese, the Rev. Jennifer Looker can preach a great sermon.

Even bishops forget the names of those being ordained.

If you’re being ordained and the bishop forgets your name, it’s permissible to tell him.

How do you say “Amen” in jazz? Y-e-a-h-h-h!

Getting On With It

Bishop Baxter’s address to the Convention on Friday offered a frank assessment of the state of the Diocese. In a nutshell: there’s a lot of great stuff going on, but it’s time for a financial reality check. There’s no denying that if only 40% of the Diocese’s congregations contribute at the level the canons require, much will be in peril, both regionally and locally. You can find a summary here. The entire address will appear in the July Tidings.

Finding a New Rhythm

It seems somehow fitting that the first event of this year’s Diocesan Convention was a short Jazz Eucharist. The hymns were straight from the Hymnal, but set to a different beat. “Jesus, Lover of my Soul;” became almost a spiritual. The musician was part Vince Guaraldi, part James Taylor. The effect was beautiful… different, but it worked. Here’s a prayer that the next two days will go the same way.

Diocesan Convention

Diocesan Convention begins tomorrow. Watch this space for news and updates.

Congratulations All Around

It’s graduation season, of course. I recently attended two of them: a graduate school of public policy and a law school. I found both surprising. Fully prepared for a pretty sedate experience, especially from the newly minted attorneys, what I got instead was spirited, idealistic, and loaded with energy. The student address at the law school was outstanding, making the invited guest speaker look pretty much a dolt. In both ceremonies there was no lack of passion.

Our upcoming Diocesan Convention will feature some “graduations” of our own. On Friday, those who have completed the course of study at the School of Christian Studies will receive their certificates. On Saturday morning, Bishop Baxter will ordain seven new deacons – the largest “class” in recent years. Among these will be a number of “transitional” deacons who will eventually go on to the priesthood. Whatever their roles, into their new callings they will all likely bring a similar passion, fresh ideas, and enthusiasm. Make them welcome; we all need the boost.