“We Are One Church” has been set as the theme for the Sixteenth Annual Convention of the Diocese of East Tennessee. It was chosen by Bishop vonRosenberg to emphasize the unity of purpose he sees reflected in the diocesan vision statement and in reality throughout the diocese and the larger Church.

A logo, which will be unveiled soon, was created to reflect this turn of the century theme. It will be printed on a variety of items provided to convention delegates. Many of the items will also be available for purchase.

The Rev. Dan Matthews, Rector of St. Paul’s, Kingsport, is the Chair of the Convention Committee, reports that they have selected the MeadowView Convention, Resort and Conference Center in Kingsport to host the Feb. 11-13, 2000 gathering.

Matthews also reports that the committee is planing a schedule of events that will enable the diocese to “do its business with dispatch,” while providing opportunities to learn, pray, and socialize in a welcoming and relaxing setting. “Along the way, we also hope to share a sense of the unique spirit and hospitality of the people of North East Tennessee,” he said.

The convention will open on Friday evening with Evensong and a message from Bishop vonRosenberg, followed by a reception. Exhibits will be open on Friday evening during the reception.

The work of the convention begins in earnest on Saturday with plenary business sessions at the start and end of the day. Between these sessions, there will be two opportunities to attend “best practices” workshops, review and provide input into the 2000 budget, visit exhibits or meet in small interest groups.

The following information reflects a partial list of workshops that the diocese will sponsor during the convention:

Representatives of the Mission Strategy Task Force - will present a workshop on demographics and the resources available for parishes.

The Rev. John Talbird, Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain will speak on “Mission Strategy” sharing insights from a book entitled “Death of the Church.”

A session on Evangelism will be presented by the Rev. Dennis Cambpell from Sewanee.

The convention committee continues to explore other workshop topics. A full listing of workshops will be available when the convention packet is mailed later this year and on the diocesan website.

A special feature of this year’s event will be the opportunity to learn about and participate in a “labyrinth” experience on-site at the convention center.

Saturday’s schedule ends with dinner, dancing, and entertainment “North East Tennessee style.”

The Convention will close with a celebration of Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning. Youth from the region will process with specially created banners for each congregation in the Diocese reflecting the “One Church” theme. Also, special vestments are being designed that will also feature the convention logo and theme.

Fee information and full convention details will be included registration materials to be sent out by Diocesan House in December or early January.

Details of the workshops and other convention news will be posted on an “Annual Convention” page of this website when they become available.