‘We Anticipate Miracles’

by Pam Doty
Editor
"We anticipate miracles as God works through us" was the thread woven through the fabric of the 17th annual Convention of the Diocese of East Tennessee. The warp was how does the one Church in the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee faithfully and concretely proclaim the Good News of God's love in today's society. The weft was the resources — people, money, skills, time — identified and offered in God's service..

Beginning with the opening words of Evening Prayer on Friday night — "Luz y paz, en Jesucristo neustro Senor," spoken by the Rev. Louis Garcia and repeated — "Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord" — by the Rev. Mary Moore and continuing through the Rules of Order right down to the Dismissal following the Convention Eucharist, convention focused on bringing the Church's resources to bear on the task of spreading the Gospel.

The service in Spanish highlighted the growing Hispanic population in East Tennessee, an area identified by the South East Region Mission Team as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and minister to God's children.

Convention delegates went right to work Friday evening with the organization of Convention and the election of officers of the Convention as well as the introduction of new clergy, seminarians and special guests.

The Rt. Rev. Charles G. vonRosenberg, third Bishop of the Diocese of East Tennessee, recognized members of the Convention Committee — The Rev. Thom Rasnick, Chair; Ms. Meg Lonon, Co-chair; Greg Hall, Frank Snodgrass, Courtney Huster and Lori Cutler, all of St. John's Cathedral, Knoxville. The Bishop appointed convention committees on Credentials – the Rev. Alan Cole, Chair; Elections – Mr. Jim Shearouse, Chair; General Resolutions – the Rev. John Talbird, Chair; and Memorials, Greetings and Resolutions of Appreciation – Ms. Patricia Grace, Chair.

As a special order of business, the Camp and Conference Center Committee, chaired by the Rev. Albert "Bo" Lewis, was introduced.

Saturday morning's session followed Morning Prayer. Along with committee reports and ratification of the actions of Bishop and Council, the 2001 Budget was presented by Assistant Treasurer Bob Newman.

The projected budget for 2001 is $1,737,128.

Youth Action Council representatives seated at the Convention were recognized by the Bishop and granted a point of personal privilege. Speaking for the Youth Action Council, Isaac Doty presented to the convention a booklet prepared by YAC giving directions to all congregations in the Diocese of East Tennessee. Called "Door to Door," the youth gave delegates and guests copies for their use. Isaac announced that additional copies would be on sale in the Cathedral Bookshop for $4.50.

The Bishop then addressed the convention offering two perspectives on the Diocese — unity and hope — and the work he sees before the Church: to carry out Christ's commission. To that end, he identified three callings or areas of interest — the financial asking, the Camp and Conference Center as support for the ministry of the Diocese, and the mission of the Church "to go and make disciples." (His address is printed in its entirety on pages 2 and 3 and can also be found on the diocesan web site at etdiocese.net).

Following his address, Convention heard a special order of business, a report of Capital Funds Needs. Seminarians Lou Parsons and Claire Keene presented the need for support for seminarians; the Rev. Albert Lewis talked about the development of the Camp and Conference Center; and the Ven. Michael Doty talked about mission development in the Diocese.

Time was set aside during Convention for two workshop sessions and budget, resolution and constitution and canons hearings before and after lunch. Workshops were attended by delegates and visitors and included discussions of 20/20: A Clear Vision, Jubilee Ministries, Called to Common Mission, Jesus and the Generations, What about the Kinds, and You Are What You Print. Nursery was provided during the workshops.

The afternoon session was devoted to elections and resolutions. Elected to Standing Committee were: Mr. Harry Chase and the Rev. Jocelyn Bell. Elected to Bishop and Council were: Dr. James Morris, Ms. Sharon Monroe, the Rev. Craig Kallio, the Rev. Harry Bahlow and the Rev. John Bonner. Ms. Prestine Huckabay was elected as Trustee for the University of the South. Ecclesiastical Trial Court members elected were the Rev. David Bateman, the Rev. Martha Sterne, the Rev. Peter Keese, Mr. William Pratt and Mr. John Mendez.

Liz Lee, a member of the Youth Action Council, asked for a point of personal privilege and addressed the Convention delegates and guests on the subject of youth as delegates to both Diocesan Convention and General Convention, reminding everyone that the youth are also very much a part of the Church.

The 2001 Budget was adopted without discussion. Changes to the Constitution were adopted on the second reading. Resolution 12, calling for a Capital Funds Campaign to fund the purchase of the Manley property for the Camp and Conference Center, to create an endowment to subsidize the yearly operation of the Camp and Conference Center and to endow support for seminarians and mission growth including campus ministry, was passed by the Convention. Resolution 13 calling for the adoption of "20/20: A Clear Vision" as the domestic mission imperative of the Diocese of East Tennessee also passed. Resolution 14, support for victims of violent crimes also passed. Convention also passed a resolution calling for an immediate moratorium on the death penalty.

The Bishop appointed a Board of Managers for the Camp and Conference Center. Following other reports, the Convention was adjourned and everyone invited back to participate in a service of Evening Prayer led by the Diocesan Youth.

The approximately 120 youth from around the Diocese participating in the Youth Action Council Diocesan Youth Event led the service with the assistance of Patricia Askew, Diocesan Youth Coordinator and the Rev. Steve Askew. The young people brought new images and symbols to the service, blowing bubbles to symbolize the sins of the world forgiven and taken away. Their music was contemporary and the service profound by the involvement of the young people.

With the business of Convention concluded, the party began with a "Southern Beach Bash." In beach hats and shirts, the delegates and visitors enjoyed an evening of food, music, and dance.

Sunday morning worship was a joyful occasion with many Episcopalians from the Knoxville area joining delegates to celebrate the Eucharist together. Bishop vonRosenberg celebrated and the Rev. Canon Michael Delk from St. Philip's Cathedral, Atlanta, Georgia and organizer of "Gathering the Next Generation", preached (text of sermon). Fran McKendree provided the music.

The 17th Annual Convention of the Diocese of East Tennessee, ended praising the Lord.2