Letter From Bishop vonRosenberg

During my time as bishop, I have experienced a conversion in attitude about the Laymen's Conference. However, before writing about my conversion, I want to be sure that everyone knows what the Laymen's Conference is.

There are several activities in which the three Tennessee dioceses all participate - held over from the time that the three dioceses were one. The Laymen's Conference is one of those, for the Dioceses of West Tennessee and Tennessee, along with East Tennessee, all are involved. Laymen of all ages attend, and in fact, I have encountered several families of three generations that are represented at the annual conference in August.

Partly because I had never heard of such a gathering, I was not at all sure about what to expect before my first Laymen's Conference. In our diocese, there seems to be some significant misunderstanding - due, in part, by lack of exposure among laymen from certain parishes. Therefore, because of my own experience, I encourage laymen who read this to ask about the Conference. Further, I encourage rectors to be open-minded about the participation of members of their flock.

What I discovered on my first visit to the Laymen's Conference was not a macho bunch of chauvinists but a significant gathering of laymen (about 500) from all over the state, who came together to enjoy fellowship, to sing, to worship, to have fun, and to hear outstanding speakers, for a weekend at DuBose Conference Center on Sewanee Mountain. The nearly-universal response from laymen is positive. Therefore, if you are a layman, perhaps you should try it; and if you are a rector, perhaps you should encourage it.

This year's dates are August 16-18 - a week earlier, to avoid registration week at Sewanee. The primary speaker will be the Most Rev. Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The host diocese is East Tennessee, and the President is Phillip Harris, of St. Martin's Church, Chattanooga. For additional information, you may contact Phil at pwharris@tva.gov , or you may look at the website, EpiscopalChurchmen.org.

I look forward to seeing many more of our laymen from East Tennessee this year, and I hope that some of our churches that have not been represented in the past will be present in August!

[More information about the Laymen's Conference and an online registration form can be found on the group's Website. ed]

July 10, 2002 at St. Paul’s, Chattanooga

To schedule an appointment on one of these dates, contact Tami Dyke by eMail (tmac@etdiocese.net) or phone (865.521.2900).