Diocesan Convention
Not Just for Clergy & Delegates

This year’s annual convention will build on last year’s theme of “Growing in Mission and Ministry” as nearly 300 delegates and visitors gather in Chattanooga on Feb. 7-9 for the 19th Annual Convention of the Diocese of East Tennessee.

“Convention 2003 continues the thematic focus we initiated last year,” says Jim Frierson, who along with the Rev. Margaret Marshall, co-chairs the Convention Committee. “In coming together, we reaffirm our role as people of faith and stewards of the outward focus of this diocese,” Frierson said.

Frierson and the Convention Committee promise a weekend of surprises and fun, including a choral Evensong with the All Saints Chapel, Sewanee Choir and the premiere of an original anthem by British composer Richard Shepherd.

The convention will begin Feb. 7 at St. Paul’s Church, with Evensong, followed by the opening business session and the Bishop’s Reception, which will feature fiddler Joseph Dunkin. In recognition of the sesquicentennial anniversary of St. Paul’s founding, a tour of the church and the immediate downtown area will be offered.

On Saturday, delegates will move to the new Chattanooga Convention Center for the business sessions, workshops, and exhibits. The convention center will also be the site for a Saturday night fiesta and the closing Eucharist on Sunday to which all East Tennessee Episcopalians are invited to attend.

The convention theme will also direct the workshops that will be held between the business sessions on Saturday. These learning opportunities will be open to non-delegates and will cover such topics as Native American spirituality, Hispanic culture and ministry, stewardship, reducing barriers for persons with disabilities, Appalachian ministries and experiential learning for children.

During the business sessions, the delegates will hear a report on the Capital Stewardship Campaign, celebrate the establishment of three new diocesan Jubilee Centers, adopt a 2003 diocesan budget and elect lay and clergy members to Bishop and Council and Standing Committee and a lay trustee to the University of the South. The Bishop will give his annual address on the state of the diocese during the morning session.

In addition, the convention will celebrate the success of St. Francis of Assisi, Ooltewah, which will become financially independent this year just 10 years after it was organized.

Sunday morning at 10 a.m., the diocese will come together in worship with communicants from across East Tennessee. All Episcopalians are encouraged to attend the concluding Eucharist at the Convention Center.

The Rev. Ron Warren, Bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, will preach.

Convention Details