Copyright © 2004 The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee

"Where is the energy? Where is the passion? Where is the fun? Where is the commitment to the faith, and to the ministry to which we are called, at this time and in this place?" asks the Rt. Rev. Jim Kelsey, bishop of Northern Michigan.

Bishop Kelsey is a nationally recognized leader in emphasizing the authority and importance of ministry of the adult baptized and for his emphasis on congregational ministry development, and he will be the featured speaker and facilitator at a ministry conference available to all adult laity and clergy and held at Grace Point Camp and Retreat Center on Saturday, March 27.

"From Membership to Mission: We are all Partners in Ministry" is the theme of the conference, which will be sponsored by the Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of East Tennessee. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m., and early arrivals will have get-acquainted time beginning at 9:30 a.m. over coffee and juice.

Conference participants will learn that many of the basic assumptions about the church and its ministry are in transition. The ministry of the church is becoming a shared ministry. How can we discover the gifts that reside in members of our own worshiping communities? How can we form ourselves into a ministering community and put those gifts into action?

"In the face of all that life in this new century - this new millennium - offers us, we are coming to rediscover how all of God's people are gifted and are called to share in God's work. No matter how big or small our community, God has given us everything we need to survive and, in fact, to thrive, as we move ahead into our future," Bishop Kelsey has said. "Our priests are not here to minister to us and on our behalf. They are here as icons, living reminders and animators of that ministry which we all share in Christ. Together, we are ministering communities."

At the ministry conference, we will explore together how the vitality of our congregations can be significantly enhanced when clergy and laity work in partnership for mission and ministry.

All adult laity and clergy are encouraged to attend and participate in this ministry conference. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Please mail your $15 individual registration fee for the conference no later than March 19 to Lynn Lazlo, Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, 814 Episcopal School Way, Knoxville, Tenn. 37932. Scholarships are available.

Rick Govan, diocesan lay ministry development director, is coordinator for the conference. Any questions you may have about the event may be directed to him at 423/698-1222 or rgovan@etdiocese.net.