Presentations at the 141st Convention (2024)
Five presentations were delivered on the Saturday of convention, and below you will find brief synopses and complete audio files of the presentations. The audio recordings are all housed on a single page with all of the audio recordings from convention; simply select from the menu which presentation you would like to hear.
Click Here to Listen to All Presentations
Youth Presentation
Youth from congregations around the diocese were invited to represent the youth of the Diocese of East Carolina and share what is important to them in the life and ministry of our diocese. They spoke of inclusivity and diversity as a priority for them, especially in regards to creating safe spaces in our churches for those who are marginalized. They lauded the acceptance they feel in youth events around the diocese and how important those experiences are to them as a community. Finally, they pointed to the pride they feel as Episcopalians who fight for those on the margins and spread the message of love.
Click Here to Listen to the Youth Presentation
Church of the Servant Presentation
Representatives of Church of the Servant, Wilmington (Jody Greenwood, Rector; Natasha Clay,, Vestry Member; and Rhonda Thomas, Deacon) were invited to share a presentation regarding the work on racial healing they have been doing who, in recognition of that work, was named “Church of the Year” by the New Hanover County NAACP. The ongoing commitment to work around racial equity and justice for Church of the Servant is an “example of what's possible when a few lay people with a passion for something, when they focus their energy, [they] can move things beyond what you could ever imagine.” They highlighted that participating in Sacred Ground groups and book studies led to the creation of the Racial Equity Project at Church of the Servant, an initiative and learning group rooted in The Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community tools and resources and in listening and learning from voices in the Wilmington community. This work in racial equity and healing is ongoing work that Church of the Servant is committed to: showing up for racial justice events, listening to black voices and following their lead. Church of the Servant finished by encouraging congregations to find their passion, form partnerships in the community, and allowing God to work through them in that ministry.
Click Here to Listen to Church of the Servant's Presentation
Deacons Presentation
Archdeacon Janet Sueiro Rodman and Deacon Lisa Kirby shared a presentation on the community of deacons and the resolution regarding deacons brought to convention (Resolution 2024-01). After introducing the names of deacons around the diocese, they offered an overview of the multitude of ministries and ways that deacons in East Carolina bring the world to the church and serve as church in the world, as their calling charges. Speaking to Resolution 2024-01: In Support of Deacons and how that resolution came to be, Archdeacon Rodman pointed to the long-standing tradition of not remunerating deacons and the belief in The Episcopal Choice that “deacons gain moral credibility for their prophetic voice by serving without pay.” The resolution, which recommends considering a nominal payment to deacons in our diocese be paid so that deacons can access benefits from CPG is an outgrowth and a legacy to future deacons who may have to put off their calling and discernment for the consideration of security that their secular jobs can offer. By offering some financial security for their future, the hope is to encourage younger deacons to not put off their passion and their calling and to leave a legacy for future deacons of the Diocese of East Carolina.
Click Here to Listen to the Deacons Presentation
Leadership Development Team Presentation
Members of Diocesan House staff that comprise the newly-named Leadership Development Team are: Canon for Leadership Development Stephanie Allen, Missioner for Lifelong Christian Formation Emily Gowdy Canady, Spanish Language Ministry Coordinator Fred Clarkson, Small Church Ministry Coordinator Tommy Drake, and Coordinator of Ministries with People of African Descent Skip Walker. These diocesan staff were invited to speak about how their work is based in and shaped by the Mission Priorities of our diocese. Attendees heard about the team’s different approaches depending on their staff positions and how those approaches are designed to ensure that whether you are in a small, large, or in-between church and wherever you are located in the diocese, the team is here to be on ground to help support you, connect you, and further the mission and ministry of what you are feeling called to do.
Below are highlights from each staff member’s individual speaking time about their areas:
Rev. Skip Walker spoke of his work as Coordinator of Ministries with People of African Descent and how, in this position, he also serves as priest-in-charge for St. Mark’s, Wilmington and St. Joseph’s, Fayetteville. Part of his approach so far in his missioner role has been to dive into the history of people of African descent in our diocese as well as the congregations in our diocese most closely tied to those histories, to learn their/our story. Skip is using this research to inform and push him forward as we consider our Anglican and Episcopalian identity and the things from our past that are important to bring with us forward.
Rev. Fred Clarkson spoke about La Sagrada Familia’s progress in building their church building and the idea of how people are the church. For 20 years, this congregation has been building family and community ties in the absence of a building. It’s been a beautiful learning experience and speaks to the way we seek to be church in the world. In terms of the broader work of Spanish Language Ministry, this past year, Las Posadas and La Novena were offered, as well as the diocesan-wide feast day services for the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. The creativity and sharing of these Hispanic traditions enrich all of our lives through formation and the sharing of resources.
Emily Gowdy Canady discussed new horizons using the example of ECYC, the East Carolina Youth Council, and their ideas and conversation around building a more inclusive community around the diocese for youth by creating more opportunities for youth all around the diocese to connect and participate in events. ECYC members came to some ideas in conversation, as they had stated feeling a deficit regarding having youth from smaller and different congregations participate in youth events that take place at Trinity Center. Along with other thoughts and observations in that discussion session, ECYC are now working on the joyful and challenging work to bring youth across the diocese together in new ways. This is Spirit-led work, not a strategic plan, and it’s wonderful to see how God’s Spirit is popping up around the diocese and in different groups and ways.
Rev. Tommy Drake noted the shift in his position: last year he was Consultant for Small Church Leadership, and now he is the Coordinator for Small Church Leadership. After learning about our small churches and their needs through surveys and listening, Tommy sees a path forward fueled by collaboration. The 27 or so churches under his purview as coordinator are going to be receiving communications about an online forum where they get together and collaborate. Gathering online lessens the barriers to connect so that they can talk about important issues and things they would like to partner on, like resource sharing and strengthening lay leadership.
Table discussion followed the Leadership Development Team's presentation with the questions on the handout linked below:
Click Here to View the Table Discussion Questions from the Leadership Development Team
Click Here to Listen to the Leadership Development Team Presentation
The deans of the diocese were invited to speak on their ministry and the relationships they have been forming and strengthening throughout the diocese as we seek to sing a new song in a strange land. They referenced the new way of communicating with the bishop and the increasing support for their leadership in the diocese formed in the wake of a tropical storm during Bishop Skirving’s sabbatical and the cancelled revival event. The deans spoke of their excitement for the work of moving forward and working together, because of the ways in which they recognize this way of working will need to be different than previous patterns. The question is: What will faithful acts of vocation as people of faith look like as we work together, not just as diocese, but also in deaneries? The power of ministry lays in the laity, the deans affirmed, and storytelling of the Spirit at work in unique ways were shared. Finally, the deans shared that they are working as deans and as diocese to figure out ways to listen and to discern, and table talk followed the presentation as attendees considered these questions:
- Who did you come here wanting to talk with?
- What did you come here wanting to learn?
- Describe one life/ministry altering connection you’ve made at diocesan convention.
- How do we cultivate the connections made at convention in our congregations, deaneries, and diocese?
- How will you know that your presence made a difference at this convention?
