141st Convention Presentations and Bishop Skirving's Address

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.

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.

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.

Bishop Skirving delivered his address to the 141st Annual Diocesan Convention, highlighting ministry around the diocese and new developments and pathways forward rooted in Psalm 137:1-4: "By the rivers of Babylon—
there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?"

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.

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.