Third Conversation
Getting Ready
This conversation focuses on our life together as a Diocese. Each of our congregations is unique, and each lives and functions within its own particular context. It can be very easy for each to become a separate and isolated entity. We have sixty-seven worshiping communities and also a number of college chaplaincies. Some of our worshiping communities are very small and without a regular clergy presence. Others are much larger, with many people on staff. In his teaching about the Church as “the Body of Christ” the apostle Paul emphasized that “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26 – NRSV) So it is with the life of our Diocese.
Before engaging in this third conversation, you are invited to visit the website of the Diocese of East Carolina. As you explore our website, you will find information about the congregations of the Diocese and about ministries that been important in the life of our Diocese. Many will know about Trinity Center, the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, the Interfaith Refugee Ministry, Youth & Young Adult Ministry and Spanish Language ministry, but there are other ministries that are also a part of the life of our Diocese.
A Prayer
"O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our clergy and people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Prayer for the Diocese - Page 817, Book of Common Prayer (1979)
The Conversation
Alone, or together with others, consider the following questions. If you will be in a group with others, begin with prayer, and then take time to listen as each person present speaks their own responses to these questions. Avoid discussion or debate, although you might ask another person a question or two in order to better understand their response. You may want to jot down your own responses in a journal. If you join together with others, you might also want to jot down some of the words and images that you hear from them.
Questions:
- How might God be calling our Diocese to support its members and its congregations to live more fully into the faith and promises of our Baptismal Covenant?
- How might God be calling our Diocese to support its members and its congregations to go out into eastern North Carolina and the world in witness to God’s love and in service to our neighbors?
