You Are Beautiful

With the words "You are beautiful"  Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves welcomed diocesan delegates in October for the annual diocesan convention. St. Timothy's delegation was composed of lay delegates Darlene Frick, Nelson Frick, Bill Shreve and Amy Witzke, along with clergy delegates the Reverend Lisa McIndoo and the Reverend Michael Ridgway. This year's theme was "Relational Courage." At Sherwood Hall in Salinas, Friday afternoon and evening were reserved for hearings on the resolutions and a social dinner, plus awards given by Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves. Our own Holly McCullough received a "Simple Servant" award for her work with young families at the Episcopal Church in the Almaden.

St. Tim's Holly McCullough 

Saturday was reserved for the work of the diocese. The Bishop delivered her final address to the diocese as bishop.  Expanding on the theme of Relational Courage, Bishop Mary challenged us to remember that "we are the asset that we most need to develop...If we are not present, then the essence of Christianity is not present." She also spoke eloquently about the need to grow into "the church that does not yet exist."

Also on Saturday, we heard reports of various committees and voted on the budget.  We also voted on several resolutions including one that was proposed by Bill Shreve and the Sanctuary Task Force.  The resolution was written to affirm the resolution passed at last summer's General Convention that encouraged all Episcopalians and congregations to reach out to and support immigrants facing deportation. A lively hearing was held on Friday afternoon with speakers struggling to define exactly what "sanctuary" means. An amendment was offered by Bill Shreve on Saturday morning that sought to resolve some of the issues raised at the hearing.  Many in attendance expected that this resolution would cause considerable debate when it was brought to the convention floor for a vote.  In the end, however, no opposition was offered.  It passed with a simple voice vote.

Next year's convention will be presided over by Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves and our new bishop who will be elected in June 2019. Information regarding the search for a new bishop can be found here. The diocesan profile is now live here.  --Amy Phillips Witzke