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December 20, 2023
Beloved in the Diocese of Florida,
We bring you warm Advent greetings, knowing that we are all busily preparing to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many have asked us about the upcoming Convocation on January 27, 2024 at Camp Weed. The Convocation Steering Committee has been hard at work, and plans are beginning to come together. We are glad to share with you the first details.
As we do, let us speak candidly. We believe this is holy work for this Kairos moment in our common life. We also know that there are some within the Diocese who are skeptical or even cynical about this effort. All we can be sure of is that we are in God’s hands. But we also believe that the more voices we have at the table, the better chance we have at finding our way through. We urge you to come, and to come with open hearts.
Goals
The Steering Committee has proposed that the January 27 gathering be the first of three sessions over a period of approximately six months. Dates and locations for the second and third sessions have not yet been determined. Whether there will be other sessions to follow will be decided as these sessions unfold.
Within an environment of Christian love and listening, these sessions will be designed to promote:
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Psychological, spiritual, and relational health across the Diocese, where trust and sincere Christian love are shared between the Diocese and diocesan leadership, as well as between individuals
- the flourishing of ministry across a theological spectrum
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and, eventually, a productive environment in which to hold a successful episcopal election.
Attendance
Clergy
- All canonically-resident clergy, active or retired.
- All non-canonically-resident clergy actively serving within parishes or ministries of the Diocese of Florida.
Laity
- We ask rectors and vestries to work together to appoint two representatives from each parish or mission.
- These should be individuals who are well-suited to engage productively and honestly in difficult conversations with the goal of understanding, blessing, and healing across deep differences.
- These individuals should be prepared to attend all three sessions, and to lead opportunities for their parish to engage in the process between the sessions.
- Additionally, lay members of the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and General Convention Deputation are invited.
Basic Format
For January 27, the Steering Committee expects for the format to approximate the following:
9:00: Check-In
9:30: Morning Prayer
10:00: Large Group teaching, facilitated by Bp. Mary Gray-Reeves
Short Small Groups
12:00: Lunch
1:00: Large and Small Group Sessions
Suggestions to prepare for Convocation 2
3:00: Eucharist
4:00: Depart
Registration
Registration by January 23 is required for attendance. The cost for the event is $45 per person, which covers lunch as well as all other costs to host the convocation. Limited scholarships are available. Please register on the Camp Weed website here. (Note: if you do not have a Camp Weed account, create one using 'New User Sign-Up' then you may register for Convocation.)
We will let you know if additional details develop regarding this important event. Please keep this event, and our diocese, in your daily prayers.
With hope and expectation,
Your Standing Committee
The Rev. Teresa Seagle Mr. Keith Daw
The Rev. Sarah Minton Ms. Jackie Jones
The Rev. Justin Yawn Ms. Heather Prox
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