Dear People of the Diocese of Kentucky,

In partnership with Church of the Advent, the people of Saint Andrew's are honored to host the 184th diocesan convention on November 11 and 12, 2011.We are working to make this first Fall Convention the start of a fruitful new way of doing things in the Diocese of Kentucky.  

The theme for our time together will be "First Fruits of Compassion."  This is far more than an opportunity to highlight the change in season. Whether our "harvest" is reaped from the soil, or in salaries, stock options, 401K contributions, dividends.... God has an opinion about how we use and understand that bounty.Part of the concern is quite practical.  God asks us to leave the far corners of our fields and the gleanings of our harvest for the poor and the alien.  God also asks us to give the first fruits of our harvest to God.  This is a bit less practical, but serves as a reminder that all that we have, our possessions, our life, the promise of life abundant are all from God.    

Both exercises invite us into a more compassionate, grace-filled way of being.  As individuals, parishes, and as a diocese we will explore how we can live more compassionately and give more generously.   And to get us started we encourage all deputies and visitors to bring canned or dry goods for the Dare to Care Food Pantry operated by the Church of the Advent and Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church. Our hope is that this tradition will continue with future hosting parishes.

All of the convention events including Friday evening's ordination of Ben Badgett to the transitional diaconate will take place at Saint Andrew's, located at the corner of Woodbourne and Ellerbe avenues (2233 Woodbourne Ave., Louisville, KY 40205). More information is available at our website www.mysaintandrews.org  We have a parking lot on the Woodbourne side, street parking, and additional parking available at Adath Jeshuren Synagogue (across Ellerbe). We are handicapped accessible  (handicapped entry from the Ellerbe side).   

Registration will begin Friday at 2 p.m. (EDT) outside our downstairs chapel, followed by workshops, an ordination to the transitional diaconate,  and a reception.  Saturday begins at 8 a.m. with Morning Prayer at 9, and the business session to follow. We hope to send you on your way sometime between 2:15 and 4:45.

We are looking forward to your arrival and it is a particular joy for us to have the opportunity to gather as a diocese twice in the same year.   

Blessings and safe travels,

The Rev. Ben Maas

Rector