Thank you for your ministry of service as clergy delegate, lay delegate, or alternate to next year's 96th Annual Council.
At the fall convocation meeting, each parish will be invited to introduce the delegation and to share a story of one exciting ministry or mission. Plan ahead to determine which story your parish will share. You will also have an opportunity to hear updates from Bishop Mark, Alan Boyce, our Canon Missioners, and members of the Executive Board, and to share convocation news.
A canonical directive for this meeting is to elect candidates to serve in leadership positions or to nominate candidates for election at Annual Council in January. Please:
locate your spring booklet and bring it with you to the meeting. It contains canonical requirements for open positions as well as names of for incumbents;
using that list of incumbents, contact someone who is currently serving to learn more about any position prior to the meeting;
be sure you have obtained a candidate's permission prior to the meeting if you plan to nominate someone.
Printed copies of the fall convocation booklet, including any updates or additions, will be provided at the meeting. You do not need to print this information, but it is helpful to read it in advance. The booklet is available to you as one large download or in several sections using these clickable links:
This information will also be posted on the diocesan website. Choose "Who We Are"-->Governance-->Convocations.
If the diocesan staff can be of any help, please let us know at Evans House (540-342-6797 or respond to this email).
We look forward to seeing you!
Tell Your Parish
Everyone is welcome at convocation meetings, and Bishop Mark particularly encourages vestry members to attend. Please be sure to invite your vestries and all your parishioners.
Also, please be sure to take your booklet and your experience back to your parish. Here are a few examples of what you might try at your church:
Meet with the vestry and summarize the main points of the agenda.
Write a report for the parish newsletter and website.
Speak during the announcement time at a worship service.
Discuss the meeting with adult and teen Sunday School classes.Remember that 16-year-olds are considered adults in The Episcopal Church!
Talk to other parishioners during coffee hour.
Send a report by email to parishioners.
We hear consistently that getting the word out using multiple methods works best. You know your parish best--use what will work for you!
Looking Ahead
January Convocation Meetings
These meetings take place on January 11, 2015, in all convocations. Times and places will be determined at the Fall Convocation meetings. (January 18 will serve as a snow day if needed.)
96th Annual Council
January 23-25, 2015
Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
On Friday, voting begins at noon and ends at 5 PM.
Council business sessions begin at 2 PM on Friday and may continue through Sunday afternoon.
