Invitation to the Ninety-Seventh Annual Council 

January 29--31, 2016  

Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center 
Roanoke, VA 
November 21, 2015
 
 One in Mission: Becoming a Spirit-led Church
 
For the past two years we have been working and thinking hard about what it means for our diocese to become increasingly more missional in our evangelism for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This conversation has been happening in our Episcopal Church at all levels. It is the foundation of our new Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's message for our Church.
 
One of the leading thinkers on this missional movement is the Rev. Dwight J. Zscheile, whose book People of the Way has greatly influenced my own approach to remaining faithful to the Gospel call on our communities of faith. We are blessed that Dwight will be our Keynote speaker at this year's Council. He will be our preacher at the Friday night Eucharist and engage our thinking throughout Saturday morning. Ideas and perspectives from Dwight's new book, The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age will be the focus of his time with us.
 
I hope that you will look forward to our time with Dwight and our fellowship together as we strive to live more fully into the Jesus Movement.
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The Rt. Rev. Mark A. Bourlakas
Bishop 
We're looking forward to seeing you at the Ninety-Seventh Annual Council!

Links to online Council registration and the form for submitting a resolution are posted on the diocesan website. Other Council-related materials will also be posted there as they become available prior to the January convocation meetings.

Nominees for positions to be elected at Council are reminded to submit a biographical sketch and a digital photo before November 30.

In this email, you will find information for Clergy and Lay Delegates, as well as for Alternates, Visitors to all of Council, those planning to come for Mission Workshops, and families of our children and youth participants. Check out the links below: TOP
  • All Convocations will meet on Sunday, January 17, 2016.
    • Abingdon Convocation: Emmanuel, Bristol ~ 3--5 PM
    • Augusta Convocation: Emmanuel, Staunton 3 - 5 pm
    • Lynchburg Convocation: Ascension, Amherst ~ 2:30--4:30 PM 
    • New River Convocation:  Christ, Blacksburg 3 - 5 pm 
    • Roanoke Convocation: St. James', Roanoke ~ 2:30--4:30 PM
  • You will receive another email early in January with information to prepare you for your Convocation meeting and Council, including the agenda, proposed budget, nominee information, resolutions, and more. Printed copies will be available at your meeting on January 17.
  • In case of inclement weather, the Dean and President will decide if the meeting will be held on the snow date--Sunday, January 24.
 
  • Early Bird Online Discount Registration for Clergy and Lay Delegates, Alternates, and Visitors attending all of Council is $150 through January 18.
  • Members of the Standing Committee and the Executive Board, please be sure to register as a Clergy or Lay Delegate and indicate your parish.
    Your name tag at Council will make it clear to tellers that you are voting due to membership on the Standing Committee or Executive Board.
  • All who register after January 18 must do so at the On-Site Registration table when they come to Council. They will need to be prepared to pay $175 at that time (valid Visa or MasterCard, the exact amount of cash, or a check payable to the Diocese of SWVA for the exact amount).
  • Those not attending all of Council who would like to hear Saturday's keynote and participate in the Mission Workshops are welcome. Details about the schedule and descriptions of the workshops will be posted on the diocesan website in January. Registration is not required, and there is no fee.
  • The online registration form can also be used for those not attending all of Council but who would like to purchase one or two of the three Council meals (Friday night dinner, Saturday lunch, Saturday night banquet).
  • Contact Jim Robertson if you have questions about registration.
  
HotelRoanokeHotel Roanoke Room Reservation   
  • We have a block of rooms reserved until January 14 or until they are full. It is wise to reserve a room early!
  • You can reserve your room online at Hotel Roanoke. In the box titled "Please select your guest type," choose "I have an access code." Our group / convention code is EDV. Enter the code and click "Make a Reservation." (Or you can call the Hotel at 540-985-5900 and mention the EDV code.)
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ResolutionsResolutions or Proposed Changes to the Constitution or to the Canons:
  • Resolutions to be printed must be turned in by December 31, 2015. Submit by snail mail (Resolutions, PO Box 2279, Roanoke, VA 24009) or submit a resolution online.
  • Suggested changes to the Constitution or to the Canons to be presented to Council must be received by Alan Boyce by December 15, 2015. 
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ScheduleA Little About the Schedule:
  • Clergy and spouses/partners, postulants, and candidates will meet together with Bishop Mark and Martha Bourlakas on Friday at 10 AM.
  • New delegate orientation begins at 1:30 PM on Friday.
  • Business begins at 2 PM on Friday.
  • The opening Eucharist will be held at 6 PM on Friday at St. Andrew's Catholic Church (631 N. Jefferson Street).
  • The Eucharist will be followed by a buffet-style meal at the hotel at 7:30 PM, at which all preregistered children and adults are welcome.
  • The Bishop will give his Pastoral Address at the start of the meeting on Saturday.
  • Clergy spouses and partners may join Martha Bourlakas for lunch on Saturday. The cost is included in full registration for Council, or a meal ticket may be purchased in advance. 
  • Council closes on Sunday following the Eucharist (unless unfinished business remains). 
  • Please be sure your parishioners are informed that Council information will be available on the diocesan website.
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ChildrenChildren@Council Preview
 
Children@Council is available for the children of clergy and lay delegates, as well as the children of alternates; children must be pre-registered. Children of Visitors and children of Saturday-only participants may also attend on a space-available basis ONLY if pre-registered.  
  • Please note: there will be no drop-ins; the program will be staffed and planned for the number pre-registered in order to best meet children's needs. 
  • Children@Council will be held at St. Andrew's Catholic Church on Friday. Parents will pick up children following the Eucharist. On Saturday, the program will be at Christ Episcopal Church, Roanoke.
  • A nursery is offered for infants--age 3; Preschool through 5th grades' program is a Vacation Bible School format.
  • Register your children for Children@Council when you register yourself online.
  • There is no charge for Children@Council. However, donations of time and money are invited. The diocese is encouraged to send checks payable to the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia with "C@C donation" on the memo line. Mail checks to C@C, PO Box 2279, Roanoke, VA 24009.
  • Contact Sarah Lusk if you have questions about or would like to volunteer for Children@Council. 
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YouthYouth@Council Preview 
  • Youth@Council is available for 6th--12th graders.
  • Youth@Council will be held at St. John's, Roanoke, from Friday evening through Sunday morning.
  • Please register on the youth website (youth.dioswva.org )
  • Contact the Rev. Canon Connor Gwin if you have questions about Youth@Council.
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TellyourparishInform Your Parish
  • All are invited to share in the Saturday morning program and afternoon workshops.
    • The Saturday morning program begins at 9 AM and lasts until noon.
    • There is no charge for the Saturday afternoon Mission Workshops; descriptions will be available on the diocesan website in January.
    • Tickets for one or two Council meals (Friday night dinner, Saturday lunch, Saturday night banquet) can be purchased online.
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ExhibitorsExhibitors 
  • Exhibitors, including parishes, MUST register online.
  •  Fees may apply for groups or individuals selling items or for exhibitors not directly related to Episcopal ministries.
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Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia
1002 1st Street SW ~ Roanoke, VA 24016
540-342-6797 ~ www.dioswva.org