Last week I was travelling for two interesting events. First was a conference in Denver for larger Episcopal congregations. I was invited as a guest of parishioners who were friends of one of the organizers of the event. The conference offered a sharing of resources and ideas to help congregations thrive.  After two days in Denver I traveled to Dallas for a meeting of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. I noticed a significant common thread in both events: evangelism. The Episcopal Church is waking up to its mission to share good news with people in exciting ways. In Denver I saw a compelling presentation by Mary Palmer who is challenging churches to look at their ministries through three lenses: invite, welcome and connect. I found the "invite" lens to be the most interesting. It is the thing we aren't doing.  I don't have my notes here, but she said according to a Gallup poll, a large percentage of people polled (I want to say about 80%) would go to church if a friend invited them. She then told us stories of churches that are being creative in connecting with people who are outside the church. You can see some of her presentation by following this link. 

At Executive Council we looked at plans for planting new churches, starting new ministries and training people in evangelism. We approved funding for marketing and the development of an app that would help people connect with the Episcopal Church. Under Bishop Curry's leadership it is clear that we are in a new era in the church and I am personally very excited for our future.

I will be in Auburn at the Mercy Center with your vestry at our annual vestry retreat this weekend. Canon Andrea McMillin will be facilitating our meeting. Please pray for us.

Blessings, 

Trinity Cathedral