The rush of "who is running for what role?", "what does that resolution mean?", "what do I do at convention as a new deputy?" are often questions that arise around each Diocesan Convention.  This year, clergy and churches around the diocese will be hosting Pre-Convention Assemblies in order for our clergy and deputies to engage more fully with the issues that we will ponder on at our gathering as a diocesan body.  Our theme this year is "The Gifts of God for the People of God," and in raising awareness of the issues that our convention will be prayerfully addressing, we are more fully recognizing the gifts with which we have been imbued by God.  These assemblies will also help us to better know and connect with people in our parishes and enhance our fellowship and common life. The dates and times for all the assemblies are still forthcoming, but if you have a question about attending a Pre-Convention Assembly, please contact Canon to the Ordinary, The Rev. Cn. Elise Johnstone (elise@diolex.org) and she will help you to connect with your regional assembly.

Who should attend a Pre-Convention Assembly?

• Clergy and deputies from each congregation.  Alternates and others are welcome and encouraged to attend.

What will be discussed?

• Informal orientation of new deputies

• Helping those gathered become familiar (through shared information) with candidates for elected leadership roles
• Become familiar with legislative materials - resolutions, canon changes, etc. that will come before convention.

A full list of locations, dates, and times will be published in next week's Link. 

It is with bitter sweetness that we announce that Michelle Sjogren, Director of Reading Camp, has accepted a position at Gateway Community and Technical College as the  Director of  Marketing and Public Relations for their five campuses in Covington, Edgewood and Florence. Michelle has brought much to this position and to Reading Camp as whole.  In the time Michelle has been with Reading Camp, Reading Camp is in "the black" for the first time in five years, with an over $4000.00 surplus;  there is a  beautiful new, interactive website that is mobile friendly; the Reading Camp Network added six new camps in 2014, and four more are scheduled to open in 2015, one of those at Georgetown College; Reading Camp initiated year-long contact with campers through mentoring in Fayette County and an after school program at Southern Middle School in Georgetown; and Reading Camp engaged the community through partnerships with the United Way, school districts and businesses. 

Michelle shares, "Although I am very excited about this new path, I'm sad about what I have to leave behind. We have worked very hard in the past 18 months to define direction for Reading Camp and put plans in place that will move us toward our vision and implement our mission to serve children. I'm disappointed that I will not be able to complete that process, but know it will be completed. I am also sad to leave this community that has taken me in and taught me so much. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve the diocese and Reading Camp."

We wish Michelle many blessings as she begins this new period in her vocation, and will miss her energy, intelligence, vitality and community-building skills.  We are grateful to the leadership of the Reading Camp Advisory Board and its chair, The Rev. Marshall Jolly of Grace Church, Florence who will partner with Bishop Hahn to discern the interim path for Reading Camp and help it to continue to serve young people in need of respect, time, and educational formation. 

One of the highlights each year at Diocesan convention is the Youth Scholarship Silent Auction. Everyone enjoys the opportunity to bid on the lovely items that are donated by churches and different groups throughout the diocese.

On behalf of the Diocesan Youth Community, I am asking each church or organization in the diocese to donate a gift basket or something nice for this years' convention silent auction. At previous auctions we have had stained glass work, beautiful quilts, hand-painted items, hand-knitted scarves and caps, gift certificates for dining out or movies, art prints, handmade furniture and a number of beautifully themed baskets. Please attach a card listing the item that is to be auctioned, who is donating the item and an approximate cost of the item.

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Transitional clergy, Judicatories and Lay Leaders serving or preparing to serve a church in transition can get the training to strengthen their ministry and the congregations they serve. We all have one goal: to have a strong and healthy congregation. With the Fundamentals of Transitional training we can all reach that goal. The next Work of the Leader (FTML) course is February 24-26, 2015 at St. Paul's Cathedral Center in Los Angeles, California. Click here to get more information. The next Work of the Congregation (FTMC) course is March 2-6, 2015 at Marywood Retreat Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Click here for more information.