Reflection: on hope

Yesterday was a day in the life of the church. A $111,000,000 budget was proposed for the next Triennium. What's exciting is that the budget is focused on the five marks of mission of the church. It also funds a task force to develop a plan to revise the structure of the church as the church moves forward into the world.

Also approved, for trial use, was a liturgy for the witnessing and blessing of a lifelong covenant in a same-sex relationship. The liturgy may only be used with the approval of the bishop. The liturgy can be used beginning in Advent of this year.

The church also affirmed its commitment to the Anglican Communion and determined that because there are currently several opinions of the Anglican Covenant, the Church will continue to study and follow covenant activities into the future.

What's exciting about all of this is that the Episcopal Church is serious about change, and about finding a new way into the future.

I am reminded of what the prophet Jeremiah said,"for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future," ( Jer 29:11).

What is going on here gives me hope.

General Convention Thoughts and Other Musings

Today is day six of General Convention 2012 and there are just two more days to go. But, already a lot has happened that will effect the future church. No doubt the Episcopal Church is shrinking, as are all the mainline denominations. The good news is that we, in the Episcopal Church and in our diocese, are doing something about it.

This convention is focused on the mission of the church and restructuring the church. Some important things that have happened include agreement to sell the church headquarters in New York, called 815, which will generate considerable revenue when that does happen, and reduce costs. The center will be moved to a new location that will be studied in the months ahead.

The budget for the next triennium will also be focused on the five makes of mission of the church which will allow the church to more fuly meet the needs, hopes and concerns of the world.

Over 400 resolutions are being considered. Many have now been addressed by the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. Some that readers may find of interest are those that incorporate the Revised Common Lectionary into the Book of Common Prayer Lectionary, developing a strategic plan, developing commissions to focus on the use of new technology, and communications affirming the human rights of all of us in the church and several resolutions that call for peace in the world, particularly the Middle East.

For me the most moving part of General Convention was the incredible daily liturgies and preaching. It's quite an experience to worship and to serve communion with 2000 of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Some say that the  church is dying but I know it is being reborn. It is exhilarating. It is hopeful. It will be hard. It will be messy, but I know that the Spirit is with us as we begin our journey back to the apostolic church and doing what God calls us to do.

Faithfully; Rev. Bill Zettinger

Organizing for mission

The Most Reverend Katherine Jefferts Schori, our Presiding Bishop, gave opening remarks to the Convention that were exceptional. I think she was spot on when she said.

"Discovering the most effective ways to organize and network ourselves for mission, for governance, and for supporting that mission is going to require us to look outside ourselves. We have to be willing to search out the gifts and assets already present. Something like a blue ribbon commission would be helpful – a leadership group that includes independent voices, that is non-partisan, that will offer the input of outsiders and people on the margins of the church, not just those already deeply invested in the church and in the way the church is now. That may not be easy for this body to engage, but God is already at work beyond this Episcopal Church and we have something to learn from that reality."

In other words we need to begin to think about the church and mission in new innovative ways.

Rev. Bill Zettinger