CENTRAL GULF COAST: Convention rejoices 'in the Power of the Spirit'
Episcopal News Service. March 17, 2008 [031708-01]
Cindy McCrory, Editor of The Coastline in the Diocese of Central Gulf Coast, Lisa B. Hamilton, Editor for Episcopal Life Media
"Rejoice in the Power of the Spirit" was the theme of the 37th Annual Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, held February 21-23 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama. St. Paul's parishioners held dinner parties in their homes for delegates and spouses.
In his opening address, Bishop Philip M. Duncan II reflected on the convention's theme.
"We are a diocese for which we have so much to be thankful. We have much potential and strength," Duncan said. "We are growing in numbers of members and adding and upgrading agencies, congregations and school facilities. We are developing programs for the upbuilding of ministries and seeking ways to meet the challenges of the present, while being faithful to the past. We are blessed and we are here to serve all God's people."
Louisiana Bishop Charles E. Jenkins III preached at the opening Eucharist, telling of life in the Diocese of Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
"In the midst of continued mourning, lament and hard work," he proclaimed, "I find amongst many a joy born of faith; a faith so deep and so strong that I must describe it as unshakable. This joy is one beyond circumstance."
Retired Bishop of Wyoming Bob G. Jones, serving as co-chaplain, meditated on the Stations of the Cross. Retired Arkansas Bishop Herbert A. Donovan Jr. also served as a co-chaplain of the convention.
Three resolutions were adopted, all by unanimous vote.
The first designated the convention offerings to be distributed equally to hurricane relief efforts in the dioceses of Louisiana and Mississippi.
The second resolution adopted a $1,811,008 budget, including increased pledges from parishes of $67,873 to aid in balancing the diocesan budget. The budget includes an increased emphasis on communications and youth ministries.
The third resolution begins the process for a companion relationship with the Diocese of the Dominican Republic.
The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast has 65 churches with approximately 20,000 members. It includes Mobile, Eufaula and Greenville, Alabama, and Apalachicola, Florida.