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Convention supports MDGs, hears challenge to 'not do anything small'

By Melodie Woerman
Editor, The Harvest

Bishop Dean E. Wolfe challenged the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas to engage in deeper levels of commitment and spirituality during remarks to the 148th annual convention of the diocese. The meeting took place Oct. 19-20 in Topeka with the theme “Casting into deep waters,” based on Luke 5:4.

“Let’s not do anything small,” he said in his convention address. “Let’s not cast into shallow water with weak casts and thin nets, expecting no fish. Let us put out into the deep water, because the deeper you go, the more dense, the more intense, the more substantive you will find this faith to be. The deeper you go in the circle of faith, the closer you will find yourself to everyone else. We are a people called to go to the depths, to deep spirituality. At the core of who we are, at the very center of everything we do, is our abiding faith in the amazing grace of God.”

A spirit of unity, cooperation and cordiality marked the event, with delegates commenting on the lack of rancor that has marked some previous conventions.

Support for MDGs

The only debatable resolution offered was in support of the Millennium Development Goals, and it was adopted without any dissenting votes. The MDGs are an eight-prong effort to ease the suffering of the world’s poor by 2015. They form the centerpiece of the 2006 General Convention’s adoption of peace and justice as the primary mission priority for the Episcopal Church in the next three years.

The measure adopted by the Kansas conventions pledged the diocese to financial support of the MDGs, with $6,000 — or 0.35 percent — included in the 2008 budget. The full 0.7 percent contribution will be met in the 2009 diocesan budget, according to the resolution.

The measure also calls on every parish to learn more about the MDGs, and it urges parishes and individual members to contribute to MDG-related causes.

Mike Morrow, one of Kansas’ deputies to General Convention, presented the MDG resolution to convention, noting the widespread support the goals have received. “The Anglican Communion is of one mind on this subject,” he said. “The MDGs have the support of the Primates, the House of Bishops, the House of Deputies, Republicans and Democrats all support these efforts.”

Fellow deputy Larry Bingham said he’s delighted to have the MDGs on the Episcopal Church’s center stage.

“For 15 years we’ve been fighting over stuff,” he said. “Now people are saying ‘enough’ and made this the number one priority for the church. It helps turn our attention to why we are a church. If we’re going to grow, it will be because people see our mission.”

Bishop Wolfe said the amount in the proposed mission plan isn’t very big, but that’s beside the point.

“The money really is a teaching tool,” he said. “It helps you ask yourself what you can do in your parish, in your family, as an individual, to implement the teachings of Jesus to care for those who have less than you do.”

The eight MDGs are:

- eradicate extreme poverty and hunger;

- achieve universal primary education;

- reduce child mortality;

- improve maternal health;

- combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases;

- ensure environmental sustainability; and

- create global partnerships for development.

Ministry needs funded

The convention, without dissent, adopted a diocesan financial mission plan for 2008 of just under $1.8 million. It includes among its line items an innovative grants program to help parishes reach out to students on campuses at colleges, universities and community colleges across the diocese.

While this amount is larger than the 2007 budget by about $163,000, Finance Committee chair Bob Skaggs said the apportionment rate for parishes will remain the same, for the third year in a row.

Parish revenues, to which the apportionment formula is applied, are up, based on growth in membership and people giving more, he said. All that adds up to increased funding filtering to the diocese of about $47,000.

Additional investment income of about $112,000 also is budgeted for use next year, in keeping with a plan began in 2007 to better utilize proceeds from endowments to honor donor wishes and fund needed programs.

The diocese also committed to paying its entire asking for support of The Episcopal Church.

The amount requested of the diocese was lower than 2007 by $35,220, reflecting a reduction in diocesan income resulting from the 2005 decision of Christ Church, Overland Park, to leave the diocese.

Special presentations to the convention highlighted ministry with youth and college students, and two videos described the trip to Kenya by 20 members of the diocese this summer (including Bishop Wolfe) and the continuing efforts to build relationships with that east African nation.

St. David’s, Topeka, whose church building was destroyed last November by an arson fire, offered a video thank-you to the diocese for its support. Convention also said good-bye to St. Philip’s, Topeka, which closed Nov. 19 after 45 years of ministry.

The offering at the convention Eucharist Friday afternoon was designated for flood relief in southeast Kansas. Just under $2,300 was contributed to aid those stricken by summer flooding.

Help for congregations

The convention had a special emphasis on congregational development, and delegates attended workshops that focused on evangelism, welcoming newcomers, church growth, parish stewardship and expanding worship through liturgical arts.

They also heard from keynote speaker the Rev. Tex Sample, who noted that Christians are shaped by the practices they perform.

Convention delegates also balloted — several times. Multiple color-coded ballots were required with more than 20 nominees for General Convention deputy.

Ballots also were cast for people to fill two regular and two unexpired terms on the Council of Trustees, the program and finance body of the diocese.

Election results

Council of Trustees

At large member, clergy, 3-year term:
The Very Rev. Michael Munro, St. Paul’s, Leavenworth

At large member, lay, 3-year term:
Rogene Schille, St. Paul’s, Coffeyville

At large member, clergy, 2-year unexpired term:
The Rev. Juli Sifers, St. Aidan’s, Olathe*

At large member, lay, 1-year unexpired term:
Gery Schoenrock, Church of the Covenant, Junction City*

General Convention Deputies

Lay:
Larry Bingham, St. Michael’s, Mission (and deputation chair)

Mike Morrow, St. John’s, Wichita

Bob Skaggs, St. Michael’s, Mission*

Frank Connizzo, St. Paul’s, Manhattan

Clergy:
The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead, St. James, Wichita*

The Rev. Lisa Senuta, St. Michael’s, Mission*

The Very Rev. Jerry Adinolfi, St. Paul’s, Coffeyville

The Rev. Gar Demo, St. Thomas, Overland Park*

Lay alternates:

Dick Winkler, St. Luke’s, Wamego*

Tom Gossen, St. James, Wichita

Dick Tindel, St. Peter’s, Pittsburg*

Harriet Duff, St. Michael’s, Mission*

Clergy alternates:
The Rev. Jim Haney, Good Shepherd, Wichita

The Rev. Juli Sifers, St. Aidan’s, Olathe*

The Rev. Matt Cobb, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Manhattan

The Rev. William Wolff, St. Peter’s, Pittsburg*

* First-time elected