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WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS: Convention hears call to discernment
[Diocese of Western Massachusetts] The 106th annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, held October 26-27 at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield, heard Bishop Gordon P. Scruton say that convention is an important time for members of the diocese to meet one another and share ideas, and to prayerfully discern the business of the diocese."We are doing work centered in prayer," the bishop said. "We are weaving prayer with business."
Fifty-nine clerical delegates and 147 lay delegates passed four resolutions, elected people to serve on Diocesan Council and various diocesan committees, and heard reports from diocesan missioners, committees and representatives. Reports were also received from overseas missionaries.
Scruton spoke about the importance of a love in God, and he noted that there are signs of healing in the Anglican Communion, since issues of human sexuality have caused tensions in recent years.
"Of course our differences continue and will continue for decades," the bishop said during evening prayer on October 26. "But there is a new season opening up of living in our differences with mutual respect and moving forward together in mission."
In part two of his convention address, given at Christ Church Cathedral on October 27 during eucharist, the bishop asked all those gathered to do their part to help those in need in the region and globally. And he updated them on the work ongoing in the diocese as part of a re-visioning process that took place.
Throughout convention, Christian books were available for purchase and displays were on view by diocesan representatives on global mission and Episcopal Relief and Development. In a nearby room, members of the Daughters of the King were praying for concerns of parishes in the diocese.
In a light moment during convention, delegates took to the podium to express their support for the Red Sox, who were gearing up at that time for Game Three of the World Series. And, during the Convention Eucharist, as the bishop made reference to both the Red Sox and the Patriots, the organist spontaneously began a quiet rendition of "Take Me out to the Ball Game."
The Rev. Ellen White, convention chaplain, opened the meeting with a prayer which, in part, asked God to "create within us a desire to be your holy people so that this hurting broken world may know the abundant life that awaits them."
Among the resolutions passed were ones to:
- welcome St. Andrew's Turners Falls as a parish in the diocese;
- call for work toward the elimination of the stigma of HIV/AIDS;
- offer thanksgiving for the gift of all women in ministry; and
- call for prayer for the election of a new bishop in Liberia.
Delegates also approved a ministry plan and budget for 2008 of $2.4 million.