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Diocesan Convention 2023

We look forward to coming together this fall. May the love of God known to us in Jesus and the love we share with one another strengthen us to Go: See and Be Seen.

bishop cathleen bascom

Convention Details

The 164th Diocesan Convention met October 20-21 at Grace Cathedral, Topeka. A full summary of convention business is available below or in this PDF.

Convention Business

Elections

Council of Trustees

Two people were elected to the Council of Trustees. Also confirmed were convocation board elections of four clergy and one lay members.

  • The Rev. Daryl Stanford, Grace, Chanute, clergy at-large representative, 3-year first term
  • Diana Waddell-Gilbert, Good Shepherd, Wichita, lay at-large representative, 3-year second term
  • Clergy convocation representatives, 3-year terms:
    • The Venerable Jim Cummins, Northeast Convocation, St. Francis of Assisi, Overland Park (second term)
    • The Rev. Margaret McGhee, Northwest Convocation, St. Paul’s, Manhattan (first term)
    • The Rev. Helen Hoch, Southeast Convocation, Calvary, Yates Center (first term)
    • The Very Rev. Laurie Lewis, Southwest Convocation, St. Stephen’s, Wichita (first term)
  • Lay convocation representatives, 2-year unexpired term:
    • Melanie Hoyle Laster, Northwest Convocation, Church of the Covenant, Junction City (first term)

The convention expressed thanks to members who retired from the Council: the Rev. Greg Doll (three-years Northwest Convocation clergy representative) and the Rev. Andrew O’Connor (seven-years Southwest Convocation clergy representative).

Disciplinary Board

One person was elected to fill a vacant lay seat on the diocesan Disciplinary Board.

  • Darren Root, St. Margaret’s, Lawrence

Amendments to the Constitution and Canons

Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas

One canonical amendment was adopted.

  • Canon II.2 was amended to reframe and give clarity to the method by which congregations determine how many convention delegates should be elected.

Constitution of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas

The first reading of one constitutional amendment was adopted.

  • Article VI: The amendment seeks to remove a constitutionally required majority election for deputies to General Convention vesting deputy election methodology under the authority of the Council of Trustees.

Changes to the diocesan constitution require adoption at two consecutive conventions via a vote by orders (clergy and lay delegates voting separately). Having been adopted on its first reading, this amendment will return for the 165th Convention.

Diocesan Constitution and Canons

Other Business

Ministry Recognitions and Grants

ECW Distinguished Woman, 2022: Helen Hoch, Calvary, Yates Center

Custodian of Creation: Evan Ash, non-parochial

Alleluia Grants:

  • Breakthrough – ESS, Clubhouse Community Retreat, $1,523.38
  • Church of the Ascension, Neodesha, Welcome Baskets — NHA, $1,200.00
  • St. Aidan’s, Olathe, Center of Grace, $1,213.50
  • St. Bartholomew’s, Wichita, Sunday Undies, $2,000.00
  • St. David’s, Topeka, Hygiene Bags — Rector’s Pantry, $3,000.00
  • St. Matthew’s, Newton, Railway Clubhouse Launch, $3,000.00
  • St. Paul’s, Clay Center, Bridges of Hope, $3,000.00
  • St. Stephen’s, Wichita, Open Doors to the Neighborhood, $3,000.00
  • St. Thomas the Apostle, Overland Park, Sensory Path — Comanche Elementary, $869.91

Deacon’s Cross: Carolyn Garwood, St. Paul’s, Clay Center

Canon’s Cannon: Andrew O’Connor, St. Francis Ministries, Wichita

Bishop’s Chair: Ann Palmer, St. David’s, Topeka

Council of Trustees Strategic Plan Presentation

Members of the Council of Trustees presented an update on their ongoing planning work.

Council working groups presented four strategic objectives:

  • Congregational Vitality: “Strengthen congregational vitality in all its forms to respond to the needs of a changing church and world.”
  • Invitation & Mission: “Develop a culture of mission, invitation, and welcome in neighborhoods.”
  • Youth & Young Adults: “Demonstrate commitment to youth and young adults as part of current leadership of the Church.”
  • Leadership Capacity: “Diocesan and parish leaders will have the resources they need to be healthy and sustainable in their ministries and resources to recruit and train clergy and lay leaders equipping them to creatively meet the challenges in their parishes.”

Members of convention were invited to participate in two discussion breakouts to dive more deeply into the topics and provide feedback.

Convention Materials

Day-Of Check-In Folders

Materials for Parish Leaders

Convention Book Mailing, August 31, 2023

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