Click  HERE  for a text-only version of this report.

The 38th Annual Convention of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast was held February 5-7, 2009 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama.  The convention welcomed two visiting Bishops (L-R photo left), The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, Bishop of West Virginia who preached at the opening and closing Eucharists and The Rt. Rev. David B. Reed, Bishop of Kentucky Retired who served as Chaplain to the Convention. Convention registration and the exhibit area were located in Irving Hall, All Saints' parish hall.

  Pre-convention meetings began at 2 pm with the Status of Parishes and Missions Committee meeting in All Saints' Chapel while an orientation for first-time and small church delegates was held in the Nave.  At three o'clock an open hearing on the 2009 budget offered an opportunity for discussion and debate on the proposed budget by the Standing Committee.  The Convention Finance Committee gathered at 4:30 following the hearing, had active discussion and filed a Report of the Convention Committee on Finance  which was presented to the convention at Saturday morning's business session.

  Shortly before six o'clock pm on Thursday evening, clergy gathered for prayer and instruction from the Bishop while delegates, spouses and guests filled the pews of All Saints. (Download the Liturgy for the Convention Services. )  Bishop Philip M. Duncan, II was Celebrant and Bishop Klusmeyer preached.  The annual Clergy photo was taken after the service, thanks to Valerie Mitchell who serves on the Communications Committee at All Saints. 

   Friday morning, delegates and clergy worshiped together in  Morning Prayer: Rite I before the first business session began.  The convention was called to order and Jackie McCracken of Good Shepherd, Mobile, the Convention Credentials Chair gave the report concerning the quorum.  The Bishop nominated The Rev. Canon Beverly Gibson, Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile for Secretary of the Diocese and Diocesan Convention.  This position has been held for many years by The Rev. Albert Kennington, Retired.  The nomination was approved. 

  Bishop Duncan then appointed the parliamentarians for the convention, Kathy Miller, Alabama Chancellor, St. Paul's, Mobile, and Scott Remington, Florida Chancellor, St. Christopher's, Pensacola.  Beverly Gibson nominated assistant secretaries to the convention, The Rev. Albert Kennington, Retired, and Vince Currie, Jr., Christ Church, Pensacola.  The convention was now in order for business. 

BISHOP PHILIP DUNCAN GIVES CONVENTION ADDRESS

 The Rt. Rev. Philip M. Duncan, II, Bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, gave his Convention Address focusing on the theme of the Convention, "Do Justice, Love kindness, Walk humbly with your God." (See Micah 6:8)  Bishop Duncan spoke of how these simple words challenge us with their simplicity and insistence on Gospel living. He stated that "I believe we must not retrench into a comfortable spirituality, making our churches only havens of peace and refuge.  Rather, we are called to reach out into a hurting world that needs to hear the Gospel message and find within each of our congregations, places where it is being lived out.  By that I mean...for us to fully embrace our Baptismal Vows [p.292 BCP] as the blueprint for our behavior."

 Acknowledging the many outreach ministries currently in place such as food pantries and thrift shops, he encouraged all of us to "include in the Prayers of the People, intercession and petitions for sound government, for those who have lost their jobs, and for the marginalized so that we may take our plea to God for help in this time of need."

  Bishop Duncan brought attention to the celebration of 100 years of ministry that All Saints, the host church, has had in the community and gave a brief history of the parish.  He also acknowledged Black History Month and reminded us that this past July,  our Presiding Bishop offered a public apology for any role the Church played in the slavery of people. 

  He gave thanks to the work of the Diocesan staff, mentioning each person by name.  He reported that his daily log and the summary list of his official Episcopal acts have been filed by title.  He thanked everyone for allowing him to represent the Diocese in his ministry of the General Board of Examining Chaplains which shows others the importance we place on the education and competency of our clergy. 

  Speaking of his ecumenical work and dialogues with the Lutheran Church and the United Methodist Church, he commended  study document, "Make Us One with Christ". 

  Referring to the time when he became Bishop and that members of several congregations, clergy and laity sought to remove church property from the Diocese, Bishop Duncan assured the delegates, that the Diocese is "committed to protect property given to the church, and that individuals may leave, but the church remains."

SPECIAL COMMITTEE FOR THE STUDY OF THE DIOCESE

  A special committee was created in February, 2007 at the 36th Annual Diocesan Convention in Eufaula, Al. under the direction of The Rev. Thack Dyson (photo left).  Bishop Duncan initially called the Committee a "Blue Ribbon Committee" to study the status of the Diocese...what is working and what needs improvement.   In his address, Bishop Duncan recognized the committee and thanked them for the hard and long hours of work the group had committed.  The Bishop summarized the findings by stating that "we must change the way we are doing business. We no longer have the luxury to conduct our business the way 'we have always done in the past." He went on to say, "Change is going to take place, and we must be open to it to fulfill our ministries.  We need to respond in a meaningful way to a hurting world; we need to work together as communities of grace and not as isolated individuals."  He made it clear that the Standing Committee and he would be using the report as a part of their discernment process in arriving at a common vision for the Diocese over the next year.  Download the Blue Ribbon Committee Report for the Study of the Diocese.

Accompanying exhibits: 

Exhibit C1

Exhibit C2

Exhibit C3

Exhibit C4

BUDGET AND STEWARDSHIP

 Probably the most difficult item the Bishop had to report was the budget cuts that had to be made in order to avoid a deficit budget.   Significant cuts were made to Wilmer Hall, Beckwith Camp and Conference Center, Murray House, Commission on World Mission, and to the University of the South.  The Youth Coordinator position was not funded and the Director of Communication position was reduced.  Even with these reductions the Diocese had to take approximately $30,000 from a discretionary fund to balance the budget.

  He reported that the Committee uncovered some alarming trends in giving, reminding us that stewardship "is a privilege! It is about relationships! It is not about fund raising!" 

  Bishop Duncan also admitted that he believes he and the Standing Committee "made a mistake" when the decision was made to allow restricted giving to the congregations, the Diocese and the Episcopal Church.  He admitted, "What we have modeled is not stewardship. In our corporate behavior we are now reflecting a form of giving (which has diminished over these last few years), not with gratitude, but to meet our own personal needs, wants and desires."  He called for this policy to be discontinued by 2010. 

  Stating that there are obvious distractions from stewardship such as economy, hurricane recovery, leadership transition, he said, "Our main focus of our work going forward must be "Stewardship!"  

  Quoting the Treasurer of the Diocese McGee Lorren, "Preaching and education on stewardship at all levels - congregation and Diocese - is critical in the next 12 months and will be necessary to reverse these trends." 

  Bishop Duncan said, "Even though this is a difficult time for the Diocese, it is also an exciting time, filled with challenge and hope."  He once again reiterated the theme of the convention..."What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" 

 In conclusion, Bishop Duncan committed that "stewardship at all levels - Diocesan, congregational and individually, will be a high priority of our work together."

  He concluded with this invitation: "I invite all of you, as leaders of the Diocese, to come along and be part of bringing us back to financial stability for the future. The future is before us! I believe we can make a change that allows ministry to grow and deepen in this part of God's Kingdom!"  

NEW PARISH & MISSION STATION

The Rev. George Riggall, St. Paul's, Magnolia Springs, made the report of the Convention Committee on Status of Parishes and Missions.  The delegation 

voted for Trinity Church, Apalachicola, to move from mission to parish status, and that the Chapel of St. Dismas, Atmore, become a new mission station.  Delegates and representatives of both congregations processed to the front of the nave and were recognized by applause from the pews. 

Read more: Chapel of St. Dismas, Atmore Now a Mission Station

++++++++++++++++++

PRESENTATION OF NEW CLERGY

New clergy were introduced to the Convention before delegates broke for lunch. 

CLERGY CALLED TO CURES:

Above L-R:

The Rev. Don Smith (Lloyd), Curate, St. James', Fairhope

The Rev. Jeffrey Jenks (Eileen), Rector, Holy Cross, Pensacola

The Rev. Ben Rockwell (Erin), Curate, St. Paul's, Mobile

The Rev. Matthew Corkern (Alice), Rector, Trinity, Mobile

The Rev. Neal Goldsborough (Carol), Rector, Christ Church, Pensacola

 +++++++++++++++

CLERGY ORDINATIONS

Above L-R:

The Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie (Jane), Transitional Deacon, St. Thomas', Laguna Beach 

The Rev. Becky Tinnon (Michael), Priesthood, St. Simon's, Fort Walton Beach, Curate

The Rev. John Withrock (Elaine), Transitional Deacon, St. Mark's, Troy

Left:

The Rev. Milledge Baker (Barbara), Transitional Deacon, St. Anna's, Atmore (Poarch)

Not pictured:

The Rev. Michael Tinnon (Becky), Priesthood, Military Chaplain deployed to Iraq

 ++++++++++++++++

NON-CANONICALLY RESIDENT CLERGY

Above L-R:

The Rev. Tom Frizzell (Connie), Priest-in-Charge, St. John's, Pensacola, ELCA Missouri

The Rev. Massey Gentry (Jan), Licensed to officiate, Diocese of Texas

Not pictured:

The Rev. Joan Barr Smith, Vocational Deacon, Chicago

 ++++++++++++++++++++

CLERGY IN NEW POSITIONS/TITLES

The Rev. Dennis Brown, Priest-in-Charge, St. Matthew's, Mobile (while continuing as Vicar of St. Michael's, Chickasaw)

The Rev. Sandra Mayer, Rector, St. John's, Monroeville

The Rev. Margaret Shepard, Vicar, St. John, Robertsdale

The Rev. Sharah Shirley, Military Chaplain, deployed to Andrews AFB

The Rev. Nancy Threadgill, Rector, Good Shepherd, Mobile

NOTICE OF FUTURE CONVENTIONS and other announcements

It was announced that the 39th Annual Diocesan Convention will be February 25-27, 2010 at the parishes of the Emerald Coast: Holy Nativity, Panama City; St. Andrew's, Panama City; St. Patrick's Church, Panama City; Grace Church, Panama City Beach; and St. Thomas' Church, Laguna Beach.

An invitation was given for the 2011 Diocesan Convention (February 24-26, 2011) and was answered Saturday morning by The Rev. Mark Wilson, St. James, Fairhope. The Rev. Mary Robert, All Saints, Mobile, is Chair of the Committee on Next Convention.

   George Riggall introduced the new Executive Director of Wilmer Hall, Sally Greene.  

   Michael Drinkwater made comments about the Commission on Youth Ministries. 

   Cindy McCrory, Editor of The Coastline and Chair of the Commission on Communications, gave a report of the commission's vision on future endeavors. 

   Dorothy Curry, Executive Director of Murray House announced that the facility would be open for tours for all of the delegates on Friday and Saturday.  Murray House is located next to next to All Saints.  

   Rebecca Byrne, Chair of the Board of Beckwith Camp and Conference center, introduced the new Executive Director, John Koch.  Mr. Koch will begin his duties on March 1, 2009.

   Bishop Duncan called the Dominican Republic Mission Team to the front and commissioned them for their ministry.

   Meditation and Noonday Prayers were led by The Rt. Rev. David Reed.  

CLERGY SPOUSE LUNCHEON

  Katherine Flowers, spouse of The Rev. Jim Flowers, Rector of host church, All Saints, held the annual diocesan luncheon for clergy spouses at her home in downtown Mobile.  The weather was beautiful and provided for many of the spouses to dine outside in the lovely garden which featured graveled walkways, a goldfish pond, and a chicken pen! 

Click here for more luncheon and garden photos!

CONVENTION RECONVENES

Click here for photos of reception at Christ Church for the Urban Caucus attendees

Click here for photos of the Eucharist at Church of the Good Shepherd for Urban Caucus participants

  Bishop Duncan welcomed panelists from the Episcopal Urban Caucus whose annual meeting was taking place in downtown Mobile.  The group talked about what the group's mission is and took questions from the delegates. 

  Earlier in the week, Christ Church Cathedral held the opening reception on Wednesday evening, and Church of the Good Shepherd welcomed the members with Holy Eucharist service on Thursday evening. Canon Mark Dunnam was the celebrant and The Rev. Jane Gould preached. The Rev. Nancy Threadgill is Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd.

  Following the Caucus presentation, All Saints' Parish Musician, Jeff Clearman, gave an organ concert on the new organ that was installed within the last year at All Saints. 

See the  Concert Music.

FRIDAY EVENING GALA 

Click here for more gala photos.  

Delegates and Clergy, spouses and guests enjoyed a catered gala hosted by All Saints Episcopal Church at 5 Rivers,

Alabama's Delta Resource Center on the Causeway 

between Mobile and Baldwin Counties.  The weather was perfect for the affair that extended onto the wide, spacious decks overlooking the delta. Catered by Clifton Morrissette, the gala featured fresh gulf seafood including fried oysters, boiled shrimp and crab claws. The gala committee decorated the tables with arrangements of natural grasses, wood and shells.  Bluegrass music throughout the night polished off the well planned and highly enjoyed event.

Front row L-R:  Carolyn Jeffers, Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile (2012); The Rev. Betsy Powell, St. Augustine's, Navarre (2011); Dr. Melinda Henderson, St. Agatha's, DeFuniak Springs (2010) secretary; Joe Basenberg, All Saints, Mobile (2012)

Second Row L-R: The Rev. Canon Beverly Gibson, Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile, Secretary of the Diocese; Rebecca Byrne, St. James, Fairhope (2011); The Rev. Martha Harris, Trinity, Apalachicola (2010)

Third Row L-R: The Rev. Martha Kreamer, Church of the Advent, Lillian (2012); Gary Moore, St. James, Fairhope (2010); Dr. Bill Hamilton, St. Thomas', Greenville (2010)

Back Row L-R:  The Rev. John Riggin, St. Paul's, Mobile (2012); The Rev. William Richter, St. Simon's, Fort Walton Beach (2011); Bishop Philip Duncan 

Not pictured:

Lee "Levan" V.E. Martin, St. Anna's, Atmore (Poarch) (2011); The Rev. Thack Dyson, St. Paul's, Daphne (2012); and Nettie Eaton, St. Cyprian's, Pensacola (2011); and Chris Patterson, St. Thomas, Laguna Beach (2012)

PARTING SHOT....

All Saints' Volunteers wait in the courtyard for the cue to do the final cleanup as convention ends.

Congratulations on a fabulous job!