Summer Learning: How does The Episcopal Church Work?
In Summer 2024, St. Phoebe School met for an in-person retreat in Richmond, VA on the weekend of the opening of General Convention 81 in Louisville, KY. We embraced this opportunity to study the structures that help us engage in relationship and ministry together. We began learning about the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church; reported on resolutions and committee actions before the General Convention, listened to the presentation of nominees for our next Presiding Bishop and joined virtually in the Episcopal Revival. Most of all, we built community together as we learned.
Beautiful Richmond Hill was the setting for our Summer 2024 retreat. We kept a rhythm of daily prayer with the residential community as we learned together.
Pictured: chapel at Richmond Hill
Our learning focused on Episcopal polity as a foundation of our shared lives and ministry together and especially the role of Deacons: in parishes, regions, dioceses, provinces, The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
Saturday Evening’s Episcopal Revival allowed us to join virtually with the wider church, and to pray for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as we joined with our colleagues in Christ. We, with all The Episcopal Church, give thanks for the ministry of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry as he concludes his nine year term and prepares for retirement. We could feel the Holy Spirit in our midst.
Through fellowship, learning, prayer and worship we drew closer to God and each other in this time of deep and holy formation for ministry.
As we return home and enter into a week where we continue to follow General Convention together virtually, we offer this prayer:
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in Louisville for General Convention 81 for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 818)
The St. Phoebe School for Deacons 