52nd Annual Diocesan Convention

Our 52nd annual Diocesan Convention was recorded live at Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center on February 6, 2021. The entire four-hour Zoom webinar event is available above via YouTube.

From our virtual roll call to Bishop Brewer's address and our diocesan virtual choir, it was a Diocesan Convention like no other! (The address and virtual choir are embedded below.)

2021 Convention Theme

Throughout Scripture, we witness a pattern of personal and congregational growth that is divinely counter-intuitive and redemptive.

The profound weakness and brokenness we experience in a fallen world are inescapable. However, in our effort to avoid the unavoidable, we find ourselves bereft of the maturity for which the Spirit within us groans.

In the kingdom of God, the way up is down. Painful circumstances make us weaker, wooing us into deeper dependence on God and each other. In the communion of our suffering, we encounter the miracle of redemption. We rise from our knees to find that in our newfound intimacy, we are stronger; empowered by God’s Spirit to love and serve in new and unexpected ways.

Weaker > Deeper > Stronger

This is the life-giving path we are walking together as a diocese, and it is the theme of our 2021 annual convention.

Election Results from Diocesan Convention 2021

Standing Committee

Clerical Order

The Reverend Tom Rutherford
Elected to a 4 year term
Standing Committee - Clerical Order

Lay Order

Mrs. Monique Myers
Elected to a 3 year term
Standing Committee - Lay Order

Mrs. Monica Tyedmers
Elected to a 1 year term
Standing Committee - Lay Order

Diocesan Board

Clerical Order

The Reverend Phyllis Bartle
Elected to a 3 year term
Diocesan Board - Clerical Order

Lay Order

Mrs. Leslie Andreae
Elected to a 3 year term
Diocesan Board - Lay Order

Mr. Todd Pittenger
Elected to a 3 year term
Diocesan Board - Lay Order

Mrs. Tricia Powell
Elected to a 1 year Term
Diocesan Board - Lay Order

University of the South

Lay Order

Mr. James "Trippe" Cheek
Elected to a 3 year term
Trustee, University of the South - Lay Order

Pre-Convention Deanery Meetings

All pre-convention deanery meetings were on the following dates and the results of the elections were:

  • Southeast Deanery - Tuesday, January 5th
    • No elections were held for this Deanery
  • Northeast Deanery - Thursday, January 7th 
    • Mrs. Fran Dunn, elected as Deanery President
  • Southwest Deanery - Tuesday, January 12th -
    • Dr. Virginia Cummings-Lang, elected as Southwest Deanery President
  • Northwest Deanery - Wednesday, January 13th
    • The Very Rev. Lisa Wimmer, elected as Northwest Deanery Dean
  • Central Deanery - Thursday, January 14th
    • The Very Rev. Stuart Shelby, elected as Central Deanery Dean

Prepare Now for Virtual Convention

The convention on Saturday, February 6, 2021, will be held via Zoom (link delivered via email to all delegates/alternates).

It will begin at 9 AM and run for approximately four hours.

Some congregations are gathering their deputation in one place to experience the convention via Zoom and assist delegates with voting via ElectionBuddy. Others are being cautious about COVID-19 and having delegates participate via Zoom individually from their homes. It is hoped that your clergy and lay deputation will make their decision about how they will view the diocesan convention and pre-convention meeting ASAP.

Please note this important general information for each lay and clergy delegate!

  • EACH delegate/alternate will need his/her own unique email address to be certified as a delegate and vote using ElectionBuddy.
  • EACH delegate/alternate will need his/her own cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer to vote using ElectionBuddy. You cannot vote with another delegate on the same device and you should plan on voting using a device other than the one you’re using for the Zoom meeting.
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