CONVENTION
SEPT. 28 MEMO
to all clergy and delegates
The plans and agenda for November’s convention are taking shape.
Bishop Iker is delighted to announce that our preacher at Friday’s Convention Eucharist will be the Most Rev. Robert Duncan, first Archbishop of the ACNA and Bishop of Pittsburgh. Bishop Duncan and his wife, Nara, have known Bishop Iker and Donna since seminary days, and we are very pleased that both Bishop Duncan and Nara will be with us.
Now is the time to prepare for Deanery Meetings (see dates below). Please take time to acquaint yourself with the following:
• the proposed 2016 budget and assessment documents
• the nominees for positions on the Standing Committee
and Ecclesiastical Trial Court
• the proposed change to diocesan canons (repeal of
Canon 12: Trustees to the University of the South)
There are no resolutions presented for consideration by the convention.
If you have questions regarding the proposed budget and assessments, it is appropriate to ask these during your Deanery meeting. The proposed 2016 assessments reflect a 1% reduction from 15% to 14% on parish income over $50,000. The first $50,000 of income is assessed at 10%.
It is recommended that you print a copy of the financial documents and the slate of nominees for your reference at the Deanery Meeting and again at Convention. These items will not be redistributed.
Meal reservations are being taken now as well. You may reserve and pay online or by mail, using the form provided. The charge for Friday's dinner is $28; Saturday's lunch, provided by Iglesia San Juan, is $12. The charge for both meals is $40.
For further details on the business of Convention, see the proposed Agenda. This is a draft; the final Agenda will be distributed to you at registration on Saturday, Nov. 14. We’ll see you then!
AUG. 31 MEMO
The opening Eucharist of our 33rd Annual Diocesan Convention will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, at the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, 3900 Morris Lane in Arlington. Following the service, there will be a reception and dinner in the parish hall. This will be a festive evening for all of our clergy, delegates, and visitors. You are encouraged to attend.
The schedule of events on Saturday, Nov. 14, is as follows:
- Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the parish hall and includes continental breakfast
- Morning Prayer begins at 8:30 a.m. in the church.
- The business meeting convenes at 9 a.m.
- Lunch will be served in the Great Hall
At this time you are encouraged to nominate candidates for elective office (see below) and to submit any proposed resolutions. You may also wish to make a hotel reservation for Nov. 13. Please take note of the deadlines and Deanery Meeting dates on the calendar below this memo.
The following positions will be filled by election at this year’s Convention:
- Standing Committee ~ 1 Clerical member ~ 1 Lay member
- Ecclesiastical Court ~ 1 Clerical member ~ 1 Lay member
Forms are linked above. All nomination forms and proposed resolutions for consideration by the Convention are due by Monday, Sept. 14. Please consult Articles 18 and 19 regarding changes to the diocesan Constitution or Canons. Submit completed forms and supporting material to Gala Pryor (e-mail to gpryor[at]fwepiscopal.org or fax to 817-244-3363) at the Diocesan Center.
Resolutions will be reviewed by the Resolutions Committee and published no later than twenty (20) days before the opening of the Convention. (Any resolution which shows on its face that it deals with matters arising after the deadline date shall be exempt from this requirement.) All other resolutions submitted after Sept. 14 are governed by Rule 27 of the Standing Rules of Procedure.
As a representative of your parish, it is important that you attend your Deanery Meeting in October. This will be your opportunity to review the proposed 2016 budget and assessments and any resolutions or proposed changes to the Constitution and Canons that may be presented. A calendar of Deanery Meeting dates is below. It may be helpful, too, to review Canon 35.
You are encouraged to participate in the process of nominating qualified persons to represent your Deanery on the Executive Council. A list of openings may be found by clicking the Elections button above. Please forward the Executive Council Nomination Form to your Dean at least one week prior to the meeting.
Elected delegates will have seat, voice, and vote in the deanery meetings. Alternates should make every effort to attend the Deanery Meetings as well, since they may be called upon to serve in place of an elected Delegate. Visitors do not have voice or vote.
Clergy, you are asked to submit your Necrology Report not later than Friday, Oct. 3
The Diocesan Staff and Arrangements Committee at St. Peter & St. Paul look forward to seeing you at Convention!
DATES and DEADLINES
Thursday, Oct. 8
7 p.m.
Fort Worth West Deanery Meeting • Dean Roger Grist
St. Anne’s Church
6055 Azle Avenue, Fort Worth
and
Southern Deanery Meeting • Dean Stuart Smith
St. John's Church
700 Main Street, Brownwood
Sunday, Oct. 11
4 p.m.
Western Deanery Meeting • Dean John Phelps
St. Luke’s Church
600 N. W. 6th Street, Mineral Wells
Monday, Oct. 12
6:45 p.m.
Eastern Deanery Meeting • Dean Ed Kresowaty
St. Alban’s Church
911 S. Davis, Arlington
Tuesday, Oct. 13
6 p.m.
Northern Deanery Meeting • Dean John Munson
St. John the Divine Church
1000 S. Berry, Burkburnett
7 p.m.
Fort Worth East Deanery Meeting • Dean David Klein
St. John’s Church
2401 College Avenue, Fort Worth
Friday, Oct. 23
Last date to make hotel reservations at special rate
Friday, Oct. 30
Necrology Reports due
Friday, Nov. 6
Last date to mail meal reservation forms
33rd Annual Convention
of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth
THE CHURCH OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
NOV. 13 & 14, 2015
