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December 2023 Newsletter

81st General Convention

June 23 - 28, 2024

Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky International

Meet our General Convention Coordinators!

Volunteer: A person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service or task

The General Convention of The Episcopal Church relies on the time, energy and resources of countless volunteers who dedicate a large portion of their time to the success of the event. A core group of them, the General Convention Coordinators, gathered together alongside staff of the GCO at the Hyatt Regency in Louisville from 16-18 November for the first of two trainings. All of them have served on multiple conventions and are extremely skilled and knowledgeable about the event.

The training provides the General Convention Coordinators an opportunity to learn more about the city in which General Convention takes place, the convention center where the legislative sessions, exhibits and worship take place, as well as interact with the Volunteer Supervisors who will work in their respective areas. Amy Spicer, the Diocese of Kentucky’s Volunteer Coordinator, has done a remarkable job at recruiting volunteers!

If you are interested in volunteering and being part of this transformative event, please complete this form. We will keep you updated as planning progresses.

General Convention Coordinators at the Kentucky International Convention Center (absent from the photo: Rhoads Hollowell, Chris Gregorio, Matt Chaney, Pat Hendrickson, Molly James, Iris DiLeonardo)

Succession of Volunteer Coordinators (L-R): Clyde Kunz, 82nd General Convention (Phoenix, 2027); Caroline Baumgardner, 80th General Convention (Baltimore, 2022); Anthony Chapple, 79th General Convention (Austin, 2018); Amy Spicer, 81st General Convention (Louisville, 2024)

Legislative Committee Orientation Schedule

With the new year fast approaching, Legislative Committees will begin their work prior for General Convention. Dates have been scheduled for Officers Orientation and General Orientation for all legislative committee members. If you have been appointed to a legislative committee, please mark these dates in your calendar.

Officers Orientation: January 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET
General Orientation: February 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET

More details, including registration links, will be sent to legislative committee members early in early January.

House of Deputies Proposed Rules of Order: View Workshop Recordings

If you couldn't join the House of Deputies Special Committee on Rules of Order for their September or November Zoom workshops, the recordings are now available online.

These workshops were held to discuss and explain the proposed changes to the House of Deputies Rules of Order for the 81st General Convention. The workshops assist the Special Committee in receiving feedback and input on the proposed revisions.

Information on the proposed rules and the Special Committee can be found on the Budget Committee section of the General Convention website.

Data, Learning, and Technology

Introducing the Online Register App

The General Convention Office has collaborated with WorshipTimes to develop an online version of the service register book that automatically connects to the Parochial Report filing site. The online Register App is available here, as well as a video preview. Beginning January 1, 2024, you can enter your service information online following a worship service, and at the end of the year all the of the tracking and math of your worship services will already be in the Parochial Report database. You will also have the ability to access ongoing analysis and reports throughout the year.

Executive Council

Joint Budget Committee

The Joint Budget Committee recently wrapped up their hearings for the Autumn season, which included 3 open hearings for the general public and a special hearing for members of the Executive Council, which was also available via Livestream. The Joint Budget Committee will be presenting the proposed budget to Executive Council at their meeting in January meeting. For more information on the work on the Joint Budget Committee, please visit the Joint Budget Committee section of the General Convention website.

View Narrative Budget

View Working Budget

Interim Bodies

Task Force on Individuals with Mental Illness

We are pleased to share the exciting news about General Convention Resolution 2022-A108, which authorizes the training of regional instructors in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). This important resolution paves the way for the provision of basic MHFA training throughout the Provinces of the Episcopal Church, reaffirming our commitment to promoting mental wellness and creating a compassionate, inclusive community.

The Task Force on Individuals with Mental Illness recruited individuals from all corners of the Episcopal Church to participate in Mental Health First Aid Instructor training. On October 25, a group of eleven individuals from eight provinces successfully completed the Mental Health First Aid Instructor training. These newly trained instructors are now ready and available to provide Mental Health First Aid to parishes, clergy groups, dioceses, and community organizations throughout The Episcopal Church.

By empowering these instructors, we seek to create a comprehensive support network that prioritizes mental health within our communities. These trainers will be at the forefront of facilitating MHFA workshops, enabling participants to enhance their understanding, recognition, and response to mental health challenges.

Mental Health First Aid is a comprehensive course that equips participants with the skills to assist those developing mental health problems or experiencing a mental health crisis. With the evidence-based practices provided by this program, individuals can actively contribute towards building mental health literacy and better responding to signs of mental illness.

We encourage every member of the Episcopal Church to actively participate in Mental Health First Aid training. By doing so, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support those in need while fostering greater compassion and understanding within our faith communities.

If you are interested in hosting a Mental Health First Aid training, contact Tammy Pallot from the Diocese of Atlanta, who can assist in finding a trainer near you. Tammy can be reached via email at [email protected]. The availability of trainers marks a significant step towards ensuring mental health support is accessible to all within our Episcopal community.

On behalf of the Task Force on Individuals with Mental Illness,

Tammy Pallot

Diocese of Atlanta, Deputy

To learn more about the Interim Bodies, including their rosters and mandates, visit the Governance menu of the GCO website and select Interim Bodies.

Upcoming Dates

Constable/Roanridge Grant Deadline	January 2, 2024
Legislative Committee Officers Orientation	January 17, 2024 (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET)
Registration begins	February 1, 2024
Legislative Committee General Orientation	February 7, 2024 (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET)
First legislative day	June 23, 2024
Legislative Committee Meetings (this will be updated as they are scheduled)	Interim Bodies Calendar Executive Council Calendar

Useful Links

News for Bishops and Deputies

Episcopal News Service

House of Deputies News

Public Affairs of The Episcopal Church

Canonical Publications

All current canonical publications, as well as some other publications, can be found 0n the publications menu of the General Convention Website. Here are some shortcuts:

Blue Book Reports - Constitution and Canons - Journal of Convention - Summary of Actions - 2022 Parochial Report Data

For historical canonical publications, please visit the Archives of the Episcopal Church

The Executive Office of the General Convention

The Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, D.D., Secretary of the General Convention and Executive Officer

Ms. Betsey Bell, Executive Assistant to the Executive Officer

The Rev. Carrie Combs, Legislative Data Specialist

Ms. Iris DiLeonardo, Data Specialist and Meetings Assistant

Mr. Patrick Haizel, Deputy for Administration and Operations

The Rev. Molly F. James, Ph.D., Deputy Executive Officer of General Convention

Ms. Brittney Laws, Meeting Coordinator

Ms. Jennifer Mendez, Administrative Assistant

Mr. Brian Murray, Governance Technology Specialist

Ms. Fiona Nieman, CMP, Deputy for Convention and Meeting Planning

Ms. Twila Rios, Manager of Digital Information Systems

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