64th Arizona Diocesan Convention
October 19th, 2024
St. Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson
Preconvention Workshop #1 – October 10th, 2024 – 6:30 PM – ZOOM
2025 Financial Statement of Mission
October 10th Zoom Meeting
Click Below to Watch the Video from Workshop #1 – 2025 Financial Statement of Mission. To download a copy of the presentation click HERE
Preconvention Workshop #2 – October 15th, 2024 – 6:30 PM – ZOOM
Resolutions, Canon Changes, & Candidate Forum
Join October 15th Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83140583620?pwd=zQrnVeFj8roQ6eOL89e7zv3rhzc59Y.1
Meeting ID: 831 4058 3620
Passcode: 642024
One tap mobile
+16027530140,,83140583620# US (Phoenix)
Diocesan Convention – October 19th, 2024 – IN PERSON
Saint Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson
General Information
Delegate/Voting Clergy Registration
The Convention registration form will be sent by email to each congregation in July. The registration form will indicate the number of delegates, wardens, and clergy eligible to voice and vote at the Convention. If you have any questions, email Maria Felix maria@azdiocese.org. The registration fee for each person is $70.00, which includes lunch. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 13, 2024.
Visitors, Clery Spouse & Partners, & Non-Voting Clergy Registration
Visitors are most welcome to participate in the Diocesan Convention. Registration OPENS on July 24th for visitors, clergy spouses & partners, and non-voting clergy.
The registration fee for visitors is $70.00 and includes lunch. The deadline for registration is Monday, September 23rd, 2024.
ALTERNATE DELEGATES MUST REGISTER USING THIS FORM
If you need to pay by check please make checks payable to the Diocese of Arizona and mail them to the following address:
Memo: Diocesan Convention Registration
Diocesan House
114 W Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Preconvention Workshop #1 – October 10th, 2024 – 6:30 PM – ZOOM
2025 Financial Statement of Mission
Preconvention Workshop #2 – October 15th, 2024 – 6:30 PM – ZOOM
Resolutions, Canon Changes, & Candidate Forum
Diocesan Convention – October 19th, 2024 – IN PERSON
Saint Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson
This year, the convention will take place in person on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at Saint Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson. The address is 4440 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718. To learn more about the location, you can visit their website at https://stphilipstucson.org/
Schedule:
- 8 am: Registration Opens
- Exhibit Hall Opens
- Children’s Program Check-in
- 9 am: Business Meeting begins
- 10 am: Finish part 1 of Business Meeting
- 10 -10:30 am: Break- Time to visit Exhibits and Art Show
- 10:30 am: Eucharist begins
- 12 pm: Lunch
- 1:00 pm: Business Meeting reconvenes
- 3 pm: Conclusion of Business Meeting
- Exhibit Hall Closes
- Children’s Program Pick-up
Campus Map
All Senior Wardens are invited to attend a lunch and awards ceremony at the convention. There will be a designated area for this, separate from the main lunch and fellowship area.
All clergy spouses and partners are invited to join together for lunch and fellowship at the convention. This includes both priest and deacon spouses and partners. There will be a designated area for this, separate from the main lunch area.
Our Holy Eucharist is scheduled for October 19th during the diocesan convention. More information and the full schedule is coming soon.
The Annual Diocesan Convention Children & Youth Program will be offered again this year.
Children’s Programming
This program is provided for children of registered participants at the Diocesan Convention, for infants through 5th grade. The Diocesan Convention will be on Saturday, October 19, and the children’s program will open at 9 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. The cost of the program is $55 per child, which includes lunch, snacks, and activities.*
*Assistance is available if this cost is a hardship.
The Deadline to Register for Children’s Program is NOW CLOSED
Please Contact The Rev. Jana Sundin with questions or concerns.
Diocesan Convention Youth Programming
6 p.m. Friday, October 18, to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 19. The lock-in will take place at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tucson, but other parts of the program will happen around Tucson and end at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church.
For 6th grade through high school, $15 per student.*
Transportation from Phoenix to Tucson is available at 4 p.m. on Friday and returning around 5 p.m. on Saturday. Once your student is registered, more information will be sent to you!
*Assistance is available if this is a hardship.
The DEADLINE to Register for the Youth Program is Friday, October 11th
Have you ever wanted to work at the Diocesan Convention? Would you like to help your Diocese? Your opportunity to volunteer for the Convention is here! We are looking for volunteers to be part of the 2024 Diocesan Convention in person in Tucson on October 19th, 2024. Duties may include greeting attendees, managing the exhibitor area, assisting with registration, or other essential jobs that help make the Convention successful. If you want to volunteer, please click the Volunteer Registration Button below. Do not fill out the visitor registration form if you are volunteering.
This year’s exhibit hall is smaller than in years past and will be outside. We only have 15 tables available – so this year will be a first come first serve.
Each exhibit space includes a six-foot table and two chairs and is available for $75. There are limited electrical hookups, so make sure you mark that in the registration.
Set up time on Saturday is 7:00 am. Exhibits open at 8:00 am & close at 3:00 pm.
There is a catered lunch available for purchase in the registration.
EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
We have a discounted group rate at The Holiday Inn Express & Suites. You can reserve a room by clicking the button below. For questions, please contact the hotel directly at (520) 202-5000 and say that you are with The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona group.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tucson Mall
620 E. Wetmore Road
Tucson, AZ 85705
The diocese invites members of all parishes, missions, and the Cathedral to participate in the Rising Joy Art Show.
This year’s convention theme is Rising Joy and artists—amateur or professional—are invited to exhibit their art in the Murphey Art Gallery at Saint Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson (the convention host).
The show will run through October, and be enjoyed by the Tucson community, as well as those who attend the Arizona Diocese Convention on Saturday, October 19.
Submission guidelines:
– One piece of art, maximum horizontal 24” x vertical 36” (not including the frame) or two smaller works that—together—do not exceed horizontal 24” x vertical 36”.
– All work to be exhibited should be framed with picture wire.
Saint Philip’s has a professional hanging system and wooden frames are preferred.
The submission deadline is Friday, September 27, 2024, via the Artist’s Agreement below.
The hanging system uses two small temporary fixtures screwed into the back of each frame (to a depth of approx. 1/8” or 3 mm). This allows the artwork to slide up and down on movable wires for optimal placement.
The Murphey Gallery volunteers insert the screws and remove them at the end of the show. This system reduces the possibility of theft and, once the art is properly installed, it will not fall or need straightening. Fiber art will be hung according to its specific requirements.
Shipping Guidelines
– All artwork must be shipped via UPS or Federal Express and arrive no later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
The mailing address is Saint Philip’s in the Hills, 4440 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85728.
Sale Guidelines
– All art submitted will be available for sale. Artists are requested to pay 30% commission on any sales to the Arizona Episcopal Relief Fund. (Additional details regarding payment will be provided to artists when they submit their artwork.)
– Unsold artwork will be available for pickup at the end of October. Shipping arrangements will be the responsibility of exhibiting artists.
– Artists with questions are invited to email Murphey Gallery volunteers, Susan Stone Hayes at SusanStoneHayes@gmail.com or Kathi Sanders at kathisandersarizong@gmail.com.
Call to Convention Business
The 2025 Financial Statement of Mission, which will be put forth by the Finance Committee and Standing Committee, must be approved by the Convention. The budget will be printed in the Convention Delegate packet of information and will be discussed at the pre-convention workshop on October 10th, 2024.
Any Constitution and Canon changes will be printed in the convention materials and discussed at the pre-convention workshop on October 5th, 2024.
This is a notice for the proposed Canon changes that will be presented at the 64th Diocesan Convention for approval. They will be discussed at the Pre-convention workshop on October 15th.
Bishop Reddall convened a Committee on Canons in 2023, in accordance with Canon 29, “Of Amendment and Repeal”. The members of the Committee included: the Diocesan Chancellor, Don Bivens; the Secretary to Convention, Jan Feltz; the President of the Standing Committee, the Rev. Canon Erika von Haaren; and ad hoc members: Serrena Fuentes, the Rev. Canon Anita Braden, and the Rev. David Hedges, BSG. They collectively propose and recommend the following resolutions found in the document link below:
2024 Constitution and Canons Proposed Revisions
Current Constitution and Canons
For questions please contact
The Rev. Ben Garren
Chair, Resolutions Committee
The Standing Committee consists of six clergy and six lay communicants who shall each serve a 3-year term and not more than two consecutive 3-year terms. The election this year is for 2 clerical members for a 3-year term and 2 lay members for a 3-year term. The term of office will begin immediately following the Diocesan Convention. Incumbent The Rev. Michael Halle is eligible for reelection in the clerical order and incumbent Dr. Stanlie James is eligible for reelection in the lay order.
The Standing Committee is the Advisory Council to the Bishop meeting approximately 6 times a year. In addition, the Standing Committee serves as the Ecclesiastical Authority in the event of a vacancy in the Episcopate. The Standing Committee also provides consent for Bishop Elections and participates in the review of candidates for ordination.
Standing Committee – Clerical Order
(2 Clerical Members – 3 year term)
The Rev. Michael Halle
Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Chandler
Current: Deacon
Past: Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Vestry Member all at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
Candidate Questions
What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
Youth engagement is a great opportunity for taking the Episcopal Church into the future. There are a large number of youths who are active and engaged with the church during their youth. When young adulthood comes around it seems there is a regression in attendance from 20-30 year olds. This invites an opportunity for the church to explore and examine programs that would retain and engage young people in the church. This is but one of many opportunities.
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
When I have been asked, what has been the greatest influence on all the amazing facets of my life? There is just one answer, The Episcopal Church. Every great and amazing facet of my life has been given to me by Christ, who is my redeemer and advocate in all that I do. My diaconal ministry is being a Health Insurance Advocate, a ministry which has taken me to a deep level of compassion and understanding for the challenges met by parishioners. I have also served in every leadership position in a parish. My secular job is implementing computer systems for health insurance companies to pay claims.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
To be a member of the Episcopal Church, which is reconciled and open to all of God’s Children seeking to belong. being a part of a church community, who welcomes all. We in the Episcopal Church are blessed to have a deep commitment to the teachings of Christ. enriched by our heritage, making our church extraordinary to be a member of.
- What sustains you in your spiritual life?
My spiritual life has the sustaining waters from lessons found in the Book of Common Prayer. Reading, meditating, and seeing the work of God in all that I do and live in, provide me with the elements of my spiritual life. Day to day, I live with the attitude of gratitude, thankful for all of God’s Blessings which are a part of my life.
The Rev. Rod Hurst
Christ Church of the Ascension, Paradise Valley
Current: Rector of Christ Church of the Ascension
Past: Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Diocese of the Rio Grande Standing Committee—Trustees of the Property, Commission on Ministry, Board of Examining Chaplains, Dean of the Southeast Deanery of the Rio Grande
Candidate Questions
What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
As the Episcopal Church it is imperative that we support and participate in ministries of reconciliation while seeking to reach common goals focused on the gospel. We will grow and move forward together as a vibrant missional community as we continue to create varied opportunities for Church-wide communication and conversation, fellowship, and outreach. In this way, we seek to dialogue and understand one another’s diverse viewpoints and appreciate the diverse contributions of each to our life together as Episcopalians and followers of Christ.
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
As a member of the Diocese of Arizona Standing Committee, I would bring pastoral sensitivity, spiritual discernment, and administrative abilities developed in longtime parish ministry and past diocesan service. These gifts were specially developed during the time I served as a member of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Trustees of the Property of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande (The Episcopal Church in New Mexico and Southwest Texas) for six years, two three-year terms, from 2015 to 2021. My service on the Rio Grande Standing Committee and Trustees, which bridged the tenure of two bishops, included the oversight of a diocesan conference center, diocesan camp, rural and urban congregations, a bishop search, diocesan management during the pandemic, interviews of candidates for Holy Orders, policy writing, etc.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
As Episcopalians serving Christ in the third decade of the 21st century we find ourselves in a unique position to be influencers for hope and peace. During a time when many feel isolation and estrangement, we are poised to bring the gifts and traditions of our faith community to society at large. These include incarnational theology, engagement with the world, and the love of all people to the communities in which we work and minister.
- What sustains you in your spiritual life?
My spiritual life is nourished by fellowship and gathering with the people of God at Christ Church of the Ascension, with the wider faith community of Paradise Valley and of the Diocese of Arizona. My faith is nurtured in the Holy Eucharist and daily Morning and Evening Prayer. Spiritual reading and spiritual direction are also key components of my spiritual life, in addition to my spiritual journey as an Oblate of the Order of Saint Benedict (since 2012). To foster meaningful spirituality and spiritual vitality in my own life and among the people of God, and to equip us for service in the Church and the world, I ground myself in the timeless, incarnational elements of our Episcopal tradition that intersect with this sensory experience—such as bread and wine, water and oil, as well as human conversation, friendship, sacramental hospitality, spiritual formation, outreach, gathering, caring, mutual instruction and shared learning—all in concert with our baptismal covenant.
The Rev. Hunter Ruffin
Church of the Epiphany, Tempe
Current: Rector, Church of the Epiphany; Clergy Deputy to General Convention (2024); Co-chair, Commission on Ministry, Clergy Leader, Valley Interfaith Project; CliftonStrengths Coach, Office of Church Planting and Redevelopment
Past: Member, Creation Care Council, Diocese of Arizona; Commission on Ministry, Diocese of Fort Worth; Co-chair, Black History Month Planning Committee, Seminary of the Southwest
Candidate Questions
What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
The greatest opportunity and the greatest challenge are, in my estimation, linked together. The greatest opportunity before the church right now is the number of people who do not belong to a loving faith community that welcomes them on their terms, celebrates who they are as God created them, and walks alongside them as they are transformed ever deeper into the person God sees in God’s imagination.
The greatest challenge is, likewise, the growing number of people who distrust institutions. Beyond simply not being members of faith communities, the distrust of institutions deteriorates our communities and leads to instability in our neighborhoods. This is a challenge for The Episcopal Church as we have long been one of those institutions. Our challenge, therefore, is to show people that belonging to an institution like The Episcopal Church is not a bad thing but something that helps all of us as individuals and communities to grow stronger and to know ourselves more fully as we seek to love God and neighbor.
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
I bring with me a talent for strategic thinking that has served me well in my roles inside and outside of the church. In many ways, it leads me to inhabit the ministry of the prophet of saying those things that might be unpopular but are also necessary for us to hear as a community. It is also a talent that helps me to see the bigger picture as I work alongside others to discern the response God is urging us towards.
My spiritual gifts include those of leadership, faith, exhortation, and healing.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
I think to be an Episcopalian today is to be someone who cherishes the teaching of the church while holding humanity lightly. It is to be someone who finds beauty in the historical nature of our worship and our teachings about the mystery of God’s love. It is also to be someone ready to welcome the stranger into our midst and to allow them to be the person God created them to be while journeying with our neighbors towards and with God in the community.
To be an Episcopalian today is to be someone who is convinced that, as St. Paul tells us, “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- What sustains you in your spiritual life?
Daily Prayer is an important part of how I am sustained spiritually. Whether it is the daily examen or praying in The Office, I find that I must commit myself to prayer daily to nourish and feed my soul.
I am also sustained in my spiritual life with the gift of friends and colleagues who form a community of trust with whom I am able to confide when I am struggling in my spiritual life.
And of course, I find it immeasurably valuable to have a trusted spiritual director who has been walking alongside me in my spiritual journey for many years now
Nominees – Lay Order
(2 Lay Members – 3 year term)
Dr. Stanlie James
Church of the Epiphany, Tempe
Current: Retired Professor and upper-level administrator at ASU
Past: I have served in many capacities both here in Arizona and in Wisconsin. I have served on vestries, search committees for new priests, and the Commission on Ministry (Wi). In Wisconsin, I also served as a junior warden during the very difficult time when our priest was removed from our pulpit and ultimately defrocked. I have served on committees for adult education. More recently I served as one of the facilitators of the year-long Beloved Community program at Epiphany. I am also completing a three-year term on the Standing Committee.
Candidate Questions
What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
We continue to struggle with what I call the family of “isms”–racism, sexism/heterosexism, and classism as well as homophobia and a lack of empathy and respect for differently abled people. Our society must also recognize and grapple with the impact of climate change. How can we protect our fragile planet from the harm that we are inflicting upon it? How do we address these issues appropriately and effectively?
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
My scholarship has been in African American and African Studies, and in Women and Gender Studies. I also have held positions in higher education that have provided me with opportunities to hone my administrative skills. That background informs my understanding and commitment to the church’s commitment to building the Beloved Community and protecting our earth in the time of climate change.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
I think being an Episcopalian is especially important as our nation is facing threats from White ‘Christian’ Nationalists who are desecrating the lessons Christ tried to teach us as they try to use the bible to foster hate and dissension. We as Episcopalians have a wonderful tradition of listening carefully and respectfully to a wide array of opinions and then making decisions that are designed to recognize respectfully the variety of gifts that people bring to the table to share. We invite them to bring their diversity of gifts to our efforts to address such issues as the Beloved Community and protect the natural resources of our earthly home. We are learning more and more ways of bringing our message to the broader community through addressing the critical issues we are facing including homelessness, attacks on public schools and libraries, and women’s reproductive justice. We have and are being creative in how we listen to other voices as we try to address the issues of our time. As we do this work we are learning to open our arms and our hearts to welcome not only those Episcopalians with differing perspectives but also others from different religious traditions as well as those who do not subscribe to any religion.
- What sustains you in your spiritual life?
Regular church attendance, serving as lector and chalice bearer, participating in a variety of activities including but not limited to regular blood donation, and participating in regularly providing water and snacks for our homeless population in Tempe during these long summer months. I try to find ways to give to members of our community in the hopes that, in the words of the old spiritual, “if I can help somebody then our living will not be in vain.” And last but certainly not least, the historic music of the Black church.
Kyle Kim-Hays
Saint Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson
Current: Project Angel Tree Coordinator at St. Philips, CEO at Sales Dragon AI
Past: VP at Warner Bros. and Verizon, General Manager at Microsoft, Chief Digital Officer at Avid Technology
Candidate Questions
What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
The most important opportunity and challenge for the Episcopal Church is emulating the love of Jesus Christ in a way that both excites younger generations with fresh relevance while inspiring older generations to engage more deeply.
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
I have strong leadership and strategic planning experience, having managed organizations of over 250 people and operating budgets of over $800 million.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
Being an Episcopalian at this time in history means that we must demonstrate compassion and a thirst for understanding in an environment where reality seems so malleable and divisiveness so easy.
- What sustains you in your spiritual life?
The evidence of God’s ceaseless faithfulness, taking this former homeless youth and high school dropout and giving me a career and family, keeps and sustains me.
Daniel Packard
Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Scottsdale
Current: Attorney, Deputy to General Convention, Audit Committee of The Episcopal Church, ArtWins Arizona founder, ONE Community Foundation co-founder, board member and treasurer
Past: Youth Leader, Chapel Rock Interim Executive Director, Episcopal Church Foundation, Diocesan Council, Diocesan Finance Committee.
Candidate Questions
What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
The Episcopal Church faces significant challenges, including declining membership and navigating a polarized cultural landscape. As younger generations become less engaged with traditional religious practices, the Church must find new ways to connect with them and offer relevant spiritual meaning. The growing political divide can strain internal unity in congregations. Adapting to a more digital, tech-driven society is another hurdle. A shortage of clergy, particularly in underserved areas, further complicates the Church’s ability to meet the needs of all congregations.
On the other hand, the Episcopal Church has unique opportunities to lead in areas like social justice and environmental stewardship. Its commitment to inclusivity positions it as a spiritual home for those who may feel disillusioned by other faith traditions. By promoting care for creation and engaging in interfaith dialogue, the Church can expand its influence and relevance. With its long-standing values of openness and service, the Episcopal Church has the potential to inspire meaningful change and offer a place of refuge and reflection for a diverse and evolving society.
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
I will bring a blend of professional expertise, leadership experience, and deep personal faith to the Standing Committee of the Diocese. With over 20 years as both a lawyer and certified public accountant, I have a solid grasp of finance and business, which allows me to navigate complex financial and operational challenges with confidence. My experience managing endowment funds for large nonprofit institutions, including churches, gives me a unique perspective on stewardship and long-term financial sustainability. Having owned and operated a successful retail business for 10 years in a competitive market, I understand the importance of customer service, adaptability, and strategic planning in ever-changing environments.
More than my professional background, I bring a commitment to listening and collaboration. People feel comfortable coming to me with their concerns, knowing that they will be heard and that I approach every situation with care and empathy. I’ve been fortunate to lead diverse teams through complex challenges, always guided by my faith and a deep sense of purpose. My relationship with God grounds everything I do, and I strive to live out the values of compassion, service, and integrity in both my personal and professional life. In joining the Standing Committee, I hope to contribute these gifts in service to the Church’s mission and to help lead with wisdom and humility.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
To be an Episcopalian at this time in history is to embrace a tradition that values both ancient roots and modern relevance. Episcopalians are part of a rich heritage grounded in the Anglican tradition, which emphasizes liturgy, scripture, and sacraments while also encouraging individual exploration of faith. Today, being an Episcopalian means engaging with a church that seeks to balance continuity with change—holding onto the beauty and depth of its worship and theology, while also responding to contemporary societal challenges with compassion and inclusion.
In a time marked by social division, environmental crisis, and spiritual searching, being an Episcopalian also means living out a call to justice, peace, and care for creation. The Episcopal Church’s commitment to social justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the dignity of every human being resonates deeply in an increasingly diverse and complex world. It is a faith tradition that encourages questioning and dialogue rather than rigid dogma, making space for those who seek a community where they can wrestle with faith in light of current events. To be an Episcopalian today is to belong to a community that holds fast to timeless values while courageously stepping into the future, striving to be a force for good in the world.
The Disciplinary Board consists of not fewer than nine persons, five of whom are members of the Clergy and four of whom are Laity. The members of the Disciplinary Board shall be elected by the Convention. The election this year is for 3 clerical members for a 3-year term and 3 lay members for a 3-year term.
The Clergy Members of the Board must be canonically and geographically resident within the Diocese. The Lay members of the Board shall be Adult Communicants in Good Standing and geographically resident in the Diocese.
Nominees – Clerical Order
(2 Clerical Members – 3 year term)
The Rev. Erin Cox Oney
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Phoenix
Current: Associate and School Chaplain
Past: 2022-2023 – Christ Church of the Ascension – Associate
2003-2023 – Christ Church School – School Chaplain
Candidate Questions
- What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
The Episcopal Church, like many mainstream Christian churches, is looking at a future very different from our past. Fifty years ago our pews were crowded, our children’s programs full, and our education offerings well attended. Today we live in a society that has offerings, some might say demands, on our time. Sunday was once a day when stores did not open, parties were not planned, and sports were not played. Today our members have all of the things demanding their attention. Our pews are not as crowded, our children’s programs are not as full, and our education offerings are not as well attended. There is a tendency to think that what is happening today is somehow less than it was in the past. We want to hold hard to our past. Our challenge now is to create a now that welcomes everyone as they are, knowing that God can make our work powerful in the building of God’s Kingdom.
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
My two best talents are organization and joy. Staying organized will be an important part of committee work, especially in the context of the Disciplinary Board. Keeping track of all the information and staying true to the commitments will make it possible to do the work. I also believe that a joyful nature brings balance to a sometimes dark place our work may take us. I hope that being able to tap into that will also be a way to lift teammates up when they feel the burdens of the work.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
We often hear about the “Big Tent” that is the Episcopal Church. One of the strengths we possess in our faith tradition is the way we can agree to disagree. If we look to one another and see the child of God whose opinion, politics, or sense of self differs from ours, we honor our baptismal covenant to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself.” We have a history of making choices, good and bad, which shine a light on the way we should live and practice our faith.
- What sustains you in your spiritual life?
Using the word “balance” to describe the way I sustain my spiritual life makes it seem so simple. The picture in my head is a lot like a battery. I need calm and quiet to recharge and I need energy to do my part in lighting the world. I need both. As I have gotten older I’ve become. better about creating the places to do both. Sometimes I need to be “up” to make a pastoral care visit and sometimes I need a nap. Balance, for me, is the key. That, and accepting failure when it happens and starting again.
The Rev. Scot McComas
Episcopal Church of the Nativity
Current: Rector of Church of the Nativity, Nationally Certified Intentional Interim Minister through Interim Ministry Network, Baltimore & Center of Congregational Health, Wake Forest Univ Medical School, Dept of Pastoral Care (HealthyChurch.org)
Past: President of the Disciplinary Board for 2 years, served 3 years on the committee, General Convention Deputy 2018, Diocese of Ft. Worth, Province 7 Clergy Rep 2018, Diocese of Ft. Worth, Standing Committee, Diocese of Ft. Worth, Led Diocesan Discernment Day, Diocese of SE Florida.
Candidate Questions
- What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
Continuing to be a witness of Jesus’ love in a world of people who are hurting. Standing strong against the ultra-orthodox Christian evangelical movement and being proud to be the Episcopal Church.
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
Ordained a priest for 20 years. Counseled people for almost 30 years. Served in almost every leadership position in 6 dioceses over 20 years, including Chaplain at 2 Episcopal Schools. Former Teacher and Banker. Certified Lombard Institute Mediator.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
To stand strong in providing an alternate view of Christianity than that of Christian Nationalism. The Episcopal Church loves everyone and we are affirming of every person.
- What sustains you in your spiritual life?
Prayer, God, Jesus, and a Community of believers seeking to share Christ’s Love with all. To quote Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, “If it’s not about Love, it’s not about God!” Amen.
The Convention Secretary shall be elected for a term of one year. Incumbent, Janet Feltz, is eligible for re-election.
Duties include acting as recording secretary for every meeting of the Convention and the Standing Committee, as well as performing such duties as assigned by the Convention or the Bishop. Canon 4, Sec. 1
Nominees
(1 Member – 1 year term)
Jan Feltz
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Phoenix
Current: Retired. At All Saints’ I serve on the Altar Guild and as a Lay Reader.
Past: State of Arizona Department of Economic Security, Appellate Services Administration, Bishop Search Committee, Chapel Rock Board, Secretary to Convention
Candidate Questions
- What do you think are the greatest opportunities or challenges facing the Episcopal Church at this time?
The opportunity to place less importance on the physical space a church occupies and more emphasis on the people we serve outside our buildings.
- What gifts and talents will you bring to the position for which you seek nomination?
Significant interest in Diocesan matters and a long history of involvement in the Diocese.
- What does it mean to be an Episcopalian at this time in our history?
To be a community that welcomes all into relationship with Christ and with one another.
- What sustains you in your spiritual life?
Holy Eucharist and my community.
Below is a link to the Current Rules of Order
Voting In Person
This year, during the Convention Business Meeting voting will take place in person with physical ballots. We will not be using VPOLL this year.
Clergy Eligible to Vote
Canon I, Section 4(a): Every member of the Clergy who is:
(1) in good standing; (2) canonically and actually resident in the diocese and; (3) actively exercising a regular parochial or diocesan ministry in the diocese, as determined by the rector or vicar of the parish or mission in which they serve, or by the bishop. They are a clerical member of and shall be entitled to a seat and a vote at the Convention. Every other member of the clergy who is in good standing and is canonically resident in the diocese shall have a seat in the Convention but no vote.
Clergy eligible to vote will be listed with the congregation with which they have a working relationship. Non-voting clergy should register using the visitor registration form. If you have any questions concerning this, contact Maria Felix at maria@azdiocese.org