“Partnerships and Possibilities: Joining Hands in Mission.”
The 71st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Rochester

Delegates and guests gathered at the Hyatt Regency Rochester from noon on October 11 to 4pm on October 12. Two hundred attended workshops, 307 at the banquet, 320 gathered for worship. Many guests attended each event. In a Diocese that has no cathedral to provide a gathering place, convention has become an important sign of the strength of our extended community.

During the first business session, four leaders in the diocese were honored for long time, extraordinary service: Paul Brooks of St. Philip’s in Belmont, Janet Farnsworth of Church of the Good Shepherd in Savona, James Cooper of St. Paul’s Church in Rochester, and Nadene Hunter of St. John’s Church in Mt Morris. To read the letters of commendation, please click on the menu on the right.

Also during the first business session, Convention honored Peter Brown, resigning as Chancellor after 18 years of service to the Diocese. Bishop McKelvey presented Brown with a Steuben goblet as a token of our thanks for his ministry. The Bishop appointed Philip Fileri as new Chancellor.

More than 300 people attended the banquet. Special guests included Bishop Matthew Clark of the Roman Catholic Diocese, Bishop Marie Jerge of the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA, and Bishop D. Bruce MacPherson of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana. Bishop McKelvey’s annual address challenged every person and every congregation to develop ministries to their respective neighborhoods, and to establish partnerships with each other, the diocese, and outside organizations. The Bishop reminded us that we cannot do our work alone. We need partners!

A variety of displays outside the meeting area gave people a chance to learn about new ministries, and even do some early Christmas shopping.

Saturday morning began with inspiring worship. Convention was pleased to welcome about 80 young people who make up the Community Choirs of St. Peter’s Church in Geneva. Members of St. Peter’s regular adult choir joined them. All were under the direction of Wendra Trowbridge.

The backdrop for worship was the quilt that has traveled the diocese this past year. Young people from Face Time, EYE and the Community Choirs carried the Peace and Justice Quilt forward to the stage and arranged it so it could be raised high as a backdrop and focus for worship. The sight of this beautiful and creative offering brought an audible gasp and resounding applause from worshippers. Thanks go to the young people who began the project at a Face Time Event after 9/11, and to the “Piecemakers,” a group of skilled quilters from Church of the Ascension in Rochester.

Bishop Mac Pherson was guest preacher, and he challenged this Diocese to take the opportunities that a Companion Diocese, a Youth Missioner and a strong Diaconate would offer us and step out in faith to build exciting spirit filled ministries. He closed with a wonderful story:

A young man went into a circus tent and look high up to see an old man stepping out on to the high wire pushing a wheel barrow in front of him. Slowly, slowly the man inched his way across the wire with the clumsy wheel barrow sometimes wobbling, sometimes steady. He arrived safely at the other side and came down the ladder. The young man said to him, “ That was incredible!” The old man looked at him and said, “Son, do you believe I can walk that wheel barrow across that wire?” The young man said, “Yes. Of course I believe.” The old man said, “Then get in the barrow and let’s go.”

Thus, the Bishop challenged us to step out in faith together, with all the wonderful resources and opportunities that are ours.

Business meetings began again at 11am. Below are voting results (for elected office and for resolutions), and a list of appointments, made as required by the canons.

Convention adjourned sine die with the singing of “God of Grace and God of glory.”

FOUR PEOPLE HONORED WITH LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

Enjoy the letters read by Bishop McKelvey as he and the Diocese honored four long time leaders.

Paul Brooks
... is a lifelong member of St. Philips in Belmont. He and his wife Lena have been married for 65 years. They have one child, 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A man who enjoys being with people, he worked for 25 years as parts and service manager at the East Side Garage. Paul served on the Village Board in Belmont as well. As a trustee on the board he was instrumental in launching many community improvement projects, not the least of which was the installation of a sewer system throughout the area.

When Paul came out of the service in 1946 he was elected to vestry at St. Philip’s and as convention delegate. He has, in fact, been elected delegate to this Diocesan convention from St. Philips in Belmont for 56 consecutive years. He has been present and an active leader at every one of them.

Also since 1946 he has served as vestry member or warden consistently until only two years ago. He served as treasurer for 32 years.

He began his service to the diocese when Bishop Stark and Bernice Becker were the only staff. Every two to four weeks, representatives from around the diocese known as the “Bishop’s Men” would gather and discuss issues. Rather than mailing anything to congregations, these men would then begin a delivery route around the diocese. Paul’s territory extended from Geneseo south to Allegany County and east to Schuyler County.

In 1963 Paul was pleased to attend the Anglican Congress in Canada that welcomed one clergy person, one lay person and the bishop for each diocese around the world. Also in the 60’s he became a lay reader, serving in Belmont, Angelica, Belfast and Friendship.

An early and continuing supporter of total common ministry, he speaks with admiration of the people “picking themselves up by their bootstraps” and moving forward.

Paul, I know you remember that first convention, when you knew no one, and you wondered who you would find to join you in simple things, like chatting, discussing or eating. Today, this entire convention knows you and with this certificate says thank you for your enthusiastic and generous service to all of us.

James Cooper
... has been a member of St. Paul’s Church in Rochester since 1939. His career was in the field of Human Resources, and he is truly an expert.

Jim served this diocese as chair of the Human Resources Committee for 25 years. His voice was strong in advocating equitable salary policies for all of our employees – lay and clergy. He has served as a Trustee as well. He was a member of the Episcopal Church Home board and the Rochester Children’s Nursery board.

From 1960 to 1969 he served as a member of vestry of St. Paul’s Church. His strong leadership helped that congregation make two significant changes: the old system of life long vestry membership became a system of revolving, elected membership; and the first female vestry member was elected to serve.

His talents as a career counselor are outstanding and he has served many priests and lay people in that capacity, helping them enhance their lives as they gained clarity about the direction of their ministries.

After retirement, Jim remained active in at least two significant ways. He served as a volunteer counselor with SCORE, an organization committed to guiding and strengthening small businesses, which in turn strengthens every aspect of life in our local communities. And he volunteered with the Industrial Management Council, whose mission is to provide not-for-profit corporations with human resources expertise.

Jim is an avid year-round golfer. Only a snowstorm will keep him from his weekly round of golf.

Jim, yours has been a strong and capable presence among us. The Diocese of Rochester is deeply grateful for all you have done and for all you continue to offer, and we are pleased to present you with this certificate of commendation.

Dr. Nadene Hunter
... arrived at St. John’s Church in Mt. Morris in 1959. Over the years she has served as lay reader, chalicist, Lay Eucharistic Minister, acolyte, and altar guild member. Occasionally she has filled all those roles on the same Sunday. She has been clerk of the vestry and currently edits the bimonthly newsletter. In her church she truly is, as she says, “a Jill of all trades.”

She has connected her church with the diocese by serving as a convention delegate, and as a member of Standing Committee, Commission on Ministry, and Diocesan Council. A particular joy for her was Commission on Ministry because it allowed her the opportunity to help many people understand that ministry was about so much more than ordination.

Nadene has been a dedicated Education for Ministry mentor. She found that by engaging that style of teaching and reflection, everyone learns, including the mentor. Many have grown in ministry because of her skills in this role.

Nadene’s medical specialty is psychiatry, and she served for many years with the Craig Developmental Center, first on staff and then as Director. When it was time to retire from that position, she found that the time on her hands weighed heavily. She began working as Medical Director of the Livingston County Health Department, a position she still fills with great ability. This work takes her to the Livingston County Prison where she ministers to body, mind and spirit of the inmates.

Nadene, mother of nine, grandmother of 16, this Diocese is grateful to be beneficiary of the many gifts you have offered and your generosity of spirit. We are pleased to present you with this certificate of commendation.

Janet Farnsworth
... is a woman of vision. A member of Church of the Good Shepherd in Savona, she as served for many years as warden. She was the first woman to do so. Seeing the wisdom of intentionally developing strong leadership, her current duties in that role include training her successor.

Jan has served as the vice-chair of Diocesan Council, as President of Standing Committee, and a member of the Task Force on the Diaconate. She served as a chaperone to EYE a few years back, and did so at short notice. Her commitment to young people and ministry development makes her ready and willing to step up and take the lead.

Coming from a small community, Jan could see a need for a different way of providing ordained leadership. She has been part of the development of Total Common Ministry in this Diocese since its beginning. She was President of Standing Committee when the TCM concept was approved, and served on the Board of the School for Total Common Ministry.

Elected as a General Convention Deputy five times, the National Church leadership recognized her abilities. She was appointed to the Standing Commission for Ministry Development. With that group she developed a new theology of Confirmation. Currently the Commission is working on new National Canons for ministry, addressing a variety of need for lay and ordained ministry.

Closer to home, Jan was a special education teaching assistant until retirement, and still substitutes regularly in grades K through 5. Here she saw another opportunity for ministry to develop. She is working with the local school system to develop a buddy system between volunteer adults and young people.

Jan, you are indeed a person of vision. You see possibilities, opportunities. And you do the work to give them life. On behalf of the Diocese of Rochester, I am pleased to present you with this certificate and I give thanks for your life among us.

ELECTION RESULTS

Clergy Alternates to General Convention

The Very Rev. David Robinson, first alternate, will attend General Convention in place of Bishop Elect Gayle Harris
The Very Rev. Mark Lattime, second alternate, will attend General Convention
The Rev. Dahn Gandell, third alternate

Lay Alternates to General Convention

Ms. Sarah Collins, first alternate, will attend General Convention
Ms. Janet Farnsworth, second alternate
Mr. Thomas Marullo, third alternate
Mr. Peter Kane

Diocesan Council Members-at-Large

Ms. Nancy Bell, two year term
Ms. Patricia Selwood, two year term
Ms. Susan Woodhouse, two year term

Standing Committee, Clergy

The Very Rev. David Robinson, four year term

Standing Committee, Lay

Ms. Dawn Wilkins, four year term
Mr. Relton Roland, two year term
Ms. Judith Wadsworth, one year term

Trustees, Clergy or Lay

Ms. Deborah Lattime, three year term
Mr. Earl Shepherd, three year term
The Rev. Charles Tyo, three year term

COM Clergy

The Rev. Lesley Adams

COM Lay

Ms. Lorraine Morgan

RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY CONVENTION

You may click on “Convention Documents” to see convention resolutions in their final form.

Resolutions on the Diaconate passed with no dissenting votes. Bishop McKelvey will appoint a group to develop a process of discernment and training for Deacons.

A Resolution Concerning the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict passed with one revision, and with no dissenting votes.

Resolutions revising the canons on the election of a Bishop and due date for Parochial Report passed with no dissenting votes.

Resolutions to engage a companion diocese relationship with the Diocese of Ontario of the Anglican Church of Canada passed with no dissenting votes.

Resolutions calling for establishment of a position of youth missioner for the Diocese passed with no dissenting votes.

Resolutions addressing the War on Terrorism passed with two additional resolves.

CONVENTION DOCUMENTS:

A Resolution Concerning the War on Terrorism (PDF), (DOC)

Proposed Canonical Amendments Reconciling the Date for Submission of the Parochial Report (PDF), (DOC)

Second Reading of a Constitutional Amendment –
ARTICLE VIII Election of a Bishop (PDF), (DOC)

A Resolution Concerning the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (PDF), (DOC)

PRAYER PARTNERS:

December 11, 2002

To: Clergy in Congregations
Re: Prayer Partners

Brothers and Sisters:

There have been several inquiries about the Prayer Partners program that was estab-lished at Diocesan Convention. The Prayer Partners program is an effort by the Conven-tion Arrangements Committee to help keep parishes in touch with one another’s minis-tries during the year.

The delegates from each congregation were given the name of a congregation to pray for. Another congregation was also asked to pray for you. Therefore each congregation is connected to two others. The hope is that congregations will be in touch with one another about their ministries so that prayers can be offered for specific ministries as well as for the congregation as a whole. Prayers are to be offered each Sunday at public worship un-til next Convention.

Attached below is the Prayer Partners list. Each congregation is listed alphabetically by village or city. The name that follows is the name of the congregation you are to pray for. If you have not yet contacted the congregation you are praying for, please do so. And contact them again later this spring to see if things have changed. All of us have vital ministries that need the support of others. All of us have support to offer.

If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at by phone or e-mail.

Peace,

Stephen T. Lane

Joining Hands in Ministry
Prayer Partner Assignments

Addison, Redeemer: St. Luke’s, Brockport
Angelica, St. Paul’s: St. Michael’s, Geneseo
Avon, Zion: Christ Church, Corning
Bath, St. Thomas’: St. Paul’s, Rochester
Belmont, St. Philip’s: St. Andrew’s Caledonia
Bloomfield, St. Peter’s: Ephphatha Mission
Bolivar, Our Savior: St. Luke’s, Fairport
Branchport, St. Luke’s: Christ Church, Pittsford
Brockport, St. Luke’s: Good Shepherd, Savona
Caledonia, St. Andrew’s: St. Thomas’, Rochester
Canandaigua, St. John’s: St. George’s, Hilton
Canaseraga, Trinity: Our Savior, Bolivar
Catherine, St.John’s: Trinity Church, Rochester
Clifton Springs, St. John’s: St. Andrew’s, Friendship
Corning, Christ Church: St. John’s, Sodus
Cuba, Christ Church: Church of the Incarnation, Penfield
Dansville, St. Peter’s: Grace Church, Scottsville
East Rochester, St. Matthias’: St. John’s, Canandaigua
Fairport, St. Luke’s: St. John’s, Catharine
Friendship, St. Andrew’s: St. Mark’s & St. John’s, Rochester
Geneseo, St. Michael’s: Ascension Church, Rochester
Geneva, St. John’s Chapel: Good Shepherd, Webster
Geneva, St. Peter’s: St. Thomas’, Bath
Geneva, Trinity: St. Matthias’, East Rochester
Hammondsport, St. James’: Zion Church, Avon
Henrietta, St. Peter’s: St. John’s Chapel, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Hilton, St. George’s: St. James’, Hammondsport
Honeoye Falls, St. John’s: St. Peter’s, Geneva
Hornell, Christ Church: St. James’, Watkins Glen
Lyons, Grace Church: St. Paul’s, Angelica
Montour Falls, St. Paul’s: St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene, Rochester
Mt. Morris, St. John’s: St. Peter’s, Henrietta
Newark, St. Mark’s: Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal Church Home
Palmyra, Zion: St. Peter’s, Dansville
Penfield, Incarnation: St. Peter’s, Bloomfield
Penn Yan, St. Mark’s: Church of the Epiphany, Gates
Pittsford, Christ Church: Trinity Church, Geneva
Rochester, All Saints’: St. Stephen’s Church, Rochester
Rochester, Ascension: St. Stephen’s Church, Wolcott
Rochester, Chapel of the Good Shepherd: St. John’s, Clifton Springs
Rochester, Christ Church: St. John’s, Honeoye Falls
Rochester, Ephphatha Mission: St. Paul’s, Montour Falls
Rochester, Epiphany: All Saints’, Irondequoit
Rochester, St. Luke & St. Simon: St. Mark’s, Newark
Rochester, St. Mark’s & St. John’s: Christ Church, Cuba
Rochester, St. Paul’s: Zion Church, Palmyra
Rochester, St. Stephen’s: Trinity Church, Canaseraga
Rochester, St. Thomas’: St. Mark’s, Penn Yan
Rochester, Trinity: St. Luke’s, Branchport
Savona, Good Shepherd: St. John’s, Mt. Morris
Scottsville, Grace Church: St. Philip’s, Belmont
Sodus, St. John’s: Church of the Redeemer, Addison
Watkins Glen, St. James’: St. John’s, Wellsville
Webster, Good Shepherd: Grace Church, Lyons
Wellsville, St. John’s: Christ Church, Hornell
Wolcott, St. Stephen’s: Christ Church, Rochester

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