So that All might See Jesus, was the theme for the 2014 Diocesan Convention held November 7-8. The altar, table designs, and head table backdrop were crafted from recycled mattress components from Spring Back Mattress Recycling NW, a division of the Northwest Furniture Bank; Spring Back principally employs men who have recently been released from the prison system, providing them not only with work, but with job skills and dignity. The backdrop supports the convention theme and, when seen from different angles, reflects versions of the face of Jesus.
As part of the opening Eucharist, Bishop Rickel presented his annual Bishop’s Address; available as a Video or Text Document. Outside Church Walls also presented its final report to the convention; the address by Mr. Greg Rhodes is posted on the OCW Blog; there is also a short video of OCW members sharing their “elevator speeches.” In addition, convention members heard reports and presentations, visited the exhibits, participated in outreach experiences and breakout sessions, and dealt with resolutions and elections. Visit our Convention photo album to see more images of the convention.
At the Friday evening banquet, Bishop Rickel presented the Bishop’s Cross to Dr. Kathryn Ricket, Mr. Dave Baylor, and Mr. John Macho. During the Saturday session he presented Ky Chen Employee Excellence “No Problem” award to Ms. Kathleen Ebbert, St. Bede, Port Orchard, and Ms. Karen Tendering, St. Aidan, Camano Island. Chaplains on the Harbor was recognized as a new mission station under the leadership of the Rev. Sarah Monroe; Good Samaritan, Sammamish, was admitted as a new parish – moving from mission status. St. Timothy, Chehalis, received an award from the Evangelism Commission for its excellent website, and the annual Bishop’s Preaching award was presented to the Rev. Jim Friedrich.
The Rev. Cynthia Espeseth, St. Hilda-St. Patrick, Edmonds; the Rev. Bill Fulton, St. Antony of Egypt, Silverdale; and Mr. Jerry Carlin, St. Barnabas, Bainbridge Island; were elected to the Standing Committee. New Diocesan Council members include Ms. Joslin Harris-Gane, Christ Church, Seattle (Be Attitudes); Ms. Jana
Whitworth, St. Anne, Washougal (Columbia); The Rev. Lex Breckinridge (Eastside); Ms. Nadine Baxter, St. Matthew/San Mateo, Auburn (Evergreen); The Rev. Dennis Tierney, St. Barnabas, Bainbridge Island (Peninsula); Ms. Linda Brice, St. Andrew, Tacoma (Rainier); and The Rev. Mark Miller, St. John, Snohomish (Sno Isle).
For more details on the above, as well as additional election results, appointments, and action on resolutions, the 2015 budget, and changes to the Constitution and Canons, visit the Convention page. Photos in this story and on the Convention page by Ms. Jan Akin.
