Bishop Baxter Writes...
Bishop Baxter Writes...January 2011
Dear Sisters & Brothers:
In about one month’s time, the clergy of our diocese will be gathering in Harrisburg for our the Winter Clergy Conference. This is a time of fellowship, worship, and learning for our clergy. A time to “loosen our collars” and relax with the friends and colleagues who best understand the life to which we have been called, and a time to enrich and expand our minds in our understanding of God and our world.
It is also an opportunity to learn of our brother and sister clergy’s journey and particular experiences. One way this happens is in Affinity Circles (Tuesday evening). This year’s Affinity Circles will include: the joys and tears of small churches; children and youth ministries; stewardship & fund raising; and preparing for and making the most of sabbaticals. In each group, there will be a facilitator and a couple of clergy who will begin the sharing with their own experience in that area. If there is an another topic you would like to add, please contact Linda Arguedas by January 14th .
Clergy Conference is also a time to expand our understanding of our diocesan community and the wider church. Each year, we have a “fireside chat” on Monday evening with someone who speaks on a topic of diversity. This year, our guest will be The Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, Bishop of S. Carolina. As you may know, S. Carolina is a diocese that is currently struggling with finding their place and voice in the Episcopal Church because of the conservative theology of many in that diocese and the conflict it has engendered with the National Church. Bp. Lawrence will speak to what it is to be that conservative/conserving voice, the diversity within the diocese and the mission and ministries of the diocese.
Tuesday is a day that is devoted to more scholarly study. This year, Dr. Richard Hughes, Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Messiah College, will speak to us on challenge and opportunity of mainline Christianity in America today. Dr. Hughes is the author of several books, the most recent being “Christian America and the Kingdom of God”. He will address how and why the Church is declining today and what could be its relevance locally and in our larger society. He will also speak to the issue of the conservative voice in our churches and how that is affecting the fabric of our church and our faith. Dr. Hughes is a columnist with Huffington Post, and there are links to his posts in the Clergy Conference area on our website. One of his most nationally discussed columns is the 2 part article: “Why Conservative Christians So Often Fail the Common Good.”
Throughout the conference the Bishop is available to talk with clergy and all of Wednesday morning is devoted to a collective “Time with the Bishop”.
So, members of the clergy, I would encourage you to register for conference as soon as possible (the deadline is January 19th). And I would ask that all vestries and congregations support our clergy as they prepare for this time away. Support them with prayer and support them with understanding of their absence from your midst February 7-9, knowing that what enriches them will enrich their ministry with you.
May God continue to bless each of you with a happy and healthy New Year. I feel excited about what God may have in store for me and my ministry this year and I pray you also have such happy anticipation.
+Nathan
