On November 6-7, 2009, the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa held the 157th Annual Convention focusing on Next Generations of Faith. The Diocesan Convention is the annual two-day gathering where clergy and lay congregational representatives come together for:
• Business – Bishop’s “State of the Church Address,” resolutions, elections for diocesan offices, and reports.
• Worship – Evening Worship on Friday and a Eucharist service on Saturday morning.
• Information – Keynote speaker, reports, workshops, and an Exhibit Hall with vendors and displays.
• Social – Time to greet old friends and make new ones is available during breaks, meals and following the Friday evening banquet.
• And More! – Meals, congregations’ banners, diocesan choir, childcare, and youth program.
Our keynote speaker, The Reverend Jesús Reyes, is Canon to the Ordinary for Congregational Growth and Development in the Diocese of El Camino Real. Canon Reyes reminded us that we are all about Jesus, and called us to build a healthy church.
Guest Preacher at the Friday evening Worship Service was Bishop Julius Trimble, of the United Methodist Iowa Conference. Bishop Trimble shared the wisdom that if you have anything at all to eat, then you have something to share, and that the right answer is always "Jesus."
The Jazz Ensemble from the University of Iowa/Trinity Church, Iowa City provided the musical setting for the Friday evening worship service, and jazz entertainment following the banquet and keynote address.
Consent and Debate Calendars were used at this convention. Two resolutions (157-F and 157-P) were moved by Convention from the Consent to the Debate Calendar. One late resolution (157-EE)was heard by convention. The action by convention is listed below by title. The text of the resolutions is available by download as a .pdf document.
Consent Calendar As Adopted
157-A Accommodations for People with Disabilities
157-B Address the Issue of AIDS
157-C Affirm the Genesis Covenant
157-D Campus Ministries Convention Representation
157-E Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation
157-G Congregations Develop Environmental Stewardship Policies and Practices
157-H Environmental Stewardship Commission
157-I Episcopal Health Ministries
157-J Equitable Education for All Our Children
157-K Five Marks of Mission
157-L Health Care Coverage for All
157-M Millennium Development Goals as Mission Priority
157-N Mission is the Heartbeat of the Church
157-O Prevention of Domestic Violence
157-Q Prison Ministry Sunday
157-R Renew and Strengthen Economic Justice Ministry
157-S Support for Day Laborers
157-T Trafficking
Debate Calendar
ADOPTED 157-U Canon 7 Revision - Board of Directors
157-V Article IX Revision - Eligibility for Clergy Membership on the Standing Committee
157-Y Canon 1 Revision - Of the Clerical Members of the Convention
157-Z Canon 14 Revision - Of the Commission on the Ministry
157-BB Lifelong Christian Formation
157-F Commending the Boy Scouts of America on its 100th Anniversary
ADOPTED AS AMENDED 157-CC Unemployment Insurance
157-P Principles for Decisions at the End of Life
REFERRED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 157-W Establishment of the Position of Diocesan Development Missioner
REFERRED TO STANDING COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION ON MINISTRY, AND TABLED UNTIL NEXT CONVENTION 157-AA Creation of a New Canon 19 - Of Ministry Development Teams
FAILED 157-X General Convention Deputation including Revision of Canon 5
157-DD The Episcopal Church & Financial Transparency
157-EE Call Upon Boy Scouts to Discontinue Discrimination
Courtesy Resolution for
The Reverend Deacon Mary Hoffman
WHEREAS, the Reverend Deacon Mary Hoffman served for many years quietly and without remuneration behind the scenes with love and commitment establishing, organizing and ensuring the ongoing work of many ministries vital to the life of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, in the Diocese of Iowa and in the Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, as the first woman Deacon to serve at the Cathedral altar, led the way for other women and girls as chalice bearers and acolytes; and
WHEREAS, organized and trained the Lay Eucharistic Visitors and counseled with those to be visited; and
WHEREAS, oversaw the Parish Visitor program, until her retirement; and
WHEREAS, her ministry included the Hildegards Prayer Group, which she led and instructed for many years; and
WHEREAS, her faithful support of lead clergy on Sunday and weekday services, Sunday School, funerals, weddings, quiet days and many special services and programs; and
WHEREAS, her spiritual strength, discipline and commitment and deep and abiding love for our Lord Jesus Christ has been and example to all of us; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Hoffman has retired from scheduled duties as of June 7, 2009, but is still volunteering and accepting calls from parishioners;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa gives thanks to God for the ministry of Deacon Mary Hoffman and wishes to honor her. We wish her many blessings on her retirement.
Submitted by,
Jean McGee
Trinity Cathedral, Davenport
Courtesy Resolution for
The Reverend Canon Robert Elfvin
WHEREAS, the Reverend Canon Robert Elfvin came to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Des Moines in 1978 as Rector and has faithfully ministered with the people at St. Luke’s for these past 31 years; and
WHEREAS, Robert’s underlying belief in the ministry of all the baptized has expanded the ministry and leadership of all at St. Luke’s; and
WHEREAS, Robert served the Diocese of Iowa as a member and President of the Standing Committee, member of the Commission on Ministry, the Diocesan Mission Commission and Evangelism Trainer; and
WHEREAS, Robert was a great supporter of the Episcopal Center of Camps and Conferences, Cursillo, Marriage Encounters, Order of St. Luke and TEC; and
WHEREAS, Robert served his community of Des Moines through monthly Nursing Home services and communions, as a member of the Care Review Team for over 20 years at ChildServe and a volunteer in many other organizations; and
WHEREAS, Robert brought a challenge of mission to St. Luke’s, that in turn, reached out and purchased 820 food bags for the DMARC Food Bank on his behalf; and
WHEREAS, Robert’s faithful service encouraged the members of St. Luke’s to establish the long-term Robert & Karon Elfvin Discretionary Fund for the future outreach and community service at St. Luke’s;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this 157th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Iowa express its gratitude and blessings for the wonderful ministry of Robert; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this 157th Annual Convention send Robert and Karon on the next part of their journey with best wishes for the coming years of retirement and whatever ministry to which God calls them.
Submitted by,
The Rev. Martha Kester
St. Luke’s Church, Des Moines
Courtesy Resolution
Noting the Retirement of the Reverend Paul Fuessel
WHEREAS, the Reverend Paul Fuessel has served the parish of Grace Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids in the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa for ten years; and
WHEREAS, during that time he has worked mightily to empower lay ministry there and elsewhere in the diocese; and
WHEREAS, he led the diocese in the recognition of its ministry to those suffering from domestic abuse, and organized and led training to ensure that that ministry would be more effective; and
WHEREAS, he has constantly recalled his congregation to their baptismal vows to seek and serve Christ wherever they find Him; and
WHEREAS, he has spoken truth to power whenever those who are suffering, in need or in distress have been in need of an advocate; and
WHEREAS, he has shared his personal witness to the good news of Jesus Christ, and manfully served as a soldier of Christ; and
WHEREAS he retired from that ministry on November 1, 2009;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, meeting this day in convention, recognizes the Rev. Paul Fuessel for his years of faithful service and ministry; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we thank him for giving freely of the gifts given him by Christ; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we offer thanksgiving this day to God for the grace and ministry of his life and labors, in the church and in the community; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we enjoin our prayers that his retirement may be one of rest, peace, joy and grace.
Submitted by
The Rev. Alice Haugen
Grace Church, Cedar Rapids
Courtesy Resolution for
The Right Reverend C. Christopher Epting
WHEREAS, the Right Reverend C. Christopher Epting, 8th Bishop of Iowa, left Iowa to become the Presiding Bishop’s Deputy For Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations, serving two Presiding Bishops in that position; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Epting has announced plans to retire from that work in December, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Epting and the Rev. Susanne Watson Epting will be now home more often in their home in eastern Iowa; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Epting has been named Interim-Dean of Trinity Cathedral, Davenport;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this 157th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Iowa extend our joy filled greeting to Bishop Chris and Susanne as we say “Welcome Home” and “Bienvenido a Casa!”
Submitted by,
The Rev. Canon Glenn Rankin
Trinity Cluster
Courtesy Resolution for
The Reverend Charles Kunene
WHEREAS, the Reverend Charles Mhlaba Kunene has faithfully served three congregations in Southwest Iowa; and
WHEREAS, he has become actively involved in diocesan activities through his work as a Ministry Development coach and membership on the Commission on Ministry; and
WHEREAS, he has actively educated children and adults throughout the state of Iowa about our companions in Swaziland; and
WHEREAS, he has helped to lead an ecumenical Bible Study and has assisted with the building of a house for Habitat for Humanity; and
WHEREAS, he participated in the 125th anniversary of St. John’s, Glenwood; and
WHEREAS, he has found sources for “real food” in nearby Omaha to supplement the produce of his garden; and
WHEREAS, his lovely wife, Thulie has put up with his two-year absence, but has also graced us with one visit and hopefully a second will come this winter; and
WHEREAS, Father Charles will be returning before our next Convention to his family and parish in Swaziland;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa expresses its great appreciation to Charles and its praise to God for this gracious servant.
Submitted by,
One World One Church Commission and Representatives of the Southwest Cluster
Courtesy Resolution for
The Swaziland Team
WHEREAS, Greg Stout and Dan and Melody Rockwell did travel to Swaziland in September; and
WHEREAS, they secured funding from the United Thank Offering, Waters of Hope, and a diocesan International Development Grant, and received additional gifts from churches and individuals; and
WHEREAS, they undertook the teaching of a six-week workshop preparing a team of seven Swazi residents to construct chlorinators for extending the option of safe water to additional locations in Swaziland; and
WHEREAS, this training also included basic water chemistry and testing techniques as well as preparing the trainees to serve as trainers in the use of the chlorinators; and
WHEREAS, this ministry came to be known as the Swaziland Safe Water Ministry; and
WHEREAS, Greg, Dan, and Melody visited the Neighborhood Care Centers sponsored by the Diocesan Office for HIV/AIDs, both to assess water availability and quality and to gather information on other needs; and
WHEREAS, these three returned to Iowa in time to share their stories and continuing needs of the Care Centers through the Exhibits next door;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa expresses its appreciation for this team and their ministry.
Submitted by,
One World One Church Commission
Courtesy Resolution for
The Reverend Samuel Enosa Peni
WHEREAS, the Reverend Samuel Peni was sent to Iowa by his home Diocese of Yambio, Western Equatoria, Sudan; and
WHEREAS, he has been actively involved at St Timothy’s, West Des Moines, and St John’s, Dubuque; and
WHEREAS, Samuel has completed theological studies at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque; and
WHEREAS, he has returned to the Sudan as a candidate for Bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Nzara, Western Equatoria, Sudan; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2009, was elected to become the First Bishop of the Diocese of Nzara;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa gives thanks to Samuel for his presence among us and the gifts he has shared with us and congratulations and prayers for his leadership in the Episcopal Church of Sudan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Iowa commends continued prayers and support for Samuel, his family, and the Episcopal Church of the Sudan.
Submitted by,
One World One Church Commission in consultation with Representatives of St. Timothy’s Church, West Des Moines, and St. John’s Church, Dubuque
Courtesy Resolution for
Diocese of Fort Worth
WHEREAS, the Diocese of Iowa has enjoyed the ministry of women in the diaconate and priesthood for nearly 40 years; and
WHEREAS, the Diocese of Fort Worth is about to ordain it’s very first woman to the priesthood on Sunday, November 15, 2009; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that, the Diocese of Iowa send it’s congratulations to the Reverend Susan Slaughter and the Diocese of Fort Worth, and our prayers for a renewed ministry in all orders.
Submitted by,
The Rev. Barbara Schlachter
Angel to Fort Worth 2002
Courtesy Resolution for
The Reverend Canon Jesús Reyes
WHEREAS, the Reverend Jesús Reyes is Canon to the Ordinary for Congregational Growth and Development in the Diocese of El Camino Real, which means, “The Royal Road;” and
WHEREAS, Canon Reyes shares the name of “el Rey Jesus,” Jesus our King who invites us all to walk that road; and
WHEREAS, Canon Reyes joined us in our walk at this 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa; and
WHEREAS, Canon Reyes reminded us that while we are laborers and steward of the fruits of the kingdom, God is the owner of the field, our God of justice, love and peace; and
WHEREAS, Canon Reyes urged us to value what we do in our own church and be proud of it; and
WHEREAS, he also called us to feed the next generation of faith at an open table, and that our business is to build a healthy church, since the church is the seed of the kingdom; and
WHEREAS, he challenged us to connect the new generations with the beauty of the church and the kingdom, and reminded us that, “We are all about Jesus, our brother, sister, friend, neighbor—even the one we don’t like;” and
WHEREAS, his call to us is, “Don’t think about it—discern how to do it;” and
WHEREAS, he encouraged us that he answer to the question “Is Jesus there?” must always be, “Yes, of course! Amen!”; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that, this 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa gives thanks to Canon Jesús Reyes for walking with us and bringing gifts to our table, and sends blessings and prayers home with him for his life and his continued ministry.
Submitted by,
Helen Keefe
Resolutions Committee
Courtesy Resolution for
Bishop Julius Trimble
WHEREAS, Julius Calvin Trimble, Child of God, did accept the call to the ministry of oversight in a portion of God’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, Julius, Child of God, has come among us, the Episcopalians of Iowa, teaching us that “that which we hope for is always better than what we have;” and
WHEREAS, Julius, Child of God, has given us the hope that random violence will eventually go the way of smallpox and the typewriter; and
WHEREAS, Julius, Child of God, has inspired us with a call to feed God’s children, not only with food but with knowledge of Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, Julius, Child of God, has reminded us that feeding sheep required compassion, assessment and organization; and
WHEREAS, Julius, Child of God, has passed on to us the wisdom that “if you have anything at all to eat, you have something to share;” and
WHEREAS, Julius, Child of God, has inspired us with a vision of churches with traffic jams at their doors—those outside wanting to enter, and those inside going out to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, Julius, Child of God, passed on that basic piece of wisdom, “whatever the question, the right answer is always Jesus;” therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that, this 157th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa does convey to Bishop Trimble our heartfelt thanks for the inspiration of his speaking and the blessing of his presence as we look forward to possible full Communion, one with another, as fellow Children of God.
Submitted by,
Don Twentyman
Resolutions Committee
Courtesy Resolution for
Iowa City/University of Iowa Jazz Ensemble
WHEREAS, the worship life of this Convention was enhanced by the Friday evening Jazz Vespers; and
WHEREAS, the Convention is grateful to the University of Iowa Jazz Ensemble for sharing another mode of musical expression for our worship; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that, the 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa thanks and commends Professor John Rapson and his jazz colleagues for sharing their lively and inspiring ministry with this convention.
Submitted by,
Mel Schlachter
Courtesy Resolution for
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and the Diocesan Choir
WHEREAS, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul has, as in years past, embraced the delegates and guests of the 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa, in joyous celebration of Eucharistic worship; and
WHEREAS, the combined voices of St. Paul’s choir and the participants of the Convention Diocesan Choir did make sweet music indeed; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that, this 157th Convention of the Diocese of Iowa gives thanks to God for the opportunity to gather as a worshipping family in such a sacred space, and thanks Dean Cathleen Bascom and the people of St. Paul’s for their unstinting hospitality.
