Diocesan Convention 2020 – virtual, but in the ‘spirit of family reunion’
Courtesy of the Episcopal News, by Pat McCaughan
Delegates and visitors anticipating the Nov. 13 – 14 annual meeting of the Diocese of Los Angeles as a big family reunion in Riverside may instead – in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic —experience it as much smaller socially distanced gatherings in local deaneries or their own congregations. Or, at home, by themselves, but with spirit.
“This will be our first entirely virtual convention,” Canon Steve Nishibayashi, secretary of convention, told The Episcopal News recently. But, he added, “perhaps there will be some opportunities for, or necessity for, small gatherings so that people can be at places that have better wi-fi.”
Planning for Diocesan Convention, themed “Servants of the Spirit,” has presented a host of novel technical and other logistical challenges as Nishibayashi and Samantha Wylie, convention coordinator, strive to make the 125th annual meeting as safe and as efficient as possible.
“The bishop’s priority is to try and maintain a sense of community and reunion, and that we’re bigger than any of our individual congregations,” Nishibayashi said. “But health and safety are foremost this year.”
Wylie agreed. “I love convention. It’s this big family reunion. We are trying our best to achieve that, given that everything’s purely virtual. Our number one priority is health and safety, and getting all the business done, making sure everything is conducted in accordance with the canons.
“We want to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and maintaining that spirit of family reunion as much as we can, and the programming as much as we can. We want to make sure there are no surprises.”
Diocesan Bishop John Harvey Taylor said there will be fellowship, even across the digital divide. “Our challenge and opportunity for convention is the same as with all our ministries during the pandemic,” he said. “In a time of crisis and separation, we’ll hold fast to the peace and unity of Christ so we can continue to do the church’s work of glorifying God and serving God’s people. We’ll do our essential business, enjoy fellowship even across the digital divide, and once again give everyone news and tools they can use in their vocations and ministries.”
While some logistics and details are still being planned, Nishibayashi said he will update congregations and convention participants as the information becomes available.
Read more here about convention plans.