Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I invite you to join me and representatives from around the Diocese for our 140th Diocesan Convention, scheduled for Friday, June 6 th thru Sunday, the 8 th at Camp of the Woods, Speculator, New York. The theme of the convention, “Press on to know the Lord,” is taken from Hosea 6:3, one of the assigned readings for the Sunday liturgy.

As in the past, we will have a variety of wonderful workshops scheduled throughout the weekend, beginning with the early bird specials Friday afternoon. The Bishop’s Address will be given Friday evening, followed by some of the Convention’s preliminary business. The majority of the regular business session for the election of diocesan representatives, passing of the diocesan budget, and any other necessary action dealing with proposed canons and resolutions will be held Saturday morning and into the afternoon if necessary.

This year’s guest speakers include several very dear friends of mine. The Most Reverend Ben Kwashi, Archbishop of Jos, Nigeria, and his wife Gloria, will address the Convention on Saturday. ++ Ben and Gloria both know firsthand what it means to sacrifice and suffer on behalf of their faith, pressing on to know the Lord. In addition, because of their love for young people, they will also be the guest speakers at the Youth Rally, which coincides with the Diocesan Convention.

The Reverend Russ Parker, Director of ACORN Healing Ministry in Great Britain, will be the guest preacher for the Saturday afternoon Eucharist. Russ+ is very gifted in the ministry of healing, an outstanding author, and inspirational speaker. His sermon will lead into the Healing Service which will happen later Saturday evening after dinner.

Bishop Harold Miller and his wife Liz, from our sister diocese of Down and Dromore, Northern Ireland, will also be with us. While Bishop Harold has joined us several times in the past, this will be Liz’s first time to attend the Diocesan Convention. We are honored to have them with us. Bishop Harold will be the guest preacher at the Sunday morning Youth Mass. Our connection with the Diocese of Down and Dromore has been and continues to be real blessing, strengthening our ties with the larger Anglican Communion.

Each one of our guests is an outstanding speaker with a powerful message to share. I give thanks to God for making it possible for them to be with us. We will be richly blessed by their presence.

One of the major changes this year, over previous conventions, is there will be no ordinations or confirmations. This is in response to concerns expressed in the past that we tried to do too much on Saturday, making for an incredibly busy and exhausting day. The ordination of both transitional and vocational deacons will occur at the Cathedral of All Saints earlier in May, prior to the Convention.

These are just a few of the highlights of the coming convention. I look forward to being with all of you who are able to attend. It is sure to be a highly enjoyable, exciting and Spirit-filled time of worship, study, work, play and fellowship with one another in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please join us if you can.

Faithfully Yours in Christ,

+ Bill

GUEST SPEAKERS AT CONVENTION 2008

THE MOST REVEREND BEN A. KWASHI  

The Most Rev. Ben Kwashi, Archbishop of Jos, Nigeria , has experienced threats on his life, persecution, and burning of his home and property by Muslim fanatics. In spite of everything, he is committed to sharing the gospel and bringing to Christ some of the thousands of unreached people who live within the Diocese of Jos – and in the world – today. He will address the Convention on Saturday, the second day of Convention. Chairman of SOMA International, he is also on the Board of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry and member of the Coordinating Committee for the Convocation for Anglicans in North America (CANA). Joining him at this year’s Convention is Gloria, his wife of 25 years.

THE REVEREND DR. RUSS PARKER

Rev Russ Parker has been Director of Acorn Christian Foundation in Great Britain since 1995. The Foundation he leads is a major force in the Christian Healing Ministry. An accomplished author of many books, some of his works include: “Healing Dreams”, “Healing Death’s Wounds” “Free to Fail”, “Forgiveness is Healing”, and “Wild Spirit” and “Dream Stories” “Healing Wounded History” and “Healing Wounded History”, workbook. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity from Columbia Evangelical Seminary in the United States in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Christian ministry and for his many writings and his teaching abilities. Rev. Parker will be guest preacher at the Saturday afternoon Eucharist.

THE RT. REVEREND HAROLD MILLER

We welcome back at this year’s Diocesan Convention, The Rt. Reverend Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore. Bishop of Down and Dromore since 1997, his talks on Spirituality have long been favorites with Convention attendees. Bishop Miller will be this year’s guest preacher at the Sunday morning Youth Mass. Joining him at this year’s Convention will his wife, “Liz.” As many know, the Diocese of Down and Dromore and the Diocese of Albany have a long history of mutual encouragement and growth, both learning from each other and by carrying out many combined projects in developing areas of the world. These areas include southern Sudan (in association with CMSI), and northern Argentina (in association with SAMS).