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2002 Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida
Where in God’s Name Are We Going?
The 34th annual convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida met in Punta Gorda
October 11 and 12.
Attending the conference from Nativity were Father Jim along with vestry members Jo
Davidsmeyer, Dick Gerhart, and Rick Teigland. The theme of this year’s convention was
"Where in God’s name are we going?"
In his address, Bishop John Lipscomb reminded us of our declared mission, to be a Great
Commission diocese (see text at end of article). "The time has come, my sisters and
brothers, when we must stop talking about it ... and do it," he said.
In the report about DaySpring, our Episcopal Conference Center in Ellenton, Ted Tripp
shared a story about the visit of the Presiding Bishop to DaySpring. In conversation with
the driver, the Bishop mentioned it was his first trip to DaySpring. The driver, not
knowing who he was taxi-ing, commented that, "Well, if you can’t find God at
DaySpring, then you just can’t find God." Those of us who have partaken of the
natural beauty and spiritual renewal available at DaySpring will agree, especially several
of our ECW ladies who recently attended Inspirations at DaySpring, for prayer, reflection,
and a special walk of a labyrinth.
At the Diocesan convention, the attendees were
treated to a joyous musical presentation by the Dagari Jazz Trio. In addition to the
moving pre-service presentation, they also provided music for the Celebration of the Holy
Eucharist. We were treated to selections from Wonder, Love, and Praise (the contemporary
supplement to the 1982 hymnal), original music written, led, and played by Julius James of
the St. James House of Prayer, and a truly spectacular jazz instrumental version of the
song "Jesus Loves Me."
Following the song, Bishop Lipscomb paused the service to comment on the music. He said
that the simple, honest words of that song are one of the most straight-forward
descriptions of what it means to be a Christian. He then asked the trio to repeat the
song, but this time with all at the convention singing along with the simple musical
profession of faith.
What a remarkable experience, to be in a room filled with adults — grown men and
women — all on their feet offering up with the pure innocense of a child,
unquestioning faith, trust, and devotion to God our Father.
Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak, but he is strong.
YES! Jesus loves me.
YES! Jesus loves me.
YES! Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.
— Jo Davidsmeyer
Mission Statement
RESOLVED, the Diocese of Southwest Florida
convened for the 34th Annual Convention in Punta Gorda on the 12th day of October 2002.
That we do hereby reaffirm the content of Resolution B-1 from the 29th Annual
Convention meeting in Punta Gorda on the 11th day of October 1997 which states:
That the Great Commission of our Lord, as expressed in the Gospel according to Matthew,
the 28th Chapter and beginning with the 19th verse (as set forth below) shall become the
mission statement of this Diocese effective immediately.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything
that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the
age."
— Matthew 28:19-20 |
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