This weekend our diocese has its annual convention. So let me back up, a diocese is a geographical area of the church, kind of like a state. It has a Bishop who is elected to serve as its leader. Our diocese is the Diocese of Ohio, which includes about 100 churches across the upper half of the state.
Being a part of something bigger than ourselves is a blessing. Our diocese offers us advice, keeps us apprised of what is happening in the national church, helps us figure out how the world impacts us. For example, the diocese helped many churches receive PPP assistance from the federal government in response to Covid19. We receive grants for several of our programs from the diocese. They are a hub that also includes prayer. And we support the diocese financially with a contribution based on our cash flow (so larger parishes give more than the smaller ones).
When we gather for a few days every year, we see to the governance of the church, fill committee vacancies, celebrate occasions. My favorite part is our worship together, hundreds of people singing hymns and praying for each other. It is a powerful time. We also tackle how we want to respond to social issues, discerning together what God is calling us to do.
Our church is a democracy, and every parish has three representatives as well as its clergy who can vote. It is a holy responsibility to be a part of this process. But it is also a joy, as we hear stories of ministry and evangelism that we can all share with each other.
Sometimes it feels like we are isolated on the east coast. But in fact, we are bonded and held together by this marvelous thing, this holy thing-the Body of Christ. And it is so much more obvious when we are all celebrating that together.
Pray for the church this weekend. We face many challenges so it is a blessing to have each other. We will be on zoom, which is another new thing. Pray that we can discern even far apart a holy future for this church we love.