Featured Voice
Shining a spotlight on clergy and lay people throughout our Church who are doing excellent work or articulating great ideas about God’s work of reconciliation in the world.
Not a Priest, But Active in Leadership and Governance
Written by Bill Fleener May 15, 2012
When I was in high school, the Diocese of Western Michigan held annual youth conventions. Like any good convention in the Episcopal Church, the convention allowed the filing of resolutions. For several years I served on what would usually be called the resolutions committee, but being silly young people we called the committee "The Big Words Committee." I realized recently that my service on General Convention standing committees and diocesan committees dealing with the Constitution and Canons suggests that I haven't really traveled very far since my high school days. The ability to serve my church with my gifts and talents is something that I have been thankful for throughout my life.
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Sharing Background, Perspective, and Talent with the Church
Written by David Quittmeyer April 10, 2012
I am a "cradle Episcopalian." I say that with both hesitation and pride. Hesitation because I don't think the status carries any particular credentials; pride because years of affiliation have helped me learn, change, and lead. In all my roles in the church, it has been a joy to work with wise people of every order and background. I have been able to see institutional challenges and opportunities "up close." My advice to fellow deputies is to share your unique background, perspective, and talent with the Church – not only through Convention, but through your life in community.
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Evolving Ministry for an Evolving Church
Written by Dorothy-Jane Porpeglia December 8, 2011
I have been honored to have the opportunity to use the various educational and experiential opportunities, to give back, and to serve the church. Indeed, I believe it is my Christian duty to use the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has bestowed upon me for the betterment of the Church and society. I look forward to continuing to serve the church throughout my life in whatever context is appropriate at the time, given my own personal faith journey and the ministry needs of the church.
A Sense of Wholeness in the Ministry of the Laity
Written by John E. Harris September 25, 2011
I am an advocate of the ministry of the laity because this has given me a sense of wholeness in my life. In looking toward the future, I believe that God has called me to serve in the church and in the world, using my gifts of collaboration and bringing people together for the purpose of reconciliation to God and to each other.
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Helping Young People Grow and Challenge Themselves
Written by Roger Speer August 25, 2011
I have been a member of the Episcopal Church my entire life. I have seen it as a child growing up, an active college student volunteering, a professional in parish ministry, a member of a bishop’s diocesan staff, and as a missionary in a different culture. My memories are of small town parish picnics and the sheer enormity of General Conventions. I say this to show that I have dedicated my vocation to working within the Episcopal Church, and she has allowed me to see the world and grow in ways I couldn’t imagine as a child growing up in the hills of West Virginia.
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