Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Spring 2012 Issue | Page 20

‘BRISTLING WITH POSSIBILITIES’

217th Annual Council marked by energy, celebration
EMILY CHERRY
In his annual pastoral address to
the 217th Annual Council, the Rt. Rev.
Shannon S. Johnston, bishop, reflected
on the challenges and blessings
inherent in being a “big diocese,” and
in examining the subject, issued a call
to action: “Let’s acknowledge that it’s
time that we think through and live
more intentionally into the particular
and certain advantages we have as the
Diocese of Virginia,” said Johnston.
He took the opportunity to remind
Council of the five priorities for mission
and ministry outlined during the 2010
Annual Council – youth and young
adult formation; strengthening our
congregations; growing in evangelism
and proclamation; mission beyond
ourselves; and supporting multicultural
and ethnic congregations – adding that
“even with all that lies before us, we
must remain focused on and defined by
our commitment to these priorities for
our mission.”

Johnston also used his pastoral
address to introduce Dayspring, “the