Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Spring 2014 Issue | Page 4

Spirit Stretching at Council
Emily Cherry

This year’s Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia had a bit
of a different vibe then in years past. Keeping with the theme
of stretching outside of comfort zones and reimagining how
we “do” church as a diocesan community, Council members
experienced a new format geared toward energy and
inspiration.

“Awake, My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve” was the gathering
theme for the Jan. 23-25 meeting in Richmond. In his opening
remarks to Council, the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, bishop,
explained, “Our theme speaks both to what is clearly now going
on in our Diocese, and to our continuing aspirations – what we
are being called to be like in the months and years to come.”

Both the format and content of the meeting spoke to that
commitment to stretching and newness. In the new “State of
the Diocese” presentation, the bishops joined in a moderated,
conversational question-and-answer session, in which they
discussed everything from the mix of faith and “politics” to
their favorite bands and “weirdest” hobbies.

Groups from across the Diocese then offered fast-paced,
media-driven mini-presentations on a series of out-of-thebox ministry ideas. Members and leaders of Grace on the
Hill, Virginia’s Episcopal Service Corps intentional community
program, reflected on their experiences. Virginia’s first
downtown missioner told stories of her work engaging
community at an urban parish. And the Girls in Real Life (GIRLs)
group of St. George’s, Fredericksburg, presented a live radio
show on issues regarding the intersection of females and faith –
with a surprise video call-in from the presiding bishop.

Members of Council also approved a $5 million budget,
elected a new class of Standing Committee members and
General Convention deputies, and adopted the following
resolutions:
• Appoint a Task Force to Address the Name of Annual Council

• Toward a Just and Reasonable Reform of Immigration System

• Prayerfully Consider the Merits of “Green Church” Initiatives

• Virginia Legislation to Assist Immigrants

• Sponsoring and Supporting Scouting Units

• Task Force for South Sudan

• Resolution Regarding Investments and Purchasing Electronics

A resolution calling for the addition of Charles Gillette to Holy
Women, Holy Men was referred to the diocesan historiographer
and the Committee on Race and Reconciliation, while a
resolution regarding a strategic re-visioning and repositioning
process was referred to t