Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2013 Issue | Page 12

Setting
What is Annual Council?
Council is a time for us to come together
as a diocese to worship together, join in
fellowship and conduct our annual business.
Such business includes approving a budget,
electing members of the Standing Committee
and diocesan boards, considering resolutions
and amendments, and hearing reports and
updates from various organizations.

GODs
Table
218th Annual Council

Jaunary 24-26, 2013
www.thediocese.net/Governance/Council/2013/

Who will be there?
In addition to 600+ of the
Diocese’s clergy and lay leaders,
joining Council this year will be special
guest and keynote speaker Dr. Clif
Christopher. Author of Not Your Parents’
Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial
Stewardship and Whose Offering Plate Is It?
New Strategies for Financial Stewardship,
Christopher is an ordained minister of the
Methodist Church and founder of Horizons
Stewardship Company.

What logistical details do
I need to know?
• Council will take place January

24-26 at the Hyatt Regency Reston.
Thursday evening will include a
welcome reception. Council business
and worship will take place on Friday
and Saturday.
• Pre-registration is open through

January 11. After that date, registrations
will be accepted on-site.
• Hotel reservations must be made

separately through the Hyatt Regency
Reston by January 4.

10

Virginia Episcopalian / Winter 2013

“The theme of this year’s Council is ‘Setting
God’s Table,’” said the Rt. Rev. Shannon S.
Johnston, bishop. “Council will be a time where
we can come together as the community of
diocesan leaders and consider the gifts and
talents that we bring to the table to live out the
mission of Jesus Christ in the fullest possible
way. As such, it is most appropriate for Dr.
Christopher to join us.” Johnston added, “Dr.
Christopher is a well-known leader in the
field of stewardship, and I hope attendees
will find our time with him to be truly
inspirational and also useful on a
practical level in our congregations.”
The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff, bishop
suffragan, will serve as
chaplain to this year’s
Council.