Diocesan Convention Activities: More than Just Business

Diocesan Convention is far more than just a business meeting of our diocese; it’s a gathering that connects us to the greater community of Episcopalians across our diocese. While we come together to engage in the important work of the church, Convention is also a time of fellowship, celebration, and spiritual renewal. It’s an opportunity to deepen our relationships, share in worship, and participate in activities that inspire and energize us for the mission ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned delegate or considering attending for the first time, Convention is a meaningful blend of business and joy, making it an event not to be missed.

Diocesan Convention Schedule

Friday, November 8
Registration 1:00 pm – 2:00 PM on the Meyers Patio

Organ Concert 1:30pm

Convention Business begins at 2:00 PM and includes a showing of “The Philadelphia Eleven”

Dinner for all attendees on the patio at 5:30 PM

Gun Safety Prayer Vigil at 7:30

Saturday, November 9

Convention Registration 8:00 am – 9:00 AM

Opening Eucharist 9:00 AM

Business of Convention 10:45 AM

Lunch 12:30 PM

Business of Convention 1:15 – 4:00 PM

Pre-Convention Activities: A Day of Exploration and Service

As we gather for the upcoming convention, we invite you to join us on Friday, November 8, for a day filled with exploration and service in the beautiful surroundings of Palm Desert. These pre-convention activities are designed to deepen our connection with both nature and the community, offering a unique way to start our time together.

Morning Hike: Discovering the Cross 

Begin your day with a refreshing 2.2-mile hike along the scenic Cross Trail, led by Father David Burgdorf. This moderately challenging route will take you through some of the most picturesque areas near Palm Desert, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy breathtaking views. With a few moderately challenging sections along the way, this hike is perfect for those looking to get their blood pumping while soaking in the natural beauty. We’ll gather at the church front steps at 9:15 AM, with the hike starting promptly at 9:30 AM. Please come prepared with closed-toed shoes, water bottles, and sunscreen.

The Food Loop: Engaging with Creation and Community

Or, dive into our Food Loop program from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, where you can participate in one or more of our three stages of service and sustainability. This program offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with our community through hands-on activities:

1. Neighbors-4-Neighbors (N4N) Food Packing – Help pack essential food bags for our weekly distribution, while learning about the impact of hunger and how our efforts are making a difference.
2. The Good Earth Compost Project – Engage in sustainable practices by contributing to our composting efforts, essential for maintaining the health of our community garden.
3. The Comm-Unity Garden – Get your hands dirty in our community garden, assisting with planting, weeding, watering, and even participating in a short garden craft activity.

Each stage offers a 5-10 minute introduction, followed by 20 minutes of hands-on work, making it easy to join in at any time. We welcome you to choose the activities that resonate most with you, as we work together to care for our creation and support our neighbors in need.

Labyrinth Walk: A Journey of Reflection and Prayer

The Daughters of the King invite you to experience a labyrinth walk in the peaceful courtyard of St. Margaret’s. Available on Friday morning, this sacred practice offers a unique opportunity for quiet reflection and spiritual renewal.

A labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool, a winding path that leads to a center and then back out again. Unlike a maze, it has no dead ends or wrong turns, allowing you to walk at your own pace, focusing on your breath, thoughts, or prayers as you journey inward and outward. Walking the labyrinth can be a powerful way to center yourself, release concerns, and open your heart to the presence of God.

Whether you’re seeking a moment of calm before the day’s activities or a deeper connection with the Divine, the labyrinth walk provides a serene space for contemplation and prayer. Take this opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare your spirit for the convention ahead.

Join us in these enriching pre-convention experiences, and let’s start our time together with purpose and joy.

The 51st meeting of Diocesan Convention in EDSD will be held November 8-9, 2024 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert.

Housing

EDSD has not secured a block of rooms at a hotel for Diocesan Convention.  All delegates and visitors are encouraged to secure their hotel rooms early. We have compiled a list of hotels near St. Margaret’s for your convenience at www.conventionedsd.org/housing.

Dinner

This year, St. Margaret’s has planned a wonderful dinner that will be provided to all delegates and visitors on Friday, November 9th. This is built into the fees for Convention.

Vendors

We are excited, once again, to welcome vendors to Diocesan Convention. This is a great opportunity to showcase your goods or services to Episcopalians throughout the diocese. Ministries of the Diocese are welcome to share materials free of charge.  Registration is closed for all vendors.

Resolution Submission

Every year, the Diocesan Convention votes on Resolutions and changes to the Diocesan Cannons. Please review the Resolutions facing Conention.

Resolutions

Positions Open for Nomination

Every year, Diocesan Convention elects clergy and lay people from throughout the diocese to fill positions of leadership positions throughout the diocese’s governance. These positions often serve at the heart of diocesan ministry.  All lay and clergy members of the diocese are welcome to run for elected office at Diocesan Convention.

Nominations

Executive Council! Executive Council is responsible for implementing the Strategic Plan of the diocese. Currently, Executive Council is working on forming new worshiping communities, crafting affordable housing initiatives, working on peace and justice efforts, opening a migrant shelter in Tijuana, and advocating for growing evangelism efforts throughout the diocese. There are also Executive Council Committees that use their significant financial knowledge to support congregations in financial planning and stewardship. The Executive Council also takes care of diocesan properties. You can see that Council makes use of a wide variety of people and their gifts. It’s a four-year term and meets virtually one Saturday of the month. With virtual meeting space, no matter where you reside, you can participate in Executive Council.

Standing Committee! The Standing Committee is the Bishop’s council of advice. It comprises four clergy, who are voting members of Convention, and four Lay members, who are communicants of the Church. The Standing Committee acts as the ecclesiastical authority when the bishop is absent or incapacitated. The powers, functions, and duties of the Standing Committee shall be those prescribed by the Constitution and· Canons of The Episcopal Church, and by the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese. Upon expiration of the member’s term, no person shall be eligible to serve as a member of the Standing Committee for a period of one year.

Disciplinary Board! The Disciplinary Board hears cases regarding the discipline of clergy as specified in accordance with Title IV of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church. Members are elected for staggered three-year terms and may be re-elected for multiple terms.

Secretary of Convention! The Secretary takes the minutes for Diocesan Convention, certifies Deputies to General Convention, and performs other duties as listed in the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. The Secretary of Convention records the minutes and resolutions of the monthly Diocesan Executive Council meetings. The Secretary is elected for a one-year term and may be re-elected.

Up-to-date information, resolutions facing convention, important deadlines, the nominees for elected offices, and more will be made available on www.conventionedsd.org