Fabric of Faith

The recent Diocesan Convention brought together clergy and lay leaders from across Arizona for a weekend focused on diocesan business, education, and mission. Everyone from Saint Philip’s returned “filled with enthusiasm,” as noted by Jane Prescott-Smith.

Vestry member and delegate, Kristin Tovar, described the event as “a gift to attend” and a chance to “gather with clergy and lay leaders across Arizona.”

The convention fostered connection among members of the diocese, including within the Saint Philip’s group itself. Senior Warden, John Bremond, noted, “It is always great to be with our Saint Philip’s delegation and develop closer relationships with them.”

The gathering also provided an important venue for networking. John added, “It was a good opportunity to visit with other Senior Wardens about their ongoing challenges, innovations, and particularly, their experience in undertaking the search for a new rector.”

A central moment of the convention was the worship service. Jane Prescott-Smith said, “The Eucharist was outstanding. I’ve been to a lot of these, but Bishop Jennifer Reddall hit it out of the park.”

John Bremond added, “I was intrigued by the worship service that was offered in multiple languages (English, Spanish, and Dinka) with a feminine scripture interpretation.”

While focusing on spiritual life, the convention also completed the necessary work of the diocese.

The business meetings were efficient and productive. Sally Larsen noted the process involved reviewing the financial statements, proposed resolutions, and canon changes, followed by voting. “The Business Meeting reconvened and we finished up Diocesan business by voting on the various Resolution, Canon and Constitution changes. There was little disagreement. All is well and we departed all the better for our involvement,” she reported.

Saint Philip’s commitment to Creation Care was highlighted in the Exhibit Hall. Jane Prescott-Smith had the distinct opportunity to present on the ‘Cooling our Neighborhood’ project. She was also able to connect with diocesan leaders, saying, “It was an exceptional opportunity to meet with The Rev’d Dr. Lisa Graumlich, Chair of the Diocesan Creation Care Council.”

The project, which involved planting a rain garden at Prince Elementary, was a source of pride for the entire delegation. Sally Larsen reported, “Saint Philip’s was well represented by Jane Prescott-Smith at the Exhibit Hall with her storyboard and video presentation. It was a very uplifting presentation.”

A powerful and necessary theme of the convention was confronting the Church’s historical role in injustice. John Bremond said the event was a wonderful opportunity to “explore the history of the Church’s role in promoting racism and learn what steps are being taken to address deep seated practices that remain today.”

This work was brought into sharp focus at one of the workshops. Kristin attended the session on “Boarding Schools, Historical Trauma and Reparations for the Church.” She was profoundly effected, stating: “I was surprised and heartbroken to learn that Arizona had the second largest number of such boarding schools in the country.”