We were there and the best word I could use to describe our convention was grim- especially when our bishop was describing the real situation in TEC and in the diocese. Many of the facts used by Bishop Lawrence are from recent TEC Executive Council meeting. The decline in TEC in every parameter one can use to study church growth was astounding. Not in the sense that no one realized it was happening but in the sense of having actual numbers put to it. Truly depressing at best. After this rather grim picture of the national church, Bishop Lawrence pointed out that before we raise a toast to ourselves, he said color us beige- in other words no growth for us in 2009-10 period. So we are not doing well either for the time being. AT one point in his presentation, after many dismal stats, Bishop Lawrence commented how could the Executive Council not stop the meeting and ask for penitential prayer.
However, instead of leaving us utterly depressed about the situation, the rest of our bishop’s address was about some of the good things going on in the diocese. Particular emphasis was put on the relationships that the Diocese has started over the past few years towards the goal of making Biblical Anglicans for a Global Age. Sure it was depressing to have the actual facts given but then reality must be faced before one can go on to renew and reinvigorate.
Thanks, blu cat lady, lady.
One has to count the cost before engaging (or re-engaging) the battle. It should be said, though, that with such vortex of loss, to actually stay “even” is a moral and morale victory.
So, good for SC.
And how did Dr. LeMarquand’s Convention Eucharist sermon go?
Yes, it is good that the diocese is maintaining. The loss of two parishes took us from growth to maintaining our numbers which means to me that our best evangelists have left us. I took the bishop’s address to be a wake up call to the rest of us to take up the slack and continue to proclaim the gospel which is unfortunately becoming more counter cultural every year.
Prayers and blessings for South Carolina and its mission in Christ. Have a wonderful time together.
We were there and the best word I could use to describe our convention was grim- especially when our bishop was describing the real situation in TEC and in the diocese. Many of the facts used by Bishop Lawrence are from recent TEC Executive Council meeting. The decline in TEC in every parameter one can use to study church growth was astounding. Not in the sense that no one realized it was happening but in the sense of having actual numbers put to it. Truly depressing at best. After this rather grim picture of the national church, Bishop Lawrence pointed out that before we raise a toast to ourselves, he said color us beige- in other words no growth for us in 2009-10 period. So we are not doing well either for the time being. AT one point in his presentation, after many dismal stats, Bishop Lawrence commented how could the Executive Council not stop the meeting and ask for penitential prayer.
However, instead of leaving us utterly depressed about the situation, the rest of our bishop’s address was about some of the good things going on in the diocese. Particular emphasis was put on the relationships that the Diocese has started over the past few years towards the goal of making Biblical Anglicans for a Global Age. Sure it was depressing to have the actual facts given but then reality must be faced before one can go on to renew and reinvigorate.
Thanks, blu cat lady, lady.
One has to count the cost before engaging (or re-engaging) the battle. It should be said, though, that with such vortex of loss, to actually stay “even” is a moral and morale victory.
So, good for SC.
And how did Dr. LeMarquand’s Convention Eucharist sermon go?
Hi, I don’t know. We came down Saturday.
Yes, it is good that the diocese is maintaining. The loss of two parishes took us from growth to maintaining our numbers which means to me that our best evangelists have left us. I took the bishop’s address to be a wake up call to the rest of us to take up the slack and continue to proclaim the gospel which is unfortunately becoming more counter cultural every year.