Find a Church

  705 Doctors Drive, Kinston, NC 28501  ·   (252) 522-0885  ·     Resources

Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina
  • Welcome
    • About the Diocese
    • Worshipping Communities
    • How We Got Here
    • Bishop's Corner
    • Our Bishop & Diocesan Staff
    • Contact Us
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Events
    • Communications Submissions
    • Diocesan Digest Magazine
    • News & Notes Archive
  • Governance
    • What is a Diocese
    • Executive Council
    • Standing Committee
    • Trustees
    • Constitutions & Canons
    • Diocesan Convention
    • General Convention of the Episcopal Church
  • Diocesan Life
    • East Carolina Chapters and/or Joint Ministries
    • Lifelong Christian Formation
    • Trinity Center
    • Diocesan Committees, Commissions & Ministries
    • Spanish Language Ministry
    • Photo Galleries
  • Leadership
    • Clergy Transitions
    • Lay Positions
    • Commission on Ministry
    • Clergy Resources
    • Call to Ordained Ministry
    • Vestry & Parish Resources
    • Congregational Development
    • Disciplinary Board
  • Administration
    • Administrative Resources
    • Resources
    • Model Policies for Safeguarding
  • Resources

The 139th Convention of the Diocese of East Carolina

Welcome to the recap page for our 139th Convention! Here you will find all the materials related to this Convention that occurred June 3-4, 2022 organized by date.

Friday, June 3, 2022

Workshops at Convention

Friday afternoon at 1 and 2 p.m., attendees were offered two workshops to participate in. Both workshops sparked questions and conversations, as participants explored their readiness for disasters and their personal and parish experience with Being the Beloved Community. Below you will find a brief synopsis of and materials from each workshop. We thank these ministries for their work and for conducting these workshops!

Disaster, Relief, Recovery and Preparedness Commission (DRRPC): Are You Ready?

drrpc-workshop-presenters_429

Hurricane Season officially began on June 1. The Disaster Relief, Recovery and Preparedness Commission (DRRPC) invited us to join them to learn how congregations can better address the needs of their parishioners and community before and after a hurricane or other disaster hits. Presenters included Jim Hayes, Jimi Paderick, LeRae Umfleet, and Tom Warren. You may visit the DRRPC's webpage for resources and information here. The DRRPC is also seeking our feedback to assess what the needs of our congregations in the diocese are; please take the survey here.

Click Here For the Presentation Slides for Are You Ready?

Racial Healing Commission: Stories that Work

racial-healing-workshop-presenters_587

To begin, we heard from three parishes about how they have been working towards racial healing. Rick Stovall, Sr., Senior Warden at St. Andrew’s, Goldsboro shared the collaborations between the churches in Goldsboro toward Becoming Beloved Community. Mary Ellen Wahab from St. James, Belhaven spoke about Spanish ministry and the churches around Belhaven working across racial lines. Rev. Daniel Cenci from Christ Church, Elizabeth City spoke about racial healing work in Elizabeth City, NC especially after the shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. The workshop also featured small table groups talking about what's worked for them and how to move forward. For resources and more information, please visit the Racial Healing Commission's page.

Click Here for the Resources Shared by the Racial Healing Commission

Convention Eucharist

Our Opening Eucharist service was hosted by St. James Parish, Wilmington; we thank St. James and all of the people who made this time of worship possible. One attendee said of the procession, "I felt chills," noting how powerful it was to see all the clergy of our diocese walk in together followed by our Bishop. We are all part of a larger church, one body, which thematically moved us into the readings and sermon, provided below in transcript form in both English and Spanish. Neither thunder, rain, nor a leak halted this beautiful time of worship, in which we renewed our baptismal vows, our clergy renewed their ordination vows, and Bishop Skirving blessed the Chrism oil. You can view the full service below.


Click Here for the Transcript of Bishop Skirving's Sermon

Oprima Aquí Para el Sermón del Obispo

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Our Saturday morning legislative session opened with a time of devotion and worship, with live music provided by St. John's, Wilmington. Thank you to our musicians and to Rev'd Eric Moulton who organized our music! After our session was called to order, we welcomed new clergy to our diocese and introduced our postulants and candidates. Following these introductions, Bishop Skirving offered his address as a "Part II" of sorts to his sermon the evening prior.

Bishop's Address Video

Click Here for the Transcript of the Bishop's Address

Oprima Aquí Para el Discurso del Obispo

Presentations on our Proposed Mission Priorities

Following Bishop Skirving's Address, we turned to our proposed Mission Priorities for presentations to inspire our imaginations and to consider the possibilities that could open up from our adoption of those Mission Priorities (Resolution 2022-04, linked below in the Certified Resolutions Passed at Convention section).

First, we heard from the Rev'd Dr. John Pollock, Chair of the Commission on Ministry for the diocese and Rector at St. Andrew's, Morehead City. Our first Mission Priority calls us to "LEAD by supporting each of our worshiping communities and diocesan ministries to identify and equip lay and clergy leadership who will engage them in more fully living into the promises of our Baptismal Covenant."You can watch his presentation below.

Our second presentation on the Mission Priorities came to us via Emily Gowdy Canady, Missioner for Lifelong Christian Formation. The second Mission Priority calls us to "LEARN by developing and hosting collaborative opportunities for life-long formation for the ministry of all the baptized, to be offered in person and online across the diocese." You may view her presentation below.

The third presentation we heard on our Mission Priorities came to us from the Rev'd Richard Elliott, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer of the Diocese and Rector of St. Andrews on the Sound, Wilmington. The third Mission Priority calls us to "SERVE by encouraging every congregation to strengthen or build local networks with ecumenical, interfaith, and other community partners for the purpose of serving the needs of the most vulnerable in their midst." You can watch his presentation below.

Our fourth, and final, presentation on the Mission Priorities was delivered by the Rev'd Skip Walker, member of the Racial Healing Commission and Associate Rector at St. Paul's, Greenville. The fourth Mission Priority calls us to "HEAL by advocating for justice and peace for all of God’s children, working together to remove obstacles that prevent equitable access to resources, while building bridges of reconciliation for the divisions between us." You may view his presentation below.


Updates from Trinity Center

Our afternoon portion of our legislative session began with exciting updates from Trinity Center. We heard from Ed Hodges, Chair of the Board of Trustees, about the major repairs that have been taking place at Trinity, funded in large part by monies raised by the Journey Through East Carolina and the hiring of a new Executive Director. John Koch, the new Executive Director of Trinity Center also spoke, affirming, "Keeping in mind our Baptismal Covenant, I promise, with God's help, to carefully and lovingly steward that great diocesan resource that is yours [at Trinity Center]." Finally, Bishop Skirving delivered an update on the parcel of land that is in the process of being sold in support of Trinity Center's ministry and deferred maintenance. You can hear and see all of these updates by watching the video below.

Treasurer's Report and the Adopted 2022 Budget

Treasurer Tess Judge presented her report for 2021 to Convention, covering the summary of profits and losses for 2021 and the continued impacts of COVID-19. You may view the Balance Sheet & Summary here. For the Narrative of the 2022 Budget, click here. Below you can view the 2022 Budget that was adopted.

View the Adopted 2022 Budget


Certified Resolutions Passed at Convention

Nine resolutions were presented and passed at Convention, which have also been certified. Each resolution was duly considered and given the same space for discussion. Below you will find each of the certified resolutions passed at our 139th Convention:

Special Order of Business for the 139th Annual Convention
2022-01, Tom Midyette Memorial
2022-02, from the Racial Healing Commission
2022-03, from Spanish Language Ministries
2022-04, Mission Priorities
2022-05, Ukraine
2022-06, Healthcare in NC
2022-07, Convention in 2023 and 2024
2022-08, from 137th Convention re: Sat-Sun Convention
2022-09, Gun Violence

Elections Results

Annual Committees of Convention, By Nomination of the Bishop

Archdeacon: Janet Sueiro Rodman

Canon for Diocesan Life & Leadership: The Rev'd Canon Mollie Roberts

Deans of the Diocese

Albemarle

  • Clergy: Malone Gilliam, St. Paul's, Edenton
  • Lay: Cynthia Harding, St. Paul's, Edenton

Pamlico

  • Clergy: John Porter-Acee, St. Timothy's, Greenville
  • Lay: Vacant

Trinity

  • Clergy: Vacant
  • Lay: Jo Parrott, St. Mary's, Kinston

Lower Cape Fear

  • Clergy: Eric Mills, St. Philip's, Southport
  • Lay: Lisa Richey, Grace, Whiteville

Upper Cape Fear

  • Clergy: Ralph Clark, St. Joseph's, Fayetteville
  • Lay: Vacant

Bishop's Representative to the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry Board: Nan Cekuta

Bishop's Representative to the Cursillo Secretariat: Jeremiah Day

Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer of the Diocese: Richard Elliott

By Nomination of the Diocese

Executive Council - Three-Year Term

Clergy

  • Lisa Erdeljon, St. Philip's, Southport
  • Stephen Batten, Trinity, Chocowinity

Alternate Deputy to General Convention 2022

Lay

  • Karen Smith, St. Paul's, Wilmington

Trustees to the University of the South

Lay (Two-Year)

  • Tara Bartal, Holy Trinity, Fayetteville

Lay (Three-Year)

  • Mary "Molly" Holdeman, St. Paul's, Greenville

Disciplinary Board - Three-Year Term

Clergy

  • Eric Mills, St. Philip's, Southport

Lay

  • David Tousignant, St. Paul's, Wilmington
  • David DuBuisson, St. Paul's, Beaufort

Officers of Convention - One-Year Term

Historiographer

  • LeRae Umfleet, Trinity, Chocowinity

Treasurer

  • Tess Judge, All Saints, Southern Shores

Secretary of Convention

  • Shurley Ray Weddle, St. Paul's, Clinton

Standing Committee - Three-Year Term

Clergy

  • Farrell Graves, St. James the Fisherman, Shallotte

Lay

  • Tom Warren, St. Mark's, Wilmington

Nominations by Deanery or Bishop

Executive Council

Pamlico Deanery - Clergy (Two-Year)

  • Katherine Mitchell, St. Peter's, Washington

Trinity Deanery - Clergy (Two-Year)

  • Lisa Kirby, Christ Church, New Bern

Trinity Deanery - Lay (One-Year)

  • Terah Archie, St. Mary's, Kinston

Officers of Convention - One-Year Term

Chancellor

  • Joan Geiszler-Ludlum, Church of the Servant, Wilmington

Trustees of the Diocese - Two-Year Term

Clergy

  • Robert Alves, St. John's, Fayetteville

Lay

  • Mary Duane Hale, St. Paul's, Beaufort

Commission on Ministry - Four-Year Term

Clergy

  • Caleb Lee, St. Paul's, Wilmington
  • Jody Greenwood, Church of the Servant, Wilmington

Lay

  • Carla Richardson, Holy Trinity, Fayetteville

Commission on Ministry - One-Year Term

Deacon

  • Mary Mac Shields, St. Joseph's, Fayetteville

Foundation - Four-Year Term

  • Merry Ann Wright, St. Paul's, Wilmington
  • Chris Adams, St. Peter's, Washington
  • David Hall, St. Paul's, Clinton
  • Jim Hayes, St. Mary's, Burgaw

Trinity Center Board of Managers - Three-Year Term

  • Phillip Craig, Jr., St. James, Wilmington
  • Lee Stroud, Holy Cross, Wilmington
  • Michelle Eitner, St. Francis by the Sea, Salter Path
  • David Wyly, St. Stephen's, Goldsboro

Trinity Center Board of Managers - Two-Year Term

  • Fred Klinck, St. John's, Fayetteville

Committee on Constitution and Canons - One-Year Term

Clergy

  • Stephen Batten, Trinity, Chocowinity
  • Andrew Cannan, St. Paul's, Greenville
  • Mollie Roberts, Diocesan House Staff

Lay

  • Mary Duane Hale, St. Paul's, Beaufort
  • Fred Klinck, St. John's, Fayetteville
  • Keith Calder, St. Paul's, Wilmington

Diocesan Convention Committee - One-Year Term

Clergy

  • Eric Moulton, St. John's, Wilmington
  • Gene Wayman, Trinity, Lumberton
  • Vacant

Lay

  • Dencie Lambdin, Trinity, Lumberton
  • Jo Parrott, St. Mary's, Kinston
  • Lee Stroud, Holy Cross, Wilmington
  • Judy Whichard, St. Paul's, Greenville

Elections Committee - One-Year Term

Clergy

  • Daniel Cenci, Christ Church, Elizabeth City

Lay

  • Carla Richardson, Holy Trinity, Fayetteville
  • Dencie Lambdin, Trinity, Lumberton

Our afternoon closed with a time of devotion and worship, with our closing hymn, "Here I Am Lord," provided by St. John's, Wilmington. The 139th Annual Convention of the Diocese of East Carolina adjourned with a blessing and a dismissal to go out into the world fueled by the Holy Spirit and to do the work that we discerned God is calling us to do. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible!

Click Here to View a Gallery of Convention

The 140th Annual Convention will be held at the Greenville Convention Center February 10-11, 2023.

Share this page: The 139th Convention of the Diocese of East Carolina

Subscribe to News & Notes

Addresses

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1336
Kinston, NC 28503

Physical Address:
705 Doctors Drive
Kinston, NC 28501

Contact Us

Diocesan House Phone:
(252) 522-0885

Trinity Center Camp & Conference Center:
(252) 247-5600

Email Us

Social Media

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram by clicking the links below:

  View Entire Post

Service Times

Find churches and church service times here.

Location

Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina
705 Doctors Drive
Kinston, NC 28501

Contact Us
(252) 522-0885

Newsletter Signup

Resources Administrative Resources Clergy Resources Parish Resources Spiritual Resources

Here are some of our most frequently requested resources. To see our entire list of resources, click on the All Resources button below.

Worship Guidelines Letters from the Bishop Hurricane Hub 2023 Cycle of Prayer

All Resources

2023 Due Dates for Canonically-Required Reports and the 2023 Parish Contact Form and 2023 Audit Criteria Request Form are now available in our Resources. You can also find them here:

2023 Due Dates for Canonically-Required Reports 2023 Parish Contact Form 2023 Audit Criteria Request Form

The current mileage reimbursement rate is 62.5 cents per mile, established June 9, 2022.You can learn more here.

More Administrative Resources

As of March 31, 2022 there are updated Guidelines for Public Worship in the Diocese of East Carolina. You may view them by clicking the button below:

Guidelines for Public Worship

Bishop's Visitation Guidelines 2022-2023 Bishop's Visitation Schedule

More Clergy Resources

Building your volunteer ministry?

  • Model Policies for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults
  • Background Checks

Guidelines for Public Worship 2023 Cycle of Prayer Stewardship Resources

More Parish Resources

Ready to go deeper in your spiritual life?

  • Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
  • Center for Action and Contemplation
  • The Growing Edge
  • Wild Goose Festival
  • The January Adventure
More Spiritual Resources