It's the Great Minnesota Get Together: Episcopal Version!
I am at the annual ECMN Convention for the next two days, along with some Saint Annians, fellow clergy, the Bishop and staff, and Episcopalians from across Minnesota. We gather each year to do the business of the church: approve the 2027 Budget, get updated on new policies or programs, and elect people to fill open positions on what are referred to as "the Elected Bodies" of the church: the governing bodies that work with the Bishop and his staff to manage the church finances, take care of church properties, oversee rules and regulations pertaining to clergy, and the like. It's more interesting than it sounds! And we also worship together, vision together, and learn about what people are up to in all the Episcopal corners of Minnesota.
One item on the Convention agenda this year is to move forward the nomination of the Rev. Denzil Carty for the Episcopal Calendar of Saints. The Rev. Carty was an Episcopal priest, visionary, and voice for those on the margins, who lived much of his life in St. Paul. It has now been 50 years since his death, which makes him eligible for this honor. The nomination is being brought by the congregation of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Paul, which is the current name of the church the Rev. Carty served. Per Episcopal process, if this nomination passes at the ECMN Convention, it will be brought to the General (national) Episcopal Convention this summer in Arizona. It's exciting to think of a Minnesotan nominated for the Calendar of Saints!
The ECMN Convention is always a wonderful reminder that we are not alone in all we are trying to do and be, as followers of Jesus. In fact, we are surrounded on all sides of the veil with partners, inspiration, witnesses, support, love, joy, and possibilities. My prayer for you this week is to know and celebrate that: thanks be!