Courtesy Resolutions Adopted by Convention
Thanking the 175th
Anniversary Committee
Resolved, that this 176th Convention of the Diocese of Vermont express
its appreciation to the members of the 175th Anniversary Committee for
their leadership in organizing the events and creating the numerous symbols
of our 175th anniversary celebration, and be it further resolved that
we prayerfully remember the late Carolyn Kerr, honorary chair of the
committee.
Thanking the Program Committee
Resolved, that the 176h
Convention of the Diocese of Vermont express its thanks to the Program
Committee—Emily Adams, Ann Cooper, Merritt
Gleeson, Teresa Gleeson, Elizabeth Hilgartner, Joel Hill, Emily Perkins,
Lisa Ransom, Anita Schell-Lambert, Sister Laurian Seeber and, ex-officio,
Jim Larkin—for
the committee’s work in planning and implementation of Convention
by distributing so generously its power and light.
Thanking Trinity Church, Rutland
Resolved, that we the
assembled delegates and participants of the 176th Convention of the Diocese
of Vermont express our sincere gratitude to the members and staff of
Trinity Church, Rutland, for their fellowship, welcoming spirit and hospitality
that have nourished and inspired us to tend to God’s work in the
world.
Honoring Sierra Murdoch
Resolved, that this 176th Convention
of the Diocese of Vermont thank and commend Sierra Murdoch of Middlebury
College’s Project 350,
for so ably and sportingly pinch-hitting for Bill McKibben when he was
unable to join us for the start of the public forum on climate change.
Thank you for the reminder that “green is patriotic” and
for demonstrating that caring for our planet can be FUN!
Honoring Bill McKibben
Resolved, that this 176h convention
of the Diocese of Vermont, expresses its gratitude to the speaker, our
own world-renowned Vermont treasure, Bill McKibben, for “putting the fear of God” in
us (in more senses than one) concerning the supremely urgent reality
of global climate change, setting before us the inescapable necessity
of action now, and pointing us toward the date of October 24, 2009 and
the vital number 350; and be it further resolved, that the Secretary
of Convention relay these greetings and appreciations to Bill McKibben
on our behalf.
Commending Bishop Ely's Convention Address
Resolved,
that the 176th Convention of the Diocese of Vermont commend our bishop,
the Rt. Rev. Thomas C. Ely, for reminding us so clearly and eloquently
in his convention address of our call to a ministry of global reconciliation
and for setting before us actions that can further this mission, including:
the reestablishing of a diocesan committee on the environment; the formation
of a task force to deal with future projects in renewable energy and
energy conservation at Rock Point; the planning of a diocesan capital
campaign; and additional efforts to counter all that would obstruct the
free flow of creativity and commitment in such efforts within this Diocese,
in the Anglican Communion world-wide, and on “this fragile earth
our island home.”
Honoring the Rt. Rev. Mary Adelia McLeod
Resolved, that
this 176th Convention of the Diocese of Vermont convey its thanks and
appreciation to the Rt. Rev. Mary Adelia McLeod, Ninth Bishop of Vermont
(and first woman elected to serve as a Diocesan Bishop in the Episcopal
Church), for her joyful presence among us on this occasion; the renewed
exercise of her great gift of telling stories (that scary, scary, strange
trip to LaGuardia!) that generate both laughter and serious reflection;
and her warm-hearted sertnon exhorting us to “spend
and be spent” in fulfilling the “new commandment” our
Lord gave us to love one another; and be it further resolved that the
Secretary of Convention convey these greetings to Bishop McLeod on our
behalf.
Courtesy Resolution for CREATION
Whereas, the 176th
Convention of the Diocese of Vermont has gathered in Christ around the
theme, “Tending God’s World Now!”,
and whereas the creation is really, really big—reflecting the size
of God’s love—and the delicate balance of life on this planet
is really, really complicated; and
whereas to fully articulate all the blessings thereof, the reasons to care for all creation, the implications for all life and the perils to ignore, theological, spiritual and practical; the full list of possible whereas(es) could be really, really long and the issue is really, really urgent;
therefore, we affirm that our faith urgently calls us to be stewards of creation, this goodly heritage; to deepen our awareness of what we can and must do; that our care of this gift is true worship of our Creator and that we of the green Mountain State will lead, work, pray, discuss and share together Christ’s service to redeem the quality of life for all earth’s creatures.
A Resolution Honoring the Staff of the Bishop Booth Conference
Center
Resolved, that this 176th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
express its gratitude and affection to the staff of the Bishop Booth
Conference Center:
Debi Paterson, who left her post earlier this year after many years in the conference center/camping ministry, during which she made a name for herself as the first to call when someone needs wise and sympathetic counsel-and by making the best dessert sauces to go on ice cream; we wish you God’s loving care;
Ann Ellis, known for her hospitality and good nature as the helpful voice on the other end of the phone at BBCC and her hormonally-inspired recipe for brownies; best wishes as you begin your exciting new job at LTVM; and at least the Phillies beat the Rays;
Bruce Boozan, who, post-retirement from IBM, brought the precision and organizational skills he honed in his corporate career to his duties at Rock Point;
Betsy Brown, director of Summer Camp and onetime classmate of Jerry Seinfeld, who this year caught the eyes and won the hearts of campers and staff alike with her fluorescent pink hair; thank you for bringing us the benefit of your vast experience in camping and retreat ministries. We agree with the camper last year who simply said of you, “Betsey rocks!”
Sheri Daraugh, who for eighteen years as housekeeper has cleaned and polished and personalized the space, tended the plants, added homey touches and found bargains to make BBCC a welcoming place for retreatants and conference-goers; we send our thanks and love to you and your son, Colby;
Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your ministry among us, and Godspeed.
Thanking Elizabeth Allison
Resolved, that this 176th Convention of the Diocese of Vermont express
its heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth Allison for her unstinting service
as diocesan historiographer, and for her assistance to the 175th Anniversary
Committee, including her two publications written for the 175th anniversary
celebration. Elizabeth, thank you for keeping the torch of history lit,
that we might pass it along to generations to come.
Honoring Peggy Crane
Whereas Peggy Crane has been an active and energetic person in lay and
ordained ministries in this diocese;
whereas Peggy has musical gifts that
have lifted choirs and congregations;
whereas she often sang the descant
lifting our spirits in song;
whereas she was deeply steeped in the concepts
of baptismal ministry that she learned from the late Jim Kelsey;
whereas
she attended seminary and was ordained and then served in Immanuel Church
Bellows Falls with creative gifts and energy;
whereas Peggy has led the
diocese by example in an open and sharing way into the ministry of all
believers;
whereas she has led by example the shared ministry of ordination
within her charge;
whereas she has remarried and retired from active ministry
at Immanuel Church;
Therefore this 176th convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont wishes her well, asking God to continue to bless her and her husband with abundant joy, and to bless this diocese with joyful song through the generations;
we resolve to do these things by singing verse 3 of hymn 293, "I sing a song of the saints of God" in her honor. (Please note no descant is part of this hymn; that is reserved in this motion for Peggy.)
Honoring Mary Robb Mansfield.
Whereas the Rev. Mary Robb Mansfield has faithfully served the
parish of St. John’s in The Mountains, Stowe, as Priest in Charge
and Rector from March 1, 1999, to July 29, 2008, and,
Whereas she also served the Diocese of Vermont in various positions,
Therefore be it resolved that this 176th Convention of the Diocese of Vermont extend to the Rev. Mary Robb Mansfield and her husband, Richard, warm regards for a long and happy retirement.
Honoring Stewart Pierson
Resolved, that this 176th Convention
of the Diocese of Vermont express its thanks to Stewart Pierson for his
many years of service as rector of All Saints’, South Burlington,
and as chair of Initiative IV of the McClure Fund, and as chaplain to
retried clergy. Stewart, we wish you and your wife, Julie, a long and
enjoyable retirement.
Honoring
Diane Root’s
I0th Anniversary in the Three Rivers Ministry
Resolved, that this 176th Convention of the Diocese of
Vermont commend and thank the Rev. Diane Root—the canon missioner whose car can
drive itself between Killington and Bethel—on her ten years of
dedicated service to the people of the Three Rivers Ministry, and we
look forward to her putting many more miles on an environmentally-friendly
car as she continues to serve among us.
Honoring Steve Smith
Resolved, that this 176th Convention
of the Diocese of Vermont thank Steve Smith for his four years of faithful
service as treasurer of the diocese—and for actually making budget
reports palatable. Steve, we thank you for your critical contribution
and wish you all the best in the future.
Honoring Margy Zabriske
Resolved, that this 176th Convention of the Diocese of Vermont bestows
to Margy Zabriske our heartfelt thanks for her many years coordinating
Episcopal Relief and Development in the diocese, raising awareness of
the many programs that make up ERD. Margy, we wish you and your husband,
Sandy, many more happy years of retirement.
Congratulating President-elect Obama
Resolved, that
this 176th Convention of the Diocese of Vermont convey its congratulations
to President-elect Barack Obama on his historic election—in
the words of Congressman John Lewis, “a nonviolent revolution”—thanking
Mr. Obama for his willingness to serve our nation and the world, and
his message of hope and inclusiveness, as we pledge our support as citizens
of the United States of America; and be it further resolved that the
Secretary of Convention relay these greetings to the President-elect
on our behalf.
