The 87th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
Diocesan Convention 2024 will be October 4th - 5th at St. Crispin's Conference Center + Camp!
Our 2024 Diocesan Convention theme is "I have called you friends" from John 15:15. In this passage, Jesus defines our relationship with him and with each other as one of spiritual friendship. This friendship is not based on years of shared experiences, as in other forms of friendship, but in the mutual affection of the Trinity. We will be exploring how friendship with God in Christ is the basis for our fellowship, how we can grow in this friendship with each other, and how we can share this friendship with our neighbors. Our guest speaker this year will be Elisabeth (Lisa) M. Kimball, Ph.D. Lisa is the Vice President for Lifelong Learning and the James Maxwell Professor Chair of Lifelong Christian Formation at Virginia Theological Seminary.
This year's convention graphic was inspired by a photo of St. Crispin's labyrinth, taken by Oklahoma Episcopal photographer Jason Pierce. The graphic was designed by Abby Ervin, a student at Saint Anselm Canterbury Association at the University of Oklahoma.
Annual Diocesan Convention
Registration will open on August 9th, 2024 at 5PM.
Registration will close on September 18th.
Registration
Registration will open Friday, August 9th 2023 at 5PM. We are excited to welcome you to St. Crispin’s Conference Center + Camp for the 2024 Diocesan Convention! *Please note: If you cancel after Monday, Sept. 16th, your registration is transferable to another person attending the same event, but it is NOT refundable.
There are several ticket types to consider so please read this before you go on to the registration site.
Clergy Delegate ticket: This ticket is for a Priest or Deacon Canonically Resident in the Diocese of Oklahoma or who is actively working in a Congregation in the Diocese under a LOA.
Lay Delegate: This is a Congregations elected lay delegates. This is the head of a Diocesan Institution. If you are unsure of how many your Congregation is allowed to bring please e-mail events@epiok.organd someone will let you know.
Lay Alternate: This is a Congregations elected lay alternate.
Guest ticket: Last year we did not offer guest tickets. This year we are in very limited quantities. If you are a registered guest you may not stay on campus but are welcome to stay off campus. We want to ensure housing for elected delegates representing their Congregations.
If you are unsure of how to register your congregation or need an mobility accommodation please email events@epiok.org or call 405-437-0482.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Elisabeth (Lisa) M. Kimball
Our guest speaker this year will be Elisabeth (Lisa) M. Kimball, Ph.D. Lisa is the Vice President for Lifelong Learning and the James Maxwell Professor Chair of Lifelong Christian Formation at Virginia Theological Seminary. Dr. Kimball has focused her teaching and research on lifelong, life-wide, and life-deep discipleship and Christian vocation in contemporary, global and post-institutional contexts. She is a passionate advocate for lay ministry, the full inclusion of all generations, digital literacy, and leaders who are confident teachers of the faith. Read her full bio HERE.
Housing
On-Campus Housing at Powell and Oakerhater is now CLOSED, registration for Cabins and Primitive Camping is still open. Click below for more information on housing off campus in Seminole and Wewoka below. *Please note: If you cancel after Monday, Sept. 16th, your registration is transferable to another person attending the same event, but it is NOT refundable.
Schedule
Friday, October 4, 2024
8:00 am Check-in
10:15 am Convention Eucharist
11:45 am Lunch
1:15-2:30 pm Workshops
2:45-4:00 pm Workshops
4:00-5:00 pm Outdoor Recreation or Sabbath Time
5:00 pm. Cocktail Hour
6:00 pm Dinner
7:15 pm Bishop’s Address
9:00 pm Compline, Camp Songs & S’mores at Rec Hall
Saturday, October 5, 2024
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Morning Worship
9:20 am Convention Called to Order
12:00 pm Lunch
Programming
Join us for two workshop blocks led by Diocesan leaders and our Guest Speaker.
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Activating Baptism: Living a Resurrected Life
In Conference Room D
Presenter: Dr. Lisa Kimball
As baptized Christians in the Episcopal Church, promises are made at the font that change us forever. Too often baptism is understood as an event rather than a threshold ushering us into a new life. When people of all ages and abilities are equipped to live into their God-given vocations, they experience and can share abundant life in Christ. This workshop will provide hopeful examples and practical resources for building on the existing strengths of your congregation and your personal spiritual life.
Vital Signs in Your Neighborhood: Becoming an Asset-Based Congregation
In Conference Room A
Presenter: The Rev. Nate Carr
Join Rev. Nate Carr, Diocesan Missioner for Strategic Development, as he introduces the concept of asset-based development for congregations. Asset-based congregations seek to utilize the gifts of their members to address community needs, tying congregations closer to the communities within which they reside. Father Nate will discuss how asset-based development can work in a wide variety of congregational contexts and explore ways in which congregational leaders might discern the next steps.
Discerning Vocations: An Introduction to Lay Orders of Ministry
In Conference Room B
Presenter: Kate Bond
Director of Formation and Discipleship, Kate Bond, will present on the role of discernment in lay ministry and how those who are called to specific roles of lay ministry might utilize their gifts through Lay Orders. Kate will review the process for Lay Orders, what is coming in the future, and present a preview of the curriculum for Lay Catechists and Lay Evangelists.
-
Activating Baptism: Living a Resurrected Life
In Conference Room D
Presenter: Dr. Lisa Kimball
As baptized Christians in the Episcopal Church, promises are made at the font that change us forever. Too often baptism is understood as an event rather than a threshold ushering us into a new life. When people of all ages and abilities are equipped to live into their God-given vocations, they experience and can share abundant life in Christ. This workshop will provide hopeful examples and practical resources for building on the existing strengths of your congregation and your personal spiritual life.
Finding God at St. Crispin's: A Spiritual Walk
Meet on the "Island" between Powell Lodge & Oakerhater
Join us for a spiritually engaging walk around the St. Crispin's property. This moderate-level intensity walk will join elements of spiritual reflection, physical exercise, and the beauty of St. Crispin's in the fall. Participants should plan to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing.
Vital Signs in Your Neighborhood: Becoming an Asset-Based Congregation
In Conference Room A
Presenter: The Rev. Nate Carr
Join Rev. Nate Carr, Diocesan Missioner for Strategic Development, as he introduces the concept of asset-based development for congregations. Asset-based congregations seek to utilize the gifts of their members to address community needs, tying congregations closer to the communities within which they reside. Father Nate will discuss how asset-based development can work in a wide variety of congregational contexts and explore ways in which congregational leaders might discern the next steps.
Documents to Review
Review Diocesan Journals, the 2025 Budget and the Convention Booklet.
Nominations & Resolutions
Resolutions & Nominations are now closed.
Lay Delegates
Each Mission or Parish is entitled to a certain number of lay delegate representation each year at Diocesan Convention. These numbers are determined by our Diocesan Canon 2.2.1. The Canons of the Diocese of Oklahoma state: 2.2.1. The Lay Delegates. (a) Each Parish is entitled to two Lay Delegates and an additional Lay Delegate for every 100 Communicants or major fraction thereof after the first 100.
No Parish is entitled to more than ten Lay Delegates. Each Mission is entitled to one Lay Delegate and an additional Lay Delegate for every 50 Communicants or a major fraction thereof after the first 50. No Mission is entitled to more than three Lay Delegates. The numeration of Communicants is based on the Annual Parochial Reports of the Parishes and Missions for the preceding year.
If you have questions about Lay or Clergy Delegates, please contact: Diocesan Registrar Lesli Graft at lgraft@epiok.org or 405-437-0482. If you would like to know how many lay delegates your church is entitled to the list is below.
Questions about convention? Please email events@epiok.org or call 405-232-4820.
We are the Episcopal Church in Oklahoma.