Report from Convocation 2008

 

Convocation was a bit different this year, only going on for three days (for most of us) rather than four.  It was an early start too and we got underway before we were actually allowed into our rooms.  Being fairly local we were okay, but I don’t think the people from the far south and north were too pleased.  I think that will be changed next year.

So, having nowhere else to go, everyone piled into the small conference room, including the visitors, and everyone signed in, including the visitors.  The roll call was next and the attendance was 16 clergy, 31 lay member and 7 visitors.  We moved swiftly through the opening items and we were then introduced to our visitor from Germany, Bischof Gerhard Meyer, who said a few words of greeting and described how much work was going on in Germany.   We then took a break for lunch which was, as ever, quite tasty.   Back into business and we flew through the reports.  We had a bit of discussion about our website, who can edit it and how to make it look more professional.  The matter needed tending to as soon as possible.  It was then time for another break.

It was while we were all milling around drinking tea and eating biscuits that the word got around the afternoon session was cancelled.  A whole afternoon off!  Well, nearly.  I  think most of us spent the time settling into our rooms and having a wander around the grounds before dinner.  Evening Payer took place after dinner, along with the Convocation Charge, given by Bishop Powell,.

I was just leaving my room after the service to make my way to the bar for the evening when I bumped into our German visitor.  Somehow, I have no idea how, we got talking about English beer.  He was willing to experiment.  So when Gerhard joined us in the bar, Dad bought him a pint of bitter, which he liked very much, and we got talking about his English camp in Austria.

Business the next day got underway with a short talk from Revd Gerald Kirsch of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion.  He said he thought it was sad we had been separated over the last 100 years but was looking forward to a closer relationship in the future.  We then blasted our way through the remaining reports and even the Treasurer was prepared in time.  For the first time ever the accounts had been audited and returned before Convocation, so handouts were available well in advance.  Good news!  The quota has been reduced to £600.

After the lunch break and annual photo call we turned to the election of officers.  Bishop Powell was once again elected Bishop Primus and there was not much change in the other offices.  After another break for tea and biscuits we moved onto the motions.  After a short discussion, we voted to amend Cannon 70.  That was the end of the motions.  Next year’s Convocation would be held 1-3 June 2009 and there was a short discussion about reducing Convocation further, as this meeting had gone smoothly and there was lots of free time.  It was decided to keep it the same for now as in other years there could well be more motions and the Cannon’s were due to be reviewed which would take a lot of discussion time.  There also needed to be time to socialise.

Our destination after dinner was the bar.  To socialise, of course.  After missing out on pool playing the previous evening, I took it upon myself to teach Gerhard how to play.  He said he had never played before but he was a quick student.  It was close, but I still beat him.

The next morning saw the presentation of the costs.  Due to the shorter Convocation, there was a saving of around £2000.  Great stuff.  There were some finishing touches, the minutes were signed and that was the end of Convocation business.  Gosh!  Just over two days to do what normally takes four.  Well, there was still the Home Mission Fund and Central Trust meetings, but I had left by then.  It was one of the easiest Convocations I have ever been to. 

The business was followed by the Holy Communion Service and the Convocation sermon was given by Revd Robert Wilson.  There was another collection taken, bringing the total to £232.34 and $5.  “Go figure!”  Then we had lunch and most of us went home.  The afternoon saw the Home Mission Fund meeting take place and the start of the Central Trust meeting which finished the next day but as I said, I had already left and was home by the time the next meeting started.