Report from Convocation 2011

Once again we knew lunch would be a struggle.  So we came up with a cunning plan and I found a potential picnic location that was on the way to Convocation.  As often happens with best laid plans, we actually ended up having a very rushed lunch in a layby on the A38.  I sprinted to the four door ‘restaurant’ in the pouring rain and ate lunch whilst watching cars whiz past.

            After a rushed glass of wine and a cheese and onion cob, we got to Swanwick with minutes to spare, time enough to sign in, say hello to old friends and take our seats. 

Convocation got underway at 2pm and the new members were welcomed.  After the usual hymn, reading and prayer came the roll call and this year there were 33 lay members, 16 ministers and 5 visitors in attendance.  We then elected the General Secretary, who is once again Paul, with thanks from Primus.  In a fair imitation of cars on the A38, we whizzed through the rules of order, letters of apology, memorials (which sadly this year included Barry Jones of Emmanuel) and letters of greeting.  We just had time to receive all the reports before breaking for afternoon tea.

It was finally time for the annual game of “Where’s my room?”, made interesting this year as it was still pouring down with rain.  Fortunately, being familiar with the layout of The Hayes, we could head straight for the closest door, find our rooms and then move the cars to the closest door.  Fortunately, someone had some brains and remembered to get the door code before we left and locked ourselves out in the rain.  This tactic meant we didn’t get too wet, which made Eric the Lion very happy.  Simon the Bear was also made happy when we bumped into friends for him to smile and wave at.

We resumed business at 4:45pm and raced through the reports.  There was some discussion regarding the period the Bishop’s appointments should be given for, and then the news that Charity Commission registrations should now be done online.  Joy.  This meant adding each of the trustees’ details by hand.  There were a few groans at this, but also some people looking a little smug.  Then there was a round of applause in thanks for the people travelling to Exeter.  Once again, Dad was able to give his report on day one and gave the good news that the quota is staying the same as last year.

Leaving the election of officers for the next day, it was time for tea, which for me was a rather nice steak and ale pie.  We were impressed with the food this year.  After tea came Evening Prayer and the Convocation Charge, given by Bishop Primus John McLean.  His sermon was riveting and contained hard hitting home truths – the Denomination was at risk of dying out if we didn’t grow.  We were charged not to let this happen.

After the service there was only one thing left to do; go to the bar.  Once again we had a good evening of fellowship and catching up with people we see once a year.  Dad beat me 2-1 at pool.

After an interesting breakfast discussion which included Abbots Ale and Bishop’s Finger, we got back to business with the election of officers.  John McLean was voted back as Primus with a very gratifying 46 votes for and only 3 against.  Next was the General Treasurer and I declared in a loud voice “I’ll propose my Dad”.  He was elected unanimously.  The remaining elections ran smoothly, with the same people as last year being re-elected.  Norma and Marlene did say this would be their last year as Convocation Organisers.

The election of committees followed, and once again these were mostly the same as last year, with only a couple of changes.  We moved onto the motions.  The second year approval for some articles and cannons was passed with no problem, as was tidying up amendments for the admission of deacons.  After the break, the motion to remove the byelaw about the retirement age for ministers resulted in a lot more discussion, as this was a hastily written law for a sensitive subject.  It was however eventually removed.  Ministers may now carry on into their doddery.

After a lunch of jacket potato and chilli (I got a plate of cold meat with little fuss), we got back to serious business and watched a short video of Paul and Mark pretending to be super heroes at the St Andrew’s children’s club.  Bishop Primus wondered how we were meant to follow that, as he now felt very old.  To which, Bishop John pointed out it was too late, as the Byelaw had been removed.

Moving back to the Charity Commission, Convocation agreed to apply for charity status. This meant the whole of Convocation filling out another form, and that someone would have to enter these details online.  Joy, again.  She’s going to be busy.

The date of the next Convocation would be 21-23 May 2012, held again at The Hayes Conference Centre.  Another session came to a close.

As Convocation isn’t all about business, that evening we had a night off, and did something a little different.  We held a talent showcase.  We’re a surprisingly talented bunch of people, but the effort that stands out was Rev Robert Wilson standing on a chair, holding a coat hanger and reciting a poem about being a statue in London.  It was an enjoyable evening, ending in the inevitable singing competition and traipse off to the bar.  Alas, this visit was Scotch free (and not even Scott free).

The final day of business dawned.  We started off by hearing a report from Bishop Gerhard Meyer, and it was good to hear the success stories of the REC in Germany.  He also mentioned someone from Croatia wanted to join the REC, as well as someone from a Lutheran church.  This was followed by Norma and Marlene giving out their inimitable gifts of appreciation.

We were then given the cost of Convocation, which this year was a little over £12,000 and included a donation of £201 (one of the collections) to the ‘Church restoration group’.  After a lengthy and comprehensive vote of thanks, the minutes were approved and Convocation closed.  We weren’t quite done though, as we had to have the annual group photo, during which Paul tried to take a panoramic shot of the whole group.  I ran from one side of the group to the other, to try and be in the photo twice.  It’s a shame the photo didn’t work, but at least it wasn’t raining.

After another tasty lunch, the time for goodbyes had come around again, and surprisingly fast.  It was another good year for business, fairly sensible debate and enjoyable fellowship.