The 213th Annual Council - Diocese of Virginia

Proceedings
to support the work of the diocesan ministry, programs, missions and administration.
I raise this as one blatant example of “thinking and playing small” as a Church. But, of
course, there are other examples and it is for each place to consider how smallness of
vision or action may be showing up where you are in your congregation’s life. Whoever
we are—wherever we are—we can always discover those ways in which we are
underachieving and, with the abundance of God’s love to us, with us and from us—being
empowered by our commitment to the eyes and heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ—we
will show a needy world and, yes, even a worried worldwide Communion that the
Diocese of Virginia puts to right the notion that there is any smallness in Christian
vision, heart, mission, breadth, or faithfulness—not in any way, not in any congregation,
not in any hands.
One of the most empowering and humbling examples of the abundance of God’s love in
Virginia that I have known is the generosity, patience and kindness that Ellen and I have
received from you as we have sought to settle in, settle down and find ourselves in such
a breathtaking new ministry and life. There is no counting the ways we’ve been touched
and blessed. Even to offer our most heartfelt thanks, as we do here, does not begin to
reflect the depth of our gratitude.
I believe that I am learning the ways, insights and vision of the ministry of a bishop.
Even so, I know that although one is made a bishop upon consecration, the ministry
of episcopacy is something that is formed over time and experience. I am so deeply
grateful to Bishop Lee, Bishop Jones and to the diocesan staff for the ongoing gift of that
formation. I could not have dreamed anything better.
And speaking of not being able to dream anything better, I would like to introduce my
new executive secretary, Cathy Gowen.
As for this ongoing formation, it is no less from the Diocese, in each an every place,
that my ministry as bishop is formed and takes root. Along the way there have been
some glitches and some instances of falling rather short of the mark. I am struggling
with mastering the art of efficient and timely communication, for example. But in
everything, whether in what you have appreciated in me or out of ways in which I
may have disappointed you, you have offered me nothing but the abundance of your
understanding and your continuing support. You have proven to be God’s love to me and
I will, in God’s abundant grace, do all I can to be that for you. Thank you.
Report of the Executive Board
The president called on Mr. Rodney Page, St. John’s, McLean, and vice president of the
Executive Board.
Mr. Page addressed Council:
Good afternoon. I am Rodney Page, and I am a member of St. John’s Church in McLean,
Region V. It is my privilege to have served this last year as vice president of the Executive
Board of the Diocese.
The Executive Board is composed of one elected member from each regional council
and the bishops of the Diocese. At this time I will recognize the elected members of the
Executive Board and ask that they stand when their names are called:
Region I
Region II
Mr. Don Metheny
The Rev. Douglas Geddes
The Diocese of Virginia t Journal of the the 213 th Annual Council 81