Small Church Conference 2011 a great success

Submitted by:
Lynn Ferren
Chair of the Commission on Diocesan Missions

On November 19, 2011, forty-four people from fourteen congregations enjoyed a day of information, fellowship, and delicious food at the Small Church Conference. The Church of the Epiphany, Crestview, hosted the conference presented annually by the Commission on Diocesan Missions.

The Rev. Dr. David McDowell-Fleming presented at the first session. His focus was on the requirements of the Standing Committee and the National Church, assuring that the congregations are safe places. He outlined areas of concern and gave information on multi-media classes that can be shown to educate members of a congregation on safeguarding God’s children and others from abuse and harassment.  He also spoke on the training of Deacons and accessibility of the Deacons to help small congregations.

The Rev. David McDowell Fleming

The Rev. Teresa Liefur led the second session as she explained some of the techniques of making inspiring hospital and home visits by laypeople. This is especially important in congregations that do not have fulltime priests. Teresa also shared some ways congregations can show hospitality to newcomers and make them feel welcome.  Her advice gave the attendees much to consider as each determines ways to help his or her congregation in these areas.

During the ever-popular Round Table Discussions, Joe Basenberg, President of the 2011 Standing Committee and a member of the joint Standing Committee/Beckwith Committee, spoke about Beckwith Camp and Conference Center. He described the wonderful attributes of Beckwith. He also described some of the financial challenges facing Beckwith. He urged the attendees to encourage their congregations to support Beckwith by using the facilities or by donations. In answer to a question asked by an attendee about the need of help with work around the camp, Mr. Basenberg said that Beckwith could always use help. Work parties are welcome to contact Beckwith for more information.

The Rev. Martha Kreamer announced that she received the Roanridge Grant for a “Diocesan Joint Vestry Retreat” to be held at Camp Beckwith early next year. All small congregations are encouraged to send their vestries to the conference. There will be informative sessions and times for each vestry to meet alone.

Dr. Melinda Henderson gave a short update on the Diocesan Five Year Plan. She encouraged everyone to see that the congregational December update was completed.

The attendees shared fund raising ideas, communication ideas, and other concerns and celebrations. The entire day was a huge success. The Commission on Diocesan Missions thanks the members of the congregation of Epiphany for all of their hard work and gracious hospitality.