Important elections, resolutions to be held at upcoming convention

The 41st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida will be held in Lakeland on January 30. One of the most important things that happens at Convention is the election of new members to the Diocesan Board and Standing Committees. You will find a good deal of information in this issue of the Central Florida Episcopalian about people running for these offices and what the "job descriptions" for them are, as well.

You may recall that several Resolutions were passed at our last Diocesan Convention that sought to implement in various ways the "theological vision and values" expressed in my Pastoral Letter of April 2008. One of them, R-8, called upon the Diocese to "develop a long-range strategic plan" to "infuse" the Diocese with this vision and these values and carry them into the future with one to three year measurable objectives. (Download Core Values - Bishop Howe's Pastoral Letter of April 15, 2008)

Following Convention I appointed a Strategic Planning Commission chaired by Fr. Rob Lord, and that Commission is now asking for input from our clergy and vestries. A set of three questions has been posed for discussion and response from vestries and meetings of our Deanery Clericuses:

1. What is the most important part of the Pastoral Letter to you and your people?

3. What would be of most help to you in terms of Diocesan support as you seek to implement this vision?

Both the Commission and I will be very grateful for any responses to the above questions you and the members of your vestries and congregations may give us. Please direct your responses to:

The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Lord, All Saints Episcopal Church, 338 E. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. frrob@allsaintswp.com Thank you in advance for your help with this project.

Warmest regards in our Lord,
The Right Rev. John W. Howe