The Annual Clergy Conference will be held virtually via Zoom from October 7-8th. 9am-3pm both days. Please register below.
The Rt. Rev. Poulson C. Reed
Bishop of Oklahoma
Clergy Conference 2020: “Uncharted Ministry”
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I am so excited to spend more time with you, my colleagues in ministry, at the upcoming Clergy Conference on October 7-8, 2020, with the theme of “Uncharted Ministry.” (9am-3pm both days)
Many of the highlights of my brief tenure so far as your bishop have been our times together on our Wednesday Zoom calls, in deanery meetings, and one on one. This year’s Clergy Conference will be an extension of this “getting to know each other” period. How I wish we could be physically together at St. Crispin’s, but, because of the pandemic, we will gather virtually.
Our time together will include prayer, plenary sessions with the whole group, and breakout sessions for smaller group conversation. I am also blocking out some time the week after Clergy Conference for one on one conversations with me or with Canon Eric, as we would offer in person if we were at St. Crispin’s (contact Lesli Graft to schedule a time).
My plenary and breakout time with you will involve some guided conversation around our shared ministry in Oklahoma, including these important questions:
· How might God be using the challenges of this present time, especially the COVID – 19 pandemic, to call us into new ways of loving God and our neighbor, and forming disciples of Jesus Christ?
· What relatively small things could I, as your bishop, or the diocesan staff, do to help you and your congregation in your ministry?
· What large things (even if they are now out of reach) would transform for the better your ministry? What do you dream of in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma?
In preparation for our gathering, please read the brief article “Ministry Without Maps” by Tim Thompson, and Romans 12:9-21.
The second day of Clergy Conference will feature our own Reverend Canon Tony Moon. At this uniquely stressful time for clergy, I’ve asked Canon Tony to share some resources on mental and spiritual health for us and those whom we serve. His session is entitled “Empowerment and Resilience”. Again, there will be a plenary, and break out groups. I’m grateful to Canon Tony for sharing his wisdom.
As has been the custom in years past, unless prevented by illness or pastoral emergency, all active Oklahoma parochial clergy are expected to attend the entire Clergy Conference. I am sensitive to the fact that many of our bi-vocational priests and vocational deacons must work. While your attendance is welcomed, it is not mandatory.
You can register below. If you have any questions, or need assistance completing registration, please contact Lesli Graft, directly via email at lgraft@epiok.org or via phone at (405) 232-4820. The registration deadline is September 30th.
Thank you for your faithfulness and dedication in this challenging time in our common life.
Blessings,
Bishop Poulson
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