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The 123rd Diocesan Convention
The 123rd Diocesan Convention November 9, 2024
Convention will once again be held in-person at The Conference Center at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Please note that all voting delegates must be present at the convention venue. The convention, including the Eucharist, will be streamed, but interactive online participation will not be offered.
Please watch the Convention website for the most up to date information: www.diocesewma.org/convention
You will find the Convention Timetable, the Nominations booklet, and Nomination form on the "For Delegates" page.
Smart Device Needed for Voting
We will once again use the SimplyVoting platform for elections and any additional resolutions. All delegates will need access to a "smart" device in order to access the voting platform.
A change we need to explain: Convention costs have risen, registration fee $70
Diocesan Convention has always been a ministry of our diocese and heavily subsidized from our annual budget. We have managed to keep costs low--unusually low. Online conventions during the pandemic obviously cut the biggest costs for two years. Even as we returned to in-person, UMass has been a great choice in location and affordability. We have not, however, budgeted for the outsourcing of sound and video the kind of services that have become a regular expense of convention for neighboring dioceses for some time.
In 2024 we are making the leap. Our diocese is increasing the subsidy but we must also ask more of our delegates. This is not a "one off" year, but the beginning of being where we need to be. It will be helpful for congregations to budget this fee annually going forward.
This is a hard shift to make and we know it. But the services we need for church in the digital age come at a cost. We hope you understand.
If you wish to register other members of your delegation, you must begin a new form with the email they will use to vote. Voting credentials or tied to individual email addresses. In addition, you'll need to know their dietary and accessibility concerns.
Register here: www.diocesewma.org/convention
Convention Events
Pre-Convention Meeting
Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00pm EST (online event)
Be an informed delegate. Join Secretary Wende Wheeler, Bishop Fisher, and Canons as we review resolutions and meet the nominees for elected office. First-time delegates are especially encouraged to attend. Zoom access information will be emailed to all delegates and be available on the Convention website.
Vigil Prayers for the Election
Monday, November 4 at 8:00pm EST (online event)
Led by the community of deacons, this online service will pray God's blessing on our nation. Zoom access information will be emailed to all the faithful of our diocese.
Honoring The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas
Friday, November 8 at 12:00pm (in-person)
Luncheon at Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst
RSVP: www.diocesewma.org/creation-care/luncheon-honoringmargaret-bullitt-jonas
Budget Hearing
Saturday, November 9 at 8:00am (in-person)
We invite you to review the 2025 Diocesan Budget and bring your questions to this Q&A with Kimberly Foster, CFO, and Mark Rogers, treasurer.
The 123rd Annual Diocesan Convention
Saturday, November 9 at 7:30am (in-person and streamed via YouTube)
Delegates, alternates, guests, and friends of our diocese are welcome to the 123rd Annual Diocesan Convention held inperson at UMass Amherst.
Convention begins with Holy Eucharist at 9:00am. Tune in on our YouTube channel to pray with us and hear the Bishop's Address.
Meet the Chaplains
12. For a Church Convention or Meeting
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in Western Massachusetts for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ♦
