Wednesday September 30, 2009

Hello and welcome to the September 30 Wyoming Convention edition of the eSpirit of Wyoming!

You may have noticed right off the bat that there is a new look to the newsletter. This reflects our new Diocese website! The address is the same (www.wyomingdiocese.org ), but it is brand new and up just in time for Convention. There are pieces missing, some pages that could use more information, etc, but rest assured that this is just the first stage of the new site. It was completely rebuilt in open-source content management software called, Joomla (www.joomla.org ). What makes content management software (CMS) different from other web site software is that the Diocese has full control over the content. Need to add a page? It is literally as easy as using a word processer. So don’t expect a Diocese website, but expect a living, dynamic multimedia site that grows and responds to the needs of the Diocese.
 

Also, an exciting feature of this website is EVERY church and mission in the Diocese has a page on the site (under “Find a Church”). There is not a lot of information there now (just copied from last year’s journal), but soon every church will have a few pictures, service times, contact information and a link to their webpage (if they have a webpage). Check out the cool map of Wyoming that has every church listed by region!

Lastly, this is a convention issue…the first of a few to come over the next few days with updates, news and information. If you are attending convention and want to make sure something gets in the eSpirit, send it to: info@wyomingdiocese.org. If you are NOT attending convention but there are issues you want to know about, but don’t see covered, email that, as well, and we will do our best to see it is covered.

Safe travels to everyone coming to Casper tomorrow!

back to top ^

In this digital age it seems that everybody has a camera and takes LOTS of pictures. Please send us any pictures you think are great and worth sharing! While the convention is open to cameras, just please remember to be courteous while taking pictures (not blocking aisles, standing in front of others, using a flash during inappropriate times, etc). What would really help us out is if the pictures are labeled or come with a list of who/what in each picture.

You can email them to: info@wyomingdiocese.org or drop a CD in the mail to Attn: Pictures, Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, 123 S Durbin, Casper WY 82601.

back to top ^

The H1N1 virus is on many people's minds right now, and receiving bread & wine is a concern for many because the nature of the shared cup. At Convention, preparations have been made to keep Communion as safe as possible. Anti-bacterial hand wash will be used, the cups will be wiped after receiving, and a special intinction station will be used (and the wafer will be dipped and placed in the mouth of those receiving). If you are uncomfortable receiving the wine, it is perfectly acceptable to refuse the cup by crossing your arms in front of your chest after receiving the bread.

Here is the latest release on H1N1 from the national church office:

Resources available for H1N1 preparedness
From: The Episcopal Church: Office of Public Affairs

With the onset of flu season, and related concerns about H1N1, many dioceses in The Episcopal Church are actively reviewing the most current data and have posted information on their websites in order to make decisions based on local practices and safety concerns in our church communities. To link to diocesan websites: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/directory.htm

Extensive information about preparing for H1N1 and other potential pandemic influenza outbreaks is available on Episcopal Relief & Development’s website www.er-d.org. This site links to strong examples of pandemic preparedness plans and offers resources that can help people to provide for congregational gathering needs should an outbreak occur. Additionally, Episcopal Relief & Development posted Planning for Pandemic Influenza, available at http://www.er-d.org/PlanningforPandemicInfluenza

The United States Government offers H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-based Organizations at http://flu.gov/professional/community/cfboguidance.html Included is a section, Vulnerable and Hard-to-Reach Populations, as well as links that congregations who may serve a homeless population may find especially useful: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/homeless.htm

 

back to top ^

43rd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming

Thursday

4-6~ Registration:

· The New Diocesan Office: 123 S. Durbin

7~ Opening Eucharist: Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza.

Friday

8:30~Worship:

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

9-10~ Keynote Speaker: Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

· Grand Ballroom Parkway Plaza

10-10:30~Honduras Mission Trip

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

10:30-10:45~ Break

10:45-11:45~Ignite Mustard Seed

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

11:45-Noon~Worship

Noon-1~Lunch

· American and Wyoming Rooms, Parkway Plaza

1-1:45~ Ignite Mustard Seed

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

1:45-2:45~ General Convention Panel:

The Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Bishop Bruce Caldwell, The Rev. Ann Fontaine and Dan Land

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

2:45-3:00~Break

3:00-4:30~ Regional Discussion

· Each Region to have own room: See signs for details

4:30-5:00~ Breakout Groups

· Budget

o Cheyenne Room, Parkway Plaza

· Resolutions

o Shoshoni Room, Parkway Plaza

6:00~Reception

· Come have your picture taken with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori (suggested donation to ERD)

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

7:00~ Dinner

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

Saturday

8:30-9:00~ Worship:

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

9:00-10:45~ Business Meeting

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

10:45-11:00~ Break

11:00-12:00~ Foundation Business Meeting

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

12:00-12:15~Noonday Prayer

12:15-1:30~ Lunch

· American Room, Parkway Plaza

1:30-3:00~ Business Meeting

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

3:00-3:30~Break

3:30-5:00~ Business Meeting

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

6:00~Reception

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

7:00~ Bishop Caldwell’s Farewell Dinner

Sunday

8:30~Closing Eucharist: The Rt. Rev. Bruce Caldwell

· Grand Ballroom, Parkway Plaza

back to top ^