Mississippi’s “Episcopal House Party” returns to the state capital this year when the 186th Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi convenes Friday, Feb. 1, at the Jackson Convention Complex.
The congregations of the five sponsoring parishes—St. Mark’s, Raymond; All Saints, Jackson; Grace Church, Canton; St. Luke’s, Brandon; and St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson—welcome all Episcopalians to come together to worship, to visit, to play and to break bread together at our annual diocesan family reunion.
“Empowering for Mission” is the theme chosen by Bishop Duncan M. Gray III. The Most Reverend Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop for the Episcopal Church, affirmed the theme: “Mission is the heartbeat of the Church.” The Council 2013 steering committee interpreted the Bishop’s theme in the colorful logo featuring red church doors through which the empowering love of mission work flows out into our communities and throughout the world.
Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr, named Bishop of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church in September, 2012, will deliver the sermon for the closing Eucharist, Sunday, February 3rd at 10 am. “Bishop Swanson is a popular preacher, teacher and leader within our Methodist Connection,” said Bishop Duncan M. Gray, III.
“Mission” is the theme but “hospitality” is another vital component the host churches have incorporated in their year-long preparations. All five churches are fully committed to offering participants the finest Council 2013 celebration. All eagerly await bringing the entire diocese together for worship and praise.
The public is cordially invited to a series of free workshops Saturday, February 2 from 1:30—3:00 pm at the Jackson Convention Complex. Workshops open to the public include: Bridges Out of Poverty, Children’s Chapel, Evangelism, Games and Teambuilders, Parish Nurses Program, Planned Giving, Social Media in Parishes and Stewardship. Over 46 vendors will be offering items and services to people attending Saturday afternoon’s activities.
For more information about Council 2013, please visit www.dioms.org
