The Province VIII Conference on Stewardship, Evangelism, and Congregational Development is happening now in Portland at the Monarch Conference Center. The conference began with a wonderful and moving gathering created by the native American Ministry Team. Led by The Rev. Debbie Royals, our own Ministry Network Indigenous People's Leader, we heard from The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, on the powerful and creative role of story in culture. Fran McKendree provided music alongside Becky Clark, co-leader of the Province VIII Indigenous People's Ministry. Our Celebrant, The Rt. Rev. Sandy Hampton was introduced as being "on loan" to the Diocese of Oregon from the Diocese of Olympia. The Rev. Eric Law, Director of the kaleidoscope Institute for Competent Leadership in a Diverse and Changing World preached. The Rev. Fred Vergara, Program Officer for Asian American Ministries presented the story of Christianity entitled From Aeropagus to Cyberspace: Telling our Christian Story.
Friday and Saturday we will hear from a host of presenters from around Province VIII including Bishop Mark McDonald, Indigenous Bishop, Anglican Church of
Canada speaking on "Creating Tomorrow's Story; the Rev. Eric Law, will help us examine our own cultural makeup and power analysis; the Rev. Rebecca McLain of
the Godly Play Foundation; Concurrent programs are offered for youth
and children so that this conference welcomes families too.
Many thanks to the design team chair Joanna Shreve and everyone who has helped make this conference such a success.