A newly revised information primer just released by the School of Ministry is now available to parishes and individuals throughout the diocese. The information booklet is entitled, “Preparing for General Convention 2009: A Resource for Congregations”. It was originally developed by retired School of Ministry Dean, the Rev. Dr. Leon Spencer and has now been updated and revised by interim School of Ministry Coordinator Ayliffe Mumford in collaboration with members of the North Carolina deputation.

The forty page booklet contains helpful information about the 76th General Convention, including the role of the General Convention in The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, how the General Convention carries out its work, who represents the North Carolina diocese at General Convention, the agenda before the convention, and ways to stay informed about what happens at the convention. The booklets are currently being distributed to parishes throughout the diocese. For additional copies of the booklet, contact the School of Ministry at (336) 273-5770.

Keeping Up with News from General Convention

As the General Convention convenes in Anaheim, those keeping track of the Convention will be able to access continuous information from several sources. In order to follow, watch, and understand what is happening at the General Convention, the Episcopal Church Office of Communications has created a Media Hub designed to deliver comprehensive coverage of the convention.

The hub will utilize cutting edge technology to deliver information via the Episcopal News Service (ENS), the church’s primary and official source for news (www.episcopalchurch.org/ens.htm). Information can also be viewed via internet videos, blogs, the instant message social networking site Twitter, and the photo viewing site Flickr. Live video streams from daily media briefings and other convention events will also be accessible on the ENS, including excerpts from some sermons and daily Eucharist services. The North Carolina diocesan website (www.episdionc.org) will provide the link to the ENS site as well as provide current news about the North Carolina deputation and the North Carolina Bishops in action at General Convention. A post-General Convention issue of the North Carolina Disciple newspaper will be published in August.

Other reliable information sources for coverage of the General Convention include The Anglicans Online news page (www.anglicansonline.org/news/index.html) and the Anglican Communion News Service which can be accessed via the Episcopal Church website (www.episcopalchurch.org). Selected sites will offer news in Spanish.