Father Harrison, along with vestry member Mike and parish administrator Christine, attended a small conference at Cathedral Ridge, a camp and retreat owned by the Diocese. As the snow swirled outside, ideas swirled inside. In addition to Saint Barnabas, three other churches were represented, from Denver, Fort Collins, and Estes Park. Canon Missioner Lou Blanchard and the Reverend John Wengrovius, who are both congregational development consultants for the Diocese, provided training and facilitated discussions. What is the best size for our church? What is God calling us to do in our community? (more…)

I’ve recently returned from the annual convention of the Diocese of Colorado. I participated as a delegate from our church.

It was my first diocesan conference, and I didn’t know what to expect. When we arrived at the conference hotel, I had memories of many business trips I’ve taken in the past. In those days, I arrived exhausted in strange cities and prepared sales presentations for the next day. I took long elevator rides with competitors who tried not too look hostile or rub up against me. I yawned through after-lunch software demonstrations in warm, dark rooms. So, last Thursday, I looked forward to a very different kind of business trip.

The conference began with a traditional Eucharist at Saint John’s Cathedral in downtown Denver. If you love a traditional worship service, this is the experience for you. The hymns resounded through the huge building as a congregation of over 500 people sang with the big choir and rumbling organ. The procession of priests, deacons, and lay delegates from all over Colorado was a wonder of pageantry. With over a hundred large and small congregations spread around our state, we may at times feel fragmented and ineffective. But this was a time to feel united, and, yes, powerful. (more…)

Bishop Rob O’Neill has sent out an appeal for donations to aid victims of flooding in Pakistan.  In his letter, he describes the role of Episcopal Relief and Development and its partner, the ACT Alliance, in providing relief that addresses the most basic needs of those affected by the disaster.

To learn more, read the Bishop’s letter.  Or, you can go straight to Episcopal Relief and Development to make a donation.