The 203rd Convention of the Diocese of Maine
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Delegates To Convention
Thank you for considering representing your congregation as a lay delegate to the 203rd (2022) Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine.
Delegates are leaders in their congregations and the Diocese of Maine, and one of the most important connectors between congregations and the Diocese. The ministry of a delegate is unique and their support (faithful in worship and congregational activities, and with your time and treasure) of their congregation and the Diocese is valued and appreciated.
The Responsibilities of Convention Delegate
To assist in your discernment toward making an informed decision, here is a brief overview of the role and responsibilities of a Convention Delegate (lay or clergy).
Connect & Communicate
Each delegate needs their own device with a camera, a unique email address, and good internet connectivity. There will not be a dial-in option as voting will take place via visual polls.
As you read and learn about the business of convention, please share this information with alternate delegates so that they may be prepared if they need to step in. If you are unable to attend convention, please communicate this information with your priest or senior warden as soon as possible. They will need to certify the change and sign a form. If possible, all changes should be completed by October 1.
Watch & Attend
Watch for information and news from the Resolutions Committee. Consider submitting a resolution! Questions about the resolutions process can be directed to the Chair of the Resolutions Committee, the Hon. Marge Kilkelly. Hint: You do not need to be a delegate in order to submit a resolution! Attend Pre & Post Convention Town Hall Meetings on specified Tuesdays with Q&A at 6:30 PM and Meeting 7PM-8:30 PM.
- September 27 Intro to Convention / Area Caucus
- October 4 Budget, Rules of Order, Resolutions
- October 11 Resolutions, Consent Calendar
- October 18 on hold as business demands
- October 25 Convention Debrief
Know The Details
- Know the convention webpage! Be familiar with the materials and resources available.
- Pay attention to deadlines.
- Abide by the Rules of Order at convention as posted on the convention webpage, and generally accepted Rules of Parliamentary Procedure (Robert’s Rules of Order).
- Budget: An outline of the budget for 2023 will be available here in September 2022.
What is the registration process?
Register to Attend
Certified delegates, canonically resident clergy and priests-in-charge of congregations are required to register. The Certificate of Delegates (roster) received from your congregation plus your registration credentials you to attend convention. Other people with a role at convention – staff, committee members, resolution presenters, etc. – are also asked to register. Online registration will close at noon on 19 October 2022. Late registrations will not be accepted and delegates who do not register will not be eligible to enter the Zoom room.
Check Your Email
Read the “All about Convention” email that will arrive in registered delegates inbox Thursday 20 October. This email will contain your unique login for Zoom; please don’t share or lose it!
Log in on time to attend!
The waiting room will open at 8:00 am and close at 8:45AM; quorum votes are held at 8:55AM and Convention convenes at 9AM. At convention, you will vote on resolutions, elect diocesan leadership/representatives, and adopt the 2023 diocesan budget
Pray With Us
Pray for the entire Convention, your Bishop and staff, for all delegates and the decisions being made, and those who have offered themselves for leadership roles. Prayerfully consider how your vote furthers the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Maine and the wider Church.
Prepare to Vote
Be prepared to vote at convention by having read the materials available on the website, participated in Town Halls, and engaged in conversations with other delegates and members of your parish/area.
Please note that the dates listed in this document may be adjusted slightly as convention plans evolve. If you have further questions or concerns, please be in touch with Canon Barbara Martin.
Certificate of Delegates
Lay delegates elected to serve at convention must be certified using the form below by July 31, 2022. This certificate must be prepared and signed by the Rector, Vicar or Priest in Charge, if there is one, or a Warden or Clerk of the Vestry or Bishop’s Committee when there is no Rector, Vicar or Priest in Charge. Once a congregation has submitted their certificate, the church will no longer appear in the dropdown list on the form.
Certificate of ASA and Lay Delegates to Convention
Please note that your congregation’s lay delegation to the 2022 convention will continue to be calculated based upon your Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) from your 2019 Parochial Report as the pandemic has continued to disrupt how this number is calculated. Look up your church’s 2019 ASA here.
Next Steps
Voting Registration
Once the lay delegation is certified, there’s another step. Everyone voting at convention (clergy and lay) are also required to register. Look for the link in the Weekly Clergy & Lay Leaders Newsletter and on this webpage!
If you need to make changes to your Certificate of Delegates, please be in touch with Canon Barbara Martin for the correct form.
Resolutions
Resolutions for consideration by convention should be proposed before Friday, September 16, 2022 using the form below:
Proposed Resolution for the 203rd Diocesan Convention
Elections
Please nominate yourself or someone else (with their permission) before Friday, September 16, 2022 at 5:00pm using the form below for any of the open positions listed:
Diocesan Council Lay Area Representatives
Vote for one for each of the six areas ; three year term
Secretary
Vote for one; one year term
Treasurer
Vote for one; one year term
Trustee
TBD
Standing Committee – Clergy
Vote for one; three year term
Standing Committee – Lay
Vote for one; three year term
General Convention – Clergy Deputy
Vote for four
General Convention – Lay Deputy
Vote for four
Provincial Conference- Clerical Deputy
Vote for one; two year term
Disciplinary Board – Lay Representative
Vote for one; two year term
Convention Resources
Document
An Earth Day Message from Bishop Brown 2022
Link
Season of Creation Liturgical Resources
Video
Resolution-Writing Webinar Recording
Form
2022 Form for Resolutions
Form
2022 Nomination Form for Diocesan Leaders
Form
2022 Certificate of Delegates
Document
Special Laws of Maine