Diocesan Convention

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.

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 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.
Communicate 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 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 6:30PM and Meeting 7PM-8:30PM

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 convention webpage! Be familiar with the materials and resources available.
Pay attention to deadlines.
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.
Register 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.
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 Cconvention convenes at 9AM. At convention, you will vote on resolutions, elect diocesan leadership/representatives, and adopt the 2023 diocesan budget
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).
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.

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.

Certificate of ASA and Lay Delegates to Convention

Note that once a congregation has submitted their certificate, the church will no longer appear in the dropdown list on the form.

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.

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:

Nomination Form for Diocesan Leaders

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