Thank you for representing your congregation as a lay delegate to the 207th 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 of their congregation and the diocese is valued and appreciated.
Here are some important 2026 dates:
- Pre-convention Meetings — Delegates will meet online via Zoom to review the pre-convention material at one of two meeting times (Identical material will be presented at each meeting; choose one!): Tue., Oct. 27, 5:30-7 p.m or Thu., Oct. 29, 7- 8:30 p.m.
- Convention Day — Sat., Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at University of Southern Maine’s Abromsom Center in Portland where the early part of the day will include opportunities for worship open to everyone in the diocese followed by the business session for clergy and lay delegates.
Below is a brief overview of the role and responsibilities of a convention delegate (lay or clergy). Please talk to your church leadership to let them know if you are interested in being elected a delegate for a future convention at your annual meeting.
- COMMUNICATE As you 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 the parts of this convention, please communicate this information with your priest or senior warden as soon as possible. They will need to be in touch with Wendy Kopera to certify the change.
- WATCH for information and news from the committees of convention in the weekly Clergy and Lay Leaders Newsletter that arrives in your inbox every other Wednesday as well as special emails.
- PARTICIPATE Consider submitting a resolution or nomination before the deadline of September 25!
- ATTEND Pre-convention Meetings on Tue., Oct. 27, 5:30-7 p.m or Thu., Oct. 29, 7- 8:30 p.m..; In-person at USM Abromsom Center on Sat., Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- KNOW convention materials on the website: https://episcopalmaine.org/convention. Be familiar with the materials and resources available in the pre-convention journal.
- NOTE important deadlines. Pay attention to when nominations and resolutions are due and when delegation changes must be completed.
- CONNECT Each delegate needs their own device that connect to a browser and a unique email address. Please have the latest version of Zoom downloaded and ready. Make sure your “Zoom name” is set up before the pre-convention meeting. Please name yourself as follows: “Delegate- First & Last Name, Church Town” and clergy “Clergy-First & Last Name, Church Town”.If you are called “My laptop”, we won’t know who you are! Please learn how to locate and use the “Raise Hand” function of Zoom. Prepare to bring a smartphone or laptop to convention or use another person’s or one provided by the diocese for online voting.
- READ The final convention email that will arrive in delegates/clergy inbox the week before convention.
- BE PUNCTUAL Arrive on time to attend!
- VOTE Be prepared at convention by having read the materials available on the website, participated (or watched) a Pre-convention Meeting, and engaged in conversations with other delegates and members of your parish/area.
- ABIDE by the Rules of Order at convention that will be posted on the convention webpage, and be familiar with the 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.
See also: Constitution and Canons On Lay Delegates to Convention
Please note that the dates listed here may be adjusted slightly as convention plans evolve. You may reach out to Susan Sherrill Axelrod or Wendy Kopera with questions.