By Ashley Petty, deputy
I have been a proud member of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Kansas for more than half my life and am a postulant for holy orders to the priesthood. With that being said, as a young first time deputy to general convention, there are many things that I have very much enjoyed experiencing.
Of course I have enjoyed learning more about how the business of the church is conducted, but what I have loved the most is just being in a room with thousands of other Episcopalians. It may sound silly and a little naive to say that, but it gives me so much hope for the future of our church.
As someone seeking ordination, I have heard many fears of the Episcopal Church’s future and have been asked if I’m concerned about job security. There are times that I do worry about that very thing, but what career doesn’t face periods of uncertainty in the job market? I have hope though, through the grace of God, because thousands of us are putting our daily lives aside for nearly two weeks to come together as one body to discern what God is calling us to do.
We will continue to do this every three years. The big issues, deputation and by-laws will always be changing, but our love for Jesus Christ and the Episcopal Church will never dissipate. He is the glue that holds us together during difficult times and the motivation we need to do the work he is calling us to do.
As each year passes I continue to hear these fears, yet every three years thousands of faithful Episcopalians travel hundreds of miles to do His work. There have and will continue to be issues that are near and dear to our hearts that we disagree on, but we continue to discern how our ministry will better serve Christ and his people. This gives me an incredible amount of hope.
As I worship each day with more than 3.000 Episcopalians and do business with almost 900 members of the House of Deputies, I am constantly reminded that we have come together with one common goal in mind: to serve God in His church.
I have been a proud member of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Kansas for more than half my life and am a postulant for holy orders to the priesthood. With that being said, as a young first time deputy to general convention, there are many things that I have very much enjoyed experiencing.
Of course I have enjoyed learning more about how the business of the church is conducted, but what I have loved the most is just being in a room with thousands of other Episcopalians. It may sound silly and a little naive to say that, but it gives me so much hope for the future of our church.
As someone seeking ordination, I have heard many fears of the Episcopal Church’s future and have been asked if I’m concerned about job security. There are times that I do worry about that very thing, but what career doesn’t face periods of uncertainty in the job market? I have hope though, through the grace of God, because thousands of us are putting our daily lives aside for nearly two weeks to come together as one body to discern what God is calling us to do.
We will continue to do this every three years. The big issues, deputation and by-laws will always be changing, but our love for Jesus Christ and the Episcopal Church will never dissipate. He is the glue that holds us together during difficult times and the motivation we need to do the work he is calling us to do.
As each year passes I continue to hear these fears, yet every three years thousands of faithful Episcopalians travel hundreds of miles to do His work. There have and will continue to be issues that are near and dear to our hearts that we disagree on, but we continue to discern how our ministry will better serve Christ and his people. This gives me an incredible amount of hope.
As I worship each day with more than 3.000 Episcopalians and do business with almost 900 members of the House of Deputies, I am constantly reminded that we have come together with one common goal in mind: to serve God in His church.