From Dan Mason

As I look back at the 158th Diocesan Convention, I am moved, impressed and inspired to have been part of a gathering of Episcopalians representing congregations spanning from the East River in New York City to our own east end, with the makeup of those parishes as different and diverse as the Brooklyn Bridge is to the Montauk Lighthouse. Yet despite these differences, we were all there together for a meaningful and necessary gathering and a beautiful and joyful celebration of the mission and vibrant life of the Diocese, stressing that we are both one Diocese with one mission and that we are better together than we are apart. Besides the formal business part of the convention that included election of boards and committees, approval of propositions and resolutions that addressed, among other things, items from environmental issues and the passing of the budget to technical or clerical corrections to diocesan cannons, there were many exciting and wonderful highlights that stood out to me:

• A presentation featuring Bishop Geralyn Wolf, currently an assistant bishop of the Diocese, sharing her stories and the struggles of being one of the early women to be ordained in the Episcopal Church followed by an insightful question and answer session.
• An evening prayer session led by youth delegates that included homilies by two dynamic, faithful and inspirational members of the youth delegation.
• The Gospel of Matthew during the Eucharist service read by six clergy from the Diocese in their native languages—Spanish, Mandarin, Creole, Korean, Polish and English--showing both our diversity and similarity.
• A banquet celebration that included the presentations of the Bishop’s Cross for distinguished Service to retiring Diocesan staff, a delightful meal and an energetic dance floor.
• Being able to greet and catch up with so many friends of St. Luke’s and clergy who began their ministry at our parish.

From Marshall Watson

There was a sense of joy throughout the entire convention that made it a remarkable event that will be long remembered.

• I was initially struck by the fact that our diocese is extraordinarily diverse, from Chinese, to Eastern European to Korean, to African American to Hispanic to Indian and many more nationalities. The services were inspiring not only for the profound depth of faith emanating from that space through so many priests, bishops, deacons, (a majority) and lay people. The worship was marked by the celebration that in our diversity lay great strength, in our inclusion lay a greater joy … a synergy of energized spirit in this tiny microcosm of Long Island representing the possibilities for the entire world.
• Truly, anything seemed possible. It was an exquisite unity through God. Perhaps this is why religious “revivals” used to so popular, so palpable, and so energizing. When two are three are gathered together … yes. But wow … when three hundred and fifty are gathered together!
• Father Ben and I volunteered to sing in the choir, an experience I will never forget, as the singers, many from churches with Pentecostal musical roots, blew the rafters off the roof. Episcopalians are definitely not ALL reserved! 
• The convention was extremely well organized, coordinated and deeply respectful. Bishop Larry’s address disturbed some (perhaps because he did not address the elephant in the room of political divisiveness) but brought to the fore a plea for parishes to help each other, band together and share more. After this convention, I certainly understood the great potential of such an effort. We all too frequently behave as isolated entities struggling to resolve every need and issue ourselves ,whereas together we might achieve more success. This may happen.
• And despite the uninspired surroundings of the taste free Melville Marriott, the magnificent pageantry of our Anglican tradition in the services, prayers and hymns rang true to the heart and soul of each of us.
• The documentary of the female bishop of Rhode Island and the articulate question and answer period afterwards, elucidated the extraordinary struggle and perseverance of women in the Anglican Church. How far we have come, but how much further we need to go. She was so impressive. I was gobsmacked by her.

Finally, I was impressed by the inner strength, intelligence, fortitude, confidence, self-searching and resilience of our church, our diocese, of our Episcopal faith. I returned to East Hampton renewed, reinvigorated, and positive. Thank you for allowing me to attend.

From Georgianna Mellgard

• Diversity within the diocese - In addition to cultural diversity, I noted the diversity of focus from environmental initiatives (solar, sustainability, etc.) to “farm to table” for feeding the needy.
• I was so impressed with the youth leaders. They were so well spoken and will be great future leaders in the Church.
• I found Bishop Wolf’s spiritual journey motivating and humbling. To commit to homelessness for a month to understand the perspective of others less fortunate is very impressive.
• I loved the music! Credit goes to the participation of Marshall and Father Ben.
• I was impressed by the process of contested elections and reaching consensus.

From Colleen Stonemetz

All of the reflections written have been so uplifting, and convey with all honesty, the spirit of faith, fellowship, and love found within the walls of the Marriot ballroom last Friday and Saturday.

• Yes, the tedious task of “getting down to business” was a part of the convention, but even this was enlightening as we all saw firsthand how the diocesan process works. Yes, there was a businesslike element to the process, but the agenda needed to be followed, chairpersons needed to be elected, and proposed actions needed to be accepted and ratified. I was encouraged by the fact that clergy, staff, and laypersons were encouraged to participate in the process; and although, few took up the chance to speak, it was a testament to the diocesan’s wish for transparency and inclusion of all the parishes of Long Island to be seen and heard.
• Overall, when I reflect on the convention itself I am happy to say that there is life in the Episcopal Church! The last few years have sometimes been a struggle for many. We hear about diminishing enrollments, lack of participation, and no clergy to be found. NOT SO, by the looks of last week!  There is a very diverse community of people coming together, working together, and believing in the fulfillment of our baptismal promises to share the word of God with all our neighbors!  Seeing is believing, and last week’s convention truly restored my faith in the Episcopal church and all those friends and colleagues who believe as I do that we all have a responsibility and a ministry to share for in doing so we are a true testament of faith, hope, and love!