Bishop Rob gives his address at Convention.
On November 1, approximately 250 Episcopal clergy, lay leaders, and Northern Convocation parishioners gathered in Whitefield, NH, next to a panorama of snow-tipped White Mountains for the 223rd Diocesan Convention. Inside the high school auditorium, registrants gathered for the Bishop’s address, worship, and business.
“Convention,” as it is called among church leaders, is the primary representative governing body of the diocese. Its primary mission is to conduct diocesan business, including the election of officers, approval of a budget for the upcoming year, setting mission strategy, and establishing diocesan policy and procedure by considering and voting on resolutions and approving changes to the diocesan constitution and canons. It is also an occasion for fellowship, community building and common prayer, as well as the celebration of the Holy Eucharist as a community.
This year’s Convention theme was NOW, calling our attention to the importance of the present. Bishop Rob delivered his address about how Jesus calls us to live in this cultural and spiritual moment in time (which, he says, is not that different from divided first century Palestine. Read the transcript HERE). He encouraged church leaders to have congregations of “resilient vitality, hope, truthfulness, generosity…to be communities that the wider world sees and says, I want what they have.”
Participants celebrated Communion to the strum of Portsmouth-based Chapel Street Band, whose bluegrass harmonies filled the quiet spaces. Both joy and reverence filled the room.
*
Throughout the day, we learned what our five committees have accomplished this past year:
1. GLOBAL MISSIONS UPDATE
Five meaningful projects were the focus of The Global Missions Committee this year. A total of $22k in grants supported initiatives in Cuba, Angola, and Haiti. The awards support the Episcopal Church’s effort to alleviate poverty and foster growth. From nutrition training in Angola, where drought has led to acute malnutrition, to purchasing solar lights for the Episcopal Church of Cuba, to Haiti - one of the poorest nations hit hard by natural disasters and gang violence - where donations led to the construction of a new bathroom at a school for kids with physical disabilities and increased salaries at a separate school.
2. THE MICAH 6 COMMISSION
This effort that started at the beginning of 2025 is already making an impact as the commission delves into how we can bring Christ’s love to a world in need. From political upheaval to ecological justice and beyond, Micah 6 awarded 20k to the Black Heritage Trail NH, Northwoods Eco Region/Creation Justice, and the NH Food Bank to support families impacted by food insecurity. An additional 85k in grants was given to a wide array of community groups. In the words of Micah 6:8 - And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
3. YOUTH MINISTRY
Our Youth Ministry efforts are centered on connecting parish Youth Ministers and volunteers to each other to share ideas and resources. In addition, collaborating with partners within the Diocese and with outside groups like Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center are priorities. The Youth Ministry is also working on facilitating events involving young people to provide formation opportunities and a chance to connect with other youth, including a retreat with the Diocese of Maine, a Faith In Action retreat at the Barbara C Harris camp, and a group hike. Lots more coming up in 2026!
4. BARBARA C. HARRIS CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER
Located on Otter Lake with 325 beautiful wooded acres in Greenfield, New Hampshire, for 22 years BCH Camp/Center has offered year round programs, retreats and a youth summer camp that explores nature, spirituality and relationship building. The center boasts a variety of meeting spaces, overnight lodging, and countless arts and recreation opportunities, including swimming, boating, basketball and volleyball courts, athletic fields, a ropes course, climbing wall and more. We are so fortunate to have such a premier place/organization that provides incredible opportunities for our community and likeminded nonprofit organizations. This past fall’s Becoming an Episcopal Outdoorswoman was well attended and we hope to offer it again next year!
5. CONTEMPLATIVE ACTION NETWORK (CAN)
The Contemplative Action Network (CAN) is a movement that seeks to focus on ministry and sharing the gospel as some Episcopal and Lutheran congregations are struggling. CAN is an opportunity to rethink how church property and personnel can best serve those in need of connection and a place of belonging. This collaborative in Manchester, involves Gethsemane, St. Andrew’s and Grace. We are pooling our resources and are currently working out of the YWCA. We are engaging with marginalized communities like immigrants/refugees, the unhoused and food insecure, LGBTQ+ young people, and those dealing with addiction and trauma.
RESOLUTIONS:
All resolutions that were up for consideration passed: from re-designating parishes into missions, editing canon language, and approving the budget. Election results, including delegates to the 2027 General Convention, Convention officers, and committee members, were also announced. The results can be found HERE.
*
The Convention concluded with the reminder that next year’s annual gathering will elect the next Bishop of New Hampshire. At the end of his address, Bishop Rob gestured to this transition by blessing our remaining time:
“May God continue to bless us today, in the next year and half we have together, and Always.”