Bishop Gates gives his first address to Diocesan Convention. Ellen Stuart Kittle
The convention celebrated the newly merged Bristol Trinity Episcopal Church, which comprises the congregations of St. John’s in Taunton, St. John the Evangelist in Mansfield and St. Mark’s in North Easton. The Rev. Jan Walden and Tammi Branco, president of the Cluster Council for the Bristol Cluster Episcopal Ministry, both spoke, and the church shared a photo slideshow highlighting their new shared ministry. Ellen Stuart Kittle
All Saints' Church of the North Shore, which merged Calvary Church, Danvers, and St. Paul’s Church, Peabody in 2012, was also honored as a recently merged church. The All Saints' delegation made a grand entrance, playing "When the Saints Go Marching In" on horns. Ellen Stuart Kittle
The annual Mission Tithe Council Grant was awarded to El Hogar Ministries, which provides shelter and education to children in Honduras. Members of partnering Parish of the Epiphany, Winchester and El Hogar executive director Liz Kinchen accepted the $25,000 grant and recognized several churches in the diocese that have continuing relationships with El Hogar. Ellen Stuart Kittle
Delegates at lunch. Tracy J. Sukraw
Life Together interns, now serving at sites across the diocese, had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the convention. Ellen Stuart Kittle
Postulants and candidates for ordination introduced themselves, many cheered on by the churches they are sponsored by or serving. Ellen Stuart Kittle
St. Stephen's, Lynn Children's Choir members sang "Our God" during the offertory at the convention service of Holy Eucharist. Ellen Stuart Kittle