A warm welcome at the Albany Convention
A group from Down and Dromore has just returned from the Albany Convention – our link diocese’s annual business meeting and conference.
The party always includes ‘first–timers’ and this year was no exception so thanks to Rachel Irish and Les McKeag, both training to be Diocesan Evangelists, who share their impressions of Albany below.
Rachel
Having never been to the Diocesan of Albany Convention before it was a eye opener. As a trainee Diocesan Evangelist I loved the chance to experience and learn how they do church in the different areas and cultures within their diocese. I had great conversations with so many people all eager to make me welcome.
The convention offered a wide range of workshops and experiences of God including a healing and anointing service which was overflowing with the Holy Spirit and so many were deeply moved. Along with the ‘Stations of the Resurrection’ walk at 6.30 am on the beach, surrounded by God’s breathtaking beauty of the sun raising over the mountains and across the lake I was so aware of God’s mighty presence over that place.
I would highly recommend making the trip and the best part is the whole family are welcome with so much for the kids to do. I’d love to return with my own kids next time. Great friendships have been made.
Our hosts were outstanding, with their hospitality and the accommodation and food at Camp of the Woods was first class.
At the Convention I co–hosted a workshop entitled “What is a Diocesan Evangelist?” The clergy and others who attended our workshop seemed interested, and could see how this would work in their church context. I also had the opportunity to attend some of the workshops that where being delivered, and learnt a lot about how church works in Albany.
The church service held in the auditorium was a lot different to what I’m used to (high church) but it was great to have been a part of it all.
We had our photographs taken with the bishops who were in attendance, and later I had my photo taken with the bishop of the Arctic!
Overall a really enjoyable experience!
Pictured below at the Convention
Back Row L–R: Canon Mark Harvey (Ballybeen); Revd Christopher Brown (Albany Diocese); Rt Revd David Parsons (Bishop of the Arctic); Rt Revd Bill Love (Bishop of Albany); Rt Revd Dan Herzog (Former Bishop of Albany); Revd Gerald Macartney (Down & Dromore); Mrs Roberta Macartney; Canon Bob Haskell (Albany Diocese)
Front Row L–R: Capt Cary Roberts (Church Army); Mrs Angela Roberts; Ms Rachel Irish (Trainee Diocesan Evangelist Down & Dromore); Mr Les McKeag (Trainee Diocesan Evangelist Down & Dromore); Mr Tim Burns (Youth Development Officer Down & Dromore); Mrs Linda Abwa (CMS Ireland)
