Last week, a group from St. Andrew’s of both clergy and parishioners traveled to Hastings, Nebraska for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska’s Annual Council. The Annual Council happens once a year, typically in October, and is a chance for the 52 parishes and many ministries of the Diocese of Nebraska to come together for worship, fellowship, and inspiration.

While some official business of the Diocese happens at Annual Council such as approving the Diocesan budget and elections to various committees and commissions, much of the time is spent meeting new people, learning about new ministries, and greeting old friends who we might see only once a year. We also heard from the Rt. Rev. Jacob Owensby, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana whose keynote address focused on faith in the secular age.

This year, those who attended Annual Council were: Wayne and Camille Culp, Alisha Lohman, Mary Elliston, Laura Marks, Lois Westfall, MJ Matthews Fr. Keith and Mother Kaity. We will elect delegates to next year’s Annual Council–which will be held in Omaha at Trinity Cathedral–in January at St. Andrew’s Annual Meeting.

Many thanks to the delegates who spent the past few days representing St. Andrew’s in Hastings. If you’d like more information about Annual Council or how to attend a future Annual Council, please see Fr. Keith or Mtr. Kaity!