Episcopalians gathering for annual meeting in Cape

Observers to the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri's annual meeting will get their best picture of the church during the opening worship service tonight, the local rector says.

"Who we are most of all happens in that worship service when we gather at the Lord's table," said the Rev. Bob Towner of Christ Church.

The Cape Girardeau parish is playing host to the more than 225 people who are expected for the business meetings, workshops and worship this weekend.

The annual meeting is the first for Bishop George Wayne Smith, who came to lead the diocese earlier this year. He will speak about his vision for the future during the worship service, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at Old St. Vincent's Church in downtown Cape Girardeau.

About 20 musicians and singers, 10 acolytes and dozens of other church volunteers have helped organize the service. "We had to move it to Old St. Vincent's because we don't have enough room," Towner said. "But it's a beautiful place to have a service and we can do 'high church' there that we don't get to do in our little place."

The service will have a processional of youth serving as acolytes, area clergy and the bishop of the diocese.

"It will be a lively worship and that is the heart and soul of who we Episcopalians are," Towner said.

But worship isn't the only activity planned for the convention. At least three business sessions are on the agenda, where delegates will determine the budget, elect a new governing council and consider a resolution in opposition to the impending war in Iraq.

The diocese has 113 congregations in the eastern half of the state. There also are regional convocations within the diocese. There are six churches in the South Convocation area, which runs from Farmington to Caruthersville.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

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