Convention 2010 Highlights
By The Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer
Rector, The Church of St. Jude, Wantagh
and Secretary of Convention

Diocesan Convention is Family!

From the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Montauk Point, from Fort Salonga to Long Beach, from Astoria to Greenport – Long Island is one long, diverse, populated, and special part of our country and state. Within the heart of the island is a God-inspired entity – The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.

Composed of faithful Christians from every corner of our island, the Diocese of Long Island faithfully works to do the work of Christ within communities and within the region. Centering this work is the gathering of our family – lay representatives, youth, clergy, and the bishop
at the annual diocesan convention.

This fall, our family will once again gather for convention under the leadership of our bishop. To assist in preparing for convention and to understand the depth and breadth of diocesan life, this supplement is being published. Your voice, your running for elected positions, your prayers are
needed.

Following are some highlights to expect at this year's Convention:

Time
In order to enable the 2010 Convention to be more accessible and friendly to laity who work, convention will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Registration will be from noon to 2:00 p.m. and there will be an open forum from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. with individuals who wish to ask questions of those who are running for the General Convention 2012 deputation.

The Convention Eucharist with the bishop's address will be on Friday afternoon. There will be a family-friendly celebratory convention dinner on Friday evening.

The convention will reconvene on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. and conclude in the afternoon at 5:00 p.m.

Hotel Rooms
The convention office has secured discounted rates for individuals who wish to stay at the hotel on Friday evening. This year, individuals who reserve hotel rooms will receive breakfast included in the hotel room cost. (Those who do not wish to stay at the hotel but wish to have breakfast at the hotel may eat in the hotel restaurant at their own expense). The cost for hotel rooms, including breakfast, are $149/single occupancy and $169/ double occupancy. More information on reserving rooms will be available on the Diocesan Convention website: www.dioceselongisland.org/ convention/hotel.html

Registration
Did you know that the diocesan convention costs over $25,000 per year? To help in defraying the cost of convention, registration fees were added a few years ago. This year, registration will include lunch.

All individuals who attend the diocesan convention, whether as a delegate, alternate, visitor, or youth, must be registered in advance. Registration forms will be emailed to all delegates and clergy in September and will be available on the diocesan website.

The 2010 Registration Fees (including lunch on Saturday) are: $50 for Delegates, $40 for Alternates, $30 for Youth, and $30 for Visitors.

Convention Meals
As previously addressed, there are several meals included with either a hotel room or registration. All individuals who register will receive a lunch on Saturday. All individuals who stay at the hotel will receive breakfast on Saturday morning. There will be no lunches available for individual sale.

The Convention Dinner will be held on Friday evening. It will include a light reception followed by a family-friendly dinner. The cost for the dinner is $55/ person (inclusive). Dinner meals may be reserved on the diocesan convention Registration Form.