CEPVA meets twice a year for communication, common learning and action. Through these meetings we grow in our awareness that the health of the church lies in our ability to work together, each offering our own unique gifts to the ministry we share.
CEPVA had its beginnings in the mid-1990's with the encouragement of Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning. From its start, CEPVA has been an important meeting ground for associations called to vocational ministry in the church. It was thought that these groups had much in common and could benefit from the sharing of ideas from their various perspectives. Areas of concern continue to be: the creation of a church workplace that speaks to high standards of conduct, accountability, and justice as hallmarks of the church at its best; development of a theology of work; and service as a resource to dioceses and to one another in the mission and ministry of the church. CEPVA operates as a voluntary association. There are no dues. Member groups send representatives to take part in CEPVA meetings.
WHAT'S NEW WITH CEPVA
Ten years ago the Colloquium of Episcopal Professional & Vocational Associations (CEPVA) arose out of a conference called by Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning. Representatives from recognized organizations in the Episcopal Church came together to share common concerns in ministry and to seek a united response.
CEPVA has worked tirelessly on equity issues and recognition of the value of lay professional ministers who often work side-by-side with the ordained. Now it is time to look ahead in exploration of the shared ministries of these lay and ordained ministers. A planning conference is scheduled to be held in Minneapolis from May 30-June 2, 2007.
Two to four representatives from each church-related organization are being invited to address the questions, “Where God is calling us, and where we want to go? What can we do together that we find challenging to do alone?” Organizations interested in sending representatives are asked to contact one of the following CEPVA members:
Mrs. Bonnie Studdiford at bonnies@blazenetme.net (207) 798-5899
Mrs. Beth Matthews at bethily@aol.com (501) 372-2168
The Rev. Phil McNairy at philmcnairy@hotmail.com (651-388-8830
