The Rt. Rev. Phyllis A. Spiegel, Bishop of Utah
“Grace is God’s self-giving presence that both receives us and empowers us to participate in God’s
life and work.”
As we prepare to gather for our annual Diocesan Convention, I invite you to spend a little time with our
theme, Uplifted by Grace. It speaks to God’s presence both among us and within the missions and
ministries we share. It also invites us to notice how that presence is shaping our lives.
The words above come from the sermon I will preach on Saturday morning. I offer them now as an
invitation to come with open hearts and minds. Grace meets us as we are, including in our weariness
and uncertainty. In receiving that love, we find courage to take the next faithful step and create room to
welcome one another more generously.
At Convention, we will have opportunities to recognize that grace in one another. As we meet fellow
Episcopalians and hear presenters and panelists speak about their lay ministries, we will encounter
stories of God at work in ordinary lives. I hope we will listen with a question in our hearts: Where is
God’s grace inviting me to participate? The gifts we have received are gifts to be shared for the sake of
the world.
Everyone is welcome to join us for Saturday’s programming, including worship, a lively panel
discussion, and workshops. We will close the day by gathering what we have learned and considering
what we will carry home to our congregations. You do not need to be a Convention delegate to take part.
On Sunday, we will gather as a diocesan family at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark to worship together
and celebrate the installation of our new Dean.
I recognize that this will mean Morning Prayer in many of our congregations, with my Convention sermon offered there. Gathering for this shared celebration gives us an opportunity to experience the wider Church to which we belong. When we pray and rejoice together, we strengthen the relationships that sustain our ministry across the diocese.
Please join us for whatever portions of Convention you are able to attend. If you plan to participate in
the workshops, please register through the Workshops portal.
I look forward to being with you and discovering together how God’s grace is already at work among us.
