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============================================== Announcements: Church Needs ‘Singles’ Charter’ Says Solo Flight Keynoter Hendersonville, NC, Labor Day 2002. Single adults from 25 dioceses across the United States as far-flung as Oklahoma, Oregon, Florida, Texas, Arizona and Massachusetts gathered at Kanuga Conference Center in Western North Carolina over Labor Day weekend for the 12th annual Solo Flight Conference –the only national gathering for single adults in the Episcopal Church. Conference participants who ranged in age from 24 through post-retirement heard keynoter the Rev. Dr. Joe G. Burnett, Professor of Pastoral Theology at the School of Theology, Sewanee, Tennessee, call for a "Baptismal Charter for Single Adults" in the Episcopal Church. Speaking to the conference theme of "Flying Solo and Soaring to Wider Perspectives," Burnett called the church to see the changing patterns of family life that are now a norm in the culture, referencing studies by sociologist Stephanie Coontz on The Way We Never Were and The Way We Really Are. He also spoke to the church’s buy-in to the ‘way we never were," which has produced what author Janet Fishburn calls "the idolatry of family." In an opening address which received prolonged and enthusiastic applause, the Rev. Dr. Burnett called for the creation of a "Baptismal Charter for single adults" in the church. The 10 points included..."as Baptized Children of God we are entitled to be members of single households with full and equal voice in the church";"...we are entitled to worship of integrity in language, practice and focus;" "...full pastoral resources of the body..."; "to bear appropriate witness to our experience." Burnett’s workshop on "Developing a Theology of Singularity" was one of three offered on Sunday afternoon in break-out rooms in a wooded grove. Extra chairs had to be brought from other locations for the overflow crowd who listened carefully to facts on Biblical teachings on varieties of families and households which support current norms. Burnett’s closing session in Monday morning called the community to recognize that they were not without power, experience, knowledge, identity, purpose and direction, and reminded them that having been "indelibly graced by Baptism," which confers dignity and worth on the journey, "You are teachers–and a teacher effects eternity," he stated, as he challenged them to return to their homes to be teachers from the perspective of their lives, and the weekend. The Rev. Dr. Jan Dunnavant of the Diocese of Lexington (KY) and the Rev. Dr. David Perkins , Diocese of Virginia, who served as co-chaplains for the weekend, say that the conference draws those who are interested in personal spiritual growth as a single person and those who want to receive training to develop ministry with single adults on the local level. The chaplains joined a staff of eight who led the weekend’s activities, from workshop on "Selfcare, Soulcare"; "Help! My story has been broken!"; movement and spiritual resources to banner making, worship and social/recreational activities. Central to the weekend is the "Liturgy of Healing and Wholeness and Blessing of Singularity" on Sunday evening. "This service offers single adults an opportunity to place their lived experiences in the context of their sacramental life," states Dr. Kay Collier McLaughlin, Founder and National Coordinator of Solo Flight and Solo Flight: Catch the Vision. ‘No matter our age or type of singularity, we live our daily lives in interface with hopes, plans and dreams–realized and unrealized. Single adults who participate in this service here at the conference or on a local level tell us that it is a sustaining faith experience for them." Burnett quoted from the liturgy in his closing call to the community..."We recognize, affirm and bless you, singular men and women among us..." The Rev. J. Bruce Stewart, Director of the Center for Liturgy and the Arts in Annandale, Virginia led the group in a rousing rendition of "One more step..." Give me courage when the world is rough...keep me loving when the world is tough...it’s from the old I travel to the new; keep me traveling along with you." Resolution A037 , passed by General Convention 2000 as sponsored by the Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism, was intended to enable the expansion of training for ministry with single adults and regional conferences. In Solo Flight business sessions, it was announced that Betty Vanvolkenberg of Webster, NY has been named Webmaster for Solo Flight. The site should be up and running by mid-fall. Participants discussed A037 from General Convention 2000 which was expected to provide funding to implement national leadership training for ministry with single adults and expansion of conference opportunities. The resolution originated in the Standing Commission for Domestic Mission and Evangelism and recognized the singles population as the fastest growing and most unchurched portion of the population of the United States. Dr. McLaughlin is currently in conversation with Dean George Werner, Vice-President of the House of Deputies, and members of the National Executive Council, regarding both the implementation of Resolution A037, which would allocate some $45,000 to the ministry in this triennium; the recognition of the critical nature of the ministry, and the commitment of the church to single adults. Ongoing reports regarding this matter will be available on the web site this fall. Solo Flight 2003 Kanuga Conference
Theme: Friendship: Touching
the Holy More information on Solo Flight
Conferences & Solo Flight: Catch the Vision–research, development
and consulting The 13th annual Solo Flight Conference will be held at Kanuga on Labor Day Weekend 2003. The theme will be Friendship: Touching the Holy. Further information can be obtained from Dr. Collier McLaughlin at diolex@aol.com or by writing the Offices of Solo Flight, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 27, Paris, Kentucky, 40362.
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