“Beginning Our Bridge Journey in Hozhojii, the Beauty Way.”
The 47th Convocation of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland
June 9, 10, & 11, 2023
The 47th Convocation
The Utah Region, as host, welcomed many families from all across Navajoland to the annual three day Convocation. The event began with registration then dinner prepared by the San Juan Region and the first day ended with a beautiful healing service in the in St. Christopher’s Church. All in attendance were blessed to receive smudging and prayers as the sun set against the red bluffs. On the only full day of convocation, the day started early with continental breakfast prepared by the Utah region followed by Morning prayer. Business took place where guests were introduced and welcomed, and reports were given by each Region, the Treasurer, and the Bishop. After a very delicious lunch prepared by the Southeast Region, participants got the chance to attend two workshops which went on simultaneously so everyone could participate and learn. The first workshop was given by House of Deputies President Rev. Rachel Taber- Hamilton and Ryan Kusumoto, the next workshop presentation was on Food Justice given by Rev. Robert TwoBulls. More to come.
What is the ECN Convocation?
The Episcopal Church in Navajoland (ECN) is the only area mission of the Episcopal Church. It is the Episcopal Church in areas of New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, roughly overlaying the Navajo Nation. The annual convocation is much like an annual diocesan convention where the local church gathers for a family reunion—with worship, good food, fellowship, entertainment, celebration, and recognition of guests across the Church—and to conduct canonical business (elections, etc.). Yet the ECN convocation is unique in that it offers an opportunity to join Navajo Episcopalians in their own culture and on their own land to celebrate and be the Church.
2023 Agenda
2022 Minutes
46th Convocation Minutes (2022)
2023 Reports
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering for ECN Convocation
Why might I consider volunteering for this event?
If you are wondering what it is like to be a missionary, rest assured that you don’t need to go to Africa. You can drive to our neighboring Bluff, UT to enter the sacred land of the Navajo, nestled among the Four Sacred Mountains, and embrace Navajo Episcopalians and their culture. You can worship using Navajo language and customs; you can participate in traditional healing; you can meet bishops and other leaders across the Church; you can be wrapped in the gracious welcome of those who integrate traditional Navajo spirituality with Christian spirituality; you can experience the rich beauty of the high desert and the bluffs that overlook the St. Christopher mission campus. You might wonder who is ministering to whom! Have you been looking for ways to support them Church’s mission to our Navajo brothers and sisters? Here is your chance.
What travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses are involved in volunteering for Convocation?
–If you cannot stay overnight, consider making it a day trip, especially on the main day of the event,
Saturday, June 10.
–Consider carpooling with others who will drive to this event.Lodging is available in local hotels and commercial RV parks in Bluff or nearby Blanding. Ask for the lodging list with contact information for these local options.
–There are also dry camping options on the church campus without charge, so car camping or a small trailer or RV might be fun options for overnight facilities. Water is available; electrical hookups are not available.
–All meals will be provided to participants at no charge. You will have the opportunity to eat locally prepared, indigenous food and to share group meals with Navajo Episcopalians.
Can kids and teens participate as volunteers?
Yes! Mature kids with parental permission can help in many duties to support the event. And this might be an eye-opening experience for children and youth as they recognize that Navajo kids play like they do and are good
Episcopalians just like they are—and that they have a lot to learn from their Navajo brothers and sisters. Parents or other responsible adult will need to accompany their children under the age of 10 as they do their volunteer
work on the church campus.
Will there be supervised programs especially for children and youth?
Yes! Be sure to include them in your online registration for the Convocation.
What special items does each volunteer need to bring?
–Closed toed shoes
–Clothing appropriate for a very hot, sunny, dry climate—and yet pack a light jacket for the delightfully cool
nights
–Refillable water bottle with your name on it
–Face mask, preferably N95 or NK95
–Sunscreen
–Sunglasses
–Sun hat
–Folding camp chair
–Special medications
–(Suggested: camera, cell phone, and charging cables)
What special conditions or rules will we encounter?
–Be aware that the summer in Navajoland is very hot and very dry, so please take appropriate precautions
to protect yourself and your family members from heat-related illnesses.
–Note that facial masks are required for all participants, and hand sanitizer will be available at numerous
sites to honor the Navajo Nation restrictions and cautions against COVID.
–Smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, and weapons are not permitted on Church property.
–The property is unpaved and sandy, so those bringing wheelchairs will encounter more difficult terrain
than you are used to at home.
–Cell service and Internet access is somewhat unreliable in and around Bluff. If possible, print out and
bring with you any documents, phone numbers, email addresses, and maps/directions you may need to
reference if service is spotty or down completely.
Can kids and teens participate as volunteers?
We can use volunteers any time from
–Thursday, June 8 (set up)
–Friday, June 9 (arrival and afternoon/evening events)
–Saturday, June 10 (main meeting day with entertainment and community feast)
–Sunday, June 11 (departure and take-down)
Even a half day will help us. Let us know what times work for you. We will have volunteer training on Friday
morning, June 10, and as needed throughout the event.
How can volunteers help to support this event?
—Prepare meals
–Bring dishes or food items for group meals and healthy snacks
–Serve meals
–Clean up after meals
–Check water stations regularly
–Set up and overseeing dish washing station
–Help with registration—shifts on duty during all business hours of Convocation
–Drive golf cart
–Check, restock, clean rest rooms/port-o-potties several times daily
–Empty trash cans
–Help guide parking
–Answer questions of visitors
–Restock water stations and snack stations
–Set up tent on Thursday, June 9—include other regions
–Pick up/deliver equipment and dish ware loaned from other regions
–Contribute food for UTR Sat Dinner and Sunday breakfast
–Help oversee campfire safety and S’mores event with Youth
–Plan and/or assist with Children’s events
–Plan and/or assist with Youth events
–Serve as Event Reporter to report headcounts, supplies, equipment used for each event (#tables, chairs,
etc.)
–Set up, move folding tables and chairs
–Complete an evaluation of your time at the Convocation
How can I help if I can’t travel to join the Convocation?
You and your friends can help to purchase and donate items for others to deliver to Bluff, such as:
–Fresh salad greens and other salad fixings
–Fresh fruit: bananas, apples, oranges/tangerines
–Fresh vegetables: carrot sticks, etc.
–Healthy snacks for adults and kids: protein bars, cheese sticks, crackers/peanut butter, etc.
–Hard boiled eggs
–Makings for the S’more Feast on Saturday evening: graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows
–Inexpensive, fun items as prizes for drawings
And you can pray for a celebratory and inspiring annual gathering of the Navajo Episcopalians.
How do I volunteer for this ministry opportunity?
–First, register online as a volunteer on the ECN Convention website: 46th Convocation of the Episcopal
Church in Navajoland (google.com)
–Then, submit the Volunteer Registration form below to Kathleen Wells at kathleenwells1@yahoo.com
(either by PDF copy of this form as an attachment or by copying, pasting, and answering the registration
questions into a new email to Kathleen)
–Call Kathleen at 817.709.4207 with any questions or concerns.
–After receiving your registration, Kathleen will contact you by email about your volunteer assignments
and questions.