On May 5, a warm and sunny Saturday, more than 300 people came to Grace Cathedral to attend “Building the Beloved Community," for an opportunity to share in the visioning work of the diocese called for at 2006's Diocesan Convention. The day opened with the Liturgy of the Word, including the music of Jesse Manibusan, and culminating in a homily by the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus. Following the morning service, participants met in groups of 10 to 15 people for a facilitated discussion about their personal responses to the bishop's address and their vision for the future of the diocese.

Groups addressed vital questions about the visioning process, such as: "I wonder what the Diocese of California would look like as a beloved community?" "I wonder what we would need to build this beloved community?" "I wonder how you might participate as a member of the beloved community?" The small group sessions ended with each individual writing their prayers for the Diocese of California on colorful paper and tying them as a scroll, which was then collected for use in the afternoon liturgy.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in workshops designed to provide a space for furthering the visioning process. Continued reflection took place through art, liturgical dance, psalm writing, prayers of the people composition, labyrinth exploration, the music of Jesse Manibusan, centering prayer, and further conversation. Fruits of the reflection activities — the artistic expression of the beloved community — were incorporated into the afternoon Liturgy of the Table. Completed altarpiece panels were set by the altar, liturgical dance was used to present a net containing the participants' prayer scrolls, and the newly written psalm and prayers of the people were read. The day concluded with Andrus presiding over the Holy Eucharist. “Loved the dance and symbolism of the nets and the prayer scrolls caught in the nets,” wrote one participant.  “Y'all and y'all's are great words to include everyone. Bishop Marc's ability to relate to us by coming into the area of the crowd and singing and dancing with us is absolutely brilliant and energizing!”

Although the Visioning Conference day is over, the process of envisioning the future of the diocese will continue throughout the year. Data collected from the small group discussions will be presented at the Diocesan Convention in October. The prayer net and altarpiece panels, designed by Mel Ahlborn, President of the Episcopal Church in the Visual Arts will be available to inspire congregations around the diocese, and the small group inquiry methods can be replicated locally. Contact Faith Formation Coordinator Julia McCray-Goldsmith for details. Many different groups will participate in this process in many different ways throughout the year, enabling all members of the diocese to contribute their voices to the conversation.