RELATED LINKS:
“Convocation Communion”
“October 11, 2014: Chapel Readings”
“The Yungay Pilgrimage Experience 2014”
“Ordinations October 2014″
“’On Being in the Sun’: Confessions of a Japanthropologist”
“Thank You for Attending 2014 Convocation”

Visitors from Japan for 2014 Convocation PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
The 2014 Convocation of members of the International Community of Cosolargy/Christ took place from October 8 to October 12, with a residence training program for members who needed to complete that requirement (or who wanted to review it) beginning on October 8.

Sean Savoy presenting during Residence Training session at Red Rock Sanctuary PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Sean Savoy presenting during Residence Training session at Camp Galilee lodge PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
This was the first presentation of the revised and updated residence training program originally presented in 1978; the updated version was well received. The plenary sessions began on Friday October 10 with registration and orientation at the Chancellery, followed by a trip up the mountain to the Episcopal Church’s Camp Galilee conference hall on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Shinobu Uwataki on the grounds at Camp Galilee PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
There, the Clergy Counsels were presented by Head Bishop Gene Savoy, including Community reports on efforts to secure tax-exempt status for Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary; plans to establish Cosolargy Communities in Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, and Europe; and an audiovisual presentation on his and Rev. Canon Ted Staver’s trip to Seoul, Korea, in September for the World Alliance of Religions Peace Conference.

Gene Savoy Jr. presents commentary on Peace Summit held in Korea. PHOTO: Robert Roy
The Bishop reported making several important contacts with representatives of other denominations and religions from around the world, most of whom appeared to be sincerely interested in Cosolargy. Bishop Savoy was also invited to apply to make a presentation at the prestigious Parliament of the World’s Religions to be held in October 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah, a golden opportunity to make The Community’s presence and work better known around the world. In light of these developments, the Bishop also announced the reactivation of the Advocates for Religious Rights and Freedoms, a branch of Cosolargy International that has been on hiatus for a few years. After an organic vegetarian luncheon provided by the camp’s staff in the refectory, the day’s events continued outdoors with a reading by Bishop Savoy of excerpts of the Prophecy to the Races of Man. This prophecy has great relevance to The Church’s present situation and point of evolution and the direction it is taking. Bishop Savoy’s subsequent commentary elaborated on this theme.

Gene Savoy Jr. presenting Counsels commentary on Prophecy to the Races of Man on Lake Tahoe shore PHOTO: Stephan Fulling

First circle of audience members in attendance at Counsels commentary PHOTO: Robert Roy

Elizabeth Reece at Counsels on Tahoe shore PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
Afterward, participants caravaned down the mountain and up another to historic Gold Hill, Nevada, site of the famous Comstock Mine, just outside Virginia City. There, participants gathered at the historic Gold Hill Hotel for the 24th Annual Spirit of Exploration Reception and Awards ceremony of the Andean Explorers Foundation. Foundation president Sean Savoy presented a travelogue of the recent Sacred Sites of Peru tour and pilgrimage while participants sipped wine and savored hors d’oeuvres du chef.

Sean Savoy presenting 2014 Peru Tour travelogue PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
As is traditional at the awards ceremony, the passing of supporters of the Foundation during the past year was commemorated and awards to supporters and participants of the tour were handed out.

Sonya Savoy distributes award certificates at Andean Explorers Awards Reception. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
After the program concluded, an optional dinner at the hotel’s restaurant was enjoyed by almost everyone attending. On Saturday morning, participants gathered at the Chapel of the Holy Child in Reno for a Community Communion Service, followed by the first-level ordinations in the Bishop’s Chambers of Consociates Paul Schmitendorf, Syotaro Hagihara, Junko Yamamori, Yukako Kawai, and Hiroko Soejima.

Ordinands pose with Japanese guests PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
An informal reception was held in the Chancellery vestibule for the new ordinands. Saturday afternoon saw the final session of the Residency Training program in the Chapel of the Holy Child.

Shinobu Uwataki greets Matthew Fisher in greeting line after Sunrise Divine Service PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Children gathered at Cathedral Church after service PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
On Sunday morning, as per usual, a concelebrated Sunrise Divine Service was held at the Cathedral Church of the Americas at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary, followed by a sumptuous outdoor breakfast hosted by Revs. Mary and Peter Foust at the Refectory.

Open-air breakfast table prepared by Mary and Peter Foust PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Miyuki, Noriko and Junko in good spirits at breakfast PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Jim Elliott’s birthday celebrated at breakfast PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
The Convocation was concluded with the Human Spiritual Rights Reception at the Rectory Abbey on Carmel (the Bishop’s residence) on Sunday afternoon.

Human Spiritual Rights banquet table prepared by Jamila Savoy PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Helena Savoy visiting guests in the courtyard at Bishopstead PHOTO: Shinobu Uwataki

Joseph Roy visited with guests indoors at Bishopstead. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling
RELATED LINKS:
“Convocation Communion”
“October 11, 2014: Chapel Readings”
“The Yungay Pilgrimage Experience 2014”
“Ordinations October 2014″
“’On Being in the Sun’: Confessions of a Japanthropologist”
“Thank You for Attending 2014 Convocation”