Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who regularly and enthusiastically preaches on the power of love, led a spirited revival at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, California . The revival, entitled The Good News Festival, was hosted by the Diocese of San Diego.
The weekend started with a reception and dinner on Friday night. This was followed on Saturday by a free trade Marketplace, and nine workshops throughout the day. Among the workshops offered were, Evangelism in the 21st Century; Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights; Border, Migration and Jesus; Creation Crisis and Care; and Food Security and Faith Communities.
The Good News Festival Revival was held Saturday night. My wife Doris and I were fortunate to be present for this revival and it was nothing short of amazing. We understood the enormity of the event when we walked into the revival space and saw 1500 chairs in place. There was a praise band playing and energetic, uplifting, foot stomping music was playing as we entered to find our seats. There were beautiful banners from around the diocese and the procession was led by a multitude of children and youth. It was truly a joyful sight to behold.
And then there he was walking along side The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego---the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, The Most Rev. Michael Curry. He didn't so mush process down the aisle as he did dance down the aisle with that unmistakable enthusiasm we have come to associate with him.
Let me make one observation here. The pulpit hasn't been built that can constrain Presiding Bishop Curry when he preaches. Oh there was a very nice pulpit at center stage but it stood alone during most of the sermon. Bishop Curry worked the entire stage with all the joy and exuberance we have come to know and love. The sparkle in his eyes was evident even at the back of that convention center. He did not disappoint. His message was about love...love...love. That message carried over the next day when he preached at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
It was an honor, a privilege and a blessing to be present at this revival. The Diocese of Missouri has much to look forward to next year at our diocesan convention when Presiding Bishop Curry joins us, November 2-4, 2023. Mark you calendars now! Joyfully submitted by The Rev. Shug Goodlow, Assistant Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Ellisville, Missouri