The Rev. Wes Sedlacek
Home Congregation: Samaritan Health Services (but connected to St. Martin’s in Lebanon)
Number of General Conventions attended: 5
Legislative Committee: Stewardship and Socially Responsible Investing
Why is General Convention important to you?
When I was ordained, I felt I was being called to change the church. Little did I know that my role in changing the church would primarily happen as a Deputy. My first General Convention came during the struggles after the consecration of Bp. Gene Robinson. I have since had many opportunities to vote for significant actions to further transform our Church into a place where justice is sought and the dignity of all people could be honored and upheld. I’m interested to see what God has in store for us this year.
What are you looking forward to the most for this year’s General Convention?
My perspective has changed, as the plans for the Convention have changed. Initially, I was most looking forward to interacting with all the people who would be attending. As the pandemic has lingered on, and our attendance and days for Convention have been decreased, I am now looking forward to how we will accomplish the work we have to do in an efficient manner.
What is one thing you want people in Oregon to know about General Convention?
The worship experiences are amazing! At previous General Conventions, I have been introduced to new music and new prayers that I then bring home and incorporate into my life. Having that many Episcopalians gathered into one space is very cool, and God’s presence is tangible.
What is something about yourself that you’d like the diocese to know?
I have a yardstick from Ss. Peter & Paul in Portland, which was an ordination gift from my mom. There are two reasons why that yardstick is significant. One is because when I was three- or four years old, I used to process down the aisle of the church, carrying that yardstick as if it were the processional cross. That seems to be the start of my calling to be active in the Episcopal Church. The second reason it is significant is that it represents just one gift among many that my mom, Jan Sedlacek, has given me. I am forever grateful to her for the way she raised me, for the love and respect she showed and taught, and for our ongoing relationship – all of which are the gifts that I cherish…in addition to that yardstick.
Sydney Fitzpatrick
Home Congregation: Christ Church Parish, Lake Oswego
Number of General Conventions attended: 1
Legislative Committee: Title IV
Why is General Convention important to you?
It is important to me because legislative actions shape the future of the church. Legislative process and policymaking have long been interests of mine in both the church and secular contexts.
What are you looking forward to the most for this year’s General Convention?
Meeting new friends and seeing old friends. Every Episcopal Church group event national, diocesan, or local is like a family reunion, often with family members, you have not met before.
What is one thing you want people in Oregon to know about General Convention?
That it matters to each of us.
If we love the church and care about our future as a denomination, General Convention impacts how we live into our faith as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement.
What is something about yourself that you’d like the diocese to know?
I have been to all but ten of our churches in this Diocese, primarily through teaching SAFE Church. The accomplishment of which I am most proud is raising two amazing women as a single mom.