Who is invited to this celebration?
The entire diocese! This is a party to celebrate all of our shared ministries together with the Bishop and Bishop’s Staff. 

Are RSVPs required?
While not required, RSVPs are very helpful to us as we plan. We encourage you to RSVP here: https://form.jotform.com/231303721960145

Where do I enter the Celebration?
Guest entry (pedestrian only) is on the west side of Sherbrooke Rd, between North Park and South Park Blvds, near the Hathaway Brown tennis courts. A marked drop-off zone is on Sherbrooke, at the apron connected to the guest entry.

Will there be children’s and youth activities?
Activities for Children and Youth 5 years and above will be available on the Northwest side of the Turf Field, right next to the Courtyard. Look for the silver pop-up canopy with orange ribbons on it. There will be arts & crafts and games throughout the event.

Will there be childcare?
There will not be childcare for children five and under, though parents are welcome to accompany their children to the Pop-up Canopy area to play with their children.

Will there be food?
Yes, there will be an assortment of four food trucks. The diocese is covering the cost of this event - so all food will be free of charge. Some table seating is available, but most of the food offerings are hand-helds, and can be taken into the courtyard. Self-serve water and soft beverages will be available at several locations.

Where should I park?
Hathaway Brown’s North Park Blvd main entrance parking lot is available, with a short walk down Sherbrooke Rd to the celebration entry. Parking is available on surrounding streets, but be aware that guest entry is accessed from Sherbrooke Rd only. There is a marked drop-off zone at the Sherbrooke Rd guest entry. Drop-off is available for all, including wheelchair or limited mobility guests. Drivers can then find street parking or proceed to the First Baptist Church shuttle lot. Continuous shuttle service is provided, and recommended, from First Baptist Church parking lot to the Celebration guest entry at Hathaway Brown. Vehicles may enter the First Baptist lot from the 3630 Fairmount Blvd driveway, or from their Shelburne Rd parking entrance. 

Is this event handicap accessible?
The Celebration site is handicap accessible, although assistance may be needed on the courtyard grass area.

Will the event be canceled in the event of inclement weather?
We will celebrate together rain or shine. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move inside the school buildings for our fellowship and fun.

Should I bring anything?
Although there will be some chairs available around the courtyard, bring a blanket, if you’d like, for grass seating. Most of the courtyard is shaded, but the rest of the party area is open, so sunscreen is advised, as well as a hat or cap.

What will happen at the party?
The casual, outdoor, open-house feel lends itself to mingling, meeting new friends from around the diocese, and catching up with others. All honorees will be present …look for the Hawaiian shirts! Bishop Coadjutor Anne and David Jolly will be there, too! Large screens, running an all-afternoon loop of photos, will be dotted around the courtyard.

Live music by Forest City String Band
Informal presentations by several diocesan groups to the Bishops at 2:45
Program at 3:30 to honor each Bishop and Staff retiree 

Who are we honoring at the celebration?
We’ll honor our retiring Bishops and their spouses Mark and Sue Hollingsworth, Arthur and Lynette Williams, and Bill and Nancy Persell, as well as retiring Bishop’s Staff members The Revs. Brad Purdom, Percy Grant, and Ms. Sue Leishman and Mr. Bill Powel. We will also honor all of our shared ministry together as clergy, people, staff, and parishes over these two decades.