Now that General Convention is over I find it difficult to describe either it or my feelings about it. Certainly, it is a huge event. Between the House of Deputies, the House of Bishops, the ECW Triennial and the exhibit hall, we covered around 15 acres of convention floor. Our largest Eucharist probably saw over 5,000 people. Every deputy received over 1,000 pages of legislation. I don’t have any idea of how much convention cost the church, but I don’t think $4 million is too high a guess. A hidden cost is that half of the deputies are lay people who have to take time away from work.
One of the good things coming out of this convention is a realization that GC is too big and too expensive. As a first step, the next convention in Indianapolis in 2012 will be shorter by 2 days. It will also generate much less paper, with a move towards electronic communications.
That was good news There was a lot of good news this convention. We voted to restore funding to the Millennium Development Goals to alleviate extreme poverty, eradicate preventable disease, provide universal education and other social issues identified by the UN.
We addressed the political and humanitarian crisis in Honduras, Pakistan, the Sudan and Palestine. We authorized funding for church based community development, starting with some of this countries poorest native people. We encouraged clergy to learn more about racism, domestic violence and human trafficking.
The convention modified the way names are added to our calendar and added several people for trial remembrances these next three years. We also approved several people who’s remembrances had been practiced these past 3 years. One of them was Harriet Bedell, a deaconess (that was the title back then) who worked with the Seminoles in what is now Lee, Collier and Monroe counties.
We shared in some incredible worship. I think the whole range of cultural, ethnic and traditional worship was experienced. We had outstanding preachers including Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefforts Schori, evangelist Brian McLaren, Native American bishop Steven Charleston and as a true high point for me, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.
There were , of course, difficult issues discussed. I have to say, though, that these issues were discussed in a non-contentious, courteous manner. That hasn’t always been true in the church and I truly appreciated it.
We had agreed in 2006 (resolution B033) to “use restraint” in the consent process for the ordination of bishops “whose manner of life may be objectionable” to other members of the Anglican Communion and that we would refrain from developing rites for the blessing of same sex unions. The big question before and during convention was “what will we do with B033? The answer is, really nothing. B033 is still in effect, however we did pass a couple of resolutions that many find to be contradictory of it.
D025 was passed by a clear majority in both houses which says that the Episcopal Church is committed to staying in the Anglican Communion. It also says the Church is not of one mind on the consecration of bishops living in partnered relationships or the blessing of those partnerships. It reminds us that such things have happened and may continue in the future, especially in those states where same sex marriage is allowed by law. The bishops also called for “the collecting” of existing texts for the blessing of same sex unions to be delivered at the next convention.
We also passed a resolution calling on the Church to do a detailed, historical and theological study of marriage before the Church decides whether to officially recognize same sex unions as acceptable models of Christian relationships.
Sadly, we voted in a budget that realistically anticipates a reduction in funds received from dioceses. 30 employees (mostly in support and clerical staff positions) of the Church will lose their jobs. The departments responsible for coordinating church wide efforts to end racism and to support women’s ministry have been closed. We did authorize a program to double the number of missionaries, which is a point of light in a rather dark instrument.
General Convention is a time for the Church to gather in council, but also in bonds of friendship. I saw some old friends and made some new ones. My spirit was lifted to the point of tears several times. My heart was broken, spilling different tears when I had to decide which of my friends and parishioners I’d disappoint in the way I would vote.
I have often called my self a centrist, but that never seemed so clear as this convention. I voted with the conservatives some times and the liberals other times. There were a few resolutions where I couldn’t find a place of comfort at all.
We, as a convention, called upon God to send His Holy Spirit upon us before every gathering. I didn’t get everything I wanted and it is natural, I guess, to say that the convention didn’t listen to God’s voice.
But, maybe we did.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday, July 17
It is finished! In 6 hours I'm in a shuttle heading to the airport. In 20 hours, I'm at home. I have really been homesick. Lots of emotion. Lots of tension. Late nights and early mornings. And every where one turns, there's a crowd. It has been at least a little daunting.
I know when I get home, people are going to ask me what happened. Part of me wants to say "Beats the heck out of me", but that wouldn't be nice.
In 10 legislative days, we heard and acted on over 400 pieces of legislation. Some were as simple as thanking someone for work they had done to a complete rewrite of the canons for clergy discipline.
And of course, what would a General Convention be without talking about sex? Today we acted on a resolution that has gotten a lot of attention. Let me make this real clear. We did not allow the consecration of partnered gay men or lesbians as bishops. We did say that we are of different minds on the matter. While still being asked to use restraint in consenting to such consecrations, we recognize that it may happen. The same is true of same-sex unions whatever they may be called. This is a particular concern in those 6 states that allow same-sex marriage.
In southwest Florida, nothing will change. This is good news to some and bad news to others. I don't think anyone here thought themselves winners. Facing difficult issues while respecting those with whom you disagree is difficult.
I promise to post again when I can get home and process all that has happened. I have tried to link this blog to the resolutions I mentioned, but the web site is down. I'll try again in a couple of days.
Thanks for visiting. Good night.
I know when I get home, people are going to ask me what happened. Part of me wants to say "Beats the heck out of me", but that wouldn't be nice.
In 10 legislative days, we heard and acted on over 400 pieces of legislation. Some were as simple as thanking someone for work they had done to a complete rewrite of the canons for clergy discipline.
And of course, what would a General Convention be without talking about sex? Today we acted on a resolution that has gotten a lot of attention. Let me make this real clear. We did not allow the consecration of partnered gay men or lesbians as bishops. We did say that we are of different minds on the matter. While still being asked to use restraint in consenting to such consecrations, we recognize that it may happen. The same is true of same-sex unions whatever they may be called. This is a particular concern in those 6 states that allow same-sex marriage.
In southwest Florida, nothing will change. This is good news to some and bad news to others. I don't think anyone here thought themselves winners. Facing difficult issues while respecting those with whom you disagree is difficult.
I promise to post again when I can get home and process all that has happened. I have tried to link this blog to the resolutions I mentioned, but the web site is down. I'll try again in a couple of days.
Thanks for visiting. Good night.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, July 16
One more day! I'm ready.
We passed the budget today. We absolutely gutted the church-wide support staff. A bunch of people lost their jobs today. It wasn't the decision makers. It was program staff that helped dioceses with mission and ministry. There is no one to educate the church on racism, or women's issues. There was no joy.
I've avoided making this an editorial blog, but I need to change that.
I have heard for years that the only way to influence the "national church" is to withhold money. Yep, we showed them. Someone may have to get their own coffee because we just fired an entry level clerk. Now no one will waste our money on the liberal, pro-gay agenda by working with the poorest Americans on Native People's land. Protesting with money is short-sighted. It hurts the wrong people and doesn't make nearly the statement engagement does.
End of soap-box #1.
We recognized the deputations from the 4 dioceses that have been reformulated after their diocese left the church: Fort Worth, Pittsburgh, San Joaquin and Quincy. They're all a lot smaller than they were, but they are here and that made a powerful witness to those of us who will stay in the church that formed us. Good for them.
I've learned a lot these past 10 days. I miss my family and my church. I need to go on a fast for about a month. But, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this opportunity to see the wider church in action. It's not always pretty. Hard work seldom is. We have done good things. And, we've done somethings I wish had gone differently.
I truly believe that God has heard our prayers. We asked Him to direct us to do His will. Who am I to think He didn't, or that we didn't listen.
One more marathon day.
Good night.
We passed the budget today. We absolutely gutted the church-wide support staff. A bunch of people lost their jobs today. It wasn't the decision makers. It was program staff that helped dioceses with mission and ministry. There is no one to educate the church on racism, or women's issues. There was no joy.
I've avoided making this an editorial blog, but I need to change that.
I have heard for years that the only way to influence the "national church" is to withhold money. Yep, we showed them. Someone may have to get their own coffee because we just fired an entry level clerk. Now no one will waste our money on the liberal, pro-gay agenda by working with the poorest Americans on Native People's land. Protesting with money is short-sighted. It hurts the wrong people and doesn't make nearly the statement engagement does.
End of soap-box #1.
We recognized the deputations from the 4 dioceses that have been reformulated after their diocese left the church: Fort Worth, Pittsburgh, San Joaquin and Quincy. They're all a lot smaller than they were, but they are here and that made a powerful witness to those of us who will stay in the church that formed us. Good for them.
I've learned a lot these past 10 days. I miss my family and my church. I need to go on a fast for about a month. But, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this opportunity to see the wider church in action. It's not always pretty. Hard work seldom is. We have done good things. And, we've done somethings I wish had gone differently.
I truly believe that God has heard our prayers. We asked Him to direct us to do His will. Who am I to think He didn't, or that we didn't listen.
One more marathon day.
Good night.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 15
Boy, an awful lot went on today.
We heard a presentation from the budget committee. Someone said that they saw "crisis and opportunity" in the budget. Well, I guess you can say that.
The budget does reflect a 1% per year reduction in what the church asks the dioceses to give. It also calls for reduction in staff programs. Once again, it is the work that directly effects people in need that get cut. We haven't passed it yet. That will probably be tomorrow.
Two big things made it through both houses today. The first is a church-wide pension plan for most lay employees. The other is a church-wide insurance plan for full-time lay employees. St. Hilary's currently offers these, but in a little different manner than now mandated. We'll be impacted, but not by much. I can't imagine anyone losing a benefit they already have.
Bishop Stephen Charleston of the diocese of California preached at the Eucharist. Some of the women reading this know him from the Believe in a Miracle retreat. Bishop Charleston is a Native American and brought his heritage into the sermon on ecological stewardship. He is one of the best preachers I have ever heard.
Tomorrow will be a long day. We will probably have to meet in session into the night to do all the business we've been given. So, I'll say good night.
We heard a presentation from the budget committee. Someone said that they saw "crisis and opportunity" in the budget. Well, I guess you can say that.
The budget does reflect a 1% per year reduction in what the church asks the dioceses to give. It also calls for reduction in staff programs. Once again, it is the work that directly effects people in need that get cut. We haven't passed it yet. That will probably be tomorrow.
Two big things made it through both houses today. The first is a church-wide pension plan for most lay employees. The other is a church-wide insurance plan for full-time lay employees. St. Hilary's currently offers these, but in a little different manner than now mandated. We'll be impacted, but not by much. I can't imagine anyone losing a benefit they already have.
Bishop Stephen Charleston of the diocese of California preached at the Eucharist. Some of the women reading this know him from the Believe in a Miracle retreat. Bishop Charleston is a Native American and brought his heritage into the sermon on ecological stewardship. He is one of the best preachers I have ever heard.
Tomorrow will be a long day. We will probably have to meet in session into the night to do all the business we've been given. So, I'll say good night.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, July 14
We finished all of our committee work. That means that means we have reviewed, reworked, debated and sent on to the House of Bishops 33 resolutions all having to do with urban and social justice issues. A few have passed through both houses and are in effect. Some are still in either house. Some will never see the light of day. We have 3 legislative days left and probably around a hundred of resolutions to pass. Each committee has prioritized 5 resolutions that we felt needed to be heard this year.
The amount of work expected of the deputies and bishops is borderline ridiculous. some things flow through quickly. But, many of them require a lot of research and testimony and face amendment or substitution on the floor. Sometimes they go back to committee and the process starts again.
Although the media might disagree, one of the most important pieces of legislation passed through both houses today. The section of our canons (rules) that has to do with clergy misconduct has been completely rewritten. We have been working on this for 5 or 6 years.
We've recommitted the church to work with those with HIV/AIDS and to fight the spread of several life threatening diseases. We have recommitted the church to an exploration of the causes and effects of racism.
And, we have passed a resolution that recognizes the church's reality as it relates to gay and lesbian committed relationships and ordination. We did not authorize liturgies for same-sex blessings. We did say that we truly desire to remain in relationship with the Anglican Communion but must remain true to our structure and cultural reality.
We are not done hearing about this and related issues. I ask again to not base your view of the church's actions on the basis of the media, including church publications. When I read what a church owned media outlet said about one of the resolutions, I had to double check the number because it sure didn't sound like anything we worked on.
Your deputation has been working hard. And, we have stolen a moment here or there to have some fun. We try to eat dinner together and tend to get a tad rowdy. So far we haven't been kicked out of any restaurants, but we have a couple days to try.
My committee is done, so I get to sleep in til 8:00.
Good night.
The amount of work expected of the deputies and bishops is borderline ridiculous. some things flow through quickly. But, many of them require a lot of research and testimony and face amendment or substitution on the floor. Sometimes they go back to committee and the process starts again.
Although the media might disagree, one of the most important pieces of legislation passed through both houses today. The section of our canons (rules) that has to do with clergy misconduct has been completely rewritten. We have been working on this for 5 or 6 years.
We've recommitted the church to work with those with HIV/AIDS and to fight the spread of several life threatening diseases. We have recommitted the church to an exploration of the causes and effects of racism.
And, we have passed a resolution that recognizes the church's reality as it relates to gay and lesbian committed relationships and ordination. We did not authorize liturgies for same-sex blessings. We did say that we truly desire to remain in relationship with the Anglican Communion but must remain true to our structure and cultural reality.
We are not done hearing about this and related issues. I ask again to not base your view of the church's actions on the basis of the media, including church publications. When I read what a church owned media outlet said about one of the resolutions, I had to double check the number because it sure didn't sound like anything we worked on.
Your deputation has been working hard. And, we have stolen a moment here or there to have some fun. We try to eat dinner together and tend to get a tad rowdy. So far we haven't been kicked out of any restaurants, but we have a couple days to try.
My committee is done, so I get to sleep in til 8:00.
Good night.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, July 13
Today was my day off. My colleague Gigi Connor sat on the floor in my stead. I read, slept and, that's about it.
I'll catch up tomorrow and post more tomorrow night. All I know is what I've read on the Episcopal News Service, and as I wrote to you, don't believe what you read. So I'll wait.
Good night
I'll catch up tomorrow and post more tomorrow night. All I know is what I've read on the Episcopal News Service, and as I wrote to you, don't believe what you read. So I'll wait.
Good night
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday, July 12
Today started with the Eucharist for all the people involved with this convention. I would guess at 5,000 or so. It was a mass (pardon the pun) of bishops, priests, deacons and lay folk all praising God and sharing the moment with each other.
I can't put my finger on why this happened, but at the entrance and exit hymns, my eyes filled and I had to choke back sobs. The sound. the visuals. The power of people coming together to worship God through His Son. I noticed a lot of wet cheeks.
I don't know if the local press have gotten a hold of this yet, but the first of the resolutions dealing with how we continue to live in relationship with the broader Anglican Communion came to the House of Deputies today. It passed in our house, so now it goes to the bishops.
I don't want to try to explain the resolution we did pass. It is very long and detailed. It is available in an edited version at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_ENG_HTM.htm What ends up coming from the bishops may not look anything like what we passed.
Let me say that it was more an explanation of what the reality is on the ground now. It expresses our fervent desire to remain in relationship with the Anglican Communion while staying true to our structure and way of deciding difficult things.
Please, please don't believe everything you read (even this). What it means for our parishes is not yet clear. And remember, we are only half way through the convention.
Tomorrow, I won't be on the floor of the convention. Each of the elected deputies has agreed to give up two legislative sessions to allow our alternates to experience being a voting deputy. it's not a complete day off. I still have committee meetings, but I do get 6 hours to nap and read.
Now that we have passed the mid-point, coming home is just visible on the horizon. Thanks be to God.
I can't put my finger on why this happened, but at the entrance and exit hymns, my eyes filled and I had to choke back sobs. The sound. the visuals. The power of people coming together to worship God through His Son. I noticed a lot of wet cheeks.
I don't know if the local press have gotten a hold of this yet, but the first of the resolutions dealing with how we continue to live in relationship with the broader Anglican Communion came to the House of Deputies today. It passed in our house, so now it goes to the bishops.
I don't want to try to explain the resolution we did pass. It is very long and detailed. It is available in an edited version at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_ENG_HTM.htm What ends up coming from the bishops may not look anything like what we passed.
Let me say that it was more an explanation of what the reality is on the ground now. It expresses our fervent desire to remain in relationship with the Anglican Communion while staying true to our structure and way of deciding difficult things.
Please, please don't believe everything you read (even this). What it means for our parishes is not yet clear. And remember, we are only half way through the convention.
Tomorrow, I won't be on the floor of the convention. Each of the elected deputies has agreed to give up two legislative sessions to allow our alternates to experience being a voting deputy. it's not a complete day off. I still have committee meetings, but I do get 6 hours to nap and read.
Now that we have passed the mid-point, coming home is just visible on the horizon. Thanks be to God.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, July 11
I guess I hadn't realized how tired I was. When I got up today, I felt a bit shaky. All morning, I just couldn't focus. I was physically and emotionally wiped out. After a good long nap, I was able to get back some of my vitality and focus.
Important work is getting done. In a day or so, I expect the convention to commit to new and exciting mission initiatives among the poorest people in this country, mostly in Native American communities.
The "hot button" issues concerning same sex marriage, our relationship with the Anglican Communion and other emotion laden issues are being discussed in committees and should be ready for floor action in a few days. That will be when the media will show an interest.
We are committing large sums of money and human resources to ending poverty, saving lives and bringing the power of God's love to people throughout the world. We are discussing how best to fund theological education. We are providing resources to small and impoverished congregations. And yet, what will get the ink is sex.
It's easy to be at least a bit cynical, but it is also apparent that God's grace and mercy are at work here as well. Everyone here, regardless of political stance, loves God, prays to Jesus and hopes for the help of the Holy Spirit. Everyone here wants the Episcopal Church to fulfill its mission of reconciling the world to each other and God through God's Son, Jesus Christ. It's the how that separates us.
Tomorrow, we will celebrate that unity with a huge Eucharist including the ECW and the larger community. We will proclaim Christ, pass the Peace and eat the body of Christ that we truly be the Body of Christ to the world.
We will pray that God's will be done. The hard part may be believing that it has.
Good night, beloved in Christ.
Important work is getting done. In a day or so, I expect the convention to commit to new and exciting mission initiatives among the poorest people in this country, mostly in Native American communities.
The "hot button" issues concerning same sex marriage, our relationship with the Anglican Communion and other emotion laden issues are being discussed in committees and should be ready for floor action in a few days. That will be when the media will show an interest.
We are committing large sums of money and human resources to ending poverty, saving lives and bringing the power of God's love to people throughout the world. We are discussing how best to fund theological education. We are providing resources to small and impoverished congregations. And yet, what will get the ink is sex.
It's easy to be at least a bit cynical, but it is also apparent that God's grace and mercy are at work here as well. Everyone here, regardless of political stance, loves God, prays to Jesus and hopes for the help of the Holy Spirit. Everyone here wants the Episcopal Church to fulfill its mission of reconciling the world to each other and God through God's Son, Jesus Christ. It's the how that separates us.
Tomorrow, we will celebrate that unity with a huge Eucharist including the ECW and the larger community. We will proclaim Christ, pass the Peace and eat the body of Christ that we truly be the Body of Christ to the world.
We will pray that God's will be done. The hard part may be believing that it has.
Good night, beloved in Christ.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, July 10
A little less hectic today. I actually had 3 hours for dinner. I may get spoiled.
A lot of business got done in the House of Deputies. Nothing that will make the news, I expect, but meaningful nonetheless.
One of the main priorities for this convention is helping to alleviate extreme poverty hear and abroad. My sub-committee has looked at several resolutions that not only urge us to be more responsive to the needs of the poor, but allocating substantial funds to these efforts.
It is these kinds of things that are funded by that portion of our pledges that go to the church Center. I always knew that, but working with the budget requests of so many worthwhile ministries has give me a new2 perspective on the workings of the Episcopal Church at a national and international level.
Convention doesn't stop for the weekend, so it's another early day tomorrow.
A lot of business got done in the House of Deputies. Nothing that will make the news, I expect, but meaningful nonetheless.
One of the main priorities for this convention is helping to alleviate extreme poverty hear and abroad. My sub-committee has looked at several resolutions that not only urge us to be more responsive to the needs of the poor, but allocating substantial funds to these efforts.
It is these kinds of things that are funded by that portion of our pledges that go to the church Center. I always knew that, but working with the budget requests of so many worthwhile ministries has give me a new2 perspective on the workings of the Episcopal Church at a national and international level.
Convention doesn't stop for the weekend, so it's another early day tomorrow.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday, July 9
Very busy and very interesting day.
We started out with hearings at 7:00 am. Then we worked on some of the legislation set before us. We're looking at ways the Episcopal Church can address the crisis of poverty both domestically and internationally. As with every group, resources are tight. I think we'll end up with a good strategy.
You may start seeing items in the secular press about some of the issues facing us, most particularly issues around gay marriage (6 states now allow same sex marriage), civil unions, ordination and other issues. Please don't jump to any conclusions.
As I've said elsewhere, I am thankful for the graciousness that seems to permeate the discussions. I have felt respected and heard even in those situations where I am a lone (or nearly lone) voice.
Well, it's time for our last meeting of the day.
Good night, and thank you for your prayers.
We started out with hearings at 7:00 am. Then we worked on some of the legislation set before us. We're looking at ways the Episcopal Church can address the crisis of poverty both domestically and internationally. As with every group, resources are tight. I think we'll end up with a good strategy.
You may start seeing items in the secular press about some of the issues facing us, most particularly issues around gay marriage (6 states now allow same sex marriage), civil unions, ordination and other issues. Please don't jump to any conclusions.
As I've said elsewhere, I am thankful for the graciousness that seems to permeate the discussions. I have felt respected and heard even in those situations where I am a lone (or nearly lone) voice.
Well, it's time for our last meeting of the day.
Good night, and thank you for your prayers.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 8
I want to give an idea of the size of General Convention. In terms of people, we have nearly 1,200 deputies and bishops. With the ECW meeting at the same time and all the visitors, staff and vendors, there are around 10,000 people here for convention.
We are meeting in the Anaheim Convention Center. This place is huge. The room we meet in is 147,000 square feet. That's 3 and a third acres. Our worship space is 221,000 square feet or 5 acres. Our exhibitors are in a space of 3 and a half acres. That doesn't include the ECW space, the bishop's meeting room or the various committee hearing rooms.
We had our opening Eucharist today. It was awe inspiring. The presiding bishop preached a very good sermon about transplanting our heart with the heart of Jesus. The music was fantastic and from the many different cultures the episcopal Church finds herself.
This evening we heard the Archbisop of Canterbury speak on the church's role in the economic crisis facing much of the world. He is a truly inspiring man.
Our committee had hearings today on a number of issues. It's heartening to see people of different view points telling their stories in an atmosphere of true respect. It is not what I have always experienced elsewhere.
Tomorrow is an early day filled with meetings, so I'll say, "good night".
We are meeting in the Anaheim Convention Center. This place is huge. The room we meet in is 147,000 square feet. That's 3 and a third acres. Our worship space is 221,000 square feet or 5 acres. Our exhibitors are in a space of 3 and a half acres. That doesn't include the ECW space, the bishop's meeting room or the various committee hearing rooms.
We had our opening Eucharist today. It was awe inspiring. The presiding bishop preached a very good sermon about transplanting our heart with the heart of Jesus. The music was fantastic and from the many different cultures the episcopal Church finds herself.
This evening we heard the Archbisop of Canterbury speak on the church's role in the economic crisis facing much of the world. He is a truly inspiring man.
Our committee had hearings today on a number of issues. It's heartening to see people of different view points telling their stories in an atmosphere of true respect. It is not what I have always experienced elsewhere.
Tomorrow is an early day filled with meetings, so I'll say, "good night".
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday, July 7
Today could perhaps be called the "day of preparation". We started meeting in legislative committees and actually had a hearing on 4 resolutions. After people talk about the resolution, the committee then meets to formulate the actual text the houses will vote on.
It's an interesting process. It really shows the breadth of experience the deputies have. There have been a couple of times that a resolution looked like a "no-brainer" to one person, but was laden with problems for another.
It's important to me that we only present items that will actually be done by congregations. One thing has to do with setting aside a Sunday for a specific purpose. We, at St. Hilary's have recognized Cursillo Sunday, Day Spring Sunday and others. You know, there are only 52 Sundays a year. Sooner or later we're going to run out. So I'm hoping we can come up with a more creative idea as to how we recognize issues and organizations in the life of the Church.
I continue to run into old friends. I saw my youngest daughter, Stephanie's "God Bishop" today. He is now the bishop of Northwest Texas. I don't know how we'll arrange it, but I'm looking forward to spending some time with he and his wife.
A funny thing. We're not far from Disneyland. My first night, I kept hearing fireworks. I thought that being July 5, it was just a late 4th celebration. But no. I'm listening to them right now. Every night of the year people in this area get to hear Disney's fireworks. I guess you get used to it.
And now, I say good night.
It's an interesting process. It really shows the breadth of experience the deputies have. There have been a couple of times that a resolution looked like a "no-brainer" to one person, but was laden with problems for another.
It's important to me that we only present items that will actually be done by congregations. One thing has to do with setting aside a Sunday for a specific purpose. We, at St. Hilary's have recognized Cursillo Sunday, Day Spring Sunday and others. You know, there are only 52 Sundays a year. Sooner or later we're going to run out. So I'm hoping we can come up with a more creative idea as to how we recognize issues and organizations in the life of the Church.
I continue to run into old friends. I saw my youngest daughter, Stephanie's "God Bishop" today. He is now the bishop of Northwest Texas. I don't know how we'll arrange it, but I'm looking forward to spending some time with he and his wife.
A funny thing. We're not far from Disneyland. My first night, I kept hearing fireworks. I thought that being July 5, it was just a late 4th celebration. But no. I'm listening to them right now. Every night of the year people in this area get to hear Disney's fireworks. I guess you get used to it.
And now, I say good night.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, July 6
Well, I'm here. I'm staying the Hilton right at the convention center. We went over to the center to register. That place is HUGE. I guess it has to be. I heard someone say that there will be upwards of 10,000 people here.
Already I've seen a couple of old friends.
Things really start tomorrow with legislative committees at 8:00 am. I am on the Urban and Social Concerns committee and the Economic Justice sub-committee. It should be very interesting.
More later.
Already I've seen a couple of old friends.
Things really start tomorrow with legislative committees at 8:00 am. I am on the Urban and Social Concerns committee and the Economic Justice sub-committee. It should be very interesting.
More later.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Saturday Before GC
Now it's time to get all that last minute stuff. It's hard to pack for a 13 day trip. Do I plan on doing laundry? Do I pack enough so I don't have to? Do I need a suit? Will I have time to work-out? Will I work-out even if I have time?
I got the pool done. That should last until I get back. It might be a little green, but nothing we haven't had before.
Every deputy to the GC has something called the "Blue Book" which contains all the reports to GC from committees. It's 8 1/2 by 11 and 4 inches thick. And, it's maroon, not blue. Go figure. Really exciting reading (not). I almost need a separate suitcase for it. Some people ship it to and from convention. I'm going to keep track of how often I actually open it.
Stephy (15) is going to Philadelphia for a mission trip. She has her follow-up with her RND doctor on Monday at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). Kari is flying up with the mission team and then coming home on Tuesday. So, we're all competing for washer/dryer time. They have to be at the airport at 5:30 am tomorrow. I don't have to be there until 11:30, so I'm not going to go with them. I've got a later ride.
There are going to be a lot of blogs, I'm sure. I'll try to recommend some if I can.
You can get more news, etc. from the Episcopal Church's web site
http://www.iamepiscopalian.org/
Bob
I got the pool done. That should last until I get back. It might be a little green, but nothing we haven't had before.
Every deputy to the GC has something called the "Blue Book" which contains all the reports to GC from committees. It's 8 1/2 by 11 and 4 inches thick. And, it's maroon, not blue. Go figure. Really exciting reading (not). I almost need a separate suitcase for it. Some people ship it to and from convention. I'm going to keep track of how often I actually open it.
Stephy (15) is going to Philadelphia for a mission trip. She has her follow-up with her RND doctor on Monday at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). Kari is flying up with the mission team and then coming home on Tuesday. So, we're all competing for washer/dryer time. They have to be at the airport at 5:30 am tomorrow. I don't have to be there until 11:30, so I'm not going to go with them. I've got a later ride.
There are going to be a lot of blogs, I'm sure. I'll try to recommend some if I can.
You can get more news, etc. from the Episcopal Church's web site
http://www.iamepiscopalian.org/
Bob
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Getting Ready
General Convention begins Tuesday, July 7, but we're going on Sunday, July 5 to get settled in and have time to organize a bit.
I'm really excited about going. I went in 2003 as an alternate, but had to come home on the first legislative day due to a family emergency. Let's hope that doesn't happen again!
The House of Deputies is organized into legislative committees. I am on the Social and Urban Concerns committee and on the Economic Justice subcommittee. I'm not sure I know what all this will entail, but I've been told to expect 4 or 5 hours of sleep.
We've got a great deputation this year. I'm looking forward to working with them.
I can't promise that I will post every day. I'll try.
Please keep General Convention in your prayers.
Bob
I'm really excited about going. I went in 2003 as an alternate, but had to come home on the first legislative day due to a family emergency. Let's hope that doesn't happen again!
The House of Deputies is organized into legislative committees. I am on the Social and Urban Concerns committee and on the Economic Justice subcommittee. I'm not sure I know what all this will entail, but I've been told to expect 4 or 5 hours of sleep.
We've got a great deputation this year. I'm looking forward to working with them.
I can't promise that I will post every day. I'll try.
Please keep General Convention in your prayers.
Bob
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