I’ve just eaten my last breakfast bowl of instant oatmeal, dried fruit, and walnuts in my Anaheim hotel room and will soon be leaving the eternal sunshine of southern California for the sweet hills of the Upper Valley and home.
It’s probably too soon for a competent assessment of General Convention 2009, but I’m pretty sure that what will long linger is my sure sense of a church that is pulling together, toward a future securely rooted in the love of God and in the confidence that God is working God’s purposes in the church. Those purposes include the inclusion and tender care of all God’s people–most especially the marginalized and those in need. We have work to do, and we are prepared to do that work together.
The way in which we do that work together will be leaner, more economical of resources, than it has been in the past. And this is a good thing. It will encourage us to be more resourceful and creative. We will discover new ways of doing things and doing them better.
I leave Convention with a renewed sense of wonder at the breadth and depth of our Episcopal Church. The people gathered under the “tent” of the dazzlingly huge Anaheim Convention Center were wondrously diverse and gathered from far and wide. A member of our PB&F Committee, representing Province IX, travels to meetings from Bogota, Colombia and is assisted by an interpreter. I was tutored and stretched by the testimonies and opinions offered at committee hearings and during debate in the House of Deputies.
All of us on the New Hampshire deputation look forward to reporting the Convention to you. In the meantime, keep checking this blog for more................
Looking forward to home,
Judith
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The end of legislation . . . now back to the mission!
by Susan Buchanan
General Convention is such a jam-packed time - with committee meetings starting at 7:30 in the morning (sometimes earlier) and hearings or meetings or other events lasting until what might normally be considered bedtime. I didn't have time for dinner every day, although I did manage to grab some kind of lunch daily. Breakfast was instant oatmeal and fruit in my room. A granola bar would usually go with me to the floor of the House of Deputies. I am sorry that I had so little time to write during this Convention, but kept an eye on the blog to make sure that something was going up almost daily. The intent was never to have every person blogging a lot, but to make sure that as a group we tried to keep in touch.
General Convention is such a jam-packed time - with committee meetings starting at 7:30 in the morning (sometimes earlier) and hearings or meetings or other events lasting until what might normally be considered bedtime. I didn't have time for dinner every day, although I did manage to grab some kind of lunch daily. Breakfast was instant oatmeal and fruit in my room. A granola bar would usually go with me to the floor of the House of Deputies. I am sorry that I had so little time to write during this Convention, but kept an eye on the blog to make sure that something was going up almost daily. The intent was never to have every person blogging a lot, but to make sure that as a group we tried to keep in touch.
There is a bit of regret at having been in a place with lots of sunshine and clear skies . . . and managing to only be outdoors long enough to take the short walk between hotel and Convention Center, or the longer walks to a place to eat dinner. But I do look forward to the milder temperatures back in New Hampshire! I don't do heat all that well. And I look forward to my own bed, and sitting on my deck out in the woods, and having a little peace and quiet. Even this extravert is on overload from too many people ALL the time.
But the legislative process is now over, and the work of moving ahead is beginning. I'll keep blogging in the days ahead as I go back over the vast array of legislation that we have dealt with (I'll have to look up the number of resolutions . . . but off the top of my head I think I remember it being somewhere in the 400's ! ). I'll be looking for legislation that urges action from dioceses, or parishes or individuals. I'll especially share about the work of my committee - on Evangelism. - and where that might take us. You'll hear more from others of our deputation as well.
But the legislative process is now over, and the work of moving ahead is beginning. I'll keep blogging in the days ahead as I go back over the vast array of legislation that we have dealt with (I'll have to look up the number of resolutions . . . but off the top of my head I think I remember it being somewhere in the 400's ! ). I'll be looking for legislation that urges action from dioceses, or parishes or individuals. I'll especially share about the work of my committee - on Evangelism. - and where that might take us. You'll hear more from others of our deputation as well.
Friday, July 17, 2009
The End of the Beginning
The business of this 76th General Convention has concluded...we now take on a new responsibility, sharing our experiences with our families, friends, diocese, parishes, other Episcopalians, people of the Christian faith, other faith traditions, and those who have not yet acknowledged their relationship to God.
During the closing moments of the final session we learned that in our time in Anaheim, we considered and acted upon more resolutions than any prior convention. We did it without any evening sessions. And we adjourned a full hour early.
This 1st time deputy offers thanks to all who prayed for us and who followed our journeys--individual and collective--via this blog. Over these many days I felt the Holy Spirit challenging and changing us as a loving and hopeful community of Christians. I also saw how resolutely we affirm and uphold our Episcopal tradition and polity.
Check this space in coming hours and days, for post-Convention reflections.
Send Us Forth Into the World in Peace
by Bill Exner
The call to make peace has been heard in this Church. Many, who as psalm 126 says, 'have sowed with tears' in conventions past are feeling that perhaps there is hope to 'reap with songs of joy.'
The 76th General Convention brought outstanding people of faith together to do a good many things, not the least of which was to say yes to justice in a variety of ways. What a consistant response of spirit we have witnessed! From the affirmation that all the baptized have a place at every level of life in this church to a landmark vote to support selective conscientious objection to war, to the call for single payer health care reform, to condemning the use of government torture inside and outside this nation, to urging our President and policy makers to take the lead on dismantling nuclear weapons, to upholding workers' access to collective bargaining, to standing with our Native American relatives, to advocating for gay,lesbian and transgendered civil rights , to care for this earth and much more, The Episcopal Church made the All Star team even with a small market payroll.
Reinhold Niebuhr once said something to the effect that Christian nonviolence seems impractical to the wordly but nobody can say it is not biblical. From where I stand today it is clear that this community of Christ is now ready to show the world a denomination ready and present to practice the biblical imperative of love we preach. Thanks be to God for a witness to grace operative in this world. Blessings and hope to all who yearn to share this song of joy composed at the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.
The call to make peace has been heard in this Church. Many, who as psalm 126 says, 'have sowed with tears' in conventions past are feeling that perhaps there is hope to 'reap with songs of joy.'
The 76th General Convention brought outstanding people of faith together to do a good many things, not the least of which was to say yes to justice in a variety of ways. What a consistant response of spirit we have witnessed! From the affirmation that all the baptized have a place at every level of life in this church to a landmark vote to support selective conscientious objection to war, to the call for single payer health care reform, to condemning the use of government torture inside and outside this nation, to urging our President and policy makers to take the lead on dismantling nuclear weapons, to upholding workers' access to collective bargaining, to standing with our Native American relatives, to advocating for gay,lesbian and transgendered civil rights , to care for this earth and much more, The Episcopal Church made the All Star team even with a small market payroll.
Reinhold Niebuhr once said something to the effect that Christian nonviolence seems impractical to the wordly but nobody can say it is not biblical. From where I stand today it is clear that this community of Christ is now ready to show the world a denomination ready and present to practice the biblical imperative of love we preach. Thanks be to God for a witness to grace operative in this world. Blessings and hope to all who yearn to share this song of joy composed at the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.
Mr. Secretary
Introducing to those who don't know him, The Rev. Dr. Gregory Straub, Executive Officer and Secretary of General Convention. Whose sartorial splendour, wit and wisdom, and smooth vocal stylings are a most wonderful and entertaining feature of this gathering.
I've been documenting his attire. I think I've got the jackets in their correct order...
Legislative Day 1 photo (hat tip to Twitpic.)
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10 (Today!
He is truly an iconic figure.
In our morning legislative session, the deputation from one of the western dioceses presented Sec. Straub with the pair of leather cowboy boots used as their mascot.
It feels like the last day of school, or semester, but we still have lots of work before us.
It will be interesting to see what our afternoon has in store for us...
I've been documenting his attire. I think I've got the jackets in their correct order...
Legislative Day 1 photo (hat tip to Twitpic.)
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10 (Today!
He is truly an iconic figure.
In our morning legislative session, the deputation from one of the western dioceses presented Sec. Straub with the pair of leather cowboy boots used as their mascot.
It feels like the last day of school, or semester, but we still have lots of work before us.
It will be interesting to see what our afternoon has in store for us...
Dog(s) of the Day
Nearly every day at the Convention I've seen at least one dog. Usually it's a service dog in training, but sometimes it's a local dog being exercised by its owner.
The most frequent sighting has been Emily, who will be a service dog for a disabled veteran.
I don't recall this dog's name, something like Buster or Rover. One of the largest dogs I've ever seen.
Lizzie is also being trained. She's a sweetie.
Bishop Bruno of LA is honoured by having his diocesan Altar Guild's stuffed dog named after him. When not welcoming visitors to the Liturgical Art Exhibit, Bruno hangs out at the cathedral.
Rufus the whippet was rather bored by the Exhibition Hall.
I met Kobe yesterday, on my short walk from the Hilton to the Convention Center. He's an Akita. He also loved to pose for photographers!
Today's sighting was a little tiny white fluffy dog belonging to a hotel guest, in the lobby as I boarded an elevator. No time to get a picture.
Shout out to my own much-missed Ruth and Jewel--looking forward to our reunion on Saturday evening!
The most frequent sighting has been Emily, who will be a service dog for a disabled veteran.
I don't recall this dog's name, something like Buster or Rover. One of the largest dogs I've ever seen.
Lizzie is also being trained. She's a sweetie.
Bishop Bruno of LA is honoured by having his diocesan Altar Guild's stuffed dog named after him. When not welcoming visitors to the Liturgical Art Exhibit, Bruno hangs out at the cathedral.
Rufus the whippet was rather bored by the Exhibition Hall.
I met Kobe yesterday, on my short walk from the Hilton to the Convention Center. He's an Akita. He also loved to pose for photographers!
Today's sighting was a little tiny white fluffy dog belonging to a hotel guest, in the lobby as I boarded an elevator. No time to get a picture.
Shout out to my own much-missed Ruth and Jewel--looking forward to our reunion on Saturday evening!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Between time
It's a halcyon moment for me--and for the Convention. This morning the House of Deputies approved a comprehensive Denominational Health Plan--a very good step forward in justice and economy (not a bad pair!). If you are follower of our community deputation blog, you know the accomplishments. We've adopted D025, the statement of this 76th Convention on the truth of where our beloved church stands on the sacramental inclusion of all persons. We've also dealt with trickier issues such as the role of retired bishops in the church's governance. And there's plenty ahead.
The Big Item ahead is the budget of The Episcopal Church over the triennium, the fiscal years of 2010, 2011, and 2012. We on the Joint Standing Committee for Program, Budget, and Finance have been working mightily on this since we arrived in Anaheim over a week ago. Our chair told us this morning we've clocked over 60 hours of committee work--and we never meet during legislative sessions, when bishops and deputies must report to their respective Houses. (If you conclude that we start early and end late, you are on the mark. We adjourned at 11:30 one night.) In the wee hours of yesterday morning, our proposed budget went to the printer.
In two hours, that budget will be distributed to all bishops and deputies, gathered in a rare joint session. It will be adopted, God and the people willing, on Thursday--most likely following lively and extended debate, which is the wont of this legislative body. I've not been at liberty to discuss the budget outside our committee walls, but everyone acknowledges that it will be a tough one, hurtful to some. Yet everyone also recognizes that in hard decisions lie opportunity for creativity and new growth.
For me, one of the best parts of our common life in the House of Deputies are the moments when we are led in intercessory prayer, hearing aloud the names of those persons commended to us for prayer. It is an intensely personal, even intimate, time, and it gives me fresh opportunity to pray for our diocese and for you, with thanksgiving for our church and the people of New Hampshire.
Blessings,
Judith
The Big Item ahead is the budget of The Episcopal Church over the triennium, the fiscal years of 2010, 2011, and 2012. We on the Joint Standing Committee for Program, Budget, and Finance have been working mightily on this since we arrived in Anaheim over a week ago. Our chair told us this morning we've clocked over 60 hours of committee work--and we never meet during legislative sessions, when bishops and deputies must report to their respective Houses. (If you conclude that we start early and end late, you are on the mark. We adjourned at 11:30 one night.) In the wee hours of yesterday morning, our proposed budget went to the printer.
In two hours, that budget will be distributed to all bishops and deputies, gathered in a rare joint session. It will be adopted, God and the people willing, on Thursday--most likely following lively and extended debate, which is the wont of this legislative body. I've not been at liberty to discuss the budget outside our committee walls, but everyone acknowledges that it will be a tough one, hurtful to some. Yet everyone also recognizes that in hard decisions lie opportunity for creativity and new growth.
For me, one of the best parts of our common life in the House of Deputies are the moments when we are led in intercessory prayer, hearing aloud the names of those persons commended to us for prayer. It is an intensely personal, even intimate, time, and it gives me fresh opportunity to pray for our diocese and for you, with thanksgiving for our church and the people of New Hampshire.
Blessings,
Judith
Got er done!
We all agree that today was the day we had all been anxious for! We got D025 done!!!! See Margaret's pics below. It was a powerful moment in time. Only to be followed by the Ecumentical service which was definately the most meaningful and moving experience yet. Hearing those beautiful voices of the three men from very different traditions joined together in song was beyond describing. As the cantor finished his chant, he held the note for the Muslim to join and begin his, then holding that note for the Priest to enter. Then ending with a blend of all their voices in their own languages. Margaret, Judith and I were so moved we could not go on to our own service. We had just done worship as we had not ever experienced it before. We wandered up to the history and art exhibit as Margaret shares with you in her photos and then sat quitely in the chapel full of love for all of God's gifts to us today. God is good indeed. Bon/Nan/Mom
Mission and Hope and more
by Susan Buchanan
In the debate on the floor of the House of Deputies on D025 (the resolution, now passed, that was an opportunity of truth telling about where we as a church are - committed to our place in the Anglican Communion, and committed to working within our Constitutions and Canons), someone on the floor of the House of Deputies spoke about our relationships across the Anglican Communion: "they have never been stronger." She talked about the work of the Holy Spirit bringing us to this moment - this moment when we have done so much Spirit led work of connecting through the MDGs. More parishes and dioceses have specific on-the-ground relational mission-based connections than maybe at any previous time in our history. It is not a time of ''institution' but a time of joint mission. I don't know if the institutional connections will change, but I do believe that we will remain connected.
I had an amazing opportunity in San Francisco, Sunday night a week ago, before flying south on Monday to get started on GC. I ended up doing dinner with Archbishop Chama of the Province of Central Africa. It has been wonderful to continually cross paths with him here at General Convention, although he headed home yesterday. Archbishop Chama came to listen and to try to understand our cultural context. I encouraged him to share some of his cultural context, and he shared about their pressing concerns (mostly surrounding their central cultural value of hospitality, and how that plays out in a changing world, affected by the incursion of Western consumerist and individualistic values, and the fallout of the economic crisis). He didn't understand our cultural context around the issues of sexuality, but wanted to hear us and learn. One thing he did say was to the effect that there is no room in the Anglican Communion for the likes of Bob Duncan and his behavior. If you want to leave the church, fine! Leave the church. But he wants to leave, and to not leave, all at the same time. And to keep the property. And that there is also no excuse for the behavior of some African bishops who have been consecrating bishops for America." Needless to say, with that ringing in my ears from an African Archbishop . . . I came to General Convention with some real hope in my heart.
And if you have NOT read Dr. Jenny Te Paa's remarks to the House of Deputies, you really must. It is all about our connections with the Anglican Communion. She was a member of the Lambeth Commission that produced the Windsor Report. You can find her remarks here:
http://ecusa.anglican.org/79901_112408_ENG_HTM.htm
Today, after the afternoon's legislative session, I joined the Disney Worker's demonstration. Disney is not being fair to its Hotel workers - many many are being reduced to 'casual workers', despite working forDisney for decades. They are losing access to health benefits. There was an amazingly large crowd that I and many other Episcopalians from Convention joined. We marched to the entrance of Disneyland, where there were a number of speeches from bishops and city council leaders and union leaders. And then . . . and then I got to anoint and bless many many mostly hispanic workers, who had come seeking answers and hoping for justice.
http://www.episcopal-life.org/81803_112569_ENG_HTM.htm for good coverage. And then there are some pictures!
Gene shows up in almost all of them. Doug shows up in one.
http://www.ocregister.com/photos/demonstrators-march-on-2494206-disneyland/pid2494222 )
Ellie and Betsy are here:
http://www.ocregister.com/photos/demonstrators-march-on-2494206-disneyland/pid2494213
and Heidi, Celeste and I are here:
http://www.ocregister.com/photos/demonstrators-march-on-2494206-disneyland/pid2494224
The other really powerful time today was when the inter-religious visitors joined us, and the Jewish rabbi began chanting. Then he stopped, and the Muslim call to prayer began. Then he stopped, and then the Christian minister began a chant of blessing. He didn't stop. And the Muslim call began again. And then the Jewish chant was added to the other two. The three continued - together but not in any kind of harmony. They were all separate, but together in a way that I really haven't figured out words for yet. It was haunting and deeply Spirit filled and I felt drawn into such a thin place in the midst of that monstrously large convention hall.
Now I'm pretty worn out, and heading to bed. Tomorrow we get the Budget presented to us! Pray for us as we enter debate about funding!
In the debate on the floor of the House of Deputies on D025 (the resolution, now passed, that was an opportunity of truth telling about where we as a church are - committed to our place in the Anglican Communion, and committed to working within our Constitutions and Canons), someone on the floor of the House of Deputies spoke about our relationships across the Anglican Communion: "they have never been stronger." She talked about the work of the Holy Spirit bringing us to this moment - this moment when we have done so much Spirit led work of connecting through the MDGs. More parishes and dioceses have specific on-the-ground relational mission-based connections than maybe at any previous time in our history. It is not a time of ''institution' but a time of joint mission. I don't know if the institutional connections will change, but I do believe that we will remain connected.
I had an amazing opportunity in San Francisco, Sunday night a week ago, before flying south on Monday to get started on GC. I ended up doing dinner with Archbishop Chama of the Province of Central Africa. It has been wonderful to continually cross paths with him here at General Convention, although he headed home yesterday. Archbishop Chama came to listen and to try to understand our cultural context. I encouraged him to share some of his cultural context, and he shared about their pressing concerns (mostly surrounding their central cultural value of hospitality, and how that plays out in a changing world, affected by the incursion of Western consumerist and individualistic values, and the fallout of the economic crisis). He didn't understand our cultural context around the issues of sexuality, but wanted to hear us and learn. One thing he did say was to the effect that there is no room in the Anglican Communion for the likes of Bob Duncan and his behavior. If you want to leave the church, fine! Leave the church. But he wants to leave, and to not leave, all at the same time. And to keep the property. And that there is also no excuse for the behavior of some African bishops who have been consecrating bishops for America." Needless to say, with that ringing in my ears from an African Archbishop . . . I came to General Convention with some real hope in my heart.
And if you have NOT read Dr. Jenny Te Paa's remarks to the House of Deputies, you really must. It is all about our connections with the Anglican Communion. She was a member of the Lambeth Commission that produced the Windsor Report. You can find her remarks here:
http://ecusa.anglican.org/
Today, after the afternoon's legislative session, I joined the Disney Worker's demonstration. Disney is not being fair to its Hotel workers - many many are being reduced to 'casual workers', despite working forDisney for decades. They are losing access to health benefits. There was an amazingly large crowd that I and many other Episcopalians from Convention joined. We marched to the entrance of Disneyland, where there were a number of speeches from bishops and city council leaders and union leaders. And then . . . and then I got to anoint and bless many many mostly hispanic workers, who had come seeking answers and hoping for justice.
http://www.episcopal-life.org/
Gene shows up in almost all of them. Doug shows up in one.
http://www.ocregister.com/
Ellie and Betsy are here:
http://www.ocregister.com/
and Heidi, Celeste and I are here:
http://www.ocregister.com/
The other really powerful time today was when the inter-religious visitors joined us, and the Jewish rabbi began chanting. Then he stopped, and the Muslim call to prayer began. Then he stopped, and then the Christian minister began a chant of blessing. He didn't stop. And the Muslim call began again. And then the Jewish chant was added to the other two. The three continued - together but not in any kind of harmony. They were all separate, but together in a way that I really haven't figured out words for yet. It was haunting and deeply Spirit filled and I felt drawn into such a thin place in the midst of that monstrously large convention hall.
Now I'm pretty worn out, and heading to bed. Tomorrow we get the Budget presented to us! Pray for us as we enter debate about funding!
Gittin' 'er Done, Level 2, & More
At the conclusion of our morning legislative session, a large group of ecumenical leaders from the LA area joined us in the Hall of Deputies. A vast representation of many faiths.
Three members of this group--a Jewish cantor, a Muslim, and an Episcopal priest-- shared their traditions with us through their voices. They sang separately and in unison, and the blend of their intercessions was sublime. One of the most moving and memorable moments in the entire Convention.
Bonnie and I accompanied Judith to a place she knows well but we'd never seen: the 2nd floor of the Convention Center. Office space for committees is there, there's a press room, hospitality areas for Bishop's spouses, exhibition space, and a chapel.
We stopped first in Program, Budget & Finance room. It's enormous! This committee has worked so very hard, and tomorrow they will make their budget presentation to a Joint Session (Deputies and Bishops together.)
Judith is relieved the budget is at the printer!
The Liturgical Art Exhibition was a feast for the eyes and the spirit.
These panels tell the story of Ruth in needlework.
A small selection of the art on display.
The Three Kings.
Two of the Three.
The Chapel.
During our afternoon session, the Committee on World Mission presented its report on the amended version of D025 sent back to us by the House of Bishops.
"It's time to 'git 'er done'" said a deputy from Virginia as we debated a resolution that had already passed our House and the Bishops' by surprisingly large margins. As before, we did a vote by orders. We first record our votes by writing our names and checking a box.
Another happy, historic vote!
Then Randy (pictured above), our deputation's chair and senior member, uses an electronic voting device to report the outcome in the lay order and the clerical order.
Once again D025 passed overwhelmingly.
Bill has a new t-shirt!
Deb went up to the podium today, as Secretary of the Communications Committee.
The House passed a resolution recommended by Communications for a study/research period before making any changes at Episcopal Life, our denominational newspaper, and will continue the monthly edition for the time being. (This is the resolution I testified in favour of last week.)
We had a very brief Province 1 (New England dioceses) Caucus. Then some of us walked all the way to Disneyland Village for our Province 1 Dinner at Naples restaurant. The Bishop arrived in time to eat with us. However, he had to leave for a meeting before the balloon girl could finish making a special bishop's mitre for him.
In our Bishop's absence, Ellie had possession of it. She also had responsiblity for getting it back to the hotel.
The House of Bishops meets on Level 3 of the Convention Center. Maybe I'll make it way up there on Thursday or Friday.
Three members of this group--a Jewish cantor, a Muslim, and an Episcopal priest-- shared their traditions with us through their voices. They sang separately and in unison, and the blend of their intercessions was sublime. One of the most moving and memorable moments in the entire Convention.
Bonnie and I accompanied Judith to a place she knows well but we'd never seen: the 2nd floor of the Convention Center. Office space for committees is there, there's a press room, hospitality areas for Bishop's spouses, exhibition space, and a chapel.
We stopped first in Program, Budget & Finance room. It's enormous! This committee has worked so very hard, and tomorrow they will make their budget presentation to a Joint Session (Deputies and Bishops together.)
Judith is relieved the budget is at the printer!
The Liturgical Art Exhibition was a feast for the eyes and the spirit.
These panels tell the story of Ruth in needlework.
A small selection of the art on display.
The Three Kings.
Two of the Three.
The Chapel.
During our afternoon session, the Committee on World Mission presented its report on the amended version of D025 sent back to us by the House of Bishops.
"It's time to 'git 'er done'" said a deputy from Virginia as we debated a resolution that had already passed our House and the Bishops' by surprisingly large margins. As before, we did a vote by orders. We first record our votes by writing our names and checking a box.
Another happy, historic vote!
Then Randy (pictured above), our deputation's chair and senior member, uses an electronic voting device to report the outcome in the lay order and the clerical order.
Once again D025 passed overwhelmingly.
Bill has a new t-shirt!
Deb went up to the podium today, as Secretary of the Communications Committee.
The House passed a resolution recommended by Communications for a study/research period before making any changes at Episcopal Life, our denominational newspaper, and will continue the monthly edition for the time being. (This is the resolution I testified in favour of last week.)
We had a very brief Province 1 (New England dioceses) Caucus. Then some of us walked all the way to Disneyland Village for our Province 1 Dinner at Naples restaurant. The Bishop arrived in time to eat with us. However, he had to leave for a meeting before the balloon girl could finish making a special bishop's mitre for him.
In our Bishop's absence, Ellie had possession of it. She also had responsiblity for getting it back to the hotel.
The House of Bishops meets on Level 3 of the Convention Center. Maybe I'll make it way up there on Thursday or Friday.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Deputy Land Roller Coaster ride
by Bonnie
Margaret's photos tell it well... Deputy Land has been exhilerating and takes us on rides like no other roller coaster I have been on. Sunday's Eucharist, which is known as "the big Eucharist" and honors the United Thank Offering, was the highlight of the convention for me thus far. I didn't try to locate anyone from our deputation in the 7,000 + in attendance so I sat with folks I had never met and was overwhelmed by the diversity of our church. Right in front of me was an Asian man with long grayish black hair wearing a baseball hat throughout the ceremony with USA printed boldly on the back. In front of him was an American Indian family wearing wonderful tribal costume. In another row was a woman wearing a great red hat with swirling netting. To the left I watched a young man in jeans and T Shirt waving his arms above his head, while singing and dancing to the music. I must admit I was quite emotional at the wonder of it all. The prosession was led by Spiritual Dancers in flowing white dresses waving gossimer colorful flags like wings. I couldn't see the parade of Bishops very well but caught glimpses of them leading our Presiding Bishop and the two who proceded her. Oh, yes, I think you saw pics of our own Rick, the verger, so NH actually led the whole thing! Yea Rick!
OK, down to business. Yes, the roller coaster ride continues. Sunday afternoon the house passed D025. This was huge and of course full of joy for some and pain for others. It pretty much put and end to B033 from the 2006 convention which called for a moratorium on the consecration of Bishops whose lifestyle might....you know the rest. Then yesterday the House of Bishops passed it with amendments that will come back to us today. You'll get more on this and other historic events in the life of our church and I won't elaborate here, but to be a part of it is overwhelming for all of us.
Again, thank you for your prayers and candles. Love to all. Bon/Mom/Nan
Margaret's photos tell it well... Deputy Land has been exhilerating and takes us on rides like no other roller coaster I have been on. Sunday's Eucharist, which is known as "the big Eucharist" and honors the United Thank Offering, was the highlight of the convention for me thus far. I didn't try to locate anyone from our deputation in the 7,000 + in attendance so I sat with folks I had never met and was overwhelmed by the diversity of our church. Right in front of me was an Asian man with long grayish black hair wearing a baseball hat throughout the ceremony with USA printed boldly on the back. In front of him was an American Indian family wearing wonderful tribal costume. In another row was a woman wearing a great red hat with swirling netting. To the left I watched a young man in jeans and T Shirt waving his arms above his head, while singing and dancing to the music. I must admit I was quite emotional at the wonder of it all. The prosession was led by Spiritual Dancers in flowing white dresses waving gossimer colorful flags like wings. I couldn't see the parade of Bishops very well but caught glimpses of them leading our Presiding Bishop and the two who proceded her. Oh, yes, I think you saw pics of our own Rick, the verger, so NH actually led the whole thing! Yea Rick!
OK, down to business. Yes, the roller coaster ride continues. Sunday afternoon the house passed D025. This was huge and of course full of joy for some and pain for others. It pretty much put and end to B033 from the 2006 convention which called for a moratorium on the consecration of Bishops whose lifestyle might....you know the rest. Then yesterday the House of Bishops passed it with amendments that will come back to us today. You'll get more on this and other historic events in the life of our church and I won't elaborate here, but to be a part of it is overwhelming for all of us.
Again, thank you for your prayers and candles. Love to all. Bon/Mom/Nan
Deputyland
Not very far from the site of this Convention you'll find Disneyland. Most people have an idea of what they'll see in the Magic Kingdom. But here's an inside peek at Deputyland....
We welcome visitors from distant places, who share their experience and wisdom.
After consenting to the election of any new bishop, we call that person to the front of the House for recognition.
We track the fashion choices made by our fellow deputies.
We play with our food.
During short breaks, we sing favourite hymns.
We celebrate achievements.
We conduct intense post-vote analysis.
We greet certain distinguished friends from the other House who might drop by.
We send each other notes and share news updates.
Most of all, we belong to a vibrant, prayerful community--with its own protocols and procedures. Our moments of great seriousness are lightened by our moments of levity.
I'll leave Disneyland to the tourists. I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend my time in Deputyland!
We welcome visitors from distant places, who share their experience and wisdom.
After consenting to the election of any new bishop, we call that person to the front of the House for recognition.
We track the fashion choices made by our fellow deputies.
We play with our food.
During short breaks, we sing favourite hymns.
We celebrate achievements.
We conduct intense post-vote analysis.
We greet certain distinguished friends from the other House who might drop by.
We send each other notes and share news updates.
Most of all, we belong to a vibrant, prayerful community--with its own protocols and procedures. Our moments of great seriousness are lightened by our moments of levity.
I'll leave Disneyland to the tourists. I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend my time in Deputyland!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Another Perspective
A letter back home from Rev. Eleanor McLaughlin
To the People of God in the North Country,
The Triennial General convention of the Episcopal Church is the ecclesiastical authority of our church, the second largest legislative body in the world, a family reunion, a gigantic yard sale by purveyors of all manner of ‘church stuff’ from albs through icons to zebras carved by Anglican artists from Africa. It is exhausting-- for legislative committee hearings often begin at 7 am and open hearings (as on the various legislative bills dealing with the limitations on who might be elected a Bishop, to the blessing of marriage of same sex couples) last until 10 pm. The General Convention is also exhilarating, in the rich variety of our daily Eucharist in Spanish and English, singing and swaying as we move to receive Communion to music from all over the Anglican world; the delight of catching up with friends from the past, my students, my first Spiritual Director, people who sang in the Choir at my Ordination, priest friends who have become Bishops, old Radical buddies from the struggle for the ordination of Women in the early ‘70’s. And General Convention is a spiritual gift beyond describing, a Sign of that promised “Wedding feast of Bliss and Love”…in the powerful experience of breathtaking Diversity in the Unity of the Church, the Body of Christ, and an assurance of the Hope which God has promised that the “Gates of hell shall not stand against” the Church in her Call to be about the business of building the Kingdom of God here on earth as in heaven. The only folks who speak anxiously of loss of numbers and want of resources are those who are fearful of the challenge of our changing world, and the exciting transformation of our church and our selves which Christ offers as we , rooted in our Anglican Tradition, make our way forward, in the Spirit.
The Theme of this 76th General Convention is Ubuntu … a word from our African sisters and brothers which means “I am because you are”, or “I in you and you in me” God calls us as and in Community. Every sermon from the Presiding Bishop, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the President of the House of Deputies has elaborated on this very counter cultural theme…we find our human reality and our divine transformation not primarily as individuals, but in Community…the Community of the Church reflecting the relationality of the Trinity, and Our Lord’s Great Commandment, to love God by which relationship, we are enabled to love the Other whether friend or enemy, neighbor or stranger.
So far, I have experienced this theme of finding the wholeness of our Self in Community in several different venues. Throughout the week we have been introduced to a “training” for evangelism and community transformation entitled “the Public Narrative Project.” Led by Dr. Marshall Ganz, son of a Rabbi, shaped by the civil rights and anti war movements and now a lecturer in public policy at the Harvard University Kennedy School for Government, this process introduces us to a structured story telling, in which we discover in our stories of Self, the values and choice points which have shaped our identity. Equipped with a sharper sense of who I am, we move into the story of Us…uncovering our community values and finally, are pressed by the excitement of heart and head kindled through this corporate story-telling, into the actions for self and community transformation which is in Christian terms, repairing God’s world, building God’s Reign of love and justice. I was privileged to be in a group including our Bishop +Gene, and other members of the NH deputation, Learning to know each other, even in two minute clips, empowers as we build relationships, and gives us courage to witness to and move forward in our faith. Through story telling of Self, Us, and in the Now, we clarify our common values, even when we differ on the issues, setting us free from fear, and eager for cooperative action.
The open legislative hearings is another place for community building where as a Visitor, I cannot take part in the legislative heart of the convention, but may sign up and speak our piece on a specific matter, limited to two minutes at the microphone. I attended the hearing on the wonderful work of the Prayer Book and Calendar Committee which has produced a massive revision and addition to our Calendar of the Saints in Lesser Feasts and Fasts. We will likely be treated to a rich feast of over a hundred new commemorations, such as Frances Perkins, the first woman member of the United States Cabinet and the inventor and successful advocate for the social security system under President Roosevelt. Another familiar Witness is John Bunyan, whose powerful gritty English language in Pilgrim’s Progress we sing in “He who would valiant be, ‘gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the Master….his one avowed intent, to be a Pilgrim” Less well known, Wilfred Grenfell, whose mission to Labrador and Newfoundland still brings medical care to the isolated communities of Labrador and Newfoundland! I love the Saints…but I’ll stop here. I testified at that hearing against the inclusion of John Calvin --e-mail me if you want to know why! It is so good that our calendar of Saints is ecumenical (Karl Barth) and embraces the great world religions ( Ghandi)…and many artists…our local Bostonian, Ralph Adams Cram (architect of All Saints Church Peterborough), Christina Rosetti, composer of “In the deep mid winter”, and many types of Christian witness-- Samuel Shoemaker+, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Thomas Merton, monk, mystic, witness against war, Cesar Chavez, Farm Labor leader…As a church we will have a three year trial use of this new calendar with a structured opportunity to comment on our experience of prayer and reflection with these Holy Women and Men in our public worship and private devotion.
Hundreds of people attended a two hour hearing on the various legislative responses to the last Convention’s hasty acceptance of B033, by which our Church bowed to pressure from other churches of the Anglican communion to refrain from electing to the Episcopate anyone whose “manner of life” might be the occasion of question….meaning, no one in a committed relationship with one of the same sex would be considered by a diocese for the Episcopate. Although this piece of legislation is in conflict with our Canon Law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, some conclude that it has given the Anglican communion a three year breather to reflect prayerfully on the progress of the Canadian Anglican Church and our own Episcopal Church towards a living out of our Baptismal Covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons…no qualification. The testimony that evening was overwhelmingly in favor of moving beyond B033 towards the full inclusion promised in our Baptisms. Most of the two minute witnesses told personal and pastoral stories…there was, in my view, and that of several of the opponents, not enough careful theological reflection. It is a weakness of our American Church that we often, with some splendid exceptions, do the personal and relational story better than foundational theology. This writer has been given a challenge to do some of that theological work for which retirement affords me now time.
An underlying and bubbling up theme of everything we do or say is an awareness that for the first time in human history one billion human beings live here on earth in the deadly grip of extreme poverty. This reality and our commitment as a Church to the Millennial Development Goals is stronger than the voices of argument about human sexuality…THANKS BE TO GOD! The House of Bishops is moving us towards a more significant contribution of our monies and energies towards the needs of a wounded world at home and abroad. God’s Preference is for the Poor, often hard to remember as we are surrounded here in Anaheim with Southern California’s exuberant spectacles of American Capitalism run amok…but I did enjoy the sun and the pool yesterday, close to 80 degrees with no tail slapping beaver as in Durand Lake and its 60 degree murky water! Even the fact that many of us keep stashes of slowly dying fruit etc in our room to save on restaurant meals is a reflection of our awareness of privilege here. I tell our story of Shaw’s Market abandonment of Berlin and Gorham…how far we drive for groceries…of closed mills, of shrinking social services, of challenged hospitals…to whomever will listen. But the reality of life for those billion and the numbers of children dying minute by minute for lack of clean water, malaria, AIDS, war and poor maternal health car …is continually ‘in our faces’….as God wills it to be. Don’t be misled by the media which pushes sex and ads to buy stuff we don’t need and can’t afford, all the time. No Public Radio, only TV here …what a wasteland and total distraction from the economic realities of which the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke so eloquently. +Rowan Williams named it for us…”The global economic situation is a “crisis of truthfulness.” “We have lied to ourselves about the possibility of profit without risk…We have lied to ourselves consistently about the possibility of limitless material growth in a limited world.” This, in the context of ubuntu…the interconnectedness of all people, all of God’s creatures and material creation is our burden of sin, crying for action.
Finally, worship is the center of each day, the anchor which holds us together, and the roots which supply us with food for our work and play! Yes, the worship here is wonderful “play in the courts of the Lord”…great wild music from our Latino and African American tradition and African sister churches…drums and chants and bells and dance and Amens and laughter and clapping and foot tapping worship of our God, in thanksgiving, intercession, petition, above all—Praise! The customary Integrity Eucharist bringing together GLBT Episcopalians and friends was a two hour glimpse of the Kingdom…our Bishop +Gene was the Celebrant and Bishop +Barbara Harris, retired of Massachusetts preached the Gospel of Freedom, Joy, Justice, Thanksgiving, as only a Black Preacher can do…the hair on our heads was raised up like the spiky “do’s” of the kids I see on California streets! Taize music, Hymnal music, African drums and chant to dance the Gospel about the Holy Space….small children, old men, young priests, ancient priests and bishops, lay folk from everywhere…Before the Liturgy I drank a beer with a woman from East Hollywood whose husband is an Irishman from Berlin, NH! …all rejoicing in the dreams and visions of One Church, many ways of Being in God’s world. Wow…unforgettable!
Every time I get grumpy about the temptation to take the luxury of the Anaheim Hilton for granted, I/We are re-centered in the daily Eucharist. Bi-lingual, I stand next to Betsy whose Spanish is fluent…and delight in letting the unfamiliar words wash over my body/soul as a new experience of Baptism daily. I’m bringing all the service leaflets home, so, people of St. Paul’s, Lancaster, gird yourselves, for when I preside in Noel’s absence on the second Sunday in August…there’ll be some new offerings with which to take joy in the Lord …. What Hope and Delight is to be found and shared in this gathering of the People of God ….
“Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the Head and cornerstone….” Ellie+
To the People of God in the North Country,
The Triennial General convention of the Episcopal Church is the ecclesiastical authority of our church, the second largest legislative body in the world, a family reunion, a gigantic yard sale by purveyors of all manner of ‘church stuff’ from albs through icons to zebras carved by Anglican artists from Africa. It is exhausting-- for legislative committee hearings often begin at 7 am and open hearings (as on the various legislative bills dealing with the limitations on who might be elected a Bishop, to the blessing of marriage of same sex couples) last until 10 pm. The General Convention is also exhilarating, in the rich variety of our daily Eucharist in Spanish and English, singing and swaying as we move to receive Communion to music from all over the Anglican world; the delight of catching up with friends from the past, my students, my first Spiritual Director, people who sang in the Choir at my Ordination, priest friends who have become Bishops, old Radical buddies from the struggle for the ordination of Women in the early ‘70’s. And General Convention is a spiritual gift beyond describing, a Sign of that promised “Wedding feast of Bliss and Love”…in the powerful experience of breathtaking Diversity in the Unity of the Church, the Body of Christ, and an assurance of the Hope which God has promised that the “Gates of hell shall not stand against” the Church in her Call to be about the business of building the Kingdom of God here on earth as in heaven. The only folks who speak anxiously of loss of numbers and want of resources are those who are fearful of the challenge of our changing world, and the exciting transformation of our church and our selves which Christ offers as we , rooted in our Anglican Tradition, make our way forward, in the Spirit.
The Theme of this 76th General Convention is Ubuntu … a word from our African sisters and brothers which means “I am because you are”, or “I in you and you in me” God calls us as and in Community. Every sermon from the Presiding Bishop, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the President of the House of Deputies has elaborated on this very counter cultural theme…we find our human reality and our divine transformation not primarily as individuals, but in Community…the Community of the Church reflecting the relationality of the Trinity, and Our Lord’s Great Commandment, to love God by which relationship, we are enabled to love the Other whether friend or enemy, neighbor or stranger.
So far, I have experienced this theme of finding the wholeness of our Self in Community in several different venues. Throughout the week we have been introduced to a “training” for evangelism and community transformation entitled “the Public Narrative Project.” Led by Dr. Marshall Ganz, son of a Rabbi, shaped by the civil rights and anti war movements and now a lecturer in public policy at the Harvard University Kennedy School for Government, this process introduces us to a structured story telling, in which we discover in our stories of Self, the values and choice points which have shaped our identity. Equipped with a sharper sense of who I am, we move into the story of Us…uncovering our community values and finally, are pressed by the excitement of heart and head kindled through this corporate story-telling, into the actions for self and community transformation which is in Christian terms, repairing God’s world, building God’s Reign of love and justice. I was privileged to be in a group including our Bishop +Gene, and other members of the NH deputation, Learning to know each other, even in two minute clips, empowers as we build relationships, and gives us courage to witness to and move forward in our faith. Through story telling of Self, Us, and in the Now, we clarify our common values, even when we differ on the issues, setting us free from fear, and eager for cooperative action.
The open legislative hearings is another place for community building where as a Visitor, I cannot take part in the legislative heart of the convention, but may sign up and speak our piece on a specific matter, limited to two minutes at the microphone. I attended the hearing on the wonderful work of the Prayer Book and Calendar Committee which has produced a massive revision and addition to our Calendar of the Saints in Lesser Feasts and Fasts. We will likely be treated to a rich feast of over a hundred new commemorations, such as Frances Perkins, the first woman member of the United States Cabinet and the inventor and successful advocate for the social security system under President Roosevelt. Another familiar Witness is John Bunyan, whose powerful gritty English language in Pilgrim’s Progress we sing in “He who would valiant be, ‘gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the Master….his one avowed intent, to be a Pilgrim” Less well known, Wilfred Grenfell, whose mission to Labrador and Newfoundland still brings medical care to the isolated communities of Labrador and Newfoundland! I love the Saints…but I’ll stop here. I testified at that hearing against the inclusion of John Calvin --e-mail me if you want to know why! It is so good that our calendar of Saints is ecumenical (Karl Barth) and embraces the great world religions ( Ghandi)…and many artists…our local Bostonian, Ralph Adams Cram (architect of All Saints Church Peterborough), Christina Rosetti, composer of “In the deep mid winter”, and many types of Christian witness-- Samuel Shoemaker+, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Thomas Merton, monk, mystic, witness against war, Cesar Chavez, Farm Labor leader…As a church we will have a three year trial use of this new calendar with a structured opportunity to comment on our experience of prayer and reflection with these Holy Women and Men in our public worship and private devotion.
Hundreds of people attended a two hour hearing on the various legislative responses to the last Convention’s hasty acceptance of B033, by which our Church bowed to pressure from other churches of the Anglican communion to refrain from electing to the Episcopate anyone whose “manner of life” might be the occasion of question….meaning, no one in a committed relationship with one of the same sex would be considered by a diocese for the Episcopate. Although this piece of legislation is in conflict with our Canon Law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, some conclude that it has given the Anglican communion a three year breather to reflect prayerfully on the progress of the Canadian Anglican Church and our own Episcopal Church towards a living out of our Baptismal Covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons…no qualification. The testimony that evening was overwhelmingly in favor of moving beyond B033 towards the full inclusion promised in our Baptisms. Most of the two minute witnesses told personal and pastoral stories…there was, in my view, and that of several of the opponents, not enough careful theological reflection. It is a weakness of our American Church that we often, with some splendid exceptions, do the personal and relational story better than foundational theology. This writer has been given a challenge to do some of that theological work for which retirement affords me now time.
An underlying and bubbling up theme of everything we do or say is an awareness that for the first time in human history one billion human beings live here on earth in the deadly grip of extreme poverty. This reality and our commitment as a Church to the Millennial Development Goals is stronger than the voices of argument about human sexuality…THANKS BE TO GOD! The House of Bishops is moving us towards a more significant contribution of our monies and energies towards the needs of a wounded world at home and abroad. God’s Preference is for the Poor, often hard to remember as we are surrounded here in Anaheim with Southern California’s exuberant spectacles of American Capitalism run amok…but I did enjoy the sun and the pool yesterday, close to 80 degrees with no tail slapping beaver as in Durand Lake and its 60 degree murky water! Even the fact that many of us keep stashes of slowly dying fruit etc in our room to save on restaurant meals is a reflection of our awareness of privilege here. I tell our story of Shaw’s Market abandonment of Berlin and Gorham…how far we drive for groceries…of closed mills, of shrinking social services, of challenged hospitals…to whomever will listen. But the reality of life for those billion and the numbers of children dying minute by minute for lack of clean water, malaria, AIDS, war and poor maternal health car …is continually ‘in our faces’….as God wills it to be. Don’t be misled by the media which pushes sex and ads to buy stuff we don’t need and can’t afford, all the time. No Public Radio, only TV here …what a wasteland and total distraction from the economic realities of which the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke so eloquently. +Rowan Williams named it for us…”The global economic situation is a “crisis of truthfulness.” “We have lied to ourselves about the possibility of profit without risk…We have lied to ourselves consistently about the possibility of limitless material growth in a limited world.” This, in the context of ubuntu…the interconnectedness of all people, all of God’s creatures and material creation is our burden of sin, crying for action.
Finally, worship is the center of each day, the anchor which holds us together, and the roots which supply us with food for our work and play! Yes, the worship here is wonderful “play in the courts of the Lord”…great wild music from our Latino and African American tradition and African sister churches…drums and chants and bells and dance and Amens and laughter and clapping and foot tapping worship of our God, in thanksgiving, intercession, petition, above all—Praise! The customary Integrity Eucharist bringing together GLBT Episcopalians and friends was a two hour glimpse of the Kingdom…our Bishop +Gene was the Celebrant and Bishop +Barbara Harris, retired of Massachusetts preached the Gospel of Freedom, Joy, Justice, Thanksgiving, as only a Black Preacher can do…the hair on our heads was raised up like the spiky “do’s” of the kids I see on California streets! Taize music, Hymnal music, African drums and chant to dance the Gospel about the Holy Space….small children, old men, young priests, ancient priests and bishops, lay folk from everywhere…Before the Liturgy I drank a beer with a woman from East Hollywood whose husband is an Irishman from Berlin, NH! …all rejoicing in the dreams and visions of One Church, many ways of Being in God’s world. Wow…unforgettable!
Every time I get grumpy about the temptation to take the luxury of the Anaheim Hilton for granted, I/We are re-centered in the daily Eucharist. Bi-lingual, I stand next to Betsy whose Spanish is fluent…and delight in letting the unfamiliar words wash over my body/soul as a new experience of Baptism daily. I’m bringing all the service leaflets home, so, people of St. Paul’s, Lancaster, gird yourselves, for when I preside in Noel’s absence on the second Sunday in August…there’ll be some new offerings with which to take joy in the Lord …. What Hope and Delight is to be found and shared in this gathering of the People of God ….
“Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the Head and cornerstone….” Ellie+
Worship
by Susan Buchanan
The central act of our life together as Episcopalians is always worship. And that remains true at General Convention. The Sunday Eucharist is the largest, and it is also the one where the United Thank Offering, collected in people's Blue Boxes and passed on to the parish and then on to the dioceses, is gathered together from every Diocese in The Episcopal Church, as well as some overseas places who participate.
Here are just a couple of pictures that Duane Dale, spouse of clergy deputy Heidi Frantz-Dale, took yesterday:
Verger Rick Smith of Christ Church, North Conway, leads the procession of all the Bishops.
Bishop Gene Robinson processes in.
Two former Presiding Bishops - Frank Griswold and Edmond Browning - process in with current Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
The central act of our life together as Episcopalians is always worship. And that remains true at General Convention. The Sunday Eucharist is the largest, and it is also the one where the United Thank Offering, collected in people's Blue Boxes and passed on to the parish and then on to the dioceses, is gathered together from every Diocese in The Episcopal Church, as well as some overseas places who participate.
Here are just a couple of pictures that Duane Dale, spouse of clergy deputy Heidi Frantz-Dale, took yesterday:
Verger Rick Smith of Christ Church, North Conway, leads the procession of all the Bishops.
Bishop Gene Robinson processes in.
Two former Presiding Bishops - Frank Griswold and Edmond Browning - process in with current Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
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