The Clergy Development Committee of our diocese, which sponsors the (almost) monthly Clergy Days invivted the NH Deputation to attend today's meeting to offer a preview of the 2012 General Convention in Indianapolis. (There's a post-Convention presentation already scheduled for September!)
The gathering took place at All Saints Church in Littleton--north of the Notches. Attendees arrived to find coffee and other beverages, coffee cake, fruit, cheese, and nuts--much appreciated hospitality. We began with a half-hour of fellowship.
Judith Esmay chats with Fran Gardner-Smith. Kurt Wiesner and seminarian intern Lauren look as though they are praying but were in fact attentive to JJ, the official Deputation Dog. (See below.)
After Bill Exner's opening prayers, he asked those present what issues they most hoped would be addressed in the course of the morning. After that, each of the deputies shared the most significant resolutions coming before their committees. Our group's committee assignments are broad, so NH is well-represented across the committee spectrum.
Celeste Hemingson exhibits proof of how technologically savvy we are. A member of our Standing Committee as well as a deputy, she's the point person for the proccess of Consent for Rob Hirschfeld, our Bishop Coadjutor-Elect.
Susan Buchanan will again serve on the Evangelism Committee. We had a good discussion of resolutions related to open-communion and more.
Bonnie Chappell is assigned to Stewardship and Development, and went through some of the resolutions her committee will consider.
Margaret Porter, on the Communications Committee.
Bill Exner is attending his 7th (?) General Convention and has years of experience in World Mission and Peace and Justice issues. As well as updating us on specific resolutions, he's active on The Consultation plus he provides lots of information about events and activities worth experiencing.
Susan Langle serves on the Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Church Music Committee. The liturgical rites proprosed for the blessing of same gender unions and Holy Men, Holy Women are among the topics her committee will consider.
Suzie, Bonnie, and Margaret.
The Committee on Canons has the benefit of Judith Esmay's knowledge in that area. During the previous Triennium she served on Program, Budget and Finance, and offers valuable insights into that process as well.
Judith and Kurt.
Before departing, we posed for a group photo. (Teresa Gocha is responsible for positioning us so precisely!) Included is our official Deputation Dog, JJ. Unfortunately, neither he nor Kurt will be able to join us in Indianapolis.
JJ.
This does not fully reflect the contingent of New Hampshire deputies--Betsy Hess is assigned to the Committee on Small Congregations. Jason Wells, our clergy alternate, and Cate McMahon, our lay alternate, were unable to attend. Other folks from our diocese will be present in Indianapolis.
It was a hot--and holy--day in Littleton, and the deputation thanks the Clergy Development Committee for hosting the forum.
Thanks to Fran Gardner-Smith, our principal event photographer!
Fellow deputies are invited to make any corrections or clarifications in the comments section, or let me know via email and I will take care of it.
