Thursday, July 12, 2012
Moose Mascot
Heading Home
Our moose mascot is safely tucked in for his journey back home to New Hampshire. (That's his little head peeking out from Jason's backpack - a little furry Moose head that has been covered in hat and scarf and all kinds of other wonderful knitted warm goodies for kids at a local school near Deputy Susan Langle this next winter. Good things knitted by some of the deputation while listening to testimony and argument this week - - made me wish at times that I knew how to knit!). I have made notes all week about things I want to blog about, and will get to them when we actually get home. With a shorter schedule this year for General Convention it was harder than ever to get the work done in front of us and also have time to do anything else (like blog, eat, sleep, catch up with old friends from seminary, etc).
But I did want to put up links here to two of my favorite sermons from the Eucharists this week. The first is from Bp. Michael Curry (Diocese of North Carolina).
The second sermon I recommend listening to is from the Rev. Mary Crist, of the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Liturgical Art
As part of General Convention, there is always a liturgical art exhibit. Here are many of the works on display.
Most importantly, one of our deputation--Betsy Hess--had a painting accepted for the show, it symbolizes the prologue to the Gospel of John.
Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, now Lord Carey, wore this at his installation as AB of C.
Most importantly, one of our deputation--Betsy Hess--had a painting accepted for the show, it symbolizes the prologue to the Gospel of John.
Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, now Lord Carey, wore this at his installation as AB of C.
A Tour of the Exhibit Hall
Many interesting items on offer in the marketplace part of the exhibit hall. (Which closed yesterday. Our deputation did its share of shopping, as usual!)
The Camel looks real but is only a cutout.
The Camel looks real but is only a cutout.
10 Days in Indianapolis
From Mark Jekins...
The last ten days in Indianapolis have been dizzying to say the least. My first General Convention was here in Indianapolis back in 1994. Since then, I've attended as a deputy or alternate. This was my first time since 1994 as a visitor - a different role for me but I managed to find plenty of work to do.
As a relative newcomer, I began my time here feeling like I had one foot in the old and one foot in the new. It was a joy to catch up with so many people from previous conventions as well as folks from Michigan, my former home. But the feeling straddling two different lives dissipated quickly as I was invited by our deputation into their community and deliberations. I am grateful to our Bishop, our Bishop-elect and to the entire deputation for their graceful and genial welcome. It's been a great time to reconnect with many old friends from around the country as well as to make new friends from New Hampshire.
Mark
http://www.facebook.com/KeeneObservations
The last ten days in Indianapolis have been dizzying to say the least. My first General Convention was here in Indianapolis back in 1994. Since then, I've attended as a deputy or alternate. This was my first time since 1994 as a visitor - a different role for me but I managed to find plenty of work to do.
As a relative newcomer, I began my time here feeling like I had one foot in the old and one foot in the new. It was a joy to catch up with so many people from previous conventions as well as folks from Michigan, my former home. But the feeling straddling two different lives dissipated quickly as I was invited by our deputation into their community and deliberations. I am grateful to our Bishop, our Bishop-elect and to the entire deputation for their graceful and genial welcome. It's been a great time to reconnect with many old friends from around the country as well as to make new friends from New Hampshire.
Mark
http://www.facebook.com/KeeneObservations
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Photos
Mr. Secretary's colorful coat, Legislative Day 6
Our deputation is participating in a knitting challenge, to see how many mittens, hats, and scarves we can produce for children in Claremont.
Here are the results as of Legislative Day 7 (Wednesday), excluding a scarf Betsy just completed:
Susan Langle took this photo of a young lady who is collecting all badges available and being handed out to convention attendees. As you see, there are lots and lots of badges!
A photo povided by Bill from The Episcopal Network on Stewardship awards event earlier in Convention.
Also from Bill, as we were standing before Convention presenting our Coadjutor-elect.
We use these devices for electing people to positions, or if the President of the HoD cannot determine from voice for or show of red and green cards what the will of the house might be. (The sparkly frog came from the Hmong booth in the Exhibit Hall. More on the exhibits in a future post.)
Our bishops at the Joint Session for the budget presentation.
Our deputation is participating in a knitting challenge, to see how many mittens, hats, and scarves we can produce for children in Claremont.
Here are the results as of Legislative Day 7 (Wednesday), excluding a scarf Betsy just completed:
Susan Langle took this photo of a young lady who is collecting all badges available and being handed out to convention attendees. As you see, there are lots and lots of badges!
A photo povided by Bill from The Episcopal Network on Stewardship awards event earlier in Convention.
Also from Bill, as we were standing before Convention presenting our Coadjutor-elect.
We use these devices for electing people to positions, or if the President of the HoD cannot determine from voice for or show of red and green cards what the will of the house might be. (The sparkly frog came from the Hmong booth in the Exhibit Hall. More on the exhibits in a future post.)
Our bishops at the Joint Session for the budget presentation.
Come, Holy Spirit
From Susan Langle...
As we finish our work with diligence, grace and exceedingly large amounts of coffee we continue to pray. This one rings in my ears, the opening prayers from the Integrity Eucharist on Monday night:
Rejoice now, Mother Church, with all creation, For God has sent the Holy Spirit into our hearts to call us out of darkness into light;
the Holy Spirit, who moved over the waters in the darkness of eternal night before the Creation, comes with fire to illuminate our darkness;
the Holy Spirit, who spoke through the prophets to condemn injustice and give hope to the oppressed, comes with fire to purge our world;
the Holy Spirit, who descended at the baptism of Jesus to proclaim him God’s anointed one, comes with fire to reveal God’s love;
the Holy Spirit, who came upon the apostles at Pentecost to send them out into all the world and to proclaim the gospel to all people, comes with fire to renew and inspire the church.
Come, O Holy Spirit, and fill us.
As we finish our work with diligence, grace and exceedingly large amounts of coffee we continue to pray. This one rings in my ears, the opening prayers from the Integrity Eucharist on Monday night:
Rejoice now, Mother Church, with all creation, For God has sent the Holy Spirit into our hearts to call us out of darkness into light;
the Holy Spirit, who moved over the waters in the darkness of eternal night before the Creation, comes with fire to illuminate our darkness;
the Holy Spirit, who spoke through the prophets to condemn injustice and give hope to the oppressed, comes with fire to purge our world;
the Holy Spirit, who descended at the baptism of Jesus to proclaim him God’s anointed one, comes with fire to reveal God’s love;
the Holy Spirit, who came upon the apostles at Pentecost to send them out into all the world and to proclaim the gospel to all people, comes with fire to renew and inspire the church.
Come, O Holy Spirit, and fill us.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Keeping Up
The deputation (minus our alternates), photographed during yesterday's Joint Session to hear the presentation of the Triennial Budget.
Our responsibilities in our committees, our respective houses, and to one another have prevented regular blogging. Sunday seems like a long time ago...it is now Wednesday and we have proceeded through several legislative days. Much amazing work and discernment has been done, and it seems unfair to highlight particular resolutions, because so many are important and necessary.
In coming days, as we reflect and distill events and experiences, deputies can update the blog. In the meantime, lots of photos will be posted to reflect what's happening. Our folks have been sending me their stuff, so as time permits I will play catch-up.
I will merely present yesterday's activities--only because they are freshest in my mind. The House of Deputies passed--unanimously--the much-discussed and closely followed resolution on Structural Reform. It was a big moment and concluding with a hymn sing. This morning, the House of Bishops concurred--unanimously! We are committed to a process that, God willing, will bring good changes to make us an even more missional church.
In the other notable action yesterday, the House of Deputies--after sensitive debate--with the House of Bishops in passing the resolution providing liturgious resources and a rite for the blessing of same-gender unions. We've not had time to really follow what is being said of this beyond the walls of our convention center complex.
Also, a new President of the House of Deputies was elected, The Rev. Gay Jennings. She is known to many of our clergy through her work with CREDO as well as her long involvement in General Convention. To those of us on the previous Bishop Search and Election Committees, she was a highly valued consultant to our process. This is an exciting development.
We are having a good, if busy, time, deepening relationships within our deputation, and as always making new friends across the wide spectrum of our church. We are blessed to participate in this ginormous "Council of the Church," and uplifted by some magnificent liturgies. (The Integrity Eucharist, with our own bishop preaching, was a highlight, as always.)
Check this space for photos and more!
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Sunday, July 8, 2012
All Work & No Play? No way!
After morning Eucharist, the Diocese of Indianapolis hosted their diocesan event at Victory Field, the lovely baseball stadium across from the Convention Center and the JW Marriott where our deputation is staying. It was hot (in the 90's) but since it has been in the 100-somethings all week, we welcomed the "cool" weather and went forth to partake of the fun and free food. And we donated to relief and outreach efforts in Sudan and Brasilia and Haiti.
Rock climbing.
Steel band.
Playing musical chairs in the stadium seats.
Indiana is the Limestone State, so there was a stonecutter.
A happy potter (our illustrious and talented Charles!)
It's the 159th birthday of the host diocese, so lots of cake!
Attempting a world record Samba!
People on stilts.
I don't know who the costumed lady represented exactly, I only know she must've been very hot in her gown.
Members of our merry band enjoyed themselves. Marjorie at one of the booths.
Your blogger, showing her affection for Mr. Spock (sorry, Captain Kirk!)
Rock climbing.
Steel band.
Playing musical chairs in the stadium seats.
Indiana is the Limestone State, so there was a stonecutter.
A happy potter (our illustrious and talented Charles!)
It's the 159th birthday of the host diocese, so lots of cake!
Attempting a world record Samba!
People on stilts.
I don't know who the costumed lady represented exactly, I only know she must've been very hot in her gown.
Members of our merry band enjoyed themselves. Marjorie at one of the booths.
Your blogger, showing her affection for Mr. Spock (sorry, Captain Kirk!)
Sunday
So all that info-gathering on action in committees was shared this morning among the deputation at breakfast in the hotel.
I capatured the Bishops lining up before they were to process in to Sunday Eucharist.
About 4000 people were at Eucharist.
Then the deputation met again during the lunch hour. We had to wait to get into the meeting space but made good use of our time in the corridor. Checking messages...
...and blogging!
Soon we'll find out what Legislative Day 4 has in store.
I capatured the Bishops lining up before they were to process in to Sunday Eucharist.
About 4000 people were at Eucharist.
Then the deputation met again during the lunch hour. We had to wait to get into the meeting space but made good use of our time in the corridor. Checking messages...
...and blogging!
Soon we'll find out what Legislative Day 4 has in store.
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