Getting Ready for Austin!

Atrium, Austin Convention Center

To prepare for General Convention 2019, the triennial gathering of The Episcopal Church, the New Hampshire Deputation has held several meetings.

We gathered in November to receive very preliminary information, as we awaited information about our housing choice and any committee assignments.

In March, we came together again. Deputies took on the task of reviewing Blue Book resolutions in order to update the group on matters of interest at the next meeting.

The Province 1 Pre-Convention Synod was held in Worcester, MA in April, and most of the deputation attended. General Convention Secretary Michael Barlowe, President of the House of Deputies Gay Jennings, and the Presiding Bishop's Canon Michael Hunn led discussions about convention. Proposed resolutions by our province related to the opiod crisis and the parochial report were also presented.

By that time we had learned that these Deputies were assigned to committees:


Benge Ambrigi will serve on Congregational Development (Committee #10)

Kate Atkinson will serve on Safeguarding and Title IV (Committee #3)

Sarah Ambrogi will serve on Church Pension Fund (Committee #17)

Margaret Porter is the chair of Privilege and Courtesy (Committee #24)

The Bishop serves on Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music (Committee #12)

Deputies took on the task of reviewing Blue Book resolutions in order to update the group on matters of interest at the next meeting.

At the end of May, we re-convened to share findings about resolutions, discuss logistics, and answer questions. Margaret had attended the Committee Chairs' orientation meeting in Austin earlier in the month, and was able to share information about convention center layout and the hotels where committees will hold their meetings.

Most of the NH contingent will arrive in Austin on Monday, July 2. The committees will meet on the 3rd. The first Legislative Day (of 9) is July 5.

With the election of Canon Kevin Nichols as next Bishop of Bethlehem (PA), there's a shift in the clergy order. Those representing New Hampshire are:

Lay
Sarah Ambrogi
Margaret Porter
Benge Ambrogi
Gloria Gallant
Marti Hunt, Alternate

Clergy
Kate Atkinson
Gail Avery
Richard Davenport
Sue Poulin
Janet Lombardo, Alternate

Georgia Atkinson of St. Paul's Church, Concord, was selected as one of two Province 1 representatives to the Official Youth Presence.

We look forward to sharing our experiences and other developments after our arrival in Austin!