Report from Cathie Lewis of Tamworth

Cathie Lewis, of St Andrews-in-the-Valley, Tamworth, writes from General Convention in Austin. Cathie is in Austin out of sheer love for Convention: “I admit it wholeheartedly and unabashedly. There is a physical and spiritual energy that captivates me. Then, too, the politics fascinate me!” After worshipping and serving in dioceses including West Virginia, Southern Ohio, Ohio, Springfield, Eastern Florida, and Connecticut, she’s been in New Hampshire (“blissfully and sincerely hopeful that it’s my final move”) for about nine years. She’s a delegate to NH’s convention from the Lakes Region, and recently finished a term as the Lakes Convocation's lay co-convener.

July 3: Arrived late afternoon and took the “Super Shuttle” into town. It’s supposed to be a 25 minute ride, but the driver knows some short cuts… 12 minutes later, we were at the Hilton, complete with a knowledge of Austin history and the driver’s shared story of his London birth of Nigerian parents and his immigration to the USA and his naturalization 17 years ago to "the greatest country in the world".  What a beautiful and dramatic introduction to General Convention!

July 4: Today was to have been a day of personal organization and acclimation, but what a wonderful surprise.  A small group (only a few hundred or so) of early arrivers met in the House of Delegates for “introductions.” First up to bat (can't get away from baseball analogies, as the Sox are going so well) was Michael Curry, hereinafter called the PB. Some of us may be familiar with the historic 14 minutes several weeks ago in London???  That was then, that was nothing, compared to this is now!  He was rousing, he was compassionate, he was outraged, and he was determined. We will respond, and we will make a difference -- with the immigration situation and with the #metoo movement.

July 10: How?  How to describe what goes on here.  That is rhetorical, because there really is no answer.  The Episcopal News Service (ENS) and the NH Diocesan Newsletter can give a day-to-day report, so I'd like to share impressions and my own thoughts.

The Presiding Bishop is still being the Presiding Bishop, of course!   Here are some of his thoughts, offered randomly by me:

     Jesus is the Vine; we are the Branches. Do you hear Jesus whispering, "You are the Episcopal Branch of my movement!"  

     Only LOVE can change the world. How? In a world that is profoundly un-loving, we must keep our hand on the Gospel and our eyes on the prize.  In the Sea of Galilee, Peter could walk on the water in the storm until he lost focus on Jesus—he lost sight of the Prize.  We, every Episcopalian, need to throw ourselves into the hands of Jesus, turning to the direction of the Son, until our spiritual practices become instinctive.

     Seek JUSTICE and RECONCILIATION, not just victory.  This way we can help Christianity reclaim its soul.  (Wow, says I. How profound is that!)

     I do wish there could be some way to convey the passion, the love, the drama, that is shared all around here.  

  Blessings to all, Cathie