Pre-Convention Day 2

Saturday provided the one relatively leisurely morning of convention. Deputies and bishops were still arriving, registering, and receiving credentials. For those of us already arrived, it was an opportunity to attend or monitor legislative committee meetings or budget meeting, do food shopping, visiting the Exhibit Hall (as usual, more on that in a future installment), or otherwise getting our bearings in the environs of the Galt House Hotel and North Fourth Street.

At 12:30, the House of Deputies was opened specifically for the decoration of our stanchions, the poles that identify each diocese. The gatekeepers weren't going to allow any alternate deputies on the floor, which would have excluded Jane and Rita. However, we politely persuaded the staff to inquire about the possibility, and succeeded. So this was the only time alternates could be on the floor, unless substituting for one of our deputies.

Margaret, Jane, Rita

At 2:00, deputies and bishops gathered in the House of Deputies--the only convention center space large enough to hold us all--for opening remarks by President of the HOD Julia Ayala Harris and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

Concentrating on instructions

PHOD Harris

Presiding Bishop Curry, thanking the Secretary of General Convention and Executive Officer, Michael Barlowe, who leaves the position at the conclusion of GC81

At the conclusion, there was a short break for the bishops to return to their House for orientation. The deputies had one as well. It was a necessary refresher on the ipad and VBinder for returning deputies and a fresh experience for our newbies. The officers on the platform were introduced. Parliamentarian Bryan Krislock led us through the weeds of legislative actions. Our Voting Secretary led us through the electronic vote process, and we conducted a fun mock debate and sample vote (by orders, lay and clergy) on a two-part resolution: whether a hot dog can be considered a sandwich. It did not pass.

Kate

After our first full deputation gathering in our meeting room, we made our way to the adjacent Yum! Center for the Love Always Revival.

Alanna takes a selfie of one batch of our deputies and attendees:
Bobbie, Betty, Margaret Jason, Rita, Gail

Rocking out to the B52s "Love Shack"

Bishop Curry joins the group on stage

Big crowd

The best double act in Christendom, Bishop Curry and his Spanish language interpreter Dinorah Pardo.

Bishop Curry's energy level in the afternoon and evening seemed unimpaired by his medical issues of the past year. The sermon was lively, engaging, and didn't feel as lengthy as it probably was, his preaching about love is so electrifying and inspiring. He refers to his impending retirement with humor and enthusiasm, but he must be so aware that this is his last convention as Presiding Bishop--something that must be acknowledged but is certainly bittersweet for us all. Nobody is more deserving of rest and such good and faithful service to the Church and the world.

Our days will get busier and feel much longer, but we're off to a good beginning!

Saturday sunset over the Ohio River