Legislative Day 1

Sunday began with Eucharist. Afterwards, the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops began their work.

House of Deputies

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Jane and Rita, alternate clergy and alternate lay deputies

A practice resolution for a vote by orders. 

The resolution did not pass

Most of the morning actions could be described as housekeeping items. We were informed about what resolutions had been removed from the Consent Calendar. One of our votes was to confirm appointments for a six-year term on the Archives Advisory Committee for The Episcopal Church. This blogger is listed.

After our two-hour lunch break, the HOD re-convened to take up the various resolutions and amendments to our Rules of Order. There was considerable debate.

Benge being recognized to speak to a resolution (or an amendment)

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After getting through the Rules of Order, and decided on them, we could turn to voting. The items on Consent were dealt with. Then we move on to others. The final resolutions came from the Auxiliary Calendar, and all were courtesy resolutions--of greeting to past presidents of the HOD, recognition of the Official Youth presence, significant anniversaries of dioceses, and gratitude for the late illustrious and dedicated Rev. Edward Rodman of Massachusetts.

The full New Hampshire deputation and Bishop Rob gathered in our hospitality suite to discuss the day's events and matters than will soon be before us. It was the first time that all of us could be together in one place.

Benge, Sarah, Kate

Alanna, Gail, Bobbi, Bishop Rob, Jason, Jane, Kelly

In the morning there will be a Joint Session--Bishops and Deputies--for the budget presentation. Followed by more legislation!

A Lengthy Legislative Day 1

Our NH deputation sits near the back of the House of Deputies, kind of towards the middle. 

This morning we had a problematic issue with the wifi system necessary for accessing our Virtual Binder--and most importantly, the voting system. Fortunately it was resolved, and we managed a successful electronic vote--yay!

The deputation gathered at lunch time, but there wasn't much to discuss.

Two resolutions on today's Consent Calendar were removed, and will go on a future Legislative Calendar, allowing debate and more informed decisions.

We approved the Special Rules of Order, with amendment, followed by meaningful and inspiring special-ordered resolutions from the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee.

But we hadn't made it very far through the full calendar by the time we had our dinner break. After both Houses recessed, the Bishops United Against Gun Violence held a visibility with prayer at the site of a tragic and fatal gun violence event that occurred yesterday, a few blocks from the Convention Center. 

Hoping and praying for more speedy conduct of business in the evening legislative session!

Colin Chapman, Tina Pickering, Jason Wells, Deputy Moose

Everyone looked so lively and eager and well-caffeinated first thing this morning!

 

The New Hampshire Deputation has arrived!

 NH Moose, our honorary deputy, checked out the Convention Center this morning. Even though he was appropriately masked, he was not officially certified as a deputy. Nevertheless, he will attend every legislative session.

If he had been able to register, he would have received a nametag, and ipad with the General Convention Virtual Binder, containing all the legislative information for the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, resolutions, and much more. Anyone can access it! And follow the action via Media Hub/Live Streaming.

There is also a goody bag. Contents: 5 rapid Covid tests (one to use each morning), breath mints (to help with KN95 mask mouth), coloring book and pencils, mini-composition book for doodles and scribbles, a cookie, and wooden reusable non-plastic environmentally safe eating utensils. Plus a fan, which cannot offset Baltimore's overwhelming humidity!

Our deputation's hotel home is the Renaissance Harborplace, a few big blocks from the Baltimore Convention Center. Everyone who traveled today arrived safely.

Early this evening, we held our first deputation meeting to discuss resolutions of interest to our diocese. Most of our members were in the suite, a couple of us Zoomed in--one from the same hotel, one from New Hampshire.

Gail, Tina, Colin, Jason, Benge, Margaret, Moose, Bobbi

out of frame: Kelly, Sarah (birthday girl) & Sue

Bishop Rob, Gail, Tina

Tomorrow, Legislative Day 1 will begin with worship, the Bishops and Deputies in their separate Houses. Followed by morning, afternoon, and evening legislative sessions.

Hello friends and fam

The day was glorious with the opening ceremony and Holy Eucharist. President Bonnie Anderson started us off by reminding us: "The Church does not have a mission, God has a Church". We entered the opening Eucharist to the glorious sound of African drumming (yes Jeanne!) and loud shouting. Presiding Bp. Katherine began her sermon with the story of when she consecrated Nedi Rivera as Bishop of Seattle, how Nedi's father embraced her wrapping his coat around her. Her father was an Episcopal Priest who had not gone to Nedi's ordination and never took communion from her. When Katherine asked Nedi what changed his mind, Nedi's response was that his mind did not change; his heart did. She noted how it is now possible to do heart transplants, not brain transplants. She ended with the challenge that we can all hear the heart beating "Mission, Mission, Mission, Mission......" The gospel and much of the liturgy was spoken in Spanish. How very wonderful!

The hearings I have been following have been with the Church Pension Group focusing on Employee Benefits (justice issues), and B012 which is intended to offer "Pastoral Generosity" in blessings of Civil Unions in states where Civil Union is legal. Stay tuned on that one. All of the Bishops of the six states that have legalized Civil Unions spoke and many of the clergy in those states as well as several other Bishops, clergy and lay. The speakers at this hearing were all in favor of the resolution. One of the committee members noted is was an end to "don't ask/don;t tell". Three of the committee members indicated that they are still in conflict over it. It was extremely emotional and draining but full of the Holy Spirit. (she was there, you could feel it)

Bp. Robinson spoke at the first of the Consultation Lunchtime speakers offerings. Of course he was eloquent proclaiming, "The time is now to do God's work toward full inclusion of all of God's children". He noted we have been patient, but that there was a sense of urgency to act on what God is moving us to now.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Bp. Rowan Williams spoke at a panel led by our Presiding Bp. Katherine and President Bonnie addressing World Crisis. He noted our crisis is not just an economic crisis, it is a crisis in truth. He stated, "We have been lying to ourselves". He admonished that we have embraced anti-relational practices. We must seek the truth about our place in creation in taking care of our environment and about our reltion to one another as human beings. He challenged us as a people of faith to name it as a crisis and be commited to truth telling and building trust. The panel included three young people who are fulling engaged in mission and was extremely moving.

What a day! Several of us walked down to the Garden Walkway which is a short walk from the hotel to seek a place to nourish ourselves after this day. There are three levels of shops and restaurants all opening out from this beautiful outside garden walk. It is quite grand and we realised fully that we were not in NH any more. We found a super Japanese Grill recommended by Bp. Doug Theuner and it was perfect! Thanks Doug. Then walked back to the lighted spectacle of tall stately palms lining the highways of Anaheim. And then when in the parking lot were treated to the exquisite fireworks display from Disney. Finally to rest and dream of this days work and worship with thousands of other Episcopalians. I am truely Blessed. Take good care and keep those candles burning Jeanne. Love y'all. Bon/Mom/Nan