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.

Baltimore Bound!

 Members of our New Hampshire deputation are on the move, or soon will be, traveling by air or by car--destination, Baltimore.

From Friday through next Monday, we will be spending most of our time in the Convention Center. The presence of the 80th General Convention is already apparent from the signage there. 

Welcome sign @ the Convention Center

The weather is far warmer and far more humid than in New Hampshire. Rain showers and thunderstorms are predicted.

Up & down temperatures. Wet & dry weather.

Baltimore Skyline

National Aquarium, left & Inner Harbor, right.

Late this afternoon, the showers moved across the distant edge of the city...and the faint rainbow that appeared afterwards seemed like a good omen.

Registration and deputy certification takes place tomorrow, as well as the first gathering of the NH deputation. 

Our First Legislative Day is Friday, and will begin with worship.