Me with Deputies Ashley and Pia from Spokane
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A couple of pictures from Megan
Hannah and I at Lunch with Bishop Gene Robinson
Me with Deputies Ashley and Pia from Spokane
Me with Deputies Ashley and Pia from Spokane
Two More Days!
Monday morning I attended the Structure committee hearing. Resolutions on convention management and committee appointments were discussed. I testified on D049 which asks the President of the House of Deputies to strongly consider appointing young adult Deputies to the committees of Convention. Currently first time deputies are barred from serving on committees. I testified in support of the resolution. I believe that assigning some of the younger deputies makes the legislative business more diverse and rich in perspective. I also pointed out that young adult deputies have prior experience through things like Youth Presence, Peace Fellowship, and Diocesan leadership. I think that many of my peers have these qualifications; they would be wonderful committee members. Luckily this resolution passed today on the consent calendar in the house of deputies.
This morning I sat in on the House of Bishops session. It was so interesting to observe how this house conducted business. The Bishops seem to be faster in pushing resolutions through! I enjoyed hearing their discussion on the access of the discernment process to all people. Sitting in this morning was very enlightening. It made me realize just how much perspective is lost when resolutions move from house to house. It saddens me that we cannot share more perspectives among the two houses.
At noon, Hannah and I had the pleasure to have lunch with Bishop Gene Robinson. It was great to get to meet with him in a relaxed environment away from the crowds and media. We had great conversation on the Diocese of New Hampshire and his ministry there. I feel that we are so quick to focus on the negatives that we do not appreciate our blessings. For instance, I think that it is a shame that the media relentlessly covers conflict in the church while failing to mention that the Diocese of New Hampshire has actually grown in numbers over the past couple of years. Convention is a wonderful place to catch up with old friends while also making new ones. It was great to be able to let Bishop Robinson know what a great witness he is in the church and the world. It was a fun and grace-filled meeting.
This afternoon a joint session met to review the PB&F triennial budget. While this presentation was painful given all the funding cuts, there was also hope. Creative and resourceful solutions were proposed to deal with our lower income. Such ideas included shortening convention, making convention paperless, and having less in-person meeting for CCABs. On a very positive note, 0.7% was restored to the budget to fund the Millennium Development Goals. I think that this is incredibly encouraging. While we are all receiving cuts to specialized ministries, we are also looking beyond this to fund common mission that we can all invest in! We are being very resourceful with lack of resources!
Later on in the afternoon I went back to the House of Bishops to hear deliberations on C056. This resolution deals with blessings of same gender couples. For an eloquent description of the resolution, I refer you to Dean Baker's post! After nearly two hours of debate, discussion, amendments, role call votes, and prayer, the house past the resolution with a few minor amendments. I am excited to follow this conversation in the house of Deputies.
This morning I sat in on the House of Bishops session. It was so interesting to observe how this house conducted business. The Bishops seem to be faster in pushing resolutions through! I enjoyed hearing their discussion on the access of the discernment process to all people. Sitting in this morning was very enlightening. It made me realize just how much perspective is lost when resolutions move from house to house. It saddens me that we cannot share more perspectives among the two houses.
At noon, Hannah and I had the pleasure to have lunch with Bishop Gene Robinson. It was great to get to meet with him in a relaxed environment away from the crowds and media. We had great conversation on the Diocese of New Hampshire and his ministry there. I feel that we are so quick to focus on the negatives that we do not appreciate our blessings. For instance, I think that it is a shame that the media relentlessly covers conflict in the church while failing to mention that the Diocese of New Hampshire has actually grown in numbers over the past couple of years. Convention is a wonderful place to catch up with old friends while also making new ones. It was great to be able to let Bishop Robinson know what a great witness he is in the church and the world. It was a fun and grace-filled meeting.
This afternoon a joint session met to review the PB&F triennial budget. While this presentation was painful given all the funding cuts, there was also hope. Creative and resourceful solutions were proposed to deal with our lower income. Such ideas included shortening convention, making convention paperless, and having less in-person meeting for CCABs. On a very positive note, 0.7% was restored to the budget to fund the Millennium Development Goals. I think that this is incredibly encouraging. While we are all receiving cuts to specialized ministries, we are also looking beyond this to fund common mission that we can all invest in! We are being very resourceful with lack of resources!
Later on in the afternoon I went back to the House of Bishops to hear deliberations on C056. This resolution deals with blessings of same gender couples. For an eloquent description of the resolution, I refer you to Dean Baker's post! After nearly two hours of debate, discussion, amendments, role call votes, and prayer, the house past the resolution with a few minor amendments. I am excited to follow this conversation in the house of Deputies.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Busy Days. D025, D019, A089...
On Friday night a group of us attended the Integrity Eucharist. Bishop Barbara Harris preached an amazing sermon on the inclusion of all the baptized in the life of the church. I recommend that you find the full text of her sermon! It was such a great experience to join with so many other voices to give thanks for everyone’s ministry and belonging.
On Saturday morning I went to the structure committee hearing on D066 to voice opinion on this youth presence resolution. The resolution calls for the restructuring of the election process. It also requests a vote for these representatives. Although the resolution has some problems, it is going to be worked on in sub-committee for revision. I plan to follow this revision.
This morning was the General Convention United Thank Offering Eucharist. It was amazing to gather with 9,000 other Episcopalians to give thanks for our church and its mission. The UTO Service is one of my favorites at convention.
This afternoon the house of deputies voted on some exciting resolutions! The highlights included D025, D019, and A089. After much debate, amendments, and votes by order, we passed D025, which calls for the full inclusion of our LGBT sisters and brothers in the life of the church, even ordained ministry. I found the language to be very eloquent and inclusive. I think this is an authentic statement of our ministry in the church right now. This gives me much hope for the future. D019 calls for 1% of the budget funds to be allocated for the Millennium Development Goals. It is great to recommit to combating these pressing matters of poverty and inequality in the world. A089 finally passed after some debate. This resolution calls the church to address the Christian history of anti-Judaism in the Christian scriptures and liturgy. While this history is painful, I think we can learn a lot from acknowledging past history. We can learn and grow from it.
I am off to a Structure committee hearing on legislative committee selection in about six hours. Wow these days long. These long and tiring days are filled with good work, good spirit, and good friendship.
On Saturday morning I went to the structure committee hearing on D066 to voice opinion on this youth presence resolution. The resolution calls for the restructuring of the election process. It also requests a vote for these representatives. Although the resolution has some problems, it is going to be worked on in sub-committee for revision. I plan to follow this revision.
This morning was the General Convention United Thank Offering Eucharist. It was amazing to gather with 9,000 other Episcopalians to give thanks for our church and its mission. The UTO Service is one of my favorites at convention.
This afternoon the house of deputies voted on some exciting resolutions! The highlights included D025, D019, and A089. After much debate, amendments, and votes by order, we passed D025, which calls for the full inclusion of our LGBT sisters and brothers in the life of the church, even ordained ministry. I found the language to be very eloquent and inclusive. I think this is an authentic statement of our ministry in the church right now. This gives me much hope for the future. D019 calls for 1% of the budget funds to be allocated for the Millennium Development Goals. It is great to recommit to combating these pressing matters of poverty and inequality in the world. A089 finally passed after some debate. This resolution calls the church to address the Christian history of anti-Judaism in the Christian scriptures and liturgy. While this history is painful, I think we can learn a lot from acknowledging past history. We can learn and grow from it.
I am off to a Structure committee hearing on legislative committee selection in about six hours. Wow these days long. These long and tiring days are filled with good work, good spirit, and good friendship.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Day three
I had the day off. I did volunteer and attend the Integrity Eucharist. It was amazing as usual. Bishop Barbara Harris gave a stunning and hopeful sermon. Everyone should read it!!!!!!!!!!! I'm on the floor tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
And it is only day one!
I got into Anaheim yesterday morning. After getting settled in the Hotel room, I headed off to register for General Convention. As I took my initial walk through the center, I started to see many people I knew. It was great to catch up with them. After orientation, I headed into Downtown Anaheim to attend the young adult reception hosted by Episcopalians for Global reconciliation. I met many wonderful young deputies from throughout the church. It was great to discuss upcoming legislation that we were passionate about. There was a lot of great conversation about the 2006 B003 resolution, evangelism, education, and the upcoming resolutions on same sex blessings.
This morning I attended a Chicago Consultation meeting headed by Deputy Bonnie Perry, and Bishop Gene Robinson. I think that this group will be doing many great things throughout the course of convention. After worship I had some time to walk around the exhibit hall. There were many great exhibitors. The highlight of my day was when Bishop +Barry introduced me to The Archbishop of Canterbury! It was absolutely wonderful to meet such an amazing church leader!
In the afternoon I attended the Public Narrative training hosted by guests from Harvard University. We are trained in how to coach people on telling their personal faith story, their community story, and their current call/challenge. It is the hope of the General Convention that this will be a rich opportunity to discuss the mission of the church. I am assigned to coach the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Although I am sad that I do not get to engage in conversation about mission with our Deputation, I look forward to meeting new people and having great conversation.
Tonight we had the pleasure of hearing Archbishop Rowan Williams talk on the global economic crisis. He had great thoughts and meditations to offer. We all need to be more conscious of the impact we have on this planet and our care for our neighbors. Every act, no matter how large or small, can contribute to making the planet better for all people. We are all made in the image of God. We must care for each other with this is mind.
I meet with the past and present Official Youth Reps tonight for dinner. It was wonderful to see new friends and to hear the hope on excitement of the new representatives! I am excite for the great things to come!
This morning I attended a Chicago Consultation meeting headed by Deputy Bonnie Perry, and Bishop Gene Robinson. I think that this group will be doing many great things throughout the course of convention. After worship I had some time to walk around the exhibit hall. There were many great exhibitors. The highlight of my day was when Bishop +Barry introduced me to The Archbishop of Canterbury! It was absolutely wonderful to meet such an amazing church leader!
In the afternoon I attended the Public Narrative training hosted by guests from Harvard University. We are trained in how to coach people on telling their personal faith story, their community story, and their current call/challenge. It is the hope of the General Convention that this will be a rich opportunity to discuss the mission of the church. I am assigned to coach the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Although I am sad that I do not get to engage in conversation about mission with our Deputation, I look forward to meeting new people and having great conversation.
Tonight we had the pleasure of hearing Archbishop Rowan Williams talk on the global economic crisis. He had great thoughts and meditations to offer. We all need to be more conscious of the impact we have on this planet and our care for our neighbors. Every act, no matter how large or small, can contribute to making the planet better for all people. We are all made in the image of God. We must care for each other with this is mind.
I meet with the past and present Official Youth Reps tonight for dinner. It was wonderful to see new friends and to hear the hope on excitement of the new representatives! I am excite for the great things to come!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Legislation Update
I am very excited to finally be arriving in Anaheim tomorrow morning!I had such a great experience in 2003 attending the Youth Event, and in 2006 serving on The Official Youth Presence. It is very exciting to currently be serving as First Lay Alternate for the Diocese. It is such a privileged to be one of only 2.3% of Deputies under the age of 30.
I am looking forward to following many legislation pieces. I plan to sit in on the National and International Concerns, as well as the Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Church Music legislative committees. Specific highlights from National and International Concerns include C008 that proposes the first Sunday in Lent be set aside as Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday. There is also legislation on climate change, trafficking, labor laws, and issues in Palestine and Iraq. In The Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Music committee there are proposals on Woman's ordination observance, Hymnal Revision, and Sam sex blessing rites. I also plan on following legislation related to the 2006 B003 Resolution.
This is just a small sampling of my interests. I'm sure that I will update on many more things. I am looking forward to the wonderful work, fellowship, and prayer in the next 10 days!
I am looking forward to following many legislation pieces. I plan to sit in on the National and International Concerns, as well as the Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Church Music legislative committees. Specific highlights from National and International Concerns include C008 that proposes the first Sunday in Lent be set aside as Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday. There is also legislation on climate change, trafficking, labor laws, and issues in Palestine and Iraq. In The Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Music committee there are proposals on Woman's ordination observance, Hymnal Revision, and Sam sex blessing rites. I also plan on following legislation related to the 2006 B003 Resolution.
This is just a small sampling of my interests. I'm sure that I will update on many more things. I am looking forward to the wonderful work, fellowship, and prayer in the next 10 days!
1 day till Anaheim!
I am frantically trying to get everything done before I leave tomorrow morning for General Convention. Just a few more errands, meetings, and packing and I'll be on my way! It is very exciting to finally be a voting member in the House of Deputies! I am trying to read through the Blue Book at an accelerated speed. Due to some registration confusion, I did not get my materials until last week. EEek! Luckily I'm almost done! I will update later on some legislation that I hope to track during Convention. I am very excited to share my adventures with everyone. Please check back regularly and comment. Until my next post here are some of my favorite Convention sites. I hope that you enjoy them!
- Louie Crew's Convention Site- http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/rel.html
- Episcopal Life- http://www.episcopalchurch.org/episcopal_life.htm
- Young Adults at General Convention- http://episcopalcommons.org/yaf/
- Young Adult Deputy Bloggers- http://episcopalcommons.org/yaf/deputies/
- Follow Episcopal Cafe on Twitter- http://twitter.com/episcopalcafe
- Follow the Chicago Consultation on Twitter- http://twitter.com/chiconsultation
- Follow me on Twitter- http://twitter.com/meanderingon
- Louie Crew's Convention Site- http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/rel.html
- Episcopal Life- http://www.episcopalchurch.org/episcopal_life.htm
- Young Adults at General Convention- http://episcopalcommons.org/yaf/
- Young Adult Deputy Bloggers- http://episcopalcommons.org/yaf/deputies/
- Follow Episcopal Cafe on Twitter- http://twitter.com/episcopalcafe
- Follow the Chicago Consultation on Twitter- http://twitter.com/chiconsultation
- Follow me on Twitter- http://twitter.com/meanderingon
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