12July2009
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One of the noteworthy things about General Convention is the schedule. There is irony galore as deputies work from 7am until 9 pm or later some days. The time alloted for catching a meal and resting is contrary to anything wellness experts will tell you. We have completed five days of work and the tiredness is obvious. Thanks be to God very few working groups met this evening. People do need a break. What is a bit laughable is how easy it is to forget what day of the week it is. One deputy called home and expressed surprise that her daughter was home from work — “It’s the weekend, mom,” the daugther reminded her.
Last night the Integrity Eucharist was an amazing celebration of the diversity of God’s creation. Bishop Barbara Harris had the crowd saying “Amen” and clapping during her sermon. Today a senior correspondent from the Jim Leherer report was the preacher at the daily eucharist. I heard him encourage us to stay true to the people God calls us to be — inclusive and justice oriented. The World Mission Committee — the group handling resolutions related to 2006 B-033. Prayer Book, Music and Liturgy is handling the resolutions submitted regarding blessing of covenant relationships and canonical implications of marriage/civil unions in six states. Please keep the deputies and bishops in your prayers. The energy for change may not match in the two Houses. Do follow the matters on the websites posted on our parish website. You can also track the progress of particular legislation at www.episcopalchurch.org/gc2009 click on Legislation and follow the instructions.
Finally, thank you for your prayers in advance of this morning’s hearing on D-005, An Alternative Baptismal Covenant. We actually prayed the promises. Two other deputies gave excellent testimony, including the Rev. Kevin Matthews from N.C. We won’t know until the coming week if the resolution will make it out of committee and to the House of Bishops. I do hope for that to happen. Well, it is late on the west coast, so until next time…blessings.
10July2009
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Today, July 9th, was a day of story-telling in small groups as part of the Public Narrative Project, of hearing the Archbishop of Canterbury both thank us for inviting him and of telling us he has hopes and anxieties about the decisions we might make at General Convention, and a day of an amazing hearing. The Prayer Book, Liturgy & Music Committee held open hearings on the resolutions about developing rites for blessing of same sex relationships and about proposed changes to the marriage canons of our church. The tone of the two-hour hearing was remarkable. I say that because of the calm atmosphere in which speakers holding varied positions conducted themselves. People younger and older spoke with passion but respected those who differ from themselves. We have come a long way.
One of the most moving testimonies was given by a young woman of 17 named Hannah who spoke about her childhood friend Arthur — her gay friend Arthur. They attended an Episcopal Church camp for several summers from the time they were 9 years old until Middle School. For that week every year Arthur was fully accepted by his fellow campers. But in Middle School something changed. Arthur’s suicide note said he could not live in a world where he was accepted only one week out of the year. In Hannah’s testimony I heard the Gospel calling us to work for justice for Arthur and all the young LGBT people in need of safe, nurturing places in which acceptance is the norm. Please continue your prayers as we navigate the paths to justice while trying our best to make known everyone is welcome to be and to stay at God’s table. In peace and grace, Lorraine
9July2009
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Imagine my suprise late this afternoon on my way back to the House of Deputies to find an entourage enter the elevator on which I was riding. At first I didn’t see the older gentleman in the middle of the group. When the doors opened and the small crowd spilled out, I was face to face with the Archbishop of Canterbury — and without my camera. He stepped off, turned around and we looked one another in the eyes. And with that, he was swept off. This evening he spoke as part of a panel on the global economic situation in which we find ourselves. I encourage you to read his remarks once they are posted on the web. He was articulate and spot-on about the mess we humans have made. He remarked that the economy is subsidiary to the evironment. A true statement, for the cost is high which is borne by our planet earth for the economic choices we make. Our Presiding Bishop Katharine’s opening remarks were eloquent as well. The hundreds of deputies, bishops, visitors, guests, gathered for the panel were warm and welcoming to the Archbishop. I do hope when he leaves for England tomorrow (Thurs), that he will take with him a greater appreciation for the polity of The Episcopal Church. Our form of governance upholds all orders of ministry: laity, bishops, priests, and deacons. All of us take counsel together in Christ’s church. Blessings, Lorraine
8July2009
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Good morning one and all…. The Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee has set our intended schedule for Open Hearings. Resolution D005 which we have brought to General Convention is currently slated to be part of the hearings Saturday morning beginning at 7:30 a.m. I have been invited to address the resolution as a category called ‘expert witness.’ Others are invited to testify as experts when they either have been involved in the work leading to a resolution or they have particular training or expertise. I have received positive feedback from a few other committee members. I know how much it means to us at St. Mark’s for all the people of God to speak the words of the promises we make in our Baptism. Continue your prayers… we can feel them! On another front, the Archbishop of Canterbury will address the convention this evening. Will keep you posted. Lorraine
8July2009
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Today the work of the 76th General Convention got underway with Committees spending four hours this morning getting organized and in open hearings tonight on some of their resolutions. We heard from our Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies. You can read about their remarks in Episcopal News Online. We spent time talking about the Public Narrative Project, a leadership tool being offered to the church-at-large. Orientation was handled seriously and light-heartedly at the same time — taking full advantage of our close proximity to Disneyland and the fanciful characters which occupy so much of the Magic Kingdom’s lore. We know how to vote electronically. Finding time to eat and rest are two challenges of every General Convention and to that end, I’m signing off. Sweet dreams by day and by night. Lorraine at day’s end.
6July2009
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Here we are in front of the Anaheim Convention Center. There is a very scenic walkway between the hotel and the Center. Blue skies and sunshine and cool California breezes set the stage for what we hope is a fruitful General Convention. This morning we made a grocery run thanks to the Rev. Krista Harmon Fregoso, newlywed to Tom Fregoso. They are both serving as volunteers. Krista sends greetings to everyone at St. Mark’s. I’m officially registered and my three-inch recycled notebook is ready to go. We are spending some of the afternoon renewing friendships and making new acquaintances. We had lunch with our great friend, the Rev. Carol Barron from Southeast Florida.
July 6, 2009, Loraine & Jake
Tomorrow morning the Committees begin their work and Convention will officially begin. My guess is everyone is aiming for a good night’s sleep, especially those who have traveled multiple time zones. The Convention Planning Team is working to make this as ‘green’ a convention as possible. Off to find out if our entire deputation has arrived. Peace & grace to all, Lorraine
- Blue skies, sunshine & palms
5July2009
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Jake and I have arrived safely in Anaheim, are checked in, and have run out of steam. The 3:00 a.m. alarm and traveling is now catching up!
Our room faces east towards the mountains which are somewhat shrouded in haze. The temperature when we landed was a balmy 76. Anaheim is inland enough for the weather to be desert-like, which means the temperatures drop at night. It will make the walk to the Convention Center a pleasant one. Thank you for your ‘traveling prayers’ and for the prayers you will lift up in the days to come. Peace & grace, Lorraine
3July2009
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A few days from now thousands of faithful Christians will gather in Anaheim, California, to pray and work together to help bring to fruition God’s dream for this world of ours. This gathering, known as the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, has as its theme ubuntu, which means “I am because you are.” We humans are made for community. Please keep all participants in this large community of General Convention in your prayers. Blessings, Lorraine+