The End of the Beginning

The business of this 76th General Convention has concluded...we now take on a new responsibility, sharing our experiences with our families, friends, diocese, parishes, other Episcopalians, people of the Christian faith, other faith traditions, and those who have not yet acknowledged their relationship to God.

During the closing moments of the final session we learned that in our time in Anaheim, we considered and acted upon more resolutions than any prior convention. We did it without any evening sessions. And we adjourned a full hour early.


This 1st time deputy offers thanks to all who prayed for us and who followed our journeys--individual and collective--via this blog. Over these many days I felt the Holy Spirit challenging and changing us as a loving and hopeful community of Christians. I also saw how resolutely we affirm and uphold our Episcopal tradition and polity.

Please check this space in coming days, for any post-Convention reflections.

Mr. Secretary

Introducing to those who don't know him, The Rev. Dr. Gregory Straub, Executive Officer and Secretary of General Convention. Whose sartorial splendour, wit and wisdom, and smooth vocal stylings are a most wonderful and entertaining feature of this gathering.

I've been documenting his attire. I think I've got the jackets in their correct order...

Legislative Day 1 photo (hat tip to Twitpic.)



Day 2



Day 3



Day 4



Day 5



Day 6



Day 7



Day 8



Day 9



Day 10 (Today!



He is truly an iconic figure.



In our morning legislative session, the deputation from one of the western dioceses presented Sec. Straub with the pair of leather cowboy boots used as their mascot.



It feels like the last day of school, or semester, but we still have lots of work before us.

It will be interesting to see what our afternoon has in store for us...

Dog(s) of the Day

Nearly every day at the Convention I've seen at least one dog. Usually it's a service dog in training, but sometimes it's a local dog being exercised by its owner.

The most frequent sighting has been Emily, who will be a service dog for a disabled veteran.



I don't recall this dog's name, something like Buster or Rover. One of the largest dogs I've ever seen.



Lizzie is also being trained. She's a sweetie.



Bishop Bruno of LA is honoured by having his diocesan Altar Guild's stuffed dog named after him. When not welcoming visitors to the Liturgical Art Exhibit, Bruno hangs out at the cathedral.



Rufus the whippet was rather bored by the Exhibition Hall.



I met Kobe yesterday, on my short walk from the Hilton to the Convention Center. He's an Akita. He also loved to pose for photographers!



Today's sighting was a little tiny white fluffy dog belonging to a hotel guest, in the lobby as I boarded an elevator. No time to get a picture.

Shout out to my own much-missed Ruth and Jewel--looking forward to our reunion on Saturday evening!

Gittin' 'er Done, Level 2, & More

At the conclusion of our morning legislative session, a large group of ecumenical leaders from the LA area joined us in the Hall of Deputies. A vast representation of many faiths.



Three members of this group--a Jewish cantor, a Muslim, and an Episcopal priest-- shared their traditions with us through their voices. They sang separately and in unison, and the blend of their intercessions was sublime. One of the most moving and memorable moments in the entire Convention.



Bonnie and I accompanied Judith to a place she knows well but we'd never seen: the 2nd floor of the Convention Center. Office space for committees is there, there's a press room, hospitality areas for Bishop's spouses, exhibition space, and a chapel.

We stopped first in Program, Budget & Finance room. It's enormous! This committee has worked so very hard, and tomorrow they will make their budget presentation to a Joint Session (Deputies and Bishops together.)



Judith is relieved the budget is at the printer!



The Liturgical Art Exhibition was a feast for the eyes and the spirit.

These panels tell the story of Ruth in needlework.



A small selection of the art on display.



The Three Kings.



Two of the Three.



The Chapel.



During our afternoon session, the Committee on World Mission presented its report on the amended version of D025 sent back to us by the House of Bishops.

"It's time to 'git 'er done'" said a deputy from Virginia as we debated a resolution that had already passed our House and the Bishops' by surprisingly large margins. As before, we did a vote by orders. We first record our votes by writing our names and checking a box.

Another happy, historic vote!







Then Randy (pictured above), our deputation's chair and senior member, uses an electronic voting device to report the outcome in the lay order and the clerical order.

Once again D025 passed overwhelmingly.

Bill has a new t-shirt!



Deb went up to the podium today, as Secretary of the Communications Committee.


The House passed a resolution recommended by Communications for a study/research period before making any changes at Episcopal Life, our denominational newspaper, and will continue the monthly edition for the time being. (This is the resolution I testified in favour of last week.)

We had a very brief Province 1 (New England dioceses) Caucus. Then some of us walked all the way to Disneyland Village for our Province 1 Dinner at Naples restaurant. The Bishop arrived in time to eat with us. However, he had to leave for a meeting before the balloon girl could finish making a special bishop's mitre for him.

In our Bishop's absence, Ellie had possession of it. She also had responsiblity for getting it back to the hotel.



The House of Bishops meets on Level 3 of the Convention Center. Maybe I'll make it way up there on Thursday or Friday.

Deputyland

Not very far from the site of this Convention you'll find Disneyland. Most people have an idea of what they'll see in the Magic Kingdom. But here's an inside peek at Deputyland....

We welcome visitors from distant places, who share their experience and wisdom.



After consenting to the election of any new bishop, we call that person to the front of the House for recognition.



We track the fashion choices made by our fellow deputies.





We play with our food.



During short breaks, we sing favourite hymns.




We celebrate achievements.



We conduct intense post-vote analysis.



We greet certain distinguished friends from the other House who might drop by.



We send each other notes and share news updates.



Most of all, we belong to a vibrant, prayerful community--with its own protocols and procedures. Our moments of great seriousness are lightened by our moments of levity.

I'll leave Disneyland to the tourists. I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend my time in Deputyland!

A Stroll Through the Exhibit Hall

The convention Exhibit Hall is as vast as it is fascinating. The exhibitors include seminaries, mission-oriented endeavours, church organisations, support and advocacy groups, monastic communities, religious and other publishers, and so much more. Of particular interest--and beauty--are the handicrafts and retail booths.

Some in our deputation have purchased clothing items like this one from Guatemala.



Other forms of personal adornment.



Here are the tools...



...of the artist who creates illuminated manuscripts.



If you need to order communion ware or altar cloths, you'll find it.



Colourful handmade stoles.




Ordained persons--deacons, priests and bishops--can outfit themselves.



More clericals.



Especially for bishops.



Yours truly purchased a handbag made by the Miao hilltribe women of the Hunan province in Chine, plus a skirt made by a Hmong community in Minnesota. (I've collected Hmong handicrafts in the past.)

A warm wrap might have been more practical. But I plan no further shopping for myself and vow that future purchases will be gifts for others. Therefore, to keep warm during our chilly Legislative Sessions, I'm using one of my hotel room towels for a shawl!