Overflowing agenda

The highlight for me yesterday, Monday, was observing in the House of Bishops and listening to the testimony on Gay Marriage. There was an effort to block the resolution on approving two liturgies for conducting same sex marriages, or any marriage. After several hours and two sessions the resolution passed overwhelmingly. Also, in less time the resolution to amend Canon 18 was also passed. Clergy who cannot in good conscience perform a same sex marriage will direct the couple to a church or Diocese that will do so. The two liturgies will be tried for the next triennium.
Sunday morning was the March against gun violence, which I supported in spirit, but didn't make at 7 am. It was a moving show of unity in spirit among those attending. They heard emotional testimony from a mother whose son was killed in a mass shooting here in SLC and from the Bishop of Utah, who also had a long recovery from being shot. The Eucharist service afterwards in the Salt Palace which I did attend was filled to overflowing with more than 3000 people. Pres. Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schorri gave a riveting sermon on the ills in the world, but our hope for redemption through Jesus Christ.
Today I will hope to hear the report on the Alcohol resolution presented by our own Dean Steven Thomason, Chair of that committee.

Well, where have I been? My mind is filled to overflowing with issues, ideas and solutions. My time is filled with family, friends and sessions. The celebration of the Supreme Court Decision on Gay Marriage was huge. There was a congo lines of singing and dancing during the morning eucharist. You could feel it  in the air. That on top of the decision to uphold affordable care subsidies for the poor. There is hope! The Episcopal Church will be deciding on the resolution to accept and conduct gay marriages at this convention. Better late than never. I can't imagine it won't pass. Yesterday I attended the hearing on formation and education. People spoke to the issue of developing a children's curriculum on anti racism (start early) and establishing a task force for creating it , with funding! I met an dynamic young black woman from Washington, DC., Kemah Camara, she is passionate about racial issues and challenges the white church to heal itself. The face of clergy here is amazingly young, we are in good hands for the future. Women in leadership is on the rise. That bodes well for our church, too. I had lunch with Rev. Rilla Barratt. She is such a dear friend, also spent time with Kara Hunt and Jackie from St. Aidan's.  They are volunteering for several days. Kara and her husband presented Episcopal Marriage Encounter weekends with Frank and I  back in the 70's and 80's. I visited with Rev. Caryl Marsh, here in the Utah Diocese, she was the first woman priest in the Spokane Diocese in the 80's. It's wonderful to reaquaint with old friends. The hot weather and warm evenings are very pleasant and a respite from the cold air conditioning as we walk to different hotels for events. Well, the Presiding Bishop will be elected today. I pick Bishop Michael Currie,  he seems the odds on favorite, and rightly so. He is a spirit-filled, passionate man that can inspire and lead us. He can bring healing to the church. There are news reports on convention here in SLC, anything in the Seattle Times?

General Convention Day2, Wednesday

Well, I have been on the run, literally. It is 1/4 mile from the conference services room to my committee room. I am a legislative aide (read gofer) for the Rules of Order Committee.  I make this run at least twice in each 2 hr. committee session (2 per day) so I'm definitely getting my exercise. That's good! Went from 8:30 am until 8 pm yesterday, but had a nice break in the middle to come home and have lunch with Ruby. Kate is at Girl Scout Camp this week.  Fell into bed and got up at 5:20 am MST (4:20 am PST) to drive, park and set up my committee room for a 7 am meeting.  The big joys today were seeing Bishop Nedi, our guru for TCM at Christ Church. She is now retired and doing well. Also, Brian Prior, Bishop of Minnesota. He became a postulant for Priesthood from St. Stephens, Spokane and I was on the C.O.M. when he went through his candidancy there.   How proud are we all of him.  Katherine Jefferts Schorri, our current Presiding Bishop gave her opening address this morning, as did Gaye Jennings, the President of the House of Deputies. Both women were inspiring.  This afternoon will be the presentation for the candidates for Presiding Bishop, who will be elected for the next 9 years. I will let you know my impressions.  Its 96 degrees outside, but comfortable inside the Salt Palace Convention Center.  Salt Lake City is very easy to get around.  Thanks to Andy and Megan for my car.

Well, I'm nervous and anxious about going to the Episcopal General Convention in Salt Lake City. I will be staying with my daughter, Megan so that will be nice. The days look very busy, but there seems to be much help at hand for a newbie like me. I am a Legislative Aide for the Rules and Order Committee, which, I know sounds very dry, but it is important work which will be completed in the first 3 days. Then I will be free to hear the testimony and reports on the important issues. I also will be available to take my place as a voting member of our Diocesan Deputation as 2nd alternate if I am needed. I will keep you posted. This is my first attempt at blogging. Suggestions are welcome.