Sunday, June 11, 2006

Sunday was a traveling day. I wandered around the entire Dallas Airport, had my gate changed, and still managed to get here on time. My room had to be cleaned when I arrived after 1am (Ohio time) before they could give it to me, but only because I insisted on a non-smoking room. J

Monday, June 12, 2006

Monday was not officially a day of General Convention. Of course, all the members of the committees had to be here for meetings at 8 AM, the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies addressed the Convention, and orientation happened on Monday, but it was not “officially” part of the meeting. J

I did not go over to the convention center until noon, because Stephen Carpenter was in a meeting until noon, and I needed his presence to register (there was a problem with paperwork and the GC still had me registered as an alternate). Immediately after registering, Stephen ushered me to the ECW booth to buy “the nicest bag here” to put my huge binder in. Then, I went off to lunch with a large portion of my deputation. After lunch, things began. The addresses of the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies were amazing. Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold urged us to consider that if we start to think of our position, or our individual parish’s position as the only possibility, we begin to approach idolatry. He warned us against worshiping ideas over God. President Werner quoted a poet he’s loved since childhood who described “punching holes in the darkness,” and urged us to carry the light of Christ out into the world, and not keep it locked in the church.

Orientation was run by several important personages, one of whom was the Rev. Brian Prior from the Diocese of Spokane. He ran the Provincial Youth Council meetings for a number of years (at least long enough to have done it before I attended in 97, and after Kirsten attended in 2000 something). He is running for Vice President of the House of Deputies.

I had dinner with Betsey, Michael, and William Monnet. We decided going back to the Hotel to ditch our things before dinner was not a good idea. There was not enough time to return to the hotel, eat, and get back to the convention center in time for legislative committees. Betsey is on the committee for music and the prayer book. I am attending (but not on) the special committee 26 which deals with the response of the Episcopal Church to the Windsor Report (which has been a very popular committee).

The day ended in my hotel room with a long conversation with Kirsten Nielson (a deputy from Idaho who was an intern in our diocese until 2 weeks ago). Kirsten, a young adult who is a 2nd time deputy, has written two of the resolutions being considered at GC. She is on the committee for Evangelism. One of the resolutions that she wrote addresses the issue of holding GC during a time that makes it difficult for students and teachers to attend. It is ironic that the convention dedicated to inclusion of youth and young adults is held at a time when most youth and young adults have difficulty (at best) in attending.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Tuesday morning began with worship all together in the worship hall. After the lessons, each table was instructed to pick two table leaders for discussion. The notice on the table said, “Experienced deputies are encouraged to offer the opportunity to young people, first time deputies, and those Bishops who are not on committees.” Guess who ended up one of the two table leaders? J You got it! Actually, it’s funny, because the other table leader is a deputy from LA, which means that both the table leaders are from the state of California. This was the second day running that someone at my worship table asked me if I was a part of the “official youth presence” at convention. I explained that given the TWO YEAR period of eligibility as a youth deputy, I was far outside that range. This is important to me. Many of the older deputies have said things that imply that because I am a young adult, I might as well be youth. This is not the case. Youth are a specific category of people, and I no longer qualify as a good choice to speak for them. I no longer have the same understanding of the issues that are important to them. I think it’s too bad most of the older deputies do not seem to understand this.

After that we had our first legislative session. We voted down a motion to make the cucumber sandwich the official food of the Episcopal Church (we were learning the voting process), and voted to establish “The Church’s One Foundation,” “Veni Sanctu, Spiritus,” and “one other” as favored hymns of the Episcopal Church. It was disconcerting how many of the votes taken were invalid. Aside from that, we actually did very little business, just set up the House of Deputies to run henceforth.

Kirsten joined our deputation for lunch, which, since there weren’t large tables available meant that Kirsten and I got to eat with Michael, Betsey, and William. Unfortunately, our table seemed to have the slowest service in the place, and Kirsten and I returned to the convention center with no time to visit the Exhibit hall before Legislative committees. I chose to attend only the first of two hours of mine, and go to the Exhibit hall to find Beau for the second hour. I talked to the national Cursillio group, and invited them to the International Vocare Steering Committee Meeting on Friday (they’re coming!), and the booth on Integrity (I got a great pin that says “Straight, but not Narrow!”). The most important thing that happened during my wandering was walking past the President of the House of Deputies. He was being video-taped and interviewed. As he walked up to me, he asked if I was on a committee. He was very concerned when I said I was not, and asked how he could have missed me. I explained that there was a problem getting paperwork processed from the diocese to the national church, and that in the end, I was not transferred officially from alternate to deputy until I arrived at GC. He said, “okay, well you write your name and all relevant information about you down and give it to a page for me, I will find you something to do!”

The second Legislative Session we actually got to vote on a few things. We did not get to our first election vote, nor did we finish our updated agenda. We were ahead of schedule after the first session, so they added things to the calendar for the second session. We even got a chance to test the voting machines (we each have hand-held voting transmitters) on an actual vote. Stephen Carpenter+ and Lynn Zender helped me to write a one page letter/report on myself for President Werner.

On leaving the legislative session, Kirsten and I discovered that the exhibit hall was closed. As it turns out, if we want to go to the legislative committees (and Kirsten, as a member of the evangelism committee has to) and we want to eat, we will never be able to make it to the exhibit hall. Our solution is that we will be skipping lunch on Wednesday. We went instead to the U2charist. This was an event put on by the Millennium Campaign and the One Campaign. It was an amazing experience. Bishop Curry from North Carolina delivered a fabulous sermon that was inspiring to all who heard it. My favorite thing was “God didn’t put you here just to take up oxygen.” This was part of an explanation that all life on earth is symbiotic and that we must take care of each other, and receive in return. It was amazing. They expected only 200 people to attend the service; about 800 people were there, and they opened up an additional two rooms in the hotel to allow for the response.

At the end of the night, Kirsten and I joined the Vocare group at the Young Adult Festival in dinner and drinks. This gave us a chance to meet people from the Vocares around the country, and to see those people who are in Columbus from Northern CA for the first time (other than Beau). It was a good end.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

The day started with legislative committee meetings at 7:30 AM. I have been following the special committee on our response to the Windsor Report. The committee was discussing yesterday’s hearing on several resolutions.

Worship is held in an enormous hall. All of the registered people were assigned to a worship table. They set it up so that each person registered with a deputation was sitting at a separate worship table to allow a multitude of new experience in reflection. My worship table has bonded. In fact, we spent all of our time discussing the U2charist of last night and how wonderful it was and what the mission was.

Legislative session seemed to be dragging a little bit. We were ahead of schedule the first morning of convention, but have been behind since. In the morning session we attempted to get through the rest of the first day’s calendar. Of course, we did not succeed in getting there. In fact, we didn’t even reach the election of the Church Pension Fund members, which was always a day 1 activity. It was beginning to feel like we weren’t accomplishing a whole lot, and in talking to other members of the House of Deputies it seems that this is slower progress than usual.

Kirsten and I decided early that we would skip lunch in order that we might visit the exhibit hall. We discovered on Tuesday that we were not going to be able to visit the exhibit hall unless we skipped legislative session (not possible), or food (possible). We had a very good time walking around the different booths. The people at the booths are very friendly and loved talking to two young adult deputies. We got lots of buttons and fliers. J

While in the exhibit hall I collected several young adults who were there representing Vocare of Northern CA. We went to Bishop Elect Berry Beisner’s hearing together. Since the Bible verse most often quoted to suggest that our Bishop Elect is not a good candidate is First Timothy 3, we read all of First Timothy. First Timothy 2 is about women not wearing purls and braids. As such, once we got to the meeting place, all the girls with hair long enough to French braid presented their hair for me to braid. Several of us were also wearing purls. Ann laughed, but thought that we were wonderful for being supportive. Once we went into the hearing, Bishop Lamb and Berry did a wonderful job of introducing and explaining how the process selected Berry, and how wonderful it is for us that we have found him. Beau was allowed 1 ½ minutes to make a comment (along with 5 other people) of his support.

Our second legislative session (which we were late to because of the hearing), we accomplished even less than we had in the morning. The electronic voting is causing quite a bit of difficulty for some members of the house. We had a motion to revert to a paper ballot if more than 10% of the ballots were spoiled (uncounted). Unfortunately, almost 20% of the ballots were spoiled. The part of that process that most upset me was that there was a motion to have written directions to use the electronic voting devices and it was overwhelmingly defeated. Honestly, we did next to nothing in afternoon session.

Amy, her son Hunter, and Kirsten Neilson joined a group from our Deputation for dinner. It was very fun gathering together.

After dinner, there was a gathering in my room for Friends of Northern CA Young Adults. In attendance were Michael, Betsey and William Monnet, Bishop Lamb, Amy and Hunter Dierlam, Corri Phillips (Western Michigan), Beau Scarbrough, Katheryn Young, Amanda Young, and Rania Gahwe. We had a great time. Bishop Lamb explained to those young adults who were not able to attend many of the legislative sessions what the hearing they had attended was likely (and not-so-likely) to accomplish, and what the positions meant. Katheryn was invaluable as an entertainer of small boys.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

So, all I remember about Thursday is that the young adult deputies had a reception where all young adults could socialize, and the Presiding Bishop’s forum on Global Reconciliation was awesome. It was a great presentation. The Presiding Bishop left his forum early, however, to go be on Larry King Live.

Then, a contingent of young adults from Northern CA and Kirstin gathered in a room to have pizza and drinks. It was a good night.

Friday, June 16, 2006

Friday started with worship, as do all days. From there we moved into legislative session. Rania, Megan, Reese and I had lunch with the Bishop Elect to discuss youth and young adult ministries in our diocese. That was very interesting.

I took the afternoon off to attend the Vocare Steering Co Meeting, but it was not at the time I was originally informed. Unfortunately, this meant that I was unable to attend the meeting. I did get to spend some time in the exhibit hall, and hanging out with Reese. Then, after session, I got to attend Theology on Tap. The topic they discussed was marriage. I found the presentation very interesting.

We tried to go to the Integrity service, but Kirstin and her friend, Michael Allen of Tennessee, were not able to sit, so turned back to find us (Rania and I), and Rania managed to get in, but in returning Kirstin’s phone call, I missed the window of opportunity, and the church was full past capacity (the door wouldn’t open). Kirstin, Michael and I ended up discussing church in her room until Michael left for his diocesan party in support of the candidate for presiding bishop from their diocese.

Kirstin and I had dinner at The Elevator (brewery in Columbus) and then I crashed for the night. She stayed up till 3 am.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Today was wonderful. It started with the United Thank Offering Eucharist. I sat with Miles Snyder, Kirstin Neilsen, and Michael Allen. It was very awesome to see so many Episcopalians together.

After the Eucharist, Michael, Kirstin, Reese, Kathryn and I went out to lunch. We had a great time, and decided that Michael is going to visit Northern CA in October. He is going to go through Vocare and spend time visiting the state.

The only down side to lunch was that the check was very slow in arriving. I was late to meet Miles to get back on as official deputy (Lynn took today off and I got to sit next to Miles).

We had a joint session with the bishops in the afternoon to nominate candidates for presiding bishop. Then we held an election for the vice president of the House of Deputies (Brian Prior from the diocese of Spokane won). At 5 PM, we will have a ceremony to honor Dean Werner. Reese and several young adults are going to come sit in the gallery for that.

Afterwards, we are planning to go back to our hotels and dress up for the Tribute to the 25th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

After the tribute, we will go out to dinner in our spiffy clothing.

June 18, 2006 – a Day in History

Today started with a fabulous service. The Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold preached and celebrated. There was exciting jazz music. Or at least, that’s what Michael Monnet+ says. I was starting the day sickly, so I slept in as much as possible.

After that we had a legislative session while the bishops were sequestered to work on electing the new presiding bishop. We expected to be stuck at lunch, but they released us. This gave Michael Allen (Kentucky), Kirstin Neilson (Idaho) and I a chance to say good-bye to many of the Northern CA young adults, who left yesterday (Reese and Chris Stenzel, Kathryn Young, Carlton Allen, and Beau Scarborough).

After lunch was amazing. The House of Deputies gets to vote to confirm the decision of the House of Bishops on the next Presiding Bishop. When the election was announced, many of the women in the room, and no few of the men burst into tears of joy. The House of Bishops elected Katherine Jefferts Schori as the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The House of Deputies voted by orders to confirm. Our deputation voted unanimously in favor of conformation. The Lay vote was 93 yes, 8 no, and 7 divided (109 diocese total). The Clergy vote was 94 yes, 9 no, and 4 divided (111 diocese). Miles Snyder said after, “I have never heard such sentiment over an election.” They gave us a 20 minute recess. I have never seen so many cell phones. In fact, there were so many calls being made, many of us saw the message, “Call Failed - server busy” in our attempts. After her confirmation, she came over to the house of Deputies to speak. She said she was praying for Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold to stay healthy until November.

After much joy, and some more work, the House was in recess for the night. After recess were the Seminary Dinners. As I was still ill, I went home to sleep instead of attending.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

So, this is my official day to write a blog for the diocese. The day started with a wonderful service. President George Werner preached (always a joy) about the need to find reconciliation.

The legislative session was supposed to start with the discussion about confirmation of our bishop elect, Barry Beisner. Unfortunately, we were unable to address the confirmation. A lovely deputy from Massachusetts amended our special order of business (start at 11AM, 30 minutes of debate alternating by side) to finish the discussion on A161 (amendment dealing with the Windsor Report) before we could discuss Barry’s confirmation. This led us to the end of the morning session, and Provincial Caucuses.

The second legislative session of the day was to start with a vote on A161. After that we will move immediately into the discussion on confirmation. Our deputation voted Yes in the Clerical Order, and Divided in the Lay Order. Betsey Monnet+ said at the end of a debate over weather we returned to the blue book version if we voted no on the committee version of the resolution, “Whatever it is it will be thorough, either thorough whackage, or thorough passage.”

Before the answer to the resolution was announced, the platform decided we could not go to the confirmation discussion because we did not yet have the answer to the previous resolution. We attempted to discuss the budget, but the Spanish version has not yet printed, so instead we went again to vote for executive council members.

The results of A161 were finally announced at 3:16PM. The vote was taken by orders, so they had to read the resulting no votes to us before they could reveal the final answer. We may be next (please Dear God!). When they finally read us the answer, the result was not to pass A161 (Anglican Communion: Election of Bishops). Lay order yes 38 71 no and divided (motion failed in the lay). Clergy yes 44 no 53 divided 14 (motion failed in the clerical order).

Finally, we are able to discuss the issue of Barry’s confirmation. It is very difficult to imagine Barry and Ann sitting in this room listening to the arguments against his confirmation. I am happy to be among those who was able to say something of Barry’s ministry and urge the convention to confirm our choice. All of our deputation as well as Megan Anderson and many people from other dioceses rose to speak in favor of Barry’s confirmation of our 7th bishop of Northern CA. I am happy to report that D038 (Barry’s confirmation) passed the House of Deputies.

Immediately after D038, we readdressed A161, talking about returning to the original wording of the resolution, before the Special Committee amended it. There was intense discussion about if we will be able to succeed in returning to the original motion. People were also concerned that we were not going to make it through all the business we needed to address before the end of convention. We did not achieve a 2/3 majority, so we were not able to readdress A161.

After that we moved on to discuss the budget, a Spanish copy having been distributed to those Spanish speaking members of the House. Of course, within seconds, someone was amending the proposed budget. The budget passed.

The problem with having my laptop present in the legislative session is that you get a much more detailed blog. I will return to this blog after dinner (when we begin the third legislative session of the day). At 5:55 we received notice that the House of Bishops had concered with our confirmation. Hooray! We jumped through the hoops.

After dinner we began our third legislative session of the day. The President of the House of Deputies announced that immediately after Eucharist tomorrow, we will be having a joint session with the Bishops so that the Presiding Bishop can address us about the necessary language for response to the Windsor Report. That action will then begin in the House of Bishops.

The House of Deputies voted unanimously to concur with the House of Bishops on an amendment to resolution A159 (Anglican Communion: Commitment to Interdependence in the Anglican Communion). This resolution explained our desire to “live into the highest degree of communion possible.” The next resolution we addressed was A166, which sets up our intention to work on development of an Anglican Covenant process. Like all resolutions in response to the Windsor Report, this generated much discussion. We concurred with the House of Bishops.

We elected to work past our 9PM deadline so that we could address the proposed changes to Cannon III, which we passed.

After convention, Miles and Dustin had a celebration in their room. It was a very good day.