Day 6, General Convention 2009, July 12th

Dear Ones,

Day 6, Sunday, started first with a bit more time to sleep!  Much welcomed!  Our Community Eucharist was held at 10 a.m. and it was magnificent.  Our Presiding Bishop preached and that sermon can be found on the Episcopal Church Website.  A fabulous African-American choir led by an old friend who lives in LA, Chas Cheatem.  It was good to see him.  

We moved directly from there to the TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship) Luncheon, which honored four Apostles of Stewardship, all of whom I have known in my work at various part of my life.  And, very important to Olympia, honored St. Augustine in the Woods, Freeland for their excellent stewardship program.  Carl Knirk and I both serve on the board of TENS and Tom Gossen, who was just with us two weeks ago for our Stewardship Conference is the Executive Director.  It was a great event, many in our deputation attended.

We had a break from 2-3, at which time my wife and I visited the many exhibits here.  At 3 p.m. both Houses convened.  The most interesting occurence in the House of Bishops yesterday was the passing of the Denominational Health Plan which would mandate a group of all dioceses in the Episcopal Church.  I have, and continue to believe after the presentation yesterday, said this study and presentation is one of the best I have ever seen anywhere.  I voted for this, as did the vast majority of the HOB.

Last night was the Bishop's Dinner where we honored those retiring.  It was fun, but LONG evening!  Got to spend some good time talking to the head of our Deputation, Pete Strimer afterwards. 

I want to commend our deputation.  They are simply phenomenal, dedicated, hard working.  I have hated not to be able to see them speak on the floor, especially Katrina Hamilton our youngest deputy and one of only 30 or so  here as young as she.  She is speaking eloquently at hearings and on the floor!  She is blogging at  http://students.washington.edu/batgirl3/SlouchingTowardsAnaheim/Home.html

The days promise to get interesting now as some of the more difficult issues begin to emerge out of committee and make their way onto the House floors.  Keep us all in your prayers.

Blessings,

+Greg

Comments

[Mary Lyons]

Hi Greg,
Pax bonum. Thanks for blogging and thanks for pointing out Katrina's blog. Her voice is great to hear and her pics are classics.