Day Two -- Long and Wonder-filled

Woke up early to an already warm day -- and it was early, very early after a long day yesterday. The high today eventually hit 104 degrees! Thank goodness there are indoor "skywalks" between buildings.

Started out the day at 7:30 with a vente nonfat cappuccino and the first Stewardship and Development hearing of the day. I don't normally order vente any-things at Starbucks (except on my birthday when I had a free drink coupon and the young man behind the counter said to me when I tried to order a grande, "Ma'am, it's your birthday. Go for the vente.")
Little did I know I needed that vente.

The hearing dealt with a series of related resolutions that address the giving level of dioceses to The Episcopal Church. There were 4 -- A091, B016, C010, D040 which were dealing with the same issue. The committee discharged all but B016, and passed that along with an amendment. The committee then moved on to deal with A146 regarding funding for the next triennium for the Episcopal Archives. I became passionate in this discussion, having served on the Archives Strategy Board.

Eucharist followed with house of Deputies President Cn. Bonnie Anderson preaching.

The House of Bishops met afterwards. I always love meeting with my brother and sister Bishops.

A very quick lunch followed, where afterwards I went to meet our own Rev. Tom Callard's sister Genevieve who is working at the Convention with youth. I also ran into Lily Chang who hosted us for a day in Taiwan.

Another Stewardship and Development hearing started at 2:00. We took up two resolutions, A155 and A150. Both were discharged. An early dismissal meant a little time to go through the exhibit hall. I ran into Winnie Varghese, an amazing priest and advocate for the Episcopal Service Corps. I also went back to the Integrity booth and hugged Vivian from our Diocese, and the other volunteers in the booth.

Next-- back to the House of Bishops and a closed session for one hour, then an open session where we conducted business including welcoming Anglican Communion Partners.




After the meeting I attended a meeting at the Secretariat and then literally ran, more than one hour late, to the Stewardship Awards Dinner. Well, I arrived in time to get some great food and hear watch the presentation of four awards, including one for Charles, the wonderful not retired but refired priest from Taichung. I'm including a picture of him here,
Whew!

Off to sleep because I have a 6:30am breakfast (and it is nearly midnight here). I love General Convention!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Indianapolis, General Convention

First "Official" Day

It was the first "Official Day" but it seems like we've been in process for this day for the last few days. We had a session of the House of Bishops early this morning and then I went over to the Opening Eucharist. The Presiding Bishop preached a wonderful sermon, the music was beautiful, and distributing communion to so many people went flawlessly and quickly. The picture displayed is a tight shot of a VERY LARGE room!

I then went over to my legislative committee hearing, which went very well. We had only one resolution to deal with, AO87. We dealt with that, and then had a conversation about the fact that there was no collection taken at the Eucharist. It was said that even just $1.00 per person each day over the course of convention would allow us to collect monies for mission initiatives. So the rest of our time was spent crafting our own resolution to be submitted.

The Spirit was moving and my calendar became open for lunch. This provided me with the opportunity to have lunch with a Professor/Presenter from my DMin at Seabury (who was also the reader of my thesis ) Derek Harbin and his wonderful wife Clifford. It was great to spend time with them and catch up with them as to all the happenings of our lives!

Back after lunch to discuss two opposing resolutions -- DO24 and DO25 regarding the creation of a Development Office for the Episcopal Church. We heard testimony from 15 people. After much discussion and a few amendments we discharged DO24 and amended DO25. I believe this is a good resolution which seeks to ensure funding of mission and ministry opportunities for the Church in the future, and is headed in the direction of some other successful denominations and many successful philanthropies are in.

After this hearing I ran over (literally) to the House of Bishops legislative session. We were in closed session at the beginning and then opened to address the legislation given to us this day, which we did.

At the end of the meeting I went over to Dispatch and listened in. I will be seated on the Dais to take the place of the Secretary this Saturday while he is away. This gave me the opportunity to see what goes on.

After this I went to the reception for Foreign visitors and saw friends new and old. Below are a series of pictures from the evening. After that I had dinner with Archbishop Kim, his wife and one of his daughters as well as Korean clergy from the US and Korea. Enjoy the pictures below. Signing off as I have a VERY early meeting tomorrow!
































- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Indianapolis

Opening Committee Meetings, Joint Gathering, first Hearing and baseball!

The day began early with Committee meetings. I found my way, through the skywalk which connects the buildings, to Marriott Ballroom 9 and 10. Being on Stewardship and Development, you can imagine the array of legislation currently assigned to us. It is a great group with a wonderful energy and a zeal for this work. We went around the room and introduced ourselves first -- it is a good mix of "seasoned" and newer deputies and bishops to General Convention. Everyone on this Committee has a passion for this work. We reviewed the work ahead of us and set up the schedule for which resolutions would be addressed at each of the hearings during the General Convention for our  Committee.. This meeting lasted about 3 hours.



After a quick lunch with my husband, I headed back to the Convention Center for a joint meeting of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. I was able to be seated with our deputation in the House of Deputies. I loved the way they decorated the pole! )(Please see the picture -- can you tell what's on top of our pole?

Next, the Rev. Cn. Dr. Gregory S. Straub, Executive Officer and Secretary of  the General Convention greeted the group gathered. We were opened with a beautiful prayer by Deputy Cornelia Eaton of the Diocese of Navajoland, the Chaplain to the House of Deputies.

The Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori then addressed the gathering. I commend to your reading the full text of her address here.

The President of the House of Deputies, Canon Bonnie Anderson then addressed the gathering. I commend to your reading the full text of her address here.

The Presiding Bishop closed this joint meeting with a benediction.

We Bishops then went to our Room and met at our tables. It was good to be back again with the same people I've been sitting with during this triennium: Jim Mathes, Prince Singh, Keith Whitmore, Chilton Knudsen and Herb Donovan.  Leo Frade who is normally at our table wasn't there -- I will have to ask about him tomorrow. The orientation was presented primarily by Ken Price, and was very helpful as this is my first time as at General Convention as a member of the House of Bishops.

After the Orientation I went to the first hearing we set up earlier in the day for Stewardship and Development. A few people signed up to speak regarding the resolutions that were on the agenda for this late afternoon. Good discussion followed, and all 8 resolutions were passed on to the consent calendar.

For those of us going to the baseball game at Victory Field, we adjourned in time to join our spouses and friends and walk over (it is literally directly across the street from the JW Marriott hotel). I was warned that it was still, at 6:00 pm, 100 degrees outside and it was humid out. Well, I made it for 1/2 an hour because it was too hot and humid. Our seats were in the sun -- I didn't even bother to sit down there. I just stood at the top of the steps under the overhang -- couldn't take it. I left my husband and friends and headed back to the hotel. I know -- I melt in the combination of heat and humidity!

I'll spend the rest of this evening updating my binder, working on some emails and getting ready for tomorrow.

I wonder what is in store for us all tomorrow at General Convention?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Indianapolis Convention Center and Victory Field.

The gatherings before the THE GATHERING.

Some of the gatherings before THE GATHERING happened today. After obtaining my registration name badge and binder, I decided it would be a great idea to walk the convention exhibit hall. I wasn't disappointed -- it was a great joy to see friends who are also vendors. It was informative to see the different Episcopal organizations and to hear what they are doing. I went around twice, as I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything!

Late in the afternoon Integrity held a reception at which our own Bishop Mary briefly addressed the group gathered. It was a warm gathering, and I so enjoyed meeting new people and talking with people I have known over the years.

Next I headed over to the Province VIII Synod meeting. The picture above is our LA Synod delegates.

During the meeting --
1. We heard reports from the President -- Jack Easterwood and the coordinator Patricia Erskine.

2. Barbara Ross gave us an update on Education Ministries, Carmen Guerrero presented on Peace, Justice and Multicultural Ministries, and .willie Follett presented on Women's Ministries.

3. Charles Mack gave the Nominations Committee Report. By Acclamation we elected Bishop James Mathes (San Diego) as President, Barbara Ross (Oregon) as Vice President, the Rev. David Jackson (Hawaii) as Secretary, and Nancy Koonce (Idaho) as Treasurer. We then cast a ballot for clerical member for Executive Council. We then elected by acclamation the Rev. Jay Watan (California) and the Rev. Glenn Libby (Los Angeles) to the CDSP Trustees, who are actually serving currently.

4. The financials for this past Triennium and the upcoming budget were then presented by Nancy Koonce.

5. There was no election for the clergy to Executive Council, so another ballot was cast.

6. Michael Barlow was elected Executive Council from the Province.

7. Resolutions were then presented. Miller Adams, Province Chancellor, offered changes to the ordinances of the Province, which were adopted. Warren Wong then reported on West Coast Ports resolution, which passed to be sent to General Convention. Carmen Guerrero then presented a comprehensive immigration reform resolution, which passed to be sent to General Convention. Barbara Ross then presented a resolution on Mission Funding (which is being considered by all 9 Provinces), it was passed to be sent to al Convention.

8. Dianne Smith, Director of Recruitment at CDSP gave a report on CDSP and the changes they are making.

9. Mary Kate Wold, President and CEO of the Church Pension Fund addressed the gathering regarding CPF.

10. Paul Colbert presented Courtesy Resolutions, thanking various people for their work, including our own Glenn Libby for their work this past Triennium. Butch Gamarra was also thanked for his work this past Triennium with Peace and Justice as well as his work on Executive Council.




11. We thanked Jack Easterwood for his years of service as the gavel was passed to James Mathes Bishop of San Diego as the new President of Province VIII.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Indianapolis

General Convention -- Registration

Today is the day we officially register and the Exhibit Hall opens. Tonight Province VIII Synod meets -- I will be there.

I have a habit of arriving one day early at events like this to become acclimated and get the lay of the land. So yesterday Steve and I learned that is is possible to walk most of this downtown area without ever leaving a building -- the skywalk allows you to do so. We walked from where we are staying through the convention center to the mall and back. We found the meeting rooms for the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. We found the various hotels where meetings will be held and restaurants where various luncheons or dinners are planned. We also took a little time and watched a movie at the theater in the mall.

I love gathering at General Convention and seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Yesterday we ran into Barbara Harris, Bonnie Anderson, Dan Daniels, Stacy Sauls, Lisa Gray, Wendell Gibbs, Ellie Rencher, Keith Whitmore, Skip Adams, Sally Johnson, Neva Rae Fox --among many others including LA folk Jim Newman, Keith Yamamoto, Pat McCaughn, Kirby Smith, Cliff Chally and Paul Lawson. Everyone asked about Jon, and I was happy to report that he is doing very well.

My prayer for this convention is that we as a body can work together, pray together, and allow the Spirit to continue to move the church forward.
I will try to post daily, putting up pictures as I am able. I ask your prayers for us all.

I wonder what I will find as I wander over to the Exhibit Hall when it opens at noon today?

Location:Indianapolis Convention Center

BBQ with the Archbishop of Korea

Last evening my husband Steve and I welcomed some amazing people to our home for a BBQ: the Rev. Anna Olson, her husband Steve and daughters Lea and Naomi, the Rev. Ada Wong-Nagata and her husband Ronnie, the Rev. Joshua Ng and his wife Allison, the Rev. Peter Browning, the Rev. Barbara Stewart, Canon Robert Williams, Chris Tumilty, the Rev. John Kim, the Rev. Aidan Koh, the Rev. James Park (from Korea) and Archbishop Paul Kim of Korea. The purpose was to meet the Archbishop and to talk with him about ministry opportunities here in our diocese with the Korean community.

Among the most endearing moments of the evening was when the Archbishop was introduced to Peter Browning. When I introduced them, I said to the Archbishop, "Sir, this is the Rev. Peter Browning" -- the Archbishop looked at Peter, smiled deeply and said, "You look just like your father!" The picture here captures that exact moment! Peter smiled in return and with a big smile on his face responded, "I am actually better looking" -- that made them both laugh!

Ada and Joshua were with me in Korea when we were hosted there by the Archbishop, so they came to see their new friend again. When people started to go out to our backyard, Ada and the Archbishop had the opportunity to share a few moments together. Here is a picture of them -- so typical of Ada! The discussion among the participants was lively! Barbara Stewart was there as a member of the Program Group on World Missions. I invited Peter Browning and Anna Olson because they have an interest in potentially starting a service in Korean in their congregations. Chris Tumilty and Bob Williams came to help with any news coverage -- and Chris began the filming of a Just Action video on the Archbishop's visit -- he will be celebrating the Eucharist and preaching at the Cathedral Center tomorrow (July 1st) at 1:00 for a service with all the Korean congregations coming together to hear him. John Kim and Aidan Koh came as they travel with the Archbishop when he is here. James Park is accompanying the Archbishop on this trip from Korea as he is the Provincial Secretary for that Province.

After dinner, with Aidan acting as interpreter, the Archbishop answered questions from the group. A great connection was made through the Archbishop for Barbara Stewart to the GFS group in Seoul (which I visited when I was in Korea in 2011). Anna asked great questions about the needs of the various communities, and how we can best reach out to Koreans here. We also talked about the continuation of the Diocese of Seoul sending clergy over to the CPE program at Good Samaritan Hospital -- that will continue. The clergy will go to selected parishes as part of the experience and lead Bible studies.

It was a relaxed evening, yet it was one in which mission and ministry was discussed and new friendships were forged. Among the most wonderful moments was when Lea, Anna's daughter spent time with the Archbishop and the Korean clergy -- she can understand and speak Korean as she is in a bilingual school in Koreatown! The Archbishop was MORE than impressed. All the Korean clergy were raving about Lea. It was wonderful!

I wonder what the Archbishop will find the next time he wanders back to Southern California? Certainly I'll be ready with another BBQ!

A Dream Come True

It happened last night in Koreatown. Members of the Diocesan staff and some clergy, the CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital, the Pastoral Care team at the hospital, and the Archbishop of Korea all sat down for a meal.

Why was this group together at a restaurant last night in Koreatown?This group came together as a result of a breakfast at the Hospital last year. The Reverends Jerry Anderson and Ron David invited me to breakfast. We met first with Susan Harlow, their boss. Over breakfast I asked them ,"What demographic do you have problems serving?" They told me that at any given time up to 30% of the hospital patients are non-English speaking Koreans. As I had just come from Korea where the Archbishop asked me to help him find a 3 to 6 month opportunity for his clergy to experience the American Church, the bells went off in my head.


In January of this year a priest and a seminarian came over for the six month Clinical Pastoral Education program at Good Samaritan. It was a match made in heaven.

During dinner, the CEO of the hospital and the Archbishop hit it off and quickly discovered they shared similar dreams of mission opportunities. Their faces lit up like Christmas trees as they spoke together. Listening to their conversation was like watching two long lost brothers meet and realize their lives were on parallel tracks. The Spirit was moving very quickly in the room!

I give thanks that I was able to pull this group together, but I give even greater thanks to the hospital, the Diocese of Seoul for embracing the original idea, the clergy in this diocese who embraced the women and made them feel that they are part of our diocese, and of course the two women who were the ambassadors for this project from Korea. Most importantly, I am in awe of the Spirit and her wisdom. For me, it was a dream come true.

I wonder what will happen the next time these two men come together and talk?

Location:Los Angeles