What is it like?
Dear Friends at St B's:
General Convention is overwhelming.
Legislative meetings and hearings start at 7am and we are on the go through 9pm at the close of the evening legislative meetings and hearings.
In between, there are times for Eucharist, Legislative sessions of the House of Deputies, and some designated times for Public Narrative. Supposedly, there is time for lunch, but I haven't figured that out yet!
The exhibit hall is huge with exhibits on every aspect of our Episcopal life - vestments, formation, mission, environmental and social justice - you name it, it is represented. And the crafts and handwork! I have gathered some information in the 15 minute segments I have had to explore, and will continue to target different areas throughout my time here to gather flyers from as many parts of the exhibit hall as I can. At the break that is supposedly for lunch, there are speakers all over the place - and what speakers! Yesterday Richard Parker spoke in one place and Bishop Gene Robinson in another.
Because of coach's training for Public Narrative Project, I wasn't able to attend those talks. Our training was to prepare us for today's first session with our tables. I am coaching the Diocese of Vermont. I am looking forward to getting to know other Episcopalians from around the Province (New England).
Last evening, Marilyn R., a member of ECW from New Hampshire who serves on the 'national' ECW board, invited me to attend the Triennial Welcome Dinner of the ECW. I sat with delegates from Western Mass., East Tennessee, Washington, and East Carolina. Bishop Barbara Harris was also there as a special guest. I am really glad I attended, as there were no delegates from our Diocese at ECW last evening, and it is thought they are not attending at all this time around. I also am glad to have gone, because they had a play about the history of the ECW. I learned a lot of things I never knew before!
The three hour time difference is making it difficult to web conference back home. We are not free until 9:30pm - after midnight your time. And in the morning, like now, we have to scurry off to hearings and meetings. This morning, at 7am, I am trying to attend 3 meetings in 3 different places all at the same time!
I will write again soon, and please make sure to also check the Deanery's blog and our Diocesan blog about General Convention and the Media Hub at The Episcopal Church. Not all of its parts are working as they hoped but there are lots of live and on-demand videos - including last night's forum with the Archbishop of Canterbury (who was a great speaker on the global economic crisis and truth-telling). - Helen
General Convention is overwhelming.
Legislative meetings and hearings start at 7am and we are on the go through 9pm at the close of the evening legislative meetings and hearings.
In between, there are times for Eucharist, Legislative sessions of the House of Deputies, and some designated times for Public Narrative. Supposedly, there is time for lunch, but I haven't figured that out yet!
The exhibit hall is huge with exhibits on every aspect of our Episcopal life - vestments, formation, mission, environmental and social justice - you name it, it is represented. And the crafts and handwork! I have gathered some information in the 15 minute segments I have had to explore, and will continue to target different areas throughout my time here to gather flyers from as many parts of the exhibit hall as I can. At the break that is supposedly for lunch, there are speakers all over the place - and what speakers! Yesterday Richard Parker spoke in one place and Bishop Gene Robinson in another.
Because of coach's training for Public Narrative Project, I wasn't able to attend those talks. Our training was to prepare us for today's first session with our tables. I am coaching the Diocese of Vermont. I am looking forward to getting to know other Episcopalians from around the Province (New England).
Last evening, Marilyn R., a member of ECW from New Hampshire who serves on the 'national' ECW board, invited me to attend the Triennial Welcome Dinner of the ECW. I sat with delegates from Western Mass., East Tennessee, Washington, and East Carolina. Bishop Barbara Harris was also there as a special guest. I am really glad I attended, as there were no delegates from our Diocese at ECW last evening, and it is thought they are not attending at all this time around. I also am glad to have gone, because they had a play about the history of the ECW. I learned a lot of things I never knew before!
The three hour time difference is making it difficult to web conference back home. We are not free until 9:30pm - after midnight your time. And in the morning, like now, we have to scurry off to hearings and meetings. This morning, at 7am, I am trying to attend 3 meetings in 3 different places all at the same time!
I will write again soon, and please make sure to also check the Deanery's blog and our Diocesan blog about General Convention and the Media Hub at The Episcopal Church. Not all of its parts are working as they hoped but there are lots of live and on-demand videos - including last night's forum with the Archbishop of Canterbury (who was a great speaker on the global economic crisis and truth-telling). - Helen
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