Stewardship: Hope in Hard Times

Today I spent my lunch time at a presentation on Stewardship by the Episcopal Church's Officer on Stewardship, Laurel Johnston. She has modified a curriculum and pamphlet from the Church of England on Stewardship in economic rough times for use in the Episcopal Church. I am bringing home a copy of the pamphlet, which is freely downloadable or may be ordered for the cost of shipping from Episcopal Books and Resources.

One interesting idea presented was starting a multigenerational personal budgeting/finances ministry where we work on getting our personal finances in order so that we can be free to be faithful in our giving to our church and break the conspiracy of silence that surrounds personal finance and debt issues. Johnston's point was that we need a right relationship with money. Our culture is such that we consume about 5,000 advertising messages per day, between radio, TV, t-shirts, product placements and logos, etc. As a church, what are the counter-messages we offer to help promote a healthy relationship?
~~~
Today was the final day to pick up free samples and to purchase items in the Exhibit Hall. I am shipping myself two boxes of stuff for you - and let's hope that some of you will volunteer to help me set up a bulletin board or two with the information I am bringing home to you! The publisher of Day By Day was offering a *free* (!) copy of every little pamphlet in their catalog - an example of what I put in the boxes being sent home. There were free DVDs, VHS tapes, flyers, pamphlets and BUTTONS! I haven't seen this many different types of buttons in a long time. Episcopal Relief and Development have been offering free samples of Bishops Blend Fair Trade Coffee every day. It is a very popular booth. Too bad I don't drink coffee!

Counting down until Saturday's flight home...
Helen

Update from General Convention

Dear Friends at St Barnabas:
I have been sending updates to the Deanery blog, but wanted to send you some news directly.

This morning, Becky Alden swapped with me. She became the lay alternate, and I went on the floor for the morning session. Our deputation sits way up front - and now I can report on their pole decoration: a Red Sox hat!

From General Convention pictures

Since the deputation sits so far forward, they can see the secretariat very well. I took the opportunity to take pictures before the session began. The flags of all the countries of The Episcopal Church are displayed behind the secretariat.

From General Convention pictures

Vermont is in the row behind Massachusetts. They have very creatively put postcards and Ben & Jerry's pint containers on their pole. A selection of pole decorations are included in our photo album.

From General Convention pictures

Sam Gould brought Mickey Mouse ears made of balloons, a left-over from our Province I dinner. The deputation from Michigan, seated directly in front of Massachusetts, includes Daniel Appleyard, brother of Bob Appleyard. We made Daniel wear the balloons for a picture with Sam & Jane Gould from Lynn, MA.

From General Convention pictures

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