GC2012- Saturday, July 7, 2012

Our longest legislative day yet began today with a very energetic and invigorating Eucharist, with music by St. Augustine's Steel Drum Orchestra, from Brooklyn, NY. Entering the worship hall today was as joyous and upbeat as entering an Episcopal cruise ship for an anticipated voyage. 

St. Augustine's Steel Drum Orchestra

The music was topped off only by the rousing sermon given by the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina, a preacher known to be both dynamic and engaging. In order to enact change in our world Bishop Curry called upon us to be "crazy Christians"- as crazy as our Lord and Savior was often seen to be in his own ministry. His sermon may be read at

 http://publicaffairs.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/r/4783303256699497/EB645043E1B4581627D1E72AD0FD8334.

 

Bishop Michael Curry- Diocese of North Carolina

With 44% of the House of Deputies as first time deputies, getting everyone onto the "same page" in legislative session has at times been slow and tedious. Thus, the afternoon session had a slow start with confusion over several amendments, amendments to amendments, and voting procedures. There seems to be a trend toward positive change and proper funding within the Church at this General Convention, which often triggers plentiful discussion of resolutions. The House did, finally, accomplish all its work for the day while maintaining decorum and a sense of humor. We were also privileged to hear from the former President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. George Werner, who greeted the HOD at the end of our session. 

Fr. Jim Liggett at the microphone, and seen on the jumbo screen.

All in all the day was productive, albeit very hot outside. We were all thankful to be inside rather than out where the daily temperatures have been in the 100's- a very unusual occurrence for this area. Spare time has been spent indoors wandering the exhibits or visiting with friends.

It continues to be an honor and privilege to serve our Diocese as a deputy and communicator at this General Convention. I would urge you to follow the Episcopal News Service site and the links provided on our website or Facebook page for more GC2012 news.

Yours faithfully,

Nancy Igo

St. Paul's, Lubbock

Lay Deputy/ Diocesan Communications Officer

GC2012- Friday, July 6, 2012

 

In Robert Altman's film M.A.S.H., a character asked one of the doctors, "How did a person like you get in a position of authority in the United States Army?"   The doctor replied, "I was drafted."

That pretty much sums up how I ended up as a Deputy to General Convention!   I was called upon at the last minute to fill in for an elected Deputy who was not able to attend. 

Even though I have been a priest for many years, this is my first experience of General Convention and I have spent most of these first few days bumbling around, bumping into walls.  It has been just today that I feel as though I am getting a sense of the rhythm of the event.  There turns out to be a flow to the way the days are structured with which everyone, including myself, is beginning to get in touch.

Nothing terribly important or exciting has happened as yet.  Our senior deputy told me that, as a rule,  it's really too early expect that.  But I can report that I have a sense that the ship called General Convention feels as though it has caught the tide and is heading for blue water.

Dennis Bosley

All Saints', Colorado City

St. Stephen's, Sweetwater

Clergy Deputy

GC2012- Thursday, July 5, 2012

After wonderful fellowship and fireworks on the 4th, we all gathered and began the service of our appropriate jobs today.

While the business of the House of Deputies began slowly it is underway with all the formalities and procedural direction. We met in legislative session twice today, with additional times for legislative committees to conduct important business.

My favorite part of the day is always worship. I look forward to the inspiration and message of the Church gathered in common voice. Today's celebrant for the Opening Eucharist was the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefforts Schori.The music was most glorious, with trumpets and other brass, soloists, and incredible congregational singing!

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefforts Schori

Due to a shortened calendar we have made a change in our daily Diocesan discussion time. Kathy Mayer and Jackie Batjer have most graciously arranged our lunch daily, so we have time to share important updates on issues within our committees, and a time of fellowship with our Diocesan friends.

Nancy McReynolds
St. Christopher's Lubbock
Lay Deputy

GC2012- Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Today's general session began with opening and stage setting addresses from the Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefforts Schori and Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies (HOD.)  Each spoke with passion and conviction about the future and vision of The (international) Church.

Bishop Katharine emphasized the continuing work toward unity and reconciliation within our international church given the  ethnicity, theological diversity, and the reality of voices unheard and unaddressed. Bishop Katharine also urged each person to find someone with whom they disagree or have wounded to engage in learning about that person while seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. She closed with a prayer by Sir Francis Drake, which he prayed before setting out to explore the New World- quite profound and intentional for blessings as they set forth into the unknown and a new future. It is a good thing to let go with faith and venture beyond the sight of land into something new and different--do not distrust the Lord.

Bonnie Anderson, retiring President of the HOD, reminded us of the significance of July 4th, Independence Day, and the fact that we have yet to reach the ideals of the Declaration of Independence as set forth by the founding fathers of our country. The ideals set forth are not only for individuals but are also applicable to us as we strive to be united as people of God in God's Church.

It is time for the church to take decisive actions on issues of justice and peace  Please find a copy of the Declaration of Independence and reflect on where we are in relationship to those ideals, individuals and shared governance.

The Rev. Bob Taliaferro (and Jesus)

May the peace of the Lord be always with you-

The Rev. Bob Taliaferro

St. Peter's Episcopal Church- Amarillo

Clergy Deputy 

GC2012- Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Today was a travel day for our deputation. I arrived in Indianapolis around 4:30pm. Arriving on the same plane from Dallas were Bishop Mayer and Kathy, Dennis Bosley of Sweetwater, Cliff Craig of Amarillo, and Bishop Claude Payne, retired Bishop from the Diocese of Texas, and his wife, Barbara. Luckily we were all able to share a ride into downtown Indianapolis in a large van.

When we arrived at the Marriott there stood Nancy Igo, Carole Wolf, and Nancy McReynolds, all of Lubbock, who had arrived earlier in the afternoon. After a brief chat with them I checked into my room and made plans with Kathy Mayer and Nancy Igo to find a grocery store for supplies.

Our adventure began with asking the concierge for directions to the nearest store. He assured us it was only about a 5 block walk from the hotel. Being up for the walk Kathy, Nancy Igo, and I set out. However, after 5 blocks... no store! Thanks to Kathy Mayer's iPhone skills we finally found the store. Of course, it was 1.8 MILES from the hotel. We made our purchases for the group, including band-aids for the blisters on my feet, and called a cab to take us back.

Kathy Mayer and Jackie Batjer

By the time we arrived back at the hotel more of the deputation had arrived, so we had plenty of help unloading. You'd have thought we hadn't seen each other in years, we were so glad to see one another! Many of us gathered in the hotel sports bar to eat dinner and watch the Rangers play the White Sox. It was a fine day despite the blisters!

Everyone is glad to be in Indianapolis safely and ready to go to work on July 4.

Jackie Batjer
Heavenly Rest Abilene
Senior Lay Deputy

Meet our Deputation

Our deputation is geared up and ready for Convention 2012! They met Friday, June 8 at the Hulsey Center to discuss the plethora of resolutions and the various issues to be presented at this year's Convention. After a long day of sharing information and impressions they all felt better prepared for this important event.

The deputation greeted two newly appointed members of the deputation, both replacements for elected deputies who, sadly, have resigned for personal reasons. The Rev. Linda Kelly, formerly the clergy alternate, will replace the Rev. Pat Russell, and the Rev. Dennis Bosley will replace Deacon Todd Baxley. The Rev. Edson Wey will attend as the new clergy alternate.

Be sure to watch for more news and reflections from the deputation, beginning with the first official post on July 3 by lay deputy Jackie Batjer of Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene. Jackie is our true expert at General Convention as the deputy from our Diocese with the most experience as a Convention go-er. Jackie has attended 11 total conventions as either a visitor, a lay deputy, or ECW delegate. She has been a dedicated and valuable attendee!

Pictured above in their official deputation photo are, from left to right:

Back row- The Rev. Dennis Bosley, of St. Stephen's, Sweetwater, and All Saints', Colorado City; The Rev. Edson Wey- Clergy Alternate of St. Christopher's, Lubbock; and Nancy McReynolds, of St. Christopher's, Lubbock.

Middle row- The Rev. James Liggett- chair of the deputation, of St. Nicholas', Midland; The Rev. Linda Kelly of St. Matthew's, Pampa; and Nancy Igo of St. Paul's, Lubbock.

Front row- The Rev. Robert Taliaferro of St. Peter's, Amarillo; Jackie Batjer of Church of the Heavenly Rest, Abilene; Cliff Craig of St. Andrew's, Amarillo; and Richard Davis- Lay Alternate of St. Andrew's, Amarillo.

Please include our deputation in your daily prayers for safe travel and a successful General Convention.

The Deputies' Daily- A Reflection from GC2012

 
Visit our photo album in Picasa Photo Albums at

https://picasaweb.google.com/105307437064023996840/TheDeputiesDailyAReflectionFromGC2012?authuser=0&feat=directlink.

More photos will be added as Convention approaches. Photos will also be available in the Photo Memories box at the bottom of the blog page.