First day of Convention. Took notes for myself and for you. Wore bright red (blouse of stiff silk with fabulous collar and cuffs, a hand-me-down from Mother of Acts of Hope), silver earrings, black slacks. Received communion from the Bishop of Botswana. Spoke at hearing re: resolution on comprehensive immigration reform. (Resolution comes up tomorrow in legislative session.) Hobnobbed here and there in my capacity as chair of the Anti-Racism Committee and just 'cause hobnobbing is what some of us do at Convention. Listened to two long speeches (both good). Had the vegetarian option for lunch (also good). Skipped dessert but ducked out for a mocha. Hugged a good number of people and shook hands with several others. Sang in English and Spanish. Said the Lord's Prayer in French. Learned two words in the language of Botswana. Cried during the bishop's award to the dear, good people of a small congregation, about whom more tomorrow. Sported button with Episcopal Church shield and the single word "WELCOME" (our Convention theme -- radical welcome). Caught up with several friends. Have (in my scribbled notes) many quotable quotes from various bishops (we have three plus the visiting one) and sundry lay and clergy participants. Said hi and thanks for your ministry to the PFLAG people and picked up their new flyers, some of which are in Spanish. Checked out the local icon-writer. Glowed with pride when my godson's partner read the Epistle beautifully at Eucharist. Looked in vain for the Church Pension Fund people who this year did not show up to sit at an exhibit table and dole out free pocket calendars. Promised prayers to a clergy associated with an Episcopal religious order who is encouraging them to open a house in the diocese (which currently has no religious orders resident -- we used to but they moved out). Had let's-have-lunch conversations with at least five people. Had four conversations about various people's ordination processes. (All involved rolling of eyes and gnashing of teeth.) Clapped and swayed to the singing and drumming of the St. Ambrose Igbo Gospel Choir. Did some coalition-building with members of the Hispanic Ministries Committee. Began hatching small feminist plot. (Don't hold your breath, could take years.) Asked the organist the name of the fabulous postlude he played and complimented him on it. Decided to forego the dinner out with buddies from my congregation (even though said congregation was footing the bill) because last night I didn't get home from work till midnight, so doing the self-care quiet evening at home and early to bed seemed to be the thing to do.Off I go. Cat needs feeding and so do I.
Tune in again tomorrow.
(All together now: AND ALSO WITH YOU!)
Paul,
ReplyDeleteI ask you, what reporter does not provide visual evidence these days?
I paint with words, brother.
ReplyDeleteand do it well.
ReplyDeleteWell, johnieb, it may have been pastoral considerations (the catch-all justification for anything, you know). The Contessa may have feared that posting photos would dangerously elevate your blood pressure, not to mention throwing thousands into despair.
ReplyDelete"Pastoral" is a catch-all: really?
ReplyDeleteMore thousands, you mean, do you not?
As may be, check to see if Grandpa has a pulse, then rock him gently; he can keep goin' like that for who knows how long? Lap robes are optional, Herr Castorp. Tea at the usual time; yes, sir.
The RC in your midst is so moved by reading this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your recounting of what must have been quite an experience. Hopefully by now you and cats are well fed!!
Peace sister! Peace all!!!!
Jane, if all else fails, you could be a reporter, maybe even a TV reporter, since you (apparently) look so spiffy in your stiff red silk. That would look great on TV.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, thanks for the good words from the convention.
Thank you, Mimi. I come from a family of reporters and did a little religion journalism in my day, though not in this style! Glad you enjoyed my telegraphic summary. I'll be posting more in the next 24 h or so. FranIAm, I always bring my former-RC self to Convention and it is very much a part of who I am as an Anglican -- not an angry state at all, more of an all-embracing catholic one. Though I must say it is a relief to be in a church with a more participatory form of governance. I'm not a Congregationalist though, I do think bishops have their uses. We saw some really great examples of the ministry of bishops at this gathering. Of course I know all too well that this is not always the case. But more on this later.
ReplyDeleteAs for you boys, behave yourselves! No, wait, I really didn't mean that.
I'm not sure I made anyone faint. Just trying to hold up sartorial standards and brighten up the Convention color scheme.
Jane---e-mail me when you have a chance. I'd love to talk to you about some stuff...
ReplyDeleteExactly what was called for, Jane; still, it wouldn't do to not let North Carolina know of one's particular gifts. I've seen your reporter, and your meal with Ed the SVO, and think well of them, as as a Metromale of more than sixty years standing (though I've only recently taken to the coinage).
ReplyDeleteGood work.