My Mother's basic palliative for most of my hurts and scrapes was to say "Go to the medicine cabinet and bring me the bottle of Mercurochrome." She knew that by the time I got back, the hurt was probably over. I feel like pouring a vat of Mercurochrome over my head right about now. On second thought, I would just turn all this grey hair a terrible red color and I am not ready to let go of my pain just yet. The sting of the Mercurochrome as I recall would take my mind off the original hurt but in this case the sting of the adoption of the triennial budget calls for something a little stronger. I need the flight home to decompress.
Both Houses adopted the budget – the House of Bishops without discussion and the House of Deputies with too little too late. There was a modest attempt to restore funding for the women’s program and the anti-racism office but it was too little too late.
If there is a bright side, there is something to take your mind off the sting in this cutting climate and it’s the additional $300,000 that has been allocated for Hispanic/Latino work. Granted it is a far cry from the $3.25 million requested but the additional money is testimony to the outstanding work done by the Hispanic Staff Officer and his Task Force. The Convention was provided a compelling report on Outreach and Evangelism to Hispanics that outlined how the additional funds, if awarded, would be used to plant congregations and develop worship resources. I hope we haven’t set the Task Force up for failure by providing less than 10% of the amount they requested to do their job while expecting 100% of the same outcome.
Another piece of good news is the reduction in diocesan assessments of 21%. Long Island has faithfully held its budget commitment at about 16% even in the face of our own shortfalls and struggles and the voted reduction in assessment will get us nearer to the full asking.
Another piece for me to remember is that in the Diocese of Long Island we are fortunate in that we have the Mercer School of Theology. We don’t need a school of theology to do anti-racism work (we can do it by creating a diocesan committee or commission) but it helps to have the school as a resource. We are far more fortunate than others.
In the days ahead, we will be exploring all the implications for work to be done at the diocesan and congregational level and how we will generate the resources to enact the work of the convention.
Some of this will be new and a few old dogs will need to learn new tricks but we will manage. We will do better than manage.
I’m looking forward to the coming days as we explore new mission opportunities and new ways to be the church together.
And besides, Mercurochrome is now banned by the FDA.
7/17/09
7/16/09
A LA LA Day on L A Night
When the Presiding Bishop opened the joint session for the purpose of receiving the budget for the Triennium, she indicated that the budget would feel like death.
About the same time, I noticed my Blackberry vibrating. I had a message. The sender wrote, "My job is being eliminated, can we get together?" My heart sank. My Blackberry started vibrating again. A text message from a colleague about another friend had arrived. After the third message arrived on the now I know why they call them "Crackberries," I shut down the computer, packed up and left the joint session.
What in the name of God were they thinking when it was only minutes before the joint session that they advised staff who are in Anaheim (and who had been asked to engage with the public and put a human face on the national Church Center) that their jobs were being eliminated.
A human face was put on the budget for me as the names of the 37 staff people began to dribble out. Mind you – the budget hasn’t even been adopted.
In Pastoral Theology 101 folks in the ordination process learn the basics of human relations.
In Clinical Pastoral Education people learn a methodology of delivering news especially bad news, and human resource studies have dwelt on the day of the week, time of day and setting for telling employees that they were being let go.
Didn’t anybody think of the pastoral implications of what they were up to yesterday? Where were the chaplains? People can’t travel back home with the same sense of self worth that was packed for the trip out.
Survivor syndrome is beginning to set in for the remainder.
What a thoughtless mess.
About the same time, I noticed my Blackberry vibrating. I had a message. The sender wrote, "My job is being eliminated, can we get together?" My heart sank. My Blackberry started vibrating again. A text message from a colleague about another friend had arrived. After the third message arrived on the now I know why they call them "Crackberries," I shut down the computer, packed up and left the joint session.
What in the name of God were they thinking when it was only minutes before the joint session that they advised staff who are in Anaheim (and who had been asked to engage with the public and put a human face on the national Church Center) that their jobs were being eliminated.
A human face was put on the budget for me as the names of the 37 staff people began to dribble out. Mind you – the budget hasn’t even been adopted.
In Pastoral Theology 101 folks in the ordination process learn the basics of human relations.
In Clinical Pastoral Education people learn a methodology of delivering news especially bad news, and human resource studies have dwelt on the day of the week, time of day and setting for telling employees that they were being let go.
Didn’t anybody think of the pastoral implications of what they were up to yesterday? Where were the chaplains? People can’t travel back home with the same sense of self worth that was packed for the trip out.
Survivor syndrome is beginning to set in for the remainder.
What a thoughtless mess.
7/15/09
Mickey's Shame
Hail, Hail the Hale and Hearty are back. Blessedly I found my inner Red Bull and have come roaring back because we are in that part of Convention that separates the wheat from the chaff.
If any of you are thinking that I was off at Disneyland yesterday having fun and that’s why I didn’t get anything posted let me quickly get that notion out of your head. Wrong – it was a day of meetings and listening. However, I did have an encounter of another type with Disney.
The Episcopal Network for Economic Justice, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice and the Disneyland Hotel Workers held a march and vigil for economic justice for the hotel workers. I joined the group.
Almost daily we are gently reminded to be generous in our tips to our wait staff and chamber maids and in her homily on Sunday, the Presiding Bishop was rather direct in her request to all convention goers to be generous to all the housekeeping personnel who are assisting us so marching and tipping seem to be “doing the right thing!”
The issue that took us to the street was Disney’s proposal to make all the employees “regular casual” in order that health care and other benefits would no longer be part of the worker’s compensation.
You know my feelings about playing the hour’s game to reduce benefits to employees so this action of Disney is a grave matter of economic injustice.
Shame on you Mickey! Shame, shame double shame.
What you are doing is Goofy.
If any of you are thinking that I was off at Disneyland yesterday having fun and that’s why I didn’t get anything posted let me quickly get that notion out of your head. Wrong – it was a day of meetings and listening. However, I did have an encounter of another type with Disney.
The Episcopal Network for Economic Justice, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice and the Disneyland Hotel Workers held a march and vigil for economic justice for the hotel workers. I joined the group.
Almost daily we are gently reminded to be generous in our tips to our wait staff and chamber maids and in her homily on Sunday, the Presiding Bishop was rather direct in her request to all convention goers to be generous to all the housekeeping personnel who are assisting us so marching and tipping seem to be “doing the right thing!”
The issue that took us to the street was Disney’s proposal to make all the employees “regular casual” in order that health care and other benefits would no longer be part of the worker’s compensation.
You know my feelings about playing the hour’s game to reduce benefits to employees so this action of Disney is a grave matter of economic injustice.
Shame on you Mickey! Shame, shame double shame.
What you are doing is Goofy.
Update for John Andren's Blog
Gentlereaders of John Andren's Blog,
In his most recent posting discussing the Province 2 Caucus and Bash, he listed the dioceses that make up the Province. John was probably tired when posting thereby omitting three dioceses - Haiti, the Virgin Islands and Convocation of Churches in Europe.
Mon Dieu!
In his most recent posting discussing the Province 2 Caucus and Bash, he listed the dioceses that make up the Province. John was probably tired when posting thereby omitting three dioceses - Haiti, the Virgin Islands and Convocation of Churches in Europe.
Mon Dieu!
7/13/09
When Ubuntu Isn't Enough
Day 6 - Four to go on this legislative Tour de Anaheim. My body especially my legs are crying for mercy. Now the tough slog is ahead.
Sunday, July 12 was the last day to pass any resolution with budget implications and in an unusual move, Holly McAlpin, the Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Program, Budget and Finance requested prayer before asking Deputies to not pass a flurry of resolutions with dollars attached and that the committee was already seeking to close a $14 million budget gap. The Joint Session to receive the budget will happen on Wednesday.
I have no idea where we are on the legislative calendar. The special orders that led to the overwhelming passage of D-025, the resolution affirming that ordination is available to all baptized people and seen as the response to 2006 B-033 consumed significant amounts of well spent time. The consent to the election of Rev. Luis Fernando Ruiz Restrepo as bishop of the Diocese of Ecuador Central has been another major time consumer.
Today's chapter of this tragic opera featured the chair of the deputation from Ecuador Central urging his defeat and an Ohio deputy and the consultant to our Nominating Committee was urging his approval. I really don't know what to make of it. If the deputation from Long Island had urged the disapproval of Father Provenzano and deputies with no relation to the situation were urging something different, I just don't know if I would take kindly to that kind of decision making. This seems a bit paternalistic when deputies in their wisdom know more than the locals.
Adding to the consumption of precious minutes was the voting machine fiasco. If those machines can't get any better, the Convention should return to the red and green cards of days gone by. The Ecuador Central vote, after three misfires with the voting machines, 835 paper ballots were distributed. I seem to recall the machines having the same problem in Columbus. What I do know is that this is the kind of thing that saps everybody's energy. I hope the energy bars will be provided when the denominational health plan and mandatory lay pension come to the floor.
I passed Canon Scott Hayashi, Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Chicago, in the hotel lobby and we exchanged greetings. Scott lamented through this day.
"Ubuntu just isn't enough -I need a Red Bull."
I don't know about a Red Bull but on this Day 6 I too need an energy lift.
Sunday, July 12 was the last day to pass any resolution with budget implications and in an unusual move, Holly McAlpin, the Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Program, Budget and Finance requested prayer before asking Deputies to not pass a flurry of resolutions with dollars attached and that the committee was already seeking to close a $14 million budget gap. The Joint Session to receive the budget will happen on Wednesday.
I have no idea where we are on the legislative calendar. The special orders that led to the overwhelming passage of D-025, the resolution affirming that ordination is available to all baptized people and seen as the response to 2006 B-033 consumed significant amounts of well spent time. The consent to the election of Rev. Luis Fernando Ruiz Restrepo as bishop of the Diocese of Ecuador Central has been another major time consumer.
Today's chapter of this tragic opera featured the chair of the deputation from Ecuador Central urging his defeat and an Ohio deputy and the consultant to our Nominating Committee was urging his approval. I really don't know what to make of it. If the deputation from Long Island had urged the disapproval of Father Provenzano and deputies with no relation to the situation were urging something different, I just don't know if I would take kindly to that kind of decision making. This seems a bit paternalistic when deputies in their wisdom know more than the locals.
Adding to the consumption of precious minutes was the voting machine fiasco. If those machines can't get any better, the Convention should return to the red and green cards of days gone by. The Ecuador Central vote, after three misfires with the voting machines, 835 paper ballots were distributed. I seem to recall the machines having the same problem in Columbus. What I do know is that this is the kind of thing that saps everybody's energy. I hope the energy bars will be provided when the denominational health plan and mandatory lay pension come to the floor.
I passed Canon Scott Hayashi, Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Chicago, in the hotel lobby and we exchanged greetings. Scott lamented through this day.
"Ubuntu just isn't enough -I need a Red Bull."
I don't know about a Red Bull but on this Day 6 I too need an energy lift.
7/11/09
An Ode to a Tree
Thank you Joyce Kilmer for giving us the great line, "I think that I shall never see, a poem as lovely as a tree...". If you could see what we are doing to some untold number of trees, it would break your heart.
Anyone who can hold a pen or type/word-process a few lines can issue a publication it would seem. Each morning when you leave the hotel, issue papers are in the lobby. If you fail to find one there, in a gauntlet leading up to the main doors of the Convention Center, volunteers are passing out their papers. Thousands of these things are being printed. The Convention produces a daily paper, The Daily, that is stacked up everywhere.
Just inside the main door there is a gigantic table with paper all over it - position papers on the various pieces of legislation, announcements, campaign materials for those running for office, and God only knows what else is on that table but there are thousands of sheets of paper on the table and they don't seem to be moving. If that's not enough, at the daily Eucharist we get a daily bulletin that averages about 15 pages - but they tell us that their paper is from well managed forests. Even so, I think they make 3,000.
Then there are the official papers having to do with the Convention itself. The 850 deputies get a pile of paper everyday more than once a day with new legislative information, a daily calendar and messages from the other House and the bishops get similar packets throughout the day. The Triennial delegates are getting papers and the spouses are getting papers.
It's just silly - that's all I can say especially for a Church that continues to pat itself on its collective back for its care of God's creation and stewardship of resources. And all the while passing more resolutions about stewardship and care of creation. Duh!
But take heart, Conventioneers can have all the paper we want; we can't have a bottle of water. Water bottles are not permitted. We are overusing drinking cups but let us be grateful for something. In addition to the flash drive I pleaded for in my posting Blue Book Blues, perhaps we could be given an individual canister and have the cups removed as well.
Maybe real conservation is something the Youth Presence could shame us into because dear readers, please remember ... Blogs are written by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.
Anyone who can hold a pen or type/word-process a few lines can issue a publication it would seem. Each morning when you leave the hotel, issue papers are in the lobby. If you fail to find one there, in a gauntlet leading up to the main doors of the Convention Center, volunteers are passing out their papers. Thousands of these things are being printed. The Convention produces a daily paper, The Daily, that is stacked up everywhere.
Just inside the main door there is a gigantic table with paper all over it - position papers on the various pieces of legislation, announcements, campaign materials for those running for office, and God only knows what else is on that table but there are thousands of sheets of paper on the table and they don't seem to be moving. If that's not enough, at the daily Eucharist we get a daily bulletin that averages about 15 pages - but they tell us that their paper is from well managed forests. Even so, I think they make 3,000.
Then there are the official papers having to do with the Convention itself. The 850 deputies get a pile of paper everyday more than once a day with new legislative information, a daily calendar and messages from the other House and the bishops get similar packets throughout the day. The Triennial delegates are getting papers and the spouses are getting papers.
It's just silly - that's all I can say especially for a Church that continues to pat itself on its collective back for its care of God's creation and stewardship of resources. And all the while passing more resolutions about stewardship and care of creation. Duh!
But take heart, Conventioneers can have all the paper we want; we can't have a bottle of water. Water bottles are not permitted. We are overusing drinking cups but let us be grateful for something. In addition to the flash drive I pleaded for in my posting Blue Book Blues, perhaps we could be given an individual canister and have the cups removed as well.
Maybe real conservation is something the Youth Presence could shame us into because dear readers, please remember ... Blogs are written by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.
Oh What a Nite!
Oh What a Night! Of the things that I have been looking forward to at this General Convention, last night's reception for Ed and Patti Browning was at the top of the list. I was fortunate to receive one of the coveted invitations to a reception in their honor to celebrate the launch of a book honoring the XXIVth Presiding Bishop. It was wonderful. XXIV, XXV. and XXVI were all in attendance in one place but this was XXIV's night.
Staff colleagues from my days at the Church Center, activists from back in the day and a bunch of bishops who were associated with Bishop Browning's time as Presiding Bishop were all in one place. It was old school at its best. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook took a leave of absence to write the book and Brian Grieves, David Perry and Peggy Beers are overseeing the project that will be published by Forward Movement Publications in time for Christmas. All involved with the project speak of it as a labor of love and love was in the room. A lot of air kisses and fake hugs are flung around during the eleven days of Convention but last night every hug and every kiss was genuine for both the giver and to the receiver. It was the Episcopal Church that I love.
Oregon has been very good to Ed and Patti because they looked marvelous after all these years and when he said "I hoped that you would come" my heart skipped several beats.
It was quite a night.
Staff colleagues from my days at the Church Center, activists from back in the day and a bunch of bishops who were associated with Bishop Browning's time as Presiding Bishop were all in one place. It was old school at its best. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook took a leave of absence to write the book and Brian Grieves, David Perry and Peggy Beers are overseeing the project that will be published by Forward Movement Publications in time for Christmas. All involved with the project speak of it as a labor of love and love was in the room. A lot of air kisses and fake hugs are flung around during the eleven days of Convention but last night every hug and every kiss was genuine for both the giver and to the receiver. It was the Episcopal Church that I love.
Oregon has been very good to Ed and Patti because they looked marvelous after all these years and when he said "I hoped that you would come" my heart skipped several beats.
It was quite a night.
7/10/09
Here's Your Mitre, What's Your Hurry?
There are no royal weddings or baptisms on the docket, Wimbledon has come and gone as has the Royal Ascot, The Queen is at Balmoral, the anniversary of the landing on Normandy Beach has passed and the President is visiting the Pope - so what's the rush? What could be so important that the Archbishop of Canterbury had to rush back to Lambeth Palace? Why would you come this far for your first visit to a General Convention and only stay two days? Hmmm!
General Convention is a complex undertaking and this is my 9th. Dropping in for two overly scheduled days hardly gives anyone an accurate picture of how our bi-cameral legislative process works. Our uniqueness as a member of the Anglican Communion is our inclusiveness where people in all orders participate equally in the decision making process. Thankfully, we are not a "bishop knows best" outfit.
Two days, especially the first two when the Houses were organizing, hardly provided the opportunity to hear the tone of the discussions, see the wrangling over pressing issues and feel the pulse of this living organism, The Episcopal Church, at work.
In his meditation/homily to the Convention, the Archbishop expressed his affection and belief in the Episcopal Church while sharing his anxiety about the affect and effect (my words) of the actions that may come out of Convention.
I think if he had stuck around a bit longer, we might have eased his anxiety.
Watching this deliberative body at work is impressive because when one watches and listens, one sees and hears true democracy in action. And that cannot be appreciated in 48 hours.
General Convention is a complex undertaking and this is my 9th. Dropping in for two overly scheduled days hardly gives anyone an accurate picture of how our bi-cameral legislative process works. Our uniqueness as a member of the Anglican Communion is our inclusiveness where people in all orders participate equally in the decision making process. Thankfully, we are not a "bishop knows best" outfit.
Two days, especially the first two when the Houses were organizing, hardly provided the opportunity to hear the tone of the discussions, see the wrangling over pressing issues and feel the pulse of this living organism, The Episcopal Church, at work.
In his meditation/homily to the Convention, the Archbishop expressed his affection and belief in the Episcopal Church while sharing his anxiety about the affect and effect (my words) of the actions that may come out of Convention.
I think if he had stuck around a bit longer, we might have eased his anxiety.
Watching this deliberative body at work is impressive because when one watches and listens, one sees and hears true democracy in action. And that cannot be appreciated in 48 hours.
You May Now Take Your Seat
After receiving the report from the Committee on the Resignation and Ordination of Bishops, the 96 bishops with jurisdiction received their ballots to vote on the approval of Lawrence Provenzano as Bishop Co-adjutor for Long Island. After a great deal of milling around and a report from the Prayer Book Committee on as one bishop called it "The Inflation of the Liturgical Calendar", Bishop Katherine asked for a special order to announce the results.
After announcing his receipt of 96 affirmative votes, Bishop Walker and Bishop George Councell escorted Bishop-elect Provenzano to his seat on the floor of the House of Bishops and after applause, the liturgical calendar discussion resumed. He is seated and working.
It was a joy to see Bishop Walker and Bishop-elect Provenzano sharing a good man hug.
Mission Impossible
TV watchers may remember the old show Mission Impossible and even now it may be found on the Island of Lost Re-Reruns. Each week, a team of experts would receive a death defying assignment and off they would go on a mission - impossible. It had a great musical theme.
We have such a team here at General Convention and they undertake their impossible mission daily. The mission they have chosen to accept is infusing spirit into an otherwise lifeless General Convention except, of course, when it is talking about sex. It's a heavy lift because they are trying to meet the mission with music for the spirit.
Jeannine Otis, the music director of St. Mark's in the Bowery, in Manhattan, has accepted the daunting task and come across country to join with Julia Huttar Bailey and Dent Davidson.
This is the team that seem to be the front people for the Ubuntu Choir, an all volunteer group and the House of Bishops and Spouses Choir.
An ethnomusicologist might describe Ms. Otis' main task as call and response - a style unfamiliar to the vast majority of those in this congregation. Ms. Otis, among other pieces, does the gathering and sending forth music. Yesterday we gathered with "I don't want no trouble at the river" and departed with "Have you got good religion?" Thank God for Ms. Otis because after hearing the meditation by the Archbishop of Canterbury, my answer would have been a resounding "no." You can read it on line and decide for yourself. There will be more about the ABC in a future posting.
At the opening Eucharist, Canon Lester Thandakile Mackenzie, a priest of the host diocese and a transplanted South African s-o-b (son of a bishop) broke into traditional African praise singing to enthuse and inject spirit into the opening service. Everybody around me looked confused when he started his shouts of praise as we were singing the South African hymn Halleluya! Pelo tso rona at the offertory.
The Ubuntu Choir offered up the Sanctus and Benedictus from a Mass for Soulful People complete with stride piano. They made a joyful noise even though I thought it was an odd selection since Bishop Bruno was celebrating in Spanish. Something written by Skinner Chavez Melo would have been my preferred choice - but hey - these folks are on mission impossible.
Into the mix of all the call and response of traditional spirituals, the mass setting for soulful people, South African, Zimbabwean, Brazilian and Angolan music, The House of Bishops and Spouses choir offered some Welsh soul music obviously to honor the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Welsh folk song had a beautiful text roughly paraphrased "If you see someone in need: a starving child, an aged person, a weary traveler; do you turn away? If so, follow the example of Jesus Christ, and give a helping hand, as he has done for us." Beautiful - yes, an eclectic mix - yes, spirit sustaining - not yet and that's the mission - to see if it is possible to infuse through song, spirit into this gathering of spiritless people.
It's not clapping off beat that I'm talking about. it is a change in heart We'll see and only time will tell.
I can't wait to find out what songs we will sing today.
We have such a team here at General Convention and they undertake their impossible mission daily. The mission they have chosen to accept is infusing spirit into an otherwise lifeless General Convention except, of course, when it is talking about sex. It's a heavy lift because they are trying to meet the mission with music for the spirit.
Jeannine Otis, the music director of St. Mark's in the Bowery, in Manhattan, has accepted the daunting task and come across country to join with Julia Huttar Bailey and Dent Davidson.
This is the team that seem to be the front people for the Ubuntu Choir, an all volunteer group and the House of Bishops and Spouses Choir.
An ethnomusicologist might describe Ms. Otis' main task as call and response - a style unfamiliar to the vast majority of those in this congregation. Ms. Otis, among other pieces, does the gathering and sending forth music. Yesterday we gathered with "I don't want no trouble at the river" and departed with "Have you got good religion?" Thank God for Ms. Otis because after hearing the meditation by the Archbishop of Canterbury, my answer would have been a resounding "no." You can read it on line and decide for yourself. There will be more about the ABC in a future posting.
At the opening Eucharist, Canon Lester Thandakile Mackenzie, a priest of the host diocese and a transplanted South African s-o-b (son of a bishop) broke into traditional African praise singing to enthuse and inject spirit into the opening service. Everybody around me looked confused when he started his shouts of praise as we were singing the South African hymn Halleluya! Pelo tso rona at the offertory.
The Ubuntu Choir offered up the Sanctus and Benedictus from a Mass for Soulful People complete with stride piano. They made a joyful noise even though I thought it was an odd selection since Bishop Bruno was celebrating in Spanish. Something written by Skinner Chavez Melo would have been my preferred choice - but hey - these folks are on mission impossible.
Into the mix of all the call and response of traditional spirituals, the mass setting for soulful people, South African, Zimbabwean, Brazilian and Angolan music, The House of Bishops and Spouses choir offered some Welsh soul music obviously to honor the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Welsh folk song had a beautiful text roughly paraphrased "If you see someone in need: a starving child, an aged person, a weary traveler; do you turn away? If so, follow the example of Jesus Christ, and give a helping hand, as he has done for us." Beautiful - yes, an eclectic mix - yes, spirit sustaining - not yet and that's the mission - to see if it is possible to infuse through song, spirit into this gathering of spiritless people.
It's not clapping off beat that I'm talking about. it is a change in heart We'll see and only time will tell.
I can't wait to find out what songs we will sing today.
7/9/09
And One to Go
On Wednesday the 8th of July, after a long and tedious discussion on the process by which the reconsideration of B-033 would be considered by a Committee of the Whole, the House of Deputies turned to the report of the Committee on the Ordination of Bishops.
Bishop Walker joined Ted Gerbracht, Mastine Nesbitt, Vivian Harrison, Louise Baietto, Clare Nesmith and Father and Mrs. Provenzano in the visitior's gallery of the senior house for the report on C081.
First , Father John Tarrant was approved by the House to be ordained as the Bishop of South Dakota. He and his wife were seated in our cheering section and at first I thought they were supporters of the Provenzanos until he stood up - proves I don't know everything. Anyway, when he was announced we all stood and cheered for him as he went to the dais. It seemed that his walk back took forever because his return to his seat was all that was holding back our moment.
The Committee Chair resumed her report and in a flash Father Lawrence Provenzano had received the unanimous approval of the House . Father Provenzano made the long walk to the podium accompanied by the Long Island deputation to receive the greetings of the President of the House of Deputies, Bonnie Anderson. Then he made the long walk back to receive our cheers. After hand shakes and hugs our group dispersed to savor the moment and to await the final hurdle - approval in the House of Bishops.
On Thursday afternoon, we expect smooth sailing through the House of Bishops and the approvals for our Bishop Co-adjutor will be completed - let the celebrations begin!
Bishop Walker joined Ted Gerbracht, Mastine Nesbitt, Vivian Harrison, Louise Baietto, Clare Nesmith and Father and Mrs. Provenzano in the visitior's gallery of the senior house for the report on C081.
First , Father John Tarrant was approved by the House to be ordained as the Bishop of South Dakota. He and his wife were seated in our cheering section and at first I thought they were supporters of the Provenzanos until he stood up - proves I don't know everything. Anyway, when he was announced we all stood and cheered for him as he went to the dais. It seemed that his walk back took forever because his return to his seat was all that was holding back our moment.
The Committee Chair resumed her report and in a flash Father Lawrence Provenzano had received the unanimous approval of the House . Father Provenzano made the long walk to the podium accompanied by the Long Island deputation to receive the greetings of the President of the House of Deputies, Bonnie Anderson. Then he made the long walk back to receive our cheers. After hand shakes and hugs our group dispersed to savor the moment and to await the final hurdle - approval in the House of Bishops.
On Thursday afternoon, we expect smooth sailing through the House of Bishops and the approvals for our Bishop Co-adjutor will be completed - let the celebrations begin!
7/7/09
Schlepping
When we went to Columbus for General Convention in 2006, I had no idea what a blessing it was for Rudy to drive all our possessions to and from Columbus. The Big Blue Book, my computer, eleven days worth of clothing and assorted paraphernalia motored while I boarded the plane with nothing but my handbag. Talk about take nothing for the journey!
So today I have schlepped across country pulling my computer, all those convention documents and eleven days worth of clothing including my special feet don’t fail me now shoes through JFK and LAX. This being my lucky day, I managed to land at LAX and get on the freeway just when the memorial tribute to Michael Jackson was letting out and the throngs were trying to get on the same highway. One thing about me, I have that special knack to find traffic.
The official hotel of the Long Island delegation is the Marriott and I am finally all settled in. When I arrived in the lobby I had this overwhelming desire to conjugate schlep – I schlep, you schlep, he, she or it schleps - everybody was pulling a bag across the lobby and queuing up to get the room keys. We are here, it’s comfortable and the Convention Center is within spitting distance.
Tomorrow schlepping begins in earnest as I will collect my press credentials and head off to the first media briefing. After we get started, I won’t have time to wonder whether or not we really need an eleven day convention and if the model has out lived its usefulness so let me do it now. The other things I won’t have time to worry about is why if we want to be an inclusive community do we have conventions that are so hard on working people and so family un-friendly. Between time taken off for pre-convention meetings, synod meetings, diocesan meetings and the actual convention – what’s a working person to do? Well, that’s a rant for another day.
Tomorrow the great schlep begins and by the way – what did we do before wheels?
So today I have schlepped across country pulling my computer, all those convention documents and eleven days worth of clothing including my special feet don’t fail me now shoes through JFK and LAX. This being my lucky day, I managed to land at LAX and get on the freeway just when the memorial tribute to Michael Jackson was letting out and the throngs were trying to get on the same highway. One thing about me, I have that special knack to find traffic.
The official hotel of the Long Island delegation is the Marriott and I am finally all settled in. When I arrived in the lobby I had this overwhelming desire to conjugate schlep – I schlep, you schlep, he, she or it schleps - everybody was pulling a bag across the lobby and queuing up to get the room keys. We are here, it’s comfortable and the Convention Center is within spitting distance.
Tomorrow schlepping begins in earnest as I will collect my press credentials and head off to the first media briefing. After we get started, I won’t have time to wonder whether or not we really need an eleven day convention and if the model has out lived its usefulness so let me do it now. The other things I won’t have time to worry about is why if we want to be an inclusive community do we have conventions that are so hard on working people and so family un-friendly. Between time taken off for pre-convention meetings, synod meetings, diocesan meetings and the actual convention – what’s a working person to do? Well, that’s a rant for another day.
Tomorrow the great schlep begins and by the way – what did we do before wheels?
7/4/09
4th of July
My Mother's original due date was July 4. Thank goodness they hadn't counted correctly because she was going to name me Independence. I'm glad that I don't have to speculate on what our relationship would have been if that name had been given to me at Baptism. I'm thinking Father Whitlock would have stepped in and stopped that miscarriage of naming justice.
The irony in all of this would have been something because out of principle, my family never recognized Independence Day and up until this self-disclosure, I have quietly carried on the tradition.
I believe everyone does not share equally in the inalienable rights envisioned by the Founding Fathers and until all do, I shan't celebrate the day.
Today, I am being protected by military men and women who aren't free to be and we are being ministered to by men and women for whom inclusion in all orders of ministry is not possible. We are not all free.
Just as President Obama and the Congress have the opportunity to right one of these wrongs, the General Convention has a similar opportunity. Will it, will they, can they rise to the occasion and in the spirit of the revolution be modern day revolutionaries and vote for inclusion and justice for all?
The day that B-033 is repealed in both Houses will be an independence day worthy of bombs bursting in air and rockets red glare.
We live in hope.
The irony in all of this would have been something because out of principle, my family never recognized Independence Day and up until this self-disclosure, I have quietly carried on the tradition.
I believe everyone does not share equally in the inalienable rights envisioned by the Founding Fathers and until all do, I shan't celebrate the day.
Today, I am being protected by military men and women who aren't free to be and we are being ministered to by men and women for whom inclusion in all orders of ministry is not possible. We are not all free.
Just as President Obama and the Congress have the opportunity to right one of these wrongs, the General Convention has a similar opportunity. Will it, will they, can they rise to the occasion and in the spirit of the revolution be modern day revolutionaries and vote for inclusion and justice for all?
The day that B-033 is repealed in both Houses will be an independence day worthy of bombs bursting in air and rockets red glare.
We live in hope.
7/3/09
These Shoes Ain't Made for Walking
When I was President/CEO of NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, the job came with a summer house in Maine.
In hindsight, not bad. We often rented rooms in the Founder’s House to hikers on the Appalachian Trail – yes, that Appalachian Trail – it starts in Maine.
In the evening during open community time, as others were talking, the hikers were mostly caring for their shoes – sole mates to be sure. I grew to have a great appreciation between a walker and one’s shoes and still do.
In a scant few days, 15,000 plus people will be walking the concrete Anaheim Trail and if your feet start hurting in the process, the Trail of Tears will take on new meaning.
A veteran deputy from another diocese just shared that as part of her pre-convention preparation, she visited her podiatrist. Good thinking.
Ron Lau, who will be doing booth duty for Affirming Catholicism, will be sporting his 20+ year old Birkenstocks who are lovingly cared for by a real Geppetto.
Steve Muncie, manager of the House of Bishop’s Secretariat, has made his selection of footwear and has left already.
The Dean of Cape Town and guest of the President of the House of Deputies will be wearing Crocs – I am sure.
I have chosen the laced up Icons. Old tried and true, they are veterans of Columbus and Lambeth so feet don’t fail me now!
Why does this matter? If your feet have ever hurt, you know why immediately.
Civility takes a back seat when your feet hurt and our conversations grow short and thoughts tend to wander to how soon can we get out of these shoes rather than thinking about resolutions and propositions.
So listen up Long Islanders – deputies, triennial, bishops, spouses, camp followers – make sure your shoes are made for walking ‘cause I don’t want anybody walking all over you (us).
In hindsight, not bad. We often rented rooms in the Founder’s House to hikers on the Appalachian Trail – yes, that Appalachian Trail – it starts in Maine.
In the evening during open community time, as others were talking, the hikers were mostly caring for their shoes – sole mates to be sure. I grew to have a great appreciation between a walker and one’s shoes and still do.
In a scant few days, 15,000 plus people will be walking the concrete Anaheim Trail and if your feet start hurting in the process, the Trail of Tears will take on new meaning.
A veteran deputy from another diocese just shared that as part of her pre-convention preparation, she visited her podiatrist. Good thinking.
Ron Lau, who will be doing booth duty for Affirming Catholicism, will be sporting his 20+ year old Birkenstocks who are lovingly cared for by a real Geppetto.
Steve Muncie, manager of the House of Bishop’s Secretariat, has made his selection of footwear and has left already.
The Dean of Cape Town and guest of the President of the House of Deputies will be wearing Crocs – I am sure.
I have chosen the laced up Icons. Old tried and true, they are veterans of Columbus and Lambeth so feet don’t fail me now!
Why does this matter? If your feet have ever hurt, you know why immediately.
Civility takes a back seat when your feet hurt and our conversations grow short and thoughts tend to wander to how soon can we get out of these shoes rather than thinking about resolutions and propositions.
So listen up Long Islanders – deputies, triennial, bishops, spouses, camp followers – make sure your shoes are made for walking ‘cause I don’t want anybody walking all over you (us).
7/2/09
Blue Book Blues
Question: What is 807 pages, weighs 5 pounds and is burgundy?
Answer: The Blue Book otherwise known as the Report to the 76th General Convention.
807 pages you say!
347 of the pages represent the report of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music.
The report is so overwhelming that it is difficult to truly value and appreciate the content and the work of the group during the past triennium. And – if one line is changed, the document becomes obsolete. But this is not about Holy Men, Holy Women: Celebrating the Saints and filling every possible day on the calendar, this is about common sense.
My regular readers know that I am one step removed from being a Luddite and when even I know that there has to be a better way, there has to be a better way. Can’t the General Convention forego the printing and mailing and expense of sending a few thousand of these 800 page tomes around the country and send everyone a flash drive or whatever is au courant? Look at the money that could be put toward mission and ministry if we didn’t print the Blue Book and assorted addenda.
Then there are the free standing resolutions – paper, upon paper, upon paper – and we are the denomination that prides itself on being ecologically and environmentally sensitive and savvy. Each resolution is printed, distributed, amended or revised, reprinted, redistributed, discussed, adopted or not and if adopted sent to the other House for a repeat performance. Yikes!
If I can think of ways to live better and more responsibly through technology, I am certain there are others more technologically gifted and connected than I that can update the way we’ve always done business since William White gaveled open the first General Convention in 1785.
So in the meantime, I’ll just keep singing the Blue Book Blues in a minor key until I can get others to join the chorus. If we get a strong enough chorus, who knows someday we might be riffing on Jobim’s bossa nova masterpiece – Chega de Saudade – No More Blues!
Answer: The Blue Book otherwise known as the Report to the 76th General Convention.
807 pages you say!
347 of the pages represent the report of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music.
The report is so overwhelming that it is difficult to truly value and appreciate the content and the work of the group during the past triennium. And – if one line is changed, the document becomes obsolete. But this is not about Holy Men, Holy Women: Celebrating the Saints and filling every possible day on the calendar, this is about common sense.
My regular readers know that I am one step removed from being a Luddite and when even I know that there has to be a better way, there has to be a better way. Can’t the General Convention forego the printing and mailing and expense of sending a few thousand of these 800 page tomes around the country and send everyone a flash drive or whatever is au courant? Look at the money that could be put toward mission and ministry if we didn’t print the Blue Book and assorted addenda.
Then there are the free standing resolutions – paper, upon paper, upon paper – and we are the denomination that prides itself on being ecologically and environmentally sensitive and savvy. Each resolution is printed, distributed, amended or revised, reprinted, redistributed, discussed, adopted or not and if adopted sent to the other House for a repeat performance. Yikes!
If I can think of ways to live better and more responsibly through technology, I am certain there are others more technologically gifted and connected than I that can update the way we’ve always done business since William White gaveled open the first General Convention in 1785.
So in the meantime, I’ll just keep singing the Blue Book Blues in a minor key until I can get others to join the chorus. If we get a strong enough chorus, who knows someday we might be riffing on Jobim’s bossa nova masterpiece – Chega de Saudade – No More Blues!
7/1/09
Anaheim Redux
It seems like just yesterday that I was embarking on my career as a blogger on my way to the Lambeth Conference. Actually the date was July 6, 2008 so I’m not too far off. Back then at the time of my first posting, I wasn’t sure as to what I had committed to do and guess what – I must be a slow learner because I am at it again. Welcome to the first of my series of blog postings, before, during and after the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.
Next week, it will be back to Anaheim. My first General Convention was the 68th held in Anaheim in 1985 and it seems that I am book-ending this portion of my church life with a return to where it all began. Twenty-four years ago, I was an alternate deputy from the Diocese of Long Island. Our clerical deputies were Ed Wisbauer, Al Palmer, Dominic Ciannela and Herb Thompson. The lay deputies were Bill Finn, Ken Miller, Bob Royce and Vince Nardiello. Talk about the “Old Boy’s Club!” The big question and I mean really big was who was going to take a day off so that I could sit. After cajoling and frankly annoying the men, Ken Miller turned out to be the gentleman and gave me his seat.
Upon certification as a deputy, I took my seat at the Long Island table and Marge Christie from Newark, who will be a deputy again this year and has been for every convention in between, rushed over to welcome me on to the floor, and welcome me as a woman, to the Long Island deputation.
I remember being overwhelmed with the sheer size of the undertaking. I also remember being on the floor when the Bishop of Hawaii, Ed Browning, was confirmed by the House of Deputies as the 24th Presiding Bishop. I remember his innocent yet very famous utterance “there shall be no outcasts.”
Twenty-four years later, I am returning to Anaheim to again be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the undertaking, to this time await the confirmation of Lawrence Provenzano as bishop co-adjutor for Long Island, and to be in a community that continues the struggle for full inclusion in order that Ed Browning’s utterance may come true and we all can say “Our church has no outcasts!”
Next week, it will be back to Anaheim. My first General Convention was the 68th held in Anaheim in 1985 and it seems that I am book-ending this portion of my church life with a return to where it all began. Twenty-four years ago, I was an alternate deputy from the Diocese of Long Island. Our clerical deputies were Ed Wisbauer, Al Palmer, Dominic Ciannela and Herb Thompson. The lay deputies were Bill Finn, Ken Miller, Bob Royce and Vince Nardiello. Talk about the “Old Boy’s Club!” The big question and I mean really big was who was going to take a day off so that I could sit. After cajoling and frankly annoying the men, Ken Miller turned out to be the gentleman and gave me his seat.
Upon certification as a deputy, I took my seat at the Long Island table and Marge Christie from Newark, who will be a deputy again this year and has been for every convention in between, rushed over to welcome me on to the floor, and welcome me as a woman, to the Long Island deputation.
I remember being overwhelmed with the sheer size of the undertaking. I also remember being on the floor when the Bishop of Hawaii, Ed Browning, was confirmed by the House of Deputies as the 24th Presiding Bishop. I remember his innocent yet very famous utterance “there shall be no outcasts.”
Twenty-four years later, I am returning to Anaheim to again be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the undertaking, to this time await the confirmation of Lawrence Provenzano as bishop co-adjutor for Long Island, and to be in a community that continues the struggle for full inclusion in order that Ed Browning’s utterance may come true and we all can say “Our church has no outcasts!”
4/28/09
Long Island GC Deputies
Some of our Diocese of Long Island deputation for General Convention, shown in Garden City at the Cathedral of the Incarnation during the March 2009 election convention for bishop coadjutor. L. to R., Ms. Janice Commentz, the Very Rev. Christopher Hofer, Mrs. June Gerbracht, Ms. Valarie Crosdale, the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Belasco, the Rev. Canon Dr. Lynn Collins, Mr. John Andren, and the Rev. Richard Brewer.ROSTER OF DIOCESE OF LONG ISLAND
DEPUTIES FOR THE 76th GENERAL CONVENTION
Clergy Deputies
The Very Rev. Christiopher Hofer, Rector
Chruch of St. Jude, Wantagh, NY
Deputation Vice Chair
The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth A. Belasco
St. Stephen's Church, Port Washington, NY
Member, Legislative Commitee/Educaton
The Rev. Canon Dr. Lynn A. Collins
St. John's Episcopal Church, Hempstead, NY
The Rev. Richard Brewer, Rector
St. Luke's and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, NY
Member, Legislative Committee/Structure
1st Clergy Alternate
The Rev. Joseph D. Jerome, Rector
All Saint's Church, Long Island City, NY
2nd Clergy Alternate
The Rev. Canon Juan A. Quevedo-Bosch, LTh, MDiv, ThM, Rector
Church of the Redeemer, Astoria, NY
3rd Clergy Alternate
The Rev. Mauricio Wilson
4th Clergy Alternate
The Rev. Peter Casparian, Rector
Christ Church, Oyster Bay, NY
Lay Deputies
Ms. Valarie H. Crosdale
Church of St. Mark, Brooklyn, NY
Deputation Chair
and Vice Chair of
Legislative Committee/National and International Concerns
Mrs. June Gerbracht
Church of St. Jude, Wantagh, NY
Member, Legislative Committee/Ministry
Mr. James Tempro
St. Phillip's Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, NY
Member, Legislative Committee/Social and Urban Affairs
Mr. John H. Andren
St. Mark's West Hampton Beach, NY
Trustee and Treasurer of The Estate Belonging
to the Diocese of Long Island
1st Lay Alternate
Ms. Janice Commentz
Church of St. Jude, Wantagh, NY
2nd Lay Alternate
Mr. Roy Murphy
St. Thomas, Bellerose, NY
3rd Lay Alternate
Ms. Patricia Moore
4th Lay Alternate
Ms. Susan Peterson-Neuhaus
(Further profile information will be added when available.)
