Convention Reflection

So Diocesan Convention is over, and I'm back at school. All and all I will say it was an excellent weekend back in good old Rhode Island. So here is a run down of my weekend and then more specifics on convention!

So went to Mount on Friday afternoon and had a nice heart to heart with my favorite teacher and friend Mrs. Carol Smith. Went and got a hair-cut then headed to the Biltmore for Convention - of course I stopped at the Starbucks first! I go up to the Grand Ballroom on the 17th floor, and it was a constant telling of "Not so good. Long story short UNe not a good fit and next semester I'll be back in Rhode Island." The dinner was good. I got to sit with both of my parishes - Christ Church and St. Paul's. Paul Pickens (Christ Church member) got the Bishop Higgins Award. Convention ended relatively early, and then I hung out in Providence with some friends.

Saturday got to the Biltmore a little before eight, and of course got my Starbucks first. Get up to convention, chatted with people had Eucharist convention business. Voted for dupties the first time and three people were elected I was not one of them it took most of the day, until the fourth ballot for myself to be elected. (The four clergy deputies are Jennifer Pedrick, Scott Gunn, Bill Locke, and Craig Burlington. The four lay are Caryl Frink, Maryanne Kolakowski, Becky Gettel, and myself). Then convention business - 18 boring reports + 2 resolutions later we were out of there by like 2:30 quarter of 3. Then I did some stuff, had dinner with Dan Harvey, and hung out with my friend Nick.

Sunday went to Christ Church at 8, helped with the education session (on Diocesan Convention) then went to St. Paul's 10:30 service. Then came back to school.

All and all great weekend.

I will say this. I am incredibly honored and humbled that I was elected to be a Deputy to General Convention. The fact that I was elected as an 18 year-old with two seasoned and loyal deputies on the ballot is amazing. It really hasn't hit me yet, that I am a Deputy from the Diocese of RI.

For a little humor:

Dee you've just been elected what are you going to do now?

I'm going to Disneyland!

Look out Disney here comes the Episcopal Church
General Convention 2009 - Anaheim, California!

Here we go again

So here we go! Today is the day I have been waiting for since may of 2006. This is my third Diocesan Convention, second time as a voting member. But, today is the first time I will be up for election. "Dee for Deputy" as some might say. I'll have to admit I'm a little nervous - i really want to be elected. But, I know the Holy Spirit will guide the delegates of this convention into making the right decision on who you represent them at the 2009 General Convention. Did anyone notice that last year it was pouring on the Saturday of convention. As looked outside this morning I noticed it was raining. Thought it was kind of funny!

On Diocesan Convention

So last night was the deanery pre-convention meeting. So the majority of our meeting was dedicated to Diocesan Convention. This year we have all of two resolutions! I assume there will be late resolutions submitted on the floor, but you just never know.

One of the resolutions - resolution 2 - I like. It is called "Energy Conservation and Sustainable Development." The basics of the resolution are to help congregations become "Greener". As a group we thought that one amendment should be made, but other than that it was good.

The other resolution is another story. Resolution 1 is titled "Statement on Same-Sex Relationships." When someone asked the question "Does anyone here like this resolution?" No one spoke up. It is a poorly written resolution, with was to many resolves, that doesn't actually do anything. I also have a problem with it in that is does not completely follow the proper format by not having an explanation. But, basically it says on the issue of Same-Sex Relationships is a difficult and complex one, and we do not - at this time - agree on it. Therefore, we should respect each others differences, pray that "the grace of God, the love of Christ and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit may guide us as we seek to discern our Creator's will, both on these issues and in all endeavors of our life," and offer love and support to those who must leave us. So basically this resolution is calling us to pray and act like adults. As a group we talked very briefly on a substitute resolution, but I don't think I would agree with that either. The other problem with this resolution is the code language sure to get at Bishop Wolf. "We urge our fellow servants who hold titles of authority within this diocese to be mindful of the diverse perspectives in our ranks and to not publicly imply that the people of the diocese hold a single position on any of the issues regarding same-sex relationships." There is been a lot of talk about people's unhappiness with the Bishop and how she "speaks for the whole diocese" (Every time I've heard her speaks I feel as though she has always been very clear that she does not speak for all of us). However this resolution is trying to speak for the whole diocese.

My biggest problem with this resolution is that I believe - on this and all issues - that we should be making decisions as a whole group and have the consequences of those decisions place on one group of people. In other words we shouldn't as a whole be telling one group of people what to do. At General Convention the national church did this with resolution B033. They basically said that while we as a church made the decision to consecrate Gene Robinson to the episcopate we are going to have the gay and lesbian people bear the burden of our actions. At a post convention meeting I thought General Convention Deputy Rev'd William Locke said it best. He said (and I don't remember his exact words) I couldn't vote for something that was going to put the burden on "them" when we all made the choice. If we - as a Diocese - are going to put forth a resolution on Same-Sex anything we need to have our own "listening process" we need to invite liberals and conservatives and LGBT people to come together. The LGBT community is not a scape goat of the consequences of the church's actions. I know this resolution isn't any where near B033, but seeing this resolution makes me a little nervous. Resolutions like B033 have to start somewhere.

I know I will not be voting for this resolution as it stands. Last night one good idea for a substitute resolution came up, and I might be able to go for that. All I know is that we should all act like adults and say what we mean, we should continue to pray for guidance in our lives, and actually listen to each other to come up with a reasonable resolution that a) does something and b) doesn't put all the burden on 10% of the people.

Greet your new Priest-in-Charge

Just want to say, and I'll write more this upcoming weekend, but I'm proud to say that I officially have a Priest-in-Charge. Last Sunday Bishop Wolf blessed the new ministry of Rev'd Scott A. Gunn. That is a picture of Scott and I taken back in August. I only got one picture of the service because my camera battery died. But, hopefully I will get some pictures from a fellow member of Christ Church to put up here.

of family and community

There are reasons why we are not solitary beings. Humans, whether we like it or not, must have contact with other people in order to survive. Part of the reason for this is support. When was of us is hurting we are all hurting. Thus it is important not to "suck it up." This is something I have most recently learned.

As those back home (RI) will confirm, I have been going home a lot of the weekends. In fact I have been back home almost every weekend since I moved into Featherman Hall at UNE. With going home and seeing people that I know they all ask the same question, "So Dee, how's school going?" I always give the same answer, "School is going great, I love it," or some variation thereof. However, that hasn't been the case. I figured that is what people expected to hear of me. I - as many people see me - make the best out of a situation, adapt to it that conquer it coming out #1. UNE, however much I wish it to be, is not a normal beast!

Let me take you through what happened last night (October 8, 2007). I went out for a drive a little before dinner - I think. At this point I was going to spend and extra night in RI and go back to UNE on Tuesday morning. When I got home from my ride, holding back tears, said to my Mom, "Mom, I think I'm going to go back tonight, because I'm not going to want to go back tomorrow any more than I am now." My Mom could sense that I was about to cry. She just looked at me, to which I replied, "I don't want to go back I hate it there."

My Mom and I had a nice long talk, and this is what I got out of it. UNE while a great school, just isn't right for me. I'm not a big fan of the people here, I've realized however much I love Rivers I am not science major material, and the whole 100% secular thing is killing me. The work load isn't the issue, in fact it is easier than my junior and senior years of high school. Living away form home isn't a problem either. While my Mom spoiled me, I am an independent person. I've travel a lot on my own and can take care of myself. The biggest issue is religion. I have no problem going to a non-Religiously affiliated school. Most schools like that generally have a chapel or a Christian group on campus. UNE, despite what the website says, doesn't not have a Christian group on campus. I figured it wouldn't be to bad if I could find a nice traditional liturgy - like I have gotten used to - at a local church. The churches near me aren't anything like what I am used to. The church I have been going to the past few weeks looks like a Congregationalist Church not an Episcopal Church. Despite the love I have for their Deacon, it just isn't anything near to the amazing liturgies I have back home at both of my churches. What can I say I have been spoil all the way around. I've been working with some clergy who are very serious about liturgy - in my book the way it should be. Now some may say that oh it just takes getting used to. But, I have been to churches like this one up here in Maine and it isn't my cup of tea - or in my case coffee.

So where does that leave me?!?!?!
I'm dropping part of my double major. So now I'm no longer a double in Environmental Studies and Political Science, but a simple major in Political Science. I'm also going to be applying to Providence College, Salve Regina, maybe Rhode Island College, and a school in Boston or two.

I love Maine, but I don't think I'm meant to live here - at least not now.

I'm really glad that I talked to my Mom, because if I didn't I would feel horrible and trapped and totally and completely feel depressed. But now everything is different. I don't feel trapped, and I'm not depressed. I'm excited for an inevitable change - maybe this semester or the next academic year.

All I know is that family and community are extremely important, and without them - I can't speak for you but - I couldn't survive.

Diocesan Convention

So I just went to my mailbox and was shocked to see my Diocesan Convention materials there waiting for me. After my first look through of the material this is what I have come up with.

(1) For the first time in the three or four diocesan conventions I've been to there will actually be real elections.

~ The Standing Committee has 4 candidates in the lay order to fill 1 position.
~ Diocesan Council has 3 candidates in the clergy order to fill 2 positions
~ (I guess you could say) The Commission of Congregational Development has a race in both orders as they each have 2 candidates for 1 position.

But here is the big one!

DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION

Deputies: 4 Clerics and 4 Lay persons
Alternates: 4 Clerics and 4 Lay persons

* The 4 Deputies in each order and the 1st Alternates in each order get to attend General Convention

In the Clergy order there are a total of 8 candidates. We vote for 4.
In the Lay order there are a total of 6 candidates. We vote for 4.

In all of the offices I'm pretty sure I know who I am going to vote for except for the Clergy order of Deputies to General Convention. There are 8 very qualified candidates and I would feel comfortable with any of them. This will not be an easy vote. I know two I WILL be voting for, but I get to vote for two more and I have no idea who that will be.

(2) As for the resolutions, we have a grand total of 2 resolutions. Hopefully some people will come up with resolutions from the floor, or I have a feeling we will make record time at this convention in about 3 weeks.

Let us all pray for those people involved on all levels of this convention.
Let us pray for guidance on our resolutions and offices for elections.
Let us pray that the decisions made and those who we elect will be done with faithful hearts and with respect for those who may not be happy with the outcome.
Most of all let us pray that we as a diocese can work together to build up our community, foster growth, and spread the light and love of Christ throughout our diocese and the larger community.




P.S. for those of you who read this blog and don't already know, I am one of the 6 lay persons running to be a deputy to General Convention.

Dee for Deputy (GC 2009)

Around the communion

I know there are a ton going on in the Anglican Communion. Every dissenting male priest is being consecrated a Bishop, the HoB (House of Bishops) has just met in New Orleans for a very important meeting, that was another meeting in Pittsburg, and the JSC said the HoB's statement was good, etc., etc., etc.

But, really is that what we should focus so much of our time and energy on? How many churches are closing due to lack of funding or lack of membership. I know in my Diocese (RI) there have been several merges of parishes and from what I can tell have worked pretty well. Shouldn't we be focusing our time and effort on supporting our parishes and making decisions that will help them grow and succeed. How many average parishioners know who Gene Robinson, Bob Duncan, Rowan Williams, or Peter Akinola are. I bet there are some people who don't even know who their own diocesan bishop is, and they are getting along just fine.

Why aren't we focusing more of our energy on the work of the Millennium Development Goals. A plethora of Diocese and the National Church have committed themselves to this work. The national church even made the MDGs the number one mission priority for the next three years - so why aren't Susan Russell and Kendall Harmon writing about that. We can focus on so many other things peace, environmental sustainability, youth ministries, fostering vocations for ordained ministry in young people, and the list goes on.

If we are going to survive as a church we need to start talking about more than just who is sleeping with who and who doesn't want Katherine JEfferts Schori as their Presiding Bishop.

I'm not saying what is going on the TEC and the global Anglican Communion isn't important, because it is. I believe in an inclusive church. A church where everyone - gay, straight, black, white, yellow, green, purple, conservative, liberal, high church, low church, and any other thing you can think of - belongs and is loved and accepted.

Jesus didn't say, "If you are a straight white male and believe in me you will have eternal life." Jesus said, "WHOEVER believes in me will have eternal life." Open your church doors let everyone. Because when we can worship side by side with those who we disagree with then we are truly following - what I believe to be - the most important principles of Anglicanism. When we worship together, we can work together. We can realize that no one province is perfect and that we will all do things that upset each other, but in the end we will find we have more in common than we think. If we can't worship together how can we expect to say in communion together, how can we expect to bring Christ's light into the world.

Lessons from Africa

So I know it has been a while since I've written, but keeping up with all of my classes and blogospheria Anglicana (I believe is how Scott Gunn says it) I haven't had much time for blogging of my own.

One of the classes I am taking this semester is Introduction to Environmental Issues. In this class we read a chapter of "The Healing Wisdom of Africa". The chapter we read was titled "The Healing Power of Nature". The book is about the experiences of a man named Some and his life having been educated in French schools, but being a member of the Dargara Tribe in Africa. Within chapter two Some speaks of Nature and Community.

"Community is about communion, about serving, about being intimately connected. The intimate connections one has in a community cloak he individual with love and acceptance, making that individual feel extremely at home. Home here does not mean some territorial construction, a mere roof over one's head. It is, rather, the place you belong."

This is a lesson our Anglican Communion, TEC, our diocese, and our parishes need to learn. Even on the simplest level of our church structure I hear so many stories of people not being welcomed for one reason or another. People go to churches in search for God, and they find no connection. They are not served; they are not cloaked in love and acceptance, but rather treated as outsiders and turned away.

How many times have you seen someone in your church sitting alone? Or at coffee hour seen someone standing in the corner? Instead of saying to your friends, "Who is that and why are they in our church." Invite them to sit and worship with you and share a cup of coffee and get to know who they are.

When going to a church for the first time I always rate the church based on the "coffee hour test." After worship - which is generally good - I go to coffee hour and see if people come over and talk to me. If only the priest comes up to me or someone I already know I decide that they have failed the test. They have not opened themselves up as a community to receive new people whether they be there for a week, a month, a year, or a lifetime. If people come over to me, try to get to know me, and sincerely care about what I have to say then they pass. These congregations are places of growth, of warmth, and of love.

With the knowledge of Episcopal Churches that I have, I think it is safe to say that your church is trying to grow. To bring more people into the church and closer to God. But, would your church pass the coffee hour test?

Next time someone new is at the church go over and sit with them. Welcome them into the community and cloak them in a blanket of love and acceptance. Because for all you know that person may be in search for a home, and what better place to make a home than a church, a Christian community, a place centered around God's love and acceptance.