Step Up Indianapolis

There was an event today in the stadium sponsored by Dio Indianapolis across from the Convention Center that raised money for mission with fun events and introduced The Episcopal Church to Indianapolis.

A one-third mile celebration of food, music, fun, and all-things-Indiana, highlighting the global partnerships of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis

They were going to try to set a new Guiness record for samba dancing.

Here's just a small sampling of the other events and activities.  Hmmm, one of these things is not like the others....

....
Caricature artist
 NASCAR photo ops
Verger Olympics with Episcopal Vergers Guild
Clowns and stand-up comedy
Magic and Mime
.....

Bishop's update: Stewards of the Community

Unlike previous General Conventions, this 77th General Convention does not have an official “theme.” As I reflect on the issues with which we are grappling and what I am experiencing, I find myself thinking of the “stewardship of community.”

For example, I am part of the process that is framing the budget.  This  is an exercise in stewardship of the community. It is coming together through careful listening, as we weigh hopes and dreams expressed, and through the shared wisdom of the body. It is holy work.

You may have heard that there is conversation in the House of Bishops regarding the actions of nine bishops of the church, who signed legal documents concerning property litigation in two dioceses.  These documents were an amicus brief in opposition to the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth in their litigation to safe guard the property, or an affidavit in opposition to the Episcopal Diocese of Quincy in their litigation to safe guard their property. As you might imagine, these conversations are not without passion and tension, yet they too are a part of the stewardship of the community. They are about being stewards of the community of the House of Bishops and the wider community of the Episcopal Church.

This same stewardship of community is also at the center of our conversations and decisions regarding statements on the structure of the church. We are wondering how we should change so that we can be the community that God is calling us to be, enabling us to participate fully in God’s mission in the world.

Let us pray that we can be good stewards of the community: the community of each of our congregations, our diocesan community, the Episcopal Church, the Church universal, and the whole human family.

Bishop Mathes

Legislative update

Today was a really tiring day, but tomorrow promises to be even tougher because we have a great deal of time in legislative sessions. Today at 5 p.m. was the deadline for filing new resolutions so now we should know the full extent of the matters which could come before us. One issue that we will take up on Saturday morning is an omnibus resolution with lots of corrections and clarifications to several of our Rules of Order – without getting into any details, the Official Youth Presence will be wonderfully vocal, as they have been for the last few days. Please pray for us and for my feet.

Polly

Is Jackie our youth delegate?

What the room looks like

The House of Deputies is said to be the largest deliberative legislative body in the world.

Saturday: still toasty in Indy

Temps have been in the 100's the last couple of days; expected to reach 105 today and then a break tomorrow. The heat is dry (good), and without any breeze (not good). Indiana residents are taking great care, and using water sparsely. There are enclosed walkways between the major hotels downtown so that you do not have to venture outdoors, to get from one meeting to another.

Suzanne

Friday: the office is for sale

The last couple of days of committee hearings have produced a number of resolutions moving to the floors of the House of Deputies (clergy and lay members) or the House of Bishops. Eventually, all legislation must pass through both houses in order to be enacted.

Today, some significant legislation made it through the House of Deputies, and is now on its way to the House of Bishops. The first was a resolution which intends the sale of the building which houses The Episcopal Church offices in New York City. For many years, many have felt that the location is expensive to operate and maintain, and not easily accessible to the church members across the country. While the initial proposed resolution mandated sale by July 2015, discussion in open session of the House of Deputies resulted in it being amended without a date certain so that the sale could take advantage of a constantly changing real estate market.

The resolution moves next to the House of Bishops for concurrence.

Wow! Though there are a lot of unanswered questions right now, this is pretty exciting!!

Thanks for sending me here.

Suzanne

Baptism before Communion?

Today was a glorious day, Bill Zettinger and I attended a hearing this morning concerning whether the requirement to be baptized before receiving communion should be terminated, and replaced in favor of an open invitation for all to participate. 60% of those who spoke appeared to be in favor of retaining the requirement to first be baptized.

At 9:30 Bill Zettinger and I attended the Eucharist and served as Lay Eucharistic Ministers during communion. Bill had the privilege of giving communion to the Presiding Bishop. Communicants totaled over 2,000. Very moving.

This evening Bill and I will be attending meetings in the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops.

Dick Goodlake

The Cool Kids Wear Shades

Is that the San Diego Deputation in those sunglasses?

Day Two

Officially on the calendar this is “Day Two.” However, we began with our Provincial Synod on “ Day Minus One” and had the first Program, Budget and Finance Hearing on “Day Zero.” Maybe that is why it was hard to climb out of bed to make it to our 7:30 a.m. committee meeting.

I am pleased with the work of Program, Budget, and Finance. We are really working well as a committee. The task is daunting with fewer resources. With that said, I believe that it is very possible that will create a budget that funds new and exciting missional objectives. Stay tuned.

By the way, way it is currently 100 degrees in Indianapolis, 91 degrees in Palm Desert, and 95 degrees in Yuma—and that is not taking into account humidity.

Bishop Mathes

New: Follow the GC on twitter!

Over on the sidebar, we have added a twitter feed.  This shows you what people are tweeting about General Convention (#GC77).


If you're a twitter fan, you can follow the Diocese of San Diego (@diosandiego) or The Rev Mike Russell (@FrMike). If else in the deputation is on Twitter let me know!

Day One of GC in 60" (video)

Here's the first day of GC, described in 60 seconds. This video comes from Center Aisle, of the Diocese of Virginia

 

The Gang's All Here!

From Dick Goodlake:

Bill Zettinger arrived last night after a 1-day flight delay. The Deputation is now at full force and we're ready for action despite a record setting heat wave that has seen blistering temperatures over 100 for several days.

Mike Russell in action

Mike Russell in action, speaking about C057.