Highlights so far (Dick Goodlake)

Many good experiences so far.

One of the highlights was the Sunday Eucharist. The music was spectacular. The Presiding Bishop gave a wonderful sermon. 3200 were in attendance!

Attended the Program, Budget, and Finance Committee meeting this A.M. The prospects for a good reception of the Budget by the House of Deputies over the next several days are good. The budget supports the Five Marks of Mission for the Episcopal Church which are:

~ To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
~ To teach, baptize and nurture new believers
~ To respond to human need by loving service
~ To seek to transform unjust structures of society
~ To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

I am very impressed with all of the Deputies of House of Deputies. They are committed to strengthening the church, finding ways to grow its population and enhance it financially. Everyone gets along. The spirit of cooperation is superb. They could teach our Congress a few things.






Dick Goodlake

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

Rarin' to go!

From Dick Goodlake:

Arrived on July 4th at 8:00 P.M. (just in time for the fireworks).  Great flight on American through Chicago.  Interfaced with the rest of the Deputies last night.  Raring to get going!