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July/August 2009 GENERAL CONVENTION 2009 St. Mark’s is in its summer mode --our children in VBS have been busy planting a “Creation Garden,” full of flowers and trees; our choir is taking a well-deserved break; we have changed our worship times so that folks can get out and about; Buck is resisting his summer break—but he always does! And The Episcopal Church—its many dioceses through- out the United States, parts of South America and through Europe, is meeting in Anaheim in early July at its General Convention, planning and setting the trajectory of the church for the next few years.... There are quite a few concerns that are coming to the floor at this meeting, including the full stature of gays and lesbians in the church (ordination, blessing and recognition of their marriages and relationships); the Covenant proposed in the Windsor Report and our relationship with the rest of the Anglican Communion; how to rebuild dioceses in the wake of their leaders leaving TEC and taking property, assets, and people with them; what to do about a ‘secret’ committee formed by the Bishops to “study” (yet again) sexual orientation; ecumenical dialogue with the Moravian Church; nationalized health care for The Episcopal Church; reducing the size, cost and length of General Convention itself; mission priorities; how to deal with continued decline in members; how to best communicate and evangelize in the coming years; strategic planning in general; and there is even a resolution presented on education—and I am positive there is some one here on staff who can give us the goods on that one! Even the Archbishop of Canterbury plans to be there... for a while, anyway. So, while we simmer and summer here, methinks it is going to be a white hot time in Anaheim! I ask that you keep all those going to Anaheim—the Deputies, the Bishops, the volunteers and staff in your prayers. Here is a prayer, pray it often: Almighty and ever-living God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in GCO9for the renewal and mission ofyour Church. Teach us in all things to seekfi rst your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And remember, not everything you hear and read in the media may be true. Here are some reliable resources if you wish to follow what’s going on: http: //www.centeraisle.net/ The Center Aisle is the work of the Diocese of Virginia http: / /ecusa.anglican.org/ens/ Episcopal Life Online is the standard for The Episcopal Church http: / /www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/ The Episcopal Cafe is the work of the Diocese of Washington (with a decidedly progressive view). And, yes, I will be present in Anaheim, working as a volunteer. If there are important, really, really important developments, I promise a parish-wide email with interpretation! Otherwise, know that God is good, all the time, and I’ll see you at the altar! Margaret |