And it is only day one!

I got into Anaheim yesterday morning. After getting settled in the Hotel room, I headed off to register for General Convention. As I took my initial walk through the center, I started to see many people I knew. It was great to catch up with them. After orientation, I headed into Downtown Anaheim to attend the young adult reception hosted by Episcopalians for Global reconciliation. I met many wonderful young deputies from throughout the church. It was great to discuss upcoming legislation that we were passionate about. There was a lot of great conversation about the 2006 B003 resolution, evangelism, education, and the upcoming resolutions on same sex blessings.

This morning I attended a Chicago Consultation meeting headed by Deputy Bonnie Perry, and Bishop Gene Robinson. I think that this group will be doing many great things throughout the course of convention. After worship I had some time to walk around the exhibit hall. There were many great exhibitors. The highlight of my day was when Bishop +Barry introduced me to The Archbishop of Canterbury! It was absolutely wonderful to meet such an amazing church leader!

In the afternoon I attended the Public Narrative training hosted by guests from Harvard University. We are trained in how to coach people on telling their personal faith story, their community story, and their current call/challenge. It is the hope of the General Convention that this will be a rich opportunity to discuss the mission of the church. I am assigned to coach the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Although I am sad that I do not get to engage in conversation about mission with our Deputation, I look forward to meeting new people and having great conversation.

Tonight we had the pleasure of hearing Archbishop Rowan Williams talk on the global economic crisis. He had great thoughts and meditations to offer. We all need to be more conscious of the impact we have on this planet and our care for our neighbors. Every act, no matter how large or small, can contribute to making the planet better for all people. We are all made in the image of God. We must care for each other with this is mind.

I meet with the past and present Official Youth Reps tonight for dinner. It was wonderful to see new friends and to hear the hope on excitement of the new representatives! I am excite for the great things to come!