It's a small world, it's a small church

As I arrived at the Sacramento airport for my flight to Anaheim today, I was greeted by Carlton Allen (Deputy alternate) who just happened to have boarding pass B-08 to my B-09. It was delightful to spend the flight chatting with him. He is here to help lead the Young Adult event at General Convention.

In the taxi ride to the hotel I discovered that our Somalian driver had spent a lot of time in Kenya as a refugee. In fact he and I had both been treated at the same Catholic hospital near Nairobi for different ailments. His story and the plight of his country and family remind me how vital it is to be part of our larger Communion and to be connected to the needs of our neighbors throughout the globe.

From the moment I stepped out of the cab I began to see people I know. Kent McNair+ and Mark Allen+ breezed through the lobby returning from the beach. Outside the Convention Hall our faithful Communications Director, Keri Lopez was glued to her phone. Inside our hard-working deputation were focused on the afternoon's presentations.

As a visitor to Convention on behalf of our Bishop and Diocese, it is my privilege to "float" and "hang out" with the wide variety of people who represent the entirety of the Episcopal Church. It is a great privilege and I'm delighted to be here.

New GC Photo Album

Just developed an online photo album which I will fill during my time here. Please enjoy and check back often! Click here to view and bookmark this album.

A Prov VIII Welcome Meeting

A Monday evening gathering of Province VIII offered a venue (albeit standing room only!) for discussion on General Convention resolutions, nominations, and other timely topics of interest including: discussion of a denominational health plan; liturgical prayers for the loss of a pet; proposed development of a charter for lifelong Christian formation and education; and recommendations by Women of Executive Council regarding maternity leave and the development of a new commission to examine topics such as trafficking. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were also discussed, as were budget and environmental concerns. Bishop Barry Beisner spoke to a decision by our Diocese in support of a request by Native Americans to assist in restoring artifacts --more details on this and others soon!