There are lots of resolutions in the queue for the next two days. Eight hours of legislative debate and voting with nine hours planned for tomorrow. We must stay focused to get through it all. The budget is proposed. The work is before us. Lord be with us in this time! (Alternate Deputy Michelle)
Things to watch for:
- Legislative Sessions (watch via livestream under House of Deputies or House of Bishops) 9:00am-1pm & 2:15-6pm CDT
- Closing Eucharist (watch via livestream under Worship) 7:30pm CDT
From Wednesday:
- Both Houses vote to admit Cuba as a Diocese
- General Convention Jesus Movement Budget proposed
- Bishops reject Israel-Palestine resolution blasted as 'divestment’ despite deputies’ approval
- Deputies agree with bishops on new plan for liturgical and prayer book revision
- Marriage rites resolution heading back to House of Deputies
- Sandra Montes Excites Convention with Testimony, Singing Voice
Thursday's reflection from (Deputation Co-Chair) - Dean Brian Grantz
Good Morning, Team EDNIN!
One of my favorite scenes from this General Convention was the interplay between Bishop Curry and the Spanish language interpreter during his sermon at the Revival. And one of my favorite moments from that scene happened when, over the cheers of the crowd expressing our enthusiastic concurrence to the Bishop's point of the expansive nature of the Household of God, Bishop Curry kept saying "All!", which was followed each time by "Todas!"
"All!" "Todas!" "All!" "Todas!" "All!" "Todas!" Quieter each time, but repeated no fewer than five times.
The Household of God is expansive. Paul quotes Hosea today, saying, "Those who were not my people I will call 'my people,' and her who was not beloved I will call 'beloved.'" "And in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' there they shall be called children of the living God."
The other readings appointed for today make for an interesting cautionary juxtaposition. The promised land within sight but just beyond the reach of Moses; a land that, we know, will be given and taken away in the ebb and flow of the faithfulness of Israel. Jesus warning of the destruction of the Temple - actually and metaphorically - in the ebb and flow of the faith of the people.
"Forgive them, Lord, for they have not a clue what they are doing."
At General Convention we are asked to think our best thoughts, to risk sharing our points of view and passions and positions, to put our whole selves into a process that we hope - we pray - honors God and advances the work of Christ in the world. And we may or may not get it right. But God knows that, and while our striving to do right is important, it is ultimately not our striving that will save us, but Love. Grace. Mercy. Forgiveness.
When we learn to trust that, when these things of God come to characterize our walk in this world, then we shall be called children of the living God.
Keep striving, dear friends, and keep the faith today.