General Convention Dispatches
Some of our fellow Cathedral-goers are attending the Episcopal Church General Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Alexandra Connors is there as part of the convention's Official Youth Presence, and has sent these reports:
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Hello!
I am back from Convention, and honestly I am not as happy to be home as I thought I would be. Throughout this experience I have made 17 of the most amazing friends and met 9 of the most caring youth minsters, not to mention everything I learned about my church. I would love to tell you more about my convention experience, so just ask! See you in Church!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Greetings once again from the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church!
I only have 2.5 days left here in Columbus and I have learned so much. I have learned about parliamentary procedure and rules of order. I have learned about the inner workings of my beloved church. I have learned that life is not always fair and we can't always get what we want. Despite all of these important lessons, the most resounding topic I have learned about is love. Yes, love. It seems funny, perhaps, that I have learned so much about love at a place so documented for its arguments and controversy, but I have. I discovered love when I reunited with my 17 other Official Youth Presence friends and was reconnected with my Hawaiian roommate. Love was resounding when the youth presence burst outside to sing and dance with the Hispanic Ministries band while on the way to stressful and trying meetings. Love was present as I stood beside my peers as they addressed the House of Deputies, House of Bishops, E3, ECW, and other groups. There was most definitely love as the youth presence walked down (or danced down as it may be) the street at 10:30 pm singing youth group songs and show tunes. There was love to be felt as we joined the Hispanic Ministries group at a party and danced and mingled with friend both old and new. There is no questioning the fact that there was love when the Youth Presence sang the finale with the PB at his recognition Ceremony. Love is everywhere here.
Even above all these examples stands one particular event from Friday evening. I, along with a few other GCOYP members, attended the Integrity Eucharist, with Gene Robinson as the preacher. When we arrived, quite early nonetheless, we were informed that the church was way over capacity, but that we could watch it on live feed in the basement. The basement was full as well with hundreds of people, but we sat on the floor up front. I won't describe the entire service here, but it was the most meaningful church experience I have ever had. Young and old, black and white, gay and straight, we all worshiped together. Bishop Robinson's sermon moved me to tears (something that does not often happen) as he explored a theme of loving people anyway, no matter what happens. When it came time for communion the "basement crowd" joined hands spontaneously and began to sing an improvised and very meaningful song. As we were singing, Bishop Robinson came down a hidden stairwell to administer communion to us. No matter what your stand on the issues, the service was powerful and profound. After the service, our group gathered together. Most of us in tears, we consoled each other. We proceeded down the street together hand in hand, heart to heart. Saturday I had the privilege of hearing Gene speak again and even had the opportunity to exchange a few words with him. As the convention progressed I was able to speak with him many more times (trust me, I will tell you about it when I get home!). What I found was a man exuding love for anyone willing to accept it, and even those who are not. So, in conclusion, love is what it is all about, at convention...and our lives.
P.S.- Deacon Linda, did you keep track of how many times I used the word "love"?
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Greetings from General Convention!
Let me start out by saying that I intended to write this long before this morning. While I knew that I would be kept busy, I never expected it to be like this. My day starts with a wake-up call at 5:30 (yes, I said 5:30...a.m.) and does not end until sometime 11 or 11:30. I have gotten to experience so may facets of my church I never even knew existed. I have attended committee meetings on Social and Urban Affairs and lave learned about Episcopal concerns for the world. While here I have advocated the importance of youth ministry mainly by being present and speaking with as many people as I can. In addition I also spoke to Program, Budget, and Finance for continued commitment to youth. Overall, I am privileged and thankful to be here and for the opportunity to bond with 17 other unforgettable youth.