Images From the 50th Episcopal Diocesan Convention In San Joaquin

The evening was capped by an excellent banquet. These are delegates from Christ the King Community Epsicopal Church.









Not every convention goer gets this kind of a welcome from the staff!





A table representative provides input into the visioning process for the diocese. San Joaquin is moving forward into a new future.






A deputy to General Convention provides some detailed narrative on what transpired at GC 2009.





Clergy are still permitted to cast votes in our diocese. ;-)






The Chancellor provides expert Parlimentarian advice for the convention.





Bishop Lamb directs the order of business for the meeting.




Our typical convention goer. As you may recall he was once held by the Presiding Bishop. Now big enough to "motor on his own" he is prepared to meet any contingency. Notice the badges as well as pins.

White Fang, Black Tooth and Soupy Sales

Yes, I am old enough to not only remember Soupy Sales but I watched him regularly. Rarely did I "get it" until much later, after he had gone off the air. I thorughly enjoyed this program and I will, when my son returns from "olver there" get him a complete set.

Do you think St. Peter met Soupy with the proverbial pie in the face?





A legend has passed!

A Sing-Along For A Sunday In October

I believe Lynn would approve. A great tenor and a truly magnificent song. October has been known to be the month of the Rosary and there is not a better way to celebrate than with this song. Crank it up and sing along!

The Uniqueness of The Episcopal Church

The definition (at least one) of unique is: Being the only one of its kind:
Without an equal or equivalent; unparalleled.

The Episcopal Church in the United States of America "without an equal", it is unparalleled. Why can we say this? Well, if you look at our church, as opposed to any other of the "biggies" we are all hierarchical, much to the chagrin of the ACNA crowd. So it is not that. We are apostolic, I am still not sure what the heck that means in this day and age but we are Apostolic. If there is some question just ask good Ole Uncle Bobby over in Quitsburgh. But what really drives the rest of the world crazy is our bicameral legislature -- and not just that but the fact that laity have a large say in what goes on. William White, when formulating the organization and structure of our great church had much to ponder with regard to bishops and were it not for Connecticut we may have had none (fat chance) but from the start William White included the laity. Why do you suppose that is? Well, I think it is because ministry, holiness, closeness to God all come in flavors that do not necessarily look like turned around collars. That White trusted in the laity so much that he made us a part, a significant part of what happens each and every day in missions, parishes, diocese, and the National Church throughout America.

It seems in recent years we have lost ourselves. That no one in the ranks of the laity wants to really stand up and say wait just a minute! We all want to follow those with purple shirts and funny hats. And, much to the purple shirted crowd's delight, they have gratefully accepted the nod.

In the last few years we have seen a huge shift to the House of Bishops. Everything and everyone seems to focus on what the next bishop is going to say or do. Does it matter what the statement or action is, we are, for the most part, held in awe and amazement with each succeeding proclamation. Bishops want us to approve or disapprove the covenant. Bishops want us to be a part of TEC or not be a part of TEC. Some want us to be a part of the good part of TEC and not the bad part of TEC. Others want us to have nothing to do with TEC because it is or is not a part of the Anglican Communion. Bishops want us to approve or disapprove the Prayerbook or the inclusivity or exclusivity or the real or the fake bible. Hey, William White trusted the laity so much he made the House of Deputies first and then, after much prodding, did the House of Bishops came to pass.

How about this. The uniqueness of TEC rests with the laity and the trust put in the laity to discern and follow God's will. I trust William White. I hope you trust William White and I would like to see the Bishops of TEC trust the laity! How about it Bishops, can you share a little of that power? Can you trust the laity?

CANY - St. Francis - Cat Stevens

Our friend and fellow blogger has been buried in animal rescue work for several weeks now. She gives many of us great hope that the world really is sane and that animals somehow hold the key. So, for this Sunday, a week after St. Francis, we salute our fellow blogger with Cat Stevens. I wanted Cat Stevens for All things Bright and Beautiful but could not find it so Cany -- it is Moonshadow -- hope this helps!

Nobel Peace Prize

Finally, the image of our nation is beginning to change. Thank you Mr. President

UPDATE:

A growing number of GOP types are having difficulty with the concept that America in the world is a better place/in a better place with President Obama than with former President Bush. Has a catchy ring to it, "former president", doesn't it.

Sunday Morning Music

A treat and a tribute for this crisp Fall Church militant day in the valley.