-- that describes my feeling this Thursday morning. The legislative business of the House of Deputies, which yesterday morning seemed bogged down, has begun to gather steam for the work ahead. There are ten legislative days; yesterday, day eight, we had almost completed the sixth day's business. But despite this, we have considered and voted upon life-changing resolutions for the church: Denominational Healthcare Plan, Pension Plan for Lay Employees, and a statement that will encourage and guide interreligious relations.
"Highlight of the day" is not the right term for the introduction of TEC's budget for the triennium; debate and approval of the budget will occupy us in the last two legislative days. Any deputy can propose a change to a budget line item, but must show where the monies would come from in order to fund their proposed change. The Committee on Program Budget and Finance (PB&F) predicts a total triennial income of $141,271,984 and expense of $140,856,531. Cuts in program staff in the New York office of The Episcopal Church (approximately 30 of the 180 employed), program cuts in some church-wide program and reduction in face to face meetings for the Committees and Boards which meet in the triennium (electronic and conference call meetings are suggested) are some of the ways the PB&F arrived at the proposed budget for 2010-2012. Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori opened the joint session of Bishops and Deputies with remarks about the pain the budget will cause as well as the belief that "through grace the church will emerge mopre able to respond to its vocation." See the full report in the Convention Daily here http://www.episcopal-life.org/107145_ENG_HTM.htm . Also check out the media hub, where you can find stories on any aspect of the Convention that interests you http://gchub.episcopalchurch.org/
The intensity of the schedule here at GC demands that we find ways to refresh ourselves. I have found that wandering in the exhibit hall, talking to people who represent various organizations in the church (Military Chaplains, EfM, Integrity, Diaconate Association) as well as checking out the merchandise for sale, can be a welcome short break. Several of us visit the health club (a room full of treadmills and elliptical trainers) or take a walk or run early in the morning. I spent an our Wednesday morning (beginning at 6 AM) at a swim workout with the local Masters swimmers. They were so welcoming, and it was very refreshing to see the sunrise as we swam in that 50 meter pool! That one session of exercise fueled my spirit for the entire day!
"Highlight of the day" is not the right term for the introduction of TEC's budget for the triennium; debate and approval of the budget will occupy us in the last two legislative days. Any deputy can propose a change to a budget line item, but must show where the monies would come from in order to fund their proposed change. The Committee on Program Budget and Finance (PB&F) predicts a total triennial income of $141,271,984 and expense of $140,856,531. Cuts in program staff in the New York office of The Episcopal Church (approximately 30 of the 180 employed), program cuts in some church-wide program and reduction in face to face meetings for the Committees and Boards which meet in the triennium (electronic and conference call meetings are suggested) are some of the ways the PB&F arrived at the proposed budget for 2010-2012. Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori opened the joint session of Bishops and Deputies with remarks about the pain the budget will cause as well as the belief that "through grace the church will emerge mopre able to respond to its vocation." See the full report in the Convention Daily here http://www.episcopal-life.org/107145_ENG_HTM.htm . Also check out the media hub, where you can find stories on any aspect of the Convention that interests you http://gchub.episcopalchurch.org/
The intensity of the schedule here at GC demands that we find ways to refresh ourselves. I have found that wandering in the exhibit hall, talking to people who represent various organizations in the church (Military Chaplains, EfM, Integrity, Diaconate Association) as well as checking out the merchandise for sale, can be a welcome short break. Several of us visit the health club (a room full of treadmills and elliptical trainers) or take a walk or run early in the morning. I spent an our Wednesday morning (beginning at 6 AM) at a swim workout with the local Masters swimmers. They were so welcoming, and it was very refreshing to see the sunrise as we swam in that 50 meter pool! That one session of exercise fueled my spirit for the entire day!
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