By the Rev. Laurie Lewis
July 5 is the first official day of the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. For those who have been following my regular social media, I have been in Austin and engaged in the work of my committee since Monday. We began this first official day with “organizing” the House of Deputies, and the same was going on in the House of Bishops. I enjoyed making a joke with my fellow deputies that I didn’t realize we belonged to “an organized religion.”
Following all the parliamentary organization, we recessed to go to the Opening Eucharist of the Convention. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry inspired many to tears with his sermon on the “WAY OF LOVE,” a new inspirational rule of life for us all, as Episcopalians, to undertake in our lives. (I highly encourage you to find the video of his sermon online.) The Way of Love says we “as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, follow the Way of Jesus,” and “his way is the Way of Love.” The “practices for Jesus-centered life” are TURN, LEARN, PRAY, WORSHIP, BLESS, GO, REST. Please read, mark and inwardly digest this material.
I was privileged to be elected as deputy from the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas to the 78th General Convention in 2015. This year I was selected to be a member of the Legislative Committee on Churchwide Leadership – Committee 16. Committee 16 has been very busy with very full agendas. We are hearing resolutions that impact episcopal elections, and transition and search processes. As a member of the Council of Trustees for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, I feel very informed on what a diocese goes through during an episcopal transition. This Committee 16 work is “church geekery” with real potential impact on the future health and diversity of the House of Bishops.
Fulfilling my ordination vows to participate in the Councils of the Church gives me fuel for all the other Kingdom Work God calls me to do. Even more fuel than Starbucks, and those of you who follow me on social media know that’s a big statement.
Thank you all for your prayers for our work. Know that my prayers are for you all as well. I send a massive “THANK YOU” to the pastoral care providers back in my parishes, who have had a heavy load this week. Remember you are all beloved children of God.
July 5 is the first official day of the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. For those who have been following my regular social media, I have been in Austin and engaged in the work of my committee since Monday. We began this first official day with “organizing” the House of Deputies, and the same was going on in the House of Bishops. I enjoyed making a joke with my fellow deputies that I didn’t realize we belonged to “an organized religion.”
Following all the parliamentary organization, we recessed to go to the Opening Eucharist of the Convention. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry inspired many to tears with his sermon on the “WAY OF LOVE,” a new inspirational rule of life for us all, as Episcopalians, to undertake in our lives. (I highly encourage you to find the video of his sermon online.) The Way of Love says we “as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, follow the Way of Jesus,” and “his way is the Way of Love.” The “practices for Jesus-centered life” are TURN, LEARN, PRAY, WORSHIP, BLESS, GO, REST. Please read, mark and inwardly digest this material.
I was privileged to be elected as deputy from the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas to the 78th General Convention in 2015. This year I was selected to be a member of the Legislative Committee on Churchwide Leadership – Committee 16. Committee 16 has been very busy with very full agendas. We are hearing resolutions that impact episcopal elections, and transition and search processes. As a member of the Council of Trustees for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, I feel very informed on what a diocese goes through during an episcopal transition. This Committee 16 work is “church geekery” with real potential impact on the future health and diversity of the House of Bishops.
Fulfilling my ordination vows to participate in the Councils of the Church gives me fuel for all the other Kingdom Work God calls me to do. Even more fuel than Starbucks, and those of you who follow me on social media know that’s a big statement.
Thank you all for your prayers for our work. Know that my prayers are for you all as well. I send a massive “THANK YOU” to the pastoral care providers back in my parishes, who have had a heavy load this week. Remember you are all beloved children of God.