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Deputies describe, anticipate
General Convention
The Rev.
Joseph H. Ballard Jr.
Clergy deputy
Rector, St. James, Knoxville
First General Convention
“I expect General Convention to be prayerful, busy, full of
energy about a variety of issues, challenging, rewarding – but
never, never dull. Over the past year, the number of e-mails received
from groups with agenda items has been staggering! When it comes to
the sacred business we’re about, we are one church, but we are
not of one opinion.”
The Rev. Jocelyn Bell
Clergy alternate
Rector, Christ
Church, Chattanooga
One previous convention
“I
attended a convention as a clergy alternate from the Dio-cese of Missouri.
I learned one deputy would need to leave midway through, so I replaced
him. It was a mad scramble to figure out what was going on. The days at
General Convention are packed; evenings are filled as well. The whole
spectrum of thinking about any issue confronting the church can be found
there.“
Ed Cahill
Lay alternate
Thankful Memorial, Chattanooga
First General Convention
“I
anticipate large crowds, some airing of anti-war sentiments and controversial
issues examined in a prayerful atmosphere.“
Canon Alice Clayton
Lay deputy; deputation chair
Church of the Resurrection, Loudon
Four previous Conventions
“The attendance
at General Convention is around 10,000 – greater than the population
of my hometown. It’s exciting, boring, frustrating, exhilarating,
exhausting, confusing, enlightening … and all in the span of 10
minutes. I’ve seen seemingly irreconcilable differences reconciled,
and I’ve seen a “sweet, sweet, spirit” present during
the most difficult times.“
The Rev. Frank Cooper
Clergy deputy; Committee on Dispatch of Business
Rector, St. John, Johnson City
Five previous Conventions
“The
Convention is overwhelming ... one has little idea of what’s going
on behind the scenes. People are unaware of procedures regarding debate
and voting procedures. Orientation for deputies is absolutely essential!
The convention is a place where the resiliency of the Episcopal Church
is exemplified and in spite of all things, we sense the presence of the
Holy Spirit in such a large and unwieldy population, sensitive to God’s
call for mission and ministry both now and in the future.“
Rick Govan
Lay deputy
St. Paul, Chattanooga
First General Convention
“I
am honored to have this opportunity. It is exciting to imagine that we
will all come together – 290 Bishops and up to 8 deputies from each
of the 108 dioceses – to take counsel as one Church. No doubt, there
will be struggles and difficult decisions to make. We will consider a
wide range of matters important to the ongoing life of the Church. During
the previous General Convention, action was taken on over 270 resolutions!
But I pray that we will be one body, bringing honor to God’s Church.“
The Rev. Dan Matthews
Clergy deputy
Rector, St. Paul, Kingsport
First General Convention
“I
visited Convention a number of years ago ... it was fun to go for a couple
of days as an observer without any responsibility. I was amazed by the
diversity of the people and ideas within the exhibit hall. I was dismayed
at some of the tedium on the floor of the House of Deputies, and I was
entertained by the posturing when some of the bishops spoke in the House
of Bishops. I look forward to this trip as a deputy ... and I particularly
look forward to working with the other deputies from our diocese and learning
from their reflections on the things we see and hear.“
Lynn Vanderford Schmissrauter
Lay deputy
St. Timothy, Signal Mountain
First General Convention
“I hear General
Convention is so awesome because it is so big. My hope is that we really
do what the theme says we will do: Engage Mission. I’ll be spending
two weeks in Minneapolis with a deputation from our diocese. One of the
most exciting elements of General Convention for me will be getting to
know these folks as a “ministry team” and gathering each day
to share what we learned and what we anticipate.“
Jim Shearouse
Lay deputy; Legislative Secretary for House of Deputies
St. Alban, Hixson
Three previous conventions
“General
Convention is a big undertaking! The best preparation is to study the
Blue Book provided ahead of time to deputies and alternates. While there,
it’s most productive to narrowly focus on one topic area. The convention
is just too big a puddle to hug the whole thing.“
The Rev. Suzanne Smitherman
Clergy deputy
Interim rector, Christ Church, South Pittsburg
One previous Convention
“Learning
about the mechanics of convention is an experience, but more importantly,
General Convention is about working with and experiencing the larger church.“
Bishop Charles vonRosenberg
House of Bishops; Committee on Program, Budget and Finance
Three previous Conventions
“At General
Convention, I have enjoyed experiencing the breadth and the extensiveness
of our Church, the ever-growing diversity of people and the commitment
to the Episcopal Church. I call on the people and churches of East Tennessee
to pray for this important gathering of our Episcopal Church.“
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