A day of Legislation and Public Narrative

Well, I have survived my first full day of General Convention 09 and am making my way through day #2. Yesterday including hearing with the Education Committee about the Charter for Life-long Christian Formation and support for summer camp staff training.I spent some time at the NAECED booth (National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors, of which I am their current president) and was pleased to see so many friends and make so many new ones. Some of our deputation from Ohio stopped by and took pictures; I hope to see those soon. The evening presentation with Archbishop Rowan Williams and others was fascinating, then I had a chance to speak at a reception for Trinity Institute, describing how valuable it is to be a partner site for their January Conferences (which are webcast; we have served as a partner site for 2 years and will again this January 2010). Discussion with other educators about the budget priorities for ministry with children, youth and adults took us late into the night, as we prepared to speak at Program and Budget hearings this evening.
This morning I went to a hearing (at 6:30 am!) to speak to the resolution recommending a Denominational Health Plan, with parity between clergy and lay employees working 30 hours or more per week. The Church Pension Group staff was very knowledgeable about the specifics and helped to clear up the many questions about the resolutions. Time will tell how this will play out on the floor of convention.

Now it is off to hear more about the Public Narrative project and to celebrate Eucharist with hundred of others. Many thanks for your prayers and interest!
in peace,
Kate Gillooly