I am really loving that we have Eucharist ever morning. I was talking to a new friend from the Diocese of Olympia and she said that she finds Eucharist to be an activity. I find Eucharist to be an experience. I think that make a big difference. When I wake up and I get to go to Eucharist and have a spiritual experience and then go about my day trying to hear the Holy Spirit in the commas and verbiage, I find that She is a bit louder. What a cool way to start the day. I don't think I could keep it up, unless my place of employment started doing a daily Eucharist with world class preachers.... Yeah, not likely to happen. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It is really easy to pray here. That's probably a good thing because I would probably be making a huge mess if I was running on my own will here. Instead, I get to tap into God's power and discern His will and try to take actions in that direction.
Eucharist this morning was totally a portal to the divine. We had a gospel choir and the music made this traditional Episcopalian want to put her hands in the air in an attempt to be that much closer to the God that I know loves me. I've been know to put my arms up in praise, not often, but sometimes. It feels like I am both, reaching for God and shielding my eyes from the brightness. Oddly, I usually close my eyes too, like the Spirit is too much for my eyes, I need to shut off that sense. That is how I felt this morning in worship. I really love Jesus. I really really do.
Then we got down to business and we voted on some stuff about alcohol. I said a few days ago that there have been a few resolutions about alcohol and the culture of The Episcopal Church in relation to it. Well today, there was more. Today, we voted on a policy that will take effect for General Convention and is encouraged for parishes and dioceses. It is very prescriptive to the point that you can't advertise and event as having alcohol, like "Beer and Burgers" that we almost did at All Saints would not have been allowed if the Diocese of Nevada adopted these rules. Also, St. Peter's, Carson City, would not be allowed to participate in the Downtown Wine Walk, where they have become a local favorite because of the conversations had and activities at the church on those days. I was going to propose and amendment to the resolution, but someone else beat me to it and proposed and amendment that did almost exactly what I was going to suggest (only less so) and it was voted down, so I didn't put mine forward. I tired to speak up in support of the other amendment, but someone moved to end debate and vote immediately. That was frustrating, but I dropped it. I still voted against the resolution.
I did for a few reasons. First and foremost, because I thought that the suggestions were too strict and would restrict the evangelistic opportunities available to the Church, especially in a place like Nevada, were Las Vegas regularly advertises liquor as the main attraction. Secondly, because I don't think that not having alcohol around will help alcoholics all that much. Part of recovery is learning how to live in a world where alcohol is a reality. Sure, the attitude of the people needs to change to be more accepting of human frailty in the realm of addiction, but that cannot be repaired with a resolution. Finally, I just thought it was too reactionary to a terrible incident that happened with Heather Cook (see a previous post of a link to an article to explain). I would love to see The Episcopal Church consider these things more carefully before just suggesting sweeping policies like these.
That was really all we could get to, because we had a translation issue. We were just about to start debate in the structure of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (previously knows as the National Church). We had a nice question and answer session, and I was really starting to gain some clarity on what was being requested, but..... for the first time probably ever, the General Convention is ahead of schedule... WHAT? How did that even happen? It's amazing really. Well, because we are ahead of schedule the translators have not been able to translate material for the Spanish speakers among us, so we had to stop out legislative session and we will resume tomorrow. Isn't that awesome, that we can see that language is a barrier and instead of ignoring it, we stop and come together as a Church in hopes of full inclusion. I love being Episcopalian. I really do.
So I got to go the Episcopal Service Corps presentation this evening. That was so amazing to hear 3 domestic missionaries who are living out their Baptismal Covenant in real and tangible ways. Their stories were not just honest and human, but they were calls to action by young people. I found myself really wishing that things had landed differently in my life so I could have go to Atlanta with Episcopal Service Corp in 2012 like I had planned. God had different ideas, so I have nothing to regret, but I am grateful that there were missionaries who went out there and had experiences to enrich their lives as well as the people around them. Now they are a prophetic voice to preach the Gospel of Christ. I can only hope to be half of powerful as they are. I love Jesus and I just want everyone else to know that healing love.
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