Hard times, fun times

House of Deputies

House of Bishops

Pastor Ken testifies during a legislative hearing

Lest you think we don't have fun on the floor of the House of Deputies, I offer these few tidbits.

One day, when the hand-held voting machines were not cooperating, the President signaled that the backgound music could play for a few minutes. When the song "You are My Sunshine" came on, the entire House joined in, for all three verses! Later, at the end of the day during his announcements, the Secretary of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gregory Staub, announced that "those deputies between the ages of 18 and 21 that would like to get together should meet in the corner after the close of business today." Secretary Staub paused, and said, "Given how many of the House knew the words to You are My Sunshine, I think this will be a poorly attended meeting."

During announcements at the end of business today, Secretary Staub announced that "All deputies between the ages of 21 and 35 interested in pursuing Ubuntu should meet at [named bar] at 10 pm tonight." After a beat, he said, "We have coined a new word for it - Ubuntu."

Today, as we were again struggling with our voting machines, a deputy from the Diocese of Florida rose to offer her deputation's help as they "had some experience with machines that don't work and hanging chads."

A paper doll, dressed in bishop attire, testified at a hearing earlier this week.

We do also have solemn moments, often led by our Chaplain Wade. Today, in his opening meditation, knowing that we would be voting on several elections including one to confirm the election of the Bishop of Ecuador Central, spoke about not being chosen and the ministry of those not chosen. He said that participating in a contested election is a bit like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. He also said that, "It is hard for large bodies to do delicate things."

We have done some hard things at this Convention; that is what we are here to do. I guess that's why we get the big bucks!

Goodnight, on Legislative Day 6, from your editor, Toni Marie Sutliff, All Saints.