It's been a busy day. After breakfast and the Eucharist, I helped someone change her volunteering schedule and then went on to sit in the back of the House of Deputies for a while to watch. They were talking in part about some of the structural changes that are on the table. Two of the bits I saw regarded going paperless next time and doing something about inadequate space for the church archives. I believe both passed. Not, obviously, the most hotly debated items. However, it was interesting to listen in.
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| House of Deputies Fredrica Thompsett at the microphone |
1. Voice vote (all in favor say yes; all opposed, no)
2. Then if that isn't clear, they go to green and red cards.
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| all in favor, green cards in the air |
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| all opposed, red cards up |
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| House of Deputies electronic voting results on screen |
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| Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies, laughing about something - it isn't always completely solemn, even though taken very seriously. |
Next stop, the Geranium Farm lunch with Barbara Crafton speaking. If you are familiar with her eMos or her books, you will know how pleased I was to be there (thanks to my mother). She is a fine speaker as well as writer. Her website isn't the best, but the content, once you get to it, is worth it: http://www.geraniumfarm.org/home.cfm. Of course you can always look up her books on Amazon or at the library.
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| Barbara Crafton speaking at the Geranium Farm lunch sponsored by the ECW Triennial |
On to the CAROA booth for my afternoon shift talking to people about religious orders and our work in Haiti (and giving out our brochures for altar linens, of course).
I had a chance to wander past some of the booths myself as well, meeting and talking with any number of interesting people about their ministries and ours, admiring some of the beautiful artwork, and perusing the books. I'm glad I have no money. Had I a salary, I would still have no money because it would all be spent on books and art and beautiful stoles (which are also art). I can think of much better uses for it, but the temptation would be very great indeed.
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| The Wippells Bear |
Or I could just sit there and admire them, which is much less expensive. (-:
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| flyer for an exhibit of the work of various church textile artists |
I may take pictures of some of these items for your enjoyment.
On a different track, today's award for best booth content goes to Zion House. I am very impressed with this ministry with homeless women veterans. I must say I am skeptical of many of our reasons to go to war, but I think it's shameful the way we neglect our veterans after all they have been through on our behalf. This involves not only housing and work, but also any necessary treatment, financial planning, and the development of new business skills as they transition back into a non-military context.
The best summary is from their product website (http://www.boadiceashop.com/): We are female veterans who make Goat's Milk soaps and lotions as well as other products to support Zion House - a transitional living home for homeless female veterans. All proceeds go to support Zion House. Boadicea - (pronouced - Bow - De - Ka) - was a Warrior Queen in the 1st Century on the island of Briton.
More:
Zion House is an organization in Avon NY, which provides transitional living and various other services for female veterans who are in the process of assimilating themselves back into society. These women under the leadership and guidance of Rev. Kelly Ayers, have found a niche where they can provide a quality, all natural product for you and your family while at the same time learning how to build, grow and maintain a business from the ground up. The business and life skills they learn at Zion House can and will be of use to them in many facets of their lives.
How you can help:
Wounds of war are not always physical. In the Rochester, Buffalo and New York areas alone, there are roughly 100 female veterans who are treated annually for conditions that have lead to HOMELESSNESS. They need our help. They have done their duty - won’t you help us serve them. We are looking for donations of time, talent and treasure. Your contribution is tax deductible! You can also support the veterans of Zion House through purchases of all natural goats milk products on our sister website www.boadiceashop.com |
| goat milk spa products made by homeless female veterans and the priest in charge of the program |
I've now tried the unscented goat's milk lotion and can recommend it. I think it's strong enough to be good in winter as well as summer, and for situations where you want lotion without the perfume (think hospital visits), this would be perfect.
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| Boadicea Goat's Milk and Shea lotion made by female veterans |
After a break during which I came back to my room for a bit and prayed vespers with Sr. K, we were off again to the final event of the day, a dinner for the United Thank Offering and the Episcopal Church Women. The speaker addressed the topic of forgiveness and deserves his own post; I hope I will get to that even if it's just a little blurb. We sisters sat at a table with the ECW delegates from the Lexington, KY, area.
Afterwards, I walked back slowly with my mother, who was also there, and had a chance to talk with my sisters and my father on her cell phone. I think all of us were worn out, but we will all certainly sleep well tonight, so this is not necessarily a bad thing.
And now, if I am going to get that sleep, I had better turn in. Good night, all.
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