Beignets for breakfast with Rachel from Trinity in Gresham, Stan and Marti from Joyful Servant in Newberg. We got the last empty table. When we left the line was around the block. Registration and Orientation went smoothly. Lots of talk and confusion about using the ‘Guidbook’ app – everything is on-line so no paper reports, no notebook to tote. But keeping up takes a little skill.
A thousand people for opening worship with streamers aloft, inspiring choir and musicianship, procession of all the bishops and Synod VIPs with the Presiding Bishop bringing up the rear. After all the tall, imposing clergy, comes Elizabeth Eaton, tiny in her serviceable heels. But her sermon was challenging in its plain talk and challenge “All we have is Jesus. Jesus is all we need. We will live as if the resurrection has actually happened, that today, today, today the Scripture has been fulfilled.”
Banquet dinner, plenary session with lots of talk and our initial vote for Vice President. One of our own is on the ballot, Debby Chenowith from Hood River has been nominated. Mass exodus when our plenary was over at 9:30.
Not as hot on the way home, but equally humid. A nice change from the freezing air conditioning. A little nightcap while I write. We will be deciding some serious issues: about divestment from fossil fuels in some of the church’s investments, combining all the laypeople who serve the church into a single entity called the Word and Service Roster and the title Deacon, the Sanctuary designation that came from the Oregon Synod, and elect a new VP, the highest position for a lay person in the ELCA.
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