General Convention 2009

The 46th Triennial meeting ended on Thursday, July 16 with the installation of ECW National Board Members and UTO National Committee. Our own Marilyn Meek attended the meetings and reports on her observations on July 14:

The day opened with a gathering with music and singing, opening prayers and then Susan Johnson presented the Episcopal Women's History Project. Kay Meyer, President of the ECW Triennial, addressed the House of Bishops this day.

Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies, addressed the Triennial. The "ECW keeps its eye on the cross...we're in relationship with each other." she says. She then applauded the depth of relationship in daughters and sisters, sharing her knowledge about the Emery sisters who were early pioneers for the work of women in the church. She discussed an urgency for mission and a continuation of the United Thank Offering. She shared that more than 60 grants were presented totally $1,997,362.43. The collection gathered at the Sunday Eucharist was $28,168.92. This was a 37 percent increase over the 2006 convention. These funds will go to the Navajoland grant request. In all, the UTO funded 63 grants totalling $2,650,472.43.

Southern Virginia submitted two grant requests for UTO funding. Of those, the request for Holy Cross Anglican School in Belize was awarded. The entire $41,000requested was granted for this project.

Marilyn noted other things of interest...the Washington National Cathedral presented a cardboard model of the cathedral as a box for contributions. Unique and creative.

Presentations including the Episcopal Women's History Project, started by Mary Donovan and Joann Gillespie, gave an oral history of all women in the Episcopal Church, Lay and ordained foremothers.

The Young Adult representive also spoke with the message: "Continue recognition of us."