Convention notebook: Asian Ministries, Michael Jackson, a bright green coat
Episcopal News Service. July 7, 2009 [070709-05]
Sharon Tillman, Sharon Sheridan and Solange De Santis
Much happens each day at General Convention. In addition to Episcopal Life Media's other coverage, here's some of what else happened on July 7.
Los Angeles diocese begins Midday programs
The Diocese of Los Angeles on July 7 launched L.A. Midday, a daily glimpse into the diocese's ministry programs, in the General Convention exhibit hall. The first program, "Welcome to the Pacific Rim," featured brief presentations from three of diocese's Asian clergy and a question-and-answer session. The program was opened by the Korean Drum Band of St. James' School, Los Angeles, the same group that performed at the hall's opening.
Appearing in the program were clergy from Korean and Chinese congregations. Population growth was the common thread throughout the presentations. The Rev. Aidan Koh, chaplain of St. James' School and a member of the St. James' Church Korean Congregation staff, noted that the largest Korean population outside of Korea is in metropolitan Los Angeles.
The Rev. Thomas Ni, Mandarin-speaking clergy of St. Edmund's Church, San Marino, said the area's three Chinese congregations have grown to offer services in Mandarin, Cantonese and Taiwanese.
Also served by the diocese's Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry are Filipino, Japanese and Vietnamese congregations.
L.A. Midday programs are held at 1 p.m. PDT in the diocesan hospitality center in the exhibit hall. Future programs are scheduled to discuss economics, immigration, interfaith relationships and the environment.
Michael Jackson is subject of introductions at committee
With the memorial service for Michael Jackson scheduled to take place a few miles away on July 7, members of the combined Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee were invited to share an impression of "the king of pop" while introducing themselves.
"Talented and weird," summarized the Rev. John Zambonie of the Diocese of New Jersey. "A very talented and tragic young man," agreed the Rev. Lee Shaw of the Diocese of Utah.
The Rev. Elizabeth Wade of the Diocese of Kentucky commented on Jackson's "profound metamorphosis in outward appearance and search for identity." Chicago Bishop Jeffrey Lee, recalling time spent growing up in Northern Indiana, reflected, "I think of all the people I know in Gary who will not be buried in a 14-carat-gold casket."
The Rev. Lowell Grisham of the Diocese of Arkansas revealed a Jackson-inspired talent, but refused to demonstrate: "I can do the moonwalk."
"When I think of Michael Jackson, I think of exercise classes," said Alabama Bishop Henry Parsley. Some committee members recalled the Jackson Five years, while the Very Rev. Ernesto Medina of the Diocese of Nebraska revealed mixed loyalties: "There was always a tie between Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond."
And clearly Jackson wasn't the only star being mourned. "I'm really still at the Farah Fawcett stage," said Bishop Paul Marshall of the Diocese of Bethlehem.
Fashion flare before convention opens
One of the boldest fashion statements on the day before convention's official opening was made by General Convention Secretary Gregory Straub, who wore a bright green floral-patterned jacket and red bow tie as he spoke to a combined gathering of bishops and deputies.
He followed welcoming remarks from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who wore a standard bishop's purple shirt and a suit, and House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson, who was attired in a beige pants suit.