The 199th Annual Convention kicked off last night with an Opening Worship and Keynote Address given by Rev. Sage Cole pastor of the Swedenborg Chapel in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Address topic was "Becoming Every Day Mystics: Helen Keller and Inner Call of the New Church."
Also at the Opening Worship, Rev. Dr. Jim Lawrence President of the denomination walked us through the early years of the 200+ year history of the denomination with an eye to the future.
One final look back at yesterday:
This is Connie with the group that took part in a book discussion on the beauty of being in a small church.
And now for today:
Meetings are now in being held in the Moakley Center a space large enough to accommodate the expanded group now that Ministers and Licensed Pastors and candidates for ministry are joined by about 60 delegates from around the country. This morning's meeting including voting on Connie to become a Licensed Pastor at the Garden Church!
Rev. Jane Siebert seconded the motion for Connie to be put before the floor for Licensed Pastor and Rev. Amanda had the honor of speaking to the second.
Here's the motion (Yes, the spelling error will be corrected)
All the cheers for Connie!!!
A selfie in the convention hall
Californians Rev. Dr. Jim Lawrence President presiding and Karen Conger secretary recording actions.
Right after the motion for Connie, Dr. Rebecca Esterson spoken on behalf of Dr. Devin Zuber who after today's vote is approved for ordination tomorrow evening.
In the afternoon, Connie received her Licensed Pastor Certificate in a special ceremony. It was the culmination of all her hard work these past few years and especially this last 12 months. Good Work Connie!!
Here's her certificate and a brief video of the ceremony here.
