Triennial Today, July 10, 2012

Triennial TODAY TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2012

Discussing the Future of Trienn

By Jennifer Ladefoged and Laura Orcutt

Mary MacGregor, a staff mem-

ber of the Diocese of Texas, in charge of overseeing congregational development, facilitated an hour-long discussion on the future of the Triennial Meeting (TM). Mary opened the session by remarking, “unless the women of the TM become proactive in the future of the Triennial, decisions would be made for them.” Though only half-full at the start of the 8am session, the room quickly filled with women curious to learn about what they can do to help ensure the success of future triennial meetings.

The first question posed from the floor was “What was the purpose of the TM?” Mary’s answer was that it “was totally up for grabs.” The new board would create a new vision and the purpose would evolve from that vision.

A form was distributed with various topics to be addressed and options for each area of discussion.

Meeting Time Frame/Length • 5-7 Days • 3-5 Days • 7-10 Days • Long Weekend Most women who voice their thoughts at the mic favored a 3-5 day meeting, with the suggestion that if the meeting were 5-7 days in length, then the first 3-5 days should be devoted to business—professional meetings, board meetings, and plenary sessions— with then final days dedicated to workshops, inspirational speakers, or other activities. This way, attendees could better decide on when to arrive at the meeting and how long their stay will be in the host city.

Location • With General Convention (GC) • In the same city as GC — accessible, but not adjacent.

• Completely independent location and time from GC Overwhelmingly, women wanted to stay with GC. Participants/ Target audience • Open invitation to all Episcopal women (implies that it includes business decision and voting) • Voting delegates/chosen reps

nial: THE EVOLVING VISION from diocese (exclusive) • Open to all women • Voting reps/visitors, others (current scenario) Women wanted the current scenario, but a Lutheran delegate was loudly applauded when she explained that they had a business meeting first and then had a weekend rally with more than 2,000 women.

FREQUENCY • Annually—Cycle business and leadership training with a retreat every other year • Bi-annually—Every two years • Keep Triennial Women’s concensus was to remain with the current frequency of the GC, every 3 years.

After the topics were discussed, the ladies were then asked to flip the form over and rank a list of items by priority of 1, 2 or 3—with “1” being “most important” and 3 being listed as “least important.”

Some items on the list were: Workshops (current model type), Worship, Bible Studies, Keynote Speakers, Business and Women’s Ministries Presentation.

A desire for the presence of younger women participants at future Triennials was also expressed. It was pointed out that during the whole history of the ECW, younger women had

not been a main part of the Meeting.

Even before they worked in exchange for money as most had to stay home and look after their children.

Nancy from the Diocese of Ohio says, “Get these young gals here is tough.

We need to shorten the timeframe.

We can’t wait until we all retire to attend these meetings.”

To help attract a younger contingent, the next GC will have expanded childcare to encompass more children.

Nancy from The Diocese of Ohio, “Get these young gals here is tough. We need to shorten the timeframe. We can’t wait until we all retire to attend these meeting.

It won’t be very exciting accomplish what we want.”

{province spotlight}

HONORING

the Distinguished Women of the Church

The Distinguished Woman Award (formerly known as the

Honored Woman Award)* is presented at each Episcopal Church Women’s (ECW) triennial meeting to a woman in the Episcopal Church whose life and involvement in the secular community best reflects “her Christian values.” As part of this time-honored ceremony, diocesan delegates from each province are asked to submit the name of a woman who represents these qualities.

Triennial Today continues its spotlight on honored women from each of the nine

provinces of the Church. This issue focuses on Province VI.

FROM PROVINCE VI: Lelanda Lee, Diocese of Colorado Lelanda Lee, the

daughter of Chinese immigrants, grew up in Detroit where she volunteered while in high school as an office assistant for Catholic Social Services and as a tutor for an inner city youth project.

A strong sense of social justice led Lelanda to activism and mentoring roles in the Women’s Movement.

During her career as a ban officer, Lelanda served as president and board chair person for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hawaii, treasurer of the Hawaii Women’s Legal Foundation, as well as other associations. Lelanda later served on theboards of the Asian/Pacific Women’s Network of Colorado and theFoothills Art Association in Golden, Colorado.

In recent years, Lelanda has focused her volunteerism on serving as a KIDS HOPE USA mentor, andconducting racial justice and leadership development workshops for nonprofit organizations. She has been active in providing aid to immigrants seeking naturalization status.

Lelanda currently serves on the diocesanExecutive Council and the Standing Committee, and as the ecumenical partner from Executive Council to the Evangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica’s Church Council.

Leland personifies service to the mission of the Church and to the concept ofthe Foreign and Domestic Missionary Society of origin. Lelanda works tirelessly at all levels for the church.

{For His Sake} As the newly-elected Member-at-Large

Social Justice, I offer this prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, You see the big picture.

Help us to see through Your eyes. Lord Jesus, I ask that You supply the wisdom You alone possess as we strive to fulfill Your perfect will and serve You and Your people as You served. I pray that You will give us discernment to make the right choices. Lord, please give us strength, grace and unction from in high to remain focused straight ahead on You and those You love. May You move and minister through our lives to accomplish Your purpose. May we seek justice and mercy. Help us to empower and embrace the whole world. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen I look forward to serving Christ Jesus and His people during the next Triennium. May I seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. For His Sake, Deborah Gardiner, Social Justice Chair

ECW Night of Entertainment

featuring music by Dennis Marcellino

Kountry Kitchen The Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place

As the conference begins to wind down, many attendees are, no doubt, missing the comforts of home and decent homestyle meal.

Not to worry, The Kountry Kitchen has been a favorite of Indianapolis locals for more than 20 years, and offers down home, hearty dishes with a homemade flavor.

The restaurant, which was originally launched in 1988 as a six seat countertop diner for the neighborhood, as since expanded to full spectrum eatery.

tips, smothered pork chops, fried or baked chicken, white fish, and roast beef.

There is also a breakfast menu that offers cube steaks smothered in gravy, hickory smoked ham, smoked sausage, biscuits, and pancakes. There is als fresh lemonade.

Diners will find a variety of dining-style option, and can order for a single meal, or, enough fo the the entire family (as well as a few extra guests).

Current owners Isaac and Cynthia Wilson have combined their own recipes, with those of the original owners, to offer diners breakfast, lunch, and dinner from a menu steeped in Midwestern and Southern soul favorites.

The Kountry Kitchen also offers an extensive catering menu.

The restaurant is located at 1831 North College Ave, Indianpolis. Its hours of operation are from 7 am to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 8 am to 8 pm, Sunday.

Included on the menu are such items as fresh salmon patties, grilled or fried shrimp, rib

For more information, call 317.926.4476, or go to www.kountrykitchenindy.com.

Triennial TODAY was written, edited, and designed by Rogena Schuyler-Silverman and Cristina Paraiso. For the duration of the conference, the office for Triennial Today is located in the Senate 1 Suite, on the 2nd floor of the Westin. If you would like to contribute an article, review, or offer unique insight into the event, please contact TMeditor@ecwnational.org.