Convention Thoughts...just sayin'

The past weekend I attended our annual Diocesan Convention at a Hotel/Conference Center in Tarrytown, NY.  There were over 200 lay and clerical delegates gathered together to review expenditures, set policy, vote for alternates to our national church's General Convention next summer, and review and pass resolutions that will guide our work in the coming years. It is also a time of renewed fellowship and checking in with old friends and just generally "catching up". Who has moved since last we met? What are the kids up to? Who is transferring to another parish? What will the hot-button topics be this time around? And, I would be lying if I did not include the fact that lots of schmoozing and glad-handling goes on as well.

As in any convention,  many participants were reading their convention material and filling in their vote tally pages in the serious manner appropriate to good conventioneers.  There were others who spent a great deal of time reading novels, knitting, (I admit, I brought my knitting with me; a good way to assure you will be warm during the speeches and presentations) and many others having side-bar conversations that had nothing to do with the reasons we were gathered together. 


But the one thing I found fascinating was the difference between how people behave at a Eucharist celebrated in a traditional setting, i.e. church or chapel, and a decidedly non-traditional setting, specifically a hotel ballroom/conference room.




Just a few random observations in no order of importance:






1. Unless you are a  hungry toddler, snacking during Mass is not a good idea.  Clergy chewing granola bars during the celebration of the mass just seems a bit off.

2. I will admit that the room was a bit chilly, but drinking hot coffee during the service might not be a good choice. Next thing you know we'll be finding empty juice bottles in the choir stalls.

3. Making change from the collection plate is a little tacky....just sayin'.

4. Doing needlepoint, crocheting or knitting during the Eucharist keeps one from focusing in on what is important.

5. Either turn off or don't answer your cell phone during services....that is just good manners.

A final thought, if  folks who are perceived as being leaders of their church communities have become so lax in their demeanor during solemn time, how can we expect others in our home congregations to behave better?