General Convention Bound

I'm headed for Anaheim in a few hours. If you want to follow what's going on a General Convention, here's a few places to watch:

General Convention '09 News - This will be the place where you'll find stories from Episcopal Life. There's a "media hub" being set up, which will include live web streaming of events, hearings, meetings, links to secular media and EpiscopalLife Online coverage, blogs, breaking news via Twitter and Facebook news updates. This "hub" should be available before July 8. I'll update you when more info is available.

Convention Daily - If you're looking for a summary of each day's events, this is a good site to watch.

I'll try to post a bit here each day, but I won't be able to offer much commentary, or highlight the stories behind the stories. Such is the nature of living in the belly of the whale. If you want to know what's really going on, you'll have to visit the "unofficial" sites, of course:

The Lead over on the Episcopal Cafe. Although semi-official (attached to the Diocese of Washington), Jim Naughton and his crew of excellent writers will most likely be the first to offer information and commentary on any developments. Other than common sense and striving for civil discourse, they seem to have few restraints on their content, so you should be able to get the straight scoop over there.

And, of course, there are a number of personal blogs that you'll need to check. Here's a few I'd recommend:

Preludium
Telling Secrets
An Inch at a Time
The Three Legged Stool

And now, for those of you who will be near Anaheim, here's a few events going on that you might want to attend:

Tuesday, July 7, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Network of Ministry Innovators Gathering at Bar Louie, 321 W Katella Ave # 212, Anaheim, CA. Some of the most creative personalities in TEC will be at this one. It's not getting much publicity, so spread the word. And yes, if for whatever reason you read this little backwater, highly self-censored blog, consider yourself invited.

Friday, July 10 - Friends of Jake Meet-Up - Meet in the Atrium Bar of the Hilton after 5:00 pm and then move about 6:00 to the promenade outside the Pacific Ballroom. After the Integrity Eucharist (9:30?), the meet-up will continue at Bar Louie, 321 W Katella Ave # 212, Anaheim, CA (yes, we're hitting this place twice in a week...I think we should get free t shirts at least). This event is way off the official radar, so it might actually be fun! Thanks to IT and all the friends of Jake for putting this together. I am deeply touched and honored by your efforts.

Monday, July 13, 5:00 to 8:00 pm - Evangelism and Congregational Life Reception - This will be a chance for you to get a glimpse of what we do within this Center. It'll be at the Convention Center. When I know the exact location, I'll post an update.

Even if you are not in Anaheim, I need your help for the above reception. I want to highlight the potential for real conversations to occur online. I'll be opening a chat room, and really need a few of you to commit to being in the room on July 13 for at least part of the time between 5 and 8 PST. For details on how to get into the chat room, see this post.

So, there you go. Now, I need to finish packing. Got a plane to catch.

T.