Andrea McKellar at Executive Council

Alice and I between sessions

Last week, I spent 5 days in Chaska, Minnesota for Executive Council. In attendance were the 38 voting members, 20 elected by General Convention as I was and 18 elected from the 9 provinces, as well as non-voting members, and staff. I had the pleasure of sitting between Alice Freeman, our Province IV Lay Representative, and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

This meeting was mainly focused on orientation and team-building. We heard from all of the Canons and Chiefs on the Presiding Bishop's staff about the areas they cover and an update on what is happening within their departments. We also heard a report from Episcopal Relief & Development on their ongoing work such as hurricane relief in several dioceses including The Episcopal Church in South Carolina. We did several team building activities with our tables including karaoke and a legal exercise to learn the by-laws and conflict of interest guidelines.

The Council voted to restructure to four joint standing committees. I was assigned to the Finance Committee. We met twice over the few days to get an update on the triennium and 2019 budgets and background on trust funds and other budgetary issues.

We had a little down time in between our sessions. One popular activity was to take a walk around the lake. There was a beautiful mile long trail along the edge of the lake where we got to experience the beautiful fall colors! I enjoyed seeing old friends and getting to know members that I had not met before.

Overall, I was impressed with how well the group worked together and how efficiently the meeting was run. There was a great amount of respect for each other and the importance of the work we have before us. I am looking forward to my next meeting in February in Oklahoma City.

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