81st General Convention and NAGA Triennial
Louisville, Kentucky — June 22 to 28, 2024
NAGA board members and spouses began to gather in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 20 to begin the process of unpacking and setting up the Sacristy at the Convention Center and for the NAGA Triennial meeting.
Saturday, June 22
NAGA Triennial meeting registration began on Saturday, June 22, at the Galt House Hotel on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. While some board members were busy unpacking and setting up the NAGA display at the Exhibit Hall, located at the Louisville Convention Center, other members of the board were busy manning the registration table, greeting attendees, and distributing registration packages.
The Convention began with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Revival at the YUM Center, a short walk from the Galt House Hotel. With lots of excitement and joy, Bishop Curry’s message of Love set the stage for the Convention. A welcome to the event and the opening prayer “For the Revival of The Episcopal Church” were offered by House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris and the Rev. Isaiah Shaneequa Brokenleg. The opening music included “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and “Lord, You Give The Great Commission.” The Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop, presented the sermon, with consecutive Spanish interpretation by Dinorah Padro. Following the sermon, all those present were invited to proceed to a nearby station for prayer — an Invitation to Embrace the Way of Love — and anointing with oil, while everyone sang “Balm in Gilead.” The Revival concluded with music, alternating between English and Spanish, and a Commissioning Prayer Over Bishop Curry.
Sunday, June 23
The day began with the first of three Eucharist services at the Convention Center. NAGA played an essential part in the Eucharists — preparing the pitchers of wine and wafer baskets to be delivered to the Altar for blessing.
The NAGA board met before the start of the Triennial meeting, ensuring that board members knew the plan for serving at the Sacristy and the Exhibit Hall, as well as allowing time to attend the scheduled NAGA workshops.
A Liturgical Threads workshop was presented by Alice Scarbrough. Episcopal Church Women (ECW) celebrated their 150th Anniversary with a party that many NAGA members attended.
Monday, June 24
Monday began with a continental breakfast provided by CM Almy, followed by a workshop provided by CM Almy representatives, Bill St. John and Rachel Tyrrell, and FG Ziegler representative Barbara Statuto. Attendees were reminded that linens may be machine washed, but that bleach must never be used, and linens should not be dried in a dryer. Wine Away (available at CM Almy) and club soda are effective for removing wine from linens. They also advised that filling the oil attachment on the snuffer with an eye dropper is very effective. Regarding metalware, they said it’s imperative to use gloves when handling metal products, that chalices must never be immersed in water, that wine must never be left to sit in the chalice for long periods, and that polish must never be used on products that have been lacquered. They advised that Kerry oil is the best brand of oil to use in candles. Metalware can be refurbished at Almy’s facility in Pittsville, Maine. Almy recommends that frontals, chasubles, stoles, etc. be dry cleaned every 18 months. If you have a burse that needs to be cleaned, it can be sent to Almy for cleaning and you can have them replace the cardboard with plexiglass; this will be sent to their facility in Maine. When asked if representatives would be willing to travel to Diocesan Altar Guild meetings to present a program about their products, they said “yes.”
Keynote speaker for the NAGA Triennial meeting was the Rev. Anne Schnaare, Grace Episcopal Church, East Grand Rapids, Michigan (mother.ann@gracechurch.org). She reminded us of what an honor it is to be a member of the altar guild and that it’s our job to “prepare the way” of the service. She urged us to meet with the clergy prior to big events like Holy Week to be sure everyone is on the same page. She referred to Maundy Thursday as the Barefoot Service! She also advised that clergy should never be reluctant to point out when something is not set to their taste, and that altar guild members should not be offended.
The NAGA General Membership meeting included the election of officers and approval of changes to the NAGA By-laws. Officers for the next three years are:
- • President: David Hawley-Lowry
- • 1st Vice President: Debbie Mead
- • 2nd Vice President: Martha Noble
- • Secretary: Diane Grondin
- • Treasurer: Phyllis Bruce
Martha Noble reported that there were three scholarship recipients this year — Jimmy Holcomb, TaMara Oertel, and Louise Gant.
Proposed changes to the By-Laws were detailed in the February 2024 Epistle. All proposed changes were approved.
• Article IV, The Board, Section 1: This section was amended to remove “two members-at-large” from the makeup of the NAGA Board.
• Article V, Duties of the Officers, Section 6, Terms of Office: This section was amended to make the term of office begin on the date of installation to the office; previously, the term of the Treasurer began on the 1st day of January following the election.
• Article X, Administration of Funds, Section 1: This section was changed to make dues for all members payable on January 1st.
Tuesday, June 25
Participants enjoyed a day trip to the Abbey of Gethsemani; lunch at Cozy Corner, a local diner; and a tour of the Makers Mark Distillery .
Wednesday, June 26
The workshop on Wednesday was Anglican Prayer Beads. This very enjoyable day ended with a cocktail reception.
Thursday, June 27
We gathered at Calvary Episcopal Church for a Eucharist service led by the Rev. Canon Robert Alan Schiesler, Ph.D., that included installation of our new NAGA officers. Since there was no in-person installation of officers in 2021, a photo was taken of the NAGA Board members who served under Marcia Himes, our outgoing President.
Friday, June 28
After the final Eucharist service, it was time to pack up the Sacristy to make the elements ready to be shipped to the storage facility where everything will be stored for the next three years before being delivered to Phoenix, Arizona, where the 2027 Episcopal Convention will take place.
Judy Henderson