The 2012 Indianapolis General Convention “Had Vergers”

Six members of the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church were present at the 77th General Convention held July 5–12, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Our booth was ably attended by Kate Pendzuk , Ed Metz, Danny Meadors, Margaret McLarty, Sid Glynn, and Pat Allen.

According to Pat, Kate walked off with the "Conference Booth Potentate" award. Kate said, "All I did" was put up and take down the booth..." Have you ever put up a booth at a national convention or trade show? That is some serious work. Go Kate!

The VGEC Communications Team prepared an overhead sign for the booth, declaring "got vergers?" The sign was a real attention-getter and drew a substantial number of delegates to the booth. Our bumper stickers were cloned from that sign.

Many convention delegates asked questions about the verger ministry. Our representatives fielded all sorts of questions, prompting good conversations about what a verger is and what typically are their responsibilities and duties. Quite a few vergers introduced themselves to those at the booth and indicated interest in joining the Guild.

Many verger "magic color changing" cups went home with delegates, who promised give the cups to their vergers and urge them to join the VGEC. Thanks to Margaret for the cups as they were the premium take-away at the convention.

Delegates who are vergers introducing themselves at the booth were Harriet Duff of St. Michael's & All Saints in Mission Kansas, Michael Cuticchi of Trinity Church in Indianapolis, and Bruce Garner of All Saints in Atlanta, among many others. Every Episcopalian should think about attend the General Convention at least once.

We all should be well informed on how the church is organized and how it functions, and General Convention is a great chance to learn.

Contact Margaret McLarty at [email protected] about helping with General Convention in Utah in 2015!

A video presentation of the highlights of General Convention was prepared and is available HERE. Margaret's address to the 2012 VGEC annual conference about General Convention is also presented HERE.