I’m on a mission from God. The Credentials committee has run out of iPads, so I know there’s a run on some items. It’s really important for me to get a #BlackLivesMatter sign for my deputation’s table before the Diocese of Missouri runs out. But you never know who you’re going to run into in the Exhibition Hall.
So I’m walking into the Hall, first thing. I know the Diocese of Missouri has #BlackLivesMatter signs; they’ve told us, on social media, to come to their booth. First person I see when I walk in: Charles Graves IV, a classmate of mine from Berkeley Divinity School. He’s staffing the BDS table and gives me a giant hug of welcome. We talk all about his upcoming YASC year in Rome, and greet fellow alumna Rowena Kemp as she joins us at our booth. She snaps a photo of the three of us representing Berkeley to send to Development Director Pam Wesley-Gomez. I tell them my mission, and promise to pick up extra signs if I find them.
Next up: I run into Jesse Zink, who’s being feted and photographed by Church Publishing. Only fitting, given that they published his latest “Backpacking Through the Anglican Communion: A Search for Unity” last year. We exchange stories, then I’m back on my mission. I want that sign! But the Diocese of Missouri booth is nowhere to be found. I smile at Joseph Peters-Matthews, shaking hands briefly with the Wippell rep he’s talking to, then wave at the Clergy Image women debuting their new “Not your Father’s shirt” wear. Broderick Greer stops me for a hug near the Nashotah House table, where he’s gathering swag with other Young Adult Festival peeps. I ask if he knows where to find the #BlackLivesMatter signs, but he hasn’t seen the booth either.
At this point, I’m feeling very late to get back to the HOD for orientation, but then I see Monique Ellison talking to a Nicholas Center rep, and I have to say hi. Monique is one of the first priests that taught me about evangelism, back in my first year of seminary. She tells me about Listening Hearts ministries. Stephanie Spellers scoots past us with a #BlackLivesMatter sign on her scooter – where did she get that?
Finally! I run into Chris Rankin-Williams, holding a box of the signs I’m looking for. I’m still no wiser on where the Diocese of Missouri’s booth is, but still: achievement unlocked! Plus, I got to talk to (most of) the cool kids. I wonder who I’ll see tomorrow?