96 loaves of bread and other fun facts about GC

As the convention opened, the House of Deputies had 839 registered clergy and lay deputies, with 550 of them serving on legislative committees. The deputies include 398 new members and 12 deputies born in the 1990s. About 66 percent of the House of Deputies is made up of first- and second-time members. (An attendance figure for the House of Bishops is not yet available.)

Beyond deputies and bishops, thousands of other liturgists, volunteers, visitors and exhibitors attend the convention. As of June 24, nearly 4,500 people had preregistered to attend, and more than twice that number is expected to attend at least part of the convention, according to the Rev. Michael Barlowe, executive officer of General Convention.

The opening Eucharist used one-and-a-half cases of Taylor Tawny Port and 96 loaves of bread from a local bakery, Eva’s Boulangerie. The elements were distributed by 144 eucharistic ministers at 12 stations. Each daily worship service also involves 36 to 40 deacons, two to six vergers and a dozen altar guild members.

Did you know that there's a Children's Program at General Convention? At the opening Eucharist, the children sat in a reserved area at the front of the worship space. Before the service, many of the children snuggled up in blankets on the floor.