Lions and drums and bishops, oh my!

Have I mentioned that the Consecration of Diane Jardine Bruce and Mary Douglas Glasspool on Saturday was most magnificent?

Bear with me while I share a few pictures to prove my point.

The procession was to absolutely die for. Each particular group of folk were preceded by a unique artistic ensemble. For example, the Diocesan Officers, Staff, Lay Canons and Guests were led in by the Han So Ree Korean Drummers Group.

The Ecumenical and Interfaith Guests were led in by the Youth Dancers of St. Mark's Church, Van Nuys which was a pretty awesome rap version of "Our God Is An Awesome God."

The Chinese Lions above led in the procession of Visiting Bishops and were absolutely amazing, prancing and dancing on the stage in front of the bishops.

These are the Taiko Project Drummers who led the procession of the Bishops-elect, the Bishops of the Diocese, and the Presiding Bishop.

Oh. My. God.

They were incredible.

The presentation of the Bishops-elect went right according to Hoyle. All canons met. All rubrics kept. Every 'i' dotted and 't' crossed.

Meet, right and proper.

Susan Russell served as one of the presenters for Mary Glasspool.

Jim White is standing next to her who read the certificates of ordination for the Commission on Ministry.

The joy in the room was so thick you could have eaten it with a spoon.

I am deeply grateful to Lis Jacobs for taking some of these pictures. The lighting in the room was not conducive to non-professional photographers, much less those with iPhones. Still, this will give you a sense of the festivities around the altar after the consecration.

Now, I took this of Lis with my iPhone as she was being interviewed by Louise Brooks outside in the stairwell.

Integrity is doing a video of the event, interviewing various folks around the church, asking them what these consecrations meant to them. I'll keep you updated on the availability of that DVD.

After the ceremony, there was time to chat with dear friends and relive the event. Here's Bishop Gene being very animated about some point. We were later joined by several old friends and we talked and laughed for at least another hour.

You can watch the whole thing on edited video here which the diocese says will be available Monday evening, May 17.

I think you'll agree: it was a most glorious day for the church.