A reason to celebrate

Do Presbyterians have a reason to celebrate?  YES!

Good friends at the Assembly

The chance to attend General Assembly as a Commissioner or Advisory Delegate is a great opportunity to learn about the connectional nature of our denomination.  Quite honestly, the words “connectional nature” are the polity words that actually mean “family reunion.”

Hot button issues at G.A.

Just hours after the gavel dropped ending the 220th General Assembly, the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh was being prepared for its next occupant. The hall where Presbyterians gathered for worship; hear reports and vote on countless motions would be prepared for another group.

Reflective Experimentation

One of the key terms that came from the report of the Mid Council Commission is the phrase “a season of reflective experimentation.” The MCC used the phrase in conjunction with recommendations that Synods be repurposed as mid council governing bodies, that non-geographic presbyteries be allowed and that the church enter into a season of reflective experimentation.

An awkward time

When Commissioners returned from their committee meetings to plenary this afternoon they became part of an awkward time in the life of the Assembly and the church.

Since I arrived…

General Assembly gatherings are very busy times for those who participate in them. The day usually begins with a breakfast event/meeting at 7a.m. and concludes with gatherings that might extend until 1a.m. the next day. You are guaranteed to be exhausted when you keep up this pace.

Traveling mercies

As I made my way to Pittsburgh last Friday, I reflected on the number of people it would take to make my travel safe, smooth and on time. While it is the destination that becomes foremost on my mind, my arrival happened because there were folks who would service the plane, who would make sure that my luggage is loaded and those who will guide the pilots through the skies to our destination. I appreciate the quiet service to me and others. Even though I do not know their names, I thank God for them.

I watched picture after picture of the Assembly meeting hall being set up and I also realized how many other folks in Pittsburgh who are quietly working to make sure our trip is fun and our work is accomplished. The crew who set up tables and chairs. The electricians and technology providers who lay miles of cable that we might be connected to the work of the Assembly. The hosts who will provide us with guidance and refreshment during our stay.

Now that it is Sunday and we’re all here, I add others to my list. I give thanks for the saint who found my suitcase in the street and then went out of her way to return it to me at my hotel. (Another story is coming on this one!). I give thanks for the care of the hotel staff who will keep my room tidy while I am working. I give thanks for those who will make sure that the needs of commissioners and delegates to the Assembly will be met.

I am thankful for the congregation of East Liberty Presbyterian Church where I will worship and be fed today.

God is good!

The packing list

Some people have bucket lists. A bucket list contains things they’d like to do before they “kick the bucket.” A bucket list might include sky-diving or a trip around the world. I haven’t put together my bucket list because, well, I’m not certain what I’d like to do. I don’t have a bucket list right now because I’m too pre-occupied by my packing list.

GA 220: Preparing for Pittsburgh

It is a little more than three months before the 220th General Assembly of the PCUSA convenes in Pittsburgh. General Assembly meetings are the biennial gatherings of Presbyterians where business is conducted, worship of God is offered, and where a distinctive part of the body of Christ fellowships with one another.

This year’s meeting is going to be a significant one in the life of our denomination. The actions recommended by the 220th General Assembly will be future-shaping for Presbyterians. Some of the issues being considered are,

• the definition of marriage
• healthcare benefits for same-gender couples
• the future of Synods and Presbyteries
• statements about relationships with people of other faiths and nationalities
• changes to constitutional language governing ordination of officers

Commissioners to the 220th GA in Pittsburgh have begun receiving registration materials and will receive more information about the business before them this summer. Over the coming months they will begin the process of reading, studying and digesting huge amounts of information in preparation for their work in committee and in plenary.

While those who prepare to attend this meeting as Commissioners or Advisory Delegates, those of us in the local presbytery and church can prepare for this important meeting by offering words of support to our Commissioners and remembering them in our prayers.

I’ll share more on this blog as preparations continue.  I’ll be posting reports on the GA meeting during the time we are in Pittsburgh.