Thanks for joining me. This session I am working out the bugs in the live blog system to see if I want to use it this evening. Thanks for bearing with me.

OK, looks like technical issues. For the moment going back to the old way. Automatic updates are not working so please refresh your browser to see my updates.

The Assembly was warmed up by the house band with three hymns and songs.

A few minutes late the Moderator of the 221st Assembly, Heath Rada, gaveled the Assembly to order.

To open the Assembly there was a time of worship, reflection and remembrance to mark the anniversary of the Charleston church shooting. Interfaith representatives from the local area participated.

There were initial comments from the Stated Clerk and a declaration of the quorum was approved by the Assembly without objection.

2:32 – Back on track. The greetings from the Committee on Local Arrangements. And the video introducing the city. Followed by a procession of signs for the churches in the presbytery.

2:49 PM – Report of the Moderator.

“Hope does not disappoint!” Has the Assembly repeat it.

Four areas of emphasis and place of hope

1. Church is hungry for renewal through formation and proclamation
2. Congregational vitality. Smaller churches struggling because of size. Larger find no point of connection to the system and find themselves working alone.
3. Beloved community and its standards of witness for all people. Racial justice, inclusion of native american brothers and sisters, discrimination against LGBTQ family members. Money is not the problem – we are one of the wealthiest denominations. Also creation justice. Forging beloved community is difficult. People ask “Is there still a place for me in the PC(USA)?” Move from supporters of justice to a people of peace and unity.
4. Education. Traditionally one of the denominations that emphasize education. Must continue to help provide education for all.

“Hope does not disappoint.”

Need to be part of a thinking faith. Need to set out on the journey once decisions are made. Not wait for every detail. But maybe we need to set aside our desire to do things decently and in order but step out boldly. [Applause]

The process that has begun is to get us unstuck.

Do we need a brand strategy? Do we need to deweaponize our polity? Can we affirm new paradigms for ministry? Need bottom up not the perceived top down.

Presbyterians know who they are and like who we are. COGA study says… [Do I have the first hit here?]

COGA study says that we like our polity

Our calling is to be messengers of salvation. May the God that has kept us safe thus far lead us joyfully forward.

3:13 PM – Orientation to Plenary Meetings. Gradye is recognized

For plenary discussions – we have a method of forming groups decently and in order. Tables are alternately blue and white tops and blue turns around and talks with white. Commissioners are taking a moment to get in groups and meet each other.

The people on the platform are introduced.
The speaker ID system at the microphones is described
The use of the paddles are described. For inquiring minds we are told that “Yes, they are badminton paddles.” And we get a light show as each of the color paddles are explained.

The process for translation of a speaker’s comments into English is explained in Spanish and Korean

Moving back to the motion process. BIG NEWS [note sarcasm} Motions can now be submitted electronically! {now we just need a bot to automate and spam the process}
If you need help formulating a motion you can ask a student assistant in the “stylish designer blue vests.”

The convention center has enhanced the WiFi throughout the building for the meeting.

“Electronic voting may be new to you. After the last GA it may be new to us as well.”
Explanation of voting phasor remote control voting handsets.
Practice questions – How many times have you previously attended a General Assembly (as a voting delegate)?
Next question: What is your age? And there is a problem with the voting instructions as the 46-55 age range is missing. We will vote anyways and if you are in that category Pick and age you would like to be

Next question: Which which race/ethnicity do you identify? Again an issue with the screen as white/European descent is missing.
Final question: Related to disability and need for accommodation

Finally a word on conduct – basically conduct yourself as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And Gradye reminds us that the book (the 2016 GA Program Book) holds many answers to questions.

But wait there’s more. Now an introduction to the process for voting on the report from the GA Nominating Committee.

The report is on PC-Biz and reflects two years of careful work. There can be nominations from the floor but the nominated must agree to serve and the individual on the slate who is being challenged identified.

3:57 PM – And now we talk about money. A brief overview of Financial Implications

• What is a financial implication? Any business item that has a cost.
• What creates a financial implication? Can come from any of the four sources of business (Overtures, Reports, Commissioner Resolutions, Referrals)
• Which budget is impacted? Per Capita or Mission
• What is the financial implication process? For any business with cost a form is filled out based on past experience of costs.
• What are the questions to ask? No reserves being used so if something is added something must be scaled back or eliminated or per capita is increased

And we have our first Book of Order citation F-1.0202

4:13 PM – Committee Structure is proposed by Gradye and approved

4:14 PM – Business referrals
Now, a chance to orient to PC-Biz. We are walked through getting to business item 01-01.
And a voice vote is taken and the docket is approved.

Moving on to 01-02 – the referrals.

Next 01-05. This supersedes 01-03. This distributes business to the committees. Passed on voice vote.

Finally 01-06. To suspend the stated rules to allow for late business from GA entities. Passed on voice vote.

4:24 PM – First video from the Communications Office on the Spirit of GA
Includes an intro to the two Stated Clerk candidates
And a thanks to Gradye!

Announcements and this session adjourns.

See you at 7 PM Portland time to elect the Moderator of the 222nd General Assembly.

 

Live blogging the Saturday morning concluding session. If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly – even more so with the fatigue at the end of the week.) The business for the morning is to finish all unfinished business, worship and adjourn the Assembly

[As a courtesy to my family members I am staying with I departed around midnight last night so I am still piecing together the business that happened after I left. I have not found a definite time that the Assembly adjourned but it was around 1:30 AM.]

The Assembly is dragging itself back and as the house band gets started they being with an instrumental version of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Got to think they had the “I am tired, I am weak, I am worn” line in mind, if not the rest of the verse “Through the storm, through the night/ Lead me on to the light/ Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.”

[Yes, I just got confirmation that the Assembly recessed at 1:30 AM due to a combination of factors, but mostly because the buses would stop running at 2 AM. Thanks Andy]

So, all the usual – The band warms us up, the Moderator calls us to order at 9:00 AM and a ruling elder commissioner leads us through the prayer cycle.

The Moderator thanks the band and the Assembly gives them a standing ovation.

1001 Worshiping Communities – Common Table, Bend, Oregon

Bills and Overtures
   Committee 4 will report
   Final set of minutes will be reviewed by the members of the Bills and Overtures committee
   Thanks, and standing ovation, for the Moderator and Stated Clerk

Committee on Review of Biennial Assemblies – Committee 4
Arrested last night Item 04-01 Recommendations 3, 5, 8
Motion to refer on the floor – To ask the Special Committee to continue its work with emphasis on certain specific areas
   Can this be done by COGA?
   This motion negates the work we on the committee did
   These are good recommendations – let’s let them develop them more
   This motion is too prescriptive
Commissioner asks for reality check of where we are – “My body was here last night but my brain checked out.” In response even the Committee Moderator needs to be corrected about this
Two motions tried to be made but not in order at this time since they do not apply to the motion on the floor
Commissioner comment – We must aggressively work to empower those under 35 in this church
Commissioner argues that while further work might be good the Special Committee’s work is lacking from the beginning and the Assembly Committee had better ideas
Call the question – approved on voice vote
Vote on the motion to refer
   Advisory delegates [is there a problem with the voting system – nothing is happening. Awkward long pause. Now Gradye whispers something to Neal. Consultation with someone else. Gradye leaves.] The video system is having technical difficulties so the results will be delivered on paper. Singing while we wait.
OK, we go to hand vote – debate closed. The motion to refer is defeated

Back to the main motion
Committee recommends that Item 04-03A be approved with amendment
Commissioner speaks to trusting the committee, especially when they vote 24-2
Item approved without objection

Committee recommends that Item 04-03B be approved
Committee recommends that Item 04-03C be approved with amendment (that an overture from a presbytery asking for a constitutional change have the concurrence of one other presbytery, not 10% as proposed by the Special Committee)
Amendment from the floor – After making it and getting clarification the commissioner withdraws it
These items approved without objection

Item 04-08 Regarding Extending the Timeframe for the Work of the Review Committee
Recommend approval with amendment
Commissioner argues against – we have created enough task forces, this will cost $38K
Committee member responds that there has to be a better way to do business and they have ideas they would like to try
Talking polity of how to replace this with something else – recommendation of Moderator is to vote this down and them move something else
Commissioner argues for crowdsourcing as less expensive
[The keypads are working again]
Voting
    Commissioners – 347 yes, 128 no

Item 04-05 Regarding Young Adult Commissioners
Committee recommends that it be disapproved and referred back to the Special Committee
Commissioner, who I think said he was a stated clerk, asks if you can disapprove and refer
Substitute motion – Direct the Stated Clerk to communicate with the presbyteries to prioritize sending young adult commissioners to Assembly
Commissioner speaks to it and asks how we can be better structured to get young adults involved
Moderator suggests that it be an amendment to the comment
Commissioner objects and wants it to be an action item
Stated Clerk suggests adding it to the action item and it will be acted upon – Commissioner agrees
Commissioner argues that “We need to think outside the box and one of the boxes is General Assembly.” Need to think alternately to a week long meeting
YAAD objects – it gives us too little credit. Need to take action to bring young people in as commissioners not advisory delegates (Well received by assembly)
Is there anyone on the Committee under 35? Answer – almost half of the committee is under the age of 40 (And the Review Committee Moderator is the only one eligible for AARP)
More polity confusion as to what is on the floor
Commissioner speaks in defense of young people who will come to meetings – but want the time to socialize outside of the meeting
Amendment passed on voice vote

Substitute Motion – Actually, this will probably be done by amendment as it adds a paragraph that is the original language
Agreed that the best way to do this would be to vote down the current motion and then propose the new language
YAAD argues against – nice idea but there are better ways to do it as Assembly Committee discussed
Commissioner – We don’t need young adult synod representation. We need young adult leadershp
YAAD – There is no lack of young adult leadership at this assembly
Without objection the question is called
Vote on the Item
  Advisory delegates TSADs 31% yes, YAADs 50% yes, EADs 75% yes, MADs 67% yes
  Commissioners – 387 to 77
The committee’s recommendation is approved

This concludes the committee’s report

Questions: The property trust clause motion earlier was ruled out of order. Could the Stated Clerk please explain further?  Stated Clerk – There was language missing from the motion regarding business at a congregational meeting which if it had been added would have made the motion in order.

Report on the Encountering the the Gospel of Peace Anew Initiative
From the Peacemaking and International Issues

Commissioner moves reconsideration of 10-15 on the Status of Women in the PC(USA)
Information I did not hear last night – The report was mandated by the 218th GA
[Polity point – one Assembly’s action does not bind future committees]
Commissioner speaks in favor – also did not understand ramifications, we need to take this issue seriously
Commissioner argues that the money is better spent supporting women in ministry instead of studying it
Commissioner reminds Assembly that the cost is over four years so annual impact is small
Commissioner argues that this late in the Assembly, with some commissioners having left, this is not a good time to move reconsideration
[A couple of short fuses in the room – “we are tired, we are weak, we are worn.”]
Question for clarification and response: This is not just about the status of women but the view of women by men.
Vote on motion to reconsider
   Advisory delegates – TSADs 75% yes, YAADs 22% yes, EADs 60% yes, MADs 50% yes
   Commissioners – 127 yes to 305 no, 3 abstain
The motion to reconsider is defeated

Commissioner apologizes for being so vocal about the point of order and compliments the Moderator

Mission Coordination
  This Assembly has added $929,054 to the 2013 budget and $823,186 to the 2014 budget
     The GAMC will have to figure out how to pay for it
Commissioner points out that certain numbers don’t add up. Checking the written it is a typo and the screen is corrected
The recommendation is approved without objection
The outgoing GACM chair, Mike Kruse, makes remarks and thanks Linda Valentine for all the work she has done and the transformations that have happened
He passes the stole to the new GAMC chair, the first young adults GAMC chair – Matt Schramm
The new chair thanks Mike for his leadership and encourages young adults to get involved
This concludes our report

Linda Valentine and Gradye Parsons give a promo for Big Tent

The Committee on Local Arrangements is recognized and gets a standing ovation
Makes presentations to Moderator and Vice-Moderator
Thanks to the c
ast of thousands who helped out at this GA including the executive committee of COLA

General Assembly Procedures
  The Committee Moderator reports the membership numbers that were used for calculations in response to an earlier question
  Cost of actions for 2012 – $240 (has to be absorbed)
  For 2013 the Assembly’s actions will add 0.15 to per capita budget
  For 2014 the Assembly’s actions will add 0.08 to per capita budget
  There has been an agreement to absorb some costs from reserves so impact on assessed per capita will be lower –  $0.07 in 2013 and $0.04 in 2014. That brings the total per capita assessment to $6.87 for 2013 and $7.02 for 2014.
Approved on voice vote
Committee leads a short song of their own composition based on “We are one in the Spirit” thanking COLA

COGA makes some final announcements and thanks

Thanks and presentation from OGA to COLA
COLA Chair is presented with a commemorative plate

The Committee on Local Arrangements for the 221st General Assembly reports
Gives thanks that their video person produced a long and short version of their video and will now show the short version (applause)

The Stated Clerk gives thanks to all the people that have run the platform and worked backstage and behind the scenes.
And thanks to the commissioners for their hard work.

Moderator makes his thanks for the help of “his people”

Announcements – Leave the keypads on the table.

We now go into closing worship.

[My live-blogging ends here. Thanks to all who have followed along.
Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for letting me crash at their place.
I have posted my regular summary sheet on the GA on www.ga220.info
Now to worship and after that to go be a tourist for the rest of the day. And get some sleep.

Grace and peace to all of you.]

Live blogging the Friday evening session. (And I hope I don’t have to change that title to include Saturday Morning) If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly – even more so with the fatigue at the end of the week.) I think I have some control on the technical difficulties with my connection. It is better but not perfect. I will do the best I can. Others have agreed that the wifi in the room is so saturated and they are also having problems staying connected. The order agreed to in the afternoon session is: Civil Union and Marriage (in progress) Foundation video Church Growth and PILP Church Orders Immigration Mission Coordination Peacemaking and Intermational Issues Health Issues Authoritative Interpretation Review of Biennial Assemblies (please pray for them)

[And an apology for all those who are rejoining this in progress based on my inaccurate restart time of 7:30 PM]

Get ready folks – it is not clear if we go until we are done or if we have to adjourn at 11 PM due to shuttle bus schedule. Brings to mind my post about the Church of Scotland being able to take an afternoon off.

The house band gives us some nice music to get seated by

Brought to order by Moderator Presa and led through the prayer cycle led by two YAADs.

1001 Worshiping communities video

Bills and Overtures
We need to finish the Civil Union and Marriage Committee and then we have eight more committees to go.

Memorial Minute for Howard Rice, Moderator of the 191st General Assembly of the UPCUSA

Committee on Civil Union and Marriage – Committee 13 – In progress

Item 13-NB

Motion from the floor – Amendment that the action on 13-04 answer this item and all other items
Amendment to the amendment to remove 13-05 from the item
Discussion on the amendment to the amendment
   Please let us have the discussion on 13-05
   We have just been through a four hour discussion (actually 3.5) and we don’t need to do it again
Questions about where we are parliamentary process wise
   We need to talk about the AI – reformed and always reforming
Call the question – approved on voice vote
Vote on the amendment to the amendment
   Advisory delegates – TSADs 71% yes, YAADs 58% yes, EADs and MADs even split
   Commissioners – Defeated 307-334-4

[Sorry, just had a lovely conversation with an ecumenical representative and missed a bunch of the action]

Amendment to the amendment – Move to consider 13-02 on its own
   Commissioners – 257 yes, 378 no

Vote on original amendment – Item 13-04 being answered by 13-NB and 13-NB answers all other items
   Commissioners – 480 yes, 157 no, 3 abstain

Debate on the amended motion
   Commissioner speaks to the tension of doing ceremonies where it is legal and being public about it. Draw attention to it.

Call the question – no objection
Will all other items be answered by 13-NB as amended
   Advisors – Yes except TSADs
   Commissioners – 489 yes, 152 no

With thanks this concludes our report

The motion to create a Relief of Conscience fund relative to divestment was out of order earlier today. Now back but first need agreement to suspend the rules

Motion to suspend the rules (requires 2/3 or 460 commissioners)
   Advisory delegates – No
   Commissioners – 180 yes, 451 no, 2 abstain

[This Assembly knows it will be a long night and is now into streamlining mode. Sorry.]

Foundation video held over from earlier – in the interest of time has been skipped

The Vice-Moderator assumes the chair

Motion – can we compile a mega-consent agenda (my term) for all remaining items that passed unanimously.
Since this is going to take time the Moderator directs each remaining
committee to compile a consent agenda of items that passed by a large
majority.

Committee on Church Growth and PILP – Committee 16

Financial impact of committee’s report
Introduces the director of PILP – Thanks and good news. Up for reelection
Consent agenda approved
Video on College Ministry – UKirk ministries

Item 16-02 1001 Worshiping communities
Commissioner points out they won’t pay per capita until they become churches and they should have Presbyterian identity
Approved on voice vote

Item 16-07 The Church in the 21st Century
Moves all 10 recommendations
Request to remove recommendation 2
Request to remove recommendation 5

Without objection proceed to a vote on all other recommendations
Passed on voice vote

Item 16-07 Recommendation 2 – Bivocational Ministry
Report asked for a task force, Committee recommends just referring it to OGA
Amendment for a 7 member task force
Question about financial implications – $21,805 per capita
TSAD speaks against because it does not address ethnic groups
TSAD asks why there is no seminary representation since it affects seminary students
Commissioner speaks in favor but says that in actuality none of this goes far enough
Commissioner speaks against – committee dealt with it and trust the committee
Call the question – approved on voice vote
Voice vote – amendment fails
Voice vote on Item 16-7 Rec 2 – approved

Item 16-07 Recommendation 5 – Dealing with online information, committee modified for financial implications
Amendment to restore much of the original language
Committee says that of all 10 recommendations this had the largest impact – $1.2M. Cost savings
Question: Who decides what is essential? Answer: GAMC itself
Question: What does GACOR think of this? GACOR makes all its resources available in English, Spanish and Korean
Question: Why is this so expensive? Translation services
Commissioner in favor of the amendment because it is welcoming
Commissioner against the amendment asking to trust the committee work
Question called – passed on voice vote
Amendment defeated on voice vote
Item 16-07 Rec 5 approved on voice vote

Item 16-03 African American Church Growth Strategy
Commissioner rises to commend the action and the work of the task force
Debate closed on voice vote
Approved on voice vote

Item 16-06 On growing a diverse church
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Information items – Affirmed the recepients of Women of Faith Awards; Affirmed the recipients of the Sam and Helen Walton Awards

This concludes the report
5 minute break – Music for the house band joined by the Vice-Moderator of Bills and Overtures on drums/bongo
[9:17 PM Seven committees to go]

Committee on Church Orders and Ministry – Committee 7
Financial Implications
Consent agenda – 12 items
   Remove 07-08
   Approved on voice vote

Group – Freedom of Conscience – Items 07-10 and 07-11
Recommend disapproval with comment
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Group – Honoring Christ
Item 07-17 Recommend Approve as amended with comment
There is more than one way to interpret scripture
Minority Report – Substitute 07-02 to amend G-2.0104b with language that includes “marriage between a man and a woman”

Perfecting the main motion – declared perfected

Perfecting the substitute motion
Amendment – asking presbyteries to delay ordination debates and votes
  No discussion
  Fails on voice vote
Amendment – change “holy marriage” to “the covenant of marriage”
  No discussion
  Approved on voice vote
Substitute motion declared perfected

“Shall the substitute motion become the main motion?”
Debate
The effect of the substitute will be to place back before the presbyteries the language that was removed by 10-A. This is not the season to go through this debate
This will help heal the breach and bring unity
The only thing this minority report has the capacity to do is plunge us into turmoil
This amendment draws from the Heidelberg Confession [sic]
Question has been called – 96% yes
Shall the substitute become the main motion?
   Advisory delegates – TSADs 14% yes, YAADs 23% yes, EADs 50% yes – 50% abstain, MADs even split yes/no
   Commissioners – 169 yes,  437 no

Debate on the Main Motion
Generational difference
Scriptural support
The questions has been called and debate is closed with 95% yes
Main motion
   Advisory delegates – TSADs 79% yes, YAADs – 74% yes, EADs – 67% yes, MADs – 60% yes
   Commissioners – 405 yes, 230 no

This is not a good sign – the caterer has brought out coffee and tea…

Prayer

Move that 07-18 and 07-24 be answered with 07-17
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Move that 07-02 be disapproved
No discussion
Approve on voice vote

Group – Ordination Standards
Move that Items 07-03 and 07-06 be answered with the action on 07-02

Move to approve Item 07-05 addition of “repentance of sin” and “means of grace”
Debate
Commissioner asks disapproval since it is redundant and confusing
What is wrong with “repentance of sin” If you are against repentance of sin vote against this overture (got groan from Assembly)
Question: What is meant by “means of grace.” Committee chair – we are not sure [May I suggest the Theopedia entry]
Question: This was divided in committee but was approved. What was committee sense? Answer – why would we not want to state these things
With a bad theological pun that is probably only funny when you are this tired the question has been called
Debate closed on voice vote
Advisory delegates – TSADs 35% yes, YAADs 70% yes, EADs one voting abstained, MADs 33% yes
Commissioners – 329 yes, 275 no, 9 abstain

[We now start the EAD watch – it happens every year: how long will the remaining EAD stick it out]

Group – Titles used for those in ordered ministry
Committee recommends disapproval
Return to Minister of Word and Sacrament and Elder
Does this really help? This is an internal title and others can be uses as appropriate
ACC – Teaching elder is that name of that order of ministry. There are other titles for what a person does.
Voice vote unclear
Electronic vote
   Advisory – TSADs 84% yes, YAAD 82% yes, EAD 3 no, 1 abstain, MADs 80% yes
   Commissioners – 412 yes, 200 no, 3 abstain

Item 07-08 Operations manuals
Removed from Consent agenda
Committee recommends disapproval
This will make it more difficult for some presbyteries [I’ll have to read it to figure out exactly what]
Voice vote is unclear
Electronic vote
    Advisory delegates – TSADs 88% yes, YAADs 86% yes, EADs 2 yes, 2 no, 2 abstain; MADs 83% yes
    Commissioners – 461 yes, 151 no, 5 abstain

This concludes the report

[10:38 PM Six committees to go]

Committee on Immigration Issues – Committee 12
Every item amended: Remove us versus them language and current legal language

Now place every item of Committee 12 on the consent agenda (wild applause)
   Remove 12-03 and 12-09
Consent agenda approved as modified
Commissioner wants to pull 12-04 – too late

Item 12-03 Section 2
Move to amend to have language that would encourage GA to assist immigrant churches to get ministers from overseas
The question has been called [There is now a commissioner who has the job of formally calling the question and has his own subtitle on the screen – “Call
the question, Edd!”]
Motion to amend does not pass
Committee recommends approval
Debate
Debate suspended without objection
Approved on voice vote

[Gradye returns and lets commissioners know that the buses have been extended and will run “for a while.” Yes it is now 11:00 PM. And Gradye is squeezing on a stress ball.]

Item 12-09
Amend to include the PC(USA) to develop initiatives that will enable theological institutions in affiliate countries to include Presbyterian Polity education in training
Maker of motion speaks to importance of knowing local language of immigrant fellowships but need the polity training
Questions: Have schools asked for this? Yes and no
Call the question, Edd! Debate is closed
[The Vice-Moderator is getting tired and stumbling over his words]
Amendment disapproved on voice vote
Main motion approved on voice vote

That concludes the committee’s report

[11:07 Five committees to go]

The Moderator resumes the chair and to the strains of Also sprach Zarathustra and with a spotlight removes his dress shirt to reveal a t-shirt, presumably from the that says “I’m Freaken Awesome” on the front and “Mr. Moderator” on the back. [So is the use of Also sprach Zarathustra the promotion of a non-Christian religion? ]

Committee on Mission Coordination – Committee 10
Nine items plus five parts of another item placed on the consent agenda
Items 10-03 and 10-21 removed form the consent agenda
The remainder of the consent agenda agreed to

Item 10-03 Young Adult Volunteers
Recommend approval of an alternate resolution
Person who pulled it just wanted to lift up this program and not have it fly through on the consent agenda
Approved on voice vote

Item 10-21 Christmas International House
Again – Just wanted to highlight this program
Approved on voice vote

Item 10-15 Study on status of women in the church
Recommend approval
Stained glass ceiling is still present
Question: How will money be spent? Answer: Survey interviews and compiling data
Question: The expense is $127K over six years. Is it worth it? Answer from Committee: Committee felt worth is. Expert: First study of its kind
Commissioner speaks against it as a lot of money to spend on studying the obvious. Could be used for mission
YAAD – Cost is high but change is crucial
Defeated on voice vote
Motion to disapprove 10-15, approved on voice vote

Item 10-16 Women of Color Consultation
Recommend approval with comment, there are financial implications

Item 10-17 Hispanic/Latino/a Leadership Convention
Recommend approval as amended
Answer by item 16-07
Approved on voice vote

Item 10-14 Special Offerings Task Force
Minority Report
The minority report reflects the original recommendations of the Task Force
The goal of the substitute motion is not to do away with beloved special offerings – the truth is our system is doing away with them if only 14% of our congregations are taking them
Commissioner requests the chair of the special offerings task force speak
Moderator says we are not there yet
Commissioner says they want to amend both main and substitute motion. Stated Clerk point out that you can only amend the one you are going to vote for.

And at this point I need to catch a ride back to my lodgings. Check twitter for continued updates, I know @landonwhitsitt and @andyjames are still in the house
Good night

[Logging off at Midnight local time]

Live blogging the Thursday morning session… If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly.) The proposed docket for the rest of the Assembly is posted at Bills and Overtures. This morning’s committees are Review of GA Permanent Committees (Committee 19), Mid Council Issues (Committee 5) and Church Polity (Committee 6).

The house band is providing music for singing before the gavel

[Band cut out right at 8:30 but there has been a bit of conversation on stage to be sure everything is ready.]

8:38
Gaveled to order by the Vice-Moderator and opened with the prayer cycle by a YAAD.

1001 Worshiping Communities video – Vietnamese fellowship in New Covenant Presbytery

Bills and Overtures – Asks for a 15 minute speak-out after lunch
Question at 7 – Can we do speak-out differently? Can we do it as committees as a safer place?
Sea of orange cards [Editorial comment: I think that commissioner is right and I think a lot of commissioners are looking for a safe place to vent and process]
Approved on voice vote

Ecumenical greetings from the National Council of Synagogues
The representative uses the opportunity to speak against the divestment proposal but to argue for engagement: “People who do not speak to each other do unspeakable things to each other.”

Ecumenical greetings from the Hindu representative from the Sri Venkateswara Temple

General Assembly Procedures – Yesterday’s actions added $0.02 to 2013 per capita and $0.01 to 2014 per capita

Mission Coordination – Yesterday’s actions have added nothing to the mission budget

Memorial Moment for Silas Kessler, Moderator of the 175th General Assembly (1963) of the UPCUSA

Committee on the Review of General Assembly Permanent Committees – Committee 19
Assembly Committee on the Constitution commended for their good work
Assembly Committee on Litigation also praised for its work
General Assembly Committee on Representation – New logo unveiled, important work
This concludes the report
Only these information items

The Moderator resumes the chair

Committee on Mid Council Issues – Committee 5
Consent Agenda – All transfers of churches – Approved on voice vote

Mid Council Commission business items in 05-12
Recommendations 1-4 (Synods) Committee puts forward an alternate motion (The task force to reorganize synods)
Motion from the floor to refer items 1-4 to a task force to look at these proposals further
YAAD from the committee argues for the importance of the synods but that they need to be reorganized and redrawn
Commissioner asks for Stated Clerk’s opinion on Mid Councils Commission – Stated Clerk responds that it would be inappropriate
Request from a TEC on the Committee to hear from the Commission Chair Tod Bolsinger
Tod emphasizes the Flat, Flexible and Faithful. Would like to see their work continue
Need to do something different – we a losing 175 members, one church worth, every day

Chair of the ACC explains their recommendation – not to throw out the MCC recommendations, not to stall it, but to refer it and take time to refine it.

Committee moderator explains that the committee’s decision reflects their opinion that this was the best way to address synods. Can be done in constitutional order and still allow the vital synods to flourish

Commissioner comments that “Synods are the invisible element of our system.”
Question is called – move to electronic voting
TSADs – No, YAAD slightly yes, EAD – all yes, MADs strong yes
Commissioners – 55% yes, 44% no – Motion to refer is approved, the MCC recommendations 1-4 on repurposing synods will live on

Recommendation 5 – Committee recommends approval with amendment
No discussion – approved on voice vote

Recommendation 6 – non-geographic presbyteries – Committee recommends disapproval
Motion to refer to a task force to refine the proposal similar to the referral and task force approved in the earlier action. Commissioner was a member of the MCC and explains how her mind was changed from no to yes on the proposal for non-geographic presbyteries

Commissioner with PJC experience argues that small presbyteries of a non-geographic nature spread out across a wide are would not provide adequate discipline safe guards. “A statement that non-geographic presbyteries are a bad idea is appropriate.” [Comment: could this be extended to language non-geographic presbyteries?]

Commissioner asks for comment from Tod Bolsinger. Tod emphasizes that this is optional, experimental and up to the presbyteries.
Commissioner [Sporting a GA Junkie button ] argues that this idea is “not yet cooked” and we should let it cook and not throw it away
Commissioner, who grew up in a non-geographic language presbytery, argues there is no need for non-geographic presbyteries (by implication even the language presbyteries). We should not be separated out but be in diverse relationships. [Very well received – that may seal the deal against non-geographic presbyteries]
“Move the previous question” Approved on voice vote
TSADs and YAADs strongly no, EADs and MADs slightly yes
Commissioners – 39% yes, 60% no, 1% abstain – referral to further develop non-geographic presbyteries not approved

Return to the main motion on Recommendation 6
Debate continues
Call the question – approved on voice vote
TSADs and YAADs strongly yes, EADs no MADs yes
Commissioners – 73% yes, 26% no, 2% abstain – provisional non-geographic presbyteries are disapproved

Recommendation 7 – Review task force
Amendment commending the MCC report to the church
Parliamentary question – does this fit with item? Answer – sort of and actually I didn’t get it written in time for Recommendation 5
Stated Clerk does weigh in that it can be viewed as germain to this recommendation
Question about financial implications – Stated Clerk says it will be published digitally [but I did not hear a number]
Amendment agreed to by voice vote
Main motion – Recommendation 7 – agreed to by voice vote

Recommendation 8 – Racial Ethnic Ministries Task Force
Question about is this all one task force or multiple task forces?
No discussion
Agreed to on voice vote [note that on voice votes the advisory delegates are not asked]

Commissioner points out that they have been going for two hours – can we take a break
Five minute break

[Note that there is an order of the day at 11:15 for worship. I suspect that Polity is in danger of having their report arrested.]

1001 Worshiping Communities video for Bridge at Union Church in downtown LA

10:39 We return to business – commissioners slow to return to their seats
Item 05-13 Function of Synods from OGA
Commissioner points out that there has not been an advisory voice vote – Moderator will remember to do that
What about relationship to 05-05? That will come later
Approved on voice vote

Item 05-14 Interpretation request from OGA
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Motion from the floor to combine all the task forces created in 05-12 (the MCC recommendations) into one – This is in the interest of stewardship
Stated Clerk points out that one is a commission and one has specific composition
Comment from Jill Hudson – Points out the unique nature, make up and focus of the Racial Ethnic Ministries task force relative to the others.
“This is where these cards will become quite helpful- maybe” laughter – quote from the Moderator
Lots of questions – complicated answers
Question – “I wonder if the clerk has advice for us as to how to go on this matter.” Answer “Prayerfully” applause
Moderator asks about whether this could be perfected, maker of the motion just wanted to make sure the motion was made and has no objection. Moderator calls it “finessed amendment”
Motion to postpone for a definite period – until tomorrow’s 8:30 AM plenary
Postponed on a voice vote

11:00

Committee 5 report in the home stretch [will we make it by 11:15?]
Overtures – 05-03 Recommend to disapprove
No discussion
A reminder that “a yes is a no”
Approved on a voice vote

05-04 Recommends to disapprove
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

05-05 Recommends to disapprove
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

05-06 Recommends to disapprove
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

[Note: approved on voice vote but not unanimous]

05-07 Recommends to disapprove
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

05-01 Recommends to disapprove
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

05-08 Recommends to disapprove
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

05-09 Recommends to disapprove
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote (but notable no votes)

05-02 Be answered by action on 05-12 Rec 1-4 (MCC report)
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

05-10 Be answered by action on 05-12 Rec 6
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

Information items – Minutes of
the synods were approved by committee
Expresses appreciation to the Mid Councils Commission for their involvement

Announcement
What is a speak-out? An opportunity to speak about items important to them outside the regular business. A moment to share your feelings

We have reached the order of the day – in preparation for worship the Moderator offers prayer

We continue in worship
I will resume live blogging at the beginning of the afternoon session