And so it begins…

Live blogging the Saturday afternoon session… If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to refresh the post. (And please excuse the typos as mhy fingers fly. The GA opened with worship including the Lord’s Supper and I’ll make a few comments about that later. From worship we processed to the business hall, Moderator Bolbach called the meeting to order and Clerk Parsons announced that there was a quorum and welcomed the Advisory Delegates.

The Assembly is now being welcomed to Pittsburgh by the Committee on Local Arrangements including an appearance by Mr. McFeely (if you know you care)
At end COLA brings out an owl as a token of wisdom for GA. Grady Parsons acknowledges that in the past there have been “many strange birds” on the platform, but he does not remember an owl.

3:35 – COLA concludes and GA shows its appreciation
Now an introduction to the nomination process for PC(USA) committees, boards and agencies

3:42 – An introduction to financial implications
Members of the finance team have over 99 years of combined experience
If all items on the docket pass the financial implication will add about 40 cents to per capita

3:55 – An introduction to plenary procedures. Much the same as previous years but commissioners can now be ID’d by QR codes on their badges
An introduction to the voting devices – Batteries will outlast the longest debate (can we test that?) and the first “set your phasers to stun” reference by Landon Whitsitt
And we take a test vote. First vote is to test key pad. All supposed to just vote “Yes” – one Mission Advisory Delegate votes “No”

4:13 – Moving on to practice using the key pads by collecting demographic info through the GACOR
(Note: there seems to be a long delay getting results with this voting system – may have implications for tonight)

4:32 – Now talking about wireless networks and PC-Biz. And yes, it took that long to survey Advisory Delegates and Commissioners on seven questions each question asked twice
Business also through handouts

Introduction of Chaplains who will be serving through the Assembly

4:42 – First business item 00-03: Ratify the committee structure for the Assembly. Using the keypads to get more practice –
First try – “No” was not an option

Setting the proposed docket – passes on hand vote
Item 01-02 – Reports on status of referrals – consent item of all referrals
Two items requested to be removed from consent motion

Item 01-03 – Referral of items to Commissioner Committees
Approved on hand vote

Committee on Review of Biennial Assemblies will propose eliminating nominating speeches for future Moderator elections. This years candidates are suggesting that it be implemented this evening as a demonstration.

Introduction video to GA Six Agencies

5:08 – Video concludes
First few prayer requests

TSAD recognized to give closing prayer
Assembly adjourned until 7PM for dinner.
This live blogging concludes to return for the evening session