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
- Church is hungry for renewal through formation and proclamation
- Congregational vitality. Smaller churches struggling because of size. Larger find no point of connection to the system and find themselves working alone.
- 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.
- 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.