[UPDATE] 220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Continuing Conversation Over Election of the Vice-Moderator

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[To cover the related events of today I thought it most appropriate to update this previous post and to place the new information here at the beginning. For the original article please jump down to the break.]

No dramatic build-up tonight — I will just jump straight to the unexpected news of the day:

Tara Spuhler McCabe, with all the controversy swirling around her, has resigned as the Vice-Moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

At the beginning of the first post-committee plenary session the Moderator called upon Ms McCabe to make a statement. Thanks to Bruce Reyes-Chow for posting her complete statement. At the end of that statement she announced her resignation which was greeted by a chorus of “No” from many of the commissioners.

In her statement she says:

I am a pastor. That is who God has called me to be. As I reflect on
what’s happening now, I think I am embodying the reality of a growing
number of pastors who find ourselves caught. We are caught between being
pastors – being with couples in those sacred moments when they make
their vows to one another . . . and having a polity that restricts us
from living out our pastoral calling – especially in states where it is
legal for everyone to be married.

She continues

The tension over all of this is real, and clearly the energy and passion
about this issue runs deep – and isn’t going away. I am surprised and
saddened by the pervasive poisonous activity that has increased toward
the overall tenor of our General Assembly and toward the Office of the
Moderator. Individuals and groups with no personal relationship with me
and have made no attempt to have one-on-one conversations with me or the
Moderator are blogging and tweeting unhelpful and, frankly, divisive
comments.

In conclusion she said

So, bottom line: I care too much about this church and about this
assembly to let this situation continue. We have important work to do
here, and so let us get to what it is God called us here to do.

In response Moderator Presa said

It was with deep sadness that the stated clerk and I received this news. But as I listened to her, I was struck by her pastoral heart and her deep love for this church and General Assembly. It is clear that there are parties within the church
who would not let her split confirmation vote rest, who questioned her integrity and even the authenticity and veracity of our eleven-and-a-half year friendship. I absorbed those attacks and still stand by her while this pernicious poison reared its ugly head. And I have an even more steely determination to seek unity in the bonds of peace. I will deeply miss what could have been but am even more determined to seek the peace and unity of our Presbyterian family.

Then Moderator Presa announced that his selection for the new Vice-Moderator would be Teaching Elder Tom Trinidad from Colorado Springs.

Mr. Trinidad was elected in the evening session of the Assembly. But in the middle of his election process a commissioner made a motion to adjust the docket to add 20 minutes to talk about what had been going on that caused Ms McCabe to step down. (Technically, that is not what the commissioner moved but the ever-helpful Stated Clerk recast the motion into an appropriate form.)
When it came to a vote the proposed 20 minute discussion was defeated by a vote of 322 to 323.
Tom Trinidad was elected the Vice-Moderator with the support of 80% of the commissioners with 12% voting no and 8% abstaining.

To use Ms McCabe’s phrase – Clearly this has touched a nerve.

There is a pretty straight-forward story form the Presbyterian News Service. The story from the Presbyterian Outlook has a bit more context. And More Light Presbyterians has also issued a statement including a quote from their Executive Director Michael Adee:

We grieve that these personal attacks did not stop with that first
article. Rather, they escalated in person and online. It is a sad day
for the Presbyterian Church (USA) when some within it resort to nothing
less than ad hominem attacks and cyber-bullying. This is a sad day for
Christianity. This is a sad day for civility.

There has been a flood of supportive statements for Tara on Twitter and on Facebook.

I am expecting at least two things – First that there will be more reaction in the social media to these developments (Bruce has promised us something more and the StayPCUSA blog which published the open letter that was cited in the resignation comments has not published an update.) Second, I would not be surprised to see this raised in various references, direct and indirect, from the floor of the Assembly much like it was this afternoon.

But this also raises questions about how to best have a discussion about items legitimately related to a call while not letting them degrade into personal attacks or talking past each other in the public sphere.

We will see what develops and I will update here.

[Original post]

After the election of Tara Spuhler McCabe as Vice-Moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Sunday afternoon I though that it would go down as a footnote for this Assembly and it would be remembered as a sore point. However when I got back to the Assembly today I found out that was not the case and it has become a bit of a lightning rod.

First the recap: As you may remember TE McCabe officiated at a same-gender marriage back in April. If you want more on that check out my summary from last week. In my writing yesterday about the Moderator election I added an update on this item.

Let me first add some detail to the election of the Vice-Moderator. When the item came up there was first a commissioner who asked if they could vote “No” on the nominee. The answer was that they could vote no and that if disapproved Moderator Presa would have to propose a new nominee.  Another commissioner then asked whether the Assembly could discuss the nominee. The answer was no, the Standing Rules do not provide for debate on this nomination but it could happen by suspending the Standing Rules. The commissioner then moved to suspend the rules and that motion, requiring a 2/3 supermajority, failed with 55% voting yes. That it even garnered that much support is an interesting sign. The Assembly then proceeded to a vote and TE McCabe was approved 60% yes, 37% no and 3% abstain.  She was then installed as Vice-Moderator.

Well, there were a few questioning comments on Twitter at the time but when I got to the convention center today and started talking with people I found that in some circles it was a non-event while in other circles it was still a very hot topic. A check on the web indicated the same thing.

So, if you want the news reports you can check out the official news story or the Presbyterian Outlook story.

One reaction was from a new group of evangelicals in the PC(USA) that have formed a group called StayPCUSA. They have issued an open letter requesting dialogue on this issue. One of the interesting lines in the letter is near the end where they say “See, most of us are pastors, and we would feel ill-at-ease accepting a call where 40% of the congregation voted “no”.” There is another commentary on the StayPCUSA blog from Jodi Craiglow, writing after the Moderator election but before the Vice-Moderator election. [UPDATE: There is a Twitter conversation suggesting that that the StayPCUSA folks have now sought out Tara in another communication channel, privately, and that they have apologized for jumping straight to the open letter.]

There are additional comments and commentary from

There are a bunch more that mentioned this, with or without commentary, as part of their recap of the day.

As the Assembly committees got to work today a number of hot-button topics were discussed probably leaving this as just the opening controversy of this Assembly.

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Wednesday Evening

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  		Live blogging the Wednesday evening 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 was approved by the Assembly this afternoon.

This evening’s agenda is simple — besides the usual boilerplate of Bills and Overtures and ecumenical greetings there is the election of a new Vice-Moderator and the Report of the Committee on Theological Issues, Institutions, and Christian Education (Committee 17).

The house band is providing music for singing before the gavel

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM and opened with scripture, prayer circles and a concluding prayer from a TSAD.

The opportunity for a speak-out was put to the commissioners and while they were divided they did affirm by cards and then voice vote that they did not want a speak-out tonight.

We move on to ecumenical greetings from Latin America, a representative from Honduras as the spokesman.

The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly makes a statement regarding the Vice-Moderator’s resignation. Will review the situation and the standing rules. Invite all to be in prayer during the Assembly.

The Moderator introduces the Vice-Moderator nominee TE Tom Trinidad.

Mr. Trinidad makes comments about the situation back at his home with the fires around Colorado Springs and the present “exigencies” in the church.

There is a motion from the floor to suspend the rules to have a discussion about the circumstances that led to the resignation of the Vice-Moderator. The Stated Clerk points out that it is actually a motion to adjust the docket.

Question to the Moderator about his and Mr. Trinidad’s views. Moderator points out it is not what we are talking about but does confirm they have different views on currently key points.

The debate then turns to whether to adjust the docket.
Moderator calls for the sense of the house and gets a sea of orange
The question is called
Shall the Assembly adjust the docket for 20 minutes? 322 yes, 323 no! 17 abstain (votes)

Return to the Vice-Moderator question

Commissioner at microphone “I just ask that we don’t use the doggone cards!”

Return to the Vice-Moderator question (again)
Advisory delegates – more abstain than vote “No”
Commissioners – Vice-Moderator Trinidad elected 80% yes, 12% no, 8% abstain

The new Vice-Moderator is installed

Long-term missionaries are recognized by Hunter Farrell. Michael Kruse and Linda Valentine introduce Young Adult Volunteers and Mission Partners. There is a service of commissioning.

8:00 PM

Committee on Theological Issues, Institutions and Christian Education – Committee 17
Total of 8 action items – thee (4, 5 and 7) on the consent agenda

Item 17-01 – Parenting initiative
Committee recommends disapproval with comment
Commissioner moves to limit all further statements to 2 minutes – with 85% yes gets the >2/3 it needs.
Item approved on voice vote

Item 17-02 – Amending the “setting of the service” of ordination and installation of teaching elders
Committee brings an alternative recommendation that they believe “meets the intent of the original overture” Mostly cleaning up language
Approved on voice vote

Item 17-08 – Approval of list of seminaries and covenant partner schools
Approve with comment – consider developing language about what exactly it means to be Presbyterian
Approved on voice vote

Item 17-03 – Renewal of Covenant Relationship of Auburn Seminary with the PC(USA)
Previous term was five years, this is for ten years. Uses the new language of “Council”
Approved on voice vote

Item 17-06 – Request to approve Presidents of Theological Seminary
Comments by the new presidents:
Rev. Yamada of McCormick Theological Seminary
Rev. McDonald of San Francisco Theological Seminary
Approved on voice vote

Information items – Reviewed COTE minutes and concurs with celebrating the bicentennials of Union Presbyterian Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary
Heard from the president of Union and the Chair of the Board of Princeton. (Robert Bohl first spoke of the importance of all PC(USA) seminaries.)
Video about the new digitization project at Princeton
Video promoting Union Presbyterian
Concludes the report of the committee

Announcements
Adjourned with prayer about 8:50 PM

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Wednesday Afternoon

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  		Live blogging the Wednesday afternoon 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 commissioners now return from their days in committee to begin working as a plenary. The proposed docket for the rest of the Assembly has been posted by Bills and Overtures.

There are three committee reports on the docket for this afternoon: Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, General Assembly Procedures and Confessions. While the report for Confessions is not posted yet there is intimation that there will be a minority report.

The house band is providing music for singing before the gavel

2:01 PM
The Assembly is called to order, and invited into prayer by a military chaplain. They break into their small groups for prayer. Then return to the whole group.

The Moderator calls on the Vice-Moderator to make a statement. Vice-Moderator McCabe talks about her confirmation and takes a moment to respond. “I am a pastor – that is what God calls me to be.” Talks about being a pastor and the difficulty of being a pastor in places where same-gender marriages are legal. Does not want situation to get in the way and is resigning as Vice-Moderator. Comes from the same pastoral concern that led her to officiate at the controversial ceremony.
“I care too much about this church and this Assembly to let this situation continue.”

[Thanks to Bruce Reyes Chow for posting Tara’s full statement]

Standing ovation

Moderator Presa makes his statement: Critical of the comments, attacks and rumors of polity maneuvers that swirled around the church. Talks about “living in the tension” whenever and where ever we are divided. “Will you join me in prayer.”

Moderator Pres put forward Teaching Elder Tom Trinidad as the new Vice-Moderator nominee. Will hear from him and vote tonight.

1001 Worshiping Communities Video – Coffee shop in Georgia

Ecumenical Partner Bishop McCoid bring greetings from the ELCA
“How do you assess the health of mainline churches today?” By member, money or faith?

Bills and Overtures Report – Approved 16 of 18 Commissioner Resolutions
Revised Docket approved
Minutes of first sessions posted

General Assembly Procedures
Giving an introduction to the Per Capita Budget
If all the committee recomendations are approved it would increase per capita by $0.18 in 2013 and $0.13 in 2014

Committee on Mission Coordination
Committee recommendations would add almost $1 million dollars to 2013 budget and $855K to the 2014 budget.

From the Stated Clerk – One nominee to the ACC has been challenged by a floor nomination. Nominations are still open for some committees.

Moderator describes consensus tool of colored cards – blue for agreement, orange for disagree, black for don’t know
First practice is on the Moderator’s choice of coconut water – sea of orange cards are raised

Report of the Committee on Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations – Committee 9

[Editor’s note – I keep checking for the report on Committee 18 – Confessions and it as yet not posted. This will be tight]

Consent agenda presented – four items presenting delegates to ecumenical bodies and discussions
Approved

Item 09-01 – Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba
Approved on voice vote
Representatives from Cuba and Guatemala

Item 09-03 – Review of the World Council of Churches
Approved on voice vote
Stated Clerk of WCC addresses the Assembly

Item 09-07 – Recommendation Regarding Covenant to Adopt the Lund Principle
Approved on voice vote

Item 09-08 – Commissioners’ Resolution: On a Green Church Ecumenical Network
Approved on voice vote

Information Items
That concludes the report

Asked if they would like a 3 minute break there is a sea of blue cards…

Report of the Committee on General Assembly Procedures – Committee 3
Consent Agenda – Most apply to making Book of Order and Standing Rules consistent with the new Form of Government. Also the site of the 2018 GA and a Commissioners’ Resolution on a Code of Ethics
Consent Agenda passed on voice vote

Item 03-01 Regarding nominations from the floor
Passed on a Voice Vote

Item 03-02 – Allow presbyteries to forward only per capita received
Committee refers to COGA
Substitute motion to make it an option to have a per capita cap tied to presbytery budget
No amendments proposed to main motion or substitute motion
Some debate. ACC offers three arguments against including that it goes against the spirit of nFOG by specifying a number for the cap
Shall the substitute motion become the main motion? 33% yes – 67% no – 1% abstain
Voting on the main motion – 80% yes, 20% no, 1% abstain

Item 03-12 – Joint COGA/GAMC Budget Proposals
Recommendation 1 – No discussion – Approved on voice vote
Recommendation 2 – No discussion – Approved on voice vote
Recommendation 3 – No discussion – Approved on voice vote
Recommendation 4 – No discussion – Approved on voice vote
Recommendation 5 – No discussion – Approved on voice vote

Information items
That concluded the report

Three minute break, well, OK 2.5 minute break

4:03 Committee on Confessions of the Church – Committee 18
No consent agenda

Item 18-02 – Overture urging the church to set aside time to study the Book of Confessions
Overture advocate is also a commissioner and spoke to it.
Approved on voice vote

Item 18-03 – Report of the Special Committee on the Heidelberg Catechism
A member of the Special Committee speaks to their work, use of an existing translation and then the difficulties compiling the scriptural citations
Commissioner discussion – 1. Noted that the text is readable but not gender neutral (answer – faithfulness to the original German but new translation is better than current)
Approved on voice vote

Item 18-01 – Amend the Book of Confessions to include the Confession of Belhar
Committee moderator presents the item which the committee amended to include asking for additional funds to educate the church about the confession
The minority report is presented – Belhar is a wonderful and important document but they voted no. In the last cycle the presbyteries did not pass Belhar so instead of trying again send a pastoral letter urging its study along with all the confessions in the Book of Confessions.
No amendments to the main motion – declared perfected
No amendments to the substitute motion – declared perfected
Debate on the motions
“If there is anything in the Presbyterian church that is more ignored than the Book of Confessions it is pastoral letters.”
It is pretty much a debate about whether we do education before or after the committee works.
In financial terms – $50K is about $0.025 of per capita funds (but would that be over two years so $0.0125 per year?)
Commissioners asking questions and asking for experts’ input
The question is called and approved
Will the substitute motion become the main motion? Advisory delegates strongly no except ecumenical advisory delegates 75% yes
Commissioners – 38% yes – 61% no – 1% abstain
Main motion debate
Final vote – 59% yes, 40% no, 1% abstain

That concludes the report

Committee 17 – Theological Issues
Item 17-A – Award for Excellence in Theological Education
Recognition of the Rev. Dr. John B. Trotti for his lifetime achievement

Announcements
Closing Prayer
Assembly recessed until the evening session

A Different Sort Of July 4th

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It is part of our American cultural heritage to know what happened on July 4th, 1776 in Philadelphia. But we should also remember what happened on another July 4th, 87 years later nearby.

The short
answer is – not much…

It is more a matter of what had just happened.

From July 1st to July 3rd, 1863, the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War was fought at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On July 4th both sides held their defensive positions and waited in the rain to see if the other side would mount an attack. Neither did. That evening Confederate commander Gen. Robert E. Lee would begin his retreat back to Virginia.

This three day battle was strategically very important for both sides – it was the “high-water mark” of the Confederacy and a turning point in the war that was celebrated by the Union.

But it was at great cost. The casualties from the previous three days of fighting were staggering. The Union probably had over 3,000 killed, about 14,500 wounded and over 5,000 missing or captured. The Confederate losses were similar with almost 5,000 killed, about 12,700 wounded and almost 6,000 missing or captured. This represents a loss of about one-quarter of the Union troops and close to one-third of the Confederate army. It is said that the wagon train carrying the wounded back to the south was 27 miles long.

Is it any wonder that when President Lincoln dedicated the cemetery four and a half months later he made no specific mention in his Gettysburg Address of Union victory at that place but only the broader objectives of the Civil War.

And from the other side we have one of my favorite quotes, although it may be apocryphal. Six months earlier at another battle Robert E. Lee is remembered as saying

It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.

So, as we appropriately celebrate this Independence Day, which is good and right, let us also remember the broad sweep of all that has gone into our American history. There are two July 4th’s, separated by “four score and seven years” that carry different reflections of our independence.

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — At The Mid-Point

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This morning marks the mid-point of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) both chronologically and structurally. It is the point where commissioners must “recalibrate.” They have been working on their committees and their focused issues for the last couple of days and now will take this morning to be briefed on what the other committees have done in preparation for the resumption of plenary this afternoon.

As usual, the committees had a variety of completion times over the last couple of days with a couple finishing on Monday and Committee 13 on Marriage and Civil Unions getting their work finished just before the shuttle buses stopped running last night.

I have decided not to make many detailed comments about the committee work right now. I need time to digest what I saw and heard regarding what the committees did. I spent most of yesterday with Committee 5 on Mid Councils Review as they worked through the Mid Councils Commission recommendations. I think the opening line of the Outlook article captures it best, “One by one, a General Assembly committee shot down key proposals from
the General Assembly Commission on Mid Councils – including one to allow
provisional non-geographic presbyteries during a “designated season of
experimentation” for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).”

This was a painful thing for me to watch as the committee approved only two of the eight recommendations the Commission brought, and those for review task forces. All the structural recommendations were defeated. I admit to having my own issues with some of their recommendations, but from my seat there really seemed to be a sense for many that “we have never done it that way before.” Or as Commission member John Vest put it in a tweet “I hope no one is surprised that ACC & COGA have raised concerns
about the MCC report. Our system is set up to protect itself.”

The other reason that it was painful is that I have real empathy for them. I have been in their place with a report from a Special Committee that I was on being debated by GA. When our Special Committee completed the report and got ready to adjourn for the final time we were reminded by the OGA folks “this report now belongs to the General Assembly.” We had done the work but we no longer owned the report and now it was up to someone else to do something with it. I will write a more formal thank you letter latter, but for now, I want to thank the members of the Commission on Middle Governing Bodies Mid Councils for their work.

But it was not just this committee. From Twitter messages and conversations I had throughout the day there were stories about issues with other committees as well, many that reflected John’s comment above that “Our system is set up to protect itself.”

The last committee to finish, just as they were trying to turn out the lights in the convention center, was the Committee on Marriage and Civil Unions. No surprise that this committee was in the biggest room and worked the longest. It was also the closest watched and all day yesterday there were tweets about what the committee was doing, sometimes suggesting that it was a parliamentary quagmire or accomplishing a whole lot of nothing. I don’t know what it was like at that time but I attended the meeting after dinner yesterday and I found that during the time I was there it was being run in a slow but deliberate manner by the moderator. Considering the sensitivity and importance of the topic it appeared that the moderator was being sure everything was respectful and clear and that everyone was heard. Yes, it was slow going but the real indicator was that when the business finished the members of the committee rose and gave the moderator a standing ovation. She must have done something right.

Now what is going to plenary? Here are a few major items that were recommended by the committees. I am waiting to hear if any of these will have minority reports as well.

Marriage – The request for an AI was not recommended but the overture asking that the Directory for Worship be changed to read that marriage is between “two people” is recommended

Mid Councils – Recommendations to form a task force to reduce the number of synods, no provisional experimental/non-geographic presbyteries, a task force to review GAMC and OGA and a Racial Ethnic Ministries Task Force (Outlook article)

Middle East – MRTI’s divestment recommendations recommended (Outlook article)

Special Offerings – Recommendation that most are preserved in their current form with the Communion Offering to be restructured (Outlook article)

Church Orders – Most asked-for changes to the Book of Order were not recommended, but on a split decision (28-20) they are recommending adding to G-2.0104a (previously G-6.0106a) the phrase “This includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace.” (Outlook article)

Confessions – The revised version of the Heidelberg Catechism was recommended as well as a recommendation for a redo of the process to add the Belhar Confession (Outlook article)

Plenary sessions resume at 2 PM this afternoon. Bills and Overtures has posted a proposed docket for the rest of the Assembly. Live streaming will resume and Bills and Overtures has done a pretty good job of spreading out the reports generally giving us one high-profile issue per session:

  • Confessions – Wednesday afternoon
  • Mid Council Issues – about 10 AM Thursday morning
  • Middle East – about 3 PM Thursday afternoon
  • Mission Coordination (Special Offerings) – Thursday evening
  • Election of Standing Committee Members – Friday Morning
  • Review of Biennial Assemblies – Friday Morning
  • Immigration Issues – about 10 AM Friday morning (this is the hot-button item of the session)
  • Civil Union and Marriage – about 1:50 on Friday afternoon
  • Church Orders – about 3:30 on Friday afternoon
  • Peacemaking and International Issues – Friday evening

So there is the line-up. I plan to be present and live blogging all these sessions. See you there.

Finally, to all my U.S. readers – a happy Independence Day. I don’t know if I will actually get my traditional July 4th reflection done on time, but I will try.

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Special Offerings Open Hearing

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I have typically not done live blogging of committee sessions but this issue is a pretty lively one at this GA and one that I have to admit was not on my radar. So, with 40 speakers signed up to speak I thought I will watch and blog and hope to have a better understanding of the issues involved. As with all my live blogging you will want to refresh your browser every now and again to get the latest updates. Please excuse the typos as my fingers fly.

And it is a paradox that there is an open hearing on Special Offerings the same night Special Offerings is sponsoring a fundraiser at the Pirates baseball game…

If you want to follow along with the business items this is Committee 10 – Mission Coordination and the business items on the floor for comment at 10-01 (Not special offerings), 10-02, 10-05, 10-06, 10-14, 10-19. Each speaker has two minutes.

Most of the top people for GAMC are here.

And the committee reconvenes with prayer.

Beginning with item 10-02 requesting a new special offering for Native American Ministries
Speaker 1: It is important to keep this ministry going. The Native American Consulting Committee is different than the Office of Native American Ministry. The consulting committee helps get youth involved in the PC(USA).
Next speaker on this topic not present

Moving on to item 10-14 the recommendation from the GAMC on Special Offerings
Speaker 1: Likes the recommendations regarding technology. Has some concerns about the OGHS no longer directed from the congregations but directed by GAMC. Also, no recommendation about increasing the number of churches that give to all four offerings.

Speaker 2: (Presbytery Stated Clerk) Supports the report because it addresses all four offerings. The proposed change provides the opportunity to focus resources more strategically. Has heard that GAMC can not be trusted with the money so if that is your concern request a full accounting to the whole church.

Speaker 3: (Ruling elder) Passionate about this report. The technology and social media recommendations are good. So why can’t we just use the new technology with the program as it is today? Also, without knowing how the funds are going to be distributed how do Mid Councils plan? Give this some real thought about approving something that is not completely spelled out.

Speaker 4: (Presbytery Stated Clerk) OGHS has done tremendous work. Respect the time and efforts of the Task Force, but the recommendations in the report are flawed. They call out for amendments that will retain percentage allocations. “If it ain’t broke that don’t fix it.” There are many things in the denomination that can stand for fixing but this is not one of them.

Speaker 5: (Presbytery Executive) He has done research on funding mission and Presbyterians are consistently behind the curve. 1) Need to update technology 2) World Communion Sunday offering should be a witness to the world community 3) Continuing to do what we are doing now will lead to continued decline in giving 4) Mission funding needs more funding and this is a way to increase it.

Speaker 6: (HR Teaching Elder) “I hate mendacity.” The king has no clothes. There are issues before you that maybe you don’t want to see. This proposal impacts African American ministries. We don’t need to have change for the sake of change. Can lead to a split. Vehemently opposed

Speaker 7: (Teaching Elder) Understand the need to have particular attention to racial ethnic minorities. There are times to do things differently and creatively and this is one of those time. Let GAMC coordinate the work and not be a pass-through.

Speaker 8: (Ruling elder and clerk of session) Need to start thinking abundantly. But mission interpretation is very difficult and if you remove the names it will become even murkier. This proposal could also distract us form some less-glamorous and smaller ministries.

Speaker 9: (Presbytery executive) Mixed feelings about the report. These offerings are the primary for many to connect with the national church. In particular the OGHS proposals could undermine the offering by diffusing the giving. One more effort by GAMC to go directly to congregational members to get the money for their budget. Weakens the role of Presbyteries by GA going directly to congregations. Goes around congregations by GAMC going directly to donors. No place on web site for donors to identify their church.

Speaker 10: (Presbytery executive) Disapprove recommendation 10-14b and keep current language of OGHS. New things and improving good things are not a problem. But the recommendation will in all likelihood will result in decreased dollars.

Speaker 11: (Presbytery executive) The world is unraveling around us. In this new space how do we function as leaders? Do we take the time to let the Spirit work in this new world.

Speaker 12: (Ruling elder) Won’t repeat what others have said. But keep in mind the spirit of OGHS that has passed over six decades. Its history and trust call on us to retain the recipients and distribution system. If asked by home church members how OGHS will be dispersed will have to answer “I don’t know.”

Speaker 13: (?) Need to closely look at the OGHS system and be careful in making changes that would impact distribution both for interpretation and preserving smaller ministries.

Speaker 14: (Teaching elder) Urge you to adopt overture 10-05 as written. SOATF says people give to causes and not programs. To leave it up to Louisville will harm the program. Keep the names and the percentages in so people know where it is going. Try out the new fundraising ideas but keep stability in OGHS.

Speaker 15: (Teaching elder) Urge you to approve recommendation 1 but not recommendations 2-6. Task Force chair says we need accountability but there is already accountability. Concerned there is no transparency as to why changes are being made. Hope we can find a way to give to the cause and build on the efforts of the Task Force.

[Calling names and a couple well known ones not here – Marj Carpenter and Ron Stone]

Speaker 16: (Teaching elder) Please hold on to the special offerings as they are existing now. If there are ways we can find to encourage more or better giving we would all like that. The special offerings did not result from staff decisions in HQ but arose from the cries of needs form the people and overtures from the presbyteries. Also, these offerings are guided by people like us in this room – who work on advisory committees who do site visits.

Item 10-06
Speaker 1: (HR Teaching elder) This item is the first time in 54 years of ministry that members of her church asked her to check this out at GA. There is concern among those in her church because their involvement may not be associated with their giving.

Speaker 2: (Ruling elder) No program is perfect but if you travel in ecumenical circles OGHS and the Peacemaking Offering are very well respected. Now, if we want to support both OGHS and Peacemaking are we going to give twice as much for the OGHS and then turn around for the Communion offering. It seems like smoke and mirrors that we will make these changes and suddenly have more money

Speaker 3: (Teaching elder) Support 10-6 – the Peacemaking Offering is very important and now is not the time to be making changes. This will gut the program. Peacemaking is a program that attracts many young adults to our church.

Speaker 4: (Presbyterian Peace Fellowship) I do not envy this committee. You have a hard decision. Yes we need to have changes – new ways to raise money. But we should not tamper with these offerings that are working and people want to give to programs that they know. There can be a both/and – people will give to other causes as well. Don’t change loved and respected programs.

That concludes the open hearings. Ten minute break.
Nobody signed up to speak to 10-01 and no one directly referenced 10-19. Most of the last group addressed both 10-05 and 10-06.

Moving to unfinished business from earlier in the day – item 10-16
Approved with comment.

No longer exciting live blogging so I will sign off now

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Election of the Moderator

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I begin with a word of thanks to the four candidates for Moderator of the General Assembly – Robert Austell, Randy Branson, Susan Krummel and Neal Presa. Last night’s election session was thoughtful, entertaining, enlightening and thought provoking. In the end only one Moderator can be selected but this field of candidates has given us lots to think about for the time ahead.

  With that said I also offer congratulations and prayers for TE Neal Presa who was elected Moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on the fourth ballot, although he led the other candidates by a significant margin throughout the voting.

And in case it was ever in doubt, it should be noted that the YAADs once again successfully predicted the outcome on their first ballot giving Mr. Presa over 50% of the vote.

Now, if you want a recap of the session you should check out my live blog/stream of consciousness/data dump from last night.  My intent today is to go back and highlight and discuss a few points from last night.

First, you have to give the commissioners credit and the elephant in the room was asked right away – What about the tension in our polity between the prohibition on same-gender marriages and the need to be pastoral in jurisdictions where same-gender marriage is recognized by the civil authorities. (My wording of the question.) Randy Branson talked about trusting each other and building trust among colleagues in ministry. Neal Presa talked about it not being an “issue” but being about persons. It also gave him an opening to proactively discuss the fact that his Vice-Moderator selection had preformed a same-sex marriage (see my previous post for more on that) and how we have to listen to each other and disagree in unity. Susan Krummel shifted the focus and asked if this was about answering that question or how we go about making decisions. And Robert Austell talked about how it was not just people but about friends and parishioners. He went on to talk about how even though he supports marriage as between one man and one woman, the recent constitutional amendment in his home state of North Carolina went too far in banning civil unions and how as a pastor he had to oppose it.

A lot of good questions including “What is the Gospel?”, fostering relationships at GA and what about all our small churches.  The question about dealing with conflict got most of the candidates a nickname in the group around me, and from looking at Twitter similar monikers elsewhere in the hall as well. Randy talked about golf so he was the golf guy. Neal talked about herding cats – literally – so he was the cat guy. And Susan talked about the spice cabinet in the church kitchen (the place that is a hot-bed of church controversy if there ever was one) so she was… yes, wait for it… Spice girl. (Tweets indicate that elsewhere in the hall it was being called spicegate ) Sorry Robert, nothing stuck for you.

And in case you missed it, golf was a recurring theme for Randy Branson (maybe to his detriment because it was not an answer and metaphor that was appealing to several demographics around me and on Twitter). But I will give him credit for a great turn-around on us as he was talking about fostering a relationship with another pastor with different views and in the end where we were expecting him to say that it was all due to golf he pulled the surprise and said basketball instead. Well played!

Another interesting question asked each candidate to define “missional” and to give an example of how they had done something missional. (Or as a great tweet from the Presbyterian Outlook put it “TEC asks what is missional? show your work.”)  Great examples ranging from Susan Krummel’s presbytery’s challenge grants of $100 per church to Robert Austell’s church fostering a relationship by helping at a local school so when they needed a space for a Christmas program not only were they able to use the school but their involvement in that community drew in attendees and participants who might never go near the church building.

One of the interesting points, and a current topic, is about churches leaving the PC(USA). While this was not a specific question the speakers mentioned it in various other responses throughout the evening. None of the candidates expressed sentiments about aggressively keeping congregations or the property in the denomination. For the most part they emphasized the need for relationship and discussion even long before a church may talk about leaving – but if the church ultimately wanted to leave they should be graciously dismissed. But Susan Krummal may have made the most interesting comment when she talked about the PC(USA) being a church with particular beliefs and understandings at a particular place and time and if a church no longer feels they fit it is best for both to part ways.

Only one question was a bit off-topic. A commissioner talked about how a pro-Israel group was offering free orientation trips to Israel to commissioners related to the divestment business that is coming to this GA. While it gave the candidates a chance to talk about transparency, integrity and avoiding politics, they also said that related to policy violations as an enforcement matter it would be best referred to the office of the Stated Clerk.

A total of eight questions were asked  which were enough to give a good feel for the candidates. I do feel sorry for the two or three commissioners and delegates standing at each microphone when time was called.

The results of the YAAD vote and the first vote made it clear that at some point Neal Presa would probably be elected Moderator. He was preferred by every group except the Ecumenical Advisory Delegates who generally preferred Randy Branson all evening. The YAADs and the Mission Advisory Delegates overwhelming preferred Mr. Presa right from the start.

Even among commissioners Mr. Presa always held a double-digit lead that grew by about 4-5% with each round of voting.  (If you had known that in advance you could have extrapolated out and known it would take four ballots.)  Here is how the voting went (And yes, the reported percentages on the first vote don’t add up to 100% – I don’t know if it is a calculation error, rounding error or reporting error):

  Vote 1  Vote 2 Vote 3  Vote 4
 Robert Austell  26%  27%  25%  22%
 Randy Branson  9%  4%  2%  2%
 Susan Krummel  25%  27%  26%  24%
 Neal Presa  38%  42%  47%  52%

Interesting voting pattern. Frequently there are two candidates who have a lead on the first ballot and then there is a migration from the other candidates to those two leaders. In this case the single strong candidate first drew away supporters from the trailing candidate (with small changes in the numbers for the two middle candidates) and then the two middle candidates lost incremental support on the last vote, but it was enough to put TE Presa into the majority.

Does this indicate anything for the voting patterns in the rest of the Assembly? I don’t think so. Seldom do I see strong indicators for the rest of the Assembly in the Moderator vote and with these candidates only distinguishing between themselves in minor to moderate ways the potential for drawing theological conclusions is limited.

So we wish Neal Presa well and offer our prayers for his two-year term as Moderator. Best wishes.

UPDATE: While proofing this I had the Sunday afternoon live stream on and the election of the Vice-Moderator. This is usually a formality but concerns were raised about her officiating at the same-gender marriage. There was a motion to suspend the rules to allow for discussion of this candidate but needing a super-majority of 2/3 is failed only getting 55% yes votes. On the election itself 60% supported Ms McCabe, 37% voted no and 3% abstained. If you are looking for an indicator of theological leanings you might find one in those numbers.

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Saturday Evening: Election of the Moderator

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  		Live blogging the Saturday evening session whose primary business is the election of the Moderator. As with all my live blogging you will want to refresh your browser every now and again to get the latest updates. Please excuse the typos as my fingers fly

We were welcomed by the house band from Hudson River Presbytery with a collection of acoustic instruments and with a nice selection of pieces – jazzy, folk, world and several selections from the new hymnal.

After opening in prayer and an appearance by the Sweaty Sheep bicycle team a video of the New Hope Church NCD in SoCal was shown.

Each plenary session will begin with a video about one of the 1001 new worshiping communities and a question.

Introduction of Ecumenical guests – African delegates

Gifts from COLA to the Moderator and Vice-Moderator of the 219th General Assembly

7:20 – First Nomination – Robert Austell
Second Nomination – Susan Davis Krummel
Third Nomination – Randy Branson
Fourth Nomination – Neal Presa

No speeches with the nominations but a couple of pretty elaborate nominations

Candidate Speeches:

Randy Branson – What excites you about your presbytery? In Palo Duro we now sit around facing each other, talking to each other and not the back of people’s heads.
Our fighting has weakened our witness to the world.
Need to change relationships – need stop fighting so we are not adversarial, need to create hope
Need to change dynamic of GA – Communicate to congregations that they are number one and need to consider congregations as we make decisions this week

Neal Presa – “The Lord Be With You” “And Also With You” Many anxious about what will happen next. How can we call on the Lord but use our faith as a weapon of mass destruction
We are fearful about what change means. We fight yesterday’s battles when today presents new opportunities
God holds us together with Grace. As a GA need to trust in grace to bring us through

Sue Krummel – “What were we thinking”  Look at what we have ahead of us and why would we want to be commissioners to the GA with all the topics coming up.
Important topics and churches watching what we do. Some will be trying to decide whether to leave the PC(USA).
We have hard work ahead of us – Jesus said you had to count the cost of discipleship
Let us soar into the future on the wings of hope

[Editorial note: Speeches are well practiced and the candidates are hitting the 5 minute limit very close]

Robert Austell – Work is at the local church. Being with the church’s neighbors in Christian love.
Brought this to his Presbytery Council and they recognize that Presbytery’s role is to support churches.
Charlotte Presbytery is divided – Many issues and close votes. But they were unanimous in endorsing me
I stand as a pastor whose calling is to this church. I am a good news pastor and I love this church.
God is at work – what is God doing in and around us? [Hit the 5 minute mark to the second]

The Stated Clerk gives the process for the Q and A session. Start your watches – 60 minutes

Question 1: Hearing a lot about the struggle of the last 2 years and not wanting to do hear about taking it easy the next two years. What advice do you offer those of us who are in a place legally and pastorally where we might do same-gender marriages

Branson: That is the question isn’t it – the elephant in the room. As an aside it has been a pleasure to get to know the other three candidates.
It is an issue of trust – if I do this my ordination is as stake.
Can we find a third way – One side not push the issue and the other side not press charges.
In some places would same-gender marriage grow the church? Where is the loss if it helps God’s body?

Presa: LGBT persons are not an “issue,” they are persons.
As you know my Vice-Mod candidate has preformed a same-gender marriage in DC. This question is not a hypothetical but a real question. We disagree on this issue and it is an opportunity to discuss it.

Krummel: Is this about answering the question or about how the GA makes decisions. Even on hard topics we are called together to listen and pray together and then discern together.

Austell: This is what is at the center of what weights on our hearts as a church. This is not just an issue, not just with people, but with friends and members of my church. As a pastor while I believe marriage is designed for a man and a woman, the pastoral response is to talk with them and cry with them. The NC amendment not only fixed the definition but took away other unions and blessings and that did not show love for my neighbor. Want to bring to the church answering these questions with both truth and justice.

Question 2: What is the Gospel? [Yup that is it]

Presa: God’s good news that he loves us and we have to take that those that have not heard it
Krummel: It is not about you – it is what God has done for us
Austell: [Sorry – missed this typing]
Branson: The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God has come near. And the good news is that God loves you unconditionally

Question 3: Concerned that commissioners may have taken a trip to Israel to promote the Israeli side in the current discussion

Krummel: Always surprised that Presbyterians are surprised when someone does something that is wrong. Need to address that through what is already in place but still need to seek God’s will
Austell: Not sure Moderator Candidates are the best route to address that concern but through the Stated Clerk
Branson: How long has this issue been around? Need to be peacemakers – create occasions for dialogue where people can share. We have a responsibility to be peacemakers in the world
Presa: Need to find ways to be engaged in these discussions without letting politics get in the way

Question 4: What will be your personal initiative to bring people to Jesus Christ?

Austell: [A moment of thought to formulate the answer] Have a big heart that goes out to those who feel they need to leave the Presbyterian Church. Wrote the commissioners resolution that challenged presbyteries to do what it took to stay out of litigation when a church wants to leave. Also travel to churches to tell them why his church feels called to stay
Branson: Big part of ministry – creating relationships based in Christ. Being colleagues in ministry with other pastors. One case of caring about a pastor completely changed the relationship between the church and the presbytery.
Presa: Together we stand, divided we freak out…  This past Tuesday Elizabeth Presbytery dismissed its first churches to ECO. In discussion they all came to understand it was not that the PC(USA) was apostate but the broadness of theological perspective. We need the freedom to give churches the space to discern their calling
Krummel: History in Illinois was a shattering over slavery. Presbyterian history is a history of defining who we are at a particular time and then letting churches decide if they fit. It is very sad but
 we also need to be able to say who we are and we are leaving a light on for them.

Landon assumes the chair

Question 5: Dealing with Conflict

Branson: Each church I have served has been in conflict with I arrived. Worked to get them to deal with each other on a human level. Marriage councilors start with other issues to show how they got into conflict and that at one time they did really like each other. [ Comment from next to me that Branson is big on golf and golf stories]
Presa: How to herd cats… Church has a history of sheltering cats and when zoning had a problem a defense fund was set up. When Neal got hate mail the cat people became his allies.  Bring a pastor’s heart and be a non-anxious
Krummel: Nobody calls the Presbytery office to say they love their pastor. [OK, let’s all go call our presbytery offices and tell them we love our pastor] The conflict in one of her churches was not cats but spices in the church kitchen. Someone decided to throw old spices away. Need to get those that know the most about the situation to address the situation.
Austell: I’m not going to describe a church situation since most of his congregation is watching.  But from Presbytery: Planning for vote on 10-A. Even discussed whether they should have police come. Looking ahead it had all the earmarks of a Presbytery fight. Instead proposed to have him and a friend be presenters and to introduce each other.

Question 6: Ex
plain what you think Missional means and something you have done

Presa: To be present where God is doing things. At his church it is now not about sending money but about seeing eye-to-eye and face-to-face.
Krummel: What he said about the definition. Encouraged churches in presbytery to be missional by giving each church a $100 check to do something unusual. One church planed a community garden that is still going years later and giving food to food pantries. Gives several other nice examples.
Austell: What is God doing in and around us and how can we be part of that. Our church started doing that 7 or 8 years ago. Went to principal of local elementary school asking what the church can do. After years of working with school asked to use it for Advent program and many families from school came.
Branson: Suggested to churches in presbytery to figure out ways to invite people to places Christians hang out. Quotes Marj Carpenter – In some places in the world Christianity is the only hope there is.

Question 7: What are ideas for fostering relationships here at GA?

Krummel: One way we will discern here at GA is to know what each other’s needs are, to pray together, and talk together.
Austell: This is not the best setting to build relationships but we are getting better. But the only way we are going to grow in relationship is to hear each other’s stories. In discussing where we differ in the context of our friendship we learn so much more. It is not just about warm fuzzies
Branson: “The simple answer is golf.” Telling a story about a political relationship that was fostered over basketball. The legislated solution has got to stop. It is relational.
Presa: Social media. Let’s continue the discussion. Beyond our thoughts of right and wrong there is a feel.

Last question:
Question 8: What about small churches?

Austell: Doing music workshops on choirs in small churches at Wee Kirk conferences. Healthy church is not size or budget or appearance. It is the understanding that God has called you together to send you out. This shift does not cost money and does not require a church of a certain size.
Branson: Would want to know context – healthy churches are different in different contexts. Cites the three marks of the true church. Transformation in churches because the members became excited about ministry and started reaching out.
Presa: Moved his church from pastor-centered to more involvement of members [Editorial note: he is using “lay leadership” to refer to ruling elders]
Krummel: Where members are invited to use their gifts for the gospel.

Stated Clerk describes voting procedure and Moderator Bolbach assumes the chair.
8:55

First Vote

YAAD (votes not percentages)
Austell – 22
Branson –  21
Krummel – 28
Presa – 74

Most other advisory delegates prefer Presa but Ecumenical like Branson at 43%

Commissioners
Austell – 26%
Branson – 9%
Krummel – 25%
Presa 38%

Vote 2

YAADS
Austell – 13%
Branson – 9%
Krummel – 18%
Presa – 60%

Commissioners
Austell – 27%
Branson – 4%
Krummel – 27%
Presa – 42%

Vote 3

YAADS
Austell – 12%
Branson – 7%
Krummel – 18%
Presa – 63%

Commissioners
Austell – 25%
Branson – 2%
Krummel – 26%
Presa – 47%

Stretch break before ballot #4

Back from break. Vice-Moderator offers a prayer

Vote 4

YAADS
Austell – 13%
Branson – 8%
Krummel – 19%
Presa – 60%

Commissioners
Austell – 22%
Branson – 2%
Krummel – 24%
Presa – 52%

Neal Presa is the Moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

9:35 Neal Presa and his family have been escorted into the Assembly Hall and we are going through the service of installation including a prayer for his service lead by his two young sons

Neal is declared the Moderator and the Moderator’s cross and stole are passed.

Comments from Moderator Presa and thanks to many including his family.

Gifts from the COLA – Gavel and strike plate

The Moderator of the 219th General Assembly is presented a set of communion ware from the service this afternoon and a replica of the Moderator’s cross.

Moderator Presa calls for announcements

9:47 PM – The meeting is adjourned with prayer
Programming note – I may be spending tomorrow with family and there might not be live blogging of the Sunday Afternoon session which is usually mostly pro forma work and orientation

220th GA of the PC(USA) — Saturday Afternoon

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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

220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

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  		Well, many of the other American Presbyterian branches have had their Assemblies but now it is time for the mainline…

The 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) gets underway at 1:30 pm local time on Saturday June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA. The theme for this Assembly is “Walking, running, soaring in hope” from Isaiah 40:31, although it is difficult to find that theme on the web site and materials. (Expect it to be emblazoned around the conference center.)

The schedule has been rearranged a bit this year with the opening worship service truly opening the Assembly on Saturday afternoon with business to follow and then the election of the Moderator Saturday night.  Committees meet Sunday evening through Tuesday evening so there will be a break in the live streaming until 2 PM Wednesday afternoon. The Assembly will conclude at noon on Saturday July 7. (I was going to make a snarky comment about fireworks on Wednesday evening but thought better of it. )

There are a lot of resources out there for the commissioners, observers, media and those following along at home:

For following along on Twitter the most important thing you need to know is that the hashtag is #ga220. While there are several official Twitter accounts the most useful will be @Presbyterian and @presbyGA. For news coverage keep an eye on @presoutlook and @lscanlon. For all the rest of us crazies GA Junkies there are Twitter lists compiled by Bruce Reyes-Chow and Sonnie Swenston-Forbes. I plan to do some live tweeting at @ga_junkie and will be posting news reweets to @gajunkie. (I will also be blogging obsessively right here.)

As with most PC(USA) GA’s there will be a ton of business – there are several committees that will report, there are over 100 overtures and an as yet undetermined number of commissioner resolutions. Several of the items have the potential for spirited debates in the committees and in plenary and a few could have significant implications for the PC(USA) going forward.  I am previewing some of the business in other posts but here is a quick list of all that you can expect.

Let me conclude with a personal note: Call me crazy but I’m coming to the Assembly with three additional special projects.  First, I am an overture advocate for Item 20-03 to provide partial disability benefits and I plan to write up my experience with this sometime after the Assembly. Second, I will be harassing interviewing people regarding social media and the church. Third, in an effort to identify and tag the true polity wonks, presbygeeks and GA junkies (and in a bit of shameless self-promotion) I will be carrying some GA Junkie bling to hand out.

And yes, I will try my best to have my GA summary sheet out by the end of the day on Saturday July 7.

 

And with that we turn our faces towards Pittsburgh and pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit and what God will do in our midst next week.