Hi all
As I suspected, yesterday was another VERY long day!!! It began with the election of Gradye Parsons as Stated Clerk. Gradye has worked with Cliff Kirkpatrick for several years now and was the GA Nominating Committee's choice. He is also the father of one of Meg's best friends. He and I had a brief conversation Thursday about Meg's gifts and what a treasure she is to the church.
I think that for the rest of yesterday, I will start with the last report of the day and move to yesterday morning.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Day 6
W-H-E-W---So far Thursday was been the longest day since I have been here!!! That is why my blog is being written on Friday! And, unless I am proved wrong, today's blog will be created on Saturday!!!
One of the things I will take away from this GA is that is probably one of the most "individual thinking" GA's I have attended! While the dialogues, conversations, and debates - both in committee and in plenary - have been respectful and courteous, and while individually each commissioner seems to trust that each committee has done "due dilligence" and has appropriately done the work with which it was charged, almost every motion from a committee has been met with questions and debate. And while, for the most part, the GA has accepted in the long run what the committees have presented, each presentation by a committee has taken a whole lot longer than the time allotted on the docket.
The Assembly accomploshed a lot on Thursday, and by the time there was a vote on a particular issue, it seemed that EVERY commissioner was knowledgeable enough about the issue to be able to vote intelligently.
Probably the most emotionally charged overture with which was dealt on Thursday was one from the the Theolcal Issues and Institutions Committee. One of the overtures assigned to this committee was in regard to the "re-translation" of the Heidelberg Catechism. As I inderstand it, the translation we currently have in our Book of Confessions was completed in the 1960's and the translaters at that time added the words aout homosexualty. While the issues surrounding the confession are complex and multi-layered, after much information and debate, the overture feom the Presbytery of Newark to institute the process of revising the catechism was approved.
One overture which DID NOT produce a lot of discussion was one coming from the Committee on General Assembly Procedures. This committee, a standing committee of the GA, presented and was affirmed without discussion the motion to honor out-going Stated Clerk, Cliff Kirkpatrick with emeritus status. Cliff then introduced his whole family as he held his youngest grand-daughter who was holding on to a bottle. You KNOW that made me miss Chloi and Luci!!!
Two committees at this GA were pretty much experimental. Rather than the traditional 14 committees, this year there were 16. The Youth Committee (on which one of the commissioners from Tampa Bay - Al McKensie from St. Andrews served) and the Worship Committee were charged - not to deal with overtures presented to them, but rather, to create topics they should discuss - and then to discuss those topics using "generative thinking". Generative thinking is a model of decision making which employs small group discussion, worship and prayer rather Robert's Rules. Kathy Lancaster, who was the moderator of the worship committee reported that the experience reported by members of her committee was a "mixed bag". She reminded the assembly, howeever, of the experience of the creator of WD-40. She said that the name of thqt product originated with the fqct thqt it took 40 times to come up with the formula which accomplished what the inventers intended.
Besides the fact that this was the day on which all of the members of the Tampa Bay Presbytery in attendance at the assembly gathered for dinner which was truly a highlight of the day, a major highlight waw that someone I know was given the "Award for Excellence in
Theological Education". Sara Covin Juengst, who during her acceptance speech, said that her call had involved many different positions within the church, is someone I picked up at the airport for an engagement at Cedarkirk. Now, you all know that my grasp of directions is limited. So...in preparation of picking her up, I had done a mapquest inquiry which would take us directly to Cedarkirk. Then...when I picked her up, she said she really needed to get something to eat. So...being the hospitable person I am, I pulled off the interstate to get Sara some lunch.
Those of you who understand the directional challenge with which I operate know how uncomfortable I was. Those of you who don't understand just need to know that I was SCARED!!! When we got back in the car, immediately called Onstar for direction. Sara, who had never seen Onstar in action, said later to the group of people who had gathered to hear her speak, shared our experience of listening to voices from afar who give directions we need to hear."
SO.....I have spent the morning in my room, knowing that I will not likely be back here until at least midnight. I will soon be headed over to the Convention Center for this aftrnoon's business. I probably won't post again until tomorrow, But I wil let you know then what happens today.
AND I will see you Sunday!!!
One of the things I will take away from this GA is that is probably one of the most "individual thinking" GA's I have attended! While the dialogues, conversations, and debates - both in committee and in plenary - have been respectful and courteous, and while individually each commissioner seems to trust that each committee has done "due dilligence" and has appropriately done the work with which it was charged, almost every motion from a committee has been met with questions and debate. And while, for the most part, the GA has accepted in the long run what the committees have presented, each presentation by a committee has taken a whole lot longer than the time allotted on the docket.
The Assembly accomploshed a lot on Thursday, and by the time there was a vote on a particular issue, it seemed that EVERY commissioner was knowledgeable enough about the issue to be able to vote intelligently.
Probably the most emotionally charged overture with which was dealt on Thursday was one from the the Theolcal Issues and Institutions Committee. One of the overtures assigned to this committee was in regard to the "re-translation" of the Heidelberg Catechism. As I inderstand it, the translation we currently have in our Book of Confessions was completed in the 1960's and the translaters at that time added the words aout homosexualty. While the issues surrounding the confession are complex and multi-layered, after much information and debate, the overture feom the Presbytery of Newark to institute the process of revising the catechism was approved.
One overture which DID NOT produce a lot of discussion was one coming from the Committee on General Assembly Procedures. This committee, a standing committee of the GA, presented and was affirmed without discussion the motion to honor out-going Stated Clerk, Cliff Kirkpatrick with emeritus status. Cliff then introduced his whole family as he held his youngest grand-daughter who was holding on to a bottle. You KNOW that made me miss Chloi and Luci!!!
Two committees at this GA were pretty much experimental. Rather than the traditional 14 committees, this year there were 16. The Youth Committee (on which one of the commissioners from Tampa Bay - Al McKensie from St. Andrews served) and the Worship Committee were charged - not to deal with overtures presented to them, but rather, to create topics they should discuss - and then to discuss those topics using "generative thinking". Generative thinking is a model of decision making which employs small group discussion, worship and prayer rather Robert's Rules. Kathy Lancaster, who was the moderator of the worship committee reported that the experience reported by members of her committee was a "mixed bag". She reminded the assembly, howeever, of the experience of the creator of WD-40. She said that the name of thqt product originated with the fqct thqt it took 40 times to come up with the formula which accomplished what the inventers intended.
Besides the fact that this was the day on which all of the members of the Tampa Bay Presbytery in attendance at the assembly gathered for dinner which was truly a highlight of the day, a major highlight waw that someone I know was given the "Award for Excellence in
Theological Education". Sara Covin Juengst, who during her acceptance speech, said that her call had involved many different positions within the church, is someone I picked up at the airport for an engagement at Cedarkirk. Now, you all know that my grasp of directions is limited. So...in preparation of picking her up, I had done a mapquest inquiry which would take us directly to Cedarkirk. Then...when I picked her up, she said she really needed to get something to eat. So...being the hospitable person I am, I pulled off the interstate to get Sara some lunch.
Those of you who understand the directional challenge with which I operate know how uncomfortable I was. Those of you who don't understand just need to know that I was SCARED!!! When we got back in the car, immediately called Onstar for direction. Sara, who had never seen Onstar in action, said later to the group of people who had gathered to hear her speak, shared our experience of listening to voices from afar who give directions we need to hear."
SO.....I have spent the morning in my room, knowing that I will not likely be back here until at least midnight. I will soon be headed over to the Convention Center for this aftrnoon's business. I probably won't post again until tomorrow, But I wil let you know then what happens today.
AND I will see you Sunday!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
day 5
Well, as our Youth Advisory Delegate (YAD) said tonight in her closing prayer, "Hi God - we're one day down...". By the way, that YAD was none other than Christina Fullerton, daughter of Rev. John Fullerton.
The day began with an ecumenical worship service for which the preacher was Elias Chacour, the Archbishop of the Melkite Church. Father Chacour is also the author of one of my favorite books, "Blood Brothers". It is in our church library, if you would like to read it. Introduced by Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick as “one of the great reconcilers and peacemakers of this century,” The Archbishop began his sermon by introducing himself as a Palestinian, then opening his coat and saying, "I have no bomb." He is as wonderful in person as he seemed to me to be in his book. He is a man whose life is a sermon!
I know you are all waiting to hear whether or not I found Dusty's camera. The good news is YES - I know where it is. The bad news is that it is on its way to Louisville. Evidently, the organizer of the breakfast I attended yesterday found it on the table where I had left it. She thought it would be safer if she kept it with her rather than turning it in to the lost and found (?) Anyway, after much CSI work, I was able to find her and the camera. She is driving to Louisville even as we speak and will call me on Sunday when she gets home to get my address so she can mail it to me.
Then...after solving the mystery of the missing camera, I was able to put my attention on the business before the plenary session of the GA. The two issues which consumed most of the time this afternoon and evening were the approval of curriculum for teens which would cover many of the challenges faced by teenagers in this society of ours - including, but not limited to the area of sex education.
The second committee's report which produced many questions and comments from commissioners serving on other committees was The Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee which recommended the adoption of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s first major policy statement on ecumenism since the 1983 reunion of the denomination’s northern and southern streams.
I'm pretty sure that you can tell by my blog post that it is now 12:15 my time. So...since I need to be back at the Convention Center at 8:30 tomorrow, that's all for today.
As I used to say to our girls, "Sweet Dreams". I will talk to you tomorrow.
The day began with an ecumenical worship service for which the preacher was Elias Chacour, the Archbishop of the Melkite Church. Father Chacour is also the author of one of my favorite books, "Blood Brothers". It is in our church library, if you would like to read it. Introduced by Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick as “one of the great reconcilers and peacemakers of this century,” The Archbishop began his sermon by introducing himself as a Palestinian, then opening his coat and saying, "I have no bomb." He is as wonderful in person as he seemed to me to be in his book. He is a man whose life is a sermon!
I know you are all waiting to hear whether or not I found Dusty's camera. The good news is YES - I know where it is. The bad news is that it is on its way to Louisville. Evidently, the organizer of the breakfast I attended yesterday found it on the table where I had left it. She thought it would be safer if she kept it with her rather than turning it in to the lost and found (?) Anyway, after much CSI work, I was able to find her and the camera. She is driving to Louisville even as we speak and will call me on Sunday when she gets home to get my address so she can mail it to me.
Then...after solving the mystery of the missing camera, I was able to put my attention on the business before the plenary session of the GA. The two issues which consumed most of the time this afternoon and evening were the approval of curriculum for teens which would cover many of the challenges faced by teenagers in this society of ours - including, but not limited to the area of sex education.
The second committee's report which produced many questions and comments from commissioners serving on other committees was The Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee which recommended the adoption of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s first major policy statement on ecumenism since the 1983 reunion of the denomination’s northern and southern streams.
I'm pretty sure that you can tell by my blog post that it is now 12:15 my time. So...since I need to be back at the Convention Center at 8:30 tomorrow, that's all for today.
As I used to say to our girls, "Sweet Dreams". I will talk to you tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
day 4
As I told you last night, today was a busy day. It started out with a Gospel Blues Breakfast at the Fairmont Hotel. The breakfast, itself, was only fair to middlin', but the Gospel singer and the pianist were terrific! As I was listening to her, I was thinking what a wonderful way it was to start the day. I deciced I needed to take picture of her (in the event I EVER figure out how to get my pictures on my blog!)
The breakfast ended at 8:20 and I had to be in front of the convention center, about 2 miles away by 8:30 to leave on the Interfaith Exploration Tour. So...I gathered up all my stuff and practically ran over to the convention center. Then when I got on the bus, it dawned on me that I had not picked up the camera (not my camera - Dusty's camera!) I had one of the docents call over to the Fairmont for me to alert them that the camera was there. We left my cell phone number for them to call me when they found it. Even though someone on the tour had offered to email me the pictures they took on the tour, I couldn't really relax all day.
Even so, the tour was great. We first went to a Sikh House of Worship called Sikh Gurdwara. Sikh means student oir learner and Gurdwara means House of God. For his group of people what is most important is that they be hospitable. Even though they had been tole we had already eaten breakfast and that our lunch was planned, they insistd on feeding us. It was explained to us that everyday someone has signed-up to bring food to the temple for their guests.
Our next stop was the Muslim Community Association Mosque and School. The congregation of this Mosque is made up of over 40 different nationalities - a true reflection, we were told, of the make-up San Jose. This group, too, was hospitable and welcoming. It was here that we ate lunch. Then at 1:30 we were invited to go with them as they went for theie noon prayers.
Our last stop was the Buddhist Church Betsuin. Here we were introduced to the style of worshp which includes "smells (incense), bells (gong), and chants (in Japanese)". The minister explained that their worship services seek to invoke all five of the senses.
By 4:15 when we returned to the Convention Center, we were all pretty wornn out. I went back to my room for a bit, then returned to the Fairmont for a play called "The Name of the Rain" which was a moving portrayal of the days many people spent in shelters in Louisianna following following Hurricane Katrina.
I have lots of show and tells for you from my adventures today. AND I checked at the desk both before and after the play and they STILL didn't have my camera! I will check at the GA lost and found at the Convention Center tomorrow. Surely, it will be there - dont'cha think?!
Talk with you tomorrow.
The breakfast ended at 8:20 and I had to be in front of the convention center, about 2 miles away by 8:30 to leave on the Interfaith Exploration Tour. So...I gathered up all my stuff and practically ran over to the convention center. Then when I got on the bus, it dawned on me that I had not picked up the camera (not my camera - Dusty's camera!) I had one of the docents call over to the Fairmont for me to alert them that the camera was there. We left my cell phone number for them to call me when they found it. Even though someone on the tour had offered to email me the pictures they took on the tour, I couldn't really relax all day.
Even so, the tour was great. We first went to a Sikh House of Worship called Sikh Gurdwara. Sikh means student oir learner and Gurdwara means House of God. For his group of people what is most important is that they be hospitable. Even though they had been tole we had already eaten breakfast and that our lunch was planned, they insistd on feeding us. It was explained to us that everyday someone has signed-up to bring food to the temple for their guests.
Our next stop was the Muslim Community Association Mosque and School. The congregation of this Mosque is made up of over 40 different nationalities - a true reflection, we were told, of the make-up San Jose. This group, too, was hospitable and welcoming. It was here that we ate lunch. Then at 1:30 we were invited to go with them as they went for theie noon prayers.
Our last stop was the Buddhist Church Betsuin. Here we were introduced to the style of worshp which includes "smells (incense), bells (gong), and chants (in Japanese)". The minister explained that their worship services seek to invoke all five of the senses.
By 4:15 when we returned to the Convention Center, we were all pretty wornn out. I went back to my room for a bit, then returned to the Fairmont for a play called "The Name of the Rain" which was a moving portrayal of the days many people spent in shelters in Louisianna following following Hurricane Katrina.
I have lots of show and tells for you from my adventures today. AND I checked at the desk both before and after the play and they STILL didn't have my camera! I will check at the GA lost and found at the Convention Center tomorrow. Surely, it will be there - dont'cha think?!
Talk with you tomorrow.
Monday, June 23, 2008
day 3
What a day!!! Every year I forget how exhausting it is to be at GA! Not that I would give up being here, but the days are REALLY long. And I am only observing! The comissioners have to actually WORK all day.
I just rode up onte elevator to my room with the parlimentarian for one of the committees. She said that the committee on which she is serving is now on the second revision of the second alternative motion. She looked even more ehauated than I feel!
Tomorrow I have a breakfast meeting at 7 am, followed by a tour of several houses of worahip, then comittee meetings in the afternoon.
I am taking lots of pictures which I have downloaded to a file in my computer. Now if I could only remember how to add them to my blog, we would be in business. A friend promised to help me make it happen, so be patient. And in the meantime, know that Imiss you. Continue to stay in touch and I will talk with you again tomorrow.
I just rode up onte elevator to my room with the parlimentarian for one of the committees. She said that the committee on which she is serving is now on the second revision of the second alternative motion. She looked even more ehauated than I feel!
Tomorrow I have a breakfast meeting at 7 am, followed by a tour of several houses of worahip, then comittee meetings in the afternoon.
I am taking lots of pictures which I have downloaded to a file in my computer. Now if I could only remember how to add them to my blog, we would be in business. A friend promised to help me make it happen, so be patient. And in the meantime, know that Imiss you. Continue to stay in touch and I will talk with you again tomorrow.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Day 2
Today I realized (or rather remembered) how I came to be a GA groupie.
There are those who come because they want to be "in the know". There are those who come to see old friends. There are those who come to debate the issues. And, then, there are those of us who come because the beginning worship service at a GA is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING thing! To be a part of a congregation which fills a civic center where the voices raised in hymn singing threatens to blow the roof off is an unforgettable experience!
Joan Gray, moderator of the 217th GA preached a moving and compelling sermon based in part on Micah 6, but also in part on Jesus' commandment to love one another. She reminded us that the church is not meant tobe something we are on our own. Rather, the church is meant to be a God powered institution. After referring to the troubled times the church is experiencing, she declared, “God can do it! The question is: Do we want it?” and with that a man from the congregation shouted out, “Yes!” Gray replied, “Thanks be to God, and amen.”
a God-powered institution.”My prayer is that in the week ahead all deliberations, decisions, conversations and discussions will take place with that in mind. Talk with you tomorrow.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
end of day 1
Well...my candidate, Carl Mazza didn't win. However, as happy as I would have been to see Carl win, I am very excited about the person who did win. Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, pastor Mission Bay Presbyterian Church, is engaging, charismatic, and well-spoken. I think he will be wonderful moderator, both this week and th two years ahead.
Tomorrow is an exciting day! On the Sunday before the G.A. begins the business set before them, everyone attending the GA - no matter the capacity- and often many people from the city in which the assembly is held gathers for an AMAZING worship service. The outgoing moderator preaches and worship includes the Lord's Supper. What makes the service so amazing is that there are often 5000 Presbyterians - of all ilk and theology all worshiping together. Somehow, it puts all of our differences in a different light!
Talk with again tomorrow. Hopefully, I will have remembered how to put some pictures on hre for you. But - hey - a light-rail and a blog - that's pretty good for an old girl, don't you think?!
Tomorrow is an exciting day! On the Sunday before the G.A. begins the business set before them, everyone attending the GA - no matter the capacity- and often many people from the city in which the assembly is held gathers for an AMAZING worship service. The outgoing moderator preaches and worship includes the Lord's Supper. What makes the service so amazing is that there are often 5000 Presbyterians - of all ilk and theology all worshiping together. Somehow, it puts all of our differences in a different light!
Talk with again tomorrow. Hopefully, I will have remembered how to put some pictures on hre for you. But - hey - a light-rail and a blog - that's pretty good for an old girl, don't you think?!
DAY 1 OF GA
Hi all,
After a ver-r-ry long day of travel yesterday, I finally arrived at my hotel - the Wyndham at about 5 pm which is 8 pm Dunedin time. While it is not one of the hotels I chose, my room is
great and there is a station for the local tranportation - the "light rail" right across the street. Now you all know how directionally challenged I am! You will be happy to know that I found my way, via the light rail, tothe convention center toregister, then went to a dinner meeting for Covenant Network.
This morning I am working at the booth of afriend, Carl Mazza, who is one of the candidates for moderator. The election is tonight. I will let you know how things go.
After a ver-r-ry long day of travel yesterday, I finally arrived at my hotel - the Wyndham at about 5 pm which is 8 pm Dunedin time. While it is not one of the hotels I chose, my room is
great and there is a station for the local tranportation - the "light rail" right across the street. Now you all know how directionally challenged I am! You will be happy to know that I found my way, via the light rail, tothe convention center toregister, then went to a dinner meeting for Covenant Network.
This morning I am working at the booth of afriend, Carl Mazza, who is one of the candidates for moderator. The election is tonight. I will let you know how things go.
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