Opening Day

Saturday morning, June 30

Psalm 107:1-3
"Oh, thank God - he's so good!   His love never runs out. 
All of you freed by God, tell the world!
Tell how he freed you from oppression,
Then rounded you up from all over the place,
   from the four winds, from the seven seas. 

    This is actually the text today from d365.org. and it seemed so appropriate for the opening day of the General Assembly - as we are 'rounded up' from east and west, north and south.    I am amazed when text and events match without any reason other than....God.  May we hear the word of God this week constantly, his voice speaking through every avenue as we worship, fellowship, and deliberate.  

     Today I went to two of the Riverside Conversations (missed the first because I was grabbing a long over-due meal having finally registered and received my debit card for per diem).  The first was the Mid-Council Report.  Points made include: 1. Councils exist to help congregations become more missional; 2. We need to focus on mission rather than fight denominational battles; and 3. Approval means one less ecclesiastical level.  However, our Synod of the Pacific is one of the few that is still functioning as a Synod should, and it could easily change course.  The new structure allows for considerably more flexibility among presbyteries.  Alot of sound thinking in it, but presbytery executives are against it.  Hmmm.  

     The second conversation was to hear more from the candidates for moderator.  I am truly not sure how to vote yet.  Each candidate had a 10 minute period in which to present him or herself and their vice-moderator candidate.  It did help me somewhat in weeding out one candidate?  

     Lunch was with Roger, Linda, and Pete at a Greek restaurant across from their hotel, about 5 blocks from the Convention Center.  Excellent.  The cook said he was the cook for Jacqui Onasis' yacht.  He did make good hummus! 

     Opening worship included a jazz group, bagpipes, the assembly choir, and a bell choir.  It is always exciting to sing in that big a group....I couldn't hear myself, but Roger assured me that HE could hear me! 
     The thematic text for the week is from Isaiah 40:31:  Run, Walk, Soar into Hope
     "But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.  They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."  
     The actual text for THIS worship service was Mark 2:1-12, the story of the four men who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof to be healed by Jesus.  Moderator Cynthia Bolbach in her sermon emphasized these key points:
     1.  As a church we are not the paralyzed man!  We are in a state of change, but we are actively engaged in what God would have us do and be in this multicultural society.  
     2.  Focus should be on those who helped the man and what they do!
     3.  At the heart of a community of faith are disciples who are willing to take risks so others can see Jesus.  
     4.  Ultimately the result is healing and a vision of God results!  

Mr. McFeeley!

     After worship we were led directly into the plenary hall by a bagpiper.  Roger, Hannah and I are seated on the far side near the back - not ideal seats for viewing the podium, but at least the big screen is in front of us.  The afternoon plenary was dedicated to learning how to use our voters, connecting to PC biz, and introductions to Pittsburgh and General Assembly.  Some exciting, like when Mr. McFeeley from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood welcomed us to "the neighborhood"!  Other parts a little dry.   I used some of the time to get to know Roger better as he is seated between Hannah and myself.  
     Dinner and time in the Exhibit Hall visiting with various members of the General Assembly agencies.  I ate tonight with Roger and Hannah, and commissioners from Delaware and Michigan.  Good time. Almost missed dinner as I had the impression it was a buffet, and it turned out to be a sit down!   

     The election of the Moderator was the order of business for the evening plenary.  Luke and his PPF friends attended in the back, and Luke kept texting me with comments about the candidates!  Some of the candidates reiterated their statements from this morning's conversation, but the hour long question and answer part was interesting - each candidate had to respond to every question.  

Ginger, Roger, and Hannah... in action!

     Finally time for voting.  It took four tries, but we finally came up with a majority candidate: Neal Presa of New Jersey.  This was not my first choice, nor that of Roger, but he will do a good job.  All four candidates were highly qualified, which is one reason the voting was very divided.  
     Quick time chatting with Roger and Luke afterwards and then off to hotel and rest time after drawing and writing.!!