Worship & Feasting in the Neighborhood

Sunday, July 1

It is midnight, so this is not going to be a profound reflection on this morning's worship or scripture or anything else!  It will be a rough recap of today - more to come later in a more polished fashion!

Up and grabbed a breakfast at the Subway just two blocks away and found they have a $3 special which includes coffee and a 6" breakfast sandwich!  I'll be back this week!

At 9:45 I left Subway and walked down to the T-Rail station to ride to the other side of the river and travel up the Incline to the top of Mt. Washington.  I signed up for the small Presbyterian Church of Mt. Washington JUST because I wanted another chance to travel up the incline and see the view from the top.  The church probably holds nearly 200 with a current membership of about 45 - an aging inner city church in an emptying area.  But those who are there are on the move!  They have rebuilt the third floor of the building and have it available for rental to community groups.  It commands a gorgeous view of the downtown Pittsburgh area.  The organist is a gifted musician - she rocked the place, pumped the pipes and tickled the ivories.  I couldn't keep up on the Doxology (Yes, you read that right!)  The sanctuary is NOT air conditioned and it was hot.  They passed out water bottles to everyone at the beginning of the service!  After church we toured the upper floor and then went down to the basement for lunch.  A wonderful group of people who made us feel very welcome.  Several cars took us back to the Convention Center directly, so we didn't get to use our return ticket!  :(

The Plenary this afternoon was for the election of the Vice-Moderator and the Stated Clerk.  There was an attempt to force more discussion about the Vice-Moderator election as she has performed a same-sex marriage (in violation of Presby "law" - we can ordain same-sex, but can't marry them!).  The attempt was overruled and voted down and she was confirmed and installed.  The election of Grayde Parson to another four years as Stated Clerk was automatic.  He is outstanding in his job.

Statistical Report during Afternoon Plenary

Videos of various mission projects including the 1001 Worshipping Communities campaign were shown, followed by free time, which meant shopping time in the Exhibit Hall!!  I ordered another nativity, bought a scarf and bells and delivered everything back to the hotel room.

Dinner with Roger - I don't know what I ate, but it was good.  Lynn, my roommate just said it was a Spinach-Mushroom Souffle in Phyllo dough.  Different, but very good!  (The men at my table weren't that impressed! They want MEAT!)

Tonight was our initial Committee Meeting Orientations.  My group is meeting in the ballroom - the microphones are "bleeding" back and forth between another committee in the ballroom next to us.  They will have to get that worked out.  Some "getting to know you" games, introductions, and then explanations of what 'authoritative interpretation' means.  Since there are about 150 seats set up for observation, I think they are expecting MANY to testify before this committee starting tomorrow morning.  Can't wait for the fireworks to begin.

PS..  My committee is #7 - Orders and Ministry.  We will be looking at proposed amendments to the ordination standards.

Back to room to work on pictures, but got sidetracked frequently by conversation with my roommate, with Jed, etc.  I'll post the one drawing from today that got colored.