General Assembly Wrap-up

      It has been a week since my last posting from the midst of the General Assembly of the PC USA.  I have spent the past several days unwinding, sleeping, and drawing - finishing the last 10 Scribbles for my report.  I keep thinking of more to draw....but no.  Stop.  Move on.

     For the complete collection of GA Scribbles, click HERE.  This does provide an overview of the whole experience!  

     Saturday, July 7, wrapped up with another 2 hours of discussion, some of which was arrested Friday night, before we could get to the final business of budgets, thank yous, honors, and worship.  There were many vacant seats in the assembly hall Saturday morning, as some ministers had to leave to conduct services on Sunday, some commissioners were asleep (many YAADs), and others left early to catch flights.  The concluding worship, while the preacher issued many great challenges that would have been easier to handle if the vote on divestment and marriage had gone differently, felt a little anti-climatic.  The music was slower paced, much to my chagrin.  I left the plenary floor and went back to the observer area to worship with Luke and the rest of the interns.
     Flights home were smooth sailing for Linda and I.  Learned later that Roger, Hannah, and Pete missed a connecting flight in San Francisco and spent the night in hotels there.  Roger will definitely remember this Assembly as the one of "Missed and Cancelled Flights"!   Linda and I enjoyed good conversation, not much sleep, and some amazing cloud formations in the sky as we flew west.  In Boise, greeted by both our husbands!  Time to go home!

     I am simply going to paste my notes and reflections from Thursday and Friday as I was keeping a running blog in plenary hall during short breaks.  (I just didn't have internet access to post them!) Not much editing here, so excuse now the typos....

THURSDAY, July 5

     I awoke today with the buzzing of the cell phone at 7am .  Good thing I set the alarm.  I knew I probably wouldn’t wake up naturally, although I did waken at 5:45 and turned right over! 

     Quick shower, grab a bite at Subway, and then off for DLCC to set up and catch up on some blogging, etc.  

            Plenary highlights:  worship at the end with a solo hand-bell player who was AWESOME.  Offering of prayers written on cutout paper doves that were all dropped into the baptismal font, along with one very visible dollar bill at the bottom!  Committee reports from the Theological Institution people, the Mid-Council Report (which had less debate than I anticipated), The Comm. on Social Justice (should we spank?  Voted NO! ), The Board of Pensions, Foundation and Publishing report, which was going fine until a heated debate on where to TALK ABOUT extending the plan to the denominations which are mostly receiving the withdrawing churches.  It was a needless discussion in my book….it doesn’t hurt to TALK, that doesn’t mean agreement or eventual connection. 

            By far the major debate of the day was in the evening with the report of the Middle East Peacemaking group:  A major question before the assembly was if we should divest from those companies (specifically Caterpillar, Motorola Solutions, and Hewlett Packard) who are selling products to Israel that are used in the occupation and humi9liation of the Palestinians.  This debate, amidst a minority report which served as a substitute motion, and amendments, was debated until past 10:30 pm.   We had to debate on how long to debate, we had to stop for a moment of prayer several times.  Emotions run high.  I can’t believe what tomorrow will be when we get to “SEX” issues! 

     Ultimately, the issue for me was killed (after our extensive review of the Kairos Palestine materials this spring I was in favor of divestment) when the minority report was accepted by TWO VOTES!  It was a huge blow, because the rest of the discussion was somewhat mute by then.  I was rapidly texting to Luke for advice, and he said to wait for Rick Ufford Chase to speak.  I was afraid the mikes were going to close before his turn, but former GA Moderators tend to get called upon!  Our only other recourse was to vote NO on the minority report and ask for reconsideration tomorrow.  But the minority report was received.  So….no divestment, only more talk and more attempts to invest positively.  I guess maybe what I can do individually is to go home and see if there is a Palestinian listed on KIVA that I can support!  (Later:  DONE!)

     I did have lunch with Luke and the Covenant Network, which was interesting.  They had a strong advocacy program for social justice, equal rights for all.  It was basically a briefing for how to treat some of the overtures and things to look for. 

Luke, Karen, Rob, and Ginger at Mahoney's Sports Bar

    Dinner was again at Mahoneys, but this time with Rob and Karen.(Rick’s brother and sister-in-law)  I had been texting Karen all morning to try and set something up.  Was glad when Luke said he DIDN’T have tickets to the ball game so he would be able to join us – and glad that Karen had returned from her mom’s in time to come also.  Although it was only an hour and 45 minutes, it was good to reconnect with them.  I tried the “Burgh” Burger, which was great – stuffed with onion, mushroom, and pepper! 

     Back to the room directly tonight to try and get a little more sleep!  Partially successful – we only talked until shortly after midnight!  Rick thought it was late when I called, until I told him I had JUST gotten back to the room. 

FRIDAY, July 6, 2012

Here we go again!  It is still VERY muggy out and probably will be in the high 90’s again today.  I will probably only go outside, however, this morning (I am writing at the Subway shop where I have bought my breakfast for 5 out of the past 6 days!)  and MAYBE coming home late this evening.  Rick said it will be 100 in Baker on Sunday when we return, but at least it will be a DRY heat! 

     I have been rapidly drawing images, collages, etc. of scribbles all during the week.  I have over 20 illustrations – at times I am able to color them while plenary is in action.  I can color while I listen, but at other times the action is so fast, you are constantly grabbing your papers to check an item, vote, etc.  Our table is covered with papers, wrappers, drinks, and of course, power cords, cables, etc. 

     One aspect of each session has been to start with the reading of the Isaiah text responsively, led by one of the assembly commissioners or advisory delegate.  Then we join in Small Group Prayer – we are linked with the three commissioners in front of us from Detroit: TEC Jim, REC Diane, and YAAD Tim.  Very nice people!  I led the prayer once yesterday.  (I learned on Saturday morning that Tim was a YAAD from the ‘non-geographical’ Korean Presbytery. And here we thought all the time he was with the other two in front of us!)

     I am listening to the buzz around me at the Subway.  There is a great deal of talk about last night’s decision on divestment, but also frustration with our Moderator and his ability to maintain control of the group.  I personally think Tom has done a better job moderating than Neal has, but maybe that’s because I didn’t vote for Neal for Moderator!  There is far too much “consensus” or “what do you think about this?” which is allowing certain groups to control the pace, etc.  He could have used a better refresher course in Parliamentary Procedures! 

     I wish I had been able to post these updates regularly, but at some point, I just HAVE to go to bed instead.  Perhaps I can get Wednesday’s posted this morning.

    I found a spot by the river to post for Wednesday before coming into Plenary Hall to the singing of How Great Thou Art.  Linda has left chocolate bars on our tables!  It will be a good day….not for my weight, but….

As I write on Saturday morning…. After 4 hours of sleep and packing to leave, yesterday is a blur… a long day of sitting, reports, discussion, voting, at times frustration, and other times celebration with and in the Spirit (usually during the singing of songs.)  Other thoughts and clips from Friday include:

Presbyter Jam Session - check out the bow ties!

• ·       Moments of laughter (the YAADS are great at providing for this...and gifts they give to our moderator to keep him ‘loose’.) 
• ·       Our closing prayer at 1:35 am was delivered by a TSAD who announced “I am finally a member of the Presbyterian Bowtie Society!” sporting a plaid  bow tie!  Several of the “mucky mucks up front wear bow ties!  There was an inside joke on the bow ties that spurred this as well – actually something on the Twitter feed. 
• ·       The vice moderator playing the drums after dinner during Friday evening opening music.  Basically it was an executive staff jam session!
• ·       The YAAD sitting behind us who called on the whole assembly to take a moment of silence to calm down during the discussion on Civil Unions and Marriage.
• ·       The wonderful job as Vice Mod TomTrinidad did to guide us through everything after dinner (including the Orders and Ministry report.)
• ·       The passing back and forth of the proverbial football between the moderator, clerk, and ACC advisor until a real football appeared
• ·       Lunch and dinner in the assembly hall as we only had 1.5 hour breaks for each. 
• ·       Luke and two girls who went to the ballgame and the massive number of texts back and forth as I updated Luke on the events of Comm. 7.  

Peace & Freedom

Wednesday, July 4

Happy Birthday USA!  Happy Birthday to my Dad!  (He would have been 93 today!) 

    After a very late night (1am) due to the ballgame, my roommate a little stressed when she returned at midnight, and too much conversation between midnight and 1, I was just a little tired upon waking this morning! 

     Up at 6:30, however, to dress (I took that shower last night after the ball game!) and at 6:40 had a text from Luke saying he was amazed that he beat me to the breakfast.  I had forgotten that it started at 6:45 instead of 7!  I’m glad he called. 

Luke at PPF Breakfast

    Luke was the greeter for everyone at the door of the breakfast, looking very dapper again in slacks and dress shirt.  His other job this morning was to man the camera of one of the PPF board members and then pick up offerings, papers, etc. after the meal.  Peaceseeker Awards for 2011 and 2012 were handed out, one to an Egyptian Christian and another to Alice Winters, who has labored down in Colombia,.  Rick Ufford-Chase, Executive Director of PPF listed many of their projects and affiliates, and then introduced Rev. Herbert Nelson, the Witness for Justice in Washington DC.  Another powerful black preacher!  Some of his main points are included in my PPF Breakfast drawing.  
     Back up to the room to gather my things, a quick hi to Luke on the way down, and then I am off to the DLCC to meet with Lauren Trohkimoinen, Judy T's niece, a YAAD from Wyoming.  She is a delightful young recent high school grad, and I enjoyed our visit.  
     The committee this morning were to review summaries from all the other committee moderators - short 90 sec video clips of major actions and deliberations on the part of their committee.  It was good to hear what else had been going on, but we had some trouble with our CD, so the video was a little hard to understand.  
     We were done in committee around 11:30 and had until 2 before plenary started.  I received a text from Luke about showing my book to the folks at d365.org, so I ran back to the room to get it.  I finally found the right booth, and then explored the Exhibit Hall again, as today is the last day.  Made some more purchases and picked up two shirts, each for $5.  I was about to head down to Subway, when Pete showed me that you can get quick lunches at the DLCC.  I grabbed a veggie burger - nothing fancy or that great, but it did the trick!  
      I took all my "stuff" back to the room and then took off for Plenary, meeting back up with Luke and then we ran into Mike Ferguson.  Sat down at a bench and enjoyed a 20 minute "catch up" with the family and all the happenings - both ways!  Was good to see him (AND I was able to finally confess that I still have one of his books - he forgave me!)    I won't go into all the details, but the afternoon started right off with contention.  Our vice moderator resigned, having received a flurry of blogs, posts, that she perceived were going to derail the assembly before it even started.  It was painful.  Following that Lynn, my roommate, was one of the first up to present Business type stuff AND budgetary implications.  I can't imagine how boring her committee had to have been - or boring in my book because I wouldn't have wanted to deal with all of it! 

I would have to consult the ongoing notes I have been keeping for a more precise summary7 of the plenary sessions today.  But I would sum them up in two words:  Conflict and Celebration.  We rejoiced in celebration the work of Theological Institutions, including Princeton and Union, which are in the midst of bicentennial celebrations.  We saw videos and heard from both presidents.  We confirmed the new presidents at San Anselmo and McCormick in Chicago.  We commissioned new YAVs and new mission workers and honored the work of those with 20 years or more in mission service.  At one point on the podium there were those with a combined 428 years of mission service to the PCUSA. 

And there was conflict.  We debated for 20 minutes whether we should allow a period of 20 minute debate.  We challenged the installation of our vice moderator and then questioned her resignation.  The church is deeply divided over inclusion issues as they pertain to ordination and marriage, and what appears now to be the minority opinion with passion and a great deal of maneuvering are wanting to be heard….no, wanting to return to a more middle ground.  But I sense the overwhelming wave here are ready to move forward in a more progressive manner and get about with the job of ACTING upon our faith in terms of mission outreach, new worshipping communities, etc. 

Commissioners and families were the invited guests to view the Pittsburgh fireworks from the fourth floor rooftop terrace of the convention center.  What a great view of the city, the river bridges, and the fireworks.  The center entry made me feel like we were entering the Star Trek zone – or the beginning of Star Wars!   It did get really hot and damp up there, however!  I took over 175 pictures!!  More of which will get deleted.  Called Jed on the way to the top to get a quick update on how to take better night pictures.  It helped on some, but I reverted to standard automatic at times for others.  Also took a long video clip.  I think the whole show must have lasted at least a half hour!! 

     Back to hotel room around 10:15.  Talked with Rick for an hour, and then Lynn return and another hour or so visit.  Sadly….1am again before I am asleep. 

samples of a few more finished drawings:  

From Brian McLaren's speak Monday am

Riverside Conversations re: Mid-Council Report

Our committee sang in three parts

An excerpt from PPF speaker Wed am

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Liturgical dancer from morning service

Tuesday, July 3 

    OK, so maybe the title for today actually doesn't apply until tonight, but it sounded much better than writing "Committee Meetings, Round 2" 
     I spent about 45 minutes today at Subway, eating breakfast and sketching before attending worship at 8:30. Enroute to the Convention Center I dropped down to walk through the waterfall river between the two sections of the center.  As it slopes downhill, I had the initial sense of descending into the depths of hell (yesterday's committee meetings), but washed cleaned in baptism of Christ as we go into the world.  May I take that sense of peace to my Committee today.  May all committees.  And then worship.  A wow moment.

Mark 2:1-12 - The story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof.  "They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men.  When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher.  Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, 'Son, I forgive you sings.' (The Message, 2-5)
Margaret Ahmer, professor at the Interdenominational Seminary in Georgia, was our preacher on the above text with a sermon titled, 'The Faith of the Unidentified'.  I was nearly in tears over the power o this sermon, delivered with the volume, intensity, and humor of good black gospel!  I hope I can portray some of that intensity in my drawing. The music and dance of the service were also wonderful.  Heart of the sermon: We can't get past identity today, but Jesus didn't care.  What mattered was their faith, what they did.  (My roommate just told me that Margaret Ahmer is the writer of this year's Beautitudes Horizons Bible Study.)

     After worship, a hurried rush upstairs so as to be on time for Committee Meetings.  We plodded through the morning, making a little faster progress as our moderator and leadership team seemed to be a little better prepared, or at least had read up more on some of the tricker polity issues!  The discussion was polite, but it was apparent that the consensus of this committee is NOT to return to our previous policy, but to move on.  By noon, we still had over 10 overtures to act upon.  Most of them were singles, each needing action as we couldn't group any together anymore!
     Roger, Linda, and I went to Mahoney Sports Bar for lunch, where I had a wonderful portebello mushroom burger with sweet tater fries!  Yes!

Roger, Ginger, Linda, and Pete at the Pirates game

     Back to work and things really started to pick up.  We got into more detailed discussion on adding "repentance of sin and grace" to one of the overtures, but overall most everything went as I voted.  Basically we were done with the voting and moved into a worship and communion service at 3:45 to 4 pm.  The worship was good, as we joined in one big circle, all sharing a verse of scripture we found personal, singing some songs, etc.
     Back to pack up for the ballgame (change shoes to tennies, etc) and then returned to DLCC - Luke was STILL in his committee, so I went in and sat with him for about 20 minutes.  The exhibit hall was closed.  Then off to meet Roger, Linda, and Pete for our trip to the ballgame.  The weather is hot and sticky, but at least the short and quick little thunderstorm didn't change anything.  It was a great game - the Pirates came back to win with a home run in the 9th inning!  Three home runs were hit, so $300 for food banks from the Presbyterian church!  Pete bought us all chili cheese dogs, and I went and bought a soft ice cream cone later.  Got a Roberto Clemente jersey as a gift also!
     Asleep by 1 am - I have a 7am breakfast in the morning.  Oh boy.

     Too late to color any pictures.  I have five waiting to be finished!  But I need some sleep!

Committee Meetings

Or... What Presbyterians Do Best...Decently and in Order
Monday, June 2

     Today began with a buffet style, grab and stand, bnreakfast outside the worship area, and then we gathered together to hear author and speaker, Brian McPherson, talk about The Importance of Being Presbyterian.   Overall, an engaging and interesting time, and a very piositive one on behalf of who we are:  a church on the mend, a church in a healthy transition.  He reminded us that it takes fire for renewal.  We are in the fire now.  Renewal is coming.  Scribble coming tomorrow!
     After worship/speaker we began the gritty work of the committees.Good news - the microphone issue has been solved, so we can hear OUR group, but NOT the group next door!    For me the morning was relatively quiet. We hekld open hearings for Overtures in our committee, which meant ANYONE who wanted to speak - time limit of 90 seconds!  A few of the comments which really cause me to take notice:
"We are allowing gay people to be ordained when they don't exist." Wow!  Ouch!
     After a break, we then heard the Overture Advocate for each measure speak - they were allowed 2 minutes each!  This continued until lunch.  After a flurry of texting, at which point Luke walked up to me and said it was painful to watch and finished the last of my messages to try and connect with Roger and Linda and Pete for lunch.  Success.  Luke and Emily took off (Luke was quite handsome at the time in slacks and tie - he had testified on behalf of the YAVS at the Mission Coordinator Committee.  Also during one of his testimonies todayt, he had read one of his poems and was approached by a member of the Hunger Committee who asked for permission to usde it! He was appropriately stoked!)  Anyway, Roger, Linda and I found a Chinese Restaurant that had a buffet, and Pete joined us there.  Good food, but we discovered that "mildly spicy" was blazing!  Roger and Linda were hurting because they took the spicy, and my sinuses were completely cleared by the time I finsihed mine!
     Back to work.  We moved on our first two overtures -- ones that were supposed to be relatively uncontroversial, and then it took forevewr to get through the "decently and in order".  People didn't understand that when we defeated a motion, we couldn't take THAT to the general body.  We have to approve to disprove if that is what we want!  I wish our moderator had just said, "We can't end on a defeated motion!"  Eventually we got there.
     Then....a member moved to change our agenda so that we wouldn't vote tonight on something that he said in effect makes tomorrow null and void.  I thought he was reading too m uch into it, because the recommendations from ACC are actually to disprove ALL of it!  After more work on establishing our correct procewdure, we defeated the motion to amend and went on with our job!  Resdt of the afternoon spent in small discussion groups to talk through the controversial issues.  That was helpful, because I for one spoke more there, as did many others.  A good way to prevent a few from monopolizing the voerall conversation.
     Adjourned for dinner.  After a brief trip to the bookstore where I basically spent my dinner money,  I gave Mom R a call since Rick couldn't yesterday and then went to the Subway to grab a smaller dinner.  Lunch had provided the nbulk of my meal anyway.  We had hoped to meety Rob and Karen tonight, but they had a funeral service to attend, - might not even get to see Karen as she is going to spend a few days with her sister who is up from North Carolina.  An hour of quiet time to write and draw before heading back to the Committee chambers.  
     After dinner the fireworks really started.  We were supposed to begin with 08 and 09, but the first immediate motion was in support of 17 (the pro-support affirmation similar to 18 and 24), followed by an immediate move (by the same agenda man) to substitute Overture 2 as the main motion, the parlimentary procedures of which we then debated for nearly an hour.  Finally it was defeated to substitute #2 (which was a motion to return to the fidelity and chastity clause).  Then....I made an amendment (YES, ME!) to strike the clause in #17 which the Advisory Committee on the Constitution found problematic.  My amendment was further amended, and we then had to vote on each step of the way.  Finally.....we voted to approve 07-17 as amended and with comments!  Whew!!  Hopefully tomorrow will go more smoothly as I think we have established a little bit  the consensus of this committee.    
    Back to the room to find my roomie already there.  We had an animated discussion of our committee workings as she encountered a number of glitches in moderating her committee.  A little coloring of a picture and time to hit the hay!!  

Visiting the Pittsburgh churches on
Sunday morning included lunch!

Children's Message from Mt.
Washington PC

Here are two more drawings from yesterday.  Eventually I'll get all this back in order!!  

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.

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.!!  
     


       

House Divided

Tuesday, June 12

Mark 3:23-27   (The Message)

"Jesus confronted their slander with a story: 'Does it make sense to send a devil to catch a devil, to use Satan to get rid of Satan?  A constantly squabbling family disintegrates.  If Satan were fighting Satan, there soon wouldn't be any Satan left." Do you think it's possible in broad daylight to enter the house of an awake, able-bodied man and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first?  Tie him up, though, and you can clean him out." 

     Jesus' stories, meant to clarify the issue, sometimes only cause more confusion.  I thought I understood the gist of this one until I just typed it again.  It seems if we want to get rid of Satan, then Jesus just said that we should fight fire with fire....and the religious leaders just accused Jesus of being fire.  

     So today I'll devote myself to verse 24: "A constantly squabbling family disintegrates."  Or...as we have heard it put so often, "United we stand, divided we fall."  "You can't compete against yourself."

     The first image that came to my mind as I read this was the upcoming General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.  All the material of controversy and dissension that I have been studying which will come before the assembly in three weeks.  Are we a squabbling family as a church?  How far can you go with "I agree to disagree"?  Our denominational team will present a much stronger face to the world, make a bigger impact for Christ, if we can work together.  May God grant me a listening and compassionate heart so I can serve as a good teammate as we together seek the Kingdom of God.