Mike Cole Revises Top 10

Editor's Note: In response to yesterday's called presbytery meeting General Presbyter Rev. Mike Cole revised his Top 10 actions of the GA to include Christian-Muslim dialogue. He also revised the information regarding the proposed change to the Heidelberg Confession based on new information he received from the Office of the Stated Clerk.

Top Ten Actions of the General Assembly

The most prominent issues coming out of the General Assembly:

1. Approved an overture for presbyteries to vote on that would allow ordaining bodies more latitude in their examination of candidates. This overture needs a majority of the 173 presbyteries voting affirmatively in order to take effect. The specific language of the overture is:

[DELETE THE FOLLOWING] “Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.”

[REPLACE WITH THE FOLLOWING] “Those who are called to ordained service in the church, by their assent to the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church, striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the Church. Each governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate's sincere efforts to adhere to these standards.”

2. Issued a new Authoritative Interpretation which goes into effect immediately:

“Interpretive statements concerning ordained service of homosexual church members by the 190th General Assembly (1978) of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the 119th General Assembly (1979) of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and all subsequent affirmations thereof, have no further force or effect.

3. Issued a second new Authoritative Interpretation which also goes into effect immediately:

"The 218th General Assembly (2008) affirms the authoritative interpretation of G-6.0108 approved by the 217th General Assembly (2006). Further, the 218th General Assembly (2008), pursuant to G-13.0112, interprets the requirements of G-6.0108 to apply equally to all ordination standards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Section G-6.0108 requires examining bodies to give prayerful and careful consideration, on an individual, case-by-case basis, to any departure from an ordination standard in matters of belief or practice that a candidate may declare during examination. However, the examining body is not required to accept a departure from standards, and cannot excuse a candidate's inability to perform the constitutional functions unique to his or her office (such as administration of the sacraments)."

4. Disapproved an overture seeking divestment from Caterpillar and Motorola.

5. Approved an amendment of the Heidelberg Catechism, which seeks to correct improperly translated scripture texts in the Heidelberg Catechism, the most notable of which was an insertion by the 1962 translators of the phrase, “homosexual perversion,” which was not in the original scripture text. According to the Office of the Stated Clerk, the Moderator of the GA will appoint a task force to study the amendments to the Heidelberg Catechism and make a recommendation to the 2010 GA. If the 2010 GA approves, the amendments will be sent to the presbyteries for a vote. Since this is a proposed change in our constitution, it will require 2/3 of the presbyteries to cast an affirmative vote.

6. Disapproved an overture to redefine marriage.

7. Referred the Form of Government Task Force Report to the church for a period of two years of study, consultation and review. A new task force will be formed to receive suggestions and will revise the Form of Government for presentation to the 2010 General Assembly.

8. Called for tolerance and peaceful relations between Muslim and Christian communities and “state that though we hold differing understandings of how God has been revealed to humankind, the PC (USA) affirms that as children of this loving God, we share the commandments of love for God and neighbor and the requirement to care for the poor.” This action encourages our congregations to engage in dialogue with Jewish and Muslim communities and commissions a study on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations. In a related action the GA supported an invitation to dialogue and cooperation entitled, “A Common Word Between Us and You,” a document from 138 Muslim clerics.

9. Elected Bruce Reyes-Chow as the Moderator of the General Assembly for the next two years and Gradye Parsons as the new Stated Clerk of the General Assembly for the next four years.

10. Affirmed our commitment to peace and justice in Palestine and Israel.

Top 10 Actions of the General Assembly

From General Presbyter Mike Cole:

The most prominent issues coming out of the General Assembly:

1. Approved an overture for presbyteries to vote on that would allow ordaining bodies more latitude in their examination of candidates. This overture needs a majority of the 173 presbyteries voting affirmatively in order to take effect. The specific language of the overture is:

[DELETE THE FOLLOWING] “Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.”

[REPLACE WITH THE FOLLOWING] “Those who are called to ordained service in the church, by their assent to the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church, striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the Church. Each governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate's sincere efforts to adhere to these standards.”

2. Issued a new Authoritative Interpretation which goes into effect immediately:

“Interpretive statements concerning ordained service of homosexual church members by the 190th General Assembly (1978) of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the 119th General Assembly (1979) of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and all subsequent affirmations thereof, have no further force or effect.

3. Issued a second new Authoritative Interpretation which also goes into effect immediately:

"The 218th General Assembly (2008) affirms the authoritative interpretation of G-6.0108 approved by the 217th General Assembly (2006). Further, the 218th General Assembly (2008), pursuant to G-13.0112, interprets the requirements of G-6.0108 to apply equally to all ordination standards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Section G-6.0108 requires examining bodies to give prayerful and careful consideration, on an individual, case-by-case basis, to any departure from an ordination standard in matters of belief or practice that a candidate may declare during examination. However, the examining body is not required to accept a departure from standards, and cannot excuse a candidate's inability to perform the constitutional functions unique to his or her office (such as administration of the sacraments)."

4. Disapproved an overture seeking divestment from Caterpillar and Motorola.

5. Approved an amendment of the Heidelberg Catechism, which would require affirmative votes of 2/3 of our 173 presbyteries to take effect. This amendment seeks to correct improperly translated scripture texts in the Heidelberg Catechism, the most notable of which was an insertion by the 1962 translators of the phrase, “homosexual perversion,” which was not in the original scripture text.

6. Disapproved an overture to redefine marriage.

7. Referred the Form of Government Task Force Report to the church for a period of two years of study, consultation and review. A new task force will be formed to receive suggestions and will revise the Form of Government for presentation to the 2010 General Assembly.

8. Elected Gradye Parsons as the new Stated Clerk of the General Assembly for the next four years.

9. Elected Bruce Reyes-Chow as the Moderator of the General Assembly for the next two years.

10. Affirmed our commitment to peace and justice in Palestine and Israel.

PNS Report on Ordination Standards Actions

Here's the official PNS story about the ordination standards actions taken today at GA.

Called Presbytery Meeting Sunday at 3 pm

From the Editor/Moderator--

This seems like a good time to remind the readers of this blog that there will be a called meeting of New Covenant Presbytery this Sunday at Pines Presbyterian Church, Houston, beginning at 3 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to hear the report from our commissioners to the 218th General Assembly. Come with your questions for the commissioners.

I'll put a reminder on the sidebar, too.

Mike Cole on Stated Clerk Election

From General Presbyter Mike Cole:

Casey Jones garnered 25% of the vote in the election of the Stated Clerk, but it was not enough to overcome the 57% that Gradye Parsons garnered. Casey presented an outstanding speech and responded masterfully to questions from the commissioners, who ultimately elected the nominee of the GA Stated Clerk Nominating Committee. By my count, only one person not nominated by the GA entity was elected to office. I am very proud of Casey and the way he represented our presbytery. He conducted himself with dignity and integrity and did us proud.

Report from Mike Cole on Ordination Standard Changes

From General Presbyter Mike Cole:

( Editor's note: a more complete report than the earlier post on this subject)

The General Assembly passed along to the presbyteries an overture to change the language in the Form of Government 6.01016b by a 54% to 43% margin. The suggested change is:

[DELETE]Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.

[Replace with the following] Those who are called to ordained service in the church, by their assent to the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church, striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the Church. Each governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate’s sincere efforts to adhere to these standards.

The second major part of the overture to provide the following authoritative interpretation:

Interpretive statements concerning ordained service of homosexual church members by the 190th General Assembly (1978) of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the 119th General Assembly (1979) of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and all subsequent affirmations thereof, have no further force or effect.

The first part of the overture will have to be approved by a majority of the presbyteries. The second half of the overture (Authority Interpretation) goes into effect immediately.

This AI goes along with an Authoritative Interpretation passed earlier by the GA by a similar margin:
“[The 218th General Assembly (2008) affirms the authoritative interpretation of G-6.0108 approved by the 217th General Assembly (2006). Further, the 218th General Assembly (2008), pursuant to G-13.0112, interprets]the requirements of G-6.0108 [to] apply equally to all ordination standards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Section G-6.0108 requires examining bodies to give prayerful and careful consideration, on an individual, case-by-case basis, to any departure from an ordination standard in matters of belief or practice that a candidate may declare during examination. However, the examining body is not required to accept a departure from standards, and cannot excuse a candidate’s inability to perform the constitutional functions unique to his or her office (such as administration of the sacraments).”

This AI also goes into effect immediately and appears to give to ordaining bodies the prerogative of determining who can and who cannot be ordained. My read of this is that presbyteries and congregations cannot be forced to ordain someone, not can they be forced not to ordain someone - it is up to the ordaining body to determine who is qualified and on what basis.

Friday Morning GA Update

Ordination Standard Change to Go to Presbyteries for Vote:

From the Presbyterian Outlook:

"Commissioners to the 218th General Assembly have voted to change the denomination’s constitution to approve the ordination of gay and lesbian persons, a change that will require ratification by a majority of the 173 regional presbyteries over the next year.

Two other actions adopted by the assembly will take effect immediately.

First, the commissioners approved by a vote of 375 to 324 a proposal from the Presbytery of John Knox that allows ordination “examining bodies to give prayerful and careful consideration, on an individual, case-by-case basis, to any departure from an ordination standard in matters of belief or practice that a candidate may declare during examination.” This takes effect immediately.

Second, the commissioners voted to send to the presbyteries for ratification language to replace the present rules that requires those being ordained and/or installed into ordained office to live “in fidelity in a marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness.”

See the full story here.

Parsons Elected Clerk

Rev. Gradye Parsons was elected as the new Stated Clerk of the PCUSA on the first ballot with a decisive 57% of the vote. Parsons was the nominee chosen by the Nominating Committee.

PNC's Rev. Casey Jones came in second with 25% of the vote.

Rev. Ed Koster received 15% of the vote and Rev. William Tarbell was in single digits.

Musings From Marcotte

From Associate General Presbyter Mary Marcotte:

I'm back at my desk in the presbytery office and had the LONG flight home on Thursday to reflect on what I have experienced so far.

The Assembly is indeed a family reunion. It was good to reconnect with folks with whom I've been engaged in ministry in other parts of the country through the years. I had the opportunity to visit with a variety of folks, including my son's college chaplain (Go Rhodes!), a young woman who interned with our youth group back when my young adult children were in middle school who is now a pastor in a small church in OK, several women with whom I did committee work back in Washington, DC and more.

I am thankful for the opportunity to attend the Assembly. As I entered the Exhibit Hall, I was struck by how many more National staff types I know now than I did when I began working in New Covenant. It is far easier to pick up a phone and make a call - and be heard - when you know the person.

Folks have asked me what I'd say about the proceedings so far...

If I had to sum up in one word, I'd say I have a huge spirit of hope.

I am so impressed by our new Moderator. Bruce Reyes-Chow is sharp and funny and faithful. He clearly gets the tension between honoring the tradition and moving into the future that God is preparing for us. When his eleven year old daughter offered prayers for her dad's service to the church, I confess that I was a little weepy. Listen to him talk with our own Shawn Coombs over at decently.org. There is a terrific post election interview on podcast.

I am so impressed with so many of the YADs and TSADs I have heard speak in committee hearings and then on the floor. We have articulate, faithful and committed young people in our denomination. They care deeply about the church and Christ's teachings.

It's time to get ready to follow the Stated Clerk's election proceedings on streaming video. Debbie Cenko wowed the Assembly with her nominating speech. for Casey Jones We'll see what happens next.

Thursday GA Update

FOG: The committee recommended the Form of Government Task Force report be referred to the presbyteries for study and discussion. Also, additional members will be added to the Task Force and they will be asked to review and revise it for the 2010 GA. The expanded FOG will be asked to take into account the comments from presbyteries. The number of people added to the Task Force will depend on the number of the current members who agree to continue and will be appointed ONLY from the members of the committee that made the recommendation about the FOG Task Force report. (Editor's Note: This means that members of the New Covenant group that studied the FOG report and wrote an outstanding analysis of it are not eligible to be considered for the expanded Task Force) Here's the PNS story.

FUNDING NCD'S AND CHURCH RE-DEVELOPMENTS: After descending into a parliamentary black hole--what with a reconsideration, an "arrest of the report", and confusion on the floor and on the podium, the original motion from the committee (08-15) passed after the arrested report was bailed out (editor's little joke, sorry!) and proposed amendments to it failed. Your editor couldn't find a PNS story about this discussion, though.

MISSION INITIATIVE FUND: PNC pastor Rev. Dave Peterson, MDPC -Houston, addressed the GA to announce the Mission Initiative Fund raised $33 million in pledges for new church development. Dave is co-chair of the effort. Well done! Here's the full story from PNS.

REVISING THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM: GA voted to initiate a process to amend "translation problems" in the Heidelberg Catechism. A study group will be appointed to make recommendations to the next GA which, if approved, would go to the presbyteries for approval. This was a very controversial debate because the proposed revised translation would remove reference to homosexual activity as a "perversion." A two-thirds vote of the presbyteries would be required for approval. See the full story from PNS here.

Today the election for Stated Clerk is scheduled. PNC's Rev. Casey Jones is one of the candidates. This is the most important election of the GA.

Round-Up of Wednesday GA Actions

The General Assembly took the following actions yesterday:

Overture to Provide Habilitative Services for Children in the Pension Plan: Presbytery of New Covenant co-sponsored this overture which was initiated by the presbytery of Nebraska. The overture was approved. Here's the full story from the PNS.

Christian/ Muslim Relations: The General Assembly approved with amendments a resolution “On Calling for Tolerance and Peaceful Relations Between the Christian and Muslim Communities.” The most significant amendment involved removing a statement that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. There was extensive discussion on this item. PNS story is here.

Sexuality Curriculum: The GA approved, with comment, the overture to produce an "adolescent development curriculum", including human sexuality. Debate centered on the proposed human sexuality curriculum, and amendments that were offered which would have included specific instructions to the prospective curriculum writers were defeated. PNS story is here--scroll down because this article summarizes several other actions of the GA as well.

Stated Clerk Candidates Meet 'N Greet

Jerry Hurst and Casey Jones confer at the Meet 'N Greet.

Stated Clerk candidates Rev. Casey Jones (New Covenant Presbytery, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Pearland) and Rev. Gradye Parsons (Nominating Committee nominee and Director of Operations for the General Assembly).

Photos by Diane Prevary

From Stated Clerk Rev. Diane Prevary:

Wednesday, June 25: 218th General Assembly

Today the candidates for Stated Clerk were given an opportunity to "meet and greet" the commissioners and visitors to General Assembly. For two hours, each of the four men shook hands and visited with folks who dropped by to meet them and to seek their positions on various issues facing the church.

Casey Jones was supported by a variety of folks, and especially of note was Rev. Jerry Hurst, most recently of the Southminster Church in Missouri City, and currently an Interim Associate General Presbyter in Sacramento, CA.

After lunch, the assembly reconvened in plenary session, where commissioners heard reports from and acted on recommendations from several committees both in the afternoon and evening sessions. Election of the Stated Clerk will take place Friday morning.

Editor's Note: Log onto the streaming video to see the election live!

Breaking News Round-Up From GA

Here's a round-up of actions taken by GA committees in the past couple of days, as reported by the Presbyterian News Service:

New Covenant Overture Approved: By a 67-4 margin, the Social Justice Issues committee voted to approve the PNC overture to urge Congress and the President not to saddle future generations with any more debt. The overture asks the GA to “declare that federal government practices and policies that create ever-increasing debt and unfunded or underfunded obligations for future generations of Americans are a grave moral concern as well as a clear danger to the republic” and calls upon public leaders “to have the courage to address this economic and moral crisis while there is still time.”

Revision of the Authoritative Interpretation Regarding "Scrupling" Ordination Standards: The General Assembly Committee on Church Orders and Ministry has voted to recommend that the 218th General Assembly adopt a supplementary authoritative interpretation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) constitution that applies the historical practice of “scrupling” — the declaration of conscientious objection by candidates for ordination coupled with discernment by the ordaining body whether the declared objection is disqualifying — equally to all ordination standards of the denomination. See the full story here.

Fidelity and Chastity: The GA Committee on Church Orders and Ministry voted to recommend the deletion of 6.0106b of the Book of Order. Here's the link to the story.

Definition of Marriage: The GA Committee on Church Polity rejected an overture from the Baltimore Presbytery to define marriage as between "two people". Read the full report here.

Form of Government Task Force: The FOG report will be revised by an expanded task force, which will be instructed to take the comments received so far into consideration in making its revisions. Then the revised FOG will go to presbyteries for a period of discussion and consideration. PNC formed its own study group this year which produced a very thorough analysis of the present FOG proposal, which was distributed at the last presbytery meeting. Go here for the full story from the GA.

PNC Goes To the Hawg's

From Stated Clerk Rev. Diane Prevary:

Tuesday evening: San Jose, CA.....

A free night for commissioners, IF their committee work is completed. Well, some are free and some are not. The folks from our presbytery who could, gathered with Mike, Mary, Wendy and me at Hawg's Seafood Restaurant for a delightful time of conversation and good food!

Mark , Jean, Libby, Monica and George have completed their work, but Herb and Gene and Debbie had to return for more tonight. Sam and his wife, Gloria, opted to share food and fellowship with the National Asian Presbyterian Council, and also had to return to work tonight. Dave Peterson flew home to conduct a funeral tomorrow for a long-term member of MDPC, but will return for the remainder of the week.

Other friends also joined us for dinner: Shawn Coons (AP, St. Philip); Martha Langford (former PNC staff member and minister-member of Chicago Presbytery; Carol Tompkins, David and Judy Fletcher (Snyod Exec); Ellie Cole, Vicky Jones (AP, MDPC) and Casey Jones (candidate for Stated Clerk), and Dave Steane ( Executive Pastor MDPC).

Many thanks to Carrie Walker for making the dinner arrangements for us!

Mike Cole Reports on Synod PDA Overture

From General Presbyter Rev. Mike Cole:

I agreed to be the overture advocate for a Synod of the Sun overture affirming the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance following the hurricanes of 2005. After orientation on Friday night and some strategizing with the overture advocate from South Louisiana, whose overture was similar, I attended the Social Justice Committee where my overture was to be presented. I sat through the debate of several overtures before my overture came up for review.

Previously, the other overture advocate and I collaborated on a unified overture that took the best of each overture to make the work of the committee easier. That tuned out to be a great strategy since the overture that immediately preceded ours eventually (after an hour's debate)went to a re-write sub-committee for simplification. The two of us presented about five minutes of supportive information, answered a few questions and then watched in amazement as the committee voted unanimously to recommend our overture to the assembly.

Here's the text of our overture as it will go to the GA later this week:

Whereas Presbyterians throughout the General Assembly have been generous and gracious in responding to the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma with gifts of time, resources, and prayers;

Whereas Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been and continues to be abundantly helpful in providing leadership and resources in the affected areas and in coordinating relief efforts throughout the denomination; and

Whereas PDA and the presbyteries and synods involved in recovery efforts recognize that the work of rebuilding is far from complete and have worked together to develop a long-term financial response plan,


RECOMMENDATION


Therefore, the 218th General Assembly (2008):

1. Thanks Presbyterians throughout the denomination for their generous giving, prayers, and volunteer services in recovery efforts;

2. Thanks and commends the staff and volunteers of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, who, working under extremely difficult circumstances, created a framework for a continued and faithful response to the storms of 2005.

3. Instructs Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to continue the work of nurturing partnerships with the presbyteries affected by the storms of 2005, including regular consultations concerning volunteers and resources.

4. Affirms and commends the long-term recovery plan for the Gulf Coast which was developed jointly by PDA and the synods and presbyteries impacted by hurricanes Rita, Katrina and Wilma. This plan, approved by the GAC, funds recovery efforts on the Gulf Coast through 2011 and allows for continuing evaluation and adjustments as circumstances change.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

The destructive hurricanes of 2005, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, affected many communities and churches in the Southeastern United States. The presbyteries and synods of the Gulf Coast have been thoroughly involved with and informed about recovery efforts on many levels.

The members and churches of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), through their own efforts and through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the agencies of the General Assembly, have made significant and continuing contributions to the ongoing work of rebuilding and recovery. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has worked as a significant partner in transmitting funds, recruiting and supporting volunteers, and developing partnerships with the affected presbyteries, including negotiating agreements concerning use of resources.

In January 2008, key persons from recovering presbyteries and synods gathered in Gulfport, Mississippi with PDA and GAC staff to share information. This group reviewed PDA expenditures from 2005 to the present and developed a plan for expenditures for recovery work through 2011.

While a few individuals call for the immediate expenditures of all funds, the leadership in the affected areas believes that an immediate distribution of funds would be unwise and would jeopardize the long-term recovery work outlined in the carefully developed plan of action adopted by the leadership of all of the presbyteries and synods in the affected areas. If it were not for the good stewardship of the governing bodies involved and PDA in setting aside funds for the future, the long term needs would not be met.

Opportunity to Support Casey Jones for Stated Clerk

From General Presbyter Rev. Mike Cole:

The Rev. Debbie Cenko delivered an inspiring nomination speech on behalf of Casey Jones, putting his name officially in nomination. The election of the Stated Clerk is scheduled for Friday morning. Until then Casey, the other candidates and their supporters can talk but not "campaign."

There will be a time on Wednesday morning from 10-12 when the candidates will be allowed to set up a booth outside the exhibit hall where they and their supporters can converse with folks.

If anyone wants to help this "non-campaign" by showing up on Wednesday morning between 10-12, please feel welcome. We'll meet at the "Vista Point" on the second floor of the San Jose Convention Center.

GA Worship Observations

From General Presbyter Rev. Mike Cole:

Imagine having to coordinate two simultaneous worship services (with about 4,000 participants in each) so that they would blend into one - that's the daunting task that faced the worship organizers for Sunday morning worship at GA. They actually pulled it off rather well. Each location had a full 200 voice choir, organists, orchestra and a full compliment of worship leaders. One sermon was delivered by the outgoing Moderator, Joan Gray. The music was wonderful, although it all tended toward the classical rather than incorporating contemporary music.

We recognized new chaplains in the military and commissioned young adult volunteers for international mission. Two of the new volunteers are from New Covenant - Elizabeth Cluff from Bryan, who is going to Belfast, and John Stanger from Bethel West Columbia, who is going to South India. We also commissioned long-term volunteers, one of whom is Vicki Smith from Webster who will be teaching in Jamaica. And we also commissioned young adult interns, one of whom is Tiffany Gonzalez, from the Woodlands, who is serving in the Office of Women's Advocacy. Communion was celebrated and a real sense of energy filled both worship venues. It was a grand way to start the day.

Tatoos and MORE at the GA Exhibit Hall!

From Stated Clerk Rev. Diane Prevary

If you are a shopper, the Exhibit Hall is where you want to be in San Jose! Between Cokesbury and the Global Marketplace (SERRV and Fair Trade type products), 1/2 of the Exhibit Hall is devoted to books, pottery, woven products (fabric and baskets), jewelry, vestments, communion-ware, coffee products and the like. (Editor's Note: see previous post about the Calvin bobbleheads that I am coveting.)

The other half of the Hall is set up in display booths, one of which is "run" by the Association of Stated Clerks. While it may be difficult to imagine exactly what a group of stated clerks might have to offer the public, you would be amazed at how many folk stop by to be tattooed! Yes, you read correctly. We offer to "brand" folks with the PC(USA) seal -- tattooing them with the colorful symbol of our denomination! My own suggestion is that in wearing the tattoo, we are showing the world that the church is welcoming of pierced and tattooed persons! Well, the YAD's seem to appreciate that perspective.....

We also give out candy -- everyone needs extra sugar at GA -- and free polity advice! Again, you would be surprised at how many folk engage us in conversation about how the church works, and why. Warms the hearts of all of us polity-wonks!

Speaking of whom .... if you are one and haven't availed yourself of the closer look at what's happening here, log onto www.pcusa.org, and then to the GA link, and then to "PC-biz." If you register with a user name and password, you will be able to access all of the business before the assembly and see exactly what actions the committees are taking on each overture. It is amazing that for so many years we hauled tons of paper back and forth around GA, and now we have it all available at a keystroke!

Today is a social day for those of us from New Covenant. In addition to the committee work that continues, folks from the Synod of the Sun will gather together for lunch, and from our presbytery for dinner. This will give us two opportunities to touch base with each other and see how we are doing, as well as how the various committees are handling their business. Time is short before the assembly returns to plenary tomorrow.

{The tree is named "Jacaranda" -- from the mimosa family -- and is absolutely beautiful. I wonder if it will grow in southeast Texas?????}

Habilitive Services Overture Approved for Referral

From Stated Clerk Diane Prevary:

Our other overture was APPROVED for referral to the assembly for their consideration (to direct the Board of Pensions to expand benefits to provide for habilitative services for children in the plan who have congenital disabilities). Pam Stoops'(ChristChurch) daughter, Mary, was a masterful coordinator of support for this overture.


Editor's Note: This is Overture 15.01, which was originally brought by the Presbytery of Nebraska. New Covenant is one of several other presbyteries that co-sponsored it.

Sighting: Calvin Bobbleheads

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you. It's a John Calvin bobblehead doll. Apparently they are being sold at PresbyFest in San Jose (a/k/a General Assembly). I SO want one for the dashboard of my car. Wouldn't that be cool? Much better than a plastic Jesus. Won't one of our New Covenanters bring one back for me? Please?

Social Justice Committee Comments on PNC Overture

The PNC's Overture on the Church Addressing Intergenerational Injustice has been considered by the Social Justice Issues Committee to which it was assigned. Here are the Comments from the committee.

Report of Nominations for Stated Clerk

Here's the official press release from the Presbyterian News Service summarizing the nominating speeches for the candidates for Stated Clerk. PresbyFolk in New Covenant will be interested to read more about Rev. Debbie Cenko's nomination of Rev. Casey Jones for this important position.

Otherwise, it's a slow news day at GA as committees are meeting and no plenary business sessions are scheduled.

Stated Clerk Race Is On!

From Stated Clerk Rev. Diane Prevary:

Just before the dinner break tonight Debbie Cenko placed in nomination for the office of Stated Clerk, the name of Casey Jones from the Presbytery of New Covenant. Debbie's speech was filled with energy and conviction, a touch of humor, and was straight-forward and to-the-point! She nailed it! The election, however, is not until Friday. This gives the candidates time to meet the commissioners and for the current Stated Clerk to complete the work of this assembly.

I could not get close enough to take Debbie's picture on the platform while she was giving her speech, but I did capture a bit of her image on the large-screen monitor (see attached). I was also able to track down several of our commissioners (see attached) as they returned to the Plenary from a day filled with activities.

The committee meetings began tonight following dinner. The focus of the next two days will be the business of the assembly as assigned out to the 17 Standing Committees of this General Assembly. Each of our commissioners are assigned to different committees, so they will not be together again until they return to the Plenary on Wednesday.

Tomorrow I will speak before the committee that has received our overture petitioning the Board of Pensions to expand their benefits to include habilitative services for members of the medical plan (the ChristChurch Overture). Mike Cole will be tracking the activity around our overture from 1st Church, Pearland, concerning the Church Addressing Intergenerational Injustice in America. Mary Marcotte and Wendy Bailey are tracking the work of particular committees, and we will all be together on Tuesday night with our commissioners and friends who are here from New Covenant. It promises to be a busy week!

PNC Commissioners on the Job

Sent by Stated Clerk Rev. Diane Prevary:

Dr. David Peterson, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Houston; Elder Herb Meyers, First Presbyterian Church, Alvin; and Elder Libby Stapleton, First Presbyterian Church, Lufkin
Elder George Bones, First Presbyterian Church, Houston.

Elder Jean Boisaubin, Spring Branch Presbyterian Church, Houston.

Rev. Gene Price, Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church, Woodlands
and Elder Libby Stapleton.

Our New Moderator

From Rev. Shawn Coons (associate co-pastor St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Houston):

Disclaimer: I was a member of Bruce's campaign team.

Most of you probably already know that we have a new moderator. So is the PC(USA) ready for a blogging, earring-wearing, techno-hipster, emerging-type moderator? Well, the Assembly seems to think so. BRC almost got the nod on the first vote (48%). I was in the press section twittering and live blogging (http://www.igeekrev.com/?p=157) the night and by the end of the evening the live blog (internet play by play commentary) had about 10-15 people contributing from in the hall and others at home around the country watching on streaming video. Almost all of those live bloggers were BRC supporters.

I guess no one really knows why the commissioners give one candidate the nod over the others. We interviewed all four candidates on our podcast (www.decently.org/podcast) and they were all very likable and dedicated men of faith and leadership. If I had to speculate I would say that the assembly appreciated several things about Bruce: his honesty, his perspective, and his humor.

Bruce tells it like it is, not to say that the other candidates aren't honest, but Bruce doesn't seem to give safe, easy answers. When asked last night about the ordination of gays and lesbians Bruce stated his position clearly that he believes in full ordination inclusion (actually, Carl Mazza was even more emphatic), at the same time stating that he knows that is not where the majority of the church is and that he would seek to be "excruciatingly fair." Bruce's blog (www.reyes-chow.com) is full of Bruce's thoughts and beliefs, and may make some people uncomfortable given how much Bruce puts himself out there.

Bruce brings a postmodern perspective to the role of moderator. "Context" is a word that you will hear often from Bruce. He strongly believes in being grounded in our tradition but shaping it in vastly different ways for different contexts. In his own church in downtown San Francisco he is part of a group of people who "do church" a little differently while still remaining thoroughly Presbyterian.

Finally, Bruce is a funny guy and will interject a lot of humor into his work. He had a lot of fun last night remarking on the guy who put a small platform on the podium last night each time it was Bruce's turn to speak (Bruce is not a tall man). In his press conference after the election he continued to amuse. When I asked him if he would wear a tie now that he is moderator (he wasn't wearing one during the election), he responded that he did indeed own one and would wear it at least in the GA worship on Sunday. He went on to say that all his people from his church would be there in worship because that was the only time they would see him in a tie and robe.

Bruce will need you prayers for the next two years. He is a full-time minister, Dad (three grade school daughters), and husband, and now moderator. He will also need your prayers because I think he will attract more "attention" than some past moderators and not all of it will be positive. So please pray for Bruce and for the rest of the Assembly.

Editor's Note: Moderator Reyes-Chow's blog has been added as a link to the sidebar--check it out! Photo from Presbyterian News Service.

Call To Order

From Stated Clerk Rev. Diane Prevary--Entry #3 to GA Blog:

A somewhat battered Joan Gray called the 218th General Assembly to order at 10:00 am today (Saturday). She told the body that her bruised face was the result of a tumble down a flight of stairs earlier this past week -- which, thankfully, resulted in no more serious injuries.

The first day of the Assembly is spent hearing reports of work completed since the last Assembly; in orienting the commissioners to the voting procedures and equipment; and in general familiarity with the way the Assembly will work together over the next week.

The San Jose Convention Center bustles with activity. Thousands of volunteers are on-hand to assist commissioners and visitors in a multitude of ways. There is an eclectic array of booths and displays in the Exhibit Hall. There are very thirsty people -- due to the unusually hot temps -- and there is free water, as well as water for $4.00 a bottle! There are tortuous stone stairs (for one with a cane), and there are escalators (which do not run most of the time). Blessedly, there are also elevators.

Time now for a recess; I'll return after the election of the Moderator.

9:30 pm, June 21, 2007:
Elected on the second ballot as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. was The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow. An ordained minister since 1995, he is a 38 year old native Californian and founding pastor of Mission Bay Community Church, an NCD of San Francisco Presbytery. He is married to Elder Robin Pugh and they have three daughters, Evelyn (11), Abigail (7) and Analise (4).

In his words: "I am the grandson of Filipino and Chinese immigrants and my home church is Trinity Presbyterian Church, Stockton, CA. Through my family and my church I was taught the importance of tradition and heritage, service and social justice and shown the imperative to live one's life with a deep sense of gratitude for the reconciling nature of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ."

We will be getting to know our new Moderator as the week progresses. For now, may we pray God's blessing upon him in this service to our church.

Aliens or What?

From Associate General Presbyter Rev. Wendy Bailey:

So, imagine a mob of Presbyterians standing on a corner in downtown San Jose as the first business meeting was breaking up. We were waiting for a traffic light and all carrying masks of John Calvin. The scene brought this response from an unknowing on-looker … “Are you guys aliens or what?”

Wendy

A Farewell to Clif Kirkpatrick

From Rev. Diane Prevary, Stated Clerk #2: Farewell to Cliff

On Wednesday evening, at the Stated Clerks' pre-assembly conference, those gathered honored and bid farewell to our colleague, Cliff Kirkpatrick. Cliff will retire as the Stated Clerk of the PC(U.S.A.) at the end of this assembly. Serving the national church in a similar capacity to the clerk of session at the local level and stated clerk of a presbytery, Cliff has been a supportive member of this small group of ecclesial officers throughout his tenure. Now our group prepares to welcome a new member -- to be determined at the end of the General Assembly, when a new Stated Clerk will be elected.

dkp

(Editor's Note: One of the candidates for Stated Clerk is New Covenant Presbytery's own Rev. Winfield "Casey" Jones. At its last meeting the presbytery commended his candidacy to the commissioners at GA.)

Presbytery Stated Clerks Pre-Assembly Conference

From Rev.Diane Prevary, Stated Clerk, New Covenant:

Stated Clerks from all over the country are descending upon San Jose today, in preparation for the General Assembly. Traditionally the clerks gather for a pre-assembly conference to assess the upcoming business. Many of us will work as staff to the various GA committes during the assembly, and/or as floor assistants during the plenary sessions. So, our conference the next two days will nourish us for the journey ahead!

My friend, Rebecca New, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Southern Kansas, and I have planned three worship experiences for the clerks, framed by the sacraments. We will convene this afternoon with worship that includes the renewal of baptism; we will adjourn on Friday with the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

Faithfully,
dkp

(Editor's Note: Thanks, Diane, for checking in with this report! Blessings on all the Stated Clerks as they prepare for their duties at GA.)

Set Your Bookmarks Now!

Here are some websites that PresbyPolityGeeks will want to bookmark in advance of the opening of the General Assembly, so you can stay up-to-the-minute on the latest developments:

Streaming Video Schedule of GA Events--Watch all the action (or inaction!) on your very own computer in the comfort of your own home. Pass the popcorn. Wear your jammies.

Presbyterian Outlook News Service-- Log on for reports from the Presbyterian Outlook

Presbyterian Outlook GA Blog-- Presbybloggers at GA can contribute to the blog. Read what's happening "on the ground".

Presbyweb -- Presbyweb is another good resource for timely reports from GA. Although it is usually published daily, during GA the editor will post updates frequently on events as they happen. Presbyweb is a subscription site, but offers a free trial. GA would be a great time to take advantage of that offer!

Other Presbyterian websites that will offer timely updates on GA happenings are:

Just Presbyterians-- focusing on issues important to the liberal/progressive side of the church

Presbyterian Coalition--focusing on issues important to the conservative/evangelical side of the church.

Of course, bookmark THIS blog for news and views from PNC commissioners and staff.

Warning: if y'all don't send me stuff, I'll be forced to make it up. (Email link on the sidebar!)

GA Theme Song 2008

~with apologies to Dionne Warwick~

Can you pray your way to San Jose?
Two years passed since the last GA
That’s when the PUP came out to play
Who will moderate the GA in San Jose
Shoemaker, Teng, Mazza or Reyes-Chow?
GA could bring understanding, brotherhood or
Just another PresbyRow
Newbie commissioners just come and go
But the Stated Clerk stays on the roster
Will it be Tarbell, Jones, Parsons or Koster?
At the end of the week--they’ll vote on the Clerk
And then go home and tell the folks about the days they spent at GA.
Wo oh oh oh
And wonder how they got to San Jose
Wo oh oh oh
Will you pray their way to San Jose?