Thursday at GA: The Plenary Sessions

We’re into the plenary sessions now (where all of the commissioners meet to review and vote on the recommendations from the committees).  Thursday’s meeting went beyond 10 pm, having started at 9:30 am… a very long day for all of us.   The intensity is broken by frequent times of prayer, singing and sharing with one another.  Yesterday, the YAADs even taught everyone a dance which sent us all into joyous movement and laughter.

In terms of business discussed, the San Diego overture that Cherokee concurred with, was defeated yesterday; as was the creation of a non-geographic Korean language presbytery, in which our Bethany congregation had wished to participate.  Clearly, there are many who are disappointed and hurt by the actions taken.  I have been impressed at the sensitivity the commissioners and observers have to the whole body.  There is no sense of competition with winners and losers, but rather of listening to the Spirit, knowing that some will rejoice and some will weep… and there is clearly a concern for those who are weeping.  This has not been true at many of the prior assemblies I have attended, and for this recognition that together we are the one body of Christ — brother and sisteer — I rejoice.

Today will be another very long and emotional day, as we deal with issues of the Middle East.  Please continue to pray for all of the comissioners that they have a energy, clairty and a sense of deep peace.

The nearby congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church has offered us tremendous hospitality this week, with low priced breakfasts and lunches to eat in their beautiful patios.  They also have a tremendously beautiful old sancturay and many artworks in their facility.  By noon yesterday, my introvert was exhausted, my spirit weary, and my mind over-worked.  So, I skipped lunch and went to Westminster to feed my soul with the beautiful artwork, outdoor spaces and listened to a noon-time concert of celtic music in their chapel.  (For more information, see http://www.ewestminster.org/)  The time there restored my soul, and reminded me that God is so much bigger than all of this work that we are doing; and that God is powerful and loving enough to help correct any errors we have made.  And so I leave you with a picture of the beautiful rose window and with the prayer that your hearts will also be blessed.