The 222nd GA, Day One

The morning began with Riverside Conversations, table conversations on the common values identified in a COGA Report "When We Gather At the Table: a PC(U.S.A.) Snapshot" To read this report Click Here   The report is based on input from Presbyterians around the church.  It will be considered by the Way Forward Committee, a special committee assign to think out side the box about the future of the PC(U.S.A.) way of operating.  They will consider the possible merger of the Office of General Assembly and the Presbytery Mission Agency.

 Opening Worship followed with grand music presented by choir and organ, and thousands of worshipers, and concluding with music by the Winter Street Worship Band.  Out going moderator Heath Rada preached on the theme of Reconciliation, based on Genesis 45:1-15 and Luke 15.

The Assembly then convened, was greeted by several ecumenical leaders, were oriented and tested out their means of electronic voting.  This Assembly not only is paperless, but wireless for the first time.  I remember helping to disassemble all the wires as a volunteer at the conclusion of the 221st GA in Detroit.  The system is working really well, and a first.

After dinner, the commissioners had a private opportunity in the Marketplace to speak with staff of the six corporations of the church.

During the evening plenary session, the 222nd General Assembly elected the Rev. Jan Edmiston from the Presbytery of Chicago, and the Rev. Denise Anderson from the Presbytery of National Capital as co-moderators of the 222nd General Assembly overwhelmingly on the first vote by a margin of 432 to 136!  They are the first co-moderator team to every be elected.  They are elected on the 60th anniversary year of the first woman as teaching elder.  They shared convictions of hope, encouragement and enthusiasm for the church God is calling us into being.  They bring passion and a refreshing sense of humor. See story by the Presbyterian Outlook:   https://pres-outlook.org/
From my perspective, both sets of candidates would have served the church well.  There were no theological differences surfaced during the question and answer time.  We will be well served.

All are our commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegate have arrived safely and are doing well.  Keep them in your prayers.

Yours in Christ,
John