And the moderator is ...

on the fourth ballot ... Rev. Neal Presa, pastor of Middlesex Presbyterian Church.  Neal was the youngest candidate running, and is of a multi-cultural background.  He had the youth vote from the outset.  He finally won with 52% of the commissioner vote.

Long day ... get some rest!
Lynn

And it begins ...

The 220th General Assembly opened with worship this afternoon.  Outgoing moderator Cynthia Bolbach shared the experience of her recent illness through her exploration of the story of the paralytic who is lowered through the roof to see Jesus (Mark 2:1-12).  She said that she used to focus on the paralytic, but now she sees it more through the friends, and that she has been lifted up by thousands around the world in prayers for her healing.   The worship was full of good music, including a jazz combo, that livened up the standing room only crowd of more than 4,000.

Prior to the opening, Mary and I had the privilege of serving as hostesses at the luncheon sponsored by The Presbyterian Outlook.  Being a friend of Jack Haberer has its benefits.  It was good to connect with  people I admire, even if it was only a quick interaction.  All four moderatorial candidates had four minutes each to talk about the state of the PC(USA).  Laura Mendenhall was honored for her long service to the church.

The first plenary session was mostly a commissioner orientation, and could have been incredibly boring.  Landon Whitsett, outgoing vice moderator, used his sense of humor to keep things moving, including a repeat of his line from the last assembly, "Now set your phasers to stun".  Landon, you will be missed ... but I know our paths will cross again.

Now for a little relaxation before the election of the new moderator.  This helps to set the tone for the assembly ... hopefully the one elected with be able to keep a sense of calm and peace in the midst of what might be tough deliberations.

Lynn

The Omni William Penn was not my first choice in hotels, and I have had trouble in locating it once I have left - as in tonight.  I am glad that the streets were fairly empty, and that I had a chaperone for the trek back to our temporary "home".

Our presbytery staff (Mike, Mary, Sharon and me) went down this morning to register and to go through the exhibit area, which was good because it wasn't crowded.  We applauded and thanked the volunteers wherever we saw them, because it is a thankless sort of job to stand out on a corner in a funky yellow smock and welcome people.

We were all able to connect with some folks that have been around the presbytery in days gone by, and those who we know.  One of the first was Randy Branson, who is a candidate for the moderator position.  He said that he likes all the other candidates, and doesn't feel like they are "competing" at this point.  I said in response, "Well, maybe you should all tie and serve for 6 months each." Two years is a long time to serve - especially for a teaching elder (minister of Word and sacrament).  Typically that person is a pastor, and their congregations must be plenty understanding for the amount of time that person will be traveling.  All of the candidates this year are teaching elders.

It was also good to see Ashley Broadhurst, who served at Bellaire (now ChristChurch), who is now the director of Solar Under the Sun.  The offering at our October presbytery meeting will benefit this fine organization.  Ashley has been traveling to Haiti once a month, and has seen some progress.  It amazes me that two countries who share the same island have such different economic situations.  She said it had so much to do with the people in power.  I am reminded that "absolute power corrupts absolutely." How can leaders do that to the people that over which they have oversight?  How can people be so greedy and uncaring?

I took a trip across one of the bridges to the Andy Warhol Museum this afternoon.  He grew up here in Pittsburgh, and apparently attended a Byzantine Catholic church (St. John Chrysostom), which looks beautiful inside - the opposite of what John Calvin would want.  The museum was interesting, but I guess his more famous works are in other museums around the world.  I am glad I went ... but not exactly what I expected.

Our commissioners are all here, from what I can tell.  The last two arrived about an hour ago ... hope they could find dinner, and perhaps an adult beverage!  We have texted with most, and laid eyes on one (with spouse).  I guess we will see them tomorrow for worship.  If you are watching from afar, you should be able to stream it from the pcusa website, under the 220th General Assembly.  Two years ago, it reminded me of "The Lion King" with the production!  Hope it is less so this time.  It begins at 1:30 (EDT) - 12:30 Houston time.

One of the first kick off events is the luncheon sponsored by "The Presbyterian Outlook".  Jack Haberer, from our presbytery, is the editor.  All of the candidates for moderator attend, as well as past moderators.  This year I will let Cindy Bolbach and Landon Whitsett in since I am working the door, and I know them.  Two years ago, I didn't recognize Bruce Reyes-Chow and Byron Wade ... ooops!

So, that's today's update ... keep us in your prayers!
Lynn

T'was the night before ...

I'm glad we came up a day early.  Hopefully the wait for the shuttles from the airport won't be too long tomorrow for the commissioners who are arriving.  So far, the Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA) has things running smoothly.  Planning on checking in at registration early, hitting the display area, and then the Warhol Museum.  There are some Warholesque artworks in the airport, so look around when you arrive.

We had dinner at F. Tambellini's on 7th Street.  It was early for us, but we hadn't had a chance to eat ... arriving at the airport around 9:00, flight was almost three hours, waiting for the shuttle and then the ride in to town.  We were hungry, and took a chance for a no reservation dinner.  Passed some interesting looking places on the way ... including a restaurant that had been in business for 80 years that had recently closed.  Sad ...

Then we came back and people watched in the lobby with libations.  We were able to catch up with old friends, or at least be able to say "Hi, let's get together while we are here!".  Awaiting the arrival of the crowds tomorrow.

We read many texts sent from Mike Cole that he had arrived, but no sightings yet. Hopefully he will sleep well tonight after his adventure on Wednesday evening.  I'm sure we will find him tomorrow ...

One thing I noticed is all of the people walking into the hotel this evening wearing their name tags.  To me that just screams, "I'm from out of town!"  I highly suggest stashing it in a pocket or other place when out walking the streets.  Be careful out there ...

Ah, the darkness of the room and instrumental music on the tv are beckoning sleep ... until tomorrow!
Lynn

Getting Ready ...

Two years ago we opened a blog to be able to post our experiences at the General Assembly in Minneapolis.  I know I found it fun and interesting to share our observances.  Some of the out of the way experiences became memorable in their own ways.  As Mary Marcotte says, "Rule Number One - It's about the relationship!"  General Assembly is a time when we can visit with long time friends and colleagues, and meet new people as we network and celebrate what it means to be a part of the PC(USA).  I hope you join us on the journey through the coming week as we travel to Pittsburgh.
-- Lynn Hargrove, Stated Clerk