I missed a lot on Sunday ... including being with the congregation that I serve. As good as it was to have a slow morning, and to take the time to watch CBS Sunday morning, it was strange to not go to church. The commissioners were encouraged to attend worship in churches all around town. Several attended First Pres of Pittsburgh, which sounded lovely, except that there was no air conditioning. Even though it was near the hotel, I wasn't sure that I wanted to sweat for Jesus.
Plenary on Sunday afternoon seemed slow. The Vice Moderator was elected, and it looked as though it was going to be controversial. A motion was made to set aside the standing roles so that she might be questioned about having signed a marriage license for a same sex couple. The marriage is legal in the place where she serves, but as you can imagine, there were people that were upset by this, especially since it is not in accordance with the current Book of Order. It will be interesting to watch what happens. Her name is Tara Spuhler McCabe. She showed a lot of grace as she stood on the platform as these process questions were being asked. The vote was 388-240 in favor, which was the most controversial vote of the assembly so far.
It took an hour to elect both the vice moderator and the Stated Clerk. Gradye Parsons has served for the last four years, and ran unopposed. He as reelected unanimously. The hour seemed really long ...
The section where I am sitting is made up of presbytery executives and stated clerks, and it was pretty empty. There wasn't a lot more on the docket, so I went to the exhibit area to "troll for food", and do some networking. I was able to connect with some old friends and colleagues, and I found some dark chocolate on the way.
A meeting of the Association of Stated Clerks honored a long time clerk who is a friend of Diane Prevary, my predecessor. I had a good table discussion with some folks about some issues that we are facing in our presbytery, and it was helpful to hear how others are handling congregational difficulties.
Then on to dinner, and then to visit Wendy Bailey, our former associate general presbyter, who had invited us for hospitality. We laughed and pondered, and enjoyed being together with other folks from the presbytery. It was generous of Wendy and Dwayne to host us.
When we got back to the hotel, a "tweet up" group was in the hotel bar. I stopped by to greet Landon Whitsitt, the outgoing vice moderator. I was able to apologize to Bruce Reyes-Chow for something that happened two years ago, and to meet Tara. I hope to be able to sit with many of these folks sometime during the week to talk about where they see the PC(USA) headed ... they care and are involved. Thanks be to God!
It is now Monday morning, and Brian McLaren is telling us that perhaps we are on the rise again ... like an area after a forest fire .... and challenging us to be willing to let go ... our faith does not depend on the economic structures with which it is currently associated. What are we trying to produce? Disciples and apostles ... enacting the gospel in our neighborhoods. Thank you for your words that challenge our current structures, and to help us to get out of the "box" ...
Lynn
No comments:
Post a Comment