I am Beaver-Butler Presbytery ... Eva Barr

I am a ruling elder at Mill Creek Presbyterian Church in Hookstown, PA. I am also a commissioned ruling elder but I am not currently serving a church. Instead, I work in the Central Valley High School in the Learning Support Program, mainly with seniors in the science program.

I am serving on one of the committees that's receiving A LOT of attention at #ga221--"Middle East Issues."

I am most looking forward to seeing how decisions are made at the national level, and how involved Scripture and prayer are in these decisions.

Where will I look for Jesus? I expect to find Jesus in the hearts, voices, and attitudes of many of the participants.

I am Beaver-Butler Presbytery ... Mark Plumb

I am an EMT, a grandfather, and a commissioned ruling elder pastoring  the Fountain Park Church.

I will be spending a good deal of time and energy working with Committee #5: Mid-Council Issues.

Of all the things about #ga221, I am most looking forward to the times of worship and seeing many old friends.

Where will I be looking for Jesus? I know it sounds naive, but as a gathering of the Body of Christ, I expect to see Jesus reflected in every aspect of GA.

If you'd like to read more about my reflections on #ga221, feel free to check out my personal blog: The Plumb Line.

I am Beaver-Butler Presbytery ... Allison Bauer

I am the Teaching Elder currently calling the Frankfort Presbyterian Church home. I am also the 2014 Moderator of Beaver-Butler Presbytery.

In preparation for #ga221, I have spent many hours sifting through (and having conversations with others about) the overtures for the committee to which I have been assigned: #9 "Social Justice Issues."

This will be my third official General Assembly--I was a YAAD in Fort Worth, TX and a Theological Student Assistant in Denver, CO--so I have a little bit of experience with this process. Of all the parts of GA, I have to say that I am most looking forward to the AMAZING singing and music that happens when thousands of people worship together in one big room.

Where will I be looking for Jesus at ga#221? Well, a wise guy once said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am with them." So I guess any time I'm gathered with others, I'll be looking for Jesus. (I should probably also spend a little bit of time making sure people see Jesus in me ... instead of always looking for Him in others.)

I am Beaver-Butler Presbytery ... Mauri Smith

I am a Teaching Elder currently serving the North Sewickley Presbyterian Church.

The good folks of Committee #11 (Peacemaking and International Relations) and I will be spending lots of time together at #ga221.

I am looking forward to meeting brothers and sisters in the PC(USA) from across the country and getting firsthand experience in being a part of the work of the national church.

Where will I be looking for Jesus? I expect to find Him in our times of worship and prayer, and in the relationships with fellow believers in our denomination.

I am Beaver-Butler Presbytery ... Josh McElhaney

I am a member of the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa, PA.

I am a YAAD (Young Adult Advisory Delegate) currently enrolled at Slippery Rock University.

At #ga221, I'll be serving on the Committee #6: "Church Polity and Ordered Ministry."

This is my first General Assembly, and I am looking forward to hearing the different opinions on these issues and working through them.

Where will I be looking for Jesus? Everywhere--I expect to find him everywhere and in everything.

3

(Written by: Allison Bauer)

THREE. DAYS. LEFT.

Suitcases are being dusted off, snacks are being purchased, and last minute questions are being asked ... even if it is taking a while to get some answers! 

Soon and very soon PC(USA) commissioners and advisory delegates (PLUS legions of support staff and volunteers) will begin the journey to Detroit for #ga221. 

But it's not just those chosen by God and elected by their Presbyteries who are preparing for GA. Even folks who will be watching from afar are preparing and reflecting. 

Jack Haberer (editor of The Presbyterian Outlook) has written an editorial entitled, "In the Lions' Den" which describes our philosophical identity as Presbyterians and historically what has been important to us. 

Haberer adopts the story of Daniel being thrown into the lions' den and the miraculous "shutting" of the lions' mouths as a narrative for #ga221. 

(Did they fall asleep? Were they knocked out? Did they turn into over-sized housecats? What happened??Inquiring minds want to know!)   

Part of our heritage as Presbyterians is speaking truth to power, like Daniel spoke truth to King Darius. He writes, "Where some other churches shun all matters political, we read the biblical commands both to love neighbors and to break chains as requirements to engage the public square." And, "We Presbyterians also have been people of superior education, of high scholarship and often (but not always) of profound wisdom." 

These days, I'm not so certain the Presbyterian Church has the kind of clout that Daniel had though--he held a position of great power in the king's government and so had the king's ear on many matters. The PC(USA) may have at one time had that same sort of power and influence, but our influence is waning as our reputation for being such bitter disagreers grows. How effective is our voice today? Will the overtures calling for letters and petitions being written and sent to the President, the Congress, and the Senate really do any good? 

With God, all things are possible, I suppose. (But we're certainly not helping much, though.)