Written by Mark, posted 06/15/14 at The Plumb Line--read more thoughts there.
Last night’s meeting went very late. We listened as the
three candidates for Moderator shared their vision for the PCUSA.
All three of the candidates are very progressive and proudly
expressed their support for same-sex marriage - much to the delight of many of
the GA commissioners.
After the votes were tallied (on paper ballots!), the
General Assembly overwhelmingly elected Heath Rada as the new Moderator and
Larissa Kwong Abazia as the Vice-Moderator. May the Holy Spirit direct them in
all they do.
After spending two hours this morning reviewing 2012 and
2013 minutes for two Synods, I had an opportunity to worship at suburban
Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian (pictured above). That church is
pastored by a dear old friend, Paul Thwaite. It was wonderful to receive the
hospitality of that congregation, to catch up with Paul’s wife, Jan, and to
experience a wonderful worship service. In fact, the music reminded me of the
incredible music that I experienced as a child at Pleasant Hills Community
Presbyterian Church. I really needed a positive worship experience, and I
wasn’t disappointed.
When I returned to downtown Detroit, I finally got to go
into the display area and visit with another old friend, Steve Ebling. It was
so good to get caught up with a “friend-of-the-heart” as another mutual good
friend, Stan Ott, calls it.
This afternoon, we had the privilege of sending missionaries
into the world. As you know, the missional church has a special place in my
heart, and that moment was inspirational to me. We’ve also been listening to
many well-rehearsed special committee proposals that will be further discussed
in the committee work that will formally begin at 7:30 tonight.
After dinner, I will be off to the Mid-Council Issues
Committee. The main work of that committee will be to consider a proposal that
would decrease the number of Synods from sixteen to eight or less.
Please continue to pray for the work of GA. The really hard,
contentious work is about to begin.
