Final Thoughts from Josh

My experience at the 221st Presbyterian General Assembly was one that I will not soon forget.  

This was my first true traveling experience and that was fantastic. I saw many different cultures converge on the airports and people helping each other to find their ways.  

Then once I arrived I realized that I was already distanced from many of the other YAADs simply because of my opinions.  This made my encounters with many of them difficult to handle.  The one it did not impact was with my roommate. I was very fortunate to get paired with someone I could get along with.  

Once we got to the actual business of the week I came to terms that I would always find myself in the minority.  When dealing with people many were very relaxed in their views and made me feel better but then many were very upfront and aggressive with their views and that was a big disappointment.  

This particular General Assembly made some historic decisions, the first of which was to allow gay marriages to occur in the church, and secondly to divest from HP, Caterpillar and Motorola Solutions which they claim will help to support Israel's "in-humane" behaviors toward their Palestine neighbors.  These decisions promise to have a negative impact on our church as a whole but we have to remember that we may not all share the same opinions after this week but we do share one God.

Even though many parts of last week were difficult for me, I would not trade my experience for anything.  I was blessed by Beaver-Butler Presbytery to have been given the opportunity to be their YAAD representative.  

And the final place that I found Jesus was my partners from the Beaver-Butler Presbytery.  This was an incredible group of people that I had the opportunity to work with and they made all the difficult moments just a little bit easier and for that they are saints.  

Final Reflections on GA 221

Written by Eva

            Today, just 3 days after the close of GA 221, it almost doesn’t seem real. The decisions made there were decisions based upon what many believed, right or wrong, was God’s guidance. There was joy, anger, disappointment, discouragement, and even fear, knowing how all that was done would affect the body of believers that is PCUSA.

            Romans 8:28 states, “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Both individuals (myself included) and churches will have to devote themselves to prayer and study of the Word in the weeks to come to determine what type of action aligns with God’s “purpose”.

            I DID expect to see Jesus at GA in the actions and words of those who were present. In that I was not disappointed. A final glimpse of him, for me, was near the end of the assembly. That glimpse came in the form of a young girl who thanked me in my first language, German, for making a very difficult statement at the microphone on the floor of the General Assembly. 

            Where will we go from here? I don’t know. I do know, however,  that God is in charge, and that our Lord and Savior is with us in these days following GA 221. May the decisions we make as individuals and churches not be made hastily, and may we take the time to prayerfully search his Word for guidance and direction.

Brief Summary of #ga221 according to a "gajunkie" (aka Stephen Salvards)

Summary prepared by Stephen Salyards ( steve @ gajunkie .com) Permission granted for redistribution in Presbyterian entities. (Originally published: here.) 

Election of the Moderator

Ruling Elder Heath Rada from North Carolina was elected the Moderator of the General Assembly on the first ballot with 52% of the votes from a field of three candidates. He has served as President of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond and the CEO of the Greater Richmond chapter of the American Red Cross. As his Vice-Moderator he selected the Rev.Larissa Kwong Abazia, pastor of Church of Forest Hills, a multicultural, multiethnic congregation in Queens, New York. 

Historically, election of a Moderator on the first ballot is not common; the last Moderator elected on the first ballot was the Rev. Jack Rogers who served as the Moderator of the 213th General Assembly (2001).

Mid Councils Commission 2

Synod and Presbytery action: The 219th General Assembly established a Special Commission to study the structure of the denomination and make recommendations. The Commission's report to the last Assembly was sent back for further work by a somewhat restructured Commission. This year the Commission brought a recommendation to reorganize the current 16 synods into eight in a collaborative process based on “an emerging sense of purpose, partnership, context, and call.” The Assembly increased the number to 10-12 new synods and the Sinodo Presbiteriano Boriquen en Puerto Rico (Synod of Puerto Rico) successfully overtured to remain as is based on its cultural and geographic setting. 

In related business the Assembly granted the request of the Synod of Southern California and Hawai'i that Hanmi Presbytery be dissolved and the churches transferred to the corresponding geographic presbyteries. Hanmi did present an overture asking for a delay in the dissolution. 

A Letter from the PC(IUSA)

June 21, 2014

To the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The 221st General Assembly (2014) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adjourned today after a full week of discussion, debate, prayer and discernment. The week also was enveloped in worship, celebrations, fellowship and glory to God. The Assembly, anchored on the theme “Abound in Hope” (Romans 15:13), was a resounding confirmation that the PC(USA) is alive, well, and fully engaged in being faithful to God.

Tough issues were tackled and challenging decisions were made. These actions were not done lightly, and

each commissioner and advisory delegate carefully and prayerfully worked in committee and as a full

body in plenary. Now, over the next two years, members of the 221st Assembly and other leaders in the

church will be about the business of interpreting and guiding people through the decisions made. We hope

you, too, will be ambassadors for the Assembly’s work, and we offer ourselves and our colleagues as

resources.

Now, some highlights:

Relating to the world

• The Assembly approved the “Educate a Child, Transform the World" campaign, recommended

by the Presbyterian Mission Agency. This is a call on the whole church to join in a movement to

provide quality education to 1 million children in the U.S. and around the world in the next four

years – as a way to alleviate poverty.

• The Assembly approved a measure to divest from three corporations – Caterpillar, Hewlett-

Packard and Motorola Solutions – it believes are not in compliance with the church’s policy on

socially responsible investing. The decision is a significant step in the denomination’s policy that

says it should not profit from “non-peaceful pursuits.” This does not constitute divestment from

Israel – the church maintains significant investments in companies that do business in Israel.

Relating to our communities

• The Assembly approved “The Interreligious Stance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).” This

statement is the result of work by Presbyterians, Christians of other denominations, and

representatives of many faith traditions to study how Presbyterians should best engage with

people of different faiths.

• Recommendations that the PC(USA) advocate measures to prevent gun violence won resounding

approval. The GA’s decision calls for such actions as the formation of support, healing and

advocacy groups for those who have experienced gun violence in their families; and opposition to

“stand your ground” and other legislation that may entitle gun owners to shoot before taking

alternative measures.

• The Assembly celebrated the nearly 250 new worshipping communities in more than 100

presbyteries that have been counted since the last General Assembly. Clearly this is a movement

of the Holy Spirit, giving the promise of renewal and rebirth throughout the church.

• For nearly 200 years, the Presbyterian church has served as one of the greatest forces for mission

in the world. In that spirit, the Assembly endorsed an initiative to encourage Presbyterians to go

beyond the walls of their congregations and increase their engagement in service to their

communities and the world. By “living missionally,” we are intentionally joining in God’s

transformations of societal injustices by following Christ’s example of service through faith,

hope, love, and witness.

Relating to each other

• The Assembly approved a recommendation to allow teaching elders pastoral discretion to

perform “any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform,” where legal by

state law. The body also passed a recommendation to change language in the Book of Order to

indicate that “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man

and a woman.” Our prayer is that together, through our covenant with one another, the PC(USA)

can move forward on this issue in love and with respect.

• The Assembly overwhelmingly voted to add the Confession of Belhar to the PC(USA)’s Book of

Confessions. The action must now be ratified by a majority of the presbyteries within the next

year.

Specific language on all of the Assembly’s actions is available on PC-biz (www.pc-biz.org). Assembly in Brief, a more detailed compilation of the Assembly’s decisions, will be available for download next week at www.pcusa.org/ga221.

Jesus clearly tells us in John 13: 34, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Agape

love for those in our world, in our communities, and for each other is essential in these days ahead. We

don’t all agree, yet we must find paths to peace and reconciliation using the unconditional love of God as

our guide.

Our charge to you now is to go forth with the actions of the 221st Assembly, living missionally as the

church beyond walls, and engaging in the process of working together with churches in the task of

reconciliation. We look forward to working with you.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

Ruling Elder Heath K. Rada

Moderator, 221st General Assembly (2014)

The Reverend Larissa Kwong Abazia

Vice Moderator, 221st General Assembly (2014)

The Reverend Gradye Parsons

Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Ruling Elder Linda Bryant Valentine

Executive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Reflection by Mauri

Written by Mauri

General Assembly is now over and I have arrived home. 

My first reflection of my week there is how exhausted I am. I have never been to an event like this where I was as tired as I am now at its completion. We had long, long days, late into the night. It was grueling. 

Apart from that, I must say that I really appreciated the opportunity to represent the Beaver Butler Presbytery at this national gathering of our church. I met a lot of nice people and had some meaningful times of fellowship with my fellow commissioners, our EP Alan Adams, and some of my new friends. 

Apart from that, my overall feeling about my experience there is one of great sorrow, personally and corporately. There were some commendable decisions made, and I applaud them. But the divestment issue and the gay marriage debate have caused great consternation in the body. Some are rejoicing, but many are weeping over the decisions that we made in these two areas. There will be a need now for a period of healing and a serious movement toward reconciliation.

Things I Saw at #ga221

Eva Spoke on the Floor of the General Assembly!

Friday, June 20, 2014

In a debate about issues in the Middle East, Beaver-Butler Presbytery ruling elder Eva-Maria Barr spoke on the floor of the General Assembly this evening.

In a wide-ranging discussion, Eva spoke about growing up in post-World War II Germany, where she was forced to go through checkpoints and searches by armed police and dogs. She resonated with stories of Palestinians whose lives are similarly disrupted.

From Mark's Perspective: Divestment Debate

Written by Mark

(Originally published HERE on 06/20/14)

After an afternoon and evening of deliberation, the GA narrowly voted to divest from Caterpillar, Hewlitt-Packard and Motorola Solutions. The motion passed by 7 votes (310-303).

That said, true divestment of these stocks may never happen, because the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Foundation have a fiduciary responsibility to make money on their investments; not sell stocks at a loss because the GA says to sell them.

The damage done by this vote is the loss of goodwill with our Jews worldwide and the misinterpretation of the vote. Even though the action of the GA is to divest of the stock in those three corporations, the media has already reported that this vote is to divest in Israel. That is simply not true. In fact, the GA went out of its way to affirm the peacemaking efforts in Israel and Palestine and to make sure that the media knew that this vote was not anti-Israel.

The View from GA

A Pastoral Letter from PFR and the Fellowship of Presbyterians

A Pastoral Letter from PFR and the Fellowship of Presbyterians

(Originally published HERE, June 20, 2014) 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Meeting in Detroit, our 221st General Assembly has taken two significant actions on the teaching and practice of marriage according to the PC(USA)’s Book of Order. First, the GA approved an Authoritative Interpretation (AI) that now permits PC(USA) pastors to conduct same-sex weddings, and allows sessions to approve the use of church property for such ceremonies. Secondly, the GA approved a proposed amendment to the Book of Order that would replace current language with a description of marriage as a relationship between “two people, traditionally a man and a woman.”

While the AI goes into effect immediately, the proposed amendment requires ratification by a majority of the presbyteries before any change could be made, a process that takes about one year. Both measures are designed to allow pastors and congregations to participate in same-sex weddings, in states where gay marriage is legal.

We grieve these actions by the General Assembly. We believe we will look back on this day and see the error of these decisions. But an Assembly of our denomination has spoken, and now we must move ahead without compromising compassion or conviction.

It is extremely important to understand that while the AI and the constitutional amendment broaden the denomination’s interpretation of marriage, they do not require any pastor to officiate or any session to authorize the use of church property for a marriage service with which they disagree. It remains up to each pastor and each session to determine what is and is not appropriate for their congregation.

Proponents of these two actions have made great effort to invite and welcome those who hold unwaveringly to a traditional interpretation of marriage to remain engaged in the mission and ministry of the PC(USA) with full integrity. Some will resolve to do this—others may not. Those of us who do remain in the PC(USA) will, no doubt, encounter other decisions and actions with which we will disagree. We are not here to fight and divide, but to continue to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and to testify to the transforming power of his love that is available to everyone. We urge you in the strongest possible way to refrain from actions, attitudes, and language that would mar the image of Christ in your response to the Assembly’s actions.

Let us commit to one another, and to Almighty God, that we will seek to embody the grace and love of our Savior across our theological differences, and in personal and congregational deliberations about our future in the PC(USA).

Pictures from the Prayer Wall

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Five Things to Celebrate the Day the Marriage Amendment Passed

Written by Allison 

I have written elsewhere that I am an "obnoxious optimist".

So, it should come as no surprise that the day after the motion on the Marriage Amendment was approved and a portion of our church is mourning (and while I mourn with those who mourn), I choose to celebrate as well.

First ... 

The gal on the left is Eva, one of Beaver-Butler Presbytery's commissioners, a ruling elder.

The fellow on the right is our Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD), whose name is Josh.

At the end of the evening, Josh carried Eva's heavy laptop bag back to the hotel for her. And it's not the first time he's done it.

I celebrate that the Presbyterian Church is raising and nurturing a young man like Josh.

Second ... 

These are mandalas--an interactive way of praying through coloring.

(Yes, their history is not originally Christian but we in the Church are pretty good at adopting, baptizing, and re-purposing the traditions of others. You know, like Christmas and Easter.)

Coloring a mandala is one of my favorite ways to pray. And I know that I was not the only one who was praying yesterday. I have no doubt that the Assembly has been filled with prayer, soaked in prayer, blanketed in prayer.

I celebrate that the Presbyterian Church is serious about prayer ... even when what I prayed for doesn't happen. (It's about what God wants, not what I want anyway, right?)

Third ...

At the end of the day, this song overflowed from the speakers and 248 red beach balls were batted around from commissioner to commissioner, celebrating the birth of 248 new worshiping communities since the previous General Assembly (2012) when the 10 year goal of 1001 was originally set.

For those who are most concerned about the gospel being shared to the ends of the earth, here is good news for you! I celebrate that the Presbyterian Church is committed to creating new communities of faith where the gospel of Jesus Christ is being shared.

Fourth ...

I celebrate that THIS is still the first chapter of our Book of Order in the Presbyterian Church. 

"The good news of the Gospel is that the triune God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--creates, reforms, sustains, rules, and transforms all things and all people." 

"God has put all things under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and has made Christ Head of the Church, which is his body. The Church's life and mission are a joyful participation in Christ's ongoing life and mission are a joyful participation in Christ's ongoing life and work." 

Fifth ... 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

I celebrate that even though the Presbyterian Church doesn't always do what I want it to do, Christ has still regarded my helpless estate and shed his own blood for my soul. No vote of the General Assembly can change this, for which I am deeply grateful.  

Still "abounding in hope,"
Allison

A Letter to Congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

PC(USA) leaders issue pastoral letter to the church onAssembly’s marriage actions

JUNE 19, 2014

To congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Earlier today the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved a recommendation from its Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee allowing for pastoral discretion to perform “any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls then to perform,” where legal by state law.

They also approved a recommendation to change language in the Book of Order to indicate that “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman.”

Both decisions came with much thought, discussion and prayer, and clearly the entire body that is the PC(USA) will be interpreting these actions for some time.

Please know that the same triune God in whom we place our hope, faith and trust in is still in control, and that the Assembly’s action today is the result of deep discernment to hear God’s voice and discern God’s will.

We concur with the feelings expressed by Teaching Elder Commissioner Jeffrey Bridgeman, moderator of the Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee, during his presentation to the Assembly.

“The apostle Paul tells us that ours is, in fact, ‘the ministry of reconciliation’ as ‘ambassadors of Christ,’ and he died for us so that we might be reconciled, that we might become reconcilers,” Bridgeman said.

In this season of both happiness and sadness over the Assembly’s decisions, we call on you to remember the overflowing grace and love God gifts us with, and to take seriously our charge to bestow the same grace and love on one another.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

Ruling Elder Heath K. Rada
Moderator, 221st General Assembly

The Reverend Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Ruling Elder Linda Bryant Valentine
Executive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency

A Note from Mauri

Written by Mauri

The moment everyone was waiting for is now behind us.

What I expected occurred. The GA endorsed gay marriage today. 

Even though I expected this, I am surprised at how heavy my heart is. I believe the GA has created a constitutional crisis for the denomination. Only time will tell what the implications will be in the months ahead. But I am not very optimistic. I will truly be seeking after God in the weeks ahead, seeking discernment about where to go from here.

Thoughts from Eva

Written by Eva  

I confess that today it has been difficult to see Jesus in the people of General Assembly, but I know that Jesus is here still ... one just has to look harder. 

Glimpses can be seen in a short phrase added to a resolution reminding us of our traditional definition of marriage. 

Jesus was there when members of our Beaver-Butler contingent signed papers of dissent for an action taken which did not show Jesus and his fulfillment of "all" Scripture. 

Our Lord was present when the speaker during our time of worship encourages us to "feed the monster of hope." 

We would all do well to hold onto a saying of the Amish: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the PRESENT--it is a gift from God."

Regardless of the tears we might shed, today--in the "present"--Jesus is here to dry those tears, and give us the ability to continue to see him here at #ga221. 

A Commissioner's Perspective on Today's Events

Written by Mark

(Originally published HERE earlier today, June 19, 2014.)

The debate on the marriage issue is underway. 

10-07    A motion to appoint a 2 year task force to study the issues of marriage was disapproved.

10-01    Concerning the church’s role in legal marriage services of Christian covenant was disapproved.

10-03    On issuing an authoritative interpretation to affirm pastoral discretion

10-04   On performing Christian marriage ceremonies was approved 61% - 39%.

This was the vote that disappointed and concerns me the most. By passing this authoritative interpretation, less than 600 commissioners took away the voices of the 1.7 million Presbyterians who would like a voice regarding this very controversial and divisive issue. In addition, Roberts Rules of Order were ignored by those who have been entrusted to protect the Constitution of the PCUSA. The Authoritative Commission on the Constitution, the Stated Clerk and the Moderator - even when brought to their attention. We have just created “local option” for pastors. 

10-06    Rescinds the authoritative interpretation of 1991 concerning teaching elders performing marriages for same gender couples and sessions permitting such ceremonies in their facilities. This was passed 76% - 24%.

10-02     Amends the PCUSA Book of Order to change the language regarding marriage to “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally between a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community.” This will now replace W-4.9000 in the Book of Order and become the entirety of the new section on marriage. Passed 71% - 29%.

10-05    Add this language to W-4.9000 of the Book of Order: “For the purpose of God’s mission, presbyteries and sessions may define marriage as a civil contract between two persons within the boundary of the state law.”        Passed 75% - 25%

10-NB    Directs the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly to  establish a way to bring reconciliation to the church that would involve visiting each presbytery and serving as a resource for each presbytery’s discussion of these actions in congregations and the presbytery at-large and present voices of reconciliation for the unity of the church.

While 2/3 of the commissioners are rejoicing, 1/3 of us are grieving for our denomination that has departed us and scriptural authority.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) 

YOU CAN CONTINUE TO FOLLOW MARK'S POSTS ON HIS BLOG: The Plumb Line. 

Watch It Live!

Watch the plenary sessions LIVE on the General Assembly website!

(Seriously, this is the good stuff.)

An Update from Mauri

(Written by Mauri) 

Well, we completed our committee work yesterday. 

And I must admit, it was a tiring and grueling process. I am surprised at how well I am holding up. This afternoon we head back to plenary to start discussing the committee reports.

To be quite honest, I have been quite discouraged about what I have heard coming out of the other committees. I really needed to see Jesus in a fresh way today. And He answered my prayer. 

I went to the PFR/Fellowship of Presbyterians breakfast this morning and was refreshed as we had a time of awesome worship and heard an encouraging message from Dr. Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary. He used the book of Daniel as his reference point, reminding us that we are living today in an "exilic" setting and that we are constantly fighting against idolatrous temptations in our culture. Our focus needs to be on the reality that we worship the true God alone and are a part of His Kingdom, wherever He has us serving.

I needed this to prepare myself for the final days of GA. Christ alone is my strength and in Him I will rest. Continue to pray for us and the PCUSA.

I Saw Jesus

Written by Eva

I expected to find Jesus in the words, actions, and attitudes of the people at GA, and more and more I am finding that to be the case.

Jesus is especially apparent in our YAADs.

There is our own Josh, who keeps well-informed, doesn't hesitate to speak out, and volunteers to haul my bulky laptop to the meeting hall. There is Raylynn, who articulated her opinions so well in the committee meetings and who broke down in tears when she was unable to complete those meetings because of illness. Then there is Peter, the quiet ones who takes in everything, rarely speaks, but when he does, is right on track.

Future commissioners extraordinaire!