Opening worship on July 6 at Big Tent 2017 in St. Louis featured music and Scripture read in multiple languages.
J. Herbert Nelson, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s stated clerk, preached a message of challenge and hope, a call for reformation. The Big Tent Community Choir sang, directed by Paul Vasile. An offering was taken (given to Amen St. Louis, a ministry of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, and to Freedom Rising, and the Peace and Global Witness programs of the Presbyterian Mission Agency); communion was distributed; announcements made; prayers prayed; heads bowed.
Nelson preached: “Put our minds on the kingdom, and take it off the church.”
