Crossing borders with song: A music and mission journey to the US-Mexico border
Borders are places of encounter, calling us to see our shared humanity, writes Greg Allen-Pickett.
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Navigating virtual challenges in the General Assembly, a creative way forward
One commissioner at the 226th General Assembly shares lessons she has learned in facilitating community online.
‘The children of this nation are tired of dying’
Stories of gun violence and heartbreak lead to unanimous vote for action at #GA226.
Moose, beavers, hiking, and the connectional church
An early morning hike in the Wasatch mountains during the General Assembly brings encounters with God’s creation and good friends.
GA is going to the dogs. Commissioners are here for it.
Service dogs bring delegates comfort and joy at the 226th General Assembly.
Spirit of service endures: Engaging with local ministries at #GA226
Presbytery of Utah provides multiple opportunities for mission and ministry in the spirit of the discontinued Hands and Feet initiative.
The story behind the stoles
Newly elected co-moderators delight the assembly with their custom, symbolic stoles.
The little presbytery that could
The Presbytery of Utah steps up to host the 226th General Assembly in Salt Lake City with energy, creativity and joy.
Gathered in faith: Worship and reflection begin the in-person plenaries of #GA226
Those gathered in Salt Lake City, and watching online, begin the plenary work of General Assembly with reflection and song.
Hybrid format + condensed schedule = no exhibit hall at #GA226
The decision to have no exhibit hall for the General Assembly in Salt Lake City sparks strong reactions. Greg Allen-Pickett reports.
Hands and Feet initiative scrapped for #GA226
GA attendees are encouraged to worship with local churches.
Presbyterian delegation connects with those suffering in Israel/Palestine
The Israel/Palestine Mission Network group calls for ceasefire in Gaza and bears witness to violence during their trip.
The 225th General Assembly ends on a note of gratitude and hope for the future of the church
Young Adult Advisory Delegates presented a gift to the co-Moderators, and the assembly ended with the same prayer it started with, acknowledging that there is work to be done.
General Assembly debates diverse work of Ministry Coordination Committee including LGBTQIA+ Advocacy and format for GA226
Commissioners affirmed a wide swath of resolutions from the Ministry Coordination Committee on LGBTQIA+ issues, gender-inclusive language and diverse families. They concluded with a proposal for a hybrid 226th General Assembly.
Assembly reelects Moffett as Presbyterian Mission Agency president and executive director
GA Plenary 13 decided the reelection of Moffett and the Board of Pensions’ relationship to the Office of General Assembly among other business.
General Assembly approves Addressing Violence in the USA recommendations in a long evening session
Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy asked to study investment policies on all weapons-related companies.
Violence in the USA Committee concludes their work by endorsing the Guns to Gardens movement and advocating for removal of guns from domestic abusers
Taking the exhortation in Isaiah 2 to beat swords into plowshares literally, the Violence in the USA Committee voted to endorse the Guns to Gardens movement; They also voted to endorse the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms’ gun relinquishment protocol and to educate congregations about this issue.
Gun violence in the United States and how the church is called to respond
The Addressing Violence in the USA Committee spent the entire day reflecting on gun violence, the impact it has, and how individual Christians, churches, and the national denomination are called to respond, including potentially divesting from sporting goods stores and department stores that sell firearms.
Polarization, bullying, harassment and free and fair elections occupy the work of the Addressing Violence in the USA Committee
On its first day, the committee named the relevance and importance of their work, passing three resolutions: one on polarization; another on bullying, harassment, and assault; and a third on democracy, voting rights, and electoral reform.
A day in the life of a committee at the hybrid 225th General Assembly: Technology glitches, grace, and the movement of the Holy Spirit
What does an average day look like for a committee in a hybrid General Assembly? As a second set of committees begin their work with pandemic precautions still in place, they are attempting to faithfully discern the will of the spirit in a participatory and transparent way utilizing technology and old-fashioned methods together
Committee recommends worship resources for the military, changes to the Directory for Worship, and closes their time in prayer
The Theology, Worship and Education Committee concluded its work by considering how to support soldiers and veterans through the creation of worship resources for military chaplains and pastors and by debating and voting on multiple changes to the Directory for Worship.
Moving towards a new confession, and the role of Christian Education in the 21st Century
The Theology, Worship, and Education Committee considers a new confession, hears from the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation on book bans and anti-racism, and discusses Christian Education in churches.
Theology, Worship, and Education Committee begins deliberation on its expansive agenda
With a docket of 19 resolutions to consider at General Assembly 225, the Theology, Worship, and Education Committee began diving into issues and discussions that will influence faith practices of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members.
Louisville events connect the dots between the work of GA225, Juneteenth celebrations and Pride
Louisville waterfront parks host Funk Fest Juneteenth Celebration and Kentuckiana Pride as Presbyterians kick off their 225th General Assembly nearby. Clear ties bind these events with shared concerns.
Juneteenth Worship Service offers reflection, inspiration and a challenge to continue the work of racial reconciliation and justice
The Juneteenth worship service wove together prayers, liturgies and songs in multiple languages from many voices to remind those gathered of the Christian call to racial justice and reconciliation. Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson preached a rousing sermon on the call story in Isaiah 6 that challenged those gathered to continue the prophetic work of their faith.