ST. LOUIS – Eric Barreto, an associate professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, led Bible study July 7 at Big Tent 2017 – teaching from the Book of Acts about diversity. Barreto lifted up three key ideas: Differences and diversity are unavoidable; Differences and diversity are indispensable; Differences and diversity are a gift from God. Yet how often do we say “all are welcome,” but put an asterisk on that welcome – meaning you’re welcome unless you want us to change, unless you’re unwilling to become like us, Barreto said. The Bible study included small group discussions – Presbyterians gathered in clusters in the pews of Graham Chapel at Washington University in St. Louis to discuss the ideas he presented, and their own experiences of diversity. Barreto will offer a second Bible study session at Big Tent July 8. Photos by Jodi Craiglow    … [Read more...]

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." … [Read more...]

ST. LOUIS – Opening worship began with a rousing spiritual at Big Tent 2017, where approximately 600 Presbyterians came together under the theme of “Race, Reconciliation, Reformation.” Tom Hay, the director of operations for the Office of General Assembly and the Big Tent co-director, brought greetings, and worship continued with readings and songs in multiple languages. Herbert Nelson, stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) preached a sermon with the title “When Our Backs are Against the Wall,” using as his texts Joshua 24:14-18 and Luke 9:47-62. He encouraged conference goers to see the PC(USA)’s current struggles as a result of standing steadfast with the Lord. Nelson, having just returned from attending the World Communion of Reformed Churches meeting in Germany, noted the decline of Protestant churches in the very places the reformation began. He shared a story of attending worship in a cathedral built to house 1,500 with a congregation of just 35 that … [Read more...]

ST. LOUIS – “We are called to do God’s will in spite of the risks, in spite of the obstacles we face.” With these words, Alonzo Johnson, coordinator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Self-Development of People program, opened Big Tent 2017’s first plenary. This fifth Big Tent, meeting in St. Louis July 6-8 and with about 600 in attendance (including speakers and staff), is rooted in the theme of “Race, Reconciliation, Reformation.” Johnson said this theme would be employed as a call for God’s people to come together and “lift up God’s holy name.” He said he hoped the conference would be a time of hope, of learning and of confirmation for participants that “God has called you to God’s will.” “God has given us the gift of reconciliation,” he said, and called all to be one people, one spirit and one body. The “Belhar Confession teaches us that unity is a gift and an obligation. It teaches us that unity is a must, but it is not easy.” A Presbyterian conference with this … [Read more...]