PC(USA) minister and small church consultant Deborah Wright shares lessons from small churches across the country. With her partner Jim Kitchens, she asks: What can small churches do well? How can they dream up a future?
Rev. Sharon Youngs preaches a sermon series exploring country music as theology, including “Jesus & Gravity” by Dolly Parton.
An ongoing concern is ensuring a diversity of voices are heard.
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.
Office of General Assembly expects to deplete reserves in 2024
Minor changes were made to Church Discipline; other reconsiderations failed.
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.
At stake: what financial structure is needed to support a denomination of mostly small churches?
GA Plenary 13 decided the reelection of Moffett and the Board of Pensions’ relationship to the Office of General Assembly among other business.
The Rules of Discipline and the Health, Safety, and Benefits reports inspired conversation and decisions by the PC(USA) on reproductive justice, sexual misconduct prevention and family leave.
The contentious resolution was balanced against earlier statements condemning antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Plenaries 10 and 11 wrap up as GA falls further behind schedule, slowly working through changes to the Book of Order’s Rules of Discipline.
Even from a recording studio, the “Hands and Feet” program encouraged the 225th General Assembly to act on behalf of the poor and those targeted by unjust systems.
Thursday morning session featured the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee report.
Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy asked to study investment policies on all weapons-related companies.
Also allowed: youth participation from new worshipping communities and immigrant fellowships.
But some, especially young adults, say the church needs to do more as "the land burns."
Resolutions address historic harms, racism, violence and reparative justice.
With one day of plenaries completed, many issues are set to be discussed today and tomorrow.
Commissioner says: "It’s time to be bold."
Next up: presbyteries must vote on whether to approve the amendments.
Proposals seek more inclusion, parity, equity and thus more justice
121 items of business were included in the assembly’s approval of the consent agenda, and 7 items were pulled for later discussion.
Worship leaders articulated hope for the present and future and lament over a painful past.
Final 14 sessions over five days will consider committee reports and other GA business
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