Saturday, June 18

Saturday morning, the commissioners gathered in the morning to discuss the Report of the COGA (Committee on General Assembly) on the survey of the membership conducted over the past few months.  It was a time to meet other commissioners and discuss where our denomination is now and what we see going forward.  It was a good way to meet people from all over and get a sense for the diversity of our membership, as well as what we share in common.

The Assembly opened at 11am with worship - and what a worship service it was.  There was a magnificent bell choir and huge vocal choir, made up of people from the Cascades Presbytery our host presbytery for this assembly.  The music, message and communion were great.  The whole service was spiritual, powerful and very moving,

After a nice working lunch together, we spent the afternoon learning about how business would be conducted, how to access information, speak to an issue, vote on an issue, etc.

After dinner, we approved some routine reports and business items, then had our first major decision - electing the Moderator for this Assembly.  For the first time, Co-Moderators were elected to fill the Moderator and vice moderator positions.  Here is a link to more news about the first day:

      Download Today's General Assembly News PDF

The view from my seat: