Final Plenary and Worship

Yesterday was another lonnnnnng day, finishing last night at 11 pm.  But it was also another inspiring day and we got through our entire agenda of committee reports.

Each day we have had worship and communion together.  I can't begin to describe how thrilling and inspiring it is to worship in this large body of believers.  People are excited about worship and sing out with enthusiasm.  Plus we have had special music each day which has been varied in style, but always inspirational.  Communion has been especially moving, not just because of the size of the service, but that fact you are communing with those who have worked long and hard together in committees, fellowshipped during meals together and prayed together - always seeking to discern God's will in our decisions and actions.

This morning was the final plenary and worship together.  It has been a long and grueling week, but also an inspiring one.  After all the thought and preparation prior to coming here, the sacrifices of my family with me being gone for 10 days, all the moving and inspiring moments together with all the other participants at GA, it is hard to believe it is over.  Even though I am tired and ready to come home.

I also must recognize all the volunteers from the Presbytery of the Cascades, hundreds of them.  They met us at the airport, welcomed us, guided and supported us throughout the week and are working today to help everyone get to the airport and helping in any ways possible.  Even the hotel staff at my hotel, and all the staff at the convention center have been friendly and kind to us.  The above photo is a small praise band made up of some of the employees of the GA in Louisville who worked on all the technology stuff during the meetings, but lead us in music as we gathered and left each day.  I am very appreciative of all the people who were here to support us.

I am also very appreciative of the leadership we had, in the committees, worship, and plenary.  Above is our retiring State Clerk, Grady Parsons and one of our co-moderators, Denise Anderson.

I am also honored to be part of the Whitewater Valley Presbytery's commissioners, Youngsu An, Grace German, Judy Trabue and Jon Reinking.  Thank you, presbytery, for inviting us to serve in this way.