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Conversation continues on changes in mainline denominations
Continuing an unintentional theme of this year’s General Assembly, the Rev. Craig van Gelder spoke to the Company of Pastors luncheon about the changing face of mainline denominations and the future of Christian leadership in America.
Posted at July 6, 2010 7:17 p.m. in ga219
A modern ministry for a modern military
For a man with experienced sea legs, a moment during Sunday’s worship at the 219th General Assembly (2010) made him weak in the knees.
Posted at July 6, 2010 7:11 p.m. in chaplains , ga219
Rowin’, rowin’, rowin’ down the river
On Monday, many General Assembly participants — those not hog-tied to committees or other obligations — enjoyed a river of living water, literally, thanks to the Committee on Local Arrangements.
Posted at July 6, 2010 6:29 p.m. in cola , ga219
Peacemaking committee recommends Unites States cease combat in Afghanistan
The 219th General Assembly Peacemaking and International Issues Committee voted 49-2 on Monday to recommend that the Assembly call on the U.S. government to end combat operations in Afghanistan.
The PC(USA) has made no statement calling for peace in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001.
Posted at July 6, 2010 2:58 a.m. in afghanistan , ga219 , peacemaking
Don’t discount the little guys
In her years working for the General Assembly's network support for rural and small church ministries, Diana Stephen heard many success stories of small churches overcoming challenges to thrive in their communities.
On Monday, she shared some of those stories during a sold-out luncheon for small churches.
Posted at July 6, 2010 2:53 a.m. in ga219 , small church
World Mission leader says church is opening a new chapter in its mission history
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is writing the third chapter of a mission “love story” that began in 1837, a denominational mission leader said Sunday at the World Mission Luncheon.
Posted at July 6, 2010 2:51 a.m. in ga219 , world mission
Language in overture on violence against pregnant women spurs debate
Amid discussion that ranged from amicable to acrimonious on Monday, the Health Issues Committee of the 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) worked through its business of HIV testing, violence against pregnant women, coerced abortions and being an HIV- and AIDS-competent denomination.
The majority of the debate centered on the overture, “Making a Statement Regarding Violence against Pregnant Women.”
Posted at July 6, 2010 2:49 a.m. in abortion , ga219 , hiv , pregnancy
Heidelberg Catechism and Belhar Confession to go to full Assembly
The 55 members of the 219th General Assembly Committee on Theological Issues and Institutions gathered Monday for an overview of their work: considering the adoption of two confessional statements; approving the staff, trustees, and covenants for theological institutions and retreat centers; and amending sections of the Directory for Worship.
Posted at July 6, 2010 2:42 a.m. in belhar , ga219 , heidelberg
Theological artist adds visual texture to worship
The opening worship service at the 219th General Assembly (2010) was a liturgical tapestry woven together with music, banners, lights, dance, rain sticks, streamers, words, prayers, puppets and art.
Art?
Posted at July 6, 2010 2:39 a.m. in ga219 , liturgical art , worship
... And the password is 'trust'
“Authoritative interpretation” was the phrase of the day Monday in deliberations by the 219th General Assembly Church Polity Committee, which dispensed with a dozen recommendations before bogging down because of the most troublesome word of the day: trust.
Item 05-21 is the Advisory Committee on the Constitution’s (ACC) answer to questions posed by the Presbytery of St. Augustine seeking an authoritative interpretation about authoritative interpretations by General Assembly sessions as opposed to those by the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC). The committee decided to strike part of the ACC’s authoritative interpretation for presentation to the full assembly.
Posted at July 6, 2010 2:36 a.m. in ga219