Dear Friends,
Your Presbytery Commissioners, other GA-enthusiasts, and myself have been back home nearly a week since the 222nd General Assembly in Portland, Oregon. During the Assembly, your commissioners worked diligently discussing overtures, listening to differing perspectives, prayerfully discerning as they considered recommending overtures coming from every corner of our nation.
The final statements and actions reflect this Assembly’s heart and understanding of what it means to bearers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ at this time and place. From celebrating ministry initiatives, worshiping communities, and mission partnerships, the tone of this Assembly was one of moving forward spiritually and structurally. Throughout their work, the week was framed within the context of worship, the Word proclaimed and the Lord’s table.
While being a rather “quiet” Assembly, a few profound and historic decisions took place such as, embracing a new confession, electing the first African American to the highest ecclesiastical office in our denomination, and electing two clergy women as
co-moderators.
Here is a
SUMMERY SHEET of most of the actions taken at the Assembly; a few of which will need to be ratified by a majority of the 171 presbyteries in the coming year. You may also read the specifics of the Assembly
HERE.
Our commissioners for this Assembly were TE-Rev. Timm Cyrus (Angeles Mesa), TE-Rev. Liz Leavitt (Christ Uniting), RE-Delano Hull (Wilshire), RE-Karen Mizrahi (Bel Air), and YAAD Lauren Beck (San Pedro). Karen Mizrahi fell walking back to her hotel after the Wednesday evening plenary concluded. She was hospitalized a couple of days, had surgery to repair a broken arm, as well as treated for a concussion and other facial injuries. She returned home accompanied by her husband Mike. The whole Assembly prayed for Karen as they convened Thursday morning. Ruling Elder Alternate, Eric Beck (San Pedro) replaced Karen for the remainder of the Assembly.
Continued prayers for Karen Mizrahi’s full recovery are welcomed.
Grace and Peace,
Linda Culbertson
General Presbyter
