First-Ever “Drive-In Style” Stated Meeting of Presbytery!

God Will Provide

Talk about self care during a global pandemic and in a time of social distancing, this is how we did it for the Presbytery of the Pacific (POP) Stated Meeting and Worship on September 26, 2020: “Drive-In Style” in the beauty of the outdoors.

We’ve never done it this way before. That’s right. Born out of necessity, Members and guests gathered, drive-in style, safe and in the comfort of their vehicle. It was good to see one another again, and it was also something new, different, the first ever Pacific Presbytery social distancing meeting accomplished!

As early as 8am PST, one by one, vehicles pulled into the Bel Air Presbyterian Church’s driveway parking lot via Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, California where Rev Linda Culbertson, General Presbyter, and a host of greeters welcomed meeting participants, verified their registration, and distributed a packet of meeting materials that included prepackaged Communion elements, color-coded voting cards for Voting Members, and buttered popcorn. Parking attendants were present too, directing drivers to parking spots.

Staff of Pacific Presbytery adapted procedures to insure a decent and in order meeting, while working in new ways to get through the agenda. Outstanding job! Their instructions and guidance were clear and simple to follow. Plus, the normal “Amen” was substituted with handwaving and/or honking the vehicle’s horn.

Highlights included Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin presenting the Stated Clerk’s Report and Consent Docket. Chair, Rev. Dr. Sunny Kang presenting the Report of the Presbytery Coordinating Commission. Ruling Elder Danyelle Lee-Scott, Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church, presenting the Chair’s Report of the Administrative Committee. September Penn from Immanuel Presbyterian Church advancing to Candidacy! Rev. Drew Sams, Bel Air Presbyterian Church, administering The Lord’s Supper. Rev. Dr. Amanda Riley, Vice Moderator, shared announcements and adjourned the meeting with a benediction. Photos were taken by Dan Barton, Bel Air Presbyterian Church.

At the approaching time of adjournment, the sky opened up to the Southern California sunshine.

Thank you, God!

Members and guests were greeted with a warm welcome by volunteers. Once they entered, other wonderful volunteers directed them to safely park. Members voted with three colored cards. Green for yes, red for yes, and pink for abstaining.

s