Three years ago I began preparing to attend the 219th General Assembly of the PCUSA. It did not much matter where it would be held, because commissioners do not have much time to sight see or enjoy the amenities of the city. It happens to be Minneapolis, and they have a great convention center and my hotel is directly across from the center. Lucky me. No really long walks. The skywalk goes between the two buildings, so I don't even have to go outdoors. Just across theother street is the Westminster Church which is supposed to be quite lovely and they will provide special music in the evenings and lunches in their courtyard. I will try to get to one of those offerings. Since we will be there for the 4th of July, there is a picnic and fireworks display we can take advantage of on the island just down the street from the hotel. If I have a window looking in that direction, I may view it from the comfort of my hotel. We will see.
I have read and studied and tried to understand the many overtures that will be before us. I am sure I will learn new things about those issues when I arrive. I have tried to be prepared, but I am certain that things will happen to change my way of viewing some issues. I do not go with preconceived ideas. I know that God will have things for me to learn when I arrive and I am open to new thinking before I finally have to make a decision. I will be in prayer and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make my decisions. It is certain that not everyone I know will agree or approve of my decisions. But that is not the issue. Knowing that I vote as I perceive the will of God to direct me, will be the only thing that guides my decision. I will be at peace if that happens.
I look forward to this time of learning, discerning and deciding. We will be guided by scripture and prayer. I trust in the Lord to guide my decisions.
Probably the one thing I look forward to most is the worship. Having watched the worship services on the internet at past GA's, I look forward to the coming together with many other Presbytrians to worship God. Especially I look forward to the bringing together the water from all over the country to pour into the communal font. I think it will be a wonderful ceremony that gathers us all into the connective community of believers that we call Presbyterian. I have rainwater from Duncan, lake water and water from our baptismal font. I believe that is a good compilation from this area. I thank those who helped make this possible. I am pleased that others have been so helpful in preparing my way.
I will try to share some of the important happenings of each day, so thatyou may feel a part of this GA. It is your GA and I want you to gather strength from it, as I intend to do. Please feel free to respond on this blog and let me know what you think or to ask questions I will try to answer. Please pray for me as I travel this road of discernment and decision. And pray for the denomination. that we may continue to serve God and his children. I know we will not all be in agreement on some issues, but surely we are in agreement about the mission God has for us in His world.
Shalom, Rosella
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