Learn more about the 219th General Assembly

Learn more about the 219th General Assembly -
 
The Presbyterian Church (USA) held its 219th General Assembly (GA) in Minneapolis from July 2-10. The theme of the assembly was John 7:37-38, Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’

What is the General Assembly?  It’s the highest-level governing body of our denomination, comprised of an equal number of ministers and elders elected from each presbytery across the country.
 
What does the General Assembly do?  Meeting every two years, it reviews and acts on myriads of issues relating to the work of PC (USA) throughout the world. This includes determining mission spending, reforming our own church, working with ecumenical partners, and studying ways to expand peace and justice - all part of our mission as the church of Jesus Christ.
 
I was privileged to be elected by our Presbytery as one of the commissioners. The week was both exhausting and exhilarating, full of worship, work, and controversy.  By the end, I had gained a greater appreciation for the many, many ways our denomination helps us to do God's work both at our local churches and throughout the world.  Did you know that PC (USA) supports over $80 million dollars in mission work each year?
 
Perhaps you've read or heard about some of the decisions of the GA this year. There was no lack of controversial topics, including revising our church constitution to make it more flexible, revising ordination standards, and approving study reports on Israel/Palestinian relationships and same-gender marriage/unions.  We do believe that the Holy Spirit works through the body of the GA, and certainly hope that our decisions honor God's will.
 
On September 5th, I'll be presenting a homily about the GA at the English Worship Service.  Then on September 12th, we'll discuss the GA in a special Adult Education class at 10 AM in the Christian Education building lounge. Please join me for these two events to learn more about the rivers of living waters flowing from the over 2 million believers in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
 
- Michael Petri
 
For detailed information about the 219th General Assembly actions, visit http://ga219.pcusa.org/