In Spirit and Truth
About this blog
In Spirit and Truth is the blog of the General Assembly Committee on Representation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It will feature content written by the sixteen members of the committee, who are teaching and ruling elders from across the country, and our staff person in the Office of the General Assembly, as well as links and articles of particular interest. These blog entries are intended to prompt reflection and dialogue on aspects of expanding representation and supporting full participation in the PCUSA, especially at the assembly level. The ministries of advising, consulting, advocating, reviewing and recommending are vital to the life of the whole Body of Christ. Committees on Representation and/or their functions exists at all councils above session so from time to time we may highlight activities and insights from our sister committees on representation at smaller councils throughout the church.
Author Molly Casteel is an Assistant Stated Clerk and the Coordinator for Representation and Inclusiveness Services. She is a teaching elder (a.k.a. Minister of Word and Sacrament) in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary.
Recent posts
- Five Verbs, Seven Groups and a Case Study
- Lent: A Time for Giving Up
- Toward a More Full Self-Understanding
- The Time Has Come!
- Epiphany: a time for insight and revelation
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Leadership Transitions
At each and every General Assembly, the committee greets new members and says good bye to others who have completed their service. Two members leaving after this assembly have served for 8 years! Alma-jean and Stanley, you will be missed and we give thanks for the good work you have contributed and the legacy you leave for those who serve after you.
So it is with Assembly Moderators as well. This year, we said thank you to Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010), Elder Cindy Bolbach as her term of service ended.
Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010), Ruling Elder Cindy Bolbach with Ruling Elder Alma-jean Marion, outgoing Moderator of the General Assembly Committee on Representation, back stage of the 220th General Assembly (2012). Photo by Molly Casteel.
When she was elected in 2010, GACOR members met with her for basic introductions and orientation.
GACOR members greet newly elected Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010), elder Cindy Bolbach. From left to right are: Angela Battle, Megan Acedo, Cindy Bolbach, Carol Tompkins, Stanley Bhasker, Cindy Ray, and Alma-jean Marion.
The 220th General Assembly (2012) elected teaching elder, the Rev. Dr. Neal D. Presa as its Moderator. As is its custom, the GACOR members, present at the assembly, welcomed him to his new role and introduced themselves and the shared work ahead. Committee members are eager to work with Neal and Tom as they fulfill the duties and privileges of being Moderator and Vice Moderator to this assembly.
The Rev. Dr. Neal Presa, Moderator of the 220th General Assembly (2012), meets with several members of the General Assembly Committee on Representation on July 3, 2012. From left to right: Hector Rivera-Velez, Heather Walchar, Deborah Fair, Molly Casteel, Neal Presa, Alma-jean Marion, and Stanley Bhasker.
Photo by Danny Bolin.
GACOR leadership has its own transition. Ending a term are ruling elder Alma-jean Marion, Moderator, and ruling elder Deborah Fair, Vice Moderator. Beginning a term are ruling elder Deborah Fair, Moderator, and the Rev. Hector Rivera-Velez, Vice Moderator.
- Posted at 3:05 p.m.
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