by Vicki Fogel Mykles

They are Helen Halverson, a 17-year-old high school senior from Cape Coral, FL, and Anthony Elfering, a 20-year-old student at the University of Minnesota who hails from Minneapolis.

The two, chosen from a field of about 40 young applicants, are responsible for planning activities, moderating evening caucus meetings and leading worship.

Both are attending General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for the first time.

"The YADs really care about this church and have strong opinions," Elfering said. "I wanted to get involved and help with the youth voice." He said he believes that voice is important to the diversity of the PC(USA), especially in its leadership. "I think it's important to encourage and train young leaders. I see a lot of older, white males in leadership, and that's OK - but we need a lot of everybody else."

The co-moderators spoke of the idealism their constituents bring to Assembly proceedings. "This church has raised and fostered bright and intelligent young people," Halverson said. "Maybe we are here as the hope for the church."

"Our love for the church matters, and we are pleased that the things that matter to us matter to so many others," Elfering said.