Schedule

The meetings and events that make up the official docket of the assembly are shown with an asterisk.

Italics indicate meetings and events intended for the audience indicated or those who are invited.

Friday, June 20

9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Assembly Exhibit Hall Open

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Orientation for Youth Advisory Delegates (YADs)
YADs – please travel to San Jose on Thursday in order to attend this orientation, conducted by the Youth Ministries Office and the YAD advisors. Lunch is included. (Dinner is provided on Thursday evening, courtesy of the Presbyterian seminaries.)
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Noon - 2 p.m.
Orientation for Ecumenical Delegates and Representatives
Conducted by the Office of the General Assembly and the GAC World Missions.
Location: Fairmont Hotel.

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Orientation for Missionary Advisory Delegates (MADs) and Theological Student Advisory Delegates (TSADs)
Conducted by the Office of the General Assembly and the GAC World Missions.
MADs and TSADs – please travel to San Jose on Friday morning in order to attend this orientation to roles and responsibilities. Some time will be spent in separate groups.  Lunch is included.

1 - 3 p.m.
Witherspoon Society's Semper Reformanda Conversation
Ticket - $15
Twelfth biannual Semper Reformanda Conversation; Speakers: Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock on "Saving Paradise"; The Rev. Noelle Damico, Campaign for Fair Food
Location:  Ramada Limited, 455 S. Second Street, San Jose (walking distance).

3 - 6 p.m.
Introduction to Antiracism Training for Commissioners and Advisory Delegates
Building Beloved Community: an Introduction to Antiracism Training. As directed by the 215th General Assembly, the General Assembly Council is providing this session for commissioners and advisory delegates — who are urged to plan their travel to San Jose in order to attend.

This session is a tool to equip the church and its members to be agents of change, honoring the church’s covenant to become an antiracist community by working to dismantle racism in its own life and in society.  Participants will learn about the assumptions and definitions on which the PC(USA) antiracism training is based and the training models that are utilized to foster constructive dialogue and equip participants with an understanding of the dynamics of systemic racism and privilege.

6 - 8 p.m
Meet the Candidates for Moderator
The candidates for Moderator of the 218th General Assembly (2008) will be available to meet commissioners, advisory delegates and other participants.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m
Covenant Network of Presbyterians
Commissioner Convocation Dinner
Ticket - $33
Speaker:  Susan Andrews, Moderator of the 215th General Assembly and General Presbyter, Hudson River Presbytery.  Hear how the Covenant Network is pursuing “a Church as generous and just as God’s grace” — and how you can participate. An opportunity for commissioners, advisory delegates and observers to think together about how to make a difference in the coming week. Candidates for Moderator have been invited to introduce themselves.
Location: City Hall Rotunda, 200 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose (walking distance).

7:30 - 9 p.m.
Form of Government Task Force Presentation
A proposed new Form of Government is a major item of business before the 218th General Assembly. At this presentation, the Form of Government Task Force will explain the history, theology and rationale behind the two documents it has submitted for approval. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussion around this important matter in the life of the PC(USA).  It will be repeated on Sunday afternoon.

8 - 10:30 p.m.
Presbyterians for Renewal Welcome Reception
Commissioners and visitors are warmly invited to join the PFR Team for fellowship and hors d’oeuvres.  Candidates for Moderator and Stated Clerk have been invited to speak and share informal conversation.
Location: Fairmont Hotel