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.

Sunday, June 22

7:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Women of Faith Breakfast
Ticket - $30
Sponsored by the Racial Ethnic and Women's Ministries/PW ministries area.  We recognize the faithful witness of three women who have served the church as "Visionary Women Transforming the Church and Society.” We celebrate these women, who have transformed the church and society through their Christian witness, service and leadership.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

10 a.m. – Noon
Service of Opening Worship and Communion
Joan S. Gray, preaching.  Joan is the Moderator of the 217th General Assembly (2007).  This simultaneous service in two locations will feature communion, the commissioning of mission personnel and recognition of military chaplains. Thousands of Presbyterians from San Jose and the Bay area will join assembly attendees for this special service.
Location:  San Jose State Event Center and the SJCC Civic Auditorium
(both within walking distance).

12:30 – 2 p.m.
General Assembly Media Luncheon
Ticket - $45
Sponsored by the Presbyterian Media Mission & Presbyterian Communicators Network.
“Critical Thinking for the Common Good,” a conversation featuring actor and human rights activist Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H & Providence TV shows).
Mike Farrell writes in his book Just Call Me Mike… “when I’m interviewed on TV and radio — the discussion may not be only about the shows.  We’re just as likely to talk about war, or peace, or human rights, or maybe even how I could possibly object to executions.  I don’t want to be put into somebody’s category.  I’d rather just talk and let whoever’s listening take it in, see if it fits and figure out how they feel about it — maybe even why.  Pigeonholing does the public’s thinking for them, and kind of insults them in the process.” A book signing of Just Call Me Mike will follow the luncheon.
For more information on this event contact Tina Hartung at (412) 323-1400, x310 or by email.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Presbyterian Coalition Luncheon Event
Ticket - $39
Post-worship meal with Mark Labberton, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Berkeley. Dr. Labberton's recent book is The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God's Call to Justice.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

12:30 – 3 p.m.
Witherspoon Society Awards Luncheon
Ticket - $45
Speaker: The Rev. Carol Hovis, executive director of Marin Interfaith Council and minister member of Redwoods Presbytery, on "Interfaith Relations and the New Sanctuary Movement."  Whole Gospel Congregation recipient: First Presbyterian, Palo Alto. Andrew Murry award winner: Clifton Kirkpatrick.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

1 – 7:30 p.m.
General Assembly Exhibit Hall Open

1 – 3 p.m.
World Mission Luncheon
Ticket - $35
The Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell, director of World Mission for the General Assembly Council, will speak about the exciting new ways the PC(USA) is engaging in mission both in the United States and around the world.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Reception for the Moderator of the 218th General Assembly (2008)
Sponsored by the Committee on Local Arrangements of San Jose Presbytery.
An opportunity to meet the newly elected moderator and enjoy light refreshments.
Location: City Hall Rotunda, 200 E. Santa Clara Street in downtown San Jose

2 – 3:30 p.m.
"South Louisiana Presbytery Project Homecoming
“The Name of the Rain”
“The Name of the Rain” is a documentary drama that captures the story of evacuees from Hurricane Katrina who stayed in a church shelter in Baton Rouge.  The play’s author is the Rev. Hawley Wolfe, pastor of Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, where about 200 people found shelter.  The production tells the story of what happened in those hectic months in 2005, what is happening now and how the audience can help. 

Presented by Project Homecoming, a disaster recovery program of the Presbytery of South Louisiana.  The troupe of actors is touring the country and will bring this remarkable, hope-filled performance to the assembly.  The show is free and open to everyone.  An offering will be received and all contributions will go toward the purchase of materials for the rebuilding of hurricane damaged homes.  Come see the show, hear miraculous stories of deliverance and heroism and find out how you can become involved in helping families recover, rebuild and rejoice!  The play will also be presented on Tuesday evening.
Location: Fairmont Hotel.

3 – Midnight
Collegiate Ministries Open House
An informal gathering for those who are involved with and/or interested in campus ministries.  Chaplains, campus ministers, pastors, lay folks, MGB staff and others are welcome stop by to meet, greet and network with people who share a commitment to sharing the Good News with college students and campus communities.
Location:  St. Claire Hotel

3 – 4:30 p.m.
More Light Presbyterians Worship Celebration
Sanctuary. Celebration. Community.  All are welcome to come just as you are and to experience Sanctuary, Celebration and Community in worship of the God who creates, loves and embraces all.  Join other open-hearted Christians in a welcoming and affirming worship encounter that celebrates all persons as God's children and recognizes the gifts of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Presbyterians and their families in the life of our Church and the Body of Christ.  Sponsored by More Light Presbyterians, a National LGBT Affirmation & Equality Network of individual members, families, churches and local chapters working for spiritual, ordination and marriage equality in the PC(USA).
Location:  Fairmont Hotel.

3:30 – 5 p.m.
Advisory Committee on Racial Ethnic Concerns (ACREC)
Commissioner’s Briefing
Introduction and overview of business at this assembly that is of particular interest and significance to people of color: the Belhar Confession; Troubled but Not Destroyed — The Katrina Resolution; Creating a Climate for Change Report and Recommendations; as well as Advice and Counsel on overtures to the assembly. Commissioners will have an opportunity to raise questions with ACREC committee members. Refreshments provided

3:30 – 5 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).  Repeat of Friday evening presentation.

3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Mission Connections Fair
Sponsored by the GAC World Missions. Meet representatives of the Mission Networks and other friends of World Missions.

5 – 6 p.m.
General Assembly Business Meeting 4
The Stated Clerk Nominating Committee will present its report and nomination.

6 – 7:30 p.m.
Group Dinner for Commissioners & Advisory Delegates
Ticket - $49
This meal is provided for commissioners and advisory delegates. Others wishing to take part will purchase a ticket.

6 – 7:30 p.m. 
Association of Executive Presbyters Dinner (for members of the AEPs)
Ticket - $45
Executive presbyters and families are invited to attend a festive evening to welcome new colleagues, celebrate the ministries of those who are retiring and renew old friendships.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
General Assembly Committee Meetings
The first hour of these initial meetings may be closed sessions
Locations:  SJCC, Marriott and Hilton

7:30 – 10 p.m.
McCormick Seminary and Chicago Presbytery Joint Reception
Location: St. Claire Hotel

9 – 11 p.m.
Princeton Seminary Reception
Open to all GA attendees and free of charge. Come enjoy fellowship with members of the Princeton Seminary community.
Location:Fairmont Hotel

11:30 p.m.
That All May Freely Serve Midnight Meditation and Post-Modern Prayer
Join us each evening in a prayer celebration for the church and for ALL. Watch for signs and check the Web site on where to gather.