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.

Tuesday, June 24

7 – 8:30 a.m.
“Hungry Hearts” Gospel Blues Breakfast
Ticket - $29
Sponsored by the GAC Office of Spiritual Formation.  This event will offer an explosive start to your day, further proving that not all events sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Formation are set in silence.  The dynamic vocals of powerhouse psalmist, Mary D. Williams, will revive your weary mind, restore the joy of your salvation and set your hands to clapping.
Location: Fairmont Hotel

6:45 – 8:15 a.m.
International Health Breakfast
Ticket - $20
Sponsored by the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) and the GAC International Health Ministries Office. International health issues and the Presbyterian response.
Location: Fairmont Hotel

7 – 8 a.m.
Breakfast with Maryville College
Ticket free
The Maryville College Experience: Stretch Your Mind – Stretch Your Heart.  From its founding in 1819 by the Rev. Isaac Anderson, Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, has shaped generations of graduates to be successful and make a difference in the world.  Join President Gerald Gibson for a presentation and conversation about the student experience of faith and learning.
Location: Fairmont Hotel

7 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast With Pittsburgh Presbytery
Ticket $20
Location: Fairmont Hotel

7 – 8:15 a.m.
Voices of Sophia (VOS) Breakfast
Ticket - $25
Speaker:  Mary E. Hunt, feminist theologian and co-founder and co-director of the Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER) in Silver Spring, Md. A Roman Catholic, she lectures and writes on theology and ethics with particular attention to liberation issues. Feminist Religious Leadership—The New Agenda Women continue to provide religious leadership that improves the quality of ministry, raises the level of theological discourse and broadens the scope of caring. Challenges abound: how to be Christian in a multi-religious world, why stay in denominations that persist in discriminating when good alternatives are available, what to do about the growing conservative power in both religions and nations? We have learned a lot in shared struggles that will stand us in good stead as we embrace the new agenda. Let the needs of the world not the failings of the churches set our direction.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Morning Worship
Jin S. Kim, preaching.  Jin is the pastor at the Church of All Nations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Twin Cities Presbytery.
Location: Civic Auditorium at the SJCC

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mission Tour 5.   Interfaith Exploration
Ticket  - $20
San Jose has a rich tradition of immigration that has built a city of great diversity.  Out of a large number of religious traditions, explore three that most Presbyterians are least likely to encounter:
The Sikh House of Worship, or Gurdwara, is the House of God where the Guru dwells, built particularly for congregational worship.  The spectacular building stands on 40 acres in the east foothills of San Jose.  An invitation to sample their foods is part of the tour.

The Muslim Community Association Mosque and School represents a diverse Muslim community made up of over 40 nationalities, most from Pakistan, India and the Middle East. It functions as a community center as well as a place of worship and is located in Santa Clara.  Lunch will be served.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, is located in Japantown just north of downtown San Jose. Founded in 1902, the church’s primary focus is following the path to enlightenment by preserving the Three Treasures of the faith:  Dharma (the teachings), Sangha (the people) and Buddha (the Enlightened One).  If time allows, you may walk through Japantown and its unique stores. Travel by coach with approximately one hour at each stop.

9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mission Tour 6.  Cameron House, San Francisco Chinatown 
Ticket - $33
Started by Presbyterians as the Occidental Mission Home for Girls in 1874, Cameron House began by rescuing young Asian women from virtual slavery in domestic service or prostitution. The House has evolved to a comprehensive family service organization serving low income, Asian immigrants and families in the Chinatown area. The tour will include a visit and lunch in the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown, the oldest Chinese Presbyterian Church in North America.  There will be information from the San Francisco Presbytery Cameron House Partnership Task Force on Healing Workshops on sexual abuse.  As time permits, visit a fortune cookie factory, the cable car barn or Chinatown shops. This trip is wheel chair accessible but a caution as to maneuverability due to crowds and traffic in the Chinatown area.
Travel by coach, approximately 2 hours round trip

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Interim Executive/General Presbyters and Interim Synod Executives Coffee
Sponsored by the OGA/GAC Office of Middle Governing Body Relations. Meet and greet other interim executives to share your challenges and successes.

9:30 a.m. – Noon
General Assembly Committee Meeting
Locations:  SJCC, Marriott, Hilton

9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
General Assembly Exhibit Hall Open

10 – 11 a.m.
Rural Ministry Coffee Hour
Ticket $4
Sponsored by the GAC Small Church and Community Ministry office of Evangelism and Church Growth. Friends of rural ministry will gather to network, fellowship and swap stories. Please join us for coffee and refreshments.
Location:  St. Claire Hotel

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Associate Executive Presbyters Lunch Gathering
For Associate Executives in Presbyeries.  Presentation by Jill Hudson, PC(USA) Coordinator of Middle Governing Body Relations. For more information, contact Felipe Martinez at (317) 670-5697.
Location: TBD

Noon – 1:15p.m.
APIMS Luncheon
Ticket - $30
Sponsored by the Association of Presbyterian Interim Ministry Specialists (APIMS).
Speaker: Deborah Bruce, associate manager, Research Services, General Assembly Council, and project manager of the U.S. Congregational Life Survey. She will speak on “Tools for Congregational Transitions,” giving attention to the Congregational Life Survey used by many interims in assisting congregations during times of transition, and to other resources and research findings, such as results from the recent study about interim ministry.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Company of Pastors/Order of Elders Luncheon
Ticket - $45
Friends of the GAC Office of Theology and Worship are invited to hear an address from the Rev. Michael Lindvall; In Loco Pastoris.  Rev. Lindvall is the senior minister of Brick Presbyterian Church, New York City and author of Good News from North Haven and The Geography of God.  Members of COP/OOE who attend the luncheon will receive a complimentary copy of a newly released book published by Westminster Press.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

Noon – 1 p.m.
Military and V.A. Chaplains Luncheon
Ticket - $25
Sponsored by the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains. Your military chaplains serve around the world and in danger. Two will speak of their recent deployed experiences in Southwest Asia.  Others will be in attendance. The Presbyterian Council for Chaplains is our church agency supporting nearly 400 PC(USA) clergy and seminarians taking part in military and V.A. chaplaincies.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
More Light Presbyterians Educational Luncheon
Ticket - $33
Impossible Choices: Our Gay Children or the Church?  Parents and family members are put in impossible situations when their church, faith tradition or denomination is not accepting of their lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender loved ones.  Many parents describe the dilemma of being asked to choose between their child, their faith or place in church.  It should not be this way.  Join More Light Presbyterians, the national LGBT Equality Network for a panel conversation led by Presbyterian parents with LGBT children.  Mitzi Henderson and Sally and Dave McClure will offer inspiration and personal insights. Pastoral care and educational resources for families, pastors, Christian Educators, Stephen's ministers, deacons, campus and youth ministers will be offered.
Location:  Fairmont

12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
National Association of Presbyterian Scouters (NAPS) Luncheon
Ticket - $15
Location:  Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1100 Shasta Ave., San Jose.

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
New Church Development Luncheon
Ticket - $26
Sponsored by the GAC Office of New Church Development, Church Growth and Ministry Support.  The current status of new church development is the future status of the denomination.  Is it possible to reach the fifth largest population in the world?  Speaker:  Brian Clark , pastor of Riverside Presbyterian Church, Sterling, Virginia, and field staff for the Office of New Church Development. 
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
OneByOne Luncheon
Ticket - $18
Addressing Bisexuality and Lesbianism.  Kristin Johnson, executive director of OneByOne and a long-time Presbyterian, shares her testimony of struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction. Kristin chose to find help and healing instead of embracing a lesbian identity. She offers this same hope to women and men who desire to find freedom from unwanted same-sex attraction.
Location:  Bella Mia Restaurant, 58 S. First Street, San Jose (walking distance).
 
Noon – 2 p.m.
Presbyterian Historical Society Luncheon
Ticket - $30
Speaker: Dr. Elliott West, Professor of History, University of Arkansas, "God on the Fringes: The Spiritual Life of Western Pioneers."
Location:  St. Claire Hotel

Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Women and Presbyterian Czech Mission Network Luncheon
Ticket - $35
Speaker:  Joel Ruml, Moderator of the Evangelical Church of the Czech Brethren.  Mr. Ruml will share the good news of the life and work of the ECCB as well as discuss demographic and political trends that are currently impacting the Central Europe region.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Presbyterians for Renewal (PFR) Mid-day Briefing
Presbyterians for Renewal offers daily updates, progress reports and interpretation on the work of the Assembly committees and the issues emerging in plenary sessions.  Lunch will be available for $15 per person.  Commissioners are encouraged to bring questions.  Observers are also welcome.

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Presbyterians for Restoring Creation Eco-Justice Luncheon
Ticket - $30
Do you care for God's Creation? Break bread (with a vegetarian meal) and share ideas in community. Celebrate with us faith-filled examples of eco-justice ministry for young and old through this year's awards and exciting guest speakers.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel.

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Presbyteries of Seattle, Olympia and North Puget Sound Luncheon
For commissioners and friends of these presbyteries.  For information and reservations, contact Barbara Ranta, Seattle Presbytery, Barbara@presbytery.org.

Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Synod of the Covenant Luncheon
Ticket - $5
Commissioners, presbytery and synod staff, visitors and friends of the Synod of the Covenant are invited. Food and fellowship, with time for sharing information about current mission projects, grant recipients and future directions.
Location:  Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1100 Shasta Avenue, San Jose. Transportation provided.

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Synod of the Sun Luncheon
Ticket -  $42
Come and enjoy good food and fellowship with your friends in the Synod of the Sun.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

Noon
That All May Freely Serve "Something Happening for Love Justice and Jesus”
Come out to celebrate the ALL of the Church's future. Music? Art? Theater? Something Else? Watch for signs, check the Web site for where to gather for these daily events.
Location: TBA

1:30 p.m.
General Assembly Committee Meetings
Locations:  SJCC, Marriott, Hilton

2 – 5 p.m.
Mission Tour 7: History Park San Jose
Ticket - $22
Reliving the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” Santa Clara Valley in 1890 – 1920.  History Park San Jose is a living museum, with 27 original and replica homes, businesses and landmarks illustrating the Santa Clara Valley’s agricultural past.  The 14-acre site includes paved streets, running trolleys, O’Brien’s café, an old print shop, a blacksmith’s, a stable, a trolley barn, a doctor’s office and more.  A museum store offers history books, gifts and children’s toys. A short walk leads to a traditional Japanese garden — areas of which are NOT wheelchair accessible.
Located about three miles from downtown; travel by coach, approximately 45 minutes round trip.  Docent-led walking tour of exhibits.  Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Urban Ministry Dessert & Coffee Hour
Ticket - $5
Sponsored by the GAC Small Church and Community Ministry Office of Evangelism and Church Growth.  Friends of urban ministry will gather to network, fellowship and swap stories. Please join us for coffee and dessert.
Location: St. Claire Hotel

6 – 7:30 p.m.
Grace Presbytery Dinner
For commissioners and others from Grace Presbytery.
Location:  St. Claire

6 – 8:30 p.m.
National Asian Presbyterian Council (NAPC) Banquet
Ticket - $30
A time of fellowship, friendship and a celebration of unity with our community.  We welcome all commissioners, friends and members of NAPC to join us.
Location: Fairmont Hotel

6 – 8:30 p.m.
National Black Presbyterian Caucus Dinner
This event will be held jointly with the Johnson C. Smith Seminary luncheon. See Wednesday schedule — noon -2 p.m..

5 – 8 p.m.
National Hispanic/Latino Presbyterian Caucus Dinner
Ticket - $51
Cliff Kirkpatrick is the invited guest.  Come on celebrate with us our cultural diversity with music and food. Learn the stories about the Hispanic/Latino Ministries challenges and hopes.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
National Middle Eastern Presbyterian Caucus Dinner
Ticket - $25
Speaker:  Peggy Thomas
Location:  Stone Church, San Jose.  Transportation provided from the convention center.

6 – 8 p.m.
National Presbyterian Men’s Dinner
Ticket $67
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

6 – 8 p.m.
Native American Consulting Committee Native American Reception
Ticket - $50
The journey of faith for Native Americans includes recognition of our engagement in Tribal governments. After 25 years of negotiation, the United Nations finally adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 13, 2007. Come and listen to the voices of those focused on the struggles of "Indigenous People".
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

6 – 7:30 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, 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 brings this remarkable, hope-filled performance to the assembly. Free and open to everyone. An offering will be received; 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!  Also presented on Sunday afternoon.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

6 – 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Advocacy Network Meeting
Sponsored by the GAC Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries. The grassroots network's inaugural meeting of women and allies to discuss denominational, national and global gender justice issues, make connections, begin to plan a way forward and brainstorm actions.  Seating is limited; tickets are required. For a free ticket, contact Molly Casteel by email or call (888) 728-7228 x5403. Light refreshments.
Location: St. Claire Hotel

7 – 9 p.m.
Micah Goes to the Movies
Sponsored by GAC Media Services and by MicahsCall, an online community focused on action, discussion of issues and concerns and prayer for individuals and situations in the world.  A free, fun event — view recent movies about Presbyterians embodying Micah 6:8 through stories of social justice, compassionate acts of kindness and prayerful worship. Popcorn, soda and candy provided, of course.
Location:  Marriott Hotel

7 – 9:30 p.m.
Middle East Prayer Vigil
Sponsored by the Israel-Palestine Mission Network, the Iraq Network, the Office for the Middle East and Asia Minor, the Office of Interfaith Relations, the Office of Middle Eastern Ministries, the Peacemaking Program, the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains, the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, the UN Office and the Washington Office.

Please join in a time of prayers for peace with all the peoples in the Middle East. This is a time to bring the cares, concerns, sorrows, partnerships and joys that touch and are touched by our Middle Eastern brothers and sisters before God and before each other. Guests from the Middle East are particularly invited. Focus times are:
7 p.m. – for Israel/Palestine
7:30 p.m. – for Iraq
8 p.m. – for the greater Middle East
8:30 p.m. – for military forces and their families
9 p.m. – for peace in all parts of the world
Location:  St. Claire Hotel

7:30 – 10 p.m.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Reception
Fellowship, light refreshments, and special music provided by David Bailey.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

7 – 8 p.m.
Presbyterian-Reformed Ministries International (PRMI)
Worship Service
Time of prayer and worship for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to exalt Jesus Christ and ignite revival in the church.
Location:  Fairmont

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
University of Dubuque Seminary Reception
Location:  St. Claire Hotel

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Witherspoon Society Dance
Ticket - $20
Time for a break! A great opportunity to relax, catch your breath and enjoy good music, dancing and informal conversation. Also one of the best networking opportunities at the Assembly.
Location:  Fairmont

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.