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.

Wednesday, June 25

7 – 8:15 a.m.
Ecumenical Breakfast
Ticket  - $28
Sponsored by the Office of the General Assembly and the GAC World Missions. What is Required of Us?  Interfaith Perspectives on Relationship and Cooperation. As Presbyterians, we are always learning more about God's call to live as Christians with neighbors of many faiths and cultures. At this assembly, for the first time, official interfaith guests will join us, representing the Islamic Society of North America, the Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform Jewish movements and the Buddhist Churches of America.  They will share their perspectives on interfaith relationships and cooperation.  One of our ecumenical guests will respond, followed by open discussion.

6:45 – 8:15 a.m.
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Peace Breakfast
Ticket - $20
Speaker: Jonathan Kuttab, Palestinian Christian Human Rights Attorney in Israel and Palestine. Topic: "Following Jesus' way to a Just Peace in Israel-Palestine".  Peaceseeker Awards to Beth Pyles and Anita David (Christian Peacemaker Teams in Iraq) and Gary Cozette (Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America). $10 rebate to commissioners and advisory delegates wearing GA name badge. Full Breakfast.
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

6:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Presbyterians for Renewal (PFR) Gospel Hope Breakfast
Ticket - $21
Speaker: Dr. Mark D. Roberts, pastor, author, blogger, senior director and scholar-in-residence at Laity Lodge.  Fellowship, worship, inspiration and joy culminate in the presentation of the Bell-Mackay Prize for outstanding missionary service.  Celebrate our biblical and missional heritage and the recovery of gospel hope in the PC(USA).
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

7 – 8:30 a.m.
Presbyterian Publishing Corporation Breakfast
Ticket - free
The official publisher of the PC(USA) invites you to its GA breakfast.  An excellent opportunity to learn firsthand about many new resources that will be helpful to you and your ministry. Those who attend will be treated to a light breakfast and an engaging presentation that will include updates on the latest additions to the online resource center, information on the hymnal development process and an introduction to new resources for clergy and church leaders including the exciting new commentary series, Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary and The Discipleship Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version including Apocrypha.
Location:  Marriott

8:30 – -9:30 a.m.
Ecumenical Service of Worship
Archbishop Chacour, preaching. Father Elias Chacour is the Archbishop of the Melkite Catholic Church.
Location: Civic Auditorium at the SJCC

8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mission Tour 8: Steinbeck’s Eden—Salinas
Ticket - $47
John Steinbeck was born and lived in the Salinas Valley. At the Steinbeck Center and Rabobank Agriculture Museum, experience a journey through the world of his writing.  Seven themed theaters showcase works including East of Eden, Cannery Row, The Grapes of Wrath and more. The Rabobank Agriculture Museum shares the stories of the Salinas valley “from field to fork.” Lunch at the First Presbyterian Church, Salinas, with a contemporary ministry center opened in 2004.  Share conversation about Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian, begun as a ministry to Japanese farm workers in 1913, whose story includes the time of internment during World War II.
Travel by coach, approximately 2 hours round trip.

8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mission Tour 9:  Guadalupe River Park and Gardens
The “Green” Foothill Presbyterian Church.
Ticket $30
How Green Is My Valley? The Guadalupe River Park is a two-mile ribbon of green running through downtown San Jose to the San Francisco Bay.  Trails, public gardens and public art enhance a flood control project for the city core that also protects much of the natural habitat for endangered fish (you may also see egrets, kingfishers and herons).  High points include a children’s carousel, rose garden, historic orchard, a demonstration recycled water garden, a plaza highlighting the Ohlone Indians and a commemoration of five Olympic ice skaters from the San Jose area. Foothill Presbyterian Church is the first “business” in San Jose to go “green.”  Learn how that is accomplished, and see the evidence in the building and grounds.  Lunch at the church will include locally grown produce. Travel by coach to selected points, walking from point to point.  This tour not advised for those who have trouble walking long distances. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection.

9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
General Assembly Exhibit Hall Open
This is the closing day for the exhibit hall.

9:30 – 11 a.m.
ACWC Consultation with Clergywomen
Clergy women and their allies are welcome to meet with GAC Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns (ACWC) members in an open forum format for a discussion of the November 2007 Presbyterian Panel on the status of women in PC(USA) and other issues facing women clergy in the Church. Light refreshments.
Location:  SJCC

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Committee on Ministry (COM) Conversation
Sponsored by the Office of Vocations. For COM members, moderators, seminary and presbytery staff. An arena to share wisdom, discuss committee on ministry issues, best practices. Meet national staff and COM colleagues from across the church.
Location:  SJCC

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CP.M.) Conversation
Sponsored by the Office of Vocation. For CP.M. members, moderators, seminary and presbytery staff. An arena to share wisdom, discuss preparation for ministry issues, best practices. Meet national staff and CP.M. colleagues from across the church
Location:  SJCC

9:30 – 11 a.m.
Gathering for Moderators of Presbyteries and Synods
Sponsored by the Office of Middle Governing Body Relations.
An informal gathering for those currently serving as the moderator of their presbytery or synod. Light refreshments.
Location:  Marriott

10 – 11 a.m.
Using Film to Tell Your Story: Working with Film Makers
Sponsored by Reach and Teach.  Technology has made filmmaking an accessible tool to even the most budget-conscious churches and organizations. Ann Hedreen of White Noise Productions (Seattle, Wa.), will walk us through the steps of choosing and working with a film maker: how to plan a film that reaches and moves your audience; how to work with the filmmaker on the story outline, on the script, in the field, in the digital editing and the DVD design process to get the film that you need and market your film for maximum use. White Noise Productions has produced several films about Presbyterian churches and programs as well as many other award-winning productions.
Location: Marriott

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Conversation with Archbishop Chacour
Sponsored by the Office of Ecumenical and Agency Relations and the Israel Palestine Mission Network. This is an opportunity to hear more from the archbishop, who is the preacher at the Wednesday morning Ecumenical Worship Service. Luncheons Sponsored by Seminaries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Austin Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $35
Friends and alums are invited to reconnect with one another, say farewell to John R. Evans who is retiring and hear from Dean Michael Jinkins and others the latest about the long range plan, faculty news, campus happenings and other news. 
Location:  Hilton Hotel

Noon – 1:45p.m.
Columbia Theological Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $25   

Noon – 2 p.m.
Dubuque Seminary Alumni Luncheon
Ticket - $25

Noon – 2 p.m.
Johnson C. Smith Seminary and National Black Presbyterian Caucus Luncheon
The theme of the luncheon is "...for the people had a mind to work together." Nehemiah 4:6
Ticket - $40

Noon – 2 p.m.
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $34
Join alums and friends for food, fellowship and a chance to hear from LPTS’s newest faculty members: Claudio Carvalhaes (Assistant Professor of Worship and Preaching) and Debra Mumford (Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship).
Location: Hilton Hotel

Noon – 1:45 p.m.
McCormick Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $21
Cross-Cultural Theological Education: Preparing Ministers for Transformational Leadership in Church and Society. With Dr. Deborah F. Mullen, dean of master's programs, Assoc. Professor of Ministry and Historical Studies and Director of the Center for African American Ministry and Black Church Studies, and Dr. Virstan Choy, interim director, Center for Asian American Ministries, and visiting professor of Ministry. Join President Cynthia Campbell, faculty, students, alums and friends as we hear about a new initiative, rekindle old friendships and make new ones.

11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $17
All are welcome to attend this special luncheon. Professor Andrew Purves will speak on his latest book, The Crucifixion of Ministry, and President William J. Carl III will bring greetings.
Location: Silicon Valley Capital Club, 50 West San Fernando Street, Suite 1700 
The club is within an easy walk of the convention center. Look for the building that says Knight Ridder on the roof.

Noon – 2 p.m.
Princeton Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $20
Alumni/ae and friends will gather for lunch and hear a presentation by President Iain R. Torrance. Spouses, guests and prospective students are welcome.
Location:  Marriott Hotel

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
San Francisco Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $25
Enjoy conversation and lunch with alumni/ae, friends, current and prospective students.
Location:  St. Claire Hotel

Noon – 2 p.m.
Union-PSCE Luncheon
Ticket - $22
Speaker: Brian Blount, president. All are invited to meet the new president, to hear about his vision for the seminary and to enjoy conversation and fellowship with alumni/ae, friends and current students.

Noon – 2 p.m.
Auburn Union Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $30
Location: St. Claire Hotel

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Fuller Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $25
Join Alumni/ae and Friends to hear Richard J Mouw, president, and professor of Christian Philosophy speak on "Hope for the Future.”
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Luncheon
Ticket - $16
Location:  Fairmont Hotel

Noon – 1:45 p.m.
Yale Divinity School Luncheon
Ticket - $20
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
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.

1 – 5:30 p.m.
Mission Tour 10: Coming Home: Creative Solutions
in Extremely Low Income Housing for the Homeless
Ticket - $22
Visit two amazing solutions to providing extremely low income housing: the Opportunity Center in Palo Alto and San Antonio Place in Mountain View. Both offer housing on a sliding scale.  Residents also receive case management and a variety of other services. Both housing developments were inspired by church groups wanting housing for their poorest neighbors. Tour led by guides involved in these projects; see how similar housing could be built in your community. Sponsored by the Presbyterian Network to End Homelessness. Travel by coach, approximately 2 hours total time. 

1:30 – 5 p.m.
Mission Tour 11:  Santa Cruz Mountain Winery Tour and Tasting
Byington Winery
Ticket - $25
This winery is located in the quiet beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains.  Originally conceived as a family residence, the building welcomes visitors to traditional elegance.  A 45-minute tour includes the vineyard, the production facility and the wine cave.  A selection of Byington’s current releases will be available for tasting. (Age minimum is 21.)
Travel by coach, approximately one and a half hours; wheelchair accessible facility.  Wear layered clothing — the wine cave will be cool.

2 – 4 p.m.
Mission Tour 12:  San Jose City History
Downtown Historical Buildings
Ticket - $6
Repeat of the tour offered Monday afternoon. Walking tour of 2 sites: The restored Peralta Adobe, the oldest address in San Jose, showcases the city’s Spanish and Mexican roots. Later builders built more elaborate structures, of which the Fallon House (1855) is an example. Located in historic San Pedro Square, both help relive periods in San Jose’s past, A docent-led walk, seven blocks each way, through San Jose’s restaurant district.  Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection.

2:30 – 6 p.m.
General Assembly Business Meeting 5
Assembly committees will report.

6 – 7:00 p.m.
Middle Governing Body Staff Reception
Sponsored by the OGA/GAC Office of Middle Governing Body Relations. Stated clerks and executives of presbyteries and synods are invited. For information and to RSVP, contact Angela Lucear.

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Multicultural Church Dinner and Celebration
Ticket - $30
Sponsored by the GAC Office of Multicultural Ministries and the National Presbyterian Multicultural Network (P.M.N).  Keynote speaker: The Rev. Dr. Tom Taylor, executive director for mission of the General Assembly Council. The program will also include several exciting and energizing celebration opportunities, great table fellowship, prizes and giveaways of new resources and gifts in addition to the sharing of national, regional and international models of multicultural networking and ministries. Seats are limited.
Location:  Marriott Hotel

6 – 7:30 p.m.
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program Celebration
Ticket -  $30
Simple meal will benefit the Green Belt Movement in Kenya; Harry Pickens, Jazz pianist will perform
Location:  Trinity Cathedral, 81 North 2nd Street.

6 – 8:30 p.m.
San Jose Presbytery Peace & Justice Task Force Supper
$20 (Purchase from Presbytery, see below)
Speaker: Archbishop Elias Chacour: "An Israeli Palestinian Ambassador for Peace."  Co-sponsors: Pilgrims of Ibillin and Israel-Palestine Mission Network, PC(USA). Full Middle East supper. Two books by Chacour available. Reservation checks made to "Presbytery of San Jose;" marked "Chacour" on memo line; send to: Presbytery of San Jose, 888 N. First Street San Jose, CA. 95112.
Location: Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, Fremont & Hollenbeck Streets, Sunnyvale, CA. (20 minute drive from GA. Directions: north on Hwy. 280 to Hwy 85, north on 85 to Fremont Ave, south on Fremont to Hollenbeck).

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
General Assembly Business Meeting 6
Assembly committees will report.

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."