A Message of Common Mission

by Ellen Morris

Linda Bryant Valentine was in her fourth day as executive director of the General Assembly Council when she addressed the Monday plenary session of the Gathering, bringing a message of common mission. She praised participants for the 7,210 pairs of shoes and 40,000 socks that were collected for children by Gathering attendees, and discussed a culture of embrace, united by common mission, inspired by the example of Christ.

“Presbyterian women, with their earnest, faithful approach, are a great example of how to do the work of Christ. We need to change focus from our differences to our shared mission,” said Valentine, in a later interview. She went on to say that with the changing role of the national office in relationship to the middle governing bodies and the church greater connectivity is needed.

She offered the following suggestions to women hoping to further the church’s mission:

• Strengthen congregations—the work you do in your congregation is vitally important. Encourage other women to get involved.
• Increase awareness and support of the mission ministry. Spread the word about training, education and advocacy done at the national level. Information can be found on the PCUSA Web site.
• Join in mission and ministry. Explore short-term mission trips. Seek more information through the church’s Mission Networks.
• Communicate—tell members of the General Assembly Council (GAC) how the GAC, despite its limited resources, can help support your work.

“I have been so impressed by the energy, the engagement and the creativity of women at the Gathering,” said Valentine. Her suggestion for making a difference: “Love God and love one another. Reach out a hand; open a door; embrace. Love. That is my hope and my prayer for this Gathering, for our church and for all God’s people. Let us join together—let us embrace one another—in love.”