Those attending the Polity, Benefits and Mission Conference this week got a look at what’s in store next summer during the 226th General Assembly, which will be held partly online and partly in person in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“Utah is so excited to have you all come,” said Candice Sweet, stated clerk of both the Presbytery of Utah and the Synod of the Rocky Mountains. Two weeks ago, Office of General Assembly staff joined with local arrangers for volunteer training and a tour of the remodeled Salt Palace Convention Center. Area churches “are also excited to have you come and worship with them,” Sweet said.
Kate Trigger Duffert, who directs General Assembly planning in the OGA, said the Assembly theme, “Live Into Hope,” will remember the work of beloved Presbyterian hymnwriter Jane Parker Huber, who died in 2008. “Use 772 out of Glory to God if you’re so inclined before the Assembly,” Trigger Duffert told worship leaders in the crowd of nearly 300 people.
She described the convention center as “a massive space, but slightly smaller than we’ve had in the past.” Space will be available for a mid-council leader lounge, a welcome area and observation rooms. “All are welcome. God shows up no matter what our plans are,” Trigger Duffert said.
Kate Trigger Duffert directs General Assembly planning in the Office of the General Assembly. Photo by Randy Hobson.
The Rev. Bronwen Boswell is Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Photo by Randy Hobson.
The Rev. Jihyun Oh directs Mid Council Ministries in the Office of the General Assembly. Photo by Randy Hobson.
The erstwhile technology tool of General Assembly, PC-Biz, is being revamped, according to the Rev. Bronwen Boswell, Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA). “It’s an older system we just couldn’t tweak,” she said.
The Rev. Jihyun Oh, director of Mid Council Ministries in the OGA, discussed some of the challenges presented by the completely redone Church Leadership Connection, which helps to connect call seekers with churches and other organizations.
“There is continued learning that is happening,” Oh said. “We have heard a desire for more regular communication, and we hope to pilot a way for OGA to offer more regularly scheduled times for consultation. We will share that with you soon,” she told the roomful of mid council leaders and others gathered.
Oh also shared video clips from participants of Crossing Currents, an ecclesial formation event held in August. People “in a variety of ministry roles” were invited.
The Rev. Nick Warnes, who directs Cyclical LA in the Presbytery of San Fernando, said he appreciated the collaborative space that Crossing Currents afforded participants.
Prince Solace, director of Community Outreach at Lansing First Presbyterian Church in Michigan, has a background in community development and engagement. “When we arrived [at Crossing Currents], people didn’t understand how we got to” the places where faith communities find themselves, often at sea like the disciples were when they had to awaken Jesus to calm the storm. “In the ambiguity is the freedom to just be, not overthinking and not believing there will be an ‘aha’ moment.”
“I just keep in mind there are undercurrents to all we’re doing,” Solace said. “I think ‘being present’ is the message I will share with my church amid the ambiguity and change I can sense in the church.”
“How can we equip everyone with educational opportunities and opportunities to lead?” asked Langley Hoyt, a student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
“We can acknowledge concerns but not be crippled by them,” said the Rev. Matt Conner, pastor of Newell Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Leadership doesn’t have to look like it did in the past,” when successful ministry was synonymous with increased budgets and more people joining the faith community.
“There is thriving ministry going on in plenty of contexts,” Conner said.
“Friends, thank you for your continued service and for the work you do, for being that connectional link we need throughout the churches,” Boswell told the mid council leaders. “We’re in this together and we’re going forward.”