Wayne's
World: GA Reflections from Wayne Yost
Day Two: Morning Worship
25 June 2000
The morning began with worship. Each year I look forward to the massive
(two hour) opening worship of the Assembly. As we entered the Arena the
folks of Soulforce stood in silent pleading for their full inclusion in the life and ministry of the church. Counter to their witness were some
shouting at the tops of their lungs, and red faced, about "the homosexual sinners who are ruination of the nations." regardless of
where one stands on the issues involved, the shouting and degradation could not be pleasing to God. It was a stark
contrast in witness.
Inside the Arena the all was ready for worship. Sadly the vast numbers of members from local congregations did not
materialize in the expected numbers, but the numbers were larger than most people ever see gathered
in one place for worship.
The service was truly a blended service. Hymns of long tradition, praise songs from the 70's, and hymns of various ethnic backgrounds were
used as the service moved flawlessly. Children, youth, men, women, members, elders, ministers took their parts in well rehearsed movement.
A massed choir, an orchestra, guitar, drums, marimbas, and organ carried
the music. I was struck at how still we stood during the traditional
hymns and how the whole congregation became animated with the praise and
ethnic hymns. Freda Gardner preached and pointed us to celebrate the time in which we are called to be members of the church, rather than
cursing it. She called us to hope and faithfulness.
As usual, as I've come to depend on, there were times in the service when my
heart swelled, goose bumps ran up my spine, when I was choked with emotion, when I was truly inspired. I
wish each member of our Presbytery could experience such a worship service.
With a few, all too brief hours, of sabbath keeping the Assembly has reconvened in plenary to
hear various reports, particularly the Review of the Stated Clerk.
Yours in service to Christ and the Church,
Wayne A. Yost, executive presbyter
PBY_KISKIMINETAS@PCUSA.ORG or wayost@kiskipby.org
Day 1
Report: The Assembly Begins
Day 3: Committees and Worship
Day
4: Committees Finish Their Work
Day
5: The Assembly Reconvenes
