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Wayne's World: GA Reflections from Wayne Yost

Day 3: Committees and Worship

26 June 2000

Today the Committees are deep into the business before them. I stepped into a few of them and seemed in each to find the General Assembly divisions, agencies and entities informing the Committee members about the particular work, programs and concerns of that particular body. I know the Commissioners need this kind of briefing as they consider the multitude of calls for action and the budgetary implications before they make recommendations to the full Assembly. Yet, there is part of me which felt I was watching "zoo parade," and wondering how much the Committee members could absorb in so short a time.

Some of the Committees were beginning to deal with issues and concerns before them. There are always people wishing to address the Committees to plead for actions to further their special points of view. However, as in the floor debates before the full Assembly, time constraints permit only sound bite presentations. Yet, much more would more quickly dull the mind and senses of the Committee members. There was once a time when Committee and floor debates could be more extensive; when persuasive arguments could be fleshed out; and when leaders could emerge within the Assembly winning the hearts and minds of the Assembly. No longer is this possible. There are over 900 pieces of business before this Assembly. Each piece of business is thought, by those putting them forward, to be critical to the life and health of our portion of the Church, and faithful witness in the world.

This morning the National Ministries Division held a conversation on "Entrance to Ministry." The issue is one of the same we are addressing with our Mission/Ministry direction of supporting "first call pastors" and the congregations they serve. Several presbyteries have and are seeking to address this opportunity and the General Assembly is seeking ways to assist. Later this Fall a report on findings and possibilities will be released.

Worship this evening was another outstanding example of a cross-cultural, tradition, format and style blended experience. The preacher was Brian K. Blount, associate professor of New Testament, Princeton Seminary. Brian effectively used disarming humor, staccato alliteration of consonants, ironic and dialectic interplay between the Old Testament and Gospel readings and called us not to "piously playing church, but to prophetically living our faith." We are to be "waiting table" as active servants not waiting at table. It was a GOOD worship experience.

Tomorrow Committees continue in their meetings. It looks like the Christian Education and Curriculum Committee, the one of which Kent is vice-moderator, will finish early. Reports from some of the other committees is that they are running significantly behind.

Oh, yes, Marie’s luggage did get here Sunday evening. I haven’t yet laid eyes on Betty Grunstra, but I haven’t been to that Committee meeting yet.

All is well.

Yours in service to Christ and the Church,
Wayne A. Yost, executive presbyter
PBY_KISKIMINETAS@PCUSA.ORG or wayost@kiskipby.org

Day 1: The Assembly Begins
Day 2: Morning Worship
Day 4: Committees Finish Their Work
Day 5: The Assembly Reconvenes