The PCUSA Pilgrim Pastor

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has always felt like a homecoming. This gathering once every two years is the highest level of our polity (organizational structure) that elects our two-year-term moderators, makes decision, and sets policies for the national denomination. But more than that, the General Assembly is where more than 500 Presbyterians gather once again to pray, reconnect, and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The General Assembly is hosted by different presbyteries throughout the country. This year it was held at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City.

Delegates first have several days of committee meetings where they discuss and make recommendations on each item before them. Then they all gather together for several more days to hear the committee’s recommendations and make final decisions. I have been a delegate twice: in 2014 in Detroit and 2020 during Covid online. The 2020 General Assembly had the theme, Lament to Hope

This time I was an observer, which meant I had no vote and was simply there to watch the proceedings. I attended worship, heard the debate, and saw policy and Book of Order decisions made. The first decision was to elect moderators and Cece and Tony couldn’t have been more fun, gracious, and faithful moderators. They will represent the denomination well in their two year term.

But I wasn’t there just to watch decisions get made. I was there to reconnect with people. Throughout the past 25 years of ordained ministry, 3 presbyteries, and 2 degrees from different seminaries, I have gotten to know many people. General Assembly is a Homecoming to reconnect with those from the past and get to know more Presbyterians throughout the country. Among those I ran into were Terry with whom I went to seminary and shared an internship with in West Virginia. Pictured in the middle. We had way too much fun sitting in the back as the peanut gallery.

Nelson and Phanta are devoted Presbyterian Intercultural Network (PIN) colleagues as well as Sandra (below). Together we work to advocate and resource for intercultural ministry in the PC(USA).

One of the highlights is the seminary lunches. Each seminary sponsors a lunch for alumni where they share their vision and latest news. I attended Princeton’s and was delighted to meet the new president. Jonathan Walton is a breath of fresh air for Princeton and doing a wonderful job guiding the seminary into the future.

In addition to seminaries, synods and presbyteries also hold lunches for their constituents. The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic held theirs at the Blue Iguana.

Warren Lesane is the synod’s fearless leader doing incredible work at this mid-council level. Warren and I served in Charlotte together and it’s always great to reconnect and catch up with him.

We also held a Presbytery of Eastern Virginia (PEVA) lunch where we gathered with PEVA commissioners to share their GA experiences and enjoy some down time. Our commissioners were outstanding along with our Stated Clerk and volunteers at the assembly.

Almost all Presbytery Executives go to General Assembly. Tom is the exec in Los Ranchos Presbytery where I grew up. In fact, he was my youth pastor. So at many of these national gatherings, we have a chance to reconnect once again. It’s always a joy to see him as we reminisce over the past 35 years and the future of the church in a new age.

But the General Assembly wasn’t the only reason I decided to go to Salt Lake City on my sabbatical. The Princeton Study Group I was a part of continues to meet on a regular basis. The 9 of us have been together for almost 30 years now. Catherine is one of those precious people and she lives in Salt Lake City. She graciously invited me to stay with her both during the General Assembly and after. Her house is beautifully settled in the mountains of Salt Like city.

Here are the views we enjoyed during the week.

The house includes a pool and hot tub which was so relaxing.

They even get some wildlife stop by for a drink.

So after General Assembly we headed off to Snowbird. While there was no skiing available, we did take the tram up and down the mountain.

The views were spectacular.

Both the scenery and the person I was with inspired me (yes, that’s snow).

Up on the mountain we could see for miles.

We walked the trails, enjoyed the cooler weather, and breathed in some fresh air.

Catherine and her husband, John, and I also took a long drive through the mountains, stopping at beautiful places like these.

Our destination was Sundance, a mountain town made famous by Robert Redford. The rivers were so beautiful.

We enjoyed the saloon that was in movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It was like walking back in time.

There were pictures of the movie on the walls.

The saloon is now a restaurant where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch right by the river. It was a perfect day.

I enjoyed the sound of the river so much I recorded it.

Utah was a rejuvenating homecoming on this reconnecting journey. I had the chance to see long time friends, a former pastor, PIN colleagues, watch the GA in action, and getaway with a dear friend to enjoy her company and nature. And every evening and morning, I was reminded that when “I lift up my eyes to the hills” I remember where my help and strength come from.