Getting Ready

My wife, Dawn, and I will be attending the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in San Jose, June 20-28, 2008.  We will be attending as observers.  Our daughter, Jenna, is a Youth Advisory Delegate for our Presbytery.  Jenna has her own blog, see the link below.  We've made our reservations and will be staying at the Wyndham Hotel, about 3 miles from the Convention Center - hope we have good transportation.  Jenna is staying with the rest of the YAD's in another hotel - and we will be trying to give her space to be as 'on her own' as she likes. Besides observing and participating in some of the Assembly events, we also hope to do some sight-seeing.

I will share my observations (and some photos) of the Assembly and the sight-seeing ventures. I welcome your comments.

Besides the usual travel arrangements, we have been busy helping Jenna prepare for the business aspects of her role at GA.  She has gotten a lot of materials, letters, newletters, brochures, books, CD's, DVD's, etc. lobbying her to take positions on certain issues.  She has been very diligent in reading books, web info and mailings.  She has discussed issues not only with Dawn and I, but with other church people.  She has certainly already gained a lot of knowledge about how the Church works, current issues, discernment, Presbyterian Ways, and perhaps most importantly, how to interpret Scripture for living today.  We are very proud of her.

Dawn and I are particularly looking forward to sharing in worship at the Assembly, seeing the exhibits and learning more about all the different ministries that take place in Presbyterian Churches.  While we know there will be some controversial issues that will capture all of the media attention, we are particularly excited about the things that unite us and make us the unique brand of Christians we call Presbyterian.  We are also looking forward to exploring that unique part of God's great creation known as California. 

I hope those of you reading this will be able to experience some of what we experience at GA.