Well, General Assembly is all finished. Young Adult Representatives sure don’t have a lot of time for blogging, it turns out. No worries, though. I’ll catch you up on all the important details right here.
It seems that the hot topic of Assembly was whether or not Lay Missionaries should be able to conduct communion. We went through much discussion both for and against, through many amendments and amendments to the amendments, and in the end, the motion was referred for further study, and to be re-proposed at next assembly. It is in my opinion that Lay Missionaries not be granted the ability to conduct communion, as that falls solely under the job description of Minister of Word and Sacrament. They went to a lot of school to gain that title, and for Lay Missionaries to become so immediately would somewhat undermine the title of those clergy members. Not to mention, the demand for Ministers of Word and Sacrament would lessen, and perhaps the supply would lessen as well. But that may be balanced out by an increase of Lay Missionaries, who knows? So, what I think is that Lay Missionaries be able to go to a one-year course or something to gain the title Lay Missionary of Word and Sacrament. That sounds like a good idea to me, and would certainly help relieve some stresses in Interim Moderators who are needed to travel great distances so that their congregations can actively celebrate the sacrament of communion. Also, should that be the case, I also believe that Lay Missionaries be members of Presbytery, which was a motion passed at Assembly. But that’s just what I think.
Also, Moderator Self is evidently gifted in prayer. We were about to start a report from the Life and Mission Committee, convened by Daniel Cho. He seemed to be missing from the court, and word had gotten to the Head Table that he had fallen ill. Moderator Self offered a quick prayer wishing a speedy recovery, and no sooner had he said “Amen” than Daniel walks back into the court. The shocked Moderator commented “Well that was quick,” and the court applauded.
The very next day, we were going through a report, and Moderator Self wished to confer with the Principal Clerk, Stephen Kendall. He turned, and Stephen was gone from his chair. Some smarty-pants commissioner remarked “Maybe you should pray for him so he can come back.” Laughter abounded.
See? Sometimes General Assembly IS fun and games!
We did get some time to relax, too. Wednesday night was a “free evening” and many activities were offered. The YARs decided to go out for dinner and a cruise along the Grand River. It was my first time sticking my toes in the river (although many people asked why I would want to do it in the first place), and the lovely captain even let me steer the boat for a portion of the trip! Very exciting.
Traditionally, the YARs do a presentation at the end of Assembly based on their experiences. We prepared a series of short skits. My favourite was an Assembly drama based on the joke “How many Presbyterians does it take to change a lightbulb?” Using proper procedure, we concluded that it takes an entire General Assembly, and a standing vote, to get it changed.
I’d just like to acknowledge all the wonderful people I met throughout the week! It’s both energizing and refreshing to meet and hear stories from such wonderful people. God bless Presbyterians!
