The 137th General Assembly gathered “Down by the Riverside” on the lands of the Chippewas of the Thames, the Oneida Nation of the Thames (Onyot’a:ka), and the Munsee – Delaware First Nation. A baptismal font and a beautiful banner stood before commissioners for the entire week. The banner logo, designed by Christine Gillard, a previous young adult representative, and expanded upon by textile artist, Mary Fay Green, set before us an image of the tree of life rooted in a circle of creation’s water with seven fish. Sometimes this logo encouraged me to take the satellite view and ponder earth as a living green – blue sanctuary. Many times I was reminded that Christians are connected around the world and we are called to live in harmony with one another and with creation. It was humbling to hear of the struggles of Christians in the Holy Land and the Middle East from international guests and Arabic – speaking Presbyterians here at home. It was exciting to welcome Rev. Augustus Oku, the first missionary appointed by the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, who has been called to establish a Nigerian mission in the Presbytery of West Toronto. It was uplifting to listen to the past moderator, Rev. Dr. Herb Gale, share highlights from his past year, especially his comment that the greatest export from Guatemala is not sugar, nor is it coffee; the greatest export from Guatemala is hope!
Daily morning worship spoke of the life – giving water of Jesus and commissioners were invited to come down to the riverside and drink deeply. Throughout the week, I found myself pondering rivers and watersheds, and how our country is a network of waterways small and great. I realized that Presbyterians from all walks of life live on these waters and that we have been blessed with an abundance of gifts. I heard the Spirit calling us to remember our baptisms and to claim the gifts we have been given for discipleship.
I appreciated hearing a variety of opinions about what the Spirit is saying to our church in the Monday debriefing groups, in conversations en route to meals, or as commissioners mingled after sederunts. I heard from many that there is a need for the Presbyterian Church in Canada to be clear about its identity, calling and mission and that these are crucial days for our denomination. There were several attempts to have overtures concerning restructuring be addressed by a special committee that would develop an overarching vision for the church, identifying key priorities for our mission and ministry. In the end, Assembly Council was given the task to discern, define and articulate the vision of the church in consultation with a broad cross – section. I hope the council will dialogue with YARs who challenged us at this assembly to embrace social media and to be intentional about succession planning in the development of new leadership. I hope we invite those involved in francophone ministry to be at the table. Discussion about translating the Book of Forms into French raised the question of whether we take francophone ministry seriously in Canada.
I hope we approach members of congregations and presbyteries who are imagining, discerning and implementing a faithful Reformed approach to being the church today.
Reflecting on the logo one more time, the tree of life encouraged me to step back and take a long view—remembering the future is not our own. Before the opening communion service, a gentleman from the local area began talking to me about the University of Western Ontario, the location of this year’s General Assembly. He told me the university was like an arboretum and that all the trees had been lovingly chosen and planted. With great excitement, he beckoned me to visit the tulip tree which was not a magnolia but belonged to another family (Liriodendron tulipifera) and gave me directions so that I would not miss it. In the sunshine of a new day, I went to search for the tulip tree and found it. It was remarkable; something I had never seen before. From a leaf similar to a maple tree grew a pale yellow tulip. This tulip tree, planted near the streams of the Thames, spoke deeply of God’s love for all creation and whispered a message of hope to one Presbyterian at General Assembly. I wonder, are we ready to welcome the new, to be surprised by God’s grace, to share with others the passion of our faith so that we bring others to marvel at Christ’s glory? Like the tulip tree, the logo incorporating the tree of life reminds me that God is at the centre of all. God who is promise – maker and promise – giver is faithful and with us now. For the 137th General Assembly to be a watershed moment, it is my hope that we in our congregations, presbyteries and committees of the General Assembly will be attentive and listen for the Spirit, that we practice faithful stewardship and courageous discipleship, and that we will provide a prayerful witness to friend, enemy and stranger, all to the glory of God.
