Thursday at GA

My, my, my has it been a long day. Business meeting was at 8:30 this morning and we've been on the go ever since. The Assembly had a resolution condemning war to vote on, but it was 'referred to' two general units to look some more and reword because some felt that it was hurtful to our military folks. I can assure you that was not the intent. But it was enough to cause great dissent and so sent back for re-write. We won't get to vote on it again during this Assembly. We also heard reports from the General Units of the larger church and voted down a resolution to back to alternating GAs being in October instead of always in July. It messes with camp youth, but October does to. It was a very close vote, but the GA will stay in July. Before the business we began with a great study on Genesis from an Old Testament professor from Phillips Seminary, Rick Lowery (he also happens to be married to our General Minister and President Sharon Watkins) who is sooooo good at teaching the scriptures.
Tonight's worship was more subdues than last night's as it dealt with the next part of Genesis with Cain and Abel and our humankind's need to confess and repent. There was a very powerful time of prayer and repentance and folks could light small candles around the meeting hall and pray with one of the regional pastors along the side if you wanted. It was very moving.
I've bought enough books to keep me reading for the next 2 years until the next Assembly. Books on racism, the church's response to global creation stewardship, children's ministry, the "new" Disciples identity as it is being newly defined, a book celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Disciples "Declaration and Address" by Thomas Campbell, and much more. I've had an opportunity to re-connect with so many friends, sometimes just for a moment, sometimes for a meal. They are now serving in Illinois, Kentucky, other parts of Iowa, Tennessee, and some friends from right here in the Upper Midwest that I hardly ever see any more! It is a reminder that the GA is truly a "Family Reunion" of God's great and vast family. I've even reconnected with my cousin who is a seminary student and a pastor of a church in Erie, Kansas.
So now that really, really comfy bed and the three big, puffy pillows are calling me. It's the 2nd night in a row I'll be in bed by midnight! There's something wrong with this picture! :-) Tomorrow afternoon is the first day of the learning tracks and break-out sessions and Dr. Watkins is preaching in the evening worship.
Pray for each other! I'm praying for you! God bless!