presbytery :: blog

Hello. Thought I’d try to get a post out this Thursday morning before the plenary sessions. I had thought that I’d be blogging a bit more but to tell you the truth, it’s kind of hard. First, there’s no internet connection in the plenary hall–so even if I wanted to give a blow by blow of the big sessions of GA, it’s not possible (at least not with my set up). Second, there’s so much going on it’s rather hard to keep up–so the blow by blow approach was probably a bit too optimistic. Third, there’s lots of people and lots of things to talk about down here so I end up spending a good amount of time catching up, meeting, or sharing ideas/thoughts with others. 

Some highlights so far have been: renewing old friendships, meeting new colleagues and friends, warm weather, the opportunity to see our denomination in action at our largest gathering in two years. 

We’ll talk later about GA, Seattle Presbytery, and our mission as a church. Thank you for all your prayers for us down here. 

Peace. Scott 

Here’s some more video from last night. The election of the new moderator, Bruce Reyes-Chow was quite an event. Having never been to a GA before, I was struck by the collective energy and interest in the whole process of introducing (nominating), discussing, electing and then celebrating this leadership change. 

And here’s a part of the installation. 

Hope you’re enjoying these bird’s eye views. At least you know that I’m here and paying attention. 

Peace. Scott

Hello Everyone. That was my video from the SeaTac Airport, before I touched down.  

But I’m here in San Jose now and to cut to the chase, Bruce Reyes-Chow is your new Moderator of General Assembly. It was quite an eventful night–as I’m sure all elections for moderator are. But since it’s 12:48am and I’ve got an 8:00am breakfast meeting, I’ll post those videos later. 

Tomorrow’s a big day. More later. 

Peace. Scott

So it’s been about a week. Where and what have I been doing? Good question. I’ll give you a little taste. 

Monday :: First Day in the Office
Actually had on appt even before my first foray in to the office on ol’ Beacon Hill so I arrived about 10:30. Staff was welcoming and accommodating. Walked into the freshly painted office and began to settle in. Jerry took me to lunch in Columbia City. Great Eats. Back to office. Went home at a “normal time.” 

Tuesday :: Meetings
Had the pleasure of meeting the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Oh, how I remember those days. Was able to share my own experiences of CPM as a candidate and how, though I didn’t like it at the time, the committee was very instrumental in getting me to accept how we covenant to hear God together in the reformed tradition–let’s just say, the CPM and I were not on the same page. Long story short, I accepted their leadership and guidance and am a better person (and pastor) because of it. They requested I write down my story/experience for future candidates.

Wednesday :: Staff Meeting
A good first staff meeting. I brought chocolate so how could it be bad? Theo Chocolate is my new favorite chocolate place and with so many flavors and varieties of chocolate wouldn’t it be a great idea to buy a bunch of different bars and ask the staff to introduce themselves via their selection? They thought it was a great idea. Don’t know what I can do to top that. I may be out of bullets.

Thursday :: OK, Things Are Beginning to Heat Up
A good day but long. Started day at about 9:00 with a meeting then met with CLP committee, had a tour of the facilities from Alma-Jean. Then a long COM meeting. Got home at 9:30pm. If I could share one thing that I learned from the week it’s that our facility (Beacon Hill) is old–old and structurally compromised in a number of areas. Friends we will have to face this reality. We need a comprehensive plan that includes what kind of “structure” we want to have to support our churches and ministries–structure both in where we meet and how we organize ourselves for our work.

Friday :: Half Day
So here’s where I became aware in a very real way that I’m not serving a congregation anymore. Usually I would take Friday/Saturday off as Sunday is always the first day of the week for a pastor, and the longest day in many ways. Well this Sunday, I was going to visit a church Sunday, not preaching, not teaching, not fellowship, not.. Though I knew in my head that this was the big difference between ep work and congregational work, that reality had not yet made it to my heart. I worked a half day on some details that I had not been able to get to during the week, then went home.

Saturday :: GA Meeting
Well, the day off didn’t go as planned as a preparatory meeting for GA commissioners was planned by the Synod. A very good meeting with practical and theological helps for this upcoming Presbyterian Polity Marathon we call GA. 

That’s a brief summary of my first week or so on the job. I’ll keep you posted on how things develop. 

 Peace. Scott