Make A Donation
Click Here >
226th general assembly (2024)
In an ecclesiastical tribute — brimming over with affection, admiration, gratitude, tears, laughter and just the occasional touch of irreverence — the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, was joyfully celebrated for changing the denomination that shaped and changed him.
Although the love chapter of the Bible — 1 Corinthians 13 — has become so popular that portions of it are quoted on coffee mugs and embroidered pillows, it has a deeper meaning, one that is relevant to the evolving church of today.
So said the Rev. Jamie White, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City, as she gave a sermon, encouraging her congregation and guests from the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to think more deeply about love.
Wasatch Presbyterian Church welcomed two busloads of Presbyterians from around the country to an inclusive and eclectic worship service during the PC(USA)’s General Assembly. From the prelude to the postlude, the vibe of vitality through variety thrummed through the sanctuary with classical organ, favorite hymns, a praise band and a small but mighty bell choir. The children’s choir was apparently on vacation for the long July 4 weekend, but the Boomer band was “rocking,” according to one commissioner.
After two busloads of General Assembly visitors had completely filled the sanctuary of Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, responding with an enthusiastic — if perhaps louder than expected — “And also with you” to the pastor’s traditional greeting, all the Rev. Nathan Sautter could say was, “Wow.”
A banner on the top awning of Community of Grace Presbyterian Church that reads “God is at work here and all are welcome” is more than just words for this faith community. It is the air they breathe, the smiles they give and their radical hospitality that make them who they are.
An interfaith webinar will be held on Tuesday, July 23, to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cuba, where economic restrictions continue to hinder the ability of the people to get necessities, such as food and water.
Plenary sessions didn’t provide all the news coming out of the 226th General Assembly this week. Reporters and videographers found feature stories both inside and outside the Salt Palace Convention Center. Among them were these 10.
As the nation reels from mass shootings, local Presbyterians have joined with other faith communities to mark Gun Violence Prevention Month by “Wear Orange” events and Guns to Gardens safe surrender days, most held in church parking lots. The June gun violence prevention activities will culminate in Salt Lake City on Sunday with a Guns to Gardens demonstration as the PC(U.S.A.) gathers for its 226th General Assembly.
In a video made earlier this month, members of the Special Committee on Standing Rules of the General Assembly discussed their work and the changes they’re proposing for committee and plenary consideration at the 226th General Assembly.
Earlier this month, members and staff of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy held an informative webinar on General Assembly items of business in which ACSWP is involved. Watch the 52-minute webinar here.
