The Chicago Invitation

I wrote the following for my congregation’s October newsletter. I’ll be interested to hear your take on these issues. Read more…

The first stanza of this hymn was written within a half hour of the election of Carol Bechtel as General Synod VP, but I think it had a lot to do with that whole Monday and Belhar and everything; it’s just amazing what the church can be like on those rare occasions when we get it right. Read more…

Yesterday the General Synod ended. The final morning spent most of its energies on the Church Herald and the assessments (assessments are the only way the synod gets to the budget). The debate was spirited. The result was to cease denominational financial support of the every member reception of the Herald. Where then does that money go? The synod accepted the proposal from the GSC that would have some go to reduce assessments, and the rest to fund “Our Call.” Read more…

Well, this General Synod seems to taking wonderful and unpredictable steps. Give thanks to the God of Gods, for His mercy endures forever.

I have learned in my long years of ministry never to predict the outcome of a consistory meeting. And I have also learned to accept this as a very good thing. Read more…

Yesterday was perhaps the most remarkable day in the memory of this long-time synod observer and participant. Read more…

This evening, the General Synod elected Carol Bechtel as vice-president of the General Synod. Congratulations, Carol!

Al Janssen

The General Synod voted against recommendations 13 and 14 — the ones that proposed an “open space” and the preparation of order changes to create the new “middle assembly.” Instead the synod acted to continue the “denomination-wide dialogue.” Read more…

It is an historic morning. The General Synod provisionally adopted the Belhar Confession. The vote was strong and clear. The delegates from South Africa were delighted and grateful. This is a culmination of years of work, prayer, study and struggle.

Al Janssen

Now that I have some time and distance from Pella, let me share some observations about the atmospherics of GS 2007. Read more…

Much of the time dedicated to business on Sunday centered on the Belhar Confession. The Belhar was presented in the morning and the “major issue advisory groups” met in the afternoon to discuss the issue. Informal reports suggest that most groups went heavily in favor of adoption. However, some were issuing caution. Read more…