I mentioned in yesterday’s blog that the arena is surrounded with prayer fish sent by congregations. We also have paper fish signs indicating our table groups, and each Commissioner was given a gift when we arrived of a hand carved wooden fish, sized to fit in the palm of your hand, to hold during times of prayer and decision making. It leaves a lovely wooden scent on fingers and for those of us that fidget it provides something to fiddle with.
Many held their prayer fish on Monday, as each of the 12 nominated for the position of Moderator made a five-minute speech. The speeches were as varied as the candidates as offered a very small glimpse into the kind of leadership that person would offer to our church. It is a difficult decision to know who will best provide leadership at the helm of our church through the next triennium. Difficult because we have such excellent leaders who have offered themselves.
We also were introuced to the International and Ecumenical guests who are present for this meeting. They come from many different countries to observe and participate as visitors in our meeting.
Perhaps the most intense work of the day was listening to, and dicsussing, the presentation made by the Sessional Committee who has worked over the past week to distill for us the recommendations of the Comprehensive Review Task Group. The decisions made around the Task Group’s recommendations could have sweeping impact on the church. We have had many discussions as to the long-range and short term effect. We will continue to work on this is the day and days ahead.
I will just add here that the worship and preaching has been outstanding. It has been both inspiring and transforming for the Commissioners and Visitors in the court.
More later…
