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In Spirit and Truth

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In Spirit and Truth seeks to encourage discussion and deeper consideration of representation issues in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It is hoped entries will prompt reflection and dialogue on aspects of expanding representation and supporting full participation in the PCUSA, especially at the assembly and mid council levels.  

This blog will occasionally feature content written by one of the fourteen members of the General Assembly Committee on Representation, who are church members, ministers (teaching elders) and ruling elders from across the country, as well as links and articles of particular interest. The ministries of advising, consulting, advocating, promoting inclusion, reviewing and recommending actions are vital to the life of the whole Body of Christ. Committees on Representation and/or their functions exists at all councils above session so from time to time we may highlight activities and insights from sister committees on representation at lower councils throughout the church.  

Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. or the General Assembly Committee on Representation.
 
Author/Facilitator Molly Casteel is an Assistant Stated Clerk and the Manager for Equity and Representation in the Office of the General Assembly.  She is a teaching elder (a.k.a. Minister of Word and Sacrament) in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary.

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July 29, 2014

Summertime and the livin' ain't so easy

Molly Casteel

Summertime…

I’m guessing my memory of days long ago when I was in school is responsible for the persistent idea that summer should be slower and more relaxing.  Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the longer days and sunlight and I revel in the delicious fresh veggies and fruits that fill the farmer's market and neighbors gardens, but time this year is not readily available for rest. 

There was the 221st General Assembly in June, which adds to the tasks and roles I juggle professionally.  So many worked long hours for months so that the two weeks in Detroit would be productive and faithful.  Debates may fly about decisions, but the event was a marvel of community building and connection.

In the aftermath, I’ve had only one weekend at home since returning from Detroit: one weekend where I was not on the road or hosting a house guest.  I feel as if I’m still in a bit of a physical and mental haze. As an introvert I need time to recharge… and there's been precious few moments to do so, that will come later.

logo is bright green and blue - a green globe with a halo of human halftorso figures in bright blue holding their hands over their heads adn toward one another, the globe has an overlay image of a roadway extending to a point in the distance. The theme is printed overt his image, "Journeying and Awakening into God's Diverse World" the 15th National Multicultural Church Conference, July 31 - August 3, 2014 in Ft. Worth, TXThis week I’m off to the 15th National Multicultural Church Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.  The theme is “Journeying and Awakening into God’s Diverse World.” It’s going to be an amazing gathering from across the abundant diversity in the US and with my ecumenical hat on, a time to connect with folks from across the globe. Many of my colleagues from the board of the Ecumenical Network for Multicultural Ministries (ENFORMM) in North America and International will be presenting content and participating in the conference. I hope that if you are in the area you might consider joining us for a day or longer.  On-site registrations will be available.

I'm working with teams of folks who will present 9 hours of workshops during the event, a panel on Saturday and a post-event. I hope we might connect while there - so give me a shout out on Twitter or by email so we can find one another.

When I return there’s so much to tell you about… process observation at GA221, stories from NMCC, and great new reads for folks who care about connecting across this great big family God has given to us. That's a short list.

This week was another anniversary for the ADA -- we did a post about it last year and I recommend it to you.  The work continues, but if we do not stop and appreciate what we have done, it makes the work that much more difficult. Happy 24th Anniversary!

Until then, may you find those pockets of peace available in the way things are and may you be restored with rest so that you may rejoin the struggles for reconciliation and connection that we and the world needs so much.

Tags: disability, enformm, ga221, multicultural church