As 175 years of mission-sending were commemorated, international mission supporters were pointed toward the future at the Presbyterian World Mission luncheon on Thursday (July 5) at the 220th General Assembly.

It’s a future that will include a focus on three critical global issues identified by Presbyterian World Mission and stepped-up efforts to increase the number of Young Adult Volunteers (YAV) sent into service, said the Rev. Hunter Farrell, director of Presbyterian World Mission.

On Thursday (July 5), the 220th General Assembly approved all of the Board of Pensions (BOP), Presbyterian Foundation and Presbyterian Publishing Corporation Assembly Committee’s recommendations.

With a close vote of 319-311-8, a commissioner’s resolution calling for the BOP to discuss a shared benefits plan with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians and other possible partners was the most contested item. The BOP will report its findings to the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly within one year for the purpose of possible actions by the 221st General Assembly (2014).

As you arrive in Stoystown, Penn., a sign reads “We Will Always Remember the Heroes of Flight 93.” To those who live in Somerset County, it is a daily reminder of September 11, 2001, when 40 courageous strangers foiled the efforts of terrorists who had hijacked the plane, intending to crash it into the United States Capitol Building. The plane crashed just a short drive away from Stoystown.

The “property clause” of the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) remains in the denomination’s constitution after the 220th General Assembly, by voice vote, upheld its Policy Committee’s recommendations, rejecting two overtures that would have placed property into the hands of congregations.

The 220th General Assembly today (July 5) passed a wide range of social justice policies and recommendations. The report of the GA Social Justice Issues committee was divided into a number of areas, including environmental justice, economic justice and safety and justice.

For the Thompsons, interim or transitional ministry comes down to three questions: Who are we? Who is my neighbor? Why are we here?

The Rev. John B. Trotti, who served as librarian at Union Presbyterian Seminary for 34 years, received the Award for Excellence in Theological Education at the 220th General Assembly on Thursday (July 5).

Those who gathered for the National Asian Presbyterian Council banquet on Tuesday evening (July 3) welcomed the Moderator of the 220th General Assembly, the Rev. Neal D. Presa, and his family, who dined with the group.

Representatives of several tribes and churches gathered at the Native American Consulting Committee (NACC) Dinner on Tuesday (July 3) at the 220th GA to share stories about ministry and mission in the midst of challenging economic times.

“I am the link between the past and the future,” declared Susanne Ware-Diaz, executive director of Cook Native American Ministries (CNAM). “This is a time of financial and spiritual famine… and Native American ministries are often already without voice and without vote.”

The 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Thursday (July 5) received the report of the Committee on Review of GA Permanent Committees and commended the committee.