As God’s people arrived at the table during the 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), they were greeted Thursday with a service whose theme was the oft-told parable of the Good Samaritan.

Declining a proposal to admit to and apologize for harming the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning community,   commissioners to the 222nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.) instead opted to express deep regret for ways that those minorities of “God’s beloved children” have been led to feel that they stand outside the grace of God and are unwelcome in  the denomination.

Alumni of Presbyterian CREDO, a program of the Presbyterian Board of Pensions, gathered during the 222nd General Assembly (2016) Thursday to recall their shared experiences of revitalization in ministry.

George W. Baird, a teaching elder who has served as a pastor and as a stated clerk in a presbytery and a synod, was honored with the C. Fred Jenkins Award Thursday during the 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Lisa Miller wore her church’s welcome in giant letters that commissioners all around the plenary hall could read easily: “Mi Casa Es Su Casa.”

Hans Hallundbaek sported a mission that he cares deeply  about – prison ministry – on his chest: a picture of Jesus, with the caption: “What is your prison?”

Several recommendations that would have changed the structure and operation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) were rejected Thursday by the 222nd General Assembly (2016). Commissioners instead adopted a compromise plan that would create a vision team and a separate administrative commission to address those matters.

In the absence of comprehensive immigration reform, 11 million among us go to sleep every night and wake up every morning wondering if they will be able to remain with their family, continue to work and go to school, and dream the dreams that can only be birthed from a place of stability. The expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and the creation of Deferred Action for Parents would have alleviated this worry for five million people. I am deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court’s decision fails to extend this mercy to the children of God.

With tears and prayer – and a remarkable apology from Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons – the 222nd General Assembly(2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Wednesday unanimously passed a comprehensive policy to protect children, youth and vulnerable adults.

General Assemblies can be tough, even for folks who have experienced many. Some of the issues challenge your faith; some of the people challenge your patience; some of the locations challenge your body.

A slimmer, less restrictive Directory for Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was overwhelming approved Wednesday by the 222nd General Assembly (2016).