In a session that was light on business decisions but heavy on voting practice and reflections from the Stated Clerk and Co-Moderators, the second plenary for the 226th General Assembly concluded Sunday afternoon.

Although the love chapter of the Bible — 1 Corinthians 13 — has become so popular that portions of it are quoted on coffee mugs and embroidered pillows, it has a deeper meaning, one that is relevant to the evolving church of today.

On Sunday, Wasatch Presbyterian Church welcomed two busloads of Presbyterians from around the country to an inclusive and eclectic worship service. From the prelude to the postlude, the vibe of vitality through variety thrummed through the sanctuary with classical organ, favorite hymns, a praise band and a small but mighty bell choir. 

After two busloads of General Assembly visitors had completely filled the sanctuary of Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, responding with an enthusiastic — if perhaps louder than expected — “And also with you” to the pastor’s traditional greeting, all the Rev. Nathan Sautter could say was, “Wow.”

A banner on the top awning of Community of Grace Presbyterian Church that reads “God is at work here and all are welcome” is more than just words for this faith community. It is the air they breathe, the smiles they give and their radical hospitality that make them who they are.  

Aunque el capítulo del amor de la Biblia - 1 Corintios 13 - se ha hecho tan popular que partes de él se citan en tazas de café y almohadas bordadas, tiene un significado más profundo, que es relevante para la iglesia en evolución de hoy.

성경의 사랑 장인 고린도전서 13장은커피잔과 자수 베개에 인용될 정도로 유명해졌지만, 이 구절은 오늘날 진화하는 교회와 관련된 더 깊은 의미를 담고 있습니다.

Kate Trigger Duffert, the director of General Assembly Planning, started coming to the assembly as a girl. This time her son, who’s 6, is accompanying his mother. That’s about the age Trigger Duffert started attending GA under the watchful eye of her own mother.

A late evening start on Saturday following the boisterous reception to meet the Assembly’s co-moderator candidates could not diminish the energy or the joy of the roomful of members and friends who gathered for the National Black Presbyterian Caucus’s “Meet the President” event.

Smiles and laughter comingled with warm hugs as the Rev. Cecelia “CeCe” Armstrong and the Rev. Anthony “Tony” Larson welcomed visitors to their booth Saturday evening, on the eve of the election that could lead to the South Carolina pastors becoming co-moderators of the 226th General Assembly.