The 219th General Assembly opened on Saturday afternoon with the pouring together of water the commissioners carried to Minneapolis from around the country, symbolizing the theme "Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water." In this water contains the hopes and dreams for this church, this festival. We are to be as living water not only for ourselves but for the next generation.
The theme of water is one that was reflected in the Scripture, music and prayers to open the assembly. We got an introduction to our host state, and learned that the name Minnesota comes from the Dakota word "minisota," which means the sky reflected in the water.
The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly, instructed us in our call that we are a church that is trying to figure out what God is doing with us, and that we are called to discern the mind of Christ and the will of God together. Then we were formally commissioned for this assembly.
Rick,
ReplyDeleteWe read your opening paragraph at the outset of worship,
and introduced the congregation to the new moderator. Thank you for keeping us informed. May God continue to bless you with energy and enthusiasm for the week ahead.