vicemodblog

Mid-Term reflections of being Vice-Moderator

[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/question_everything/]

As I reflect of being confirmed as Vice-Moderator of the 218th General Assembly a year ago, one might ask "How's it going?" I have to say that I am having a blast!!! It is great having the blessed opportunity to see the church and the world and how we as Presbyterians are carrying God's mission to the world in our church context. These are some of the things that have rumbled around in my head so far:

* People by and large are not concerned with the struggles and issues the denomination has dealt with in past years. This does not mean that they do not have an opinion either way. It does mean that these issues do not affect how God is leading them to be in mission where they are. It also means in some cases that churches are going to do whatever God leads them to do, irrespective of the decisions of the denomination.

* I believe that ministering to Young Adults in the PCUSA is one of the most challenging tasks the church is facing/ will face. I also believe it can be the most rewarding.

* Flying in the post- 9/11 age is a real hassle!

* If Jesus Christ was confirmed as Vice-Moderator, people will still prefer to see the Moderator. That being said, I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, been treated very well wherever I visit and have never felt persona non grata.

* I have great respect for all who are employed at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY. They all - from maintenance personnel to Division directors - are called to and do a great work and they need to be shown appreciation for that.

* Places that I have visited there is a growing sense that the church needs to change. The anxiety enters in when nobody can define what the change will look like.

* NO - I am not sick of travelling yet. Probably won't be.

* I have learned that whenever you are invited somewhere, make sure you know the context and background of the visit. Even if you think you know, do it anyway. It will save you a lot of time and misunderstandings.

* Many people tell me that  "I wouldn't do that (be vice-moderator) for anything in the world!" My question back is "Why not?" It's a great way to be a servant and listen to the stories of people who are following God's call in ministry in their local context. That's fun!

* Make sure you check in with your church/family/significant other while away. 

* Mostly everyone has a real concern that the denomination is continually losing members. That is a big issue in my visits.

* Be flexible. Be flexible. Be flexible. 

Overall I have had a great time and I definitely look forward to the next year!

Trip to New Jersey and summer break!

Tomorrow I will be heading out to my last Vice-Mod trip for a while. I'm traveling to Elizabeth, NJ where I will going to Siloam Hope Presbyterian Church for a concert tomorrow evening and preach for their Youth Day Worship Service on Sunday morning before heading back to Raleigh that afternoon. I was invited by my good friend and ministry colleague, Rev. John Howard, the pastor of Siloam Hope. We knew each other from our days back in Los Angeles, CA as we were members of the Black Advisory Council of Southern California (now called National Black Presbyterian Caucus-Southern California Chapter). I am looking forward to seeing him again after many years.

[Pictures of Siloam Hope Presbyterian Church and Rev. John Howard with wife]

After this trip I will be at home the entire month of July through mid-to-late August. I will be taking a few weeks of vacation with the family to my father's family reunion in Atlanta and visiting my brothers-in-law and their families in the New Jersey-New York area. On top of that, my mom and family will be heading to Raleigh the early part of August. So I will essentially have some down time and catch up on much needed family time, church affairs and rest because from the latter part of August to February 2010 is virtually all travel. As of now I have at least 14 scheduled trips in that time frame! 

In the meantime that frees me up to blogpost more subjects, so be on the lookout for more of what I have to say!

One year ago today . . .

It was exactly a year ago today that I was confirmed as Vice-Moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). As I reflect on that experience, it was was a wild one for me. According to the rules of the Manual of the General Assembly, the Vice-Moderator candidate is confirmed the first business meeting after the election of the Moderator but last year the Stated Clerk's election took precedence so I had to wait until the day after assembly committees were done. On top of that, I had to attend my assigned assembly committee - which was Church Orders and Ministry, where we dealt with Amemdment B, Authoritative Interpretation, the Peace, Unity and Purity (PUP) report, and the Bush decision from Pittsburgh Presbytery among other things. But even through all that it was a great week for Bruce and I as we had the opportunity to meet and greet others as well as moderating the floor of the Assembly. Just sending you some pics of that event:

My fellow commissioners at our table on Assembly Committee 05 - Church Orders and Ministry. From Left to Right - Mary Jorgenson, me, Lloyd Green, YAD Jenna Gunnoe and YAD Anne Grewe. We had a BLAST sitting together and we still keep in touch!

That's me giving my opening speech to the Assembly before confirmation.

Fuzzy image of me answering the constitutional questions after confirmation vote with Stated Clerk Cliff Kirkpatrick and Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow. Thank God I wasn't asked any questions from the floor! ;-)

Declared official by Stated Clerk Cliff Kirkpatrick. See the relief Bruce and I have on our faces!

Bruce officially "crowning" me with the Vice-Moderator stole.

Bruce and I taking a picture at the Moderator's reception on Sunday after worship.

That's me moderating over the Assembly during a plenary session. A blogger remarked that I look like a Wal-Mart greeter with the blue stole over the green shirt ;-)

That's me receiving a gift from the Youth Advisory Delegates (YAD's) at the close of the Assembly. I received a watch with the Presbyterian logo and a box of index cards with notes from YAD's wishing me well the next two years.

Picture of Bruce and I with the YAD advisors after GA was over. From left to right: Mary Kohlsdorf, Joe Genau, Bruce, Jorge Sayago-Gonzalez, Joanna Jew Dunn and me.

Next week I will post some reflections of the past year and what is happening for this next year. Thanks all for listening and viewing and see you soon!

Black, Postmodern, and Emergent: An Oxymoron? - Part I

[Image-http://www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org/PopupWorshipAid.asp?LRID=23]

For the last few years I have been reading the discussions about the postmodern emerging/emergent church and it has really caught my interest. I follow on occasion blogs such as Presbymergent , Emergent Village and others and it also helps that many of my friends and colleagues are either a part of the movement or are well-versed in it. I have had the opportunity to worship in postmodern, emergent fellowships/churches in our denomination and like what I see as a new way of doing an old thing in today's context. And like everything else, I try to look at ways of how I can adapt and apply what I have learned to my own context in serving a historic African-American Presbyterian congregation. However, one of the aspects that have been criticized about the emergent church is its perceived status as a predominately white male movement. For example, Steven Johnson writes in his blogpost entitled "What's so emergent about the emergent church?"

"How far? There are seventeen official publications by Emergent Village, with every single author being white. A quick glance at the books written for the emergent church reveals a long list of white males under the age of 40: Brian McClaren, Tony Jones, Dan Kimball, and Doug Pagitt.¹ My neighbors are from Somalia, Nepal, and Burma. They couldn’t care less about goatees or Rob Bell’s glasses. Where is their voice in an emergent church? Where is my voice, as an Asian American, in a church that predominantly speaks to the white majority? Where is the single mother’s voice? The immigrant? Those on the margins? I have yet to see it. Being relevant within God’s Kingdom should have nothing to do with the majority, and every to do with those living on the fringes of society."

Race has also been talked about in other blogposts in interviews with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Andre Daley, and Matthew Glock. Even Brian McLaren gives some similar explanation to this as a part of his blogpost:

The “overwhelmingly white” issue may unintentionally show a lack of respect for the Black church in America, which is by and large much stronger in respect to African-American culture than is the predominately white church – making the emergent conversation less urgent for them for now at least. In addition, African-American, Asian, and Hispanic churches fulfill roles for their adherents that white churches do not."

All of this got me to thinking "how relevant is this movement to the African-American church?"  For sure, not all African-Americans worship in predominately black churches pr worship in the same style.  But if I had to guess, there are a lot less who are worshiping in emerging churches/fellowships. What would be the attraction/pull for African-Americans to worship in these places knowing that most of us have grown up in a culture and heritage of strong black churches? Even those who are youth/young adults tend to gravitate towards congregations that are similar to what they are used to. 

I'll see if I can shed some more light on this in part II.

The Big Tent Event!

If you were not there last week, you missed the Big Tent event down in Atlanta, GA! This was the first time that the denomination hosted a combination of 10 seperate conferences under one roof, at the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel. I arrived there last Thursday and almost as soon I had to hit the ground running. GAC Executive Director Linda Valentine, Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons, Moderator Bruce and I had seperate appearances and and responsiblities at most of the conferences. I began with giving grace for the conference dinnertime meal that evening. The conference opened with a wonderful worship service with Anna Carter Florence, Associate Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary who brought us the Word of God. Later on that evening Bruce and I attended several evening hospitality events including honoring our friend and colleague Phil Tom at the PHEWA Welcoming Gathering as he was awarded the Rodney T. Martin Award for outstanding partnership with PHEWA over many years. Bruce and I also did some event video media interviews, attended the tail end of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Reception and ended up at a Twitterup which is a meeting of all who were present and are on Twitter and were twittering the Big Tent event.

On Friday morning following a powerful worship experience with Rev. Claudio Carvalhaes, Associate Professor at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, I attended two seperate events. First I attended a Missional Church workshop led by Rev. Clark Cowden, the Presbytery Executive of San Diege Presbytery and then I went to the opening plenary of the National Elders Conference in which Rodger Nishioka, Associate Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Seminary spoke on Eight significant trends that are changing the shape of ministry for the 21st century. After dinner Bruce and I went to a couple of special events; one being the retirement reception in honor of Evelyn Hwang who has worked for the denomination for 48 years (!) and another Twitterup meeting.

Saturday was the highlight of my time there as I went with the conference's Young adults on a mission trip. You can read all about our experiences with the PCUSA news article here. That evening, Bruce and I were the emcee's for the closing celebration event at nearby Centennial Park in the amphetheather. Featured were singing and dance group and we Presbyterians had a great time!

Overall, I had a great time. I thought the conference was well attended and I had the opportunity to see long-time colleagues and friends. I am hopeful that we can have this again in the future and you should plan on attending!

Synod of the Sun update - part II

I had promised to get back with you a few days after my last post but things rapidly got real busy. So two weeks later, here is the rest of my trip from the Synod of the Sun -

When I wrote to you I was in San Antonio about to catch a plane to Dallas for a visit with Grace Presbytery. I traveled with Rafaat Zaki, the new synod clerk and associate executive. Upon arrival, I was taken to dinner with leaders of the Presbytery and Synod Staff at a restaurant named Saltgrass. I had a blast with Connie Tubb, the stated clerk of the presbytery and her husband; Interim Presbytery Exec Marvin Groote and his wife; Presbytery Moderator Stuart Baskin and his wife, the former presbytery stated clerk and his wife and Karl Travis, pastor of First Church, Fort Worth. I was also presented with gifts including a cowboy hat and a Texas tie. They were really fun!

The next day I was given a mission tour of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas where Rev. Dr. Joe Clifford is the pastor. I was warmly greeted by Associate Pastor, Rev. Cynthia Weeks Logan who was my chaperone as we toured the church campus and what they are doing in partnership with the downtown community. I also met with Miatta Wilson, Director of Children's Ministry and Camilla Ballard, Director of Youth Ministries who told me about some exciting programs that are happening. Afterward we visited the Stewpot, which is a comprehensive outreach center for the homeless and at-risk which is across the street from the church. They do a lot for this community and I was glad to witness this! Later on that evening I was the guest of honor at two receptions The first at the Presbyterian Mission Center, which is the home office for the Presbytery, Synod, Texas Presbyterian Foundation and Faith Presbyterian Hospice. The second reception was by the South Dallas Church cluster at Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church where Rev. Clay Allard is the pastor. I had a good time at both and reconnected with many people as well as meeting new ones. The next day I traveled to Waco, TX for the stated meeting of Grace Presbytery where I gave greetings and participated in praying for three churches who received new pastors. 

From Waco, Rafaat and I traveled to Tulsa, OK to attend the Tri-Presbytery meeting. This is a meeting of the three Presbyteries in Oklahoma (Cimarron, Eastern Oklahoma and Indian Nations) which happens every other year. This year it was at the University of Tulsa. I preached the opening worship service and gave two plenary presentations on the missional church. I was very well received and the Sharp Chapel where we met was beautiful! My trip ended on the first Sunday of June with a Breakfast Q and A and preaching at First Presbyterian Church of Sand Springs with Rev. Dan Milford as the pastor. During the service the Children performed a musical that was wonderful.

In all the trip was great! Lots of moving around but met some wonderful people who are committed to the church and being Presbyterian. Thanks to all who helped me, especially Rev. Greg Coulter, Presbytery Exec of Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery. Please keep the Synod of the Sun and its presbyteries in your prayers.

Synod of the Sun update

Just wanted to give you an update of how my visit to the Synod of the Sun is going. As you read this I am sitting in the Cambria Suites hotel in San Antonio, TX. Today is a free morning and afternoon before flying to Dallas, TX this evening.

I began my itineration on Saturday evening as I flew into Little Rock, AR for a visit to the Presbytery of Arkansas and Second Presbyterian Church. Fate would have it that when I landed in Little Rock, my luggage did not make it. The airline agent (Delta Air Lines) told me matter-of-factly "Oh, its on another plane and we'll deliver it to you sometime tomorrow morning." That was unfortunate because my luggage had my clothes, tolietries, Bible and sermons! Fortunately I had carried on the plane my pulpit robe and blue Vice-Moderator stole (NOTE: if by chance you are confirmed as Vice-Mod, keep up with the stole at all times. DON'T lose it!). When my ride arrived in the person of Rev. Sallie Sampsell Watson, the Executive Presbyter of Arkansas and her family, I had them to take me to Dillard's. 20 minutes and $517 later I had a brand new outfit for church in the morning. Then I was taken to dinner at Loca Luna with Sallie's family, Joan Erickson (Associate Presbyter) and the moderator of the presbytery, Clair Rhodes along with her husband. The next day I preached three services and had a wonderful conversation with the Young Adult Sunday School group. Associate Pastor Karin Akin took to to lunch at Copeland's with her daughters Sarah and Jordan, returned to the church for a Vice-Moderator reception and Associate Pastor Camille Le Bron Powell took me to dinner at the Whole Hog Cafe with her husband Jonathan and daughter Lily. Later on that evening I was given a tour of the city by my friend Rev. Marion Humphries, pastor of Allison Presbyterian Church. He took me to visit Mrs. LaVerne Feaster who served on General Assembly Council with me back in the '90's. I had a wonderful time at Second Pres and I am grateful to Rev. Steve Hancock and the congregation for their hospitality as well to everyone in the Presbytery of Arkansas.

EARLY Monday morning I flew to San Antonio, TX for the Synod of the Sun meeting which was held at Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church (Yes, my luggage did make it!). Beacon Hill is a wonderful Hispanic-American congregation that is doing great and creative ministries in the local community. I preached the opening worship service with communion and afterwards had a hour-long Q & A session. The people here are doing great things and Rev. Judy Fletcher, Synod Executive, have them very organized for mission. I was taken to dinner by the staff of Mission Presbytery (Ruben Armendariz and Miles White) to a wonderful place named La Fonda on Main and if you visit you have to eat there! After dinner I was taken to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, where Rev. Michelle Vetters is the pastor for a reception and Q & A session. I also had the opportunity to see Rev. Louise Shaw, chaplin at the VA Medical Center here who was in school with me at Johnson C. Smith Seminary in Atlanta, GA.

Overall, my visit has been busy but wonderful! I have to say everyone have been great hosts and my prayers will be with them all. I will give you a further update on my visit in a few days!