By Robin Morris
In November at the 118th Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery, four commissioners were elected for the 225th General Assembly. Two Teaching Elders were elected: Craig Foster from First Spartanburg and Lauren Slingerland from Westminster (Greenville). Two Ruling Elders were also elected – Ed Yokley from North Anderson Community Church (Anderson) and me (representing Limestone). I thought you would like information about what this means.
What is General Assembly?
In the Presbyterian Church (USA), our structure includes congregations, presbyteries, synods, and at the national level, General Assembly. The General Assembly (GA) has meetings every two years to handle the business of the denomination. You can read more about General Assembly here: https://oga.pcusa.org/section/ga/ga/.
What do Commissioners do?
Each GA commissioner is assigned to a committee and meets with that committee to conduct the business. Also, each
commissioner represents the presbytery in worship and plenary meetings. Plenaries are portions of the meetings in
which all commissioners participate. Business is presented and acted upon in plenaries.
What is the format of the 2022 General Assembly?
As you can imagine, General Assembly has a different format this year due to the pandemic. The Committee work is
being completed in Groupings. Only one group at a time is in Louisville (KY) for in-person meetings. Committee Group 1
travels first and is in Louisville from June 18 – June 22. Group 2 arrives on June 22 and begins their in-person meetings
on June 23. Groups 3 and 4 follow the same format. Most of the plenary meetings will be held via Zoom between July 5
and July 9.
What is my committee assignment?
I was assigned to the Bills and Overtures Committee. This committee does not have business to present and be acted
upon at the plenaries. Our duties are to observe other committees as they do their work and to report back to our
moderator on the proceedings of the assigned committee. I will be observing the Rules of Discipline Committee, which
is in Group 1. They meet in person in Louisville June 18 – 22.
When will I attend virtually?
After all the committee work is complete, all Commissioners will join electronically Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday
night, July 9 for all worship and plenaries. I will attend all of these sessions via Zoom.
What is my request of you?
I ask that you lift me in prayer as I serve our church and Foothills Presbytery at General Assembly. I also ask for prayers
for all commissioners and leaders.
I’ll provide an update for you in August.
