Reflections by Rev. Bill Sanders
Domestic Engagement Committee
226th General Assembly
Rev. Bill Sanders
A lot happened in the time we spent as committee members and plenary commissioners at GA. And as Jeff mentioned, our leadership got us through it all with grace and we will be talking about it for the next 9 months at least. So I have decided to focus on some personal reflections. For me, General Assembly
renewed my spirit and my faith in a church of rich connections. I got to greet some old friends I haven’t seen for years, and met lots of new friends. One of whom is Jeff standing next to me today, and I also want to introduce you to Rev. Joy Englesman, a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church who lives in Denver and was one of our Ecumenical Advisory Delegates. She is here today, and I’ll ask her to stand so that you can get to know her. And I hope at some future occasion we can ask her to share her perspective of GA for us. I was also renewed in my hope for the future of our Church. I was also a commissioner 22 years ago. I was the vice moderator of a committee. While I appreciate the in-person fellowship, camaraderie, and worship we enjoyed during Plenary week, but event here on the plenary floor, the technical working of GA are far, far different. For example - the week of Zoom committee meetings--, with the committee moderator and vice moderator both sitting in Salt Lake City with the staff, resource folx and those keeping the technical systems working. These young committee leaders – yes, 30-somethings feel like kids at my age – and they are younger than my children – Well, I found myself wondering how were they going to help us -- scattered all over the country on screens in our homes or offices – how to get the work done. As I watched how these two were each paying attention to at least two screens at all times, listening to committee members, checking with staff and resource folx in the background and navigating not only Robert’s Rules, but a complex computer program. I confess that at the beginning of the week I wasn’t sure they could handle it all. Later in the week, I found myself giving thanks to Almighty God for their leadership, technical wizardry, and also giving thanks that I was not asked to help lead a committee.
Reflections from Jeffrey W Sneddon
Ruling Elder
Church of the Eternal Hills
Tabernash, Colorado
The work of the 226 th General Assembly (GA226) began with online committee sessions on June 25 – June 27, 2024.
Jeff Sneddon from Church of The Eternal HIlls, GA Commissioner
There are 14 committees. Each committee met via Zoom to discern recommendations on the items of business they were given. I was assigned to the Financial Resource Committee (FIN).
The committees reviewed specific Overtures for approval or disapproval. Overtures are items of business approved by a presbytery or synod requesting a particular action of the General Assembly.
The Financial Resource Committee was made up of a Moderator, Vice-Moderator, 34 Commissioners, and 8 Advisory Delegates. We reviewed 20 items of business during the three days of work.
The Plenary Sessions of the GA226 took place at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 30 – July 4, 2024.
GA226 included 456 commissioners from across the country, plus advisory delegates, presbytery and synod representatives, along with visitors, volunteers, and media.
Each day began with a Worship Service. The first work session opened with various administrative items including orientation, establishing quorum, commissioning of Commissioners and Advisory Delegates, and officer reports. A consent agenda, which determined the business to be considered by the General Assembly, was established per the Standing Rules of the General Assembly.