Town Hall Meeting with the General Assembly Commissioners

On September 13, 24 members of Highlands Presbytery met with our General Assembly commissioners for a
Zoom Town Hall Meeting. Ruling Elders Scott Riker (Highlands) and Bob Zeh (Flemington), and Teaching
Elders Katherine Scott Kirschner (Sussex) and David Young (Newton) shared what they learned and
experienced over the course of in-person committee meetings and plenary sessions, when all commissioners
were “together” via Zoom.

Early questions largely concerned the practical aspects of such a gathering. Committee assignments are
randomly assigned, although adjustments are made for better parity in all demographics. Because this was the
first General Assembly in four years due to COVID, the amount of business was immense. As a result, there
was a huge consent agenda, from which pieces of business would have to be removed by commissioner action.
Some commissioners were surprised to learn that committee recommendations are not always the final decision;
we trust that the Spirit continues to work even through the plenary sessions.

The commissioners were enthusiastic about many aspects of the Assembly, and frank in their criticism. When
asked about exciting pieces of business during the Assembly (some of which still require presbytery votes), a
number of issues were raised. In addition to twelve week family leave for pastors (already policy in Highlands
Presbytery), a number of social justice statements were identified, on Israeli-Palestinian relations, against anti-
Semitism and Islamophobia, apologizing for the sin of slavery, and recognizing the damage that racism has
done to the United States.

Presbytery Leader Jeanne Radak contributed to our understanding of the Per Capita and financial sustainability
debates. She also brought to everyone’s attention the new Quick Start Challenges now offered by Highlands
Presbytery. You can go here for more information:

https://highlandspresbyterynj.org/2022/09/10/quick-start-challenges-for-congregations-in-the-post-pandemic-season/

As the meeting concluded, commissioners spoke enthusiastically to any who might feel a tug toward serving in
this vital role in upcoming General Assemblies. They spoke movingly of worship, the new relationships they
developed, and demonstrations of hospitality that left some speechless. While telling a story about receiving a
simple bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich at lunch, Bob Zeh movingly said, “I will never forget General
Assembly. I will never forget it.”

GA 225 has come to an end, but its business remains before us. The Presbytery will be voting on proposed
amendments to the Presbyterian Church (USA) Constitution (Book of Confessions and Book of Order) from
November 2022 through May 2023.

There are also national committees being formed on significant matters that came out of this past Assembly, and
participants are needed. If you are interested the opportunities and how to apply, go to https://ganominations.pcusa.org/