This past summer, the 226th General Assembly met in Salt Lake City, Utah. Following much prayer and discussion, thirteen items of business were referred to the presbyteries for their discernment as to whether these should become part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s life. Twelve of these would become changes to the Book of Order, while the thirteenth would deepen our denomination’s relationship with the Episcopal Church.

On February 27th at 7pm, the floor will be open to anyone in the Presbytery who wishes to speak to any of the items that will come before the assembled who will be voting at the March and May presbytery meetings. You do not need to be a minister of Word and Sacrament or a ruling elder, nor do you have to be an elected commissioner from your congregation to speak. The floor is open!

Even though there will be no voting, because of the number of items, and our desire to hear as many voices as possible, we will be following the Presbytery’s standard rules of participation, based on the PC(USA) Constitution and Robert’s Rules of Order. Those attending can expect:

• being given two minutes to speak
• an attempt to alternate between those speaking for or against
• moving on to the next item of business if there doesn’t appear to be any differing voices or if statements become repetitive.

Please join us, to share your thoughts on these important matters, and to give those who will be voting in March and May the benefit of your opinion.