First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh

Rev. Tom Hall's Corner

General Assembly is coming…really.

In just a few weeks, the biennial General Assembly of the PCUSA will be coming to Pittsburgh, along with thousands of commissioners and observers from around the world. We are the only church within walking distance of the convention center, and we have been working as hard as we possibly can to be welcoming and helpful.

We need everyone to sign up and volunteer. Most tasks are ones at which we excel: greeting and hospitality.

But there are also major issues to be considered which will generate publicity nationwide and have a major impact on the denomination. You can help by being aware of the issues so you’ll know what to pray for.

Issues involving marriage and ordination standards will be front and center, as will the extension of Board of Pension benefits to same-sex partners of church employees.

There will be overtures asking the public to divest funds in certain corporations that do business with Israel.

There will be other proposals that seek to change the structure of the denomination, such as eliminating synods in order to "flatten" the denomination. Some proposals call for congregations who seek to leave the denomination to be allowed to leave with their property. Other proposals call for presbyteries to be organized around mission and theology instead of geography.

A good resource for understanding the issues can be found at http://www.layman.org.

Copies of the article, "Equipping for Ministry in the 21st Century," are available in the church.

Hungry For More?

Are you tired of the same old brown bag?

Enjoy delicious meals prepared daily by Chef Michael in the First Presbyterian Church Cafeteria! Open to everyone, most meals are under $6 and include various entrees, side dishes, sandwiches, wraps, soups, desserts and more! Located in the lower level of the church.

Visit www.ourdailybreadpgh.org for more info.

Menu for the week of May 14