opening worship at the general assembly

It wasn't too hard to find the worship space.
Bagpipes heralded the location
here in Minneapolis at the sprawling, sparkling convention center.
Inside, a giant, feathery eagle danced and moved among us
gracefully blessing the crowd
and joining the praise to
"All Creatures of our God and King."
Dancing girls, paper mache animals and streamers threaded their way
down the aisles, and our our voices thundered the great hymn.

We sang and heard all manner of music this morning
a little something for everyone.
Our outgoing moderator challenged us
to come up with different ways of being community
besides one size fits all,and
besides the American political democracy system when it comes to discerning the voice of God.
We are old, he told us.
no surprise there.
but we have a responsibility to the people who are not in church.

Military chaplains got a standing ovation.
A massive choir of more than 300 voices in multi-colored robes
brought us to stillness with a tender anthem before the sermon.
Communion included salted rice crackers
for those who abstain from wheat.

A baby girl in a lovely silken dress was baptized,
a first ever event at General Assembly.

big screens, varied colored spotlights,ethnic touches,thousands of Presbyterians
alternated between moments of exhilaration and tediousness
it is our way after all.

One speaker prayed that a stream would flow out of here to nourish the church and the world.
May it be so, Lord. May it be so.