Monday, June 22, 2009

Reflections on the 2009 General Assembly, II

Tuesday, June 16th – Since work of MTW Committee of Commissioners was concluded I had a low key day. I spent the morning working on a ThM paper making significant progress. There was a bit of R & R in the afternoon (I caught a few rays at the pool). The assembly convened at 7:30 PM with a worship service. Most notable was the testimony of Dr. Skip Ryan, president of Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, describing his journey out of addiction to prescription pain killers. Outgoing moderator Dr. Paul Koistra preached the sermon. After the worship service the assembly voted Ruling Elder Brad Bradley as its moderator.

Wednesday, June 17th – attended an 8:00 AM seminar hosted by Covenant College Professor, Dr. Brian Fikkert, on ministry to the poor. The seminar largely drew on his book, “Helping or Hurting” which explores the impulse to help the poor by giving them material goods. Very interesting. The assembly reconvened at 9:30 AM and heard a number of updates from our stated agencies: Mission to the World, Covenant Theological Seminary, Covenant College, Mission to North America, etc. After lunch these reports continued and since the assembly was ahead of schedule we kept up the pace. The assembly adjourned for dinner at 5:00 PM.

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