A Beehive of Activity

Wow, what a week. When I walked in on Monday after a most restful and restorative holiday vacation, I was immediately swept up into the beehive of activity that was the Center last week. It seemed that meetings were going on in every room and corner of the building. Bright and engaged seminary "J-Term" (January term) students met with many of us as they engaged with us in their course "Leadership in the Connectional Church," a great way for them to learn about the mission and ministry of the PC(USA), and for us to hear their inspiring hopes and dreams. (For more, read the PNS story.)  The GAC Executive Committee met first together and then with the review committee led by Judy Fletcher, synod executive for the Synod of the Sun, that is undertaking a review of the GAC, a regular part of the General Assembly's review of GA agencies. The GAC Procedures Subcommittee is revising the Manual of Operations to reflect the many changes that have been made in the GAC of late. Women of Color Consultation was busy at work for a few days in Room 5000. The GAC Mission Work Plan 2009-2010 team met and is making good progress on the plan that will be presented to the GAC in February. Meanwhile the staff has launched project teams for developing an operational plan to support the Mission Work Plan and the 2009-2010 budget that will be presented to the GAC in April and the GA in June. We are planning an all staff meeting for the end of January, a consultation with some presbytery executives to talk about funding in March, the Mission Consultation that will involve representatives from many parts of the church in Dallas next week, and a joint GAC-Committee on the Office of the General Assembly that will include a session with deans of the PC(USA) seminaries in February. And these are just a few - the place was buzzing with conversation, plans and projects - the year is starting off with great energy!  Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!