Imagine 1,000+ people in a room singing "All Creatures of Our God and King." Think about a worship service that included Native Americans, Hispanics, African-Americans, Koreans, Caucasians, and representatives of at least three other ethnicities and elements of worship related to those groups. Picture expressions of worship involving art (chalk drawing developed during the worship service), liturgical dance, banners, poems, a form of drama (don't think a "play" but rather acting and costumes), confession and assurance of pardon, Scripture, sermon, baptism, the Lord's Supper--and it all coming together as a unified whole, ending with "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" and the passing of the peace. Even though the vast majority of commissioners and delegates are 50+ (and hence a bit more "traditional" in their choice of worship styles), this "blended" service was embraced by all as moving and inspiring. The out-going moderator gave an excellent sermon calling us to look forward to what God wants to do in and through our denomination (and presbyteries and local congregations) rather than insisting that God continue to do what He has always done (and in the way He--and we--has/have always done it.

This afternoon we started our committee work. Let's just say that if idle hands are the Devil's workshop, the Devil has no place to work this week. My committee is going to have to meet longer tomorrow than scheduled because there was so much to do.

Now we're getting ready to go to Nicollet Island for the 4th of July picnic/Moderator's Reception and the 4th of July fireworks.

Then it's preparation for tomorrow and, hopefully, a good night's sleep.