mgpcpastor's blog

The work of General Assembly stretches over twelve hours comprising of three sessions.
This morning we began with the Assembly communion service, with Rev Dr David Burge, pastor of Walcha Presbyterian (and son-in-law of the moderator-general) preaching and David Cook leading the service.
David preached on The Christ-ian’s Boast And Works from Galatians 6:11-18
(I liked David’s introductory comment about Christians being pressured to approve of the doctrine of justification by death.)
It was a very encouraging sermon as Paul’s affirmations about the hope we have in the cross of Christ will result in us bearing the marks of Christ. The world has no attraction for us, for what counts is the new creation.
This is what makes us able to not only accept death, but taunt it for its lack of power over us.
The report of the outgoing Moderator-General David Jones led to the consideration of a proposal to enact a working group called Mission To Australia, a cooperative body composed of representatives of the church planting and nurture bodies in the State Churches. Part of Mission To Australia will be a continuing Moderator-General’s church planting task force. For the first time in our church’s history we now have a body tasked with coordinating church planting and revitalisation from a national perspective.
This led to consideration of a communication from the Presbyterian Church of South Australia, which reported the great need in Adelaide for national support lest our works there founder. Mission To Australia will take up Adelaide and South Australia as its first task.
The Finance Committee and Church Trustees submitted their reports for consideration. The denominations national budget for the next three years will be finalised at a later sitting after a matter to do the National Journal is finalised.
The Code Committee was directed to continue working on a proposal to update regulations relating to the composition of GAA committees. Over the next three years they’ll consult with committees, and then Presbyteries and State Assemblies to formulate a well supported proposal.
At the afternoon sitting we received a delegation from Presbyterian Women’s Association who informed us that the Australian Executive will be based in New South Wales for the next three years. We were assured of the prayers of women around Australia for the mission and ministry of our church, and the Assembly extended our thanks to the PWA for the kingdom service.
Rev J Ligon Duncan preached the first of a series of sermons. Reading from Numbers 5:1-4, and later referred to Luke chapters 5 and 8, Dr Duncan pointed out the practical, theological and gospel principles of the proscriptions in numbers and demonstrated how they ultimately prepared God’s people for the work of Jesus, who overcomes all uncleanness and shares His cleanness with His people.
In addition to the reception of a report overflowing with information, Relations With Other Churches brought Rev Flip Buys from the World Reformed Fellowship and Rev Zylstra (can’t remember which one) from the Presbyterian Reformed Church to extend greetings to the Assembly.
The Christian Education committee reported on their progress is producing resources including an upcoming book edited by David Cook and featuring eight chapters on essential doctrines written by various Australian Presbyterian authors. The book will be available in time for a series of three day preaching seminars which David Cook, David Jones and Peter Barnes will be conducted around Australia next year.
At 5.00pm the Assembly received a communication from Rev Dr Paul Logan stating his resignation/retirement as Clerk Of Assembly, to take effect December 2014. Paul’s Deputy Clerk of twenty years, Rev Bruce Meller moved the motion of appreciation which was seconded by Business Convener Rev Peter Barson. Many speakers fought back strong emotions as tribute was paid to Paul’s wisdom, humility and servant heartedness. Paul was joined on the platform by his wife Margaret as the Assembly were led in prayers of thanksgiving.
The evening session saw reports from the Australian Presbyterian World Mission and PresAID.
Rev Daniel Marcal of East Timor, Rev Dan Iverson of Japan and Rev Kalorongo Ova, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu addressed our meeting and brought fraternal greetings and spoke of their hopes for the future.

That’s it folk. I’m going to bed. I may tidy this up a bit tomorrow.