We had a long trip from California to western New York, made even longer by mechanical problems in Minneapolis. (It's the first time I've seen a DC-10 jacked up to have a tire change.) We missed a connection into Rochester but made the later flight. Had a great, but all too brief time with family, and my Dad and I drove over to Syracuse today. I got checked in and caught the shuttle to the convention center.
As I suspected from an earlier mailing the group from San Gabriel has great seats, front row center it turns out. Right there for all the action.
And the action was interesting. We began with welcoming remarks and an introduction to the voting process using the electronic voting boxes at our seats. There were reports from the outgoing moderator and the stated clerk, but generally the afternoon was mild compared to the election of the moderator in the evening.
I won't hold you in suspense any longer; Patricia Brown, and elder and business women from Cincinnati, was elected moderator on the first ballot with 287 votes compared to 180 for Louis Zbinden and 72 for Eugene Sibery.
Pat Brown's theme was "A matter of trust" and she spoke movingly of her experiences, her passion for the Presbyterian Church, and the need for continued dialog on the differences the denomination still faces. Of the three candidates her statement and responses to questions were the most specific and had the least generalities.
Louis Zbinden, a pastor from San Antonio, emphasized that "Jesus Christ matters" and tied the lordship of Jesus Christ into most of his responses. He came across as a dedicated and good leader, and very pastoral.
Eugene Sibery is a retired health care administrator from Florida and he emphasized "Discipleship: A total commitment." He was clearly strong on the managerial gifts but less vocal on the theological aspects.
My impression is that Ms. Brown will be an enthusiastic and energetic representative of the church. She will encourage the discussion that the denomination continues to need and is a good moderator for this time in the church's history.
As we look forward to tomorrow, pray for Pat Brown and her leadership as the new moderator. And pray for the over 400 mission workers who will be commissioned at worship tomorrow morning.
In Christ,
Steve