Our flight arrived in San Jose Friday evening. We were greeted by a group of hospitality volunteers, who helped us carry our luggage to a nice, air-conditioned, chartered bus, and from there we were taken to the front door of our respective hotels.
Once inside the hotel, there was another group of volunteers who greeted us, welcoming us to their lovely home town. As we walked further into the lobby, there was no mistaking that the Presbyterians had arrived. Amidst the local band that was playing, and the bridal party posing for photos, were swarms of people wearing name badges and carrying bulging totes with the Micah 6:8 verse printed on the side. Waiting to take the elevator to their rooms, people with a variety of accents were sharing their stories about where they were from and how they arrived at GA.
After we settled into our rooms, we walked the block to the San Jose Convention Center. Entering the convention center is a bit like entering Disneyland. There aren’t any rides or hats with mouse ears, but one does have the sense that they have arrived at a place of excitement and change. The movers and shakers of the church are here – not just the people with titles, but more importantly, the people who are here on behalf of the presbyteries. The ones who are charged with attending business meetings, discussing issues and then voting to determine how the issues will affect the future of the church.
God’s presence is felt here. We can feel it in the hospitality of the people. We can see it in the seriousness that the commissioners have in discerning God’s will. And, most importantly, it is evident in the love and respect that people are showing for each other. No matter what stance one may take on a particular issue, people come together in the common knowledge that we are all here to serve our Lord and Savior.
