Last night before the formal Ecumenical Worship a joyful group of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual, Transgender and straight folks gathered with signs and voices to celebrate the welcoming Church which we claim as God's will for the Church. For me, and I am sure the other participants it was more fun and God honoring than the wonderful service in the Sports Arena. Many of the people on their way into the service took a little time to join us.

Today our minister commissioner needed to leave the Assembly and I took his place. For the most part the business was routine, except for a commissioner's resolution on Columbia that called for study, prayer, and continuation of the accompaniment program, plus a fifth action item recommending that individual members and Churches advocate with congressional representatives and senators to take specific actions to cease US support for the oppressive Columbian Government. By a fairly small margin the Assembly referred the action item for study and report at the Assembly. This despite pleas by many familiar with the Columbian Situation that the action is needed NOW. The pleas for action included one by the ecumenical delegates representing the Presbyterian Church in Columbia. Disappointing!

Tonight was the celebration of the Ordination of Women, report on Katrina Recovery, Joining Hearts and Hands capital campaign, and a few other similar reports. Lucimarion Roberts was there for the Joining.... presentation and honored for her three years of service as co chair of the campaign.

I went to multicultural breakfast, That All may Freely Serve lunch, and Peacemaking dinner. 7 AM until 10:30 PM. It is now 11:30 PM, I would like to post some photos from the Witness our Welcome service, but it is too late tonight.