A month from now, we will have moved as a people of God from one reality to another - we will have moved from being a people who are anticipating the Churchwide Assembly to a church that is responding to the actions and spirit of that gathering.  I pray that our witness to each other and to the communities we serve will reflect Christ at all times, including and especially when it is challenging for us to do so. 
 
Over the last several months, there has been much conversation (i.e. mailings, newsletters, e-mails, brochures, CDs and DVDs and meetings over coffee or a meal) as we anticipate the votes on the proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and the four implementing resolutions which will be before the Assembly.  Over 1,000 voting members will be asked to open themselves to the guidance of the Spirit in those moments when debates will take place and votes will be taken.  When the Assembly is over, this church will have spoken, among other things, on whether our roster of leaders will be opened to GLBT persons in partnered relationships. 

My continuing prayer for the people and congregations of our church is this - that we will spend more time listening instead of speaking, responding rather than reacting, trusting and not fearing.  I have been listening to many of you in this synod; I have heard from you your hopes and concerns about what it would mean in the context of your ministry if this church were to open its rosters to partnered gay or lesbian pastors.