Witherspoon events at the 218^th General Assembly
[posted here on 3-19-08]

Friday, June 20, 1:00 to 3:30 pm

Semper Reformanda Pre-Assembly Conversation
(sponsored by the Witherspoon Society)

This is an occasion for progressive Presbyterians to gather informally as they begin to arrive for the General Assembly, to talk about issues coming to the Assembly and other concerns. Special speakers will include Rita Nakashima Brock and Noelle Damico.

Dr. Brock has written extensively on issues of justice, including human trafficking in Southeast Asia. She will touch on themes discussed in her forthcoming book (with Rebecca Parker) entitled Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire. Pre-publication copies of the book should be available.

Noelle Damico is director of the Presbyterian Hunger Program's Fair Food campaign, and the PC(USA)'s liaison with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in their campaign for improved wages and working conditions in Florida's tomato fields.

Ramada Limited "Upper Room," 455 S. 2nd Street, San Jose
Tickets will be free for TSADs, $15 for others.

Commissioners' Orientation Breakfast

This breakfast meeting is offered especially for GA commissioners and others who will be involved in the Assembly. Brief presentations will be given on the many important issues coming before the Assembly – analyzing them from a progressive point of view.

It will also give you a good chance to get acquainted with other commissioners.

Ramada Limited "Upper Room," 455 S. 2nd Street, San Jose
The event is free for commissioners and advisory delegates. Others are warmly invited.  Tickets $15.
 

Sunday, June 22, 12:30 to 3:00 pm

Witherspoon Awards Luncheon

The keynote speaker is Carol Hovis, who is the Executive Director of the Marin Interfaith Council and an ordained Presbyterian Minister, member of Redwoods Presbytery. Out of her experience she will address the intersection of interfaith relationships and peace & justice advocacy.

The Andrew Murray Award will be presented to the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, an outstanding leader of the Presbyterian Church (USA), as he retires as Stated Clerk.  The Whole Gospel Congregation Award will be given to a congregation in the Bay Area.

Fairmont Hotel
Tickets $45.

Witherspoon Party and Dance!

Time for a break! This is a great chance to relax and enjoy great music, dancing and conversation – and an informal place to meet and mingle with others at the Assembly.

Fairmont Hotel
Tickets $20

Finding the “Upper Room” is easy. It is at the Ramada Limited, where most of the Witherspoon board members will be staying, at 455 South 2nd Street, about a five minute walk from the Convention Center. Just go north-east on San Salvador St., just across Market St. from the Convention Center.  Turn right on Second St., and go about a half block southeast. The Ramada Inn will be on your left; the stairs to the Upper Room are toward the far end of the complex.

Tickets can be ordered from the G. A. Ticket Service. They prefer that you order on-line. Or you can call 888-728-7228, ext. 2417. You do not have to register in order to buy tickets.

Click here to register for the General Assembly – or just to order tickets for some of the special events.

But be warned – The registration page begins with this advice:

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1.  We want to share our concerns and views with commissioners and others attending the Assembly, and with anyone else who is watching from afar.  While some of our groups focus on one area of concern and others are more general in their focus, we are all committed to the wholeness of our world, which we understand to involve justice and peace and the well-being of all people; and we are committed to the wholeness and health of our Church and its witness and service in the world.

2.  We want to get to know you better and serve your concerns and needs in any way we can.  So we will invite you to share your views with us and with one another with any email responses or questions.  We'll invite your responses with links here and there, and we'll try to post those that seem to contribute to our conversations.  Just send a note now, and tell us how we can be helpful!