National IPC Synod Assembly

Anne delivers Peacemaker Invitation to German Zarate

Dear Family and Friends,

This week is another of the unique opportunities Anne and I have on this Accompaniment.  The Church's National Assembly takes place every two years, and it will be next week in Apartado - Uraba, a 12 hour drive from Baranquilla.  We will be going with a National Staff member German, who heads the Diakonia Service Division.  His English is excellent and he's been invited to be one of the International Perace-Makers in the U.S. next year.  He has a great sense of humor and traveling with him should be fun.

There are a number of differences between this meeting and a General Assembly in the U.S.  There are only three Presbyteries, each represented by five pastors and five elders.  So, there are 30 Commssioners rather that 1,500+.  We aren't entirely clear about the agenda and there isn't the big stack of pre-assebly papers U.S. Commissioners have to read in advance of GA.

Anyway, we'll be away from our computers for most of next week, so we won't be sending our next blog posting until a week from tomorro w.  When we return, CARNIVAL will have just begun.  Carnival is a BIG deal here for both Roman Catholics and many Protestant / Reformed groups like Presbyterians.  [Rather like Mardi Gras in New Orleans]  The Woman's Rights group sponsored by IPC will be in one of the parades [more about them later].  We'll be attending the Battle of Flowers Parade on Satuday.

Our warm greetings tgo you and we send thanks for your friendship and support.

Love, Joy and Just Peace,  Anne and Dave