This year worship felt different. It was not the "superbowl" experience that we experienced in Minnesota two years ago, with an incredible procession at the beginning and a baptism at the end. But this service, although more subdued than in previous years, was still a great worship that glorified God.
The music was very well done, with trumpets, flutes, handbells, handchimes, timpani, piano, organ, drums and singers. The music reflected classical and jazz.
The sermon was, as is tradition, delivered by the outgoing moderator. Ruling elder Cindy Bolbach, Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) told us that our first act as an assembly, as well as our last, is the worship of God. Bolbach's presence evoked an emotional response from everyone. Having struggled with a recent battle with cancer, she delivered her sermon while seated. At the beginning of the worship, Sheldon Sorge, executive presbyter for Pittsburgh Presbytery, invited attendees to honor her by standing. Many of the commissioners surprised Bolbach by putting on bright green tinsel wigs.
Mark 2:1-12 was the text for Bolbach's sermon. This had been her focus as a candidate for moderator two years ago. At that time, she identified the Presbyterian Church with the paralyzed man in this text. Now, however, she sees the church as those four who helped the paralized man encounter Christ.
Bolbach said, that the heart of the gospel is not a structure or the Form of Government of the Book of Order, but rather, “the heart of the gospel lie disciples like those in Mark who are willing to take risks, willing to do whatever it takes to help others see Jesus. Not just carry those whom they like, but maybe even carrying those they don’t know, those they don’t like. Willing to go up to the roof, willing to cut a hole in it.”
As is tradition, the opening worship included the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. For many years, the communion ware has been designed and made by a local artists.
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