“Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38)

Come to Minnesota for the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church and be sure to meet the hosts –  The Synod of Lakes and Prairies; the three presbyteries of Twin Cities Area, Northern Waters and Minnesota Valleys, including our  nine Covenant Network congregations.

The COLA (Committee on Local Arrangements) is hard at work under the leadership of CovNet member Manley Olson (North Como Presbyterian Church) who serves as co-chair.   Over 2000 volunteers are being organized throughout the three hosting presbyteries.  Our Covenant congregations are part of that organizing effort and we will be reporting on these congregations over the next few weeks.

North Como Presbyterian Church, Roseville

Roseville, Minnesota is a close suburb of St. Paul and members of North Como are looking forward to participation at General Assembly.    The church’s Session has agreed to relocate Sunday morning worship – July 4 – to the convention center. There will be many North Como singers in the mass choir which will be singing at the Opening Worship on Sunday, July 4 at 10 am, and a group sharing music at the closing worship on Saturday, July 10.   Signups at North Como for volunteer positions will also include communion servers.    Members Manley (Co-Chair) and Ann Olson (Recorder), Tanna Morse (Moderator’s Reception),  John Silliman (Departure Arrangements), Jennifer Anderson (Daily Worship), Sue Moseman (Moderators’ Reception) and Kate Wolfe-Jenson (Publicity) serve on the COLA.

North Como members also originated, sing in and support as an outreach ministry – The Global Harmony Community Chorus – an inter-faith, non-auditioned community chorus who most recently raised funds for Haiti earthquake victims and since its inception have raised well over $100,000 for global relief efforts.

Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Bloomington

A description on their website describes this congregation as “small enough to have a family feeling; large enough to make a difference.”  Members of Oak Grove will certainly make a difference to visitors coming for GA as they will be greeting at the airport and hotels, staffing the information booth at the convention center and helping participants with special needs. Bloomington is a large community conveniently connected to Minneapolis and home to the Mall of America.

Next month a sizeable team from Oak Grove will be meeting at the Mall to participate in the Race for the Cure.  In community ministry and support, Oak Grove members focus on the increasing diverse population of Bloomington including a tutoring program called Homework Connection and an established and sustained relationship with the local Muslim community through education and activities.

Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Golden Valley

Golden Valley is considered a “first ring” suburb of Minneapolis, about ten miles from the convention center.   Valley Community Presbyterian is a 500-member congregation that was founded in the 1950’s.    They will have a presence at GA in the special needs/resources booth.  This includes assistance to commissioners and visitors with locating emergency medical services, optical, pharmacy as well as help with mobility needs and info on handicap accessible restaurants in the convention center area.   Valley Community volunteers in the special needs/resources booth will also be handing out maps of all GA venues and headsets for those needing interpretive services.     Member Linda Wold (Co-chair of a Hospitality Committee)  serves on the COLA.

Valley Community’s congregation is a strong supporter of PRISM (People Responding in Social Ministry), a local service agency providing over 5,000 persons with food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation and other resources.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis

This downtown Minneapolis church is literally across the street from the convention center and will be a major hub of hospitality and respite for commissioners, visitors and volunteers  alike.   Starting off on Friday, July 2, Westminster will be hosting the Covenant Network dinner.  A Friday evening free concert open to all –  “Music of Minnesota” –  will feature CANTUS (who sang at our Conference there in 2008) and Monroe Crossing, a blue grass ensemble.   The ecumenical worship service on Wednesday, July 7, will also be held in Westminster’s sanctuary and each day (Monday – Friday, July 5 – 9) both the sanctuary and the chapel will be open in the afternoon for quiet time and prayer. During the week of  July 5 – 9, there will be a hot breakfast served in the church’s great hall and courtyard with walkup availability as long as provisions last.  Box lunches will also be prepared and may be reserved by going online to the GA registration website.  Members and pastors serving on the COLA include Rev. Tim Hart-Andersen (Opening Worship),  Rev. Meghan Gage-Finn (YAAD Event),  Rev. Margaret Thomas (Hospitality Committee Chair), Rev. Ed Martin (Airport Welcome), and Susan Dray (Website).

Of the many service projects undertaken by members of Westminster Church is one that has been going strong for over 100 years!  The social service sewing project members craft prayer shawls, blankets and other items.