Rick Ufford-Chase (General Assembly Moderator, at the center) and my friend Ricardo Moreno (Previous Moderator of the Nat'l Racial-Ethnic Cross Caucus)
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Presbiteriano
On Tuesday March 22, at Newhall Presbyterian Church, I had the pleassure of presiding over the installation of John Fuller, the Presbytery of San Fernando's new moderator. As outgoing moderator, it was an opportunity for me to reflect upon last years' activities. No doubt the Presbytery took a serious risk in having a moderator like me!
Well, my term is over but I am still really excited about small but encouraging signs of how the Spirit of God is renewing our old denomination. . If anything became clear to me during those twelve months is that there is no way back to the "good old days" of the Presbyterian Church. Major changes in society make us almost object of archaeological interest. (Can I say this kind of things without ceasing to be considered a "true Presbyterian"?) I do, however, perceive a renewed confidence in the power of the gospel and willingness to live it out in fresh and creative ways. I also sensed that in the opportunities I had to attend the 216th General Assembly (Richmond, VA) and the National Hispanic-Latino Caucus (Orlando, Fla), both in 2004.
Well, my term is over but I am still really excited about small but encouraging signs of how the Spirit of God is renewing our old denomination. . If anything became clear to me during those twelve months is that there is no way back to the "good old days" of the Presbyterian Church. Major changes in society make us almost object of archaeological interest. (Can I say this kind of things without ceasing to be considered a "true Presbyterian"?) I do, however, perceive a renewed confidence in the power of the gospel and willingness to live it out in fresh and creative ways. I also sensed that in the opportunities I had to attend the 216th General Assembly (Richmond, VA) and the National Hispanic-Latino Caucus (Orlando, Fla), both in 2004.
Old Time Friends
On Saturday, Mach 19, Maricela and I had joy of attending the moving wedding ceremony between our friend Steve Scharf and his bride Sandy at Hollywood Presbyterian Church. What a moving ceremony! (You may have read about Steve in my "Mission Statement" posting). We also enjoyed getting to visit with John and Jude Tiersma-Watson , John Shorack all the way from the great Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela (que la llame asi no quiere decir que soy "Chavista"!) and Chris and Roxy Alvizures. Paul Smith's violin's performance of "Jesu, Joy of Mens' Desire" was phenomenal. It's amazing how our lives have been enriched by our frienship with you guys.
Monday, February 14, 2005
How American? Very American!
Last February 11th I became a United States citizen. What an occasion to reflect on the great experiences I have had during the almost 13 years of living in this great nation. I am proud to say that this country’s true strength has and will continue to be in the contribution of people that, like me, have come from other lands. Something I am glad about is that my newly acquired citizenship does not make me any less Latino than I have always been: Maricela and I made it barely in time for the ceremony and celebrated eating authentic food from Oaxaca (Mexico) in downtown Los Angeles!
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