Moderator Election

Last night's activity resulted in the election of Bruce Reyes-Chow, a 38 year-old Northern California native, and founding pastor of Mission Bay Community Church in the San Francisco Presbytery. He is the grandson of Filipino and Chinese immigrants. He was elected in the second round by a vote of 55% in favor of his candidacy. All of the candidates brought great strengths to the position, as well as distinctive qualities. In the end, the body agreed to support the leadership of the new moderator.

What struck me about Bruce was his amazing vitality, and welcoming spirit and inspiring words. While all of the candidates were honest in their reflections, Bruce seemed the most willing to risk in his belief that we must continue to love each other and be inclusive while moving forward. As a young man, posing such questions about what it means to be Presbyterian caught my attention. Do we matter? Are we bringing the world into a closer understanding of and relationship with Jesus Christ in any significant way? Should we place any energy into ensuring there is a Presbyterian Church for future generations? If so, why? If so how? These are the questions we must answer, I feel, if we are going to be vital in our present day world. His call was a call to action.

I was also energized by the participation of the youth advisory delegates in our work here, and by their thoughtful in sights during our work together so far. They are a presence! As a group, they appeared to be excited by Bruce's election. I find such energy, commitment, and wisdom essential in the days ahead of us. Our own YAD, Kate, is inspiring with her excitement and involvement in the events. Far too often, youth appear as token gestures in the process. Not true here. I feel our youth reflect a new enthusiasm for growing the church spiritually as well as numerically. Together we must answer the questions our new moderator has posed for us in order to remain vital to a world of great need for justice and mercy.

Bill Plitt, Elder Commissioner, Trinity-Arlington