Day 3

Today was called "River City Saturday". It was a spin on what was offered in Hartford at the last General Synod. A whole host of speakers, musicians, artists and the like offered a bunch of choices to the delegates and visitors. A nice day in Grand Rapids.

Tonight was the celebration and farewell to John Thomas, the General Minister and President of the UCC for the last decade. It was a nice tribute to his ministry and his significant impact on the whole church. In John's farewell speech he spoke candidly of his disappointments and failures - a rare thing in this age of denial and blame for a leader to proclaim such a thing. He also talked about his gratitude for some accomplishments and the cost that such a position takes on a family. It was a bittersweet night to say the least.