218th General Assembly 2008 Eve

218^thGeneral Assembly
2008
Events

We hope you'll join us for these ...

Witherspoon events at the 218^th General Assembly
[corrected on 3-14-08]

Friday, June 20, 1:00 to 3:30 pm

Semper Reformanda Pre-Assembly Conversation
(sponsored by the Witherspoon Society)

This is an occasion for progressive Presbyterians to gather informally as they begin to arrive for the General Assembly, to talk about issues coming to the Assembly and other concerns. Special speakers will include Rita Nakashima Brock and Noelle Damico.

Dr. Brock has written extensively on issues of justice, including human trafficking in Southeast Asia. She will touch on themes discussed in her forthcoming book (with Rebecca Parker) entitled Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire. Pre-publication copies of the book should be available.

Noelle Damico is director of the Presbyterian Hunger Program's Fair Food campaign, and the PC(USA)'s liaison with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in their campaign for improved wages and working conditions in Florida's tomato fields.

Ramada Limited "Upper Room," 455 S. 2nd Street, San Jose
Tickets will be free for TSADs, $15 for others.

Saturday, June 21, 7:00 to 9:30 am

Commissioners' Orientation Breakfast

This breakfast meeting is offered especially for GA commissioners and others who will be involved in the Assembly. Brief presentations will be given on the many important issues coming before the Assembly – analyzing them from a progressive point of view.

It will also give you a good chance to get acquainted with other commissioners.

Ramada Limited "Upper Room," 455 S. 2nd Street, San Jose
The event is free for commissioners and advisory delegates. Others are warmly invited. Tickets $15.

Sunday, June 22, 12:30 to 3:00 pm

Witherspoon Awards Luncheon

The keynote speaker is Carol Hovis, who is the Executive Director of the Marin Interfaith Council and an ordained Presbyterian Minister, member of Redwoods Presbytery. Out of her experience she will address the intersection of interfaith relationships and peace & justice advocacy.
The Andrew Murray Award will be presented to the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, an outstanding leader of the Presbyterian Church (USA), as he retires as Stated Clerk. The Whole Gospel Congregation Award will be given to a congregation in the Bay Area.
Fairmont Hotel
Tickets $45.

Tuesday, June 24, 9:00pm-1:00am

Witherspoon Party and Dance!

Time for a break! This is a great chance to relax and enjoy great music, dancing and conversation – and an informal place to meet and mingle with others at the Assembly.

Fairmont Hotel
Tickets $20

Finding the “Upper Room” is easy. It is at the Ramada Limited, where most of the Witherspoon board members will be staying, at 455 South 2nd Street, about a five minute walk from the Convention Center. Just go north-east on San Salvador St., just across Market St. from the Convention Center. Turn right on Second St., and go about a half block southeast. The Ramada Inn will be on your left; the stairs to the Upper Room are toward the far end of the complex.

Tickets can be ordered from the G. A. Ticket Service. They prefer that you order on-line at www.pcusa.org/ga218. Or you can call 888-728-7228, ext. 2417. You do not have to register in order to buy tickets.

Click here to register for the General Assembly – or just to order tickets for some of the special events.

But be warned – The registration page begins with this advice:

You will be able to order tickets only (if you do not need accommodations), or proceed with advance registration, to request lodging, order tickets, etc.

Once you start the registration process, you cannot exit and start over.

Know your travel plans (arrival and departure dates in San Jose) if you are requesting a hotel reservation.

Have your method of payment for the $60 registration fee, ticket fees, etc.

We accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa; you may complete your initial registration on-line and mail a check for fees, but your registration will NOT be processed until the check is received and matched with your registration.

Review the information about the optional events so you can be ready to purchase tickets for those you wish to attend.

Click here for the full schedule of all Assembly events, official and otherwise.

For easier reference, you can also download a printable schedule of all events, in PDF format (27 pages)