Sunday was the third day of General Synod in Long Beach. In the morning, we attended committee meetings focused on the fourteen resolutions coming to the floor of Synod. Committees of a hundred or so met to discuss and wordsmith the documents. Decisions were made on each resolution, and today (Monday) we are starting the long process of acting on each one during our plenary sessions. Most of the resolutions fall under the category of "Witness" and are ways to respond faithfully to issues like the environment, immigration and the care of returning veterans. 
Sunday worship was held in the convention hall with about four thousand present. The creative, impassioned service included a jazz ensemble, praise band, and booming organ. A procession and call to worship by members of a Samoan congregation in traditional dress started the service. A mass choir sang, many languages were spoken, and Rev. Martin Copenhaver preached. Following Communion, we were sent on our way singing "We Are Marching in the Light of God." 
Immediately following worship, many folks gathered on a wide upper balcony with others watching from below. Rev. Dave Sigmund, pastor of Seaside UCC in Torrence, California and his partner Jay Greeves exchanged marriage vows in celebration of their ten-year relationship and last week's re-instatement of marriage equality in California. When Rev. Mel White (founder of Soulforce and author of Stranger at the Gate, read the UCC marriage liturgy and asked those gathered if they would support the couple in their marriage, the response "We do!" was deafening.Last evening, most of the members of our delegation had dinner together at a nearby seafood restaurant. We were relieved to have a free evening and returned to the hotel for conversation and refreshments on the terrace.
Today, delegates are arranged around long tables in the convention hall as we work through resolutions. Following the morning plenary session, I attended a rally in support of compassionate and comprehensive immigration reform held on the front steps. UCC leaders, delegates, and visitors were joined by local immigrant advocates and a large group of Long Beach youth. We sang and heard from UCC and local leaders before the group moved on to pray and make a public witness in front of several local government buildings. Now back to work for the afternoon!