wfn.org | [PCUSAnews] Blind Presbyterian is here to "observe"

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6568 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Blind Presbyterian is here to "observe"
June 9, 2001

GA01011

Blind Presbyterian is here to "observe"

by Midge Mack
Louisville, June 9 - Being blind from birth has not deterred Lisa Larges
from either an active life in ministry or in the computerized world of
business.
	A resident of Burlingame, Calif, and a 1989 graduate of San Francisco
Theological Seminary, Lisa is attending the 213th General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) here this week as one of 1000 registered
observers.  She expects to visit several of the 15 standing committees
during their three days of deliberations.  She'll also help out in the
exhibit hall at the booth of the Association of  More Light Churches.  Her
congregation is a member of the association.
The More Light movement within the denomination is comprised of those
congregations advocating for total participation in the church, including
ordination, for gay or lesbian members. In this area of ministry, Lisa
serves on the More Light board of directors, and in pastoral care.
	At home Lisa assists the Rev. Keenan Kelsey, pastor of her congregation,
the Noe Valley Ministry Presbyterian Church in San Francisco.  Although
unable to be ordained since she is a self-affirmed lesbian, Lisa
nevertheless serves many of the functions of a lay pastor, preaching
occasionally and working with the Deacons to serve the special needs of many
members of the congregation. Currently she has added fund-raiser to her
array of church duties since her 100-member congregation has undertaken
renovation of an old church building and is also developing adjacent
property for a parking lot.
	Lisa has attended several other General Assemblies in the past decade and
has always been able to find her way around by using her white cane and the
assistance of friends. This year she was able to visit her parents, a
sister, a brother, nieces and a nephew in the Minneapolis area while she was
en route.
	When not involved in church work, Lisa is a product researcher for
ActiveDecisions, a "dot-com" business that builds buyers' guides for the
Internet. Her computer synthesizes vocal presentation of text and accepts
voice commands, as well as being equipped for Braille display.
	Better informed on the workings of the denomination than most church
members, Lisa regularly  "reads" Presbyterian News Service releases,
Presbyterians Today, and other publications on line as well as using the
Book of Order and the Book of Confessions in Braille.

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