wfn.org | Site of 1997 General Assembly

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June 15, 1997 
                 
GA97010         THE SALT CITY -- SITE OF 1997 GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
 
SYRACUSE--In partnership, six presbyteries of the Synod of the Northeast 
are hosting the 209th General Assembly, of the Presbyterian Church 
(U.S.A.), 1997, here in Syracuse, N.Y.  Albany, Geneva, Northern New York, 
Susquehanna Valley, and Utica Presbyteries have joined with Cayuga-Syracuse 
to plan and host this event.  The GALA `97 (General Assembly Local 
Arrangements) committee has been meeting for a year and a half making 
preparations and recruiting volunteers.  The goal has been to involve all 
326 churches in all six presbyteries in some way. 
 
    Based on the theme of "Partnership," in response to this unique 
approach to providing hospitality for a General Assembly, the committee has 
capitalized on Syracuse's moniker as the "Salt City" to develop its 
scriptural foundation and symbol of a salt bowl.  Through much of history, 
salt has been a symbol of hospitality and of good luck and prosperity for 
the new year. 
 
    Jesus recognized the value of salt -- the promise of salt -- and the 
wonder of salt through reference to it in three gospels.  The GALA 
committee selected two scriptural references, one from each testament, to 
portray its message: 
 
    "Have salt within you, and be at peace with one another." from Mark 
9:50b.  It combines the theme of ethical conduct seasoned with zest for 
living with the themes of partnership, cooperation, and shalom, and "Bring 
me a new bowl, and put salt in it," from II Kings 2:20a.  GA is "a new 
bowl" each year, and the delegates are the salt who add zest and liveliness 
to the decision making process and who preserve the foundations of our 
faith. 
 
    The logo was created by the Rev. David Ashby of Geneva Presbytery.  The 
banner was created by Lee Dreamer of Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery. 
 
Karen Winters 

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