The General Assembly consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries. Half of the commissioners will be ruling elders, half will be teaching elders. Few will ever have been commissioners to the General Assembly before, but most will have served in one of the other governing bodies of our church: the session, which provides care and oversight of a local congregation; the presbytery, which provides care and oversight of a group of congregations; or the synod which provides care and oversight of several presbyteries.
It reviews the work of synods, resolves controversies in the church, is responsible for matters of common concern for the whole church, and serves as a symbol of unity for the church.
The General Assembly has several specific responsibilities outlined in Chapter 3 of the Book of Order. The assembly seeks to protect our church from errors in faith and practice, is responsible for assuring that the expression of our theology remains true to the biblical standards in our historic confessions. The General Assembly presents a witness for truth and justice in our community and in the world community. It sets priorities for the church and establishes relationships with other churches or ecumenical bodies. LEARN MORE→
Representing Denver Presbytery at the 226th GA
Jeff Snedden
I am in my third year as an Elder at Church of the Eternal Hills in Tabernash, Colorado. It has been my pleasure to serve the church and I have found it personally rewarding. I have not previously done any specific service for the Denver Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly but I look forward to representing Denver Presbytery as a General Assembly Commissioner year.
My wife Lynda and I are originally from Indiana. We moved to Colorado in 1983 when I began my career as a Contracting Officer with the Federal Government. We lived in Wyoming for many years until I retired from Yellowstone National Park and Lynda retired as a teacher. Upon retirement we moved to Granby, Colorado.
I find many of the General Assembly Overtures interesting, particularly DOE-03 “An Overture Calling for Action so that Children May Live Free from Gun Violence” and POL-01 “On Amending the Book of Order to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among the Categories Against Which This Church Does Not Discriminate”. I feel strongly that we must take action on gun safety and remain devoted to the principles which allow us to be open to all people, to serve all people, and to care for all people, regardless of race, gender, wealth, or sexual preference.
Bill Sanders (he/him/his)
I grew up a cradle Presbyterian in Denver Presbytery and ordained at the Arvada Presbyterian Church in 1987. After serving churches and community ministries in Kentucky, I was privileged to return to Denver Presbytery to serve as Interim Pastor in two congregations and am now honorably retired and enjoying serving congregations and engaging folx all over the Presbytery. I am also serving on the Ministry Relations Committee.
I am honored to be elected as Den Pres’ Commissioner this year and am looking forward to working attentively to represent you as I serve on the Domestic Engagement Committee at GA. One of the delights of my life is being able to spend time with my 4 grandchildren – ages 4 through 11 and am currently being trained by my new dog, Alix – a sweet but rather neurotic Border Collie.
ALTERNATIVE COMMISSIONERS
Diane Ritzdorf
Alternate commissioner Diane Ritzdorf is a long-time member and elder of Calvary Presbyterian Church and has served Denver Presbytery on several committees, including the Committee on Ministry and as vice moderator and moderator of the Presbytery. As a newly elected member of the Ministry Preparation Committee, she is most interested in Overture ORD-06 On Appointing a Committee to Review the Preparation for Ministry Process. You are always welcome to ask to see a picture of her granddaughter Bethany!
Bethany Peerbolte
As a leader of a new worshiping community it it important to me to participate in the decisions our denomination is making. I’m also hopelessly outgoing so any gathering to see friends and make new ones is my happy place. Bethany is serving as an alternate commissioner.
Bethany will also be reporting for Outlook Magazine during GA to keep everyone updated with all the news and fun happening in Salt Lake City.
June 25-27, 2024
All assembly committees will meet online. Commissioners, advisory delegates, resource persons, etc. will participate using PC-Biz and Zoom. Committee sessions will be live-streamed for others who are interested.
June 29 – July 4, 2024
GA226 plenary meetings will convene at the Salt Palace Convention Center (SPCC) in Salt Lake City, Utah for action on recommendations from the assembly committees. Commissioners and advisory delegates will be present in-person in Salt Lake City; most other official participants (corresponding members, resource persons, etc.) may participate remotely or in-person. Observers are welcome, though there will be limited seating in the plenary hall. These sessions will be livestreamed.