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Earlier this month, during my vacation time, I spent a week in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Presbyterian Center—our denomination’s national headquarters. While there, I attended a conference exploring Christian Zionism and Christian nationalism and the challenges they present for the church’s witness today.

I also had the privilege of preaching at Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville on Sunday, August 9. It is always a gift in this Co-Moderator role to worship with another congregation, meet siblings in Christ from another part of the church, and share some of what happened at the 227th General Assembly.

Later, my Co-Moderator, the Rev. Marta Pumroy-Cordero, joined me in Louisville, and together we participated in our official Co-Moderator orientation. The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, the Rev. Jihyun Oh, along with staff from our new national agency, Presbyterian Life and Witness, introduced us to their work and shared about ways they can help us to serve the wider church over the next two years. It was a joy to learn from these leaders, hear about their work, and spend time praying for them and the ministry they share on behalf of the whole church.

This week, the answer to “Where in the World Is Pastor Kris?” is much simpler: I’m home! Vacation is over, the kids start school next week, and I am glad to be back to work at First Presbyterian Church of Davenport. I am excited that this upcoming Sunday is Candidacy Sunday as the congregation will finally get the opportunity to vote on the recommendation of our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. If the way be clear, we will have a new Associate Pastor by the start of our program year in September.

My General Assembly work continues alongside my ministry at FPC. This week includes a conversation with the Rev. Dr. Tom Taylor, President of the Presbyterian Foundation, as I continue learning about the people and ministries that make up our wider Presbyterian connection. Our own church has funds invested with the New Covenant Trust Company, which is a subsidiary of the Presbyterian Foundation.

So, for now, I am right here in Davenport and ready to see FPC members throughout the week and on Sunday!

 

Image created by the author with the assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, August 2026.