The 38th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, meeting in Nashville, Tenn., from June 29 through July 2, opened its annual meeting with a worship service attended by over 3500 people. The service was led by area pastors and a joint choir made up from a number of churches.

The theme of the GA is “Love, Sing, Wonder.” The focus of the worship service was set around “wonder” – at God’s goodness, his grace and his covenantal faithfulness.

The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mark A. Davis, pastor of Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. Davis is the pastor of retiring moderator Mr. Brad Bradley, who is a ruling elder in ParkCitiesChurch. Normally, the retiring moderator preaches the opening worship service of General Assembly; however, Bradley asked his pastor to preach in his place.

Davis preached from Psalm 145 on the theme “Wonder of Wonders.” He emphasized that (1) my mouth will speak from what has been spoken to me; (2) my mouth will speak the praise of the Lord; and (3) my mouth will speak to the children of man.

The service included the celebration of the Lord’s Supper served by elders from Nashville Presbytery and PCA chaplains from around the country.