Entering the Cloud of Witnesses

My Hope for the Church

2006-07-17T17:35:00.000-05:00

This will be the last post on this blog, but I will continue to post my thoughts about the church as well as my seminary experience through my original blog

Rev Wags Cyber Seminary Experience

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I am still trying to wrap my head around all that I have been able to participate in this summer, but here are some final thoughts. My hope for the church is for us to begin to reconnect with one another. I had always heard that GA was like a big family reunion, and saw some of that, but that was more evident at Montreat. As a denomination as with the culture, we have allowed ourselves to become disconnected. That is part of the reason I believe trust has broken down across the nation.

I had the pleasure of going to lunch one day at GA with 2 fellow committee members Dana and Patrick. Both were more conservative than I, but in the few short days our committee spent I had the opportunity to begin to get to know them. I found them both to be extremely faithful pastors wanting to do what they felt God was calling them to do within the life of the churches they serve as well as the larger church. We were able to disagree on issues without getting upset. Part of this was due to the fact that none of us particularly had an agenda to push. It wasn't about see things my way or you are a heritic, it was about being able to see past our differences.

One of the biggest things that I see the church needing to do is to look to what we hold in common. Where are our points of similarity and how can we start a relationship from that point so that we might reach a time in the future where we are ready to talk about where we differ and why.

For me regarding PUP, I think this will push ordaining bodies to spend time getting to know folks. Do they have the gifts and graces needed to serve as a Deacon or an Elder. Does this person have the skill set needed to serve as a Minister of Word and Sacrament? What I don't understand is that if God is the one who ordains, who are we to get in the way of it? I have spent most of the summer with more questions than answers and will continue to struggle.

We'll see what the future holds for all of us.

Peace

The 7% Panel

2006-07-07T16:34:00.000-05:00

One of the young pastors at the conference told conference leadership that the pace was slow and the under 40 view was missing. Conference leadership decided that the morning panel on "What is needed from the next generation of leaders?" would only take questions from the under 40 group (the 7% of pastors who are under 40). They also found a way to create a panel discussion that would be led by 5 of the group. Those of us under 40 met before the 2nd panel of the morning and decided on who would be on the panel. We wanted to be as diverse as we could for the discussion. I was the only one of the 5 who isn't currently ordained. The lunch hour was spent writing a 4 minute speech. I was the first on the panel to speak. We all had a different take, but look ahead to the challenge that is before the church.

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go from here? The 7% of pastors under 40 and everyone under forty is part of it, we are being handed the torch but….This auditorium and the people in our home churches are the hope of the church, right here and right now. So what do we do when we get back? We all go back to our homes, roll up our sleeves and get started.

I saw a cartoon that said “Why do we sing “Standing on the Promises, when all we do is sit on the premises?” We need to remember that at the end of worship we are sent out into the world. Pastors have the job of making the Word of God relevant to the people, of helping them see their story within the Bible. The laity have the job of taking that Word and putting it in play in their daily vocation, living the Word into the world. This is how as Robert Bohl encouraged us we begin to act ourselves to a new way of thinking.

Moderator Joan Gray and others have talked about the fact that trust has eroded. That the trust we once had was neglected, was not built upon and has slipped away. The theological education of the laity has experienced the same trend. Presbyterians have always valued education, but we are becoming more and more a people who are unable to think, speak, and act theologically. This directly affects the governance of our church. Elders have the same voice and vote as pastors, it is critical that they are educated in the Bible, polity and theology. We have gradually lost this. We have been reduced to bumper sticker theology. We need to rediscover biblical and theological education in the pews.

Spanning the age gaps. We have many in our congregations who as Frieda Gardner termed them, are chronologically gifted. We need to encourage those who have faithfully served in the church and pair them with youth and young adults, to help cultivate the next generation of leaders pastors, deacons, and elders. Nurture gifts for leadership by bringing new leaders alongside veterans. We maintain tradition and history, but we also bring revitalization. But this can only happen if we do as Ted Wardlaw suggested and listen hard to one another.

Bill Carl talked of boring times and crisis times, crisis time presents a great opportunity to grow. This may be a painful time, but what can we learn in the midst of it? Many in our denomination have been afraid and we have allowed our fear to hold us in ecclesiological captivity. Our pervasive question has been “What if this doesn’t work?” The question we need to start asking is “What if it does?” This question leads us to step out in faith and take a risk.

I am doing pulpit supply preaching in Southwest Oklahoma in 2 days. I am preaching on 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. Beginning at verse 8 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power* is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. The phrase that jumped off the page was “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” We have a thorn in the flesh, the hurt, the anger, and the arguments that have surrounded us. Have we tried to rely too much on human effort to resolve issues. When we are at our weakest, we must turn and rely on God, trusting in God’s sovereignty and in God’s grace. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer points out, this grace is not cheap. It requires us to drop everything and follow, to let go of ourselves, to empty ourselves for the sake of the Gospel. In the words of St. Catherine of Sienna “May I be made small in me that I may be made great in Thee.”

So where do we go from here? We go back to our churches, ready to get to work. We let go of our agendas and desires and listen hard for the still small voice. We pour ourselves out that we might be filled with God and we trust that God’s grace is sufficient for us.

And to close with a little bumper sticker theology….

Get involved … the world is run by people who show up.

Thursday morning and a vision for the future.

2006-07-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

State of the Church and visioning for the future
This panel was Mark Achtemeier, Susan Andrews, Jack Haberer, Joan Gray, and Barbara Wheeler

Mark Achtemeier talked about the sub-groups that have invaded not only the church, but our culture and that Paul points away from sub-group loyalty to loyalty only unto Christ. The cross must be our focus, not own agenda group

Susan Andrews spoke of the ancient future church. The return to essential values, she listed 5.
1. Connectional, not just vertical, but horizontal as well. We make better decisions together than alone.
2. Contextual – move from tribal to immigrant church where all is celebrated
3. Christological. Jesus is our foundation and our story, our particular
4. Transformational – not conformed to the world. Must create a counter culture before we can create a kingdom culture. Need to reach out in love and be prepared to be crucified
5. Theology of vocation – to be imitators of Christ. Embracing and empowering people. To love and live Jesus.

Jack Haberer compared the church to a roller coaster ride, which several attendees admitted they are not fond of. The church has been paralyzed by fear (made me think of my ecclesiological terrorism comment). Our distrust has created control freaks and this past GA showed that the affinity groups no longer dictate our standards, the governing bodies do.
My favorite quote of the day “Some folks will be ordained who you and I don’t think should be. So what else is new?”
Churches must become giving and self emptying, to give up control and enjoy the ride.

Joan Gray talked about the church from a family systems view point. Anxiety is high so we cast blame and act out. Trust is hard to come by in a culture that is cynical and doesn’t take things at face value. If we do not continue to build trust, the trust we had will erode. We must be intentional about building trust. We are a voluntary organization and without trust we have nothing. Pastors and Presbytery execs hold the real power in the church and need to seek horizontal connectivity. There also needs to be a push for more spiritual leadership from Elders who are empowered and brought alongside to lead congregations.

Barbara Wheeler expressed her disappointment with GA’s dealing with PUP. She remarked that the less we have to do with those who differ from us, the less tolerant we become. This is what is going on in the church and what the task force hoped to overcome. We need respectful conversation that helps us explore ethical issues not political issues. To hold onto faith seeking understanding. She urged all theological institutions to work only toward unity.

There was a time for Q&A after and the issue of theological institutions came up. What I wondered after this panel, was what specifically can we do at APTS to increase trust. I think it starts with community. We must be intentional in working on community as well as trust. We must be intentional in sitting down and talking about issues ethically and theologically, not politically. We need to work toward being focused on head knowledge, but make intentional space for gut reaction and heart felt response.

May We Do Something Good With It

2006-07-05T20:05:00.000-05:00

This post is otherwise titled Hope of the Church at Montreat.

Well, I have arrived at Montreat (my first time) and we opened tonight with a worship service led by Moderator Joan Gray. Her sermon text was John 15:9-17, which happens to contain my favorite verse. (15:13). Her sermon focused on 15:12 "This is my commandment that you love one another." She talked about how some people are easy to love, but what about those who we are challenged to love. How do we do that?

This is love "in spite of," love that surpasses what we as humans are able to do in our finite capacity to love, this is love that can only come from God. Through God, we have been given all that we need to excel. Through God we have all the resources necessary, but only through God. I wish I had brought my bulletin down with me as I could put more detail in, but that will have to wait til tomorrow.

For tonight I will leave you with the prayer that the President of Montreat opened with. One of the keynote speakers 15 years ago used it every time he opened.
"Lord, thank you for this day. May we do something good with it. Amen"

Peace.

Montreat and the Hope of the Church

2006-06-29T23:09:00.000-05:00

Next week I leave for Montreat, NC. I am attending the "Hope of the Church: Celelbrating Common Ground Conference"
Thursday is "State of the Church and Visioning for the Future" with Jack haberer, Mark Achtemeier, Barbara Wheeler, Susan Andrews and Joan Gray. It is followed by "How is the church being called to transform itself" with Syngman Rhee, Jack Rogers, Herb Valentine, Price Gwynn, and Robert Bohl. Thursday afternoon is "How is the church being called to transform the world?" with John FIfe, Marj Carpenter, Louis Weeks, Fahed Abu-Akel, and John Buchanan.

Friday PUP Report discussions with W. Stacy Johnson, Jack Haberer, Barbara Wheeler, and Mark Achtemeier. Then "What is God calling the next genereation of pastors to do to faithfully serve the church in the future: with Cynthia Campbell, Dean Thompson, Phil Butin, Doug Oldenburg and David Wallace as well as "What are the opportunities for ministering to a diverse and multicultural 21st century church" with Ted Wardlaw, David Dobler, Bill Carl, Freda Gardner, and Pat Brown.

Worship will be led by Joan Gray, Iain Torrence, Laura Mendenhall and Rick Ufford-Chase.

I am looking forward to taking part in discussions as we begin looking forward after GA. This will be an interesting summer as many affinity groups begin meeting as well. I'll keep you posted.

Peace

Some of my fellow TSADs

2006-06-28T14:31:00.000-05:00

This was a group picture before the speakout. These are several of my fellow TSADs. Thanks to Chris from Louisville for the pictures. The TSADs are a great group and I look forward to being colleagues in ministry with these fine folk. A couple of us took a picture with the moderator, vice-moderator and stated clerk at the end of GA (picture coming soon) and Joan Gray remarked that within the blur of GA, she remembered the TSAD speakout. GO TSADS!!!!!!

After shock

2006-06-24T22:16:00.000-05:00

I have been reading the letters to the editor of the Layman. Lots of doom and gloom. I wonder what has happened to the fruits of the Spirit. The lack there of makes me wonder about the writers of the letter. I have always found for me that when fruits of the Spirit manifest in my attitudes and behaviors, I am more aligned with the will of God.

Makes me think that PUP is really about people not getting what they wanted. Maybe what the church needs is a good dose of humility. A reminder of our total depravity as we look up to God. A reminder that we are not "all that and a bag of chips."

Peace

Thoughts from the last day

2006-06-22T23:35:00.000-05:00

Finally, a tired traveler has gotten home. My flight was delayed for a couple hours in Birmingham because of weather in Houston, which was fortunate because my connection was delayed too. Spent most of the flight from Birmingham to Houston talking to a pastor from Kileen, TX about GA. We spent a lot of time on the Trinity paper. Spent time in the airport talking to a couple of fellow TSADs as well as Dr. Bill Carl, President, Pittsburgh Seminary.

There are 2 things I want to share tonight. I will however, continue to post before I go to Montreat, but right now just 2 things.

Pastoral Advice from the Moderator
1. Avoid Gossip
2. Avoid Slander or attributing motive
3. Tell people "Don't believe all you see in the media"
4. Straighten out grudges before leaving (reminded me of "when at the altar you remember...")

She presented these as a way to begin the healing process. Great words especially now, but always!

Birmingham Pledge - this was shared by Pastor Commissioner (and moderatorial candidate) Deborah Block.

The Birmingham Pledge

I believe that every person has worth as an individual.
I believe that every person is entitled to dignity and respect,
regardless of race or color.
I believe that every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful;
if it is my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others.
Therefore, from this day forward I will strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice
from my thoughts and actions.
I will discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity.
I will treat all people with dignity and respect;
and I will strive daily to honor this pledge,
knowing that the world will be a better place because of my effort.

Peace.

Thursday morning

2006-06-22T07:29:00.000-05:00

This morning Tracy Julian and I have been talking about what the fallout from all this will be. I think that there will be some who leave, but I think many Presbyterians are just ready to move forward. There are many advocacy groups on both sides who are upset with the decisions, but now is the time for them to back off.

Constitutional Presbyterians have put statements in our GA mailboxes asking for those who agree to join them. New Wineskins will meet in Tulsa in July. Two presbyteries threatened to leave over recommendation 5 before GA, to them I say go with God's peace and may you find somewhere to love and serve the Lord. I am not going to beg anyone to stay, nor will I fight with someone to leave, but through this all I pray for God's guidance as we step in whatever direction it might be.

Wednesday...an incredibly long day.

2006-06-22T01:25:00.000-05:00

This morning has been odd. There are many who are hurt and wounded, some lash out, some don’t. There was a statement in my mailbox this morning by the constitutional Presbyterians. Like New Wineskins, this group is looking to see if they will leave or not. The next year will be a bumpy ride.

Speak out – this is what was said during our afternoon speak out. Most of the TSADs stood in support of this and there were some who couldn’t in good conscious stand with us and that is okay too
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The Theological Student Advisory Delegates gathered around this mic represent a diversity of theological views. In light of the decisions made thus far by this assembly, we, who represent our theological institutions, covenant to worship, study and pray with our fellow classmates that we might earnestly step forth as leaders, as the church enters this season of discernment.

We have a vision of unity. We will strive, through our various ministries, to be faithful to Scripture and to work to rediscover our theological identity and to encourage those we shepherd to do the same. We are committed to promoting peace and Christian love within our denomination. We seek to serve with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love as we work to walk a path that leads us to peace, unity and purity.

We want to be faithful to our calling and to trust in God alone. We stand united, even in diversity, and call to the church to do the same.
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In light of action taken at the 217th GA, the church faces a bumpy road. The level of trust is at an all time low as many groups threaten to leave. Unfortunately many of the people at the assembly use moments on the platform when presenting for other purposes. As a professor of NT at Pittsburg stated, “You asked us to trust you, we will never trust you again.” I have a problem with this. He is using time to speak to a specific peace of business to air his own opinions to the body.

Now more than ever, the church is in need of building trust. We must build trust through study of Scripture and teaching of theology. Our church, now more than ever, must rediscover its theological identity. Even many of the folk at GA struggle with theology and instead are swayed by opinions and feelings.

4:45
We are in the midst of the Divestment issue. The committee drafted an overture based on the billions of overtures that were sent. The motion on the floor is to end the debate. But we are voting to amend or not, I vote no. Then the original motion would be on the floor. No amendment, now the main motion (parliamentary cat juggling). I really like one of the paragraphs “To urge that financial investments of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as they pertain to Israel, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank, be INVESTED in only peaceful pursuits, and affirm that the customary corporate engagement process of the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investments of our denomination is the proper vehicle for achieving this goal.” I like that this is to take action in a more positive light. To reward those who work for peace.. It passed overwhelmingly (94%).

We are behind on the order of the day as of 5:30. We are here until we finish tonight. Woo hoo! Could be a late one.

We finally started about 8:30 – worship went long. Right now we are discussing the closing of the Montreat Historical Society. This is an emotional issue. The committee deliberated for 10 hours and came to the conclusion to close the MHS. Right now there is a substitute motion on the floor to keep it open. If MHS is closed, the collection moves to Columbia Seminary which is wanting to start an American Church History department.

One of the most fascinating things to me about this process is the former moderators. They speak sparingly, but poignantly. They speak to the issues that are close to their heart. We just heard from Marj Carpenter, probably the oldest living moderator. She recounted a meeting with folks who stated 20 some odd years ago that they would not close the historical society. The others are dead, but she was not dead. How do you argue that??

One of the things that is annoying is the politics that drive many people. Money is an issue time to time, but more often than not, like the rest of the world, what drives many people is power and politics. To listen to many people who were spouting the company lines. The pastor commissioner from my presbytery made a great comment. On one side were folks who said vote for my view and the other side has folks who say vote for my view. In watching both sides, one side is angry, yelling, and dogmatic. The other is calm, willing to talk, and listen. So on which side does it appear that the Spirit is working?

9:25pm
We are starting Health Issues. Consent agenda passed, now onto full inclusion of people with disabilities. Later we have late term abortion. It is now 10:10pm we are still on health issues. We have about 3 more overtures for this committee and one more committee that we have to get done tonight. We may be here until my flight leaves tomorrow. We’ll see.

It is now10:25 and we are starting action on the last committee. Social Justice.
It is 11:00 and we are about halfway through the committee.
It is now 12:00….not done yet. …I am tired…..too much parliamentary cat juggling. Amend the amendment of the amended motion. AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Finished. Finally. We sang 1 verse of "Come Thou Font" and closed in prayer at 12:30. Wow am I tired. Tomorrow morning is the last. This has been a great experience. I have seen the best and the worst of Presbyterians. I have discovered the best and the worst of myself in the midst of the Great Cloud of Witnesses. I have made new friends. I have started creating a network. I have discovered the importance of being unapologetically theological...(which I need to keep working on) and I have rediscovered the importance of officer training, Bible study and theological education in the church.

More later, but I am tired.
Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Tuesday....and the PUP report passed

2006-06-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

What I have found disheartening at this point, is at several times (including the PUP debate) the voices of the Missionary Delegates, Ecumenical Delegates and the Theological Student Delegates was only heard in the statistics of electronic vote. There were many Youth Delegates wanting to speak and I understand the problem with juggling 9 microphones and trying to keep balance, but there have been several times that the MADs, EADs, and TSADs have not been heard and I wonder about the message this sends that they are not important voices as they are rarely even recognized. Below is what I was going to say, but again, debate was cut off.

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We have lost the ability to think, speak, and act theologically. This is the root of the distrust and confusion in the church. Recommendations 1-4 give us a frame work to rediscover our theological heritage. We must begin this process or we will continue to allow ourselves to be held as ecclesiological captives to those who create fear. Fear over losing numbers and money.

Just as the Israelites were scared to step away from the daily lives as slaves and venture into the wilderness with Moses, we are scared to step away from what we hold as current reality and set out to find God’s promised land for us. The Task Force has worked diligently and faithfully, now it is our turn to act in trust and faith, approve all of the report and to begin dialogue through worship, prayer and study.

As a senior seminarian this report directly affects me. I have sensed a call, I have been affirmed by my home community – the last step is being called to a community. Recommendation 5 does not change the process. My call, every seminarian’s call is still affirmed in community and I will be examined by my Presbytery in accordance with the Constitution. We are afraid of that which has not yet happened. The fear is of scrupling – I have no reason to declare a scruple. We cannot project our fear forward – but only upward – to God.

I urge that we accept the entirety of the report in faith and trust of the work done by the task force and with the knowledge that this is God’s church. All governing bodies must take our standards seriously as stated by the Ecclesiology committee. IT is time to trust that God has been in the process with the task force and the committee. It is time to offer trust to our fellow Presbyterians. It is time to trust in God alone.

As former moderator Marge Carpenter stated, it is hurting the mission of the church. This has happened as we have spent more time arguing than working as the Body of Christ in the world. It is time for us to follow G-3.0400 “To undertake mission (part of which is the mission is peace, unity, and purity) to undertake mission even at the risk of the church losing its life, trusting in God alone as the author and giver of life and we must put our trust in God alone.”

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In case you haven’t heard, the PUP report passed. It has been amended and has been accepted by the assembly. There are those who are filing dissent. It was a very close vote and we spent time before and after the vote in prayer. There will be those on both sides upset, but it is time to get on with the business of being church. There was a lot of negativity in the room and many hurt feelings.

Friends, I ask you to pray for the church. Pray that we can begin to heal and to move on. It will take time and will require all of us to reach out in love to one another.

More later....it has been a long exhausting day....Peace.

Monday's Plenary

2006-06-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

Today we started the plenary sessions of the Assembly. The morning session spent a considerable time debating the Trinity Document. This came forward with some minor changes, but also with a minority report. The minority report wanted to send the report back to the task force and to the Office of Theology and Worship for 2 years.

Dealing with minority reports causes a lot of parliamentary juggling. You start with the majority report, then present the minority report. Then amendments can be made to the majority report (called perfecting) and do the same to the minority report. Then, the fun begins, as you vote to make the minority report the main motion (or not). Before this vote there is time for debate.

There was debate on the Trinity. They had a few who spoke in favor of the minority report and asked if there were any against it. The people around me laughed at me as I jumped up to speak against the minority report. My point:

The church has struggled for centuries with how to refer to God. Augustine in Book X of the Confessions has 84 ways of naming God (thanks Paul Burns). The Trinity paper challenges us to continue to wrestle and reflect on how we speak about the Triune God. The key element of the Trinity is relationship. The relationality of the great 3 in 1 and the relationship which is extended to us through Jesus Christ who is the Word, our living water, child and beloved of God that we might be swept up into the very life of God. Our human language limits us in how we speak of a limitless God. We speak in analogical language to aid us in describing that which is indescribable. We use metaphor and analogy to do this and that is precisely what the paper does. Instead of sending it back to committee, send it to the people, let them chew on it and make a decision.

However, I didn’t get the chance to speak as the question was called.

Big fun- we had to vote to find out how many people are in the hall, and some of the YAD’s voted no. People are worried about the numbers who are voting. You can figure that there will be some people out of the room for most votes.

Tomorrow is PUP and G-6.0106b. It will be a long day and an emotional one. Prayers are appreciated.

Now the fun really begins

2006-06-19T07:28:00.000-05:00

We start plenary today. The committee work is finished and the whole body meets to discuss and vote. Today we will hear from the following committees:
Board of Pensions and Presbyterian Foundation
Theological Issues and Institutions
Church Growth and Chirstian Education
Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
Review of GA Permanent Committees

Yesterday, the Peace, Unity, and Purity (PUP) document passed. There are many upset people and Tuesday morning when the report comes to the floor, it could get ugly.

Peace.

View from the platform

2006-06-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

I am on the docket subcommittee which met to lay out the order of committee reports, we had dinner backstage and then got to tour the backstage area, including going up on the platform.
I stepped just behind the moderator's podium to take this picture. I told a couple of my fellow committee members about the moderator thing and they chuckled.

Here's my confession however. Standing there on the platform, looking out over the sea of tables and chairs, the myriad of computer monitors and the microphones, I thought to myself, "I could see myself up here." Honestly, I find that more than a bit disconcerting. I have to say that I am hooked on GA. Ellen was right, I am a GA wonk. I have met many people who are glad their turn is over and don't plan on coming back, I however am completely energized by the whole process.

I was listening to the debates over the PUP document in committee. They were discussing an amendment that would send the report back to the presbyteries. There were several comments along the lines of what are we scared of and there were others commenting that they were the presbyteries, that was why they had been sent.

Today is a day for finishing business and spending time in worship and celebration. We have a chance to meet the moderator and tonight is worship with the Cumberland churches. Then the fun of plenary starts tomorrow.

Pictures from Birmingham
This is the sign outside my committee room. We were tucked in a back corner and dealt with the nuts and bolts of assembly business.

This was our plenary orientation with Rick. We learned how to use the voting system and found out which mics were for the advisory delegates. Preparation for the election of the moderator that night.

I had the opportunity to meet the moderatorial candidates. This picture was taken by a GA photographer and posted on the GA website, thanks to Georgia for alerting me to it. This is Kerry Carson. He actually sits behind me in the plenary sessions. Nice guy from Iowa.

After 3 votes, Joan Gray was elected and then installed.

This is a sea of Presbyterians. Sitting in plenary, it is amazing to see this many Presbyterians. To be among this Great Cloud of Witness.

More details from yesterday and today

2006-06-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

This gets hard as there isn't wireless access at the convention center...makes posting time tight

Moderators

Evenly matched, no one stood out for me. All qualified and acceptable, but no one just wowed me. Evidently not just for me but for the assembly as it took us three votes to elect a moderator.

The process started with nominating speeches on behalf of each of the candidates followed by a 5 minute speech from each candidate. The speeches were followed by an hour of questioning from the floor. A question was posed and each candidate answered in turn. At the end of the hour, the advisory delegates were asked to advise the body (vote). After we voted by electronic keypad, the results are shown to the commissioners. The delegate vote is used to inform the body of the opinion of the groups we represent (youth, theological students, missionary, ecumenical).

Other TSADs
I enjoyed going to dinner with several other TSADs last night. I spent a few hours chatting and breaking bread with the TSADs from McCormick, Dubuque, Louisville, Duke, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. The same kinds of stress over language and class happen everywhere else. They have similar stories about professors, both good and bad, and have a genuine love for the communities where they live and learn. I have also enjoyed sitting next to one of the TSADs from Princeton.

Committee Meetings

Today my committee has met briefly to take care of commissioner resolutions. These are items of business that can be brought before the assembly by any 2 commissioners. My committee is responsible for assigning these resolutions to committee. Once we are done, we are then responsible for observing a committee so that we are better informed as we begin to set the docket on Saturday. Sometimes committee work becomes tedious as overtures are broken down sentence by sentence because of wording.

Short post

2006-06-16T00:25:00.000-05:00

Today was busy. Appeals before my committee this morning. Plenary and orientation all afternoon. Election of the moderator tonight (took 3 votes). I have pictures of different things and more stories to tell, but at the end of the session tonight they announced the death of a commissioner. Elder Nelson Erwin died after a heart attack this afternoon. He was on my committee. I just met him last night and was in committee this morning. Life is here and then it is gone. Live life to its fullest.

Talked with several fellow committee members and the moderator of my committee after plenary got out, we were all most definitly in shock.

I will post more tomorrow.

Birmingham, finally

2006-06-14T21:45:00.000-05:00

Arrived in Birmingham at 3 and had a committee meeting at 5, nothing like cutting things a little close. I have been assigned to Bills and Overatures Committee. Tonight was mainly orientation to our task at GA. We are not a glamorous committee, we are the nuts and bolts committee. The big responsibilities of Bills and Overatures are to recommend and manage the assembly dockety, coordinate intercommittee conversation (committees dealing with similar issues) as needed, read and approve assembly minutes, record protests and dissents (this could be huge this GA), respond to requests to distribute materials directly to commissioners, respond to requests to address the Assembly, hear financial implications for establishing a task force or commission.

I will spend most of my time observing other committees so that Saturday the plenary docket can be set. Then it is into the plenary hall. This picture is from about 2/3 of the way back. There is general public seating behind where I was standing as well as some more seating for commissioners. The room is huge. My seat is C50 so I will be in the 3rd row off to one side. Starting Monday, this is where I will be as the Assembly meets to discuss the business as brought by committees.

I actually got out of committee meeting early tonight, but have reading to do as we already have appeals. I need to go read, so blessings to all!

Let the games begin...

2006-06-13T22:40:00.000-05:00

It is the eve of the beginning of this adventure, or as I like to think of it, a game. Life is a big game. You have to know the rules, which change depending on where you are and who is officiating. I enter the political game as well as the church game in Birmingham. Although we are there to work to discern God's call for the future of the church, it is political. We'll see how I fare.

Please pray for all who will be attending GA as we go about the work of the church. APTS folks who will be there besides me include: Tracy Julian (TSAD); Laura Grice (SFTS class); Martha Langford (from 4th Pres Chicago); Ted Wardlaw; David Evans; John Evans; Tim Kubatzky; Ellen Babinsky and Sam Sampson; and David Johnson.

I'll keep you posted. Peace

Standards

2006-06-12T17:12:00.000-05:00

I love looking at the cartoons on Reverend Fun and sometimes they strike me as funny and some just strike me. This one just struck me. I have spent the last couple weeks reading overatures to General Assembly as well as books that are out on various issues at stake this week. I have come to see the church as becoming Pharisaical.

The Pharisees are often villanized, but they really weren't a bad lot. Their job was to protect the institution, protect the rules, protect the faith. In Mark 2, Jesus heals the paralytic and tells him to take up his mat and go. They wonder who he is that he can command this? I imagine them sitting and watching in amazement and thinking, "Who is this guy? How did he just do that? Where does his power and authority come from?"

The Presbyterian Church is in the midst of a huge debate (actually several). Do we keep things as they are and deny the ordination of homosexuals or do we open ordination to everyone? This is an issue that weaves its way into several items of business before the Assembly. There are also issues of Peacemaking and the debate about divestment, how are we to be the church in the world? Much of the debate comes down to who do we say that we are and how do we interpret Scripture in light of that.

This is why the cartoon struck me I think. Are we so worried about numbers that we forget about people. Are we more concerned about posture, tithing, and Bible Study focus groups (cartoon) than about the people who are truly in need of hearing the Good News. Have we become like the Pharisees and only concern ourselves with the institution or are we willing to stand in wonder and amazement at the power and glory of God?

So I go back to reading the Book of Confessions quotes on my walls.....
Heidelberg Catechism Question 28.
What advantage comes from acknowledging God's creation and providence?
Answer: We learn that we are to be patient in adversity, grateful in the midst of blessing, and to trust our faithful God and Father for the future, assured that no creature shall separate us from his love, since all creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they cannot even move.

Time to be patient as the church is in a time of adversity and to trust that God ,who is ever faithful and loves us more than we can ever know, will see us through this storm.

Who will be the moderator for the 217th GA?

2006-06-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

I have been reading the profiles on the 4 candidates over the last few days. Kerry Carson, Tim Halverson, Deborah Block, and Joan Gray are the 4 candidates. At this point I lean toward Tim Halverson and Joan Gray.

Some of Tim's statements that stood out for me...
"A better strategy would be to go back to our passion, to discover and celebrate the zeal that gave our church birth. In a word, the Presbyterian Church needs a bold leadership to again finds its heart."

"If we open our hearts to the fire of the Holy Spirit, there will be revival. If we can burn with longing for Jesus Christ rather than with anger for the other side, there will be rebirth."

"Unity is a gift of the Holy Spirit, not a by-product of voting."

"It is not our church, it is God's; and God works beyond our agendas."

There are others, but those are a few. Now for Joan's.

"A life committed to God is always an adventure. And the more deeply we are drawn into that adventure, the more we will find ourselves drawn out into the world in mission."

"Can we face the discomfort of associating with people who are different from us so that the Spirit can do this work? Are we willing to let the Holy Spirit bring us unity in Christ?"

"As we let God turn up the spiritual temperature in us and in our churches and as we learn to say "Come and see!" to more and more people, the numbers will take care of themselves."

You can view the information on the candidates online. I would be interested in hearing others thoughts about the moderator candidates.

Candidates for Moderator

A little explanation

2006-06-08T20:39:00.000-05:00

Just to offer a little explanation about the address for this blog. My junior year (almost 2 years ago) sitting in SYS I, the thought "When I am moderator of GA..." rolled through my head. Thought it was a little freaky, but what was worse is that the thought re-surfaced a couple more times. It is a thought that has continued to re-surface from time to time. I have several pages of writing on the subject. I have picked a few parts to share at this point. What follows are my thoughts on what we are called to as church.

This is about an awakening of the church. Focus on the local church and what the local churches are doing. How are we impacting people. How are equipping the saints for ministry? Time to defend the faith, but we have to know it first.

Christians must be the most active and positive force. The Bible speaks of caring for the poor. The Bible speaks of outrageous love Embrace the outrageous love and outrageous joy of Christianity. Our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are persecuted. How can we, the new empire of the world change this. We are called to have dominion, but not to rule over, we have charge of. We must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. We must invite others to do this. It is time to look at that which unites us, not that which divides us.

All I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten – to hold hands and go out into the world together. It is time for us to grab hands, it is time for us to look to each other for support. It is time to let go of rampant individualism. We must form community. Community that lifts the weakest up. We are only as strong as the weakest link....

What happens when you throw a pebble into a pond? The ripples move out, gradually growing larger. We need people to be the pebble breaking the surface of the water. You know, if the water hadn’t been so calm, the Titanic might have missed the iceberg. When the waters are calm, we don’t always recognize the danger ahead. When the waves hit, they give us reference points to guide off of. There will be waves, but that is okay. We will have to navigate through them. Waves are not negative in and of themselves, we make them negative when we think that everyone must think and act as we do. We become intolerant....

There must be passion for what we do. If we lead through prayer and through our passion, the church can ignite. Enthusiasm is contagious. We must be the torch bearers for PC (USA) and we must pass on the flame. The fire can only truly be carried by our congregations. BUT we must continue to fuel the fire. Give the fire air through prayer and through spiritual discipline, through worship, through time for God, but we must also give the fire something to burn. We must provide scholarship to give the people spiritual nourishment for their own fire. We have the people to spark the fire here and now.

Those are some of my thoughts about the larger church. I have become more and more energized as the assembly approaches. I look forward to this grand adventure. Peace.

The Adventure Begins in a Week

2006-06-07T21:17:00.000-05:00

Next week at this time I will be in Birmingham, AL and hopefully will be done with my first committee meeting. General Assembly starts and I am on one of two committees that meets on Wednesday. As I have discovered, I am on the committee that meets, and meets, and meets forever amen.

This is the blog of my adventures into General Assembly and then a few weeks after to Montreat for a conference entitled "The Hope of the Church." This summer could be a major crossroads or turning point for the Presbyterian Church and I hope to share my views and insights of it through this blog. I have been granted an incredible opportunity to be a part of the life of the larger church this summer thanks to my classmates for electing me to be a Theological Student Delegate (TSAD) and to my home church, especially the Presbyterian Women's Thrift Shop, for funding for the Montreat Conference.

I will keep you updated on my preparation for GA this week and the goings on at the Assembly.

Please keep the Commissioners, Delegates and GA staff in your prayers in the coming weeks as we meet to discern where God is calling the PC(USA) to grow and to go.

Peace.