~ by the Pastor and guest writers ~
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An Evening With the Moderator (February 15, 2005) On the first Wednesday evening of February we had the privilege to host and visit with the moderator of our General Assembly for the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Rick Ufford-Chase. Rarely do we get to visit with our moderator and this was a special evening. Rick was elected moderator last June and has been traveling extensively to represent our national church. He is the first moderator that will serve for two years. We gathered with other Presbyterians from the Valley to learn more about Rick’s life, interests in the church, and what he deeply cares about as moderator of the Presbyterian Church. For those who were not here you missed a wonderful evening. From his opening remarks until the very end we were in the presence of a Presbyterian elder who cares deeply about our church and its mission in the world. Rick spoke with passion, eloquence, and from a deep sense of love for the church. In his presence you sense a pastoral calling that is at the heart of his ministry. What impressed me most was his willingness to engage in discussion about uses that divide our Presbyterian Church. He reminded us that arguing about issues that divide does not change the minds of people but searching for common ground in what we believe does. Whether you are liberal or conservative in your theology we all share a common purpose to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. Our moderator has a passion for mission and ways in which the church can address issues of poverty, justice, and ministry to those who hunger and thirst. In his travels he has witnessed churches of all sizes and theological persuasions that are growing and are passionate for the Gospel. When asked what were some of the things these churches shared that contributed to growth he mentioned two. First, these churches pray and take prayer seriously. Second, they are grounded in our Biblical heritage. It was good to hear that these churches are not growing because they have bought into the latest marketing techniques but are grounded in the ways the book of Acts describes the church. There was one last question Rick answered: “Was he hopeful for our Presbyterian Church?” I loved his answer: “I am desperately hopeful!” It was a great evening. We have the privilege to serve a great church and a wonderful Lord. I wish you had been there to be encouraged by Rick. With elders like him leading our church we can be “desperately” hopeful for the future!
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