~ by the Pastor and guest writers ~
|
General Assembly: What Is It And What Does It Do? (June 30, 2004) On Saturday, June 27, 2004 in Richmond, Virginia, the 216th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will convene. So what’s the big deal? What does that have to do with me? Well, I hope it is a big deal and that you will spend some time praying for our church. GA consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries. Half of the commissioners will be elders, half will be Ministers of Word and Sacrament. What does this body do? 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. GA has several specific responsibilities outlined in Chapter 13 of the Book of Order. It 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, presents a witness for truth and justice in our community and in the world community, and it sets priorities for the church and establishes relationships with other churches or ecumenical bodies. So, for a week our church will be at work and will need your prayers. I want to share with you parts of a letter that Bill Wilson, Moderator of the 197th General Assembly (1985-86), has sent to each commissioner. I think his words are timely and a good place to start as we pray for our 216th General Assembly. “These are difficult times for our church. Along with other ‘mainline’ denominations, we’ve experienced significant losses of membership and credibility. Hanging over us is the question of whether we are in the throes of inevitable and irreversible decline, or are we experiencing the birth pangs of denominational renewal. I choose to believe the latter, and that together, we should begin moving toward a healing, faithful and inclusive renewal. What can Commissioners do that will strengthen our church here and now and move us toward renewal? A beginning point is to remember that it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings us together as a church, and our witness to His Gospel is the mission and ministry of the church. When you focus on this core understanding of who we are and what we are called to do, it will help keep in perspective the many complex and sometimes divisive issues at the General Assembly. To be more specific, I humbly ask that you prayerfully consider being guided in your work by this question; how will this be a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Yes, the ‘Gospel of Jesus Christ’ may be subject to different understandings, and no, this is not to be a litmus test for a specific answer. It will provide an opportunity for Commissioners to bring their best understanding of the Gospel to bear on the work, issue or statement before them. This will lead to actions that reflect those of a church striving to be a witness to His Gospel before the world. I truly believe this is the unique work of the church, and when we exercise such discipleship, the Holy Spirit may breathe renewal into our beloved Presbyterian Church (USA).” Like Bill Wilson, I choose to believe this is a time of renewal. Pray for our church and for the Holy Spirit to blow and breathe life into our church and each of us.
 Teachers and Pastors (June 11, 2004) It’s a daily reminder that greets me when I first sit down at my desk. It has no life of its own except as I choose to acknowledge the power of its words. For thirty years I have packed, moved, carried, and treasured the framed words of Martin Luther. I understand that Luther prayed this prayer before leaving the sacristy and entering the sanctuary to preach and lead worship. Now in this year that marks thirty years in ordained ministry, I find myself fervently praying the prayer of Martin Luther: O Lord God Thou hast made me a pastor and teacher in the Church. Thou seest how unfit I am to administer rightly this great responsible office; and had I been without Thy aid and counsel I would surely have ruined it all long ago. Therefore do I invoke Thee. How gladly do I desire to yield and consecrate my heart and my mouth to this ministry! I desireto teach the congregation. I, too, desire ever to learn and to keep Thy Word my constant companion and to meditate thereupon earnestly. Use my as Thy instrument in Thy service. Only do not Thou forsake me, for if I am left to myself, I will certainly bring it all to destruction. Amen. Some of the words may seem archaic to our ears and we rarely use thee and thou in our speech but they are a reminder of reverential respect. God has called us into ministry despite our flaws and limitations. Jesus’ call to serve knew no distinction of lay and clergy. John Calvin talked of different offices: pastor, elder, deacon. Yet, always, the vision was one shared ministry in the name of Jesus Christ. To feel unworthy is a natural response. If I am left to myself, I will certainly bring it all to destruction. I have personal experience of that. But the Christ who came not to be served, but to serve, does not forsake us. Because the priesthood of believers is the foundation of our ministry, our congregation needs each of you. Ministry opportunities abound. We need teachers in several areas. Many of you are parents of junior high youth. Rebecca and I will be contacting you to join in the ministry of teaching our youth on Sunday morning. As I mentioned Sunday, we have two families. One is our blood family and the other is our “water” family by our baptism. Our children may grow up, leave home, and join other faith communities but we still have our youth right here at FPC that are a big part of our “water” family. In that sense discipleship, teaching, and leading never cease. Now is the time to respond to the call of ministry for our youth. There are many of you who can teach. We will be calling for you to join us in this ministry of the priesthood of all believers.
|
| The Church |
|
Calendar | News | Reflections | Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Photos | Leadership | Youth | Missions | Links |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|
