tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16696290037078083172024-02-06T18:48:52.584-08:00Eastern Oregon PresbyteryBlog for comments from and about the Presbytery of Eastern OregonUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-68509874086743616812014-06-26T14:55:00.000-07:002014-06-26T14:55:19.319-07:00PC(USA) Summary of GA 221The Presbyterian News Service and the Office of the General Assembly have produced a free downloadable summary of General Assembly 221.<br />
<br />
In summary the General Assembly:<br />
The Assembly of Yes … mostly<br />
<ul>
<li>‘Yes’ to divestment from three U.S. companies</li>
<li>‘Yes’ to same-gender marriage: pastoral discretion and a new definition</li>
<li>‘Yes’ to the Belhar Confession</li>
<li>‘Yes’ to new synod boundaries</li>
<li>‘Yes’ to leaders of General Assembly agencies</li>
<li>‘Yes’ to PC(USA)’s continuing commitment to peacemaking</li>
<li>‘Yes’ to preventing gun violence</li>
<li>Working for the common good with people of other faiths</li>
<li>‘Study’ to fossil fuel divestment</li>
<li>‘Educate a Child, Transform the World’</li>
<li>Peacemaking Offering expanded</li>
<li>The Bottom Line</li>
</ul>
Copies of the free summary are <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/get/resources/resource/32080/" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-73828563554837809282014-06-21T06:17:00.001-07:002014-06-21T06:17:10.535-07:00Words Make a Difference <p dir=ltr>Our friend Edward Dunn of Boise Presbytery has a <a href="http://edward07.wordpress.com/2014/06/20/connectional-and-collaborative/#more-1652">blog</a> about the connections within the Presbyterian church, including the opportunities to discern the best words to express God's intent.</p>
<p dir=ltr>The closest vote of the assembly was on 'divestment' of investments in three companies. These companies make some of the tools that the government of Israel uses to 'protect from violence' or 'oppress' residents.  Of over 600 votes cast, the difference was 7. Had 4 commissioners voted 'no' instead of 'yes' the result would have been different. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The argument was over 'divestment.'  We aren't going to divest of anything.</p>
<p dir=ltr>PC(USA) investments are managed by the Board of Pensions and Foundation. The Board is actually and legally responsible not to GA but to the active and retired members of the pension plan. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The Foundaton is responsible for preserving and growing the permanent investments.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Each body follows GA advice when buying stock but has to make decisions to sell based on prudent financial decisions.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Neither body will sell stock based on GA action. The only result is to not make future investments in these companies.</p>
<p dir=ltr>The'divestment' that may incite emotions probably should be called 'no  investment in.' People and institutions making decisions to buy are seldom criticized for not investing in any particular company among the many thousands of possible choices.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-60947428286707084432014-06-20T14:26:00.001-07:002014-06-20T14:26:04.419-07:00Most publicized action of General Assembly<p dir=ltr>The General Assembly in Detroit is adopting several actions that are or will get a lot of press, Here are some summaries:</p>
<p dir=ltr>M<u>a</u>rriage: <br>
1. The General Assembly approved an Authoritative Interpretation of the constitution, effective on Saturday noon, EST, that allows ministers and Commissioned Ruling Elders to perform same-sex marriages in states that allow same-sex marriages.  Sessions may allow same-sex marriages in churches and other church-owned property.  </p>
<p dir=ltr>No minister, CRE, or session would be required to perform or allow a same-sex contrary to that person's or body's conscience. </p>
<p dir=ltr>2. The General Assembly approved a rewrite of Directory of Worship W-4-9000 that uses the term 'two people (traditionally a man and a woman)' where the current use is 'man and woman.'  </p>
<p dir=ltr>This proposed amendment is to be sent to presbyteries for ratification.  If approved by a majority of presbyteries it would be effective June 21, 2015.</p>
<p dir=ltr>This also has a provision that specifies that ministers, CRE's and sessions would not be required to violate conscience.</p>
<p dir=ltr>More <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/news/2014/6/20/press-release-presbyterian-church-us-general-assem">details</a> in a PC(USA) news release</p>
<p dir=ltr>2. Referred to Mission Responsibility Through Investment a proposal for possible divestment from fossil fuel companies.</p>
<p dir=ltr>We are talking about divestment from 3 companies supplying material to Israel that is used in relation to Israel's relation with Palestinians. More to follow. </p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-75633245685594203912014-05-17T07:44:00.001-07:002014-05-17T07:44:06.525-07:00Upcoming General AssemblyPlease pray for Commissioners Evan Hansen, Rev. Steve Toth and Young Adult Advisory Delegate Madison Lindsey for discernment at the PC(USA) 221st General Assembly in Detroit June 14 -21.<br />
<br />
I hope to bring regular updates of GA221 to this blog before, during, and after General Assembly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-39219300868038085352013-04-20T15:01:00.000-07:002013-04-21T16:26:19.354-07:00April Presbytery - Other actionThe Presbytery of Eastern Oregon met in stated meeting in Pendleton, Oregon on April 19-20. In addition to fellowship, discussion, worship, and sharing a common table, the presbytery conducted the following business:<br />
<ul>
<li>Elected Rev. Steve Toth to fill the unexpired term of Rev. Keith Hudson as commissioner to the Synod of the Pacific for a term ending in September, 2014. Rev. Hudson has resigned effective after the May, 2013 Synod meeting due to demands on his time.</li>
<li>Elected Ruling Elder Pete Wells to serve as presbytery stated clerk for the term July, 2013 to June, 2016. Elder Wells was first elected to this office in 2004.</li>
<li>Commissioned Ruling Elder Jack Schut to serve as pastor to the Pendleton First Presbyterian Church for the months of June through August, 2013, while pastor Rev. Roger Harwerth is on sabbatical leave.</li>
<li>Recognized Luke Rembold who is beginning the inquiry process to determine whether he is called to the ministry in the Church.</li>
<li>Approved revised <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F0BzWfTWlbQvhCVl9LTXBQczFxbk0%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing" target="_blank">statement of priorities</a> for mission grants for 2014 and beyond.</li>
<li>Approved amendments to the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzWfTWlbQvhCdENIdmxrUUxiTU0/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">presbytery by-laws</a> to make chairs of all committees named in the by-laws members of the the presbytery while in office. </li>
<li>Accepted invitations from Grace Presbyterian Church, Milton-Freewater, to host the presbytery meeting in October, 2014, and Pioneer Presbyterian Church, Burns, to host the presbytery meeting in October, 2015. </li>
</ul>
The next presbytery meeting will be at the Pine Valley Presbyterian Church, Halfway, October 25-26. The meetings in February and April, 2014, will be in Umatilla and LaGrande, respectiely. <br />
<br />
For more information see the Presbytery of Eastern Oregon <a href="http://www.pbyofeasternoregon.org/" target="_blank">home page</a>, the Eastern Oregon Presbytery <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EasternOregonPresbytery" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, or the clerk's Eastern Oregon Presbytery <a href="http://easternoregonpresbytery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-63657999392778854952013-04-20T14:17:00.003-07:002013-04-20T14:17:33.470-07:00Presbytery Meeting, Amendments to the PC(USA) Constitution On Saturday, April 20, on the proposed amendments to the PC(USA) Book of Confessions and the Book of Order, the Presbytery of Eastern Oregon voted to:<br />
<ol>
<li>approve the proposed new translation of the Heidelberg Confession and </li>
<li>to approve proposed Book of Order Amendments 12-A and 12-C through 12-J. </li>
<li>It voted to not approve Amendment 12-B, amending the language of G-2.0104a on gifts and qualifications for ordered ministry.</li>
</ol>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-21744326545648634942013-04-03T20:45:00.001-07:002013-04-03T20:45:48.017-07:00Post Elder and Deacon Necrology for recognition at presbytery meetingWe ask each congregation to <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjWfTWlbQvhCdFVMMFRDR1hDXy1fMGY5T2Y4RXNsbUE&usp=sharing" target="_blank">post here</a> the names of elders and deacons who have passed to Life Eternal in the past 12 months so that they may be recognized at presbytery worship on April 19. If you are having trouble posting, email names, type of service, and date of death to <a href="mailto:EOPStatedClerk@gmail.com" target="_blank">Pete Wells</a>, Stated Clerk.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-43190043012396241172013-04-03T20:34:00.000-07:002013-04-03T20:34:24.851-07:00Eastern Oregon Presbytery to meet April 19-20 in Pendleton<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
2013 spring meeting of Eastern Oregon Presbytery will be:</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">Friday
and Saturday, April 19-20, 2013<br />
2:00
PM<br />
First
Presbyterian Church<br />
201
SW Dorion Ave<br />
Pendleton,
OR 97801<br />
541-276-7681</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
presbytery meeting </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">will
begin promptly at 2:00 PM. Friday. Additional meeting background
material, including suggested lodging, may be found at
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://bit.ly/WrM7Mv">http://bit.ly/WrM7Mv</a></span></span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and will be available at the meeting.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Each
congregation should send a commissioner. Travel expenses will be
reimbursed for commissioners, members and invited guests.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Friday
dinner, a Continental breakfast, and Saturday lunch will be available
at the the church. The suggested donation for dinner is $8 and for
lunch is $7. The Continental breakfast is complementary.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" lang="en-US" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Please
help the Pendleton First congregation prepare the appropriate number
of meals </b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">by
indicating your participation at </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://ow.ly/ei2Cv"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">http://ow.ly/ei2Cv</span></span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">
by Monday, April 15.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Travel
will be reimbursed at 28.25¢ per mile for members of presbytery who
travel alone and at 32.25¢ for those who drive with more than one
official participant. Half the double room lodging expenses for one
night will be reimbursed for each person who finds it necessary to
stay overnight Please make your own lodging reservations in
Pendleton.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br />
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
next presbytery meetings is scheduled to be October 25-26 at the
Pine Valley Presbyterian Church, Halfway. </span></span></span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-80007524370116984742013-03-06T16:48:00.002-08:002013-03-06T16:48:53.241-08:00Presbytery Council to meet by phone, March 11The Presbytery Council of Eastern Oregon Presbytery will meet by phone on Monday, March 11, in he evening. The principal item of business will be to plan an agenda for the April presbytery meeting, April 19-20 at Pendleton First Presbyterian church. <br />
<br />
For information about the Presbytery Council meeting, including a link to the draft presbytery meeting agenda go to <a href="http://bit.ly/YtARZT" id="internal-source-marker_0.8805836804873348"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://bit.ly/YtARZT</span></a>. Make suggestions about the proposed agenda or other business of the presbytery as a comment to this post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-59341017850161349322013-02-23T15:24:00.001-08:002013-02-23T15:51:11.968-08:00Presbytery Resource ExchangePresbytery member Ginger Johnston has suggested that the presbytery find a way to help ministers, pastors, and others exchange information about books, other publications, or other resources that you have found helpful in your ministry.<br />
<br />
As a first step for as way to do this, please post, as a comment to this post, information about resouces you suggest to others. You may also make comments to posts by others.<br />
<br />
Facebook users may find other comments on the presbytery <a href="http://facebook.com/EasternOregonPresbytery" target="_blank">Facebook </a>site.<br />
<br />
You may receive notice when others post to this site by entering your email address in the "subscribe" option to your left. These posts are copied to the Facebook site.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-52979609956177708452013-02-23T15:15:00.000-08:002013-02-23T15:15:05.863-08:00Personnel Committee Solicits Applications to be Stated Clerk<span class="userContent">The position of stated clerk and treasurer of Eastern Oregon Presbytery is elected for a three year term. June of 2013 is the end of one of the three year terms. Pete Wells has held this position for three terms and is eligible to be <span class="text_exposed_show">re-elected. At the January council meeting, the personnel committee was asked to
solicit applications from other candidates who may be interested.<br /> <br />
Any ruling or teaching elder who is eligible for membership in the
Presbytery may apply. Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzWfTWlbQvhCN2gwek5xMEF4N1U/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> for the position description. The position is designated as part time and has a stipend of
$588 per month. Some weeks may require up to 30 Hrs. of time.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Submit application letters by Saturday, March 9 to personnel committee moderator Dale Lindsey by <a href="mailto:LindseyI@eoni.com" target="_blank">email</a> or by post to </span></span>Dale Lindsey, 70470 Bear Creek Road,. Wallowa, Or. 97885.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-57466588012588381942012-07-05T04:08:00.000-07:002012-07-05T04:08:01.353-07:00Good News and Bad News<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">This is a post, not about the balance between good news and bad news, but how bad news drives good news off the table. Wednesday was a day of much good news, but in the discussion and press, just as in this post, the bad news gets the headlines.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Sunday afternoon, Tara Spuhler McCabe was installed to the office of vice moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for a two year term. Under our system, the newly-elected moderator selects a person to be vice moderator. The General Assembly confirms that selection or not. In this case the Assembly did by a large, but not overwhelming majority.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Apparently, over the next two days, the blogs, texts, email and tweets concentrated not on her gifts of service to the Church and the Presbyterian community, but on her service of love and compasion to a same-gender couple of her congregation. She brought the Church's presence to a marriage in the District of Columbia where such a marriage is legal. This is contrary to the discipline of the Presbyterian Church in which a marriage is to be exclusively between a man and a woman.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wednesday afternoon, at the opening of next business meeting of the Assembly, she resigned her office because the controversy over her actions would detract from her ability to serve the church. This resignation was an act of love for the Assembly and the denomination.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Wednesday evening Tom Trinidad, from Colorado, was confirmed to the office of Vice Moderator.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The news about the resignation has been and will continue to be the high (low) light of Wednesday's actions. Lost in this news will be celebrations and joys. For instance:</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The assembly celebrated</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The service of retired and newly-commissioned missionaries abroad and in the US</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The 200<sup>th</sup> anniversary of two of our seminaries</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Service of seminary educators</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
New form of worshiping communities</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ecumenical worship</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The assembly started the processes to</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Possibly send the Belhar Confession, a confession based on the struggles for equality in South Africa</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Send to the presbyteries for consideration a new and more accurate translation from German of the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), based on the academic translation work of scholars of ours and two sister denominations</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
</li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">The assembly celebrates the gifts of Tom Trinidad as Vice Moderator</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is unfortunate that the bad news about the conflicts within the denomination catch with headlines while the work that is being done as the denomination attempts unity without the necessity of uniformity so pushed aside.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-59763524724834602432012-07-02T04:16:00.001-07:002012-07-02T04:16:41.931-07:00This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it.The Thoughtful Christian posted the title to this post on on its Facebook page this morning. This is a list of a few of the many blessing of the the past few days.<br />
<br />
1. The blessing of the congregation of <a href="http://www.mckeesportpresbyterian.com/">McKeesport Presbyterian Church</a>, hosts to about twenty of for worship and lunch on Sunday. I have heard the term "Rust Belt" refer to the social devastation of the decline of the steel industry, but had not seen its effects until yesterday. It was striking to see rows of houses, two-thirds abandoned. Most of those in the community who could afford to move away have done so. Those who could not, remain.<br />
<br />
The congregation is working in its community to serve those in its community and neighborhood. One way they hope to do so is to be part of a city demonstration neighborhood revitalization project. Keep the region, city, neighborhood, and congregation in your prayers. Also, if you know of likely sources of funds to assist in their capital funds drive, <a href="mailto:office@mckeesportpresbyterian.com">communicate suggestions to the church</a>.<br />
<br />
2. The blessings of good Samaritans. Roger's bag with substantially all his need for nine days in Pittsburgh fell out of the shuttle from the airport. The bag and contents were delivered to Roger intact by Sunday. Thanks to those who assisted Roger in the interim and to the person who found and returned the bag.<br />
<br />
3. The blessings of varieties of service. I am part of the leadership team for one of the committee of the General Assembly. I am impressed that our moderator, vice moderator, committee assistant, resource coordinator, and I bring different talents, each appropriate for the work of the committee. Also, <a href="http://edward07.wordpress.com/2012/07/01/traveling-mercies/">Edward reminded me this morning</a> of the numbers and varieties of talents of those who serve to bring us to this spiritual and physical space and to assist us while we are here.<br />
<br />
In addition to the varieties of the things we do, we are blessed by the varieties of who we are. Who we are includes the varieties of our physical abilities, our backgrounds, and spiritual experiences. These make the diversity that is the strength of God's kingdom.<br />
<br />
For these and many more, for all of our blessings, give thanks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-38014220981252433032012-07-01T04:29:00.000-07:002012-07-01T04:29:00.281-07:00Thoughts on PC(USA) General Assembly 220 Day 1Saturday was the first day of the Presbyterian Church (USA) 220th General Assembly, Pittsburgh, PA. This is the day that the whole community of faith gathers in worship and that the commissioner elect a moderator for the assembly and to be the public face of the denomination for the next two years.<br />
<br />
Worship each year is awesome and inspiring. Inspiration comes from the numbers of people worshiping and taking the Lord's Supper together and, this year, for the out-going moderator's presence and sermon. This spring, Moderator Cindy Bolbach had an abdominal tumor removed. She continues to struggle to regain her health. Her presence at worship and the evening business session was as inspiring as the worship message of stepping out in faith to serve others.<br />
<br />
In contrast to the previous two assemblies, this year there were no apparent malfunctions in the electronic voting system. The hardware and software vendors and the denomination staff have worked out the bugs that detracted from the work at hand in San Jose, CA, and Minneapolis, MN, in 2008 and 2010. <br />
<br />
The election of a moderator is the first of the opportunities for the 688 commissioners to be advised by approximately 200 advisory delegates (youth, theological students, missionaries, and ecumenical guests) and then seek to do the will of God in their work of the assembly.<br />
<br />
In the past I've observed generational shifts in the advice given by the various groups of advisory delegates. There were about 6 ecumenical delegates, 15 missionary delegates, 20 theological students, and 160 youth (ages 17 - 25). In the past I was able to observe trends in that the ecumenical delegates advised on one candidate and the other groups were increasing less supportive of that candidate and more supportive of another. This year three of the four groups supported a single candidate very strongly.<br />
<br />
Voting continues without further discussion until one candidate receives a majority of the commissioners' votes cast. This year moderator <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NealPresa">Neal Presa</a> was elected on the fourth ballot. He started with the overwhelming support of three of the four groups of advisory delegates and 38% of the commissioners. On the final ballot he received the votes of 52% of the commissioners.<br />
<br />
Today is a day to worship in the various churches of the Presbytery of Pittsburgh, to elect a Stated Clerk, the chief administrative officer of the denomination, and meet our committees for the first time.<br />
<br />
More to follow as I have time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-21930902542124443522012-06-29T14:00:00.001-07:002012-06-29T14:00:22.768-07:00General Assembly Business OverviewThe PC(USA) General Assembly follows a pre-set sequence of doing business. On Saturday, following opening worship, the assembly will meet in the evening the GA elects a Moderator to be the leader of the assembly and of the church for the next two years, until the General Assembly meets in Detroit, MI in mid-June, 2014. <br />
<br />
On Sunday, following worship, there will be a short business meeting in the afternoon to elect a Stated Clerk (chief administrative officer) for a four year term. This year there is no drama in this election as the incumbent, Gradye Parsons, is the only candidate. In the evening the 20 committees each meet to get acquainted with each other and may start to consider some of the business assigned to the committee. <br />
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On Monday and Tuesday the committees will continue to meet and consider the business. The committee work will result in recommendations to the full General Assembly plenary sessions. None of the committee recommendations will be final until acted on by the plenary sessions.<br />
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The work of the full assembly starts on Wednesday. Each day, Wednesday through Friday, includes three business sessions and worship. Some of the work of the full assembly will be the subject of local, national, and religious press reports. <br />
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The final plenary session, mostly to consider the budget implications of the prior actions, and closing worship will be on Saturday. Most of us return to our homes on Saturday and Sunday. <br />
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For those who wish to follow the business of the General Assembly either to see what's going on or to check the accuracy of press reports, go to the same site the commissioners and delegates use, <a href="http://pc-biz.org/">http://pc-biz.org</a><br />
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If you have questions or comments please make them here and I will try to respond.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-74042191497319650272012-06-23T11:51:00.001-07:002012-06-23T11:51:22.945-07:00The many blessings of service<p>I volunteered to serve as a parliamentarian for a committee at General Assembly, starting June 30, a week from today.</p>
<p>I was appointed to the committee that reviews, among others, Presbyterian Publishing. I am reviewing Louis Weeks, A Sustainable Presbyterian Future. This is an excellent resource for congregations on ways be relevant by returning to our Presbyterian roots of ministry shared by teaching and ruling elders. </p>
<p>I look forward to more discussions in committee, small groups, and plenary.</p>
<p>If we can be free to explore our roots and be open to change, there can be hope for the New Church.</p>
<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.6</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-64088207774700232082012-06-09T07:52:00.000-07:002012-06-09T07:52:18.097-07:00Week of Commitment and JoyThe first week of June, following Pentecost and Trinity Sunday, for me was a week of a variety of commitment, learning, and joy. Spiritually uplifting and physically demanding. Spiritually uplifting frequently comes with physically demanding.<br />
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The week started with an overnight trip to Louisville, for three days filled (7:30 AM to 9:00 PM Monday and Tuesday) with background, training, worship, and fellowship for committee and other leaders at General Assembly. I am impressed with the varieties of gifts of those who will be helping the commissioners to discern the will of Christ for the church. <br />
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Louisville to Pendleton is not the most direct flights, similar to those from other parts of the country. The commitment shown by those attending the sessions represent the dedication to Christ and the church of those for whom General Assembly is part of their mission to reinforce the church. I look forward to playing a small part in helping the commissioners in their work.<br />
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After my return on Thursday morning and a few hours at my "day job," others and I traveled to Dayville for discussions with members of the Dayville Community Church session about that congregation's unique mission in the close-knit community in which they serve. I was impressed with commitment to Christ, community, and mission. I value the advantages of community shown by the Presbyterian system. Unfortunately, with the distances between congregations in the presbytery and the schedule of meetings, some congregations have difficulty being as connected as other. We need to work harder at keeping the connections.<br />
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I pray that the work of the General Assembly and the Dayville congregation continue to serve Christ in their particular ways.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-33347745879197624552012-06-04T19:02:00.000-07:002012-06-04T19:02:01.894-07:00Remember that the cost is sometimes worth the resultSometimes travel is difficult. However, it is easier to take if the result is worth the effort. The visit to Louisville has had a cost in travel aggravation, but it is worth it.<br />
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The trip from Pendleton included an uneventful auto journey, three flights, all delayed by times ranging from 90 minutes to over three hours, one re-routing that should have caused a piece of baggage to not make the flight, much anxiety, and arrival at the meetings 30 minutes late instead of 2 hours early.<br />
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In the end, it is great to meet so many servants of the Presbyterian Church (USA) who are willing to serve in committee leadership positions. Each of 20 committees has a moderator and vice moderator and a backup staff of a committee assistant, parliamentarian, and resource coordinator who come to Louisville for three days so that the committee can be effective and get its work done in three days of General Assembly. <br />
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Doug, Emily, Amy, Frank, and I are working well together and I look forward to helping in a small way to move the work of the Presbyterian Board of Pensions, Foundation, and Publishing Company forward.<br />
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Tuesday we will learn more about the "nuts and bolts" of functioning during General Assembly, and on Wednesday we will work to developing a work plan for the committee.<br />
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I pray that we will help the commissioners to discern the will of God in the work of the denomination.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-81496497597733482982012-06-01T15:45:00.002-07:002012-06-01T15:45:51.275-07:00General Assembly Leadership TrainingI leave on Sunday evening, June 3, for three whirlwind days in Louisville. After an overnight set of flights from Pasco, trough San Francisco and Washington, DC, I'll get to Louisville at 10:00 in time for training session that start at 1:30 PM. On Wednesday I'll return, arriving at Pasco at midnight.<br />
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The training is for committee leadership and staff for <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/ga220/">General Assembly</a> that begins June 30. I will be parliamentarian to committee 20 - Pensions, Foundation, and Presbyterian Publishing. There had been one controversial matter on the agenda, having to do with medical benefits of Pension Board for same-sex partners. That item has been withdrawn. As this is the first time I've had a helping role in committee, I look forward to little to tax my skills.<br />
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At the training I will get to meet the committee moderator, vice moderator, and the other support folks. I We will also have training not only in our own roles, but in what each other team member does. <br />
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As a presbytery clerk, I've been an observer to the action of three past General Assemblies. I'm looking forward be being able to help in some small way.<br />
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I hope to have additional postings during or after the training and during General Assembly.<br />
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The next two General Assemblies are in Detroit, MI, in 2014 and Portland, OR, in 2016. I hope I can attend one or both. <br />
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Please pray for the commissioners, delegates, and staff of the General Assembly as they prepare for and attend this bi-annual assembly. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-56335261103371000142012-05-06T21:46:00.002-07:002012-05-06T21:46:22.483-07:00Blessings of TravelElRae and I are in Newport, OR, for a long weekend between a short speaking opportunity to the Oregon City Attorney's Association and some dental work in Portland on Tuesday.<br />
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We had the pleasure of worship at the First Presbyterian Church of Newport. It was an additional pleasure to learn that Rev. Eric Chavis of the Presbyterian Foundation was the guest preacher. We appreciated his message of stewardship of all our resources. Seeing Rev. Chavis reminded me to remember to invite him to presbytery meetings in October or April.<br />
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Blessings come in many ways, including seeing friends in when each of us is away from home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-587892405902020932012-05-04T21:47:00.000-07:002012-05-04T21:47:00.455-07:00Presbytery Newsletter #1<br />
The Stated Clerk has distributed the presbytery's first bi-email monthly newsletter. This newsletter was distributed to 56 people on the presbytery's mailing list. Newsletter included information on the March mission trip to Birmingham, Alabama and the April presbytery meeting.<br />
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The next newsletter will be distributed in mid-July. It will include more information about presbytery mission activities and some highlights from the 220th Presbyterian General Assembly held in Pittsburgh, PA, June 30 to July 7.</div>
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To be on the mailing list for future newsletters, click on the "subscribe" button in the left column.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-85478375385381358972012-04-22T22:20:00.001-07:002012-04-22T22:20:12.698-07:00Presbytery meeting, April 20-21<p>At its meeting on Friday and Saturday, the presbytery provided additial grants, to Tutuilla Church for the lost  and found youth ministry, LaGrande First Pesbyterian church for Koininia House, and Lostine First Presbyterian Church. </p> <br/> <p>The presbytery also heard reports from the Birmingham mission team and Shared Ministry director Rona Peterson about communicating with current and prospective members and the public.</p> <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-62313483672682201582012-04-20T17:02:00.001-07:002012-04-20T17:02:20.407-07:00Presentation on Church Communications in 21st Century<p>Rona Peterson giving good <u>presentation</u> on church communications. Good references to Glo Bible and other resources. </p> <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-56187719900228374662012-04-14T06:06:00.001-07:002012-04-14T06:06:19.538-07:00General Assembly Perspective (4/14)<p>I have been to three PC(USA) General Assemblies (2003, 2008 & 2010). I've become somewhat of a junkie.</p> <br/> <p>As an observer, I don't get to engage in committee or plenary debate, but I do observe the policy-setting deliberation as it happens.</p> <br/> <p>This year I have the privilege of observing from a different perspective. I will be a parliamentarian and recorder for one of the 20 committees. I have been assigned to the committee on the Board of Pensions, Presbyterian Foundation, and Presbyterian Publishing. As the Board of Pensions operates the church's medical insurance program for ministers and others we will be involves in some limited medical insurance concerns. The broader policies of health insurance will be discussed in other committees.</p> <br/> <p>I look forward go being forced to pay close attention to the minutiae of a narrow part of church policy.</p> <br/> <p>I hope to make regular reports in June and the first week of July. </p> <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669629003707808317.post-48012301303693735352012-04-08T20:52:00.001-07:002012-04-08T20:52:04.804-07:00Spring Presbytery Meeting, April 20-21, Hermiston<p>The spring meeting of the Presbytery of Eastern Oregon will be April 20-21 at Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermiston.</p> <br/> <p>For more information go ro<br> <br/> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PPux4nR98lYhIjErQ_i4zek_-SDy_Ya7-H7pnpL6YZc/mobilebasic?pli=1 <br> <br/> </p> <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1