General Assembly (2012) #19

Differing Convictions

This may be one of the most important statements coming from our General Assembly. I fully agree with this commitment:
The 220th General Assembly approved this statement by a vote of 405 YES to 230 NO. This action came as Overture 07-17, “On Honoring Christ in Our Relationship with One Another” from the Presbytery of Sacramento.

Because

• Jesus taught that our highest ethical obligation is to ‘… love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself’ (Luke 10:27); and this is how ‘everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35);



• having experienced Christ’s gracious love for us while we are yet sinners, we are called to ‘welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’ (Romans 15:7);

 • we affirm the solemn commitments expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination, installation, and commissioning, including that we intend to fulfill our ministries ‘in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and … continually guided by our confessions’; that that we will be friends among our colleagues in ministry; that we ‘seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, love [our] neighbors, and work for the reconciliation of the world’ (Book of Order, W-4.4003);



• ‘… we hold that interpretation of the Scripture to be orthodox and genuine which is gleaned from the Scriptures themselves (from the nature of the language in which they were written, likewise according to the circumstances in which they were set down, and expounded in the light of like and unlike passages and of many and clearer passages) and which agree with the rule of faith and love, and contributes much to the glory of God and man’s salvation’ (The Book of Confessions, Second Helvetic Confession, 5.010);
 • the larger Catechism lifts up the duty of holding ‘… a charitable esteem of our neighbors,’ and forbids the sin of ‘… misconstruing intentions, words, and actions’ (The Book of Confessions, 7.254–255).
 The 220th General Assembly (2012) acknowledges that faithful Presbyterians earnestly seeking to follow Jesus Christ hold different views about what the Scriptures teach concerning the morality of committed, same-gender relationships. Therefore, while holding persons in ordered ministry to high standards of covenant fidelity in the exercise of their sexuality, as in all aspects of life, we acknowledge that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) does not have one interpretation of Scripture in this matter. We commit ourselves to continue respectful dialogue with those who hold differing convictions, to welcome one another for God’s glory, and not to vilify those whose convictions we believe to be in error. We call on all Presbyterians to join us in this commitment.

Shared Mission Giving: What's happening?

Our Coordinating Council has begun a comprehensive planning process in order to look forward in our common mission and ministry. This process will include a brief, electronic survey about our presbytery’s ministry which will soon be delivered by email. In addition, this process will include our budget planning process as we seek to financially plan for several years forward. A key issue in our financial planning process is our understanding of what is happening in Shared Mission Giving in our congregations. Please consider this giving pattern within our Presbytery:




Shared Mission Giving             Total Dollars       Total Congregations participating

2008                                            $509,480           36

2009                                            $451,022           32

2010                                            $421,898           20

2011                                            $402,528           25

Through June 30, 2012               $146,997           29



Specifically, please consider these questions as part of a discussion with your session:

• Are you participating in Shared Mission Giving?

• Is this an important part of the ministry of your congregation?

• In what ways do you discuss and interpret the work of Shared Mission Giving with your whole congregation?

• What is the future trend for your support of Shared Mission Giving within your congregation?

• Would you consider increasing your support of Shared Mission Giving?

• Has your congregation recently transitioned from Shared Mission Giving contributions to a more Designated Mission Giving model?


I will appreciate your comments around this discussion. Please call, write or email. I encourage you to participate in Shared Mission Giving as one piece of your larger mission giving. If you seek to transition to a fully designated model of mission giving, I will be glad to suggest places, including our presbytery itself, where you can direct your designated giving.

General Assembly (2012) #18

This pastoral letter was sent from the leadership team of our General Assembly:

July 7, 2012

Churchwide pastoral letter from the 220th General Assembly (2012)

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Earlier today, the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adjourned after a week of worship and work as the highest council of the denomination. Just under 900 elected commissioners and advisory delegates from every presbytery came from north, south, east, and west to discern together the mind of Christ for the PC(USA).

This assembly’s theme, “walking, running, soaring into hope” (Isaiah 40:31) was a fitting description of the assembly in many ways. At one level, the commissioners worked tirelessly—meeting literally well into the early morning hours today to complete their work—and doing so with much energy and passion. At a deeper level, the deliberations and discernment of this assembly reflect a church that is endeavoring to know how to demonstrate faithfully and effectively the gospel of Jesus Christ in the 21st century.

Some of the highlights:

Worship – The assembly paused daily in the midst of its business, in the same space, to worship. Each of the preachers used the same text, Mark 2:1-12, chosen by outgoing GA Moderator, Cindy Bolbach. Commissioners and advisory delegates prayed and sang often, using selections from the upcoming new hymnal from the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Glory to God, which the assembly voted to commend to the church (available in 2013;www.presbyterianhymnal.org).

Community – Those who have experienced a General Assembly speak overwhelmingly of the sense of connectedness that develops over the course of the assembly, and this one was no exception. Group meals, committee work, mission tours, exhibit hall, and more provided opportunities to make new friends and reconnect with those for whom an assembly is a “family reunion.” You can get a sense of that community through the photo and video gallery and more atwww.pcusa.org/ga220. The community extended beyond Pittsburgh, as well—thousands gathered in this country and around the world through social media to watch the proceedings (www.twitter.com/search/ga220).

Business – The assembly addressed roughly 800 items of business in the form of overtures, reports, commissioner resolutions and more. We commend to you PC-biz (www.pc-biz.org), the online site where you can read about each item of business. Some topics that were before the assembly are likely to draw media attention—perhaps they already have where you live. We want to highlight some of them, sharing with you the actions taken by the assembly:

·         Definition of marriage – The assembly chose not to change the current definition of marriage that is in the PC(USA) constitution, namely, that marriage is a civil contract “between a man and a woman.” Rather, through its action to approve a two-year study, the assembly is inviting the entire church to engage in serious, deliberate conversation on this issue.

·         Middle East – The assembly chose not to divest from three companies participating in “non-peaceful pursuits” in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. Rather, the assembly voted “to pursue a positive and creative course of action with respect to the current Palestinian/Israeli conflict,” and to “devise a plan of active engagement and projects that will support collaboration among Christians, Jews, and Muslims.” The assembly also approved a boycott on “all Israeli products coming from the occupied Palestinian territories.”

·         1001 Movement – The assembly overwhelming supported a movement to create 1001 worshiping communities (www.onethousandone.org). Those communities of faith will perhaps look much different from traditional congregations, but those that are already underway—in coffee shops, shopping malls, even on bicycles—are changing the world and the church for the sake of the gospel.

Commissioners and advisory delegates wrestled passionately together in heart, mind, and prayer, yet did so respectfully and graciously. Rarely were votes taken that had a wider margin than 60%-40%. On marriage and the Middle East issues, the voting results were extremely close. More than once, commissioners rose with requests to reconsider items already approved.

Obviously, we are working through difficult issues that do not get easily resolved by one or two votes, or even within one or two years. Nevertheless, we stand firmly in the conviction and hope that God is present with us – behind, before, and beside us.

Each assembly committee opened its meeting with prayer and reflection on Paul’s encouragement to the church in Ephesus: “…making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3). This is our prayer, as well.

We pray that every effort will be made to continue conversation at every level of the church—from congregations to presbyteries to synods to the General Assembly—encouraging and engaging one another, maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

May the good and faithful work begun in Pittsburgh continue, remembering that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is our peace,

The Rev. Neal D. Presa 
Moderator, 220th General Assembly

The Rev. Tom Trinidad 
Vice Moderator, 220th General Assembly

The Rev. Gradye Parsons 
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Elder Linda Bryant Valentine 
Executive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency 
(formerly General Assembly Mission Council)

General Assembly (2012) #17 Amendment to Book of Order

A Constitutional Amendment to the Book of Order approved.

            This overture, copied here, from the Presbytery of San Jose was approved by the Church Orders and Ministry Committee. The General Assembly also approved this amendment to G-2.0104a in our Form of Government by a vote of 329 YES to 275 NO. Please note this amendment adds one sentence to G-2.0104a: “This includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace.” None of the current language is deleted.

The Presbytery of San Jose overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote:

Shall G-2.0104a of the Book of Order be amended as follows: [Text to be added is shown as italic.]

“a. To those called to exercise special functions in the church—deacons, ruling elders, and teaching elders—God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. This includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace. They must have the approval of God’s people and the concurring judgment of a council of the church.

RATIONALE

Section G-2.0104 of the Book of Order states:

a. To those called to exercise special functions in the church—deacons, ruling elders, and teaching elders—God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. They must have the approval of God’s people and the concurring judgment of a council of the church; and

The Westminster Larger Catechism, 7.305 states:

Q.            195. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

A.            In the sixth petition (which is, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”), acknowledging that the most wise, righteous, and gracious God, for divers holy and just ends, may so order things that we may be assaulted, foiled, and for a time led captive by temptations; that Satan, the world, and the flesh, are ready powerfully to draw us aside and ensnare us; and that we, even after the pardon of our sins, by reason of our corruption, weakness, and want of watchfulness, are not only subject to be tempted, and forward to expose ourselves unto temptations, but also of ourselves unable and unwilling to resist them, to recover out of them, and to improve them; and worthy to be left under the power of them; we pray: that God would so overrule the world and all in it, subdue the flesh, and restrain Satan, order all things, bestow and bless all means of grace, and quicken us to watchfulness in the use of them, that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin; or, if tempted, that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation; or, when fallen, raised again and recovered out of it, and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof; that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected, Satan trodden under our feet, and we fully freed from sin, temptation, and all evil forever. (The Book of Confessions, The Larger Catechism, 7.305)

When a church member is found guilty of an offense because of acting contrary to the Scriptures and/or the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), that person is censured and the following is part of the public rebuke:

“We urge you to use diligently the means of grace to the end that you may be more obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ” (Book of Order, D-12.0102).

We respectfully overture for the above specified amendment to G-2.0104a.

General Assembly (2012) #16 Mid Councils

Mid Councils report

            The Report of the Mid Council Commission is sweeping, comprehensive and bold. I highly recommend careful study of their report, which is a book length analysis of our Church today. I followed the discussion of the Commission’s report at the Committee meeting. It was clear to me that the kind of bold, creative innovation which the Mid Council Commission was advocating in their report is hard to mesh into the strict process and procedures of our meeting of the General Assembly. This seemed to be almost a clash of cultures within the church itself around the huge question of how to become more flexible, innovative and willing to experiment. Thus while there was great appreciation for the Mid Council report, the Assembly was not able to approve it and simply approved further discussion. My personal and sad perception of the reality around this discussion is that there is not enough trust in the church to allow the kind of bold innovation which the Mid Council report advocated. This debate on the floor of the General Assembly was passionate and the final text, copied here, was approved by a vote of 364 to 293.

Final Text:
Refer Recommendations 1-4 to refer the Mid Council Commission report and recommendations 1-4, to a task force to further discuss, refine, and bring to the 221st General Assembly (2014) recommendations that consider the composition and organization of the Mid Councils in ways that reinvigorate their capacity to support missional congregations, and advance the ecclesial nature and character of those presbyteries, within the unity of the church. The Moderator of the 220th General Assembly (2012) will name the task force. It will be composed of an equal number of persons from the Mid Council Commission, COGA, and commissioners to the 220th General Assembly (2012). The optimal size of such a task force is twelve-to-fifteen persons. The Office of the General Assembly, including the coordinator of the MidCouncil Relations, will provide staff support to the task force.

General Assembly (2012) #15 Special Offerings

Special Offerings Taskforce rejected

            The General Assembly essentially rejected the Report of the Taskforce on Special Offerings by a vote of 530 YES to 37 NO. The final text of the Assembly’s action is copied here.

Final Text:
In the spirit of Items 10-19 and 10-5 (overtures from the Presbyteries of Pittsburgh and Western North Carolina), it is important to maintain existing programs, percentages, and designees in the One Great hour of Sharing, the Christmas Joy Offering, and the Pentecost offering and the Peacemaking Offering. The 220th General Assembly (2012) recommends that the current distribution patterns be maintained for the next funding cycle and that the existing special offerings task force be asked to report to the 221st General Assembly (2014) on the effect of new fundraising techniques, to work collaboratively with funding recipients, update progress on the $20 million by 2020 goal, and recommend additional strategies.

General Assembly (2012) #14 ON MARRIAGE

FINAL ACTION: Civil Unions and Marriage Issues:

          After the defeat of the Committee’s main motion and the defeat of two minority reports, the Committee on Civil Unions and Marriage Issues proposed the following new business (copied below). It was also approved by amendment that this action will answer all the action coming before the General Assembly under the topic of civil unions and marriage.

          This action is the only and the final action of the 220^th General Assembly concerning the issues of civil unions and marriage. This action was approved by the vote of 489 YES and 152 NO.       

Final Text:

That the 220th General Assembly (2012) approve the following resolution:

“In a desire to promote the peace, unity, and purity of the church, we move the whole Presbyterian Church U.S.A. enter into a season of serious study and discernment concerning its meaning of Christian marriage in the two-year period between the 220th General Assembly (2012) and the 221st General Assembly (2014). We would further move the Office of Theology and Worship prepare and distribute educational materials to all presbyteries and congregations. These materials should include the relevant Scriptures, key methods of biblical interpretations, current understandings of our Constitution, and some suggested guidance for prayerful and reconnecting ways of listening to one another.

“We would ask that all presbyteries report to the Office of the General Assembly on how this was conducted in their congregations at least three months prior to the 221st General Assembly (2014).

“This motion is offered in the hope and trust that such discernment will genuinely seek the rule and will of God be done in our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as it is in Heaven under the guidance of the Triune of God.”

General Assembly (2012) #13

Civil Unions and Marriage Issues:

The debate about the definition of marriage:

            The General Assembly, during its afternoon session on Friday July 6, debated the question of marriage as presented by the General Assembly Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues. The Committee brought a Report asking for a Constitutional Amendment to change our definition of marriage. The Committee also brought TWO minority reports. Both minority reports were defeated.

            The Committee recommendation was also DEFEATED by a vote of 308 YES to 338 NO.  The Committee recommendation is copied here, but please note that the report was DEFEATED.  The Committee Report and two Minority Reports were all DEFEATED.

The Presbytery of Hudson River overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendments to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote:

1.     Amend W-4.9001 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract covenant between a woman and a man two people, and according to the laws of the state also constitutes a civil contract. For Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman two people are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage,two people make a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other,publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.”

2.     Amend W-4.9002 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“a. In preparation for the marriage service, the teaching elder† shall provide for a discussion with the man and the woman two people to be married concerning” [The remainder of this section remains the same.]

3.     Amend W-4.9004 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“The service begins with scriptural sentences and a brief statement of purpose. The man and the womantwo people to be married shall declare their intention to enter into Christian marriage and shall exchange vows of love and faithfulness. The service includes appropriate passages of Scripture, which may be interpreted in various forms of proclamation. Prayers shall be offered for the couple, for the communities which support them in this new dimension of discipleship, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness. In the name of the triune God the teaching elder† shall declare publicly that the woman and the man they are now joined in marriage.” [The remainder of this paragraph remains the same.]

4.     Amend W-4.9006 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“A service of worship recognizing a civil marriage and confirming it in the community of faith may be appropriate when requested by the couple. The service will be similar to the marriage service except that the opening statement, the declaration of intention, the exchange of vows by the husband and wife two people,and the public declaration by the teaching elder† reflect the fact that the woman and man they are already married to one another according to the laws of the state.”

General Assembly (2012) #12

Civil Unions and Marriage Issues:

The debate about the definition of marriage: Minority Report Two

            The General Assembly, during its afternoon session on Friday July 6, debated the question of marriage as presented by the General Assembly Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues. The Committee brought a Report asking for a Constitutional Amendment to change our definition of marriage. The Committee also brought TWO minority reports. The second Minority Report recommended a clear definition of marriage as a union of man and one woman.  After lengthy debate the second Minority Report was defeated:

The second Minority Report is copied here. NOTE: this recommendation was DEFEATED by a vote of 266 Yes to 397 No:

Minority Report two:

Responding to the wide variety of overtures concerning the definition of Christian Marriage in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the General Assembly makes the following statement:

Our Confessions, based on their understanding of Scripture, define Christian marriage as a union of one man and one woman. Any redefinition of marriage should recognize the confessional nature of the definition and should be preceded by careful and prayerful formal confessional amendment process. As our society debates the legal status of same-sex relationships, the church recognizes and reaffirms that any change in the definition of marriage in civil law does not and cannot change the church’s constitution. As our confessions instruct us, the church is called to lead men and women into the full meaning of life together, extending the compassion of Christ to all (The Confession of 1967).

As our church ministers amidst a contemporary culture that includes same sex couples, the church should lovingly respond with grace and truth. Additionally, the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides the following authoritative interpretation of W-4.9001:

“When W-4.9001 speaks of marriage, it is expounding how marriage is defined and understood by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), under the authority of the Scriptures and guided by the confessions. It is not merely describing how marriage was practiced in any particular society at any particular time. Therefore, this definition of marriage in the Directory for Worship is binding upon teaching elders and commissioned ruling elders authorized to perform Christian marriages. “Officers of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who are authorized to perform marriages shall not state, imply, or represent that a same-sex ceremony is a marriage because under W-4.9001 a same-sex ceremony is not and cannot be a marriage” (Spahr v. Presbytery of Redwoods, 2008). A change in the definition of civil marriage under state law does not alter the definition of marriage under the PC(USA) Constitution (Southard v. Presbytery of Boston, 2011). The church’s definition of marriage may be changed only through amendment of both W-4.9001 and the confessional passages upon which it is based.”

General Assembly (2012) #11

Civil Unions and Marriage Issues:

The debate about the definition of marriage.

            The General Assembly, during its afternoon session on Friday July 6, debated the question of marriage as presented by the General Assembly Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues. The Committee brought a Report asking for a Constitutional Amendment to change our definition of marriage. The Committee also brought TWO minority reports. The first Minority Report recommended a time of discussion until 2014. After lengthy debate the first Minority Report was defeated.

The first Minority Report is copied here. NOTE: this recommendation was DEFEATED by a vote of 323 Yes to 346 No:

A Call for Listening

a. The General Assembly charges the Office of Theology and Worship to design and implement a discussion in each presbytery around the meaning of marriage and proposing ways for us to remain unified as a denomination.

These conversations would answer the following questions:

(1) What is the meaning of marriage in our post-Christendom environment in United States and Puerto Rico.

(2) How do our officers live and make faithful decisions about officiating at marriages in this environment?

(3) How can our denomination respect difference in opinion about the meaning of marriage?

These conversations are to provide a safe space for listening to Scripture, to the confessions, and to one another, and to propose solutions to the missiological issues raised by challenges to the traditional definition of marriage in our society and the prevalence of divorce in church and society. They are to take into account the effects of globalization, changing gender roles, and differences in the church over human sexuality. Each presbytery is encouraged to implement this conversation in each of its sessions around the same three questions. These conversations and the report should be completed by August 2014. Presbyteries shall report on these conversations to the Stated Clerk and the Office of Theology and Worship by August 2014.

b. The General Assembly directs the Presbyterian World Mission office to receive feedback from our worldwide mission partners about their understanding of the meaning of marriage and their suggestions about how to move forward missiologically as a denomination, and to forward this feedback to the Stated Clerk and the Office of Theology and Worship by August 2014.

General Assembly #10

Committee #15 Middle East and Peacemaking Issues

            With a passionate, long debate the General Assembly approved an “invest in Palestine” approach and rejected a “divest from Israel” approach. This answer was hammered out in a debate which took the Assembly until 10:30 at night and the recess of the Thursday night session. Thus as Friday morning begins, the Assembly finds itself more than three hours behind on the agenda. At one point the Moderator acknowledged more than 40 people lined up at commissioner microphones seeking to speak.

            Committee #15 brought a recommendation to approve an action of divestment from Caterpillar, Motorola and HP. Immediately a Minority Report was brought as a substitute motion asking for a policy of investment in Palestine. The committee’s majority report, after long debate, was rejected by a vote of 333 to 331. Finally the minority report was approved by a vote of 369 to 290.

            Copied here are the action items from the final action. (Item 5 here was added and approved as an amendment during the debate):

Final Text:

1.     call for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to pursue a positive and creative course of action with respect to the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict that will make a difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable on all sides and that will preserve an effective witness to peace in the entire region;

2.     call for a process of engagement that will bring Jews, Christians, and Muslims from the U.S. into effective partnering for study, travel, and social action;

3.     advocate for the development of educational programs that expose U.S. Christians, Jews, and Muslims to the varied experiences of both Palestinians and Israelis;

4.     devise a plan of active investment in projects that will support collaboration among Christians, Jews, and Muslims and help in the development of a viable infrastructure for a future Palestinian state. We also encourage greater denominational engagement with Christians in the West Bank around issues of job creation and economic development.

5. instructs the General Assembly Mission Council to create a process to raise funds to invest in the West Bank, and the program will be inaugurated no later than the meeting of the 221st General Assembly (2014).

General Assembly (2012) #9

The Most Important Thing: Presbyterian World Mission

            When I am asked what was the single most important thing that came before the 220^th General Assembly, my answer will be the commissioning of our new missionaries through Presbyterian World Mission. This did not require a vote, or a lengthy debate, it was more liturgical than legislative. But clearly, the continuing growth of Presbyterian World Mission, our ability to create new mission positions in response to the requests of our Church partners around the world, the ability to recruit and train new missionaries for these positions, and most of all the increasing financial support from all around the church which makes this growth possible is the most important thing in our church today.

            I am proud that the Presbytery of Carlisle was involved in creating a new missionary position in cooperation with the Presbyterian Church in Honduras which is now filled by Mark and Ashley Wright serving in Tegucigalpa. I am proud that out of this relationship with the Presbyterian Church in Honduras, we were able to bring Rev. Juan Rodas to the General Assembly as an ecumenical representative.  

            Copied here is part of the Presbyterian News Service article about our new missionaries:

Continuing a 175-year tradition, the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Wednesday evening (July 4) commissioned 152 Presbyterian mission co-workers and young adult volunteers who have accepted assignments since the previous General Assembly.

The commissioning was held in the state where, in 1837, Presbyterians established their first national denominational mission agency. Presbyterian World Mission traces its heritage to that board formed in Philadelphia. Nine mission co-workers were at the commissioning, representing the 30 new and reassigned mission co-workers who have been appointed since 2011. 

General Assembly (2012) #8

Ordination Standards

The Committee on Church Order, which included Presbytery of Carlisle commissioner Scott Penner, responded to a whole list of overtures concerning ordination standards by approving this statement. If approved by the whole General Assembly it is recommended that this statement be shared and considered by each Presbytery, but this is not a constitutional issue. This is not a change in the Book of Order. I believe this is a helpful action. I perceive this statement to have the tone of a pastoral letter, not a legislative decree. I hope this statement, if approved, may support and encourage our conversation around this difficult question of our ordination standards:

“Because

“•            Jesus taught that our highest ethical obligation is to ‘… love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself’ (Lk. 10:27); and this is how ‘everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (Jn. 13:35);

“•            having experienced Christ’s gracious love for us while we are yet sinners, we are called to ‘welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’ (Rom. 15:7);

“•            we affirm the solemn commitments expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination, installation, and commissioning, including that we intend to fulfill our ministries ‘in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and … continually guided by our confessions’; that that we will be friends among our colleagues in ministry; that we ‘seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, love [our] neighbors, and work for the reconciliation of the world’ (Book of Order, W-4.4003);

“•            ‘… we hold that interpretation of the Scripture to be orthodox and genuine which is gleaned from the Scriptures themselves (from the nature of the language in which they were written, likewise according to the circumstances in which they were set down, and expounded in the light of like and unlike passages and of many and clearer passages) and which agree with the rule of faith and love, and contributes much to the glory of God and man’s salvation’ (The Book of Confessions, Second Helvetic Confession, 5.010);

“•            the larger Catechism lifts up the duty of holding ‘… a charitable esteem of our neighbors,’ and forbids the sin of ‘… misconstruing intentions, words, and actions’ (The Book of Confessions, 7.254–.255).”

The 220th General Assembly (2012) acknowledges that faithful Presbyterians earnestly seeking to follow Jesus Christ hold different views about what the Scriptures teach concerning the morality of committed, same-gender relationships.

Therefore, while holding persons in ordered ministry to high standards of covenant fidelity in the exercise of their sexuality, as in all aspects of life, we decline to take an action that would have the effect of imposing on the whole Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) one interpretation of Scripture in this matter. We commit ourselves to continue respectful dialogue with those who hold differing convictions, to welcome one another for God’s glory, and not to vilify those whose convictions we believe to be in error. We call on all Presbyterians to join us in this commitment.

General Assembly (2012) #7

Rev. Juan Rodas: Ecumenical Representative from Honduras

                I am proud that our Presbytery in cooperation with our office of World Mission sponsored the participation of Rev. Juan Rodas with our General Assembly. Juan is the pastor of the Pena de Horeb Presbyterian Church in Tegucigalpa and a leader in the Presbyterian Church of Honduras. Our Presbytery has worked close with his congregation in our mission work in Tegucigalpa. Their congregation’s mission committee has organized the new home construction projects which we have been supporting. We have now contributed to the construction of six new homes for Presbyterian families from Juan’s congregation.  Juan is having a wonderful experience here this week. The ecumenical representatives from around the world have formed their own little community while here together.

                Juan is eager and excited that he has been invited to bring ecumenical greetings to the General Assembly when we convene in plenary session this evening at 7:00.

                Juan will be coming to the Presbytery of Carlisle after the General Assembly. He will be in worship with our Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church this Sunday, July 8. Our mission committee is hosting a luncheon with Juan at noon on Monday, July 9 at our Presbytery office. 

General Assembly (2012) #6

The Church with broken wings.

“Rise up, church, with broken wings,

Fill this place with songs again

of our God who reigns on high;

by God’s grace again we’ll fly.

Shout to the north and the south;

Sing to the east and the west.

Jesus is Savior to all;

Lord of heaven and earth.”

            This verse is from a new praise song which will be included in “Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal.” I attended the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation breakfast today where their new hymnal was introduced, along with many of the other new books published this year. As part of our breakfast meeting, the special committee for the new hymnal led us in singing several of the new additions to the hymnal. The verse here is from “Men of Faith, Rise Up and Sing” which is a praise and worship song from Delirious?, an English Christian rock and worship band. The catchy, upbeat tune of this song and the image of the ‘church with broken wings’ spoke to me. Yes, maybe we are church with broken wings. It seems that our days of soaring high with vision and energy are past. Now, too much, contention and conflict, mistrust and a lack of collegiality burden us. Especially here at the General Assembly, we seem to bring out all our ‘issues’ again, replaying, rehashing and seeking a way forward. Often it feels like we are a ‘church with broken wings’. But this is not the message of this wonderful, new worship song. And this is not the truth that sings in my heart. I believe and I pray that “by God’s grace again we’ll fly.”

            I encourage you to check out our new hymnal at Presbyterianhymnal.org. The full text and music for “Men of Faith, Rise Up and Sing” is available there along with other new samples. Information about pre-ordering is also now available. 

General Assembly (2012) #5

Gradye Parsons reelected as Stated Clerk

                In a remarkable expression of unity, the General Assembly reelected Grady Parsons to a second, four year term. Gradye ran unopposed, and was elected unanimously by a voice vote.  Gradye is known for often referencing the Bible story of Jesus and the disciples in the storm as a parable for the church today: “We are in the boat. There will be storms. We will not die.”

General Assembly (2012) #4

Mission Coordination Committee, Action Item 10-09; Approved by Committee by a vote of 51 – 0.

All the Committees  of the General Assembly are scheduled all day today with their lists of Action Items. Given my position within our Presbytery, I pay close attention to some of the behind the scenes, administrative work that supports the work of our Church. I have followed in recent years the careful planning process that Executive Director of the General Assembly Mission Council, Linda Valentine, has put in place to guide the work of the Mission Council. This year a new “Mission Work Plan” was developed and forwarded to the Mission Coordination Committee. This year Carlisle Teaching Elder Commissioner Steve Gribble is serving on the Mission Coordination Committee. A number of General Assembly staff people, including Linda Valentine and Roger Dermody, discussed this plan with the Committee. The Committee had a careful and thoughtful discussion of it, before voting to approve it.

Two aspects of this are important in my mind. First, this intentional planning process is an important example for the Presbytery and our congregations. We need to do careful planning. This Mission Work Plan is a good, comprehensive example of strategic thinking. It is a good exercise to define goals, objectives and our priorities. Second, I appreciate the focus of this Mission Work plan. I would like to communicate this plan around our Presbytery, and discuss how we respond to this plan from our General Assembly Mission Council.

This Mission Work Plan has been approved by the Committee and will be considered by the whole General Assembly. The plan is copied here, and may be found at PC – biz as item 10 – 09.

Mission Work Plan 2013 – 2016:

The General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC) recommends that the 220th General Assembly (2012) approve the following vision, mission, directional goal statements, and core values for the 2013–2016 GAMC Mission Work Plan:

Vision: Presbyterians joyfully engaging in God’s mission for the transformation of the world.

Mission: Inspire, equip, and connect the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in its many expressions to serve Christ in the world through new and existing communities of faith, hope, love, and witness.

Directional Goals:

Transformational Leaders

Inspire, equip and connect the church to: Cultivate, nurture, and sustain diverse, transformational leaders for Christ’s mission.

I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit. John 15:16 (CEB)

Compassionate and Prophetic Discipleship

Inspire, equip, and connect the church to: Make, receive and send disciples who demonstrate and proclaim God’s justice, peace, and love in an increasingly globalized world.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. [God] has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of the sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Luke 4:18–19 (CEB)

New Worshiping Communities

Inspire, equip, and connect the church to: Ignite a movement within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that results in the creation of 1,001 new worshiping communities.

They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved. Acts 2:47 (CEB)

Young Adults

Inspire, equip and connect the church to: Engage and join with young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

I will set up my covenant with you and your descendants after you in every generation as an enduring covenant. I will be your God and your descendants’ God after you. Genesis 17:7 (CEB)

General Assembly Engagement

Engage with, respond to, resource and represent the General Assembly in alignment with the vision and mission for the General Assembly Mission Council.

The apostles and the elders gathered to consider this matter. Acts 15:6 (CEB)

Organizational Integrity

Build confidence, trust, and engagement in all that we do by being Collaborative, Accountable, Responsive, and Excellent (C.A.R.E.).

If anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things. Philippians 4:8a (CEB)

Core Values of the General Assembly Mission Council

C.A.R.E. (Collaborative, Accountable, Responsive, Excellent)

Within the GAMC and the wider church, we will be:

Collaborative. Working together in an inclusive community, we will invite input, share ideas, and seek the best ways to accomplish our common goals.

Accountable. Relying on the Holy Spirit to enable us to trust and to be trustworthy, we will take responsibility for our actions and work with integrity, transparency, and love.

Responsive. Acting as servant leaders, we will faithfully respond to the voices and needs of the church by being timely, helpful, enthusiastic, and mission-centered.

Excellent. Demonstrating faithful stewardship and service through God’s empowering grace, we will work with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.

General Assembly (2012) #3

Inside and Outside

                On Monday morning at the General Assembly all the difficult work begins. The glorious opening worship service opened the week on Saturday. The first several, full, business sessions included a lot of preliminary work like introducing the commissioners to the electronic voting system, introducing the various agencies of the General Assembly, and discussing the process and procedures for debates and decisions. Of course, there is now a long standing tradition of devoting an early, full business session to the election of the new Moderator.  Again at this General Assembly this was done on Saturday evening, the first day of the Assembly.

                Now on Monday morning all the Commissioners gather in their assigned Committees to tackle the Action Items assigned to them. Committees will meet for their meetings during the day on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning. The full plenary session of the General Assembly will not gather together again until Wednesday afternoon.

                It seems to me, as I try to grasp all the different action items before this Assembly, that it is possible to categorize them into Inside the Church issues and Outside the Church issues. This year there are several Inside the Church issues before the Assembly that are important and transformative:

•                 The report of the Mid Council Commission and the possible elimination of the Synods as a governing body. This also includes the question of non-geographic presbyteries.
•                 The report on the Nature of the Church in 21^st Century is an important theological statement about the way we understand the Church today.
•                 The proposal concerning the revision of the four Special Offerings is significant and has already sparked significant debate.
•  

                The issues coming before us in what I am calling “Outside the Church” are also numerous and significant. These include:

•                 The debate over our understanding and involvement in the Middle East.
•                 The debate of Immigration policy in United States.

There are issues that have a huge impact both inside the church and outside the church.

• This year the debate over the definition of marriage clearly is the most heated issue and divisive question before us.
• In a less controversial light, the call for 1,001 New Worshipping Communities is a goal with impact both inside and outside the Church. We must as a church begin to embed into our heart and soul the need to plant, create and give birth to new communities. Simply continuing and maintaining our current congregations is not good enough. But for several generations we have neglected our calling and spiritual obligation to plant new communities of faith.  
• The concern which has influence both inside and outside the church and is important to me is our commitment to World Mission. At this General Assembly we will celebrate the 175^th anniversary of Presbyterian World Mission, which was started in Pittsburgh in 1837. In my mind, this continues to be one of the most essential aspects of our common ministry.

The list of issues and concerns is long and important. Please pray for the work of our General Assembly.