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.