15 N. Chillicothe St. 

South Charleston 

OH 

45368 

The Inside Scoop    By Pastor Bill

January 2012

 

It was a challenge I never expected!  Maybe it was crazy, but I now see God’s hand in it clearly.  It began on December 11th with a last-minute, end-note to a sermon.  That day, I promised to pray for names of people who need Christ, if these were written on slips of paper and left on the Lord’s Table after worship...

I collected 50 slips with around 200 names (or initials) of people.  I underestimated how much passion our church possesses for lost people.  I also underestimated how much God would speak to me through those slips of paper! 

I have prayed through these slips twice now, and my heart has been moved tremendously over the burden many of you carry for a spouse, children, siblings, or close friends who do not know Jesus.  I have always imagined how lost people suffer from their separation from Christ, but I feel in a new manner the burden felt for them by those who are saved!

And speaking of those names and slips, I have received unsolicited reports of three people who have taken measurable steps towards Christ …two of these with very dramatic conversions to Christ!  God has reminded me of the importance of always having un-saved people on my prayer list.  I encourage you to join me in having such a list yourself.

Growth Classes

I am excited to introduce our first trial with Growth Classes in January.  These are special classes dealing with aspects of discipleship in a substantial manner.  Our trial-run features a four-night class on Bible Study Methods offered by Don Grigorenko (member and Bible prof from Cedarville University) and a one-night class on Debt-free Living (offered by me).

Bible Study Methods will focus on the book of Ephesians and is designed to improve both our study techniques and our grasp of this epistle.  BSM meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (like a college class) at 7 pm on January 10, 12, 17 & 19.

Debt-free Living deals with getting out of debt and staying out of debt.  The class meets Sunday, January 15 at 7 pm.  As a bonus, we conclude with suggestions for a debt-free college education.

As I mentioned, these are trial runs.  Our goal is to offer a variety of these classes twice per year, January and August-September.  Already we are sketching ideas for future offerings.  These include: Bible study methods, overviews of the Old/New Testament, eras from Church History, spiritual disciplines, youth ministry, understanding teenagers, and many more.

 

These classes fit perfectly with our church’s mission: LEARNING, LOVING and LIVING for Jesus Christ.  That’s my passion, too, for practical, authentic Christianity.  I am seeing that it is your passion as well.

Communion, Almsgiving, & the EPC

Our transition into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is bringing with it some very positive changes to our church.  One you will notice is that of receiving a special offering after celebrating the Lord’s Supper.

On the first Sunday of every month, during worship, we share in Communion together.  Our new Book of Order reminds us that after such a celebration, it is normal for worshippers to take a collection for the poor.  This practice of collecting money for the poor (almsgiving) after receiving the Lord’s Supper was introduced in worship by none other than John Calvin (1541-1564).  He wrote:

Then with good and just cause, we offer and submit ourselves completely to God the Father and to our Lord Jesus Christ, in recognition of so many and so great benefits. And, as Christian love requires, we testify to this by holy offerings and gifts which are administered to Jesus Christ in His least ones, to those who are hungry, thirsty, naked, strangers, sick, or held in prison.

You will notice as you leave worship (on 1st Sundays) an offering plate is set next to the exits.  This collection benefits our Good Samaritan Fund.  The GSF is used to help needy families in our community, to assist the Food Pantry, and to support our car clinic for single moms.

I encourage you to consider this a second-mile collection, one that is beyond our weekly tithes …a sacrificial gift.  The Bible is filled with admonitions to be tender-hearted with those in need around us.  This is what I call Living for Jesus.

 

December 2011

 

Christmas Plans

This year we will celebrate the birth of Jesus on both Christmas Eve with a service at 7 pm and on Christmas Day (at 10am, Sunday).  Certainly the purpose of these services makes them special.  Beyond that, I’ve had the joy of planning these with a group of very creative people in our church.  We have worked for weeks, and the services promise to be quite special.  BTW, have you thought of someone who you might invite and bring with you?

On January 1st, we will worship together at a combined service at 10 am, ringing-in the new year with communion.

Speaking of Christmas, did you know that we are planning a Christmas Day Dinner outreach event?  This began with a vision among a few of our members for spending part of the holidays in service to the Lord.  We are co-opting with the good folks at the Blue Point Restaurant, who also wish to spend Christmas Day serving.  Dinner is served from 1 to 4 pm in our Fellowship Hall.  This is a free meal available to any in our community who might otherwise spend the day alone or have problems getting a meal together.

There are various ways to become involved: donating food or baking pies ahead of time, or sharing time to serve on Christmas Day.  I recognize some of us have very hectic Christmas days, but others are seeking to add a different tradition to the day.

The exciting part of this dinner is that it shows the Holy Spirit’s movement for us to reach into our community with Jesus’ love!

News Classes @ FPC!

Next, I am excited to announce the introduction of a new ministry offering in January.  Right now I’m calling it Growth Classes.  These are classes which will meet for one or more sessions on important subjects relative to our faith in Christ or life-issues.  We hope to provide a “college class” type of experience to accelerate spiritual growth.  While Growth Groups are like long-distance runs, Growth Classes will be like sprints.

 

For example, in January we will have a four-night course called, “Methods of Bible Study: Reading Someone Else’s Mail or Looking at NT Letters”.  This is being lead by Don Grigorenko a professor from Cedarville’s Bible department.  Click HERE to see a description of Don’s class.

Other Growth Classes in the planning stages are a New Members’ Class and one on Debt-Free Living (both are one session each).

The Growth Classes will meet prior to Growth Group “semesters”.  In other words, these will not interfere with our plans to be in a group.  Growth Classes will always be held while we’re signing up for Groups, before the Groups resume.

Transition into the EPC

In November we sent delegates to our first presbytery meeting in Midwest presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  They met in downtown Detroit in a mission-church supported by our presbytery.  This church and their pastor are an incredible inspiration.  The meeting provided more edification than business.  I sense new winds blowing with this relationship.

Our Session recently met with members from our former (PCUSA) presbytery.  The meeting was cordial and Christ-like.  Of course, they feel a loss over losing a church such as ours.  We are in conversations to arrive at an agreement by which they obtain some mechanism of dismissing our congregation from the PCUSA.  In our meeting, they stated that presbytery has no intention to lay claim to our property. 

A Personal Note

I would be remiss not stating what is truly on my heart this season.  I am truly grateful that God would allow me to serve such vibrant church as FPC.  We have had a phenomenal year together.  We celebrated some really high points, such as our baptism service at Madison Lake.  We weathered a courageous decision to affiliate with the EPC.  This done with grace and unity.

I hope you will never convince yourself that FPC is anything less than extraordinary!  And I hope you will never forget how much I care for you and appreciate your support for this great work God is doing here.  May He bless you with a wonderful Christmas!

 

November 2011

 

...learning, loving and living for Jesus

During the summer as we were studying our congregation’s relationship with the PCUSA, we took a look at our church’s mission.  That exercise led us to modify and clarify our statement of purpose.  This statement needed to declare what we wanted members of our church family to do versus what the church will do.  Our vision is to have a congregation of people who are learning more about the Lord through His Word, who are loving the Lord and each other, and who are living for Jesus in daily life.

How does such a statement affect what we do?  Consider our worship services.  We have three main objectives each Sunday morning: to teach the Word of God (preaching), to express our praise and adoration for the Lord (music, prayers), and to live for Christ (application of the Bible and commitment); learning, loving and living.

We see these three as being the dynamics of being followers of Jesus.  Disciples learn from Him via His Word, love Him via fellowship, and live for Him by being light in a fallen world.

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church

On October 30th, First Presbyterian Church became a member congregation in the EPC by an overwhelming congregational vote (97%).  This decision comes as a culmination of work by our Session which began in 2003.  Since then we have worked to reform and to provide leadership to our prior local presbytery.  In January of this year, Session had the foresight to recognize the tremendous changes coming to the PCUSA.  That prophecy was fulfilled this summer with the passage of new ordination standards and a new form of government.  These decisions convinced us that now is the time to end that affiliation.

So, now what happens?  Officially, we are members of the Presbytery of the Midwest of the EPC.  Our relationship with the PCUSA has ended. 

 Our former presbytery has appointed a commission to navigate how they will deal with this reality.  We have not received official correspondence from this commission, but at a minimum we expect them to meet with Session and ask if the vote was done fairly, if members who wish to remain PCUSA are being cared for, and if certain items bearing the PCUSA logo can be removed or returned.  In some cases, commissions like this will seek financial payments to prevent them from taking legal action over property.

 What about our property?  Although the PCUSA has a “trust clause” in its constitution claiming ownership rights to church’s properties, our congregation has never conveyed that trust to the PCUSA.  Our titles are clearly named to FPC, not to presbytery.  Legal counsel has assured us that our property ownership is clearly incontestable.

 

What about our loan from the PCUSA?  Our agreement states that leaving the PCUSA will make that loan payable and due.  A letter has already been received reminding us of this obligation.  We are in the process of re-financing the loan.

The PCUSA loan is for our construction project of 2006.  Here is an amazing statistic: that project ran about $1.2 million total.  Of that amount we currently owe only about $150k.  We have paid over $1 million to this project.  Considering that we have also invested over $100k in window restoration, I’d say our congregation has done a phenomenal job!  Did someone say, “It’s a God-thing”?

What about our relationship with the EPC?  We are officially members of the EPC transitionally.  That means that we are under the EPC’s family umbrella.  Probably in May 2012 we will be received officially as full members.  Between now and then we all will be checking each other out more thoroughly.  If, for some unforeseen reason, we decide the EPC is not for us (or they decide the same about us), we can stop the affiliation process.

In November, I stopped attending presbytery meetings in the PCUSA.  We sent the Staton’s as our delegates to our first meeting of the Presbytery of the Midwest in the EPC.  They were warmly received.  This presbytery of about 37 churches expects to receive eight new congregations this year!

All of this spells one fact in my opinion: we are entering into a new era of ministry in our church’s history as we partner with the EPC.  I am excited to see what God has in plan for us.  And I am grateful to Him for allowing me to be your pastor!

 

October 2011

 

Reformation Sunday is a day that many of us normally do not observe.  This year’s could be an historic moment in the life of our congregation.  On October 30th a reformation moment is coming to First Presbyterian Church, and you do not want to miss out...

Every year the last Sunday of October is a day to recognize the contributions that the protestant reformation has made to church and civil life.  Reformation Sunday usually focuses on people like Martin Luther or John Calvin who brought new life to Christianity in the sixteenth century.

This year on Reformation Sunday, October 30th, our congregation will meet for a special congregational meeting over lunch.  After almost nine months of diligent study and concerted prayer, the elders have called for this meeting to report their conclusions and to make recommendations for action regarding our relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA).  This day could begin a new era for our church, a reformation.

Three motions will be presented on that day:

One, that FPC end its affiliation with the denomination known as the Presbyterian Church (USA) immediately.

Two, that FPC affiliate immediately with the denomination known as the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, a Christ-centered, evangelical, Presbyterian body.

And, three, that we amend our By-Laws to accommodate these changes and to clean-up some out-dated language.

To discuss the reasons for moving our affiliation to the EPC from the PC(USA) is too cumbersome here.  However, I urge you to read a report from Session available at church on October the 23rd or by clicking here. (Username: members  Password: firstpresby).  The length of this document makes it nearly impossible for you to digest on October 30th, vote-day, so take advantage of its advance availability.

We have come to realize that our church’s mission can best be accomplished by this change.  The Session members of our church began working on these matters shortly after the new year began and have invested countless hours meeting almost weekly to pray and study.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this decision for our congregation.  This could be the most historic vote we’ll ever cast in our lifetimes at FPC.  Therefore, it warrants our prayer and study as well.

Here are the opportunities to become more informed:

Week of October 16th: Report is posted on-line

October 23rd:  Printed Reports available at church

          Forums on the Report: Noon & 6:30 pm (Manse)

October 30th: Reformation Sunday

          Worship Services at 8:30 am & 11 am

          Noontime Soup, Salad, & Dessert carry-in dinner

          Congregational Meeting & Vote.

 

 

September 2011

 

Someone recently told me, “I think God is going to do some incredible things in our church!”  I have to agree with that statement.  I think our best years as a church are yet to come.  There are two specific reasons I feel hopeful and optimistic...

Growth Groups

First, our next semester of Growth Groups begins the week of September 25th.  Every group will be studying a book by Francis Chan, Forgotten God.  I have read this book several times, and it is a great complement to our sermon series this fall on the Holy Spirit.  As Chan’s title implies, many Christians forget or neglect the third person of the Trinity.  Much of our struggles with temptation, doubt, and even discouragement with church and God stem from this neglect.  I sense God wishes to work in our church in a special way through these two studies.

I encourage you to read this book with us and to do so in a group.  Groups begin the week of September 25th.  The elders and I just read chapter two of the book, and we had a great conversation.  I received much more from the group chat than from my own reading.

You may sign up for a group by using the tear-off slip in our worship folder, signing the sheets on our Connections table, or on our website by clicking here.

You may wonder what is mean by semester groups.  We take a novel approach to small groups in our church.  About three times a year we offer groups for you to join.   Each ‘semester’ lasts for about 10-13 weeks.  When the semester ends, the group takes a rest while we prepare for signups for the next semester.  This time off also helps group leaders and hosts to rest.  Some people sign up for the same group every time, staying with close friends in the church (and we encourage this).  Some people change groups, often due to scheduling issues.  And some groups continue to meet during their ‘rest’ period.

The Presbyterian Church (USA)

Next, I want to give you an update on Session and the issues relative to the Presbyterian Church (USA), our denomination.  This spring the PCUSA has approved two measures which cause us great concern: 

First, a new denomination constitution for the PCUSA, called nFOG (new Form Of Government), was approved. It became effective on July 10, 2011. This document makes radical, new statements of theology and creates a more hierarchical structure. NFOG defies the reformed faith and the principles of presbyterian governance.    

Second, the approval of so-called Amendment 10a officially removes language in our denomination’s Book of Order prohibiting the ordination of non-repentant, practicing homosexuals to the offices of elders, deacons, and pastors in the PCUSA. As of July 10, 2011, gay, lesbian, transsexual or bisexual persons qualify for ordination to church leadership.

For the last six months, the elders and I have met almost weekly to study these issues and to seek God’s will for how best to respond.  In August, we sent a delegation to Minneapolis to meet with other representatives from churches around the country who share our concerns.  This group is named The Fellowship of Presbyterians. 

Its leaders expected about 300 people.  Instead, 2000 people from 800-850 churches showed up.

The leadership of that meeting attempted to offer options to fit a variety of circumstances. These options range from churches that remain in the PCUSA to churches that plan to separate from the PCUSA.  In order to accommodate differing scenarios, they proposed forming an umbrella organization which will function as an association for churches remaining PCUSA as well as being a new denomination for those that leave.

We found The Fellowship’s proposals a bit too vague and too complicated.  They failed to declare the sinfulness of the new ordination standards.  Further, we estimate that the changes they propose will take at least two years, at best, to receive denominational approvals.

The bottom line is that The Fellowship, while worth watching in the future, offers little for us right now.  It did seem evident from this meeting that the PCUSA is headed towards a split of some form.

As for our congregation, the elders are still actively engaged in detailed research into the issues and forming proposals for us to consider in the future. 

To inform you, we will be having weekly three-minute chats this fall at the end of worship service.  We will chat about presbyterianism, denominations, the actions of the PCUSA, and how we propose handling the situation.  We also plan to distribute a report and hold an interactive forum.

You might wonder how the distraction over the PCUSA relates to my optimism for our future.  Behind every problem is opportunity.  I am convinced that God is working through this challenge.  I believe we will emerge as a congregation better equipped ready to do ministry for Jesus, and that we are on the verge of a new era.

 

August 2011

 

I can honestly say that I have more passion and optimism for our church family than ever.  Why would I feel this way?  What’s up at First Presbyterian?  Read on.  I’ll share with you two reasons….

 First, have you read any good books this summer?  I have several.  One in particular is called Forgotten God by Francis Chan.  This book raises our awareness to how easy it is to forget about the tremendous resource God has given to us by His Spirit who personally dwells inside us!  Despite this great truth, many Christians experience defeat; many have a lifeless relationship with Christ; and many carry disappointment with God.  Something must be missing...

 This fall I will be doing a sermon series on God’s Holy Spirit.  Our purpose is to experience the reality of His presence.  Chan’s book is an excellent complement.  While we study together on Sunday mornings, all of our Growth Groups will have opportunity that week to chat about the truths from the messages and about the challenges from the book.

 Every ‘semester’ (September, January, spring-summer) our Growth Groups are open for new people to join and new groups are being formed.  Sign-ups for groups occur in early September.  Our goal is to have each person who worships with us involved in a group.

 Please join me in praying for Groups now; especially I am praying for God to visit us with renewing power.  I am also asking Him for leaders so we can create new additional groups.  If God is nudging you to lead, please contact me.

 My second reason for passion and hope is that our church is facing a great challenge from our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA).  I know it sounds odd, but with challenge there comes opportunity.  Our church leadership is in a season of evaluation.  As we study the issues the PCUSA has raised, we’re also re-acquainting ourselves with our core mission …to make disciples.  The Great Commission gives us the task of proclaiming the Gospel, of teaching disciples to follow Jesus (His Word), and of administering the sacraments (baptism, Lord’s Supper).

So, just what is up with the PCUSA and how are our elders responding?  I must begin by saying that our elders on Session have never worked so hard.  They meet weekly to pray, study, deliberate, and seek God’s leading for our church …whenever God’s people are so focused on following His will, usually God answers by drawing close.

Many of the tasks of Session are difficult to share right now, but I will tell you that the recent actions by the PCUSA are not being ignored and will not go without response from our church.

This month we are sending a delegation from Session to Minneapolis to join with 2,000 others who share our theological perspective and uneasiness with decisions of the PCUSA.  We sense God’s presence in a movement among these churches meeting together.

Last month, in this column I shared with you a brief summary of two decisions made by the PCUSA which we are studying.  Below is a brief article on one of them:

A New Form of Government

The Book of Order (BOO) has been the guiding document of the PCUSA for decades.  It contains statements about our presbyterian theology and system of governance.  It also contains detailed instructions relative to the operations of presbyterian congregations and governing bodies.

In 2011 a majority of presbyteries voted to replace the BOO with a new constitution, called nFOG (new Form Of Government).  On July 10, 2011 the PCUSA began operating under this new document intended to govern the denomination and all congregations affiliated with it.

The nFOG represents a radical departure from the historic presbyterian faith and the presbyterian style of government.

Departures from Historic Presbyterian faith -

The first sentence of nFOG states:

The good news of the Gospel is that the triune God -Father, Son and Holy Spirit- creates, redeems, rules, and transforms all things and all people. (F-1.01)

 While all who are saved are saved only through Christ, not all people are saved!

It adds:

In Christ, by the power of the Spirit, God unites persons through baptism regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography or theological conviction.   There is therefore no place in the life of the Church for discrimination against any person.  The Presbyterian Church (USA) shall guarantee full participation and representation in the worship, governance, and emerging life to all persons or groups within its membership.  No member shall be denied participation for any reason other than those stated in this Constitution. (F-1.0403)

This paragraph states that no one is denied full participation (including that of ordination) in the PCUSA regardless of theological conviction.  A member (or even a pastor) denying Christ or, for example, converting to Islam is guaranteed full participation in the PCUSA.

Both citations in the “foundations” portion of nFOG do not just reflect openness to varying opinions within the reformed, Christian faith, but these are expressions of universalism (a doctrine which says all people are saved).

Departures from Presbyterian Governance -

The Book of Order (BOO) states that: 

...governing bodies (i.e., congregations, presbyteries, synods and General Assembly) are separate and independent. (G-9.0103 BOO)

The nFOG says:

...governing bodies are distinct.  (F-3.0203 nFOG)

Presbyterianism recognizes the independent nature of local churches (as expressed in the BOO) which are in mutual relation to each other.  The independent, yet mutual connection between states and the Federal government is identical to presbyterianism. 

However, nFOG recognizes churches as being only distinct parts of the denomination.  Its language applied to civil government would be similar to re-characterizing the State of Ohio as a department within the Federal government.

The heart of true presbyterian governance is that it does not impose decisions from the top-down nor allows particular churches to operate in a vacuum.  It is a unique system of church government.  It allows neither a high centralized body to rule over all nor does it permit every congregation to drift and create its own theology.

nFOG does not reflect this essential dynamic of presbyterianism.  The following items show contrasts between the old and new constitutions.  These demonstrate nFOG’s leaning towards a hierarchical (top-down) system of government.

Old:

Sessions have complete responsibility and authority over how a congregation’s funds are used.  All giving to the PCUSA is voluntary. (G-10.0102i)

nFOG:

Each congregation’s budget shall support the church’s [denomination’s] mission. (G-3.0113) 

Old:

The Session is responsible for the mission and government of the particular church. (G-10.0102)  Each congregation has its own unique mission.

nFOG:

The Session must lead the congregation to participate in the mission of the whole church [denomination]. (G-3.0201c)  The mission of the local church is now to fulfill the mission of the denomination. 

Old:

Sessions determine the mission of congregations. (G-10.0102)

nFOG:

General Assembly establishes the mission for the entire denomination. (G-3.501a)  A local congregation does not establish its own mission but participates in the mission of the whole church [denomination]. (G-3.0201c) 

Old:

Various governing bodies (congregations, presbyteries, synods and General Assembly) are separate and independent. (G-9.0103)

nFOG:

The larger part of the church (higher governing bodies) shall govern the smaller (i.e., congregations). (F-3.0203)  Now congregations can be governed by presbyteries, synods and General Assembly.  

Old:

Members of local churches place themselves under the leadership of their congregation’s leaders (elders, deacons, ministers) whom they elect. (G-7.0103)  They are members of the congregation.

nFOG:

Members are now also under the leadership of presbytery, synod, and General Assembly. (G-1.0103)  They are members of the denomination.

Old:

When a congregation wishes to call a pastor presbytery approves the congregation’s choice.  (G-11.0502d)

nFOG:

Candidates must be approved by presbytery before being considered by the congregation.  (G-2.0803)  A congregation must select from its presbytery’s “list” of approved applicants.

Old:

Congregations shall elect officers with fair representation of its congregation.

nFOG:

Presbyteries shall ask Sessions to develop procedures and mechanisms for inclusiveness and representation.

These changes re-distribute power from congregations to higher governing bodies, moving the PCUSA from a presbyterian system of governance towards an episcopal system of governance.

How is nFOG a hindrance to our congregation’s mission?

The new Form of Government, if imposed as it is written, provides numerous challenges to our mission:

First, it provides no denominational protection against the false doctrine of universalism.  nFOG declares that all people are saved.  Yet, the Bible declares that Christ died for the elect, not for all people.

Second, nFOG moves the PCUSA towards an episcopal-style of government which erodes the authority and leadership of local elders.  Congregations could now be governed by the denomination.  The mission of the congregation could be made subordinate to the mission of the denomination.

Third, presbytery and General Assembly are distinctly given by nFOG the authority to govern a local congregation.  They may dictate what ministries may be engaged, who is in leadership, or how congregational funds are spent.

Fourth, nFOG gives new power to presbyteries to control a congregation’s choice of pastor.  Now, under nFOG, the pool of candidates comes from presbytery.  Presbytery also has new power to remove pastors without the consent of the pastor or the congregation.

Our Current Response to nFOG -

            The Session in June adopted a resolution stating that the new form of government departs from historic presbyterian theology and governance. It declares our Session’s non-concurrence with nFOG.

 

July 2011

 

Many have been asking about the recent actions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and how our church is responding ...or is our church responding?  I want to give you an update on this.  But first, I want to share with you exciting news ...

Recently, we received a letter from Mike Parker.  He has just completed his Master of Divinity degree and will soon be examined for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA).  At the end of August (the 28th) he will be ordained as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, Ohio.  This is an exciting church in a community with a university and seminary nearby.  This is a great fit for both Mike and that congregation!

Mike writes:

I have spent a lot of time in reflection over the last several months; partly because of the nature of this transition in our lives and partly because I’ve been required to write numerous reflection papers!  I cannot count how many times I have written and spoken about the huge influence that God’s people who make up the First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston, OH have had on my life and the life of my family.  You all mean so much to us!  Thank you.  Thank you for your support.  Thank you for your encouragement.  Thank you for your prayers.  Thank you for faithfully living out your calling as followers of Jesus Christ. 

This begins a new chapter in our lives and ends a chapter of ministry in East Palestine in the same way that our ministry in South Charleston ended almost two years ago.  It also ends the relationship I have had with your session as I have remained under your care over the last two years while I finished the ordination process.  I carry into this new ministry many of the things that I have learned from and with you all. 

Indeed, this is the time we officially say “good-bye” to Mike as his membership moves from our congregation to that of Muskingum Valley Presbytery.  Such a transition is easy when we recognize that we’re sending one of “ours” into ministry. 

Mike isn’t the only person so sent!  Mark Smith continues his studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for pastoral ministry.  In addition to these two outstanding young men are several others from our church family who have studied youth ministry or other church ministry fields as a result of their upbringing at FPC.

We tend to take for granted that our church is such a unique school of discipleship.  Some congregations go generations without having the joys that we have in seeing people move into vocational Christian service!

Jesus said, “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

I also want to apprise you of the important work of our Session.  This spring the Presbyterian Church (USA) has approved two measures which cause us great concern:

First, the approval of so called Amendment 10a officially removes language in our denomination’s Book of Order prohibiting the ordination of non-repentant, practicing homosexuals to the offices of elders, deacons, and ministers in the PCUSA.  As of July 10, 2011, gay, lesbian, transsexual or bisexual persons could qualify for ordination to church leadership.

Second, a new denomination constitution for the PCUSA, called nFOG (new Form Of Government), was approved.  It too is effective on July 10, 2011.  This document makes radical, new statements of theology and creates a hierarchical structure.  NFOG defies the reformed faith and the principles of presbyterian governance.

In response to these actions our Session has been working very diligently.  Here is a “progress report” on our activities:

·  We participated in a focused period of fasting and prayer for our denomination and our congregation;

·  We have completed a thorough Bible study on the issue of homosexuality;

·  We are conducting a review of nFOG;

·  We have approved resolutions making it official policy of our congregation that we stand opposed to the ordination of non-repentant homosexuals and opposed to nFOG’s departure from Presbyterian theology and governance;

·  We are conducting a review and revision of our church’s constitution to address these subjects.  Although we just made a modification to this document on July 3rd, another meeting to approve more revisions is certain by this fall;

·  We have officially joined a movement (called Committees of Correspondence) among PCUSA congregations throughout the country registering our opposition to Amendment 10a.  This places us in direct communication with other like-minded churches and allows us to work in concert together in expressing opposition to the PCUSA’s departure from Scripture and orthodoxy;

·  We are sending a delegation of four people from Session to a national meeting in Minneapolis in late August to confer regarding the future relationships of opposing churches to the PCUSA.  This group (called Fellowship PCUSA) is made up of over 500 congregations.

What will happen next?  The elders are currently working diligently on other aspects of this issue.  For example, we are currently composing a written report summarizing our studies and deliberations.  This will be distributed to our membership and in the future you will be invited to a forum for us to sit together and discuss this subject.

I have great optimism for our congregation’s future!  Our church has a long history of weathering a variety of storms.  And the recent PCUSA change-of-direction is just one of those storms.

This recent letter from Mike Parker is a reminder that we are doing a very important work for the Kingdom of God here at FPC.  We have more to do.  And we will not be distracted from the important work He has for us in proclaiming, teaching, and living the Good News of the Jesus.  Our mission will stand strong against the waves of this storm, just as it has many times before.

Gay Ordination Q & A