Moderators' Conference

Have just gotten home from the Moderators' Conference in Louisville. Started with training in Parliamentary Procedure, led by Gradye Parsons and Joyce Lieberman. Very helpful. The bulk of the time was led by the office of Middle Governing Bodies. We began with worship in the Chapel of the Presbyterian Center, led by a Unity Choir of folks who work at the Center, and we ended with worship led by the vice-moderator of the General Assembly, Byron Wade. (The moderator was with his family after the tragic murder of his brother-in-law in California.) Closing worship also featured a praise band with a Kentucky twang – banjo, fiddle, drums and some percussion piece that looked like a crate with a hand-print on it! By my count, there were about 100 presbytery and synod moderator-types registered, and maybe 25 others. The youngest participant was about 6 months old, a future moderator from Blackhawk Presbytery.

It was all very up-lifting and a vivid reminder that we are not alone. The conclusion of the angel's message to the shepherds – Be not afraid – is the Christmas message of Emanuel. We are not alone; God is with us all. I really appreciate this time and experience on your behalf.

Presbytery Meeting Epilogue

So, I felt quite good about the spirit of the Presbytery meeting in Portland this weekend. True, we dismissed two congregations to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, but unlike the closing of churches, these folks will continue in ministry (and in history), and, it is to be hoped, in participation in a wider church that is more genuine for them. Anytime Christians can be more positive in their relationship with the wider Church, I believe the blessings will abound.

The other lingering impression I am left with (thus lingering) is that we have the gifts that God has given us, not gifts that God has not given to us. We might wish for more or different people in the church; more or different finances or sized churches; more or different talents. That is not what we have. And we can and should celebrate what we do have, because they are gifts from God. The stewardship questions is, now what are we going to do? How do we treat those talents, dollars, people, today and into tomorrow?

The spirit I felt at the Presbytery meeting was one of respect, gratitude and genuine, if often quiet, joy. We appreciate where we are. And we trust that where we are going, together, is where God wants us to be.