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.
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Chris,
You did an excellent job as moderator. I like your comments about 'the wider church.' Certainly divisive spirits are nothing new. I believe Paul said it well in Philipians...I paraphrase broadly 'IF there is Any good thing, think on these things.' On another note, the Circuit Rider book store has surely grown these past few years, Ted Magnuson, Elder 1st Portland.
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