Dear Friends in Ministry, Greetings from Portland and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. The city is beautiful and so far the weather has been fair. The General Assembly has been described as a big family reunion, and I am certainly greeting many long-time friends, some I have not seen since my seminary years. For the first time,…
The heart of the life of our Presbytery is our churches. In my visits to 61 of our eighty congregations for worship, education, and fellowship on Sunday mornings, I have discovered thriving vibrant congregations. But many of our churches are struggling, some just barely holding on. Some are continuing to serve their communities and provide for Sunday worship because of…
Dear Friends in the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, The Presbytery adopted a new Organizational Plan for Mission at our last Presbytery Gathering. Many currently serving in leadership have agreed to carry on their work through the transition to the new framework for our mission together. The Committee on Representation/Nominations is busy calling members of the Presbytery to serve on the Vision,…
General Assembly Moderator to Visit Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery Dr. Heath Rada, moderator of the 221st General Assembly will be our guest at the Presbytery Gathering on June 4, 2016 in Caledonia. Last fall I invited Dr. Rada to visit Giddings-Lovejoy and we are blessed to have the GA Moderator present for the celebration of 200 years of Presbyterians within the bounds…
Moving Forward Together What is the most difficult decision you have ever made? What factors did you consider in making the decision? One of the questions we might ask in making a decision is, “Who will be affected?” Every time we attend a Presbytery Gathering we are asked to make decisions. Most often a group of people familiar with the…
Last Sunday I watched The Rev. Marsha Brown pour water into the baptismal font, reminding us of our forgiveness of sin that is ours in baptism. Water serves as a powerful image. Always life-generating and restoring, water can also be terrifying and destructive. The floods during the early part of this year are an example. Affected people have a long…
Dear Colleagues and Friends in the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, The Presbytery adopted a new Organizational Plan for Mission at our last Gathering. When requested, many currently serving in leadership have agreed to carry on their work through the transition to the new framework for our mission together. The Committee on Representation/ Nominations is busy calling and inviting members of the…
Presbytery Leader Report to Presbytery 2.6.2016 During Advent I worshiped at Faith Presbyterian Church in Des Peres. Several pews in the sanctuary were turned to create a sense of intimacy. The largest Advent candles I had ever seen strategically illumined sacred space. A compelling message was communicated by the singing of the choir and the preaching of Pastor Anne Epling.…
Dear Friends in Christ, Since our last Presbytery Gathering in November, the Transition Team has been at work incorporating suggestions and addressing questions raised about the New Plan for Organization of our Mission together as Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery. Thought, discernment, trust in God’s guiding Spirit, and your questions have informed our work together. This is an unfolding journey as we seek…
Dear Friends in Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery, Presbyterians are helping flood victims in many ways. Woodlawn Chapel filled buckets with cleaning supplies. Pacific Presbyterian Church has turned its fellowship hall into a distribution center. Pastors have called the Presbytery Office asking how and where their congregations can offer support. Members have contributed gifts of money. Pastors have responded to the crisis, requesting…