Fact Verses Fiction: Procedural Myths, Part 1 As Presbyterians, our commitment to Robert’s Rules of Order goes without saying, but if we’re being honest, how many of us have actually read through all 800 something pages lately? Since beginning my journey as your Stated Clerk, I have committed myself to working my way through the “tome” as I have come…
As pastor of John Calvin Presbyterian Church, our leadership team and I have recently begun a conversation about our current church structure and the practice of conducting a bylaw review, which has inspired me to focus this month’s “Spotlight on Polity” on Bylaws; what are they, and why are they important? Since coming on as Stated Clerk, every so often…
What Pope Francis’ life and death mean to this Presbyterian Pastor While not unexpected, the news of Pope Francis’ death today evoked both sadness and gratitude within me. I gave thanks that Francis’ suffering and ill health were now over, and that he has now joined the countless faithful of the church triumphant. Yet I also join my Catholic family,…
Stated Clerk’s “Spotlight for Polity” April 2025 Edition “Point of Order!” What is it and are you using it correctly? I’m guessing at some point in our Presbyterian journey, whether sitting around the table at a meeting or attending some form of gathering, we’ve heard someone use the phrase, “Point of Order!” I know I’ve heard it a time or…
If you attended our February Presbytery Gathering last month, you’ll recall we tried something a little different for our practice question to open the business of the meeting. The practice question is typically just a fun way to open the meeting while also making sure the body is familiar with the voting process and checking to see if the technology…
Claire Krob is a junior at Kirkwood High School and has been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten. Claire has completed her bronze and silver awards and now is about to finish her gold award. For context, the gold award in Girl Scouts is equivalent to an Eagle Scout project for Boy Scouts. Claire wanted to focus on providing an outlet…
I asked the congregation why they worship at Rock Presbyterian Church and if they are grateful for anything about our small though resilient church. A common theme was the idea that this church has been an extended family for members and has showed up for them in difficult times. Here are some of the answers: “In 1951, when I was…
I was raised in a strong Christian family. My parents were devoted members of the East African Revival Fellowship. This ecumenical revival movement emerged in Kenya during the 1930s. It introduced a new faith ethos after missionaries had established the mainland churches. The movement emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Fellowship meetings are held…
This blog post was the sermon message at the 190th Anniversary Celebration of the First Presbyterian, Union, on October 27, 2024 I don’t like ‘remembering’. Seems only fair that I should say that. I splashed water on Pacific’s anniversary by saying I didn’t like anniversaries. Seems only fair that I splash water on Union’s anniversary and remember, by saying I…
Do not fear. This is the message around the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Throughout his ministry and the Bible, we hear that refrain in multiple ways. Do Not Fear! But, why? Because fearful people do not act well and can be manipulated easily. Those who peddle fear and lies do a disservice to our society, and…