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The Pastor’s Press
Life is about change. We are constantly experiencing new things, learning new things, and watching our lives change. Every change we experience affects how we understand ourselves and the world around us.
The Church changes as well. People come and go; children grow; staff move on to different opportunities; biblical studies evoke new understandings of scripture; and the Church reaches out in the world to meet changing needs. As Presbyterians we are a part of the reformed tradition. Our motto is, “Reformed, and Always Reforming.” We are being reformed, and transformed, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Most of us don’t like change. What’s ahead is unknown and the unknown scares us. We ask ourselves, “WHAT IF…”. What if this, or that, happens? I used to have contingency plans in my head for several what ifs. What I found is that they were rarely helpful when what if happened. They might have helped some during an immediate crisis, but in the long term they only ruined the present with worry about what might happen. What if, along with stress and worry, is a killer.
Today there are people who are worrying about the changes to the PCUSA’s Constitution. No issue is more of a hot button than Amendment 10A, which changed the language of who can be ordained. It places the responsibility in the hands of the ordaining body. Every congregation and every presbytery may choose who it calls as pastor, elder, and deacon. This is one of the basic tenants of the reformed tradition.
I’m not going to try to change your mind on gay ordination. I can tell you how God’s call to me has expanded my understanding of how God uses people in ways we might never imagine. I can tell you how I study the Bible to come to the decisions I make. I can challenge your thoughts and play devil’s advocate for whatever position you hold. At its root, this issue is about biblical authority, biblical interpretation, what is sinful and how we discern God’s call to people. It’s an issue that has plagued the church for decades. I choose to let God be the final arbitrator of issues as divisive and emotionally laden as gay ordination.
So for now what are we supposed to do?
The session is divided on the issue, but not on our response. First we need to allow God’s Spirit to blow through the Church as it will. Secondly we will hold a question and answer session after worship on June 19. And third we will go on with the mission and ministry that God has called us to do in this time and place.
I am including a question/answer page that was posted at the PCUSA website prior to the final vote on 10A. I have changed the tense to reflect the vote. I hope that it will answer most questions you have about how the change will affect our congregation. Other questions are welcome. June 19 will not be a time to critique whether the change should, or should not, have happened. It will not be a time to question whether biblical authority has been interpreted correctly. It will be a time to discuss how our congregation will move forward in light of the change.
This is an issue where people of faith disagree. How it will change our congregation will be determined more by how we deal with the change, than with the change itself. Please feel free to come and discuss any thoughts, or
concerns, you have. My door is always open.
In Christ,
Pastor Myra
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