Friends,
Sunday’s service will explore the our tendency to abuse power and our need for a humble spirit. Read Psalm 51 to be prepared, and if you want to read the sexy but tragic details of King David’s power move, turn to 2 Samuel 11 and 12.
As Presbyterians, we have John Calvin to thank for our emphasis on the doctrine of total human depravity. What this means is that we think individuals are so pre-disposed to sin that even our good deeds are tainted with inflated ego and mixed motive. Because of that, we do not want to put too much power in the hands of one person, i.e. a bishop. Our PC( USA) representative government is not perfect, but we do share power and believe that the Holy Spirit speaks most clearly through healthy group process.
So we just elected a nominating committee at Peace to choose twelve people to put in nomination for service as elders at Peace. You will have the opportunity to vote on August 30. The elders who are elected will serve on the session, the leadership team of the church, as soon as we charter in October. Terms are limited to three years, which again prevents the abuse of power.
In the case of our first session, four will serve just one year, four – two years, and four – three years, a full term. That allows us to elect four new elders each year. Now some of our members are already ordained elders. Once ordained, always ordained, but not all elders are active on the session because of the limited term rotation system. I’m guessing we have approximately twenty previously ordained elders at Peace. Ministers of Word and Sacrament and affiliate members are not eligible for this office.
The nominating committee met Thursday night and was overwhelmed by the task of choosing just twelve people because so many of you are qualified leaders. Prayerfully, carefully they will seek to bring to you a slate of twelve who are "persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord." They will work to make sure there is a balance of gender, age, and perspective. They will want to see continuity with the current leadership team, while creating some change.
Please do not ask the nominating committee to tell you about their work. This is a confidential process to protect the dignity of all. Pray that God will lead Kim Adams, Troy Ballou, Mickey Miller, Betty Clough, Phil Springstead, and Catherine Deibert to select the right people for nomination this year. Any suggestions from you should be emailed to me now or given to Kim Adams, moderator of the committee, by Sunday.
I hope I’m not boring you with polity details, but I want everyone to understand our process. More details in the attachment for Presbyterian "nerds" who want to read everything.
See you Sunday in worship, those of you who are in town. And those who are far away, we miss you. Remember, all of you are individually supported in daily prayer by the members of the Congregational Care Team.
Grace, peace, and humility be yours,
Elizabeth
Attached Files:
Nominating_Committee_Documents.doc
http://a.ccbinc.us/2009211/O16Xef/Nominating_Committee_Documents.doc
__________________________________
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
This Week at Peace - July 24, 2009
What a joy it was to have twenty-one guests in worship on a summer Sunday! Word of Peace is spreading, thanks to you, thanks to God.
The Leadership Team met last night to do a lot of preparation for chartering. This Sunday we have our first congregational meeting at 10:30. We will elect an elder nominating committee. Two members are selected by the Leadership Team (pseudo-session) and three to five others are elected by the congregation. The Leadership Team has named Kim Adams (moderator) and Troy Ballou. The Leadership Team suggests to you the following names for congregational vote – Mickey Miller, Betty Clough, and Catherine Deibert (youth representative).
You are free to nominate others on the day, if you have asked them about their willingness to serve. This nominating committee should be representative of the congregation. These folks need to know Peace people well and be discerning about character. They will seek your input regarding the nomination of elders for active service on session.
The election of twelve for active service as elders on session will be on August 30. On that day, you will also have the opportunity to vote "yes" or "no" to calling me as pastor of the chartered church. Tricia’s role, as part-time parish associate, would not require a congregational vote.
For those of you newer to Presbyterianism, electing a session of elders and having congregational meetings will feel strange, but we hope it will not feel awkward or officious. Presbyterian polity is aimed at fair representation and due process to guard the health and strength of the congregation. Let’s use our polity for that purpose and follow the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law.
The session will serve much like the Leadership Team has, but with a more delineated set of responsibilities, a clear term-length and a deep sense of call to ordained ministry. Presbyterians ordain elders, as well as ministers, and elders serve on par with ministers at every level of presbyterian governance. Whether you’re a "pre-natal Presbyterian" or completely new to this, we are very glad you’re part of Peace and we treasure your perspective.
This week in worship we read the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 with just two fish and five loaves. This is a reminder that, as the epistle lesson from Ephesians 3 says, "God can do abundantly far more than we ever ask or imagine." And is that not true, when we look back and see what God has done with us?
Are you being called to teach this coming year in one of our Lively Learning classes? Pray about it. We have some beautiful and interesting children and youth. When you ask an adult about their childhood faith development in church, they rarely mention pastors. They often mention Sunday school teachers.
May grace and peace abound,
Elizabeth
The Leadership Team met last night to do a lot of preparation for chartering. This Sunday we have our first congregational meeting at 10:30. We will elect an elder nominating committee. Two members are selected by the Leadership Team (pseudo-session) and three to five others are elected by the congregation. The Leadership Team has named Kim Adams (moderator) and Troy Ballou. The Leadership Team suggests to you the following names for congregational vote – Mickey Miller, Betty Clough, and Catherine Deibert (youth representative).
You are free to nominate others on the day, if you have asked them about their willingness to serve. This nominating committee should be representative of the congregation. These folks need to know Peace people well and be discerning about character. They will seek your input regarding the nomination of elders for active service on session.
The election of twelve for active service as elders on session will be on August 30. On that day, you will also have the opportunity to vote "yes" or "no" to calling me as pastor of the chartered church. Tricia’s role, as part-time parish associate, would not require a congregational vote.
For those of you newer to Presbyterianism, electing a session of elders and having congregational meetings will feel strange, but we hope it will not feel awkward or officious. Presbyterian polity is aimed at fair representation and due process to guard the health and strength of the congregation. Let’s use our polity for that purpose and follow the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law.
The session will serve much like the Leadership Team has, but with a more delineated set of responsibilities, a clear term-length and a deep sense of call to ordained ministry. Presbyterians ordain elders, as well as ministers, and elders serve on par with ministers at every level of presbyterian governance. Whether you’re a "pre-natal Presbyterian" or completely new to this, we are very glad you’re part of Peace and we treasure your perspective.
This week in worship we read the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 with just two fish and five loaves. This is a reminder that, as the epistle lesson from Ephesians 3 says, "God can do abundantly far more than we ever ask or imagine." And is that not true, when we look back and see what God has done with us?
Are you being called to teach this coming year in one of our Lively Learning classes? Pray about it. We have some beautiful and interesting children and youth. When you ask an adult about their childhood faith development in church, they rarely mention pastors. They often mention Sunday school teachers.
May grace and peace abound,
Elizabeth
Friday, July 17, 2009
This Week at Peace - July 17, 2009
Dear Peace People,
Some news from your church family members:
Joe Sardo is having a CD release party at Darkwood Center in Punta Gorda this Sunday (19th) at 8 PM with full band. His latest recording is called "Potter Mold Me" Joe said he knows it’s a long way, but if anyone is able to drive down, he would gladly welcome you. For more information, call Joe at 845-987-6744.
Barbara Knierim had a clear PET and CAT scan, a sign that she is in remission!
Gretchen Frueh had a clear MRI – also great news.
Glenn Kiplinger has been home now for a couple of weeks, and is improving with rehab.
Richard Deibert is exploring the possibility of re-entering the medical field.
Jo Allison Brown is now living with a friend in suburban Atlanta, near her son. Her email address is the same.
Tricia Dillon Thomas and assistant Emily Deibert are having a busy time in Montreat, as they lead recreation for Youth Conference, weeks 3 & 4.
What is your news? We miss those of you who are far away.
We will elect an elder nominating committee next Sunday, the 26th at 10:30. Those on the nominating committee should be persons who know the congregation well and do not feel called at this time to serve as active elders on session. The Leadership Team will present some possible names, but you are free to make suggestions to us now or to nominate someone from the floor, IF you have secured their willingness to serve. Nominating committee members will need to be available to meet in the month of August.
Begin pondering whom you think God is calling to serve as elder (leader) for Peace Church when we charter. Those who serve on the nominating committee will want your input.
"Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church as large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected commissioners to high governing bodies, elders participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and they are eligible for any office. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world." (PCUSA Book of Order, chapter 6.03)
Don’t forget to notify Judi Creneti of your former congregation if you are transferring membership from another church. jcreneti@tampabay.rr.com We’re glad you are part of Peace now!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
__________________________________
Some news from your church family members:
Joe Sardo is having a CD release party at Darkwood Center in Punta Gorda this Sunday (19th) at 8 PM with full band. His latest recording is called "Potter Mold Me" Joe said he knows it’s a long way, but if anyone is able to drive down, he would gladly welcome you. For more information, call Joe at 845-987-6744.
Barbara Knierim had a clear PET and CAT scan, a sign that she is in remission!
Gretchen Frueh had a clear MRI – also great news.
Glenn Kiplinger has been home now for a couple of weeks, and is improving with rehab.
Richard Deibert is exploring the possibility of re-entering the medical field.
Jo Allison Brown is now living with a friend in suburban Atlanta, near her son. Her email address is the same.
Tricia Dillon Thomas and assistant Emily Deibert are having a busy time in Montreat, as they lead recreation for Youth Conference, weeks 3 & 4.
What is your news? We miss those of you who are far away.
We will elect an elder nominating committee next Sunday, the 26th at 10:30. Those on the nominating committee should be persons who know the congregation well and do not feel called at this time to serve as active elders on session. The Leadership Team will present some possible names, but you are free to make suggestions to us now or to nominate someone from the floor, IF you have secured their willingness to serve. Nominating committee members will need to be available to meet in the month of August.
Begin pondering whom you think God is calling to serve as elder (leader) for Peace Church when we charter. Those who serve on the nominating committee will want your input.
"Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church as large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected commissioners to high governing bodies, elders participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and they are eligible for any office. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world." (PCUSA Book of Order, chapter 6.03)
Don’t forget to notify Judi Creneti of your former congregation if you are transferring membership from another church. jcreneti@tampabay.rr.com We’re glad you are part of Peace now!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
__________________________________
Friday, July 10, 2009
This Week at Peace - July 10, 2009
Peacemakers,
The Peace Evangelism Team wants you to know that the gospel-sharing which they are encouraging you to do is really the art of gentle advocacy.
See below this note from Mickey Miller:
Opportunities for Gentle Advocacy for Peace
- Magnetic Car Signs. A new batch is available, in both sizes. Please put one on your car, van, pick-up, or whatever and drive PEACEfully. $5 for the smaller ones, $7.50 for the larger ones, will nearly cover the cost. But please put one on your car, even if you can’t afford that cost, to continue to get the word out about Peace.
- Peace Presbyterian Golf Shirts. Twenty-four people signed up last Sunday to order golf shirts. We invite you to wear them in public, at least once each week, as gentle advocacy. Please be prepared to answer questions and to invite those who express interest to Peace. $20 will nearly cover the cost. No charge to Senior Highs, or to any who will wear the shirt but whose limited disposable income needs to be directed elsewhere. If you did not order a shirt last week but would like to order one, do contact Mickey Miller at 941.753.9227 or mickeymiller314@gmail.com asap.
- Peace to You Roadside Signs. Remember the old Burma Shave signs? We have new signs, which say only "Peace to You." Those who put up our roadside signs each Sunday will intersperse the new signs with the existing ones which have directional arrows, our worship time and location, our website address, etc. The new signs hopefully will be received as a gentle blessing to those who drive by, whether or not they are interested in Peace Presbyterian. Would you like to help with sign dispersement on Sundays?
- Lesa Miller, daughter-in-law of Junie and Gary, drove through a fast-food line, to be told at the window that the people in the car ahead had paid for her food. The employee who told her that good news, also handed her a local church business card from the people who paid for the meal. Any takers for Peace? Peace cards abound! – Further Peace to You possibilities. We may try, for six months or so on an experimental basis, a small ad in the East County Observer with only the white-on-blue Peace to You plus a small website address. Other ideas? If you have other ideas for gentle advocacy, please let us know.
Hope to see you Sunday when we read the fascinating story of King David dancing around the ark of the covenant. 2 Samuel 6.
Thanks to all of you who remember to continue giving to Peace in the summer months when many are away. Checks can be mailed to 6421 Blue Grosbeak Circle, LWR, FL 34202.
Peace to you,
Elizabeth
The Peace Evangelism Team wants you to know that the gospel-sharing which they are encouraging you to do is really the art of gentle advocacy.
See below this note from Mickey Miller:
Opportunities for Gentle Advocacy for Peace
- Magnetic Car Signs. A new batch is available, in both sizes. Please put one on your car, van, pick-up, or whatever and drive PEACEfully. $5 for the smaller ones, $7.50 for the larger ones, will nearly cover the cost. But please put one on your car, even if you can’t afford that cost, to continue to get the word out about Peace.
- Peace Presbyterian Golf Shirts. Twenty-four people signed up last Sunday to order golf shirts. We invite you to wear them in public, at least once each week, as gentle advocacy. Please be prepared to answer questions and to invite those who express interest to Peace. $20 will nearly cover the cost. No charge to Senior Highs, or to any who will wear the shirt but whose limited disposable income needs to be directed elsewhere. If you did not order a shirt last week but would like to order one, do contact Mickey Miller at 941.753.9227 or mickeymiller314@gmail.com asap.
- Peace to You Roadside Signs. Remember the old Burma Shave signs? We have new signs, which say only "Peace to You." Those who put up our roadside signs each Sunday will intersperse the new signs with the existing ones which have directional arrows, our worship time and location, our website address, etc. The new signs hopefully will be received as a gentle blessing to those who drive by, whether or not they are interested in Peace Presbyterian. Would you like to help with sign dispersement on Sundays?
- Lesa Miller, daughter-in-law of Junie and Gary, drove through a fast-food line, to be told at the window that the people in the car ahead had paid for her food. The employee who told her that good news, also handed her a local church business card from the people who paid for the meal. Any takers for Peace? Peace cards abound! – Further Peace to You possibilities. We may try, for six months or so on an experimental basis, a small ad in the East County Observer with only the white-on-blue Peace to You plus a small website address. Other ideas? If you have other ideas for gentle advocacy, please let us know.
Hope to see you Sunday when we read the fascinating story of King David dancing around the ark of the covenant. 2 Samuel 6.
Thanks to all of you who remember to continue giving to Peace in the summer months when many are away. Checks can be mailed to 6421 Blue Grosbeak Circle, LWR, FL 34202.
Peace to you,
Elizabeth
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