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
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