Peacemakers,
For a small congregation, we have a lot happening. Of course, in a church of our size, we know more of these happenings. We hear about new grandchildren, broken arms, rehab stays, declining parents, cancer treatments, joblessness among the relatives. I’m glad to be connected to each of you in this meaningful way. Let’s keep praying for one another in the good times and the bad, because no matter what is happening in life, what we really need is the Holy Spirit to make us more Christ-like. Thank you for your prayers as I travel to a family funeral in N. Carolina. I’ll be back very late Friday night.
In preparation for Sunday, please read Colossians 3:1-14, a challenge to know the truth of who you are and to live into it. Be the new you, the you that God in Jesus Christ calls you to be. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. Wear these virtues daily, hourly. This is who you really are and God is doing everything possible (without removing your freedom) to get you to be who you are. Work with God’s Spirit on this. See you Sunday!
In a pastoral letter from our General Presbyter, Graham Hart, he asks the question:
“In Peace River Presbytery and in each of our congregations, how can we create space for a civil, generous, robust, non-anxious, non-reactive conversation among us who first and foremost, now and eternally, define ourselves as followers of ‘The Way’?”
Let’s lead the way in creating such space for generous conversation at Peace Presbyterian and around Lakewood Ranch.
With love,
Elizabeth
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
This Week at Peace -- July 22, 2010
Dear Peacemakers,
I am thankful for those of you who have either agreed and disagreed with me, allowing for meaningful discussion on the controversial issues coming out of the General Assembly. I certainly do not have all the answers, nor does the Assembly. The more than seven hundred elders and ministers, who struggled together to represent the PC(USA), were often divided in opinion, but we carefully debated and prayerfully discerned as best we could.
If you are uncomfortable with those discernments, know that there is still room at the table for you. We are all Christian people along the journey of life, seeking to be devoted disciples, led by Christ’s Spirit. So let us continue to respectfully engage one another, and spur one another on to greater faithfulness. A congregation named Peace must always be committed to peace-filled relationships, speaking the truth as we see it – in love.
The Mission Team encourages you to bring backpacks and school supplies for the school children served by Beth-El Farmworker Ministries this Sunday. If you are able to assist with Family Promise the first week of August, I think Eirinn is still looking for people to serve as overnight hosts. 920-5217
We focus this Sunday on Jesus’ teaching about prayer from Luke 11:1-13. A wonderful verse from the text is this: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Pray for the Holy Spirit, my friends.
Kim Adams will be commissioned this Sunday for her preparation for ministry at McCormick Seminary in Chicago. We will be sad to see the Adams family move away, but glad that they are following the call of the Lord.
The grace and peace of the Lord be with you all,
Elizabeth
I am thankful for those of you who have either agreed and disagreed with me, allowing for meaningful discussion on the controversial issues coming out of the General Assembly. I certainly do not have all the answers, nor does the Assembly. The more than seven hundred elders and ministers, who struggled together to represent the PC(USA), were often divided in opinion, but we carefully debated and prayerfully discerned as best we could.
If you are uncomfortable with those discernments, know that there is still room at the table for you. We are all Christian people along the journey of life, seeking to be devoted disciples, led by Christ’s Spirit. So let us continue to respectfully engage one another, and spur one another on to greater faithfulness. A congregation named Peace must always be committed to peace-filled relationships, speaking the truth as we see it – in love.
The Mission Team encourages you to bring backpacks and school supplies for the school children served by Beth-El Farmworker Ministries this Sunday. If you are able to assist with Family Promise the first week of August, I think Eirinn is still looking for people to serve as overnight hosts. 920-5217
We focus this Sunday on Jesus’ teaching about prayer from Luke 11:1-13. A wonderful verse from the text is this: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Pray for the Holy Spirit, my friends.
Kim Adams will be commissioned this Sunday for her preparation for ministry at McCormick Seminary in Chicago. We will be sad to see the Adams family move away, but glad that they are following the call of the Lord.
The grace and peace of the Lord be with you all,
Elizabeth
Sunday, July 18, 2010
This Week at Peace - - July 18 - - Links to GA
The links to read more about our denomination’s General Assembly issues were not hot after all.
So here’s a website address:
http://ga219.pcusa.org/
and some particular links again:
Civil Union and Marriage FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/civilunion_final_FAQ.pdf
Form of Government FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/FOG_final_FAQ.pdf
Middle East Peacemaking FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/middleease_final_FAQ.pdf
Middle Governing Body Commission FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/MGB_final_FAQ.pdf
Ordination Standards FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/ordstandards_final_FAQ.pdf
Response to Arizona ImmigrationLaw FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/AZ_immigration_FAQ.pdf
Peace,
Elizabeth
So here’s a website address:
http://ga219.pcusa.org/
and some particular links again:
Civil Union and Marriage FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/civilunion_final_FAQ.pdf
Form of Government FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/FOG_final_FAQ.pdf
Middle East Peacemaking FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/middleease_final_FAQ.pdf
Middle Governing Body Commission FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/MGB_final_FAQ.pdf
Ordination Standards FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/ordstandards_final_FAQ.pdf
Response to Arizona ImmigrationLaw FAQ
http://oga.pcusa.org/ga219/pdf/AZ_immigration_FAQ.pdf
Peace,
Elizabeth
Thursday, July 15, 2010
This Week at Peace - - July 18th
Friends,
Thanks for allowing me time away to be refreshed. Being in Montreat for the two conferences (youth and music & worship), seeing extended family, and then serving as a commissioner to the 219th General Assembly (national meeting of PC USA) has been both exhausting and exhilarating. Thanks for managing well in my absence and welcoming me back so warmly. Being back home to quietly give thanks for 25 years with Richard has been wonderful.
I will share some of my experiences of the General Assembly the next two Sundays in our lively learning hour. Please read below the pastoral letter from the leaders of our denomination and find attached a summary of the proceedings.
But before reading that, read this note from Pastor Tricia: This Sunday the LWR community is invited to a Freewill Donation Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Rachael Jaworski, friend of many of our youth. To defray Rachael’s medical expenses, 100% of the donations will be matched by Thrivent and go the Jaworski Family. The meal will be served between 12-2 PM at Risen Savior Church (right beside our Peace property) at 14605 59th Avenue E (corner of Lorraine Rd and 59th Ave E). A group of us will be leaving after Lively Learning on Sunday. All are welcome!
Sunday night the Sisters of Peace will enjoy a sunset dinner at Sharky’s. Friends welcome. Let Sue Seiter know.
In preparation for Sunday worship, read the prophet Amos, especially chapter 5:14-15; 21-25.
Peace,
Elizabeth
MINNEAPOLIS
To Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations:
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38)….
Just one week ago, the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) convened with Scripture and music and prayer. Commissioners and advisory delegates from every presbytery across the church gathered around the baptismal font with hopeful expectation of what God’s Spirit would do in and through them as they sought to discern together the mind of Christ for the PC(USA).
As the week progressed, prayer was a foundational part of each day’s deliberations and decisions, and the presence of the Spirit was palpable!
“Out of the believer’s heart…
While all assemblies are significant, this one holds particular significance in the life of the PC(USA). Among the assembly’s decisions – to be ratified by presbyteries – are the addition of the Belhar Confession to The Book of Confessions and a revised Form of Government. Both of these items give a clear signal that we are a church that is not afraid to change – an important perspective to have in these days of great change in the church and the world.
The assembly celebrated and was greatly encouraged by the commissioning of 122 young adult volunteers and 17 new mission workers for service around the globe. Commissioners voted unanimously to renew the call to “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” and were inspired by the stories of congregations that are growing in evangelism, discipleship, diversity, and servanthood. They celebrated the generosity of Presbyterians who have contributed more than $10.5 million to relief and redevelopment work in Haiti in the wake of January’s devastating earthquake.
The assembly also engaged in discussion about significant matters of faith and life – ordination standards, justice and peace in the Middle East, and civil union and marriage, to name just a few.
Information on the more than 300 assembly actions is available. Answers to frequently asked questions about the items that have already garnered media attention are attached to this letter. We commend these resources to you for their accurate and straightforward information.
Civil Union and Marriage FAQ
Form of Government FAQ
Middle East Peacemaking FAQ
Middle Governing Body Commission FAQ
Ordination Standards FAQ
While the content of the assembly’s decisions is important, what may be of equal or greater importance is the manner in which commissioners and advisory delegates did their work. They debated, but did not fight. They tackled tough issues while refraining from tackling each other. They placed great value on finding common ground as they displayed gracious, mutual forbearance toward one another. They sought the will of God within their actions, rather than regarding their decisions as the will of God. One commissioner called the experience of seeking – and finding – common ground truly “miraculous.”
In short, this assembly exhibited to the whole church and, indeed, to our society and the world a way to engage in difficult issues while maintaining respect for one another. To put it another way, they exhibited well what it means for the church to “a provisional demonstration of what God intends for the world” (Book of Order, G-3.0200).
…shall flow rivers of living water.”
Just a few short hours ago, the 219th General Assembly ended in the same worshipful manner with which it began, as well as with a similar same sense of hopeful expectation that the hard work done in Minneapolis will continue forward across the church.
Michael East and Caroline Sherard, elected by their peers as co-moderators of the young adult advisory delegates to this assembly, shared their thoughts in a blog entry:
If all our commissioners and advisory delegates returned to their places of community and encouraged others to continue similar stories, what great things could be next for the PC(USA)? These narratives have the ability to inspire discussions on new, creative, and innovative ways of being the Church. At the heart of being Presbyterian is the principal belief that our discernment is best done when we gather together. Being able to gather in one place, as one people, for the one Church is a powerful and transformative experience—one which dramatically shapes future generations.
The assembly has commended to the church a number of items for further study, out of which is hoped will come, as Michael and Caroline write, “new, creative, and innovative ways of being the Church.”
May the good and faithful work begun in Minneapolis truly be just the beginning of a season of respectful, earnest, and gracious engagement – both in our words and in our deeds – all for the sake of the gospel.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Elder Cynthia Bolbach
Moderator, 219th General Assembly
The Rev. Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
The Rev. Landon Whitsitt
Vice Moderator, 219th General Assembly
Elder Linda Bryant Valentine
Executive Director, General Assembly Mission Council
Attachments:
aib-2010-forprint.pdf
Thanks for allowing me time away to be refreshed. Being in Montreat for the two conferences (youth and music & worship), seeing extended family, and then serving as a commissioner to the 219th General Assembly (national meeting of PC USA) has been both exhausting and exhilarating. Thanks for managing well in my absence and welcoming me back so warmly. Being back home to quietly give thanks for 25 years with Richard has been wonderful.
I will share some of my experiences of the General Assembly the next two Sundays in our lively learning hour. Please read below the pastoral letter from the leaders of our denomination and find attached a summary of the proceedings.
But before reading that, read this note from Pastor Tricia: This Sunday the LWR community is invited to a Freewill Donation Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Rachael Jaworski, friend of many of our youth. To defray Rachael’s medical expenses, 100% of the donations will be matched by Thrivent and go the Jaworski Family. The meal will be served between 12-2 PM at Risen Savior Church (right beside our Peace property) at 14605 59th Avenue E (corner of Lorraine Rd and 59th Ave E). A group of us will be leaving after Lively Learning on Sunday. All are welcome!
Sunday night the Sisters of Peace will enjoy a sunset dinner at Sharky’s. Friends welcome. Let Sue Seiter know.
In preparation for Sunday worship, read the prophet Amos, especially chapter 5:14-15; 21-25.
Peace,
Elizabeth
MINNEAPOLIS
To Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations:
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38)….
Just one week ago, the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) convened with Scripture and music and prayer. Commissioners and advisory delegates from every presbytery across the church gathered around the baptismal font with hopeful expectation of what God’s Spirit would do in and through them as they sought to discern together the mind of Christ for the PC(USA).
As the week progressed, prayer was a foundational part of each day’s deliberations and decisions, and the presence of the Spirit was palpable!
“Out of the believer’s heart…
While all assemblies are significant, this one holds particular significance in the life of the PC(USA). Among the assembly’s decisions – to be ratified by presbyteries – are the addition of the Belhar Confession to The Book of Confessions and a revised Form of Government. Both of these items give a clear signal that we are a church that is not afraid to change – an important perspective to have in these days of great change in the church and the world.
The assembly celebrated and was greatly encouraged by the commissioning of 122 young adult volunteers and 17 new mission workers for service around the globe. Commissioners voted unanimously to renew the call to “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” and were inspired by the stories of congregations that are growing in evangelism, discipleship, diversity, and servanthood. They celebrated the generosity of Presbyterians who have contributed more than $10.5 million to relief and redevelopment work in Haiti in the wake of January’s devastating earthquake.
The assembly also engaged in discussion about significant matters of faith and life – ordination standards, justice and peace in the Middle East, and civil union and marriage, to name just a few.
Information on the more than 300 assembly actions is available. Answers to frequently asked questions about the items that have already garnered media attention are attached to this letter. We commend these resources to you for their accurate and straightforward information.
Civil Union and Marriage FAQ
Form of Government FAQ
Middle East Peacemaking FAQ
Middle Governing Body Commission FAQ
Ordination Standards FAQ
While the content of the assembly’s decisions is important, what may be of equal or greater importance is the manner in which commissioners and advisory delegates did their work. They debated, but did not fight. They tackled tough issues while refraining from tackling each other. They placed great value on finding common ground as they displayed gracious, mutual forbearance toward one another. They sought the will of God within their actions, rather than regarding their decisions as the will of God. One commissioner called the experience of seeking – and finding – common ground truly “miraculous.”
In short, this assembly exhibited to the whole church and, indeed, to our society and the world a way to engage in difficult issues while maintaining respect for one another. To put it another way, they exhibited well what it means for the church to “a provisional demonstration of what God intends for the world” (Book of Order, G-3.0200).
…shall flow rivers of living water.”
Just a few short hours ago, the 219th General Assembly ended in the same worshipful manner with which it began, as well as with a similar same sense of hopeful expectation that the hard work done in Minneapolis will continue forward across the church.
Michael East and Caroline Sherard, elected by their peers as co-moderators of the young adult advisory delegates to this assembly, shared their thoughts in a blog entry:
If all our commissioners and advisory delegates returned to their places of community and encouraged others to continue similar stories, what great things could be next for the PC(USA)? These narratives have the ability to inspire discussions on new, creative, and innovative ways of being the Church. At the heart of being Presbyterian is the principal belief that our discernment is best done when we gather together. Being able to gather in one place, as one people, for the one Church is a powerful and transformative experience—one which dramatically shapes future generations.
The assembly has commended to the church a number of items for further study, out of which is hoped will come, as Michael and Caroline write, “new, creative, and innovative ways of being the Church.”
May the good and faithful work begun in Minneapolis truly be just the beginning of a season of respectful, earnest, and gracious engagement – both in our words and in our deeds – all for the sake of the gospel.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Elder Cynthia Bolbach
Moderator, 219th General Assembly
The Rev. Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
The Rev. Landon Whitsitt
Vice Moderator, 219th General Assembly
Elder Linda Bryant Valentine
Executive Director, General Assembly Mission Council
Attachments:
aib-2010-forprint.pdf
Friday, July 9, 2010
This Week at Peace - July 11, 2010
Dear Peace friends,
This Sunday we are privileged to hear the Rev. Bill Clough bring the Word. He will be focusing on Luke’s gospel, Luke 10:25-37. After a brief hiatus from Lively Learning last week, this week classes will resume as normal following our Fellowship time.
Traveling mercies to pastor Elizabeth as she makes her way home from General Assembly (GA) back to Lakewood Ranch on Saturday. For those who were able to follow along via the live link, we were witnesses to heavy discernment of several hot item issues. Peace to those commissioners who have served our church by their presence at GA, especially to our pastor who we know spent intentional time in study and prayer before and during her time in Minneapolis.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
Tricia Dillon Thomas
This Sunday we are privileged to hear the Rev. Bill Clough bring the Word. He will be focusing on Luke’s gospel, Luke 10:25-37. After a brief hiatus from Lively Learning last week, this week classes will resume as normal following our Fellowship time.
Traveling mercies to pastor Elizabeth as she makes her way home from General Assembly (GA) back to Lakewood Ranch on Saturday. For those who were able to follow along via the live link, we were witnesses to heavy discernment of several hot item issues. Peace to those commissioners who have served our church by their presence at GA, especially to our pastor who we know spent intentional time in study and prayer before and during her time in Minneapolis.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
Tricia Dillon Thomas
Friday, July 2, 2010
This Week at Peace
Peace friends,
I hope those of you in town for the July 4th weekend will join us this Sunday for worship. I will be preaching a brief sermon on 2Kings 5:1-14, where Naaman the leper seeks to be healed. A significant portion of the service, however, will be a time for prayer and meditation. There will be a variety of ways offered for the congregation to experience prayer.
There will be no Lively Learning following worship and fellowship time this Sunday. Please, join us next week to pick back up on offered classes.
Elizabeth is leaving for General Assembly today. Please keep her and all commissioners in your prayers as they seek to discern how the Holy Spirit is moving individually within them as well as within the greater body. If you are interested in following General Assembly live, please visit http://ga219.pcusa.org/.
Finally we have a special request from Beth-El for help next Thursday, July 8th. Due to the July 4th holiday, no youth groups are scheduled and the supplies delivery won’t be until Wednesday. They will be hard-pressed to fill 400 grocery bags for distribution without a lot of help on Thursday. If you can go, meet at Sweet Bay parking lot (west end) at 8:30 next Thursday to form carpools. Call Junie Miller with any questions.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
Tricia
I hope those of you in town for the July 4th weekend will join us this Sunday for worship. I will be preaching a brief sermon on 2Kings 5:1-14, where Naaman the leper seeks to be healed. A significant portion of the service, however, will be a time for prayer and meditation. There will be a variety of ways offered for the congregation to experience prayer.
There will be no Lively Learning following worship and fellowship time this Sunday. Please, join us next week to pick back up on offered classes.
Elizabeth is leaving for General Assembly today. Please keep her and all commissioners in your prayers as they seek to discern how the Holy Spirit is moving individually within them as well as within the greater body. If you are interested in following General Assembly live, please visit http://ga219.pcusa.org/.
Finally we have a special request from Beth-El for help next Thursday, July 8th. Due to the July 4th holiday, no youth groups are scheduled and the supplies delivery won’t be until Wednesday. They will be hard-pressed to fill 400 grocery bags for distribution without a lot of help on Thursday. If you can go, meet at Sweet Bay parking lot (west end) at 8:30 next Thursday to form carpools. Call Junie Miller with any questions.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
Tricia
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