Where do you get your news about Eastminster Presbytery? Various sources are available. The presbytery’s Web site, www.faithfulness.com, is presently in transition (they’re looking for a new webmaster – might you be interested?). Rev. Christy Ramsey (Goodyear Heights P. C., Akron) runs a lively and informative Web site – www.extrachristy.com – where you can pick up a link to the Quickline, a succinct authoritative report on each (bimonthly) presbytery meeting.

The site you’re looking at now takes a somewhat different approach that has two objectives. First, it tries to meet the information needs of concerned but busy Presbyterians who want to know what’s going on, but without details that can be found elsewhere. Second, it offers some commentary intended to help people see “the big picture.”

In that context, let’s look at the November 14, 2006 presbytery meeting. There was some “upbeat” news – a group from our Mission Committee recently met with a Presbyterian group in Spain, and a delegation from there will be coming to Eastminster in February.
Also, Adam Marquette was enrolled as a clergy candidate – it’s always heartening to see capable, dedicated young people preparing to join the next generation of Presbyterian pastors.

On a more somber note, much of the meeting focused on responding to the moves by the Hudson and Stow congregations to leave our denomination. There was a consensus that they should be free to go if they act honestly and in conformity with Presbyterian “polity” (church law), but there were serious concerns about apparent violations of those requirements.

General Presbyter Dan Schomer gave a formal statement about truth-telling that was particularly noteworthy. Dan is a real gentleman, committed to Christian standards of conduct and remarkably polite and soft-spoken. On this occasion, though, he pointedly reminded his listeners about biblical requirements for honesty (Exodus 20:16 and Ephesians 4:15). His words resonated with listeners who have been hearing from multiple sources that some of the advocates of schism appear to be intentionally misrepresenting the character and actions of Presbyterian leaders.

There was, however, a firm consensus at the presbytery meeting that we must “walk the second mile,” avoiding malice and exploring all reasonable avenues toward reconciliation and a mutually satisfactory outcome. Commissions have been formed to work with the Hudson and Stow congregations toward that end.

Readers who may be interested in getting the “flavor” of schismatic arguments might want to listen to a May 21, 2006 sermon at www.hudsonpc.org/PodArchiveMAY.html. It’s a useful example of the power of pulpit oratory. I might be persuaded myself if I didn’t know what PCUSA people actually do and believe.

Some Basic Stuff About Presbyterianism

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a Protestant Christian organization of a type called a mainstream denomination in the Reformed tradition. Its organizational structure is “bottom up” in the sense that power and authority flow from local congregations upward to regional organizations (presbyteries, then to synods) to the national General Assembly based in Louisville, Kentucky. Authority is shared among clergy and lay members – the PCUSA has no “bishops.” Its traditions go back many centuries. Its membership peaked about 40 years ago and has been declining since then – this is of course a great concern to Presbyterians.
The Constitution of the PCUSA has two parts: “The Book of Confessions” contains theological statements (“confessions”) that define who Presbyterians are and what they believe. “The Book of Order” defines Presbyterian law as it has developed over the centuries and guides the Christian work of the PCUSA.

Eastminster Presbytery is a regional grouping of 55 PCUSA congregations in northeastern Ohio, from Youngstown on the east to Akron and Barberton on the west, and from Kinsman on the north to Lisbon on the South. The presbytery meets in local churches to conduct its business six times each year (odd-number months). Those attending with vote are the local pastors and a similar number of “commissioners,” lay members sent by the local congregations. Other interested people may attend presbytery meetings as non-voting guests. Much of the presbytery’s work is conducted by committees that meet in local churches six times each year (even-number months).

The presbytery office is on Ohio Route 46 in Mineral Ridge, a half mile north of the Interstate 80 interchange. It is staffed by a full time General Presbyter and Administrative assistant, plus part-time Stated Clerk, Treasurer, and Resource Center Director.

Funding for presbytery administrative work comes from “per capita” contributions from the local churches. Funding for its Christian mission work comes from voluntary contributions from local churches and other voluntary sources.

People sometimes wonder why it is necessary to have a national denomination – why not let each church congregation just “do its thing?” Presbyterian leaders at various levels, responding to a recent national poll, concluded that we need each other to –

• Witness and do mission beyond ourselves,
• Pool our resources,
• Share our collective wisdom,
• Have a “critical mass” for action
• Witness our theological heritage, polity and interpretation of Scripture, and
• Work toward God’s final intention of the unity of the body of Christ.

One participant observed that, “If the Presbyterian Church were to cease to exist tomorrow, God would have to invent it all over again.”

Welcome to the Eastminster Observer

Welcome to Eastminster Observer, a blog focused on the work and challenges of Eastminster Presbytery, a regional organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in northeastern Ohio. Its purpose is to share some facts, opinions and concerns about the presbytery, its churches and the people involved in their Christian work and worship. However, it is strictly a personal project of the undersigned. No person or entity has asked, authorized or paid me to say (or not say) anything.

I am an elder member of Poland (Ohio) Presbyterian Church and have served on various committees at the local church and presbytery level. I have opinions about some of the matters to be discussed but will make a diligent effort to express them honestly and with respect for people of different persuasion.

A blog works best when it is a two-way dialogue, not just one person's rant, so you are welcome to submit comments for others to read. This can be rich and rewarding for all participants, and I pray that it will be. However, your material is more likely to stay in the system for others to read if it is -

• Stated in a Christian spirit, presenting your position in a way that respects the Ninth Commandment and the views of others,
• Clearly and concisely worded (200 words maximum, please),
• More than a simple repetition of what others have already said, and
• Accompanied by your real name, location and church affiliation.

I honor and respect the concept that "all of us together are wiser than any of us alone." We will do the Lord's work most effectively if we share and confront issues openly, in a spirit of Christian love and respect.