Presbytery meeting January 9, 2007

January 9, 2007 meeting of Eastminster Presbytery

This is an informal report of the presbytery meeting that was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Boardman (suburban Youngstown) on January 9. My comments about presbytery meetings are selective, unofficial, and not intended to cover the same range of topics as the Minutes or the on-line Quickline.

I’d like to begin with the last item addressed before adjournment. It wasn’t on the agenda – it was a spontaneous outpouring “from the heart.” The Reverend Richard Braun had died just two days earlier at age 84. Dick had been pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Youngstown for several decades, and marvelous things happened there during his tenure. In addition, he touched the lives of numerous pastors and lay people, many of whom stood up and honored him with their words in the minutes before adjournment. All spontaneous, all eloquent, in memory of an inspired and inspiring servant of the Lord.

His memorial service is scheduled for this coming Saturday, January 13, at 4:00pm, also at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Boardman.

I sat in on part of the program on the “Acts 16:5” initiative that took place in the hour before the presbytery meeting. People who say that the presbytery “doesn’t do anything” may be interested in the positive effect that this program has had in revitalizing some of our smaller congregations. The initiative will be continuing at least for another year.

A resolution about ordination standards that had been carried over from the previous (November) presbytery meeting came up for action. My understanding is that its sponsors believe that the PCUSA’s ordination standards are becoming too lax and can be abused easily, which allows ordination of persons who will act in violation of established Presbyterian standards. Persons taking the contrary view note that the standards have not changed for many years and that the outcome of deliberations on this subject at last summer’s General Assembly have been widely misinterpreted.

The Rev. Tom Niccolls (honorably retired), always a cool and wise head, moved that action on the matter be postponed until there has been time for the two sides to study the issues in detail and to work toward consensus, in line with the General Assembly’s strong recommendation in that direction last summer. Tom’s motion carried.

Looking now at recent activity in relation to the two congregations that have expressed intent to leave the PCUSA:

The commission that is working with the Stow congregation reported simply that its work is ongoing – that’s about all that could be said since confidentiality is essential if its work is to continue.

The commission that is working with the Hudson congregation gave a limited report, for the same reason. The commission is currently focused on identifying persons and families who wish to remain with the PCUSA if there is indeed an irrevocable split in the congregation. A motion was made and passed authorizing the commission to “organize gatherings of the true Hudson Presbyterian Church,” “make arrangements for the pastoral needs of the true Hudson Presbyterian Church,” “make arrangements for the special worship needs of the true Hudson Presbyterian Church including the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper,” and “establish a designated fund for non-legal expenses related to the true Hudson Presbyterian Church.” In response to a question from the floor, General Presbyter Dan Schomer explained that use of the phrase, “true Hudson Presbyterian Church” is required for the commission’s actions to be in conformity with the Book of Order.

Many non-controversial matters were also addressed during the meeting. The only other one I’ll mention here is that Kerry Price was welcomed as the presbytery’s new Webmaster. Look for major upgrades in the near future. The presbytery’s active Web addresses are www.faithfulness.com and www.eastminsterpresbytery.org.