Retired & Thinking

Presbytery of the Cascades voted overwhelmingly to dismiss Kenton Presbyterian Church, and it's pastor [yours truly] to the EPC. Now all we've got is the paper work and that is well in hand. We have a gracious God and I believe that Cascades did a very good job in showing it's grace and compassion in this process. There is another congregation, a much different situation, coming up tomorrow so we'll remain in prayer for our sisters and brothers in that process. Alan

The following was posted separately because of it's length. Long-windiness is one of my spiritual gifts. Toby's wish for a clear decision on the issue of PUP via Ms. Larges is a good and long sought after desire. Unfortunately as one who has filed charges as well as one who sat on PJC's it's not all that clear-cut. Here's what may or may not happen. The group that voted against the action of the Presbytery files a complaint alleging Presbytery took action that constituted an "irregularity" or "delinquency" [1] . Assuming the complaint is sustained [ agreed with ] Presbytery takes a "do over" and Ms. Larges comes back again to argue in favor of being declared, "Certified to receive a call". If not sustained, then those who complained at first can appeal. Assuming an appeal, it will be with the Synod of the Pacific's PJC [the same that refused a stay in Kathleen Morrison's ordination and merely slapped Ms Spahr...

Toby Brown has blogged about " Two Types of Presbyteries " and within 5 minutes of reading his blog I received the following letter from Rev. Brian Boisen, of Hope Presbyterian Church in Rouge River. Brian was in Sacramento with Rick and me, he is wonderful brother in the faith and a man of God. He's attempted to lead his congregation faithfully into and through difficult waters and…we'll I'll let you read what has occurred… Letter dated November 7, 2007 "My dear brothers and sisters in Christ and colleagues in His ministry, I wanted to get this note to you before you all gather for presbytery this weekend. I’m writing to let you know about what has been happening with our congregation, Hope Presbyterian Church in Rogue River, and I am doing it to honor our relationship and shared work over the past number of years, and because I am sure it will be discussed at presbytery. In a nutshell Hope has disaffiliated itself from the PC(USA) and placed itsel...

Being properly shamed into posting… thanks Toby , this one will be a couple of quick observations about the New Wineskins Convocation. Part of the meeting involved a "NWEPC Support Network Meeting" [Presbytery]. The docket and paper work was one page. If this sort of thing happened in Cascades, Staples, Office Max, and the whole lumber industry would be hurting more than they already are. Second, as Toby stated, Prayer was central, constant and a holy experience of the presence of the Father. Third, for me the biggie, there remains a sense of trust between our congregations. In Cascades, I've heard questions being followed by long, disruptive discussion. Similar questions at the convocation were met with, can we visit about those changes later and a head nod. There was no sense of dread about what may come out of the visit. John Shuck, IMHO a wannabe theologian, has dubbed us New Winos ; so be it. I would much rather be lumped into that category than the liberal wieni...