Retired & Thinking

I've never been known to be the sharpest knife in the drawer, so sometimes it takes me a while to respond to what I've read, heard, saw or experience. June 21 st PCUSA congregations got a letter from the PCUSA Stated Clerk, Clifton Kirkpatrick and the General Assembly Council Executive Director, Linda Valentine. Here's my story…. A man and wife come to their pastor one Sunday after worship. They were members and regular in attendance. They gave to the church and attended various functions. But most folks knew things weren't all peaceful and joyous. The pastor felt she/he finally had the chance to see what was going on with them and perhaps be of help. Entering the office the wife was obviously the more upset. She had been crying while her husband looked very nonplussed and rather embarrassed by his wife's behavior. "I don't know what the big deal is." He said as the two of them sat down. "I just don't get it." Shocked, his wife lo...

I'm Ned Flanders, who are you? by NoHomers.net Sadly. as I went through the questions I had a feeling this world happen! [sigh!!] Alan

You Are 29 Years Old Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax. What Age Do You Act?

My bride, youngest child (19), a friend and our middle kid and my favorite "daughter-in-law" are headed to beautiful Lake Tahoe for a week of sitting on our bums and relaxing. Standing in line for the latest Harry Potter movie (midnight show is a must); reading, naps, going to the beach, freezing our tush off in the lake and lounging around the pool will the extent of our excitement. I may post a few pictures, maybe a comment or two, but in the words of the Genie in Aladdin, "I'm outta here..." Alan

Well the GAC finally came out with a paper to answer the concerns of the New Wineskins and it isn't too much of a surprise. Take the time to read it but understand that they find nothing wrong with what's happened in the PCUSA. Of course they do throw those of us who don't agree a bone when they write, " ...that there is always a gap between any denomination’s official positions and the views and practices of some ministers and members of that denomination ." Anyone who has read the statements of faith that come from those being received in our Presbyteries probably have realized this fact. I will say that they are quick in responding to comments. I emailed the link at the bottom of the PDF and got a response back in very short order. Read it, respond to it and I'm sure they'll be more on this in the days to come. Peace. Alan

So, one of my favorite cartoons is Dilbert and today's (Sunday the 10th) struck me as particularly Presbyterian. Because of copyright concerns I've not pasted the cartoon here but instead have pasted NEW balloons which you may cut out and use to see the denominational aspect of the carton. Have a good week all. Alan

It's on the table… The Presbytery of the Cascades has officially presented it's process for congregation's considering leaving the PCUSA. I received mine in my presbytery packet today. After making sure there were no major revisions from what I'd already received I post it for the enlightenment, edification and whatever else you may glean from it. (sorry for any formatting glitches) APPENDIX B: PROCESS FOR CONGREGATIONS CONSIDERING LEAVING THE PCUSA Preamble The mission of the Presbytery of the Cascades is to serve God by nurturing, supporting, and celebrating our common ministries. Even in times of conflict, we seek to uphold one another, respecting each other’s integrity as we perceive the Biblical basis and Christian credibility of varied perspectives. It is the Presbytery’s desire to encourage peace and unity while minimizing confrontation between and among its congregations and members as we seek together to find and represent the will of C...