Presbyterians are part of the Reformed theological tradition whose watchword for almost 500 years has been "the church reformed and always reforming." In other words, we believe that God is not finished with us yet, as individuals and as church.

At Clarendon the Spirit is moving these days, and we are being reformed.

Sunday we will celebrate the gift of the Spirit in worship as we mark Pentecost -- a week later than most churches, but on a weekend when most of us will actually be in town! So, get your red on for worship!

Following worship, we will gather for a special congregational meeting and pot luck brunch. Details on the meeting are below.

So, Sunday morning, come and worship, come and celebrate, come and experience the Spirit in action.peace,

David

At its May meeting, session unanimously adopted several significant changes to the model of ministry at Clarendon, and two of those changes require votes of the congregation. In accordance with the Book of Order, the congregation will vote on changes to the pastor's terms of call and a by-laws change to initiate the office of deacon.

The new terms of call are described in detail in the document linked here, and are part of the new ministry model described in the document linked here.

If the congregation concurs with session's decisions on these two matters, the nominating committee will be instructed to begin working on a slate of deacons to be nominated at the October congregational meeting. Session will also appoint search teams for the new staff positions created under the new ministry model, including an administrative position, a music director position, and a Christian education position.

Clarendon has not had a board of deacons for decades, but the office is as old as Christianity. The following description of deacons comes from the Book of Order (G-6.0401-02):The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.

 

It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord's Supper. 

 

For a rich and full description of the office, check out this page on the denomination's web site. 

The changes in the ministry model and the staff model to support it would take effect September 1, 2012, or as soon thereafter as staff can be in place.

If you are interested in serving on any of the search teams or in serving in the office of deacon, please let a session member know. Current members of session are: Mike Bagwell, Carol DeFord, James Fisher, Amber Hodgen, Travis Reindl, Marc Scarcella and Gwen Wray-Samans.