Trust
We witnessed a wonderful exhibition in trust at the Session meeting Tuesday night. As most of you are aware, the Wash Day Ministry proposal was to be presented. The proposal was presented and tabled, to be revisited at a special meeting of session on June 10, at 7:30 p.m. Why was it tabled? Trust.
The discussion opened with a brief presentation by the sub-committee submitting the proposal. This was followed by a substantial question and answer time, where clarifications were made regarding all facets of the proposal. This was followed by a purposeful debate.
Whether speaking in favor of moving forward with the proposal, or against, the elders present spoke with passion, clarity, and understanding. They also listened to each other with compassion and grace. At the end of the day, they chose to table the proposal in order to give the session time to present the proposal to the congregation.
The consensus appeared to be that the proposal was an excellent proposal and may well be an important ministry for our congregation to undertake. However, the session was also aware that some of the preliminary discussions of a Wash Day Ministry have created a significant measure of anxiety, if not animosity, in our life together.
"Why are some people so strongly against having this ministry located in our church?" This was the most elusive question of the evening. While many possible reasons were addressed by the proposal, the consensus of the session was we need to have a better understanding of why people are concerned before moving forward.
To this end, the session has scheduled two informational meetings. The first will be this Sunday, May 30, following worship. The second will be Sunday, June 6, at 8:30 a.m. The purpose of these conversations is to answer any questions people may have, as well as respond to any concerns.
You are welcome to attend either or both of these events and encouraged to participate in the discussion. Copies of the Wash Day Ministry proposal will be available via email, our congregation's web site or in the church office.
Where is the exhibition of trust? It appeared the votes were present at the session meeting to approve the proposal. The session chose to wait.
Rather than forging ahead, the majority of the session, I believe, is saying, in effect: "We believe in this proposal. We believe in you, our sisters and brothers in Christ. We believe, when given the opportunity to reason together, with all the information before us, we may not come to full agreement, but we will come to a deeper understanding of each other and this is worth our time and effort."
People of faith, our session is trusting you to read and reflect upon that actual proposal with open minds and hearts. Ask your questions. Share your concerns. We may yet disagree on the way forward, but at least we will have had an opportunity to seek the mind of Christ, together.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
