The approaching Thanksgiving holiday reminds us that we have much to be thankful for. One of things for which I am most grateful as your moderator this past year, is the number of people who faithfully do the work of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley.

            From Hebrews we receive this advice: "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another..." (Heb. 10: 24-25)

           I'm intrigued by that idea, that we provoke one another to be more loving, that we challenge each other to do more good deeds, when we meet together regularly for mutual encouragement and accountability. In this day of electronic meetings, conference calls, email conversations, twitters and tweets, it's important for us to remember the joyful discipline of meeting together for worship and to discern the will of God together.

            In just two weeks, we will be meeting together for our November Presbytery Assembly. We have several matters of importance before us:

            --decisions about the future of Geneva Center and the organization of the presbytery, as we consider the final report of the Joshua Journey II team

            --the examination of a pastor who wishes to serve one of our congregations

            --opportunities for gladsome worship and meaningful engagement with Scripture

            --opportunities to hear from Sara Dingman, our Synod Transitional Executive, and Ed Thompson, our Board of Pensions area representative

            --a chance to hear an update on the continuing work of our General Assembly Commissioners

            --hearing the reports of several Administrative Commissions which are working with local congregations to help them discern their futures

            --recognizing pastoral transitions and the certifying of a Christian Educator

            --hearing reports from our General Presbyter, Frank Vardeman, and our Stated Clerk, Linda Long, as well as from various entities of the presbytery

            --discussing the budget for 2015

            --installing officers and electing commission members

            I'm sure that you will agree that it sounds like a full day. The work that we have done together in 2014 has been sometimes difficult, but often joyous, sometimes agonizing, but often inspiring. Please plan on being a part of the Presbytery Assembly on November 18. The prayer and worship, the discussion and discernment, will be richer for your participation. I look forward to seeing you at this assembly as we seek to serve Jesus Christ faithfully in our time and place.

Joyfully,

Jeff Cover, Moderator

 Associate Pastor, Central Presbyterian Church, 

Lafayette, IN  

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