The Business of Presbytery

There are times when we get phone calls before a presbytery meeting asking what time "the business" will start. I must admit to being bemused by such phone calls. Scripture is clear. Jesus tells us that we are to: "Love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:27-40).

Our Confessions are clear. "Humanity's chief and highest end is to glorify God and fully enjoy God forever" (Westminster Catechism, Q 1). Put into the words of the Psalmist, we are to "delight ourselves in the Lord and God will give us the desires of our hearts" (Psalm 37:4).

Our Book of Order is clear. "The mission of God in Christ gives shape and substance to the life and work of the Church... Human beings have no higher goal in life than to glorify and enjoy God now and forever, living in covenant fellowship with God and participating in God's mission" (Book of Order, F-1.01).

In recent years, we have intentionally sought to understand structure in support of God's vision for MVP, our ministry, our relationships with one another and our communities. VRMS: Vision... Relationships... Ministry... Structure. I think the place of confusion is that what has been considered "the business of presbytery" in the past falls primarily into "structure."

Back in August, Council invited the presbytery to join them in a time of reflection. In that context, Council formed small groups to reflect on the pastoral letter. In that context, they asked presbyters what their best and worst presbytery experiences were. Consistently, the best experiences were grounded in relationship and the worst were grounded in fights over issues for which there are no easy answers.

• Vision with an Invitation from Council to participate in a Journey of Intentional Change with Anita Howard as our guide.       
• Relationships as we celebrate the honorable retirement of Cathy Arable and David Morgan and as we move Ben Behrendt from inquiry to candidacy.        
• Ministry with a teaching time on "Building a Culture of Stewardship."      
• Structure as we have a first read of two Overtures and the 2014 Budget.         
• Remembering that our chief end remains and is always to glorify and enjoy God forever, we will close with a Service of Compline led by Teaching Elders Alice Phillips and Marc Van Bulck.

What time will the business start? Promptly at 4pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

With love in Christ,

Holy Habit: The Best & the Worst

As you prepare for the upcoming presbytery meeting, think back to the worst presbytery experience you ever had... now the best. What qualities defined both experiences? How do your insights inform our journey forward as a presbytery? Offer your insights to God in prayer.

Stated Presbytery Meeting:  

September 17, 2013

Join us  for the Stated Presbytery Meeting.  This month's meeting is Ordinary Time - Taking Care of Business (Budget and Overtures).   

• When: Tuesday, September 17, 2013
• Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Where: JIM's Place, 228 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 
• Cost: $10 donation suggested
• Menu for dinner: Pulled pork with barbeque sauce, Chipotle coleslaw, dinner rolls and baked beans.             If you are able, please bring a dessert to share.  

Also, we are searching for a volunteer to play piano for the worship service at the conclusion of the meeting.  If you are interested, please also email Candice!  

As you prepare for the presbytery's stated meeting on September 17^th at JIM's Place here in New Philadelphia, you are invited to bring children's socks and underwear as a donation to the Clothes Closet.  The Clothes Closet is a mission project that operates at JIM's Place. Each year, the volunteers distribute, at no charge, approximately 55,000 donated clothing items to individuals and families in the area. And each year the volunteers must use precious financial contributions to purchase packages of new socks and underwear for boys and girls through 12 years of age.

My two children are grown and living on their own. Stephanie is in California and Chris is in Florida. I find it hard to imagine what it means for parents to struggle to provide their children with these basic items of clothing. The Clothes Closet at JIM's Place should be open for us to visit during our break for dinner during our presbytery meeting. Please share this need with members of your congregations--we appreciate your generosity!

 With blessings,

Paula Lane

Transitional Stated Clerk 

Rev. Dr. Graham Standish

Noted author and lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Graham Standish, is leading a workshop for teaching elders, ruling elders, and other church leaders.

• When: Saturday, October 12, 2013
• Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Avenue, Warren, Ohio 44483
• Cost: $10, including lunch 

To register, complete this form and return by mail or send the registration information requested in an email to

International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat: October 6, 2013  

Matthew 25:40"And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'"

Together, we can lift up our voices in prayer and support of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Join faith communities around the world for a dedicated time of prayer and reflection for those in need of shelter. We aim to engage one million people in prayer in the state of Michigan alone. Join us and others from around the world in this same effort.

Get involved. We would love for you to show your support by signing up as a participant at http://habitatmichigan.org/register-day-prayer

Visit the website to register, or scan the QR code below with a smart phone to receive more information.

The 2014 Mission Yearbooks are now available.  

Churches who wish to host our visitor may contact Rev. Lynn Bozich Shetzer:  callmeinstead330@yahoo.com, 330-494-2288,or by contacting the Presbytery office.

The Rev. Wilfred Orr

Further information on Rev. Orr can be found here.