Presbytery of the Miami Valley

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From Where I Stand
Notes from your Presbytery Moderator
February 2015

"Love others as I have loved you."
from the Words of Jesus, The Iona Community (Scotland)

Larry Hollar For the morning of February 14, the thousands of miles between our part of Ohio and the rocky, windy landscape of the Isle of Iona in Scotland seemed much closer. The sacred "thin place" on Iona, where some say the boundary between heaven and earth is narrow and the divine feels more present, may seem far removed from a stated presbytery meeting in Kettering, Ohio, with its formal agenda, debates and recorded votes. But Iona's evocative images, responsive litanies, prayers and worship songs helped put our work together last month into a deeper context-one that sees ministry as relational to the earth, to the Spirit, to each other, to all created ones around the world.

Each person at our February presbytery meeting, as part of our sharing the Lord's Supper, received a small slip of paper with some words of Jesus meant just for them. Several people later said the words they received, randomly drawn from a basket, were perfectly appropriate to their need and situation. Years ago in the evening worship in the restored Abbey on Iona, at a yearning point in my faith journey, a worship leader spoke quietly to me these simple words of Jesus: "You are my witness." I cherish that Jesus challenged me that evening, guiding my steps since, and making my service to you as your moderator one way I can continue to be Jesus' witness even today.

Iona I give special thanks to our former presbytery colleague, Rev. Julia Wharff Piermont, for sharing some of her remarkable photos of Iona that graced the visual elements of our presbytery worship on February 14.

From the business part of our February meeting at Sugar Creek church, I suppose many presbyters will remember most the debate and votes on the constitutional amendments that the 221st General Assembly sent to us. We voted to approve all eight amendments, after thoughtful and respectful debate. Some of those opposed to the marriage amendment said they felt everyone's minds were already made up, making debate somewhat beside the point. But I've been struck by how many people have spoken to me since the meeting who clearly were listening to what those on the opposite side of the vote were saying. So I am very glad we had people with differing views on several of the amendments who stepped forward to speak out in helpful and faithful ways. Your words were heard and valued.

And there was more to this February meeting. I'll remember:

+ The fine music Nolan Long and the Sugar Creek choir and organists provided throughout the meeting, and the warm hospitality and tasty food we were offered in the recently-renovated church. Thank you, Pastor John Skelly, and all the able volunteers at Sugar Creek!

+ Robert Sefton Smith's good report on the Oxford church's strong relationship with a partner church in Colombia.

+ The three new pastors we welcomed to our midst, and the goodbye to Ruling Elder Joe Lambright, who serves on our Leadership Council and is moving from our area.

+ Richard Culp's fond remembrance of our former moderator, Ruling Elder Bill Dixon.

+ The strong vote to approve the 2015 presbytery budget, which was well and realistically presented to answer concerns expressed at our last meeting.

+ Prayer at key places in our proceedings, and Marcy Bain's able communion leadership.

+ John Lewis's delightful and challenging sermon on loving even those who irritate us mightily. After hearing John, I will never look at a fancy iced cake again without imagining that there's actually a roll of toilet paper lurking in the center. If you weren't there and wonder what I mean by this, ask someone who was present.

For me, there was no more moving moment than installing Shelley Wiley as vice moderator. I recalled last May when Laurie Elder and I entered our year of service with such hopes, so soon changed by Laurie's illness and too-swift journey to God's arms and eternal life. I am delighted that Shelley will be an able partner in the remainder of my term.

Some final thoughts:

--Please read and ponder and talk to others about Dennis Piermont's State of the Presbytery paper on our web site. Many honest and sobering ideas are there.

--Please come to the April 18 Ruling Elders event at Fairmont Presbyterian-more details are on the presbytery web site. This morning of energizing worship and reflection promises to uplift both Ruling and Teaching Elders in their ministries of service and leadership. It will also give you the chance to help identify some areas where, in the future, we can better prepare Ruling Elders for their lifelong calls to measure the faithfulness of their congregations and offer their energy, intelligence, imagination, and love to God's mission through the Church. Sign up today by calling or emailing the presbytery office, because space is limited. The cost is just $10.

Thank you for your covenant commitments to each other and to our Savior's transforming work.


In gratitude and hope,

Larry Hollar, your presbytery moderator