...rivers of living water The Rev. Timothy Hart-Anderson from Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, MN, pouring water during the Opening Worship Service of the 219th General Assembly. Photo by Dennis Sanders.
emerge july/august 2010
a publication of the presbytery of the twin cities area
â€œâ€Ś kind of like thanksgivingâ€?
When I first came to the PTCA, the 219th General Assembly was already on the front burner. In the year and a half I have been present it drew closer and closer with both excitement and trepidation. And now it sits firmly in our rear view mirror. First of all, hear and believe, I am incredibly proud of our Presbytery for the marvelous way in which we hosted this complex gathering of Presbyterians. The many volunteers who stepped up with smiles and patience were a wonderful gift to the people who came from around the country (and the world too) to our community and faced the double challenge of navigating a strange place as well as the work of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The amazing level of talent and commitment of those volunteers who worked for months to plan and execute the varied activities from picnics to worship, and the hundreds of details in between provided a joyous experience that will long be remembered by everyone who attended this GA. The tireless efforts of those who organized, recruited, and prayed provided an atmosphere in which every participant felt welcome, free, and inspired to tackle the business that we are required to process every other year. I know that many others shared the experience that I had as friends from all over the country made a point of telling me what a fine job PTCA (and our co sponsors Minnesota Valleys and Northern Waters) did in hosting this meeting. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude
by chaz ruark
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Kind of Like Thanksgiving, continued to all those who gave their time, talent, and resources. The meeting itself was rather interesting this year. My responsibilities prevented me from following the committee work and the floor discussions as closely as I normally do, but the sense I got was that this assembly listened to one another better than some past assemblies have done. There was no strong majority, conservative or liberal. The votes tended to be close and persons who tend to take strong positions on either end of the political spectrum could claim both some loses and as well as some victories.
In a close vote the Assembly is asking Presbyteries to consider a change in the language of ordination standards and inclusion. As we have done so many times in the last two decades we will discuss the proposed changes and vote how we believe the Spirit is leading us. Most prognosticators predict the voting will follow familiar patterns across the country.
I must admit the image that came to my mind in the midst of this meeting was one of a large family Thanksgiving supper. There are the countless hugs as folk we genuinely care for come through the door. There are all those cousins we only see once a year, but enjoy so much. There are the Aunts and Uncles we don’t really understand but whom we appreciate because they are a part of the family. There are the siblings whom we know in our hearts we love, but whom we haven’t talked to in a year because of what happened last Thanksgiving. Everyone makes nice early in the day, eventually A mentions something from the news and a discussion follows that leads B to walk over to the kids table for games in order not to get mad. C tells a story that reminds D that she feels hurt. And at some point F screams that the family doesn’t understand him and steps outside for a smoke. Finally, we break bread together and for a time we think of others ahead of ourselves. Soon, it’s time to go home and while it may not have been a perfect day, it was after all a family time, and we walk away knowing we’ll be back next year and that all the good things about this family will overshadow the dysfunctional things.
NFOG passed the Assembly and will now be considered Like a family, being a part of the Church can sometimes by the Presbyteries. NFOG is a new draft of be messy, but it is still a wonderful blessing the Form of Government section of our Book from God. We as a Presbytery accepted the Like a family, being a of Order. It attempts to establish principles of challenge to host this meeting and we did so governance rather than the manual of opera- part of the Church can in magnificent fashion. Thanks to each and tions approach that typifies our current book. sometimes be messy, every one of you who were a part of this procThis effort to streamline our Constitution now ess. Now we accept the challenge to reflect faces the challenge of convincing the people but it is still a wonderand vote on the recommendations of the in the pews that it fits our emerging needs as ful blessing from God. General Assembly. I pray that we will be as a denomination. PTCA’s Bills and Overtures successful in following God’s direction to Committee will assist Council in preparing a serve the world according to the Divine Will. study process so that we can make as well informed a vote as possible. -Chaz Ruark is the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of the An item of business that drew a lot of attention was the Middle East Study Committee report. This was a report that dealt Twin Cities Area.. with the difficult issue of peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. After much discussion in committee the Assembly voted to special presbytery meeting july 27 recommend it for study to raise awareness of the plight of innoThe Presbytery of the Twin Cities cent Palestinians caught between warring factions. The language Area will meet on Tuesday, July was modified in an effort to make the report more balanced and fair as Israel’s right to exist was affirmed, but the seemingly over 27 at the Oliver Christian Center zealous security measures were questioned. in Minneapolis starting at 4PM for
a special meeting. Among the issues being considered is approving Associate Pastors for The Belhar Confession has been recommended to the House of Hope in St. Paul and Presbyteries for inclusion in our Book of Confessions. This reKorean Presbyterian in Brooklyn quires a strong majority and ratification by the next Assembly in Center, as well as approving a order to be accepted. The Belhar Confession is a document writnew Treasurer for the Presbytery. You can read the call ten in South Africa in the time of Apartheid that raises the doctrine and on page 11. of inclusion in the body of Christ. A hot button issue on the definition of marriage was answered with a study, but no recommended changes in our Book of Order language.
These are just the highlights, the Bills and Overtures Committee will diligently prepare study material and opportunities for our Presbytery to equip itself for voting on these proposals. Please watch carefully for those opportunities so that we can work together to lead our Church according to God’s Spirit. emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 2
contents GA in Brief
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Presbyterians Voices for Justice Luncheon
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GA Gift Project
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Thanking COLA Volunteers
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Words from GA Commissioners
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“i’ll remember It for a very long time” -by paul moore I was one of many Communion servers and arrived at 7:30 a.m. at the Convention Center to receive my training. And even though I’ve administered Communion hundreds of times, I appreciated that we received training. I quickly learned that whoever planned and implemented this service was paying attention to details.
As soon as I entered the Convention CenCall to Special Meet11 ter I felt the spiritual ing energy. I saw many Presbyterians who I Mac-Plymouth Mis12 know and greeted sion Trip them. We had a feeling of celebration Transitions 13 from the start. I could feel a sense of anticipation—that someOpen Postions, 14 thing very special Events was going to happen. I felt like a greeting machine—dispensing “hi’s” and “how are yous” and “this is a very special day” to anyone I knew who came near me. We Presbyterians are so good at identifying our own problems. It felt good to celebrate! The opening of worship took my heart away. Fern Cloud, a commissioned lay pastor from Rapid City was dressed in traditional Native American apparel. She and Elona Street-Stewart shared the welcoming. Animals (humans dressed that way) and then large Native American figures walked by where I sat. I saw a bunny hopping and skunks skitter by. The processional was a story of creation with a midwestern accent. I so appreciated a welcome from these Native Americans. It fit our history and context. Now former moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow knocked the sermon out of the park. Much of what he shared is what we are trying to create at Chain of Lakes Church. He shared the challenges of being Presbyterian mean we have to work together. He shared a beautiful story of a an elderly woman who became angry with him in a congregation he served because of how the flowers looked in the sanctuary. After her outburst, Bruce shared with her that he didn’t care about the flowers. That is the mistake we all make about people who disagree with us. We don’t care about them. We don’t care about them as people, as brothers and sisters in Christ, as children of God. We just don’t care enough. Bruce shared the Core Value of “Healthy Disagreement” that we’ve articulated at Chain of Lakes.
Bruce shared that he dreams of a church where we have more people in their 20’s than 30’s than 40’s than 50’s than 60’s than 70’s instead of vice versa, which we have now. Amen and preach it! His thoughts shared the Core Value of “Investing in Future Generations” we articulated at Chain of Lakes. I watched the breathtaking baptism of Alexis Renee Sanders. Alexis is part of Kwanza Community Church. Watching Rev. Alika Outgoing Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow gives the sermon during Opening Worship at the 219th General Assembly. Photo by Dennis Sanders.
Galloway take Alexis in her arms was seeing an illustration of God’s clinging to us as humans. (The preceding thought came from Donna Christison from Community Presbyterian in Plainview. Donna shared this with me after worship.) I teared up when many of the Kwanza Community church, sitting near the stage rose to affirm that they would raise Alexis in the faith. This African-American congregation from North Minneapolis committed to instilling faith in this precious child. I very much appreciated the diversity in worship. We shared theological diversity—musicians from Westminster, Church of All Nations, and Christ Presbyterian in Edina—shared their gifts. I appreciated the different styles of music from classic hymns to contemporary Praise Band selections. Through our diversity we were united in our desire and passion to worship. These diverse styles complimented each other and didn’t tear at the fabric of our unity. The power of worship will fade, but the principles lived out give us as Presbyterians hope in which to grasp as we face an unsettling future. Paul Moore is the organizing pastor of Chain of Lakes Presbyterian Church in Lino Lakes. This article is excerpted from Paul’s blog “Chain Link” which can be found at colpres.org.
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Moderator election With an unusually large number of contentious issues on the agenda, the 219th General Assembly (2010) — with the theme “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38) — could have been a stormy crossing. That it wasn’t is a tribute to the spirit of civility and unity that predominated among the 712 commissioners and 200 advisory delegates who diligently adhered to their commissions “to discern the mind of Christ.”
Assembly in brief
-by the office of general assembly
They were also well-served by two calm and competent leaders — Moderator Cynthia Bolbach and Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons. While no Assembly produces consensus on many issues, the 219th General Assembly demonstrated Presbyterian governance at its best — elders, ministers and advisers worshiping, laughing, praying, singing, studying, debating and navigating potentially treacherous waters together to seek the best way forward for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Bolbach, an elder from National Capital Presbytery, was elected moderator opening night (July 3) on the fourth ballot. She was the only elder in the field of six candidates. Bolbach employed brief answers and a winsome sense of humor to steadily gain ground, rising from 149 votes (30%) of the votes on the first ballot to 325 votes (53%) on the decisive fourth ballot. None of the other five candidates — the Rev. Julia Leeth of Santa Barbara Presbytery, the Rev. James Belle of Philadelphia Presbytery, the Rev. Maggie Lauterer of Western North Carolina Presbytery, the Rev. Eric Nielsen of Northern Waters Presbytery, and the Rev. Jin S. Kim of host Twin Cities Area Presbytery — exceeded 23% of the vote on any ballot. Bolbach’s running mate for vicemoderator, the Rev. Landon Whitsitt, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Liberty, MO (Heartland Presbytery) was installed later in the week.
Middle East peace The Assembly voted 558–119 (82%–17%) to approve “Breaking Down the Walls,” the report from the Assembly’s Middle East Study Committee. The amended report, which was hotly debated in the days leading up to the Assembly, affirms Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation within secure and internationally recognized borders and commends for study “A Moment of Truth”—a statement by Palestinian Christian leaders that emphasizes hope for liberation, nonviolence, love of enemy and reconciliation. It also calls for the Israeli and Egyptian governments to limit their blockade of Gaza solely to military equipment and authorizes a seven-member Monitoring Group on the Middle East to assist with implementation of the church’s policy in the region. The Assembly deleted two historical analysis sections—by Palestinian Christians and a “Liberal Zionist”—from the 172-page report and ordered their replacement with “a series of eight narratives” arising from the range of “authentically” Palestinian Christian, Muslim and Israeli perspectives.
The Assembly voted 529–135 to refer a theological paper on the relationship between Christians and Jews back to the offices of Interfaith Relations and Theology and Worship for revision. Opponents of the paper—“Christians and Jews: People of God”— argued that the paper is fl awed because Palestinian Christians were not included in its development. A paper on Christian-Muslim relations that calls for greater dialogue, understanding and cooperation between Christians and Muslims was adopted 548–29.
Ordination standards The Assembly voted 373–323 (53%–46%) to delete the current G-6.0106b from the Book of Order that requires “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness,” and replace it with language reading: “Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life. The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation. Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.” The 2008 Assembly sent a similar measure to the 173 presbyteries. It was narrowly defeated. This will be the fourth time proposed amendments to G-6.0106b have been submitted to the presbyteries since the provision was placed in the PC(USA)’s Book of Order following the 208th General Assembly (1996).
Civil unions and Christian marriage The Assembly voted to maintain the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s current definition of marriage as “between a man and a woman.” In voting 439–208 to approve the report of its Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage, the Assembly turned back several overtures seeking to change the constitutional definition of marriage in the Directory for Worship to “two people.” The report calls for further discussion of issues around the church’s understanding of marriage and same-sex unions and the development of resources that will help guide presbyteries, sessions and ministers, particularly in states that have legalized gay marriage. The Assembly also voted to send to the churches a minority report that defends what its supporters call a more “traditionalist” stance against any sexual relations outside heterosexual marriage.
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The Assembly voted 366–287 to urge the Board of Pensions to extend the same spousal and dependent benefits to same-gender domestic partners as it does to married plan members. It also approved an increase in BOP pension dues of up to 1 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2012, to cover the cost of the additional benefits. To address concerns that the added benefit would create a moral dilemma for some church employers, the resolution includes a provision urging the BOP to create a “relief of conscience” fund to segregate dues of employers who are conscientiously opposed to same-gender benefits. The Board has a similar provision for employers who object to their dues being used to pay for abortion procedures.
Governance
Doctrinal statements By a voice vote, the Assembly voted to continue work on correcting “incomplete and insufficient” translation of the Heidelberg Catechism from the original German into English in cooperation with the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the Reformed Church in America. Those denominations are working on similar corrective translations of five questions in the catechism. The Assembly voted 525–-150 to send the Belhar Confession to the presbyteries for their votes to include it as the 12th doctrinal statement in the denomination’s Book of Confessions. The Belhar Confession was developed in the mid-1980s by the South African churches as their theological response to the racism of apartheid. The confession is valuable, proponents say, because it seeks to address issues of racial justice and reconciliation that are still relevant today.
The Assembly voted 468–204 to approve a massive revision of the Form of Government that has been Leaders worked and The Assembly confirmed the General Assembly reworked over Mission Council’s election of elder Linda Valenthe last four tine to a second four-year term as executive years. The director of the General Assembly Mission CounForm of Govcil; the Rev. Tom Taylor as president of the ernment has Presbyterian Foundation; the Rev. Stephen A. been amended Hayner as president of Columbia Theological more than 300 Seminary; the Rev. Michael Jinkins as president times since it Commissioners and Observers filter out of the Middle East of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary; was adopted in and the Rev. Paul T. Roberts as president and 1983 at Pres- Committee room during a break. Photo by Dennis Sanders. dean of Johnson C. Smith Seminary in Atlanta. byterian reunion. The revisions are intended to make it less regulatory and more missional. Assembly Committee on Form of Government Revision moderator Social justice Tim Beal of Baltimore Presbytery said the new Form of GovernThe Assembly voted 420–205 to “refrain from holding national ment is “clear about standards but allows flexibility for councils meetings in states where travel by immigrant Presbyterians or (governing bodies) to best determine how to express those standards.” The revision now goes to the presbyteries for their affirma- Presbyterians of color might subject them to harassment or racial profiling.” The action came in light of a recently enacted Arizona tive or negative votes. law that many feel unfairly targets Hispanic Americans. The Assembly voted 566–104 to create a 21-member middle govThe Assembly also approved recommendations calling for: erning body commission with authority to act on the Assembly’sbehalf in responding to realignment requests from synods and • An immediate moratorium on all executions in the United States; presbyteries. In response to concerns that the commission might • Establishing a theological wetlands education center in the Presbe able to act unilaterally to change synod and presbytery strucbytery of South Louisiana; tures, the Assembly adopted an amendment that makes explicit that the commission can only act “upon a majority affirmative vote • The church at every level to become informed and active in preof the affected presbytery or presbyteries or a majority affirmative venting gun violence; vote of the presbyteries in the affected synod or synods.” • Increased attention to human rights, particularly in the areas of The Assembly’s action also requires that all decisions of the comhuman trafficking, detention of immigrants and the continuing mission be approved by a two-thirds majority. problem of torture; Also assigned to the new commission is supervision of the work of • The PC(USA) to become “an HIV and AIDS competent church,” the Assembly’s Special Committee on Administrative Review of including encouraging all Presbyterians, especially ministers, to the Synod of Boriquen in Puerto Rico and Its Constituent Presbybe tested to help eliminate the stigma associated with teries. The special committee, appointed by the 2008 Assembly, reported that the synod “is rife with power struggles among indiHIV/AIDS testing; viduals, groups, and the middle governing bodies of the synod . . . • Reaffirmation of the PC(USA)’s longstanding commitment to that undermine the ability of the church in the Commonwealth of public education and equal educational opportunity for all children; Puerto Rico to focus on Christ’s Great Commission.” emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 5
Assembly in brief, continued • Renewed efforts to combat violence against women and children and nonviolence, building on the PC(USA)’s 1980 statement “Peacemaking: The Believers’ Calling.” along the U.S.-Mexico border; • A General Assembly Mission Council-led review of compensation policies in the agencies of the church in light of the 14 compensation principles adopted by the 2001 General Assembly; and a study that assesses the longterm implications of current economic trends in the United States and their impacts on the church.
In other action related to peacemaking the Assembly called for: • The United States to end use of seven military bases in Colombia; • The peaceful reunification of North and South Korea; • Prayers and advocacy to end violence and warfare in Sudan; • Restoration of sustainable agriculture in Haiti; • Restoration of democracy in Madagascar; and
International peacemaking The Assembly called for the U.S. government to end direct combat operations in Afghanistan, the first time since the war began in 2001 that the Assembly has issued such a call. PC(USA) Moderator Cynthia Bolbach offering a small smile as the The action also calls for the United photographer tries to be inconspicous at the Committee on TheoStates to increase logical Issues and Institutions Press Conference. Photo by Dennis Sanders. humanitarian and economic assistance to Afghanistan.
• The protection of religious minorities around the world.
On a broader front, the Assembly authorized a denominational study to consider new thinking and approaches to peacemaking
As participants arrived for the annual Native American Consulting Committee dinner at the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Rev. Irvin R. Porter, moderator of the Church of the Indians Fellowship in Tacoma, Wash., lit a sage branch and quietly smudged the room in preparation for the gathering.
A Woman of Faith
Keynote speaker Elona Street-Stewart, right, a recipient of a 2010 PC(USA) Women of Faith award and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies' associate for racial ethnic ministries and community empowerment, called on the crowd to remember their history. She said, "We are a proud, beautiful, intelligent, adaptive Native American people!" she proclaimed. "At the time of first contact ... we had difficulty understanding why our normal activities alarmed the newcomers. We had no idea that we were being caught up in the massive globalization of the old world with the new world." -Duane Sweep, Synod of Lakes and Prairies. Photo by Presbyterian News Service.
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Eco-Faithful
“We Are One.” -by Kim Coulter and Dennis Sanders Members of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area were in the spotlight at the Presbyterian Voices for Justice Awards Luncheon on Sunday, July 4 in Minneapolis, during the 219th General Assembly activities. Presbyterian Voices for Justice is a new organization born from the merger of the Witherspoon Society and Voices of Sophia in 2009. The Andrew Murray Award went to Ann and Manley Olson, of Falcon Heights, MN, for their outstanding leadership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). As members of North Como Presbyterian Church in Roseville, MN , the two have been long-time active Presbyterian leaders at congregational, presbytery and national levels. Manley Olson is currently serving as co-chairperson of
the Committee on Local Arrangements and Ann serves on the COLA Executive Committee. Accolades for the pair include creation of the progressive group, Voices of Sophia, a response to the hostility to the Re-Imagining Conference of 1993. Ann served 10-years as treasurer for the group. Members of the Kwanzaa Community Church, Presbyterian, of Minneapolis, were honored with the Whole Gospel Congregation Award for their commitment to living out the Presbyterian Voices for Justice’s radical, liberating Good News in our society and the wider world. The honorably retired Rev. Bebe Baldwin of the Presbytery of Twin Cities Area, introduced the Kwanzaa Church as a different way to ‘do’ church.”
North Como Presbyterian in Roseville,MN was honored with another award for its role in social concern at the 219th General Assembly on July 6. On Sunday, Ann and Manley Olson, both members at North Como, were honored with an award from Presbyterian Voices for Justice. Now it was the entire congregation’s turn. The congregation received the Restoring Creation Award by Presbyterians for Earthcare, a member-based organization that works alongside the Presbyterian Church (USA) on environmental issues, at their luncheon on Tuesday. The award is given to an institution that is engaged in environmental stewardship and is awarded annually.
The luncheon began with Manley Olson, an elder at North Como and Co-Chair of the Committee on Local Arrangements leading those gathered in a song he wrote called “In A Round World.” His She described examples of various community mission endeavors with the poor and oppressed son, Mark Olson accompanied as transformational ministry. A planned community garden has flourished in a vacant lot near him on a guitar. the church. She likened this ministry to the miracle preformed with the loaves and fishes, feedCongratulations to North Como ing all the children. for their work in Environmental Kwanzaa’s newest project, the Northside Women’s Space, is a drop-in place designed as a Stewardship! safe haven for women and teens who trade sex, or who prostitutes. Through tears of joy and joined by several members of the North Minneapolis congregation, Kwanzaa co-pastor Rev. Alika Galloway, received the award speaking to the many members present at the luncheon, “We are one. Regardless of whom you are and what we look like, we are one.” Kim Coulter is director of communications of the Presbytery of Des Moines in Urbandale, Iowa. Dennis Sanders is Communications Specialist for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.
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Underwear and socks: simple gifts, simple necessities. Presbyterian Women (PW) in the three hosting presbyteries (Twin Cities Area, Minnesota Valleys, and Northern Waters) collaborated to organize this year’s Gift Project for the 219th General Assembly (2010).
Simple Gifts -by Meg Flanigan
Those coming to Minneapolis were invited to bring underwear, socks and gift cards with them. Expecting to receive 1,500 donations, PW had nearly 7100 by Wednesday afternoon. Throughout the week the women separated and bagged children’s, women’s and men’s socks and underwear. Ann Rock (a member of First Presbyterian in Stillwater, MN), co-chair of the Gift Project, was surprised by everyone’s desire to help. She was overwhelmed by “the generosity of people who’ve come here… I think they have a real heart for mission.” A number of commissioners commented on the accessibility of the project. People were able to participate at any level – spending any amount from $3 to $300. The Minneapolis-based Target company gave $1,000 for store credit, which the co-chairs used to purchase gift cards worth $20 each. Special bags of underwear and socks were made by members of the GA Gift Project, after several men had come by asking for these items. Even during the interview for this article, several gentlemen approached the Gift Project booth with immediate needs. Gently and respectfully, Rock found the appropriate sizes and shared supplies with them. Minister commissioner from Donegal Presbytery, the Rev. Jane Deford, participates in a thrift shop ministry with her congregation. She still wanted to contribute to the Gift Project, however, and brought donations to General Assembly. “Quite frankly, underwear and socks offer a dignity to the person wearing it that’s only seen on the inside.” A total of 18 shelters will receive socks and underwear. -by Meg Flanagan of Presbyterian News Service. Dennis Sanders, Communications Specialist for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, contributed to this report.
Assembly-goers give generously! Offer total from Sunday’s worship service: $33,189.58 The offering will be distributed to the Global Alliance against Traffic in Women (GAATW); PC(USA) Office of Collegiate Ministries; Presbyterian Student Advocacy Leadership Team (PSALT); Presbyterian Student Fellowship (PSF); and Presbyterian Clearwater Forrest.
Offering total from ecumenical worship service: $5,632.31.
The offering will be used to support young adult ecumenical formation with the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and to support relief and development work of Church World Service.
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“What’s a COLA Volunteer?” That question came on the tram from the airport baggage claim area to the bus that would deliver me to -by Jay Wilkins my hotel in downtown Minneapolis. The question was humorous for it was asked by someone who obviously had no clue as to the answer. The question was prompted by a name tag being worn by two youth who escorted several of us to the bus. The person asking the question assumed that COLA had to do with the soft drink business, but we reached the bus and off we went.
“Messengers from God”
So, what is a COLA volunteer? The Committee On Local Arrangements makes the meeting of thousands of Presbyterians possible. The committee began its work years ago, recruiting hundreds of volunteers who act as guides, as identification and ticket checkers, planning mission trips, acting as hosts for all who come to the General Assembly. These volunteers come from all over Minneapolis, and all over Minnesota. They all wear a smile, and even say “Welcome back” when we return to the meetings. So, what is a COLA volunteer? An angel – a messenger from God bringing good news to wondering and wandering Presbyterians far from home. Thanks be to God for each one of them. -Jay Wilkins was a Minister Commissioner from Donegal Presbytery.
Photo: PTCA Office Manager Risa Anderson and Betty Dyer, Office Manager for the Des Moines Presbytery, staff the Volunteer Check-in booth. Photo by Dennis Sanders.
Just across the street from the Minneapolis Convention Center is Central Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spirit of ecumenism and hospitality, Central placed several banners on the side of the church facing the convention center welcoming Presbyterians to Minnesota.
Welcome to Minnesota, Land of Lutherans
But Central did more than just say “welcome.” They also opened their doors to their full communion partners. The sanctuary was open for viewing and for prayer July 4 and July 6-9. Also, the congregation offered tours of the Restoration Center, Central’s social justice ministry, July 7 and 8 from 9am-3pm. Central Lutheran also opened it doors to its fellow Lutherans when the ELCA had their Churchwide Assembly in August of 2009. The church offered a tent called “Pub Central” and was going to offer a dinner of “potluck favorites” on its North Plaza during Churchwide Assembly. However, plans were abruptly changed when a tornado barreled through downtown Minneapolis causing minor damage to the Convention Center , wrecking Pub Central and damaging Central’s steeple. Fortunately, no one at the church or the convention center were injured. Despite the weather, nearby Westminster Presbyterian liked what they saw Central doing and use some of their ideas in the creation of Westminster’s “Calvin Café” and other activities at the church during General Assembly. The Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have been in full communion since 1997. This full communion was between three Reformed denominations (Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, Reformed Church in America) and the ELCA. -Dennis Sanders, Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 9
My Life As A GA Commissioner Editor’s Note: The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area sent eight commissioners and one young adult advisory delegate to the 219th General Assembly. Below are some thoughts by the commissioners.
Matt Johnson, Pastor Aldrich Avenue Presbyterian Church Minneapolis I am a member of the Form of Government Revision and am pleased to report that the committee did a lot of good work, and finished up early yesterday (July 6) (just before 4:00 PM)! We have made some significant amendments to the task force's proposal, primarily (in my opinion) in the areas of: striking language that narrowly defined the word "church" to refer to the denomination; clarifying language that some interpreted as introducing mandates around per capita collection; clarifying language that some interpreted as giving presbyteries more power over selecting candidates in the call process; inserting the title "committees on representation" for the required entities in councils above the session; other editorial/theological changes of less consequence. It was a pleasure to be part of the committee, to see the process work well, to collaborate with both overture advocates and task force members to improve the document, and to get done early. Peace to you,
Marian Michael, Elder Valley Community Presbyterian Church Golden Valley I was very honored to be a commissioner for our beloved Church. The outstanding worship, fellowship with commissioners, work with my social issues committee, and the voting on important issues was a uplifting experience. The atmosphere of decorum and respect was always present. God's love was reflected in one another throughout the week. I appreciated learning the process of GA. COLA received many accolades for their organization and hospitality. Showing off Minneapolis made us all proud.
Joy Smith, Pastor Presbyterian Church of the Apostles Burnsville Greetings Friends, I have been a member of the civil union and Christian marriage committee and we completed our work on Tuesday with the passing of the peace. Our time together was intense, emotional, prayerful, theologically diverse and in the midst I am hopeful for our larger church. I am pleased with the results of our work and expect God is doing a new thing with us. Our results include the recommendation to GA to receive "the final report from the civil union and Christian marriage task force" who were assigned to define the meaning of civil unions and Christian marriage; in addition the recommendation to GA 2 overtures: one that defines marriage as "a covenant between two people" and another that prohibits married persons to testify against the other. I am really enjoying the process, seeing colleagues from across the country, and participating in the shaping the PCUSA. Thanks for this opportunity, Peace,
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Dear members of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area,
Call to Special Presbytery Meeting
As moderator of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, and with the concurrence of Presbytery -by Vince Gin Council, I am calling a special meeting of the Presbytery for July 27, 2010, 4:00 p.m., at Oliver Christian Ministry Center at 2647 Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Familia de Fe Hispanic NCD will be our host. The items on the agenda for this special meeting are: 1. Approval of terms of call for The Rev. JoAnn Lee, who has accepted a call as Associate Pastor at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, MN. 2. Approval of the membership of the Administrative Commission to conduct the installation of The Rev. JoAnn Lee at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, MN. 3. Approval of terms of call for The Rev. Mark Lee, who has accepted a call as Associate Pastor at Korean Presbyterian Church of Minnesota, Brooklyn Center, MN. 4. Election of a treasurer of The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. The Rev. Edwin Martin will be nominated by the Nominating Committee. Nominations from the floor will be in order, but if there is to be someone nominated, there must be a written statement of the person’s qualifications and the person’s agreement to serve if elected. This information must be available prior to the meeting on July 27th. No other business may be conducted at this meeting. (G-11.0201). This special meeting is necessary due to the cancellation of the regular stated meeting in July, which was cancelled by Presbytery Council due to the General Assembly meeting in Minneapolis July 3-10. The quorum for this special meeting will be any three minister members and the elders present, provided that three churches are represented by elders (G-11.0202). Grace and Peace, Elder Vincent Gin, Moderator
Organ Looking for Good Home
Kwanzaa Community Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis recently had a pipe organ removed from their worship space. It is now in storage and looking for a home. The Kwanzaa congregation would like to see this organ have a new home and if your congregation is interested please contact Tom Snyder at 612-203-4904 or email him at tsnyder@ties2.net. The organ is a 1947 Moeller, five rank all pipe organ. It was used in a 300 seat worship space. There are repairs that are needed but the organ is still a useful music resource for a church. Kwanzaa is not asking for anything for the organ, but there would be moving and installation costs.
-you can download a copy of the Presbytery Packet for this meeting by going to www.presbyterytwincities.org/presbyterypacket.
' Presbyterian Clearwater Forest, Deerwood, Minn., opened this summer its "Camp-In-AVan" program, a program where a local congregation partners with Clearwater Forest to provide an outdoor ministry experience at the local church site. Similar to a Vacation Bible School, this program helps introduce youngsters in grades kindergarten through sixth to camp songs, stories, games and Bible studies. Three or more summer camp staff are housed and fed by the people of the church and they work with volunteers to help the church have a successful, Christ-centered day-camp experience.
Camp in A Van
According to Andy Kennaly, program director, three "Camp-In-A-Vans" are scheduled this summer. Kennaly wrote, "Next summer, Clearwater will offer several more opportunities, but be sure to register soon because they are already being claimed simply by word of mouth." Registration materials are available by emailing Kennaly at andy@clearwaterforest.org or by calling the camp office at 218-678-2325. Kennaly noted that sending in a registration along with a $250 deposit will hold a space for a church on the summer 2011 calendar. emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 11
Creating Moments of Sanctuary
and stories of sleeping outside for 13 years in the same “safe” place.
-by Tom Ewald
We walked the desert in the places they walked, filling the water tanks and picking up the empty water bottles–and went back to all the water we could possibly ever want, without thinking.
And we learned:
That it’s a good thing to recognize racism–to understand white privilege and — yes — to feel some guilt for the luck of the draw that makes us members of that privileged group. Because we did nothing to deserve it and we feel guilty for being treated so “special.”
We learned that there are many symbols of racism– the laws passed to enable local police to stop people because of the color of their skin; the casual wave-through by Border Guards who look only at our white faces.
On June 19, 2010, 26 senior high youth from Macalester Plymouth United Church traveled to Tucson, Arizona to work with We learned that people of passion can risk everything to supBorderlinks and Humane Borders to experience first hand the port the rights of oppressed people–and that those people can be devastating effect that U.S./Mexico border policy is having on the our role models, defeating our cynicism and hopelessness about lives of people crossing the border illegally to seek work in the systemic change. United States. Accompanying the youth were the church’s associate minister and six other adults. We learned that we can create moments of sanctuary for people by being there when they are in need, ministering to their In addition to filling water stations in the desert and picking up most basic needs for survival and safety, their needs for selfbelongings left by immigrants in their journey across the desert, esteem and belonging by sharing with them, listening, caring, and the youth served food to members of the homeless and migrant communities at Cross Street Ministries, took part in a vigil remem- witnessing their pain. bering lives lost in the desert, and witnessed “Operation Streamline” in which approximately 75 people picked up by desert patrol, all of whom were in four point shackles were processed by the The trip was made possible with the support of Macalester Plycourt in less than two hours. They also met with people on both mouth United Church congregation, youth fund-raising, and a sides of the immigration debate to hear their perspectives. grant from the United Church of Christ. One of the participants wrote of the trip: We have experienced so much that we can’t blog fast enough.
We’ve experienced heat so intense that we couldn’t stay outside for an hour without someone passing out, yet we know people have walked through this inferno for DAYS.
For a full account of the week, including pictures, go to www.macply-youth.blogspot.com and read the blog that the youth updated on a daily basis. Tom Ewald is the Associate Pastor at Macalester -Plymouth United Church in St. Paul. Macalester-Plymouth is a “union church” affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ.
We have seen that no matter how militant and unwelcoming and racist our culture may be, the people of Nogales, Mexico rushed to our rescue when we collapsed in the sun.
We watched people efficiently “processed” in groups for deportation–with intentional, individual attention given to assuring that they understand their situation–yet we have seen that their attorneys may not even know their name and they are given 20 seconds for their personal case.
We have met people in Tucson who founded the Sanctuary Movement, people who are passionate about the rights of the oppressed, people who have met weekly for over ten years to remember those migrants who died crossing.
We talked with men and women who are homeless or illegally in the US, who shared needing a new pair of glasses but were too blind, too debilitated by hepatitis C to find a new pair of glasses, emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 12
George Kneieremen, an Honorably Retired Minister Member of the Presbytery, has been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and was admitted into hospice in late June.
biennial event. Sanders is a Minister Member at Large in the Presbytery.
Jeanette Orr, the mother of Gene Orr, died on June 25 in Cedar Falls, IA. A funeral took place on July 2 in Cedar Falls. Gene has served several churches in the area including, Presbyterian Church of the Way in Shoreview and most recently Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church in St. Paul.
Pending Presbytery approval on July 27, Ed Martin, honorably retired will be the next Treasurer for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. Martin would replace Jim Payne, an elder from Plymouth Presbyterian Church in Plymouth, who has served as Treasurer for six years.
Matthew Robbins-Ghormley has accepted a new call at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, WA. Robbins-Ghormley was pastor at Randolph Heights Presbyterian Church in St. Paul since 2006. His last Sunday at Randolph Heights was July 18.
Mary Boehlke, wife of Rev. Robert Boehlke (honorably retired), fell and broke her hip on July 22 and had surgery the next day. Please pray for a swift recovery
Risa Anderson, Office Manager for the PTCA, fell and broke her wrist on July 15 and had surgery July 20. She continues to rest and heal from her injury. Please keep Risa in your prayers.
transitions
Zach Wilson has left his call as pastor of Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church in Apple Valley in late June. He has accepted a call to serve as Interim Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater, MN. His first Sunday at the church will be August 1. Wilson was pastor at Spirit of Life since 2003.
Paula Sanders will end her duties as the Executive Coordinator for the Committee on Local Arrangements for the 219th General Assembly at the end of July. Since August of 2009, Sanders has coordinated the local volunteer efforts for the
ordination anniversaries
John W. Butt (8/25/1963 )
Rebecca Fletcher (8/25/2007 )
Robert T. Cuthill (7-1-55)
Deborah D. Lind-Schmitz (7/23/1989 )
Ralph E. Galloway (8/25/1980 )
Roger D. Ezell (7-1-84)
Alika P. Galloway (7/25/1996 )
Elizabeth Hart-Andersen (8/25/1985 )
Katherine Estes Collins (7-2-89)
Daniel W. Johnson (7/25/1981 )
Kristine M. Holmgren ( 8/26/1979 )
William Yeager (7-5-1962)
Bill Young (7/25/1976 )
Joan B. Beebe (8/28/1977 )
Eugene H. Orr (7-7-1974)
Barbara Anne Keely (7/26/1987 )
Louise L. Bender (8/30/1992 )
Kayton R. Palmer (7-7-1957)
Jack M. Terry (7/31/1966 )
Newell D. Krogmann (7-9-1995)
Joshua D. Heikkila (8/1/2004 )
Cynthia L. Ray (7-10-1983)
Dayton D. Hultgren (8/3/1957 )
Frederick J. Beebe (7-12-1953)
Carol L. Reed (8/3/1986 )
John R. Buzza (7-12-1970)
Bruce K. Hillyer (8/4/1996 )
Carl Christensen (7-12-1987)
Annika Lister Stroope (8/5/2001 )
Erwin C. Barron (7-14-1985)
Gary Titusdahl (8/5/1984 )
Byron Thompson (7-14-1996)
Kara K. Root (8/6/2006 )
Douglas R. Potter (7-16-1958)
Ronald D. Wilson (8/6/1972 )
Gordon C. Stewart (7-18-1967)
David Colby (8/17/1997 )
Paul B. K. Tshihamba (7/18/1993 )
April M. Davis Campbell (8/20/2004 )
Neal Solomonson (7/20/1986 )
Camille Cook (8/20/2006 )
Richard A. Lundy (7/21/1957 )
Angella Pak Son (8/20/2003 )
O. Carl Grosse (7/23/1989 )
Christopher Carlson (8/21/1983 )
emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 13
For more information on the positions listed below, please go the PTCA website at www.presbyterytwincities.org/jobs.
positions available
Children, Youth and Families Ministry Director, Edina Community Lutheran, Edina.
Christian Educator, Chain of Lakes Presbyterian- Lino Lakes
Youth Director, House of Hope Presbyterian, St. Paul
Interim Pastor, Spirit of Life Presbyterian, Apple Valley
Do you have a church staff position that needs to be filled? Send in your job announcements to Dennis Sanders at communications@ptcaweb.org. For more information on interim pastor openings, please contact the Committee on Ministry at com@ptcaweb.org. (Oh, and let us know when you fill the position, so we can remove it from the job listings.)
ings. Only a few committees have additional meeting times.
events PC(USA) retirees plan to meet in Twin Cities: The 14th annual convention of the Association of Retired Ministers, their Spouses or Survivors takes place at the Ramada Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 9-12. With the theme “Called to a Lifetime of Service: God’s Plan or Ours,” the convention will feature worship, plenary sessions, workshops and excursions. Informal conversations and gatherings will being opportunities for members and friends of ARMSS to connect and reconnect. The registration fee before Aug. 17 is $125 plus a $20 membership fee for those who are not currently members. After Aug. 17 the registration fee is $175. The current ARMSS newsletter can be found by going to the presbytery website, www.presbytertwincities.org or by contacting Ginny Nyhuis, Box 700311, Oostberg, WI 53070 (gnyhuis@verizon.net) or the Rev. Ellen Davis, 1540 Garret Lane, #204, Lincoln, NE 68512 (edavis11@neb.rr.com). Resources to Help Welcome Veterans: Following the well attended pre-presbytery meeting in May, questions have been received by the Presbytery Disability Concerns Task Force on how individuals or churches can engage in this unique role in healing the wounds of war by providing support to veterans and their families.
To download the application forms, please go to presbyterytwincities.org/committees/nominating-committee/. Stranger to Neighbor Training, August 10: Meeting at the Minnesota Church Center, 122 W. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis. Gain the knowledge-base and skill set to become an interfaith leader on immigration. This training is open to staff and volunteers from local immigration organizations, religious leaders, and student groups.* Participants will be prepared for interfaith leadership in the following areas:
Religious Pluralism 101 - Introduction to interfaith cooperation
“The Changing Face of America” – A brief history of immigration in the US
Exploration of many sacred texts around immigration, and how different traditions are responding to the needs of immigrants now
Storytelling around “welcoming the stranger”
Mobilize and sustaining an interfaith and immigration movement
The task force would like to direct you to a few easily available “Changing the conversation” - Engaging the media resources. You can find them by going to the following link on the Presbytery website: www.presbytertwincities.org/ministries/ Participants will receive a Stranger to Neighbor curriculum redisabilityconcerns. source at the end of the training, and will have the ability to join the Stranger to Neighbor group on Interfaith Youth Core’s BridgePresbytery Nominating Committee Looking for Synod ComBuilders network, an online social forum of 3,000 young interfaith missioners: The Nominating Committee is seeking applications from Ministers who would like to represent the Presbytery as Min- leaders across the United States that will provide additional reister Commissioner to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies for a three sources for the future interfaith and immigration work of the participants. year term beginning in January 2011. We are also looking for Young Adults, aged 17-23 to serve for a one-year term. ElecThis training is presented by the Interfaith Youth Core, in partnertions will take place at the September Presbytery Meeting. ship with the Minnesota Council of Churches. The Synod meets three times a year, usually in Farmington, MN, For further questions contact Gail Anderson at 612-230-3210, or south of the Twin Cities. The meetings run from Sunday evening gail.anderson@mnchurches.org. To RSVP email Dejan Selimovic to Tuesday noon and will take place in 2011 on January 16-18, at dejan.selimovic@mnchurches.org. May 1-3 and October 2-4. Travel, room and board are paid by the Synod. Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegates will serve on a Synod Committee which meets during the meetemerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 14
Community Based CPE Program Available- The Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches invites pastors, chaplains and faith leaders into our Community-Based Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program. You can now complete a unit of CPE using a parish or institutional chaplaincy setting as your clinical placement through our newly accredited ACPE Center.* Join us to:
events, continued
Further develop your pastoral care and counseling skills.
Re-evaluate your direction in ministry.
Reconnect to passion for social justice ministries.
Explore spiritual renewal with a small group of peers.
We are now accepting applications for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. Contact: The Rev. Dr. Susan Allers Hatlie sallershatlie@gmcc.org 952-484-3334.
112 W. Franklin Ave. Suite 508
Minneapolis, MN 55404 Fax: 612-871-0698 E-mail: communications@ptcaweb.org Web: www.ptcaweb.org Twitter: www.twitter.com/ptcaweb Facebook: www.facebook.com/ presbyterytwincitiesarea
Presbytery Staff
Consultation Groups at United Seminary for Religious Leaders: United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities will offer to religious leaders in both parish and specialized ministries the opportunity to participate in consultation groups designed to support and enhance their ministries. For the 2010-2011 academic year, United will offer two tracks.
Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter: ep@ptcaweb.org
Track One: Pastoral Care and Counseling
Risa Anderson, Office Manager: office@ptcaweb.org
The Pastoral Care Consultation Groups are offered for pastors who seek to improve their knowledge and skill in pastoral care and counseling. Each group is limited to eight (8) participants and meets for a four-hour block, once a month, for ten months. Meetings will be scheduled to fit the needs of participants. Each session will involve collaborative consultation around case studies from the ministries of group members. This year we will offer three kinds of pastoral care consultation groups: one for religious leaders working primarily in congregations; one for religious leaders working primarily in specialized pastoral care settings (e.g. chaplains); and one for those interested in focusing on Narrative theory for their pastoral care and counseling work. Participants in the Narrative group must already have had some significant exposure to narrative ideas and practices. All pastoral care groups will be facilitated by Christie Neuger. This is a Certificate program and is also eligible for CEU credits. In addition, completion of this program will partially meet the requirements for Pastoral Care Specialist designation in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. See our website (www.unitedseminary.edu/Institute) for more details. Track Two: Church Leadership & Administration The Church Leadership and Administration Consultation Groups are offered for pastors who seek to improve their knowledge and skills, especially for times of leadership challenges and conflict. The group is limited to eight (8) participants and meets for a four-hour block on the third Tuesday (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM) of each month from September 21, 2010 through June 15, 2011. Each session will engage in collaborative consultation around case studies from the ministries and leadership challenges of group members. The group will be facilitated by Mary E. McNamara, president of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. This is a Certificate program and is also eligible for CEU credits.
Nancy Grittman, Stated Clerk: statedclerk@ptcaweb.org
Dennis Sanders, IT/Communications Specialist: communications@ptcaweb.org
"EMerge:Monthly," is a publication from the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area (PTCA). The mission is to share brief highlights with links to resources and news. Recipients include congregations, minister members, other members, committees, and friends. Please send submissions and e-mail corrections to Dennis Sanders, editor, at communications@ptcaweb.org . Usual distribution: Thursdays.
If you are interested in participating in either consultation group track, please go to our website (www.unitedseminary.edu/Institute) and download a registration form for a fall group. Cost for each track is $500 for the 10-month program. Groups are expected to fill quickly so if you are interested, please register as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Christie Neuger, cneuger@unitedseminary.edu.
emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 15
Once you get ordained, you start to learn that there are a ton of things that no one taught you in seminary. You might have thought that all a pastor had to do was give sermons and offer pastoral care, but you start to figure out that you have to learn to read a budget or become a webmas-
“thanks and godspeed.�
ter or be the general contractor for a building project at your church. One the most common duties is to be a volunteer coordinator. Most pastors have to learn how to get local congregations involved in the life of the church. We ask people to serve as a deacon or sit on the church session. We might ask a youth to participate in worship. All in all, you keep asking and reminding folks that being church is a team activity, not just for the pastor alone. For nearly a year, Paula Sanders has faced the usual job of a pastor as volunteer coordinator multiplied ten times. She was called to be the Executive Coordinator for the Committee on Local Arrangements for the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It was up to her to get the nearly 3000 volunteers needed to make General Assembly a success. Paula, along with Project Assistant Julie Flingai, went to Presbytery meetings across a five state region, spent hours in meetings with the COLA committee and folks from General Assembly in Louisville, getting all the volunteers registered, and making sure that all the commissioners and other guests basically had a good time. At the end of July, Paula and Julie’s positions will end. We will miss their presence here in the Presbytery office and offer prayers for them as they look for employment and what God has in store for them next. We, the Presbytery staff, want to say thanks to Paula and Julie for a job well done. They were called to be in here in this place at this time to make sure that travelers from across the nation were given gracious hospitality and they did that in spades. Godspeed, Paula and Julie, on your journeys.
Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter Nancy Grittman, Stated Clerk Risa Anderson, Office Manager Dennis Sanders, IT/Communications Specialist
emerge/presbytery of the twin cities area/ july-august 2010/ 16