Charleston Atlantic Presbytery

Lenten Resources

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For adults:

The Thoughtful Christian  A one session study on Ash Wednesday and Lent is available from www.thethoughtfulchristian.com  This study explores themes and Scriptures that help participants reflect on the meaning of the liturgical season and its impact on one’s Christian discipleship.

Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding:  Here are several six session studies.  Each study has a leader’s guide and participant’s book.  Illuminating Lent; Temptation in the Desert, Looking at the Cross; and Seven Days to Glory.

Final Words From the Cross by Adam Hamilton- This six session series includes a book, DVD, and leader’s guide.  The sessions include: “Father, Forgive Them”; “Today You Will be with Me in Paradise”; “Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother”; “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”; “I Thirst”; and  “It is Finished…Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit”.  In this study participants will examine Christ’s dying hours and his final works as seen and heard by those who stood near the cross.

Living into Lent by Donald McKim- Imagine the transformation of God’s church called into a common learning.  The Lenten journey is a shared journey- Christians join with others along the way of faith, following Jesus, and seeking to live out the will and purposes of God.  This resource allows time for readers to reflect on their Christian identities, listen to God’s Word and will, and discipleship.  Readings are enhanced by a six session study guide and questions for consideration.

Lord Teach Us to Pray: Six Studies in Spirituality and The Lord’s Prayer by John Purdy- This study explores the Lord’s Prayer in its biblical context, what the Lord’s Prayer teaches about the activity of prayer, and what all of this teaches about biblical spirituality.

24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton- This series contains a book, DVD with seven sessions, leader’s guide, and 40 day devotional book.  The sessions include: “The Last Supper”; “The Garden of Gethsemane”; “Condemned by the Righteous”; “Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate”; “The Torture and Humiliation of the King”; “The Crucifixion”; and “Christ the Victor”.   The aim of the series is to help participants better understand the events that occurred during the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life, see more clearly the theological significance of Christ’s suffering and death, and reflect upon the meaning of these events for your life.

Something for youth:

A Look at Those Who Knew Jesus   In this Thoughtful Christian study youth will explore how the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots, and Disciples were touch by their encounters with Jesus.

Let Us Break Bread Together by Michael Smith and Rami Shapiro- This Passover guide provides a complete guide (plan and script) to a meaningful Seder experience.  The authors share a deeper knowledge of the great themes of the Exodus story, in combination with Christian insight, and opportunities for a better understanding of Lent and Holy Week.

Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go by Adam Hamilton- This DVD based study is designed for use in a four session study based on the book by the same title.  The sessions are “The Divine Answer”; “For Better, For Worse”; “Seventy Times Seven”;  and “The Dreamcoat”.  Participants will be shown how to receive the freedom that comes with forgiving- even if the person needing to be forgiven is ourselves.

Something for children:

A Rooster’s Tale– This resource includes Easter dramas, speeches, and recitations for children.  There are 14 different scripts that take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to perform with one to twelve parts.  This can be used with an intergenerational group.

Easter Garden: A Lenten Experience for Children by Daphna Flegal and Marcia Stoner- This Lenten study moves children (younger and older elementary) through Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.  This study may be done in preparation for a congregational mean and worship experience.  Children will create a garden setting for the meal, filled with symbolic meaning; banner symbols for worship; and table decorations for the congregational meal.

Writing to God: Kids Edition by Rachel Hackenberg- This idea-packed book shows children how their prayers don’t have to be perfect to reach God; don’t have to have big or fancy words; may tell a story using words or pictures; can be happy or sad; and may have misspelled and crossed-out words.

Something for the whole church:

The Way by Adam Hamilton- In this church-wide six session plus epilogue study for children through adults, Hamilton takes participants to the Holy Land to explore the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  You will “visit” the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized and the wilderness where Jesus was tempted; Capernaum, where Jesus healed the sick and taught on the mountainside; the Sea of Galilee, where he calmed the sea and the wind; Samaria, where Jesus visited with outcasts and sinners; and Jerusalem, where Jesus spent his final days.  There is a book, devotional book, and DVD with study guide to use with adult groups; a youth guide; and a guide for children.  There are suggestions for including some intergenerational activities with this study.

Black History Month Resources

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Throughout the month, we will be highlighting Back History Month resources available in the presbytery resource center:

African American Presbyterian Clergywomen: The First Twenty-Five Years by Karen V. Brown and Phyllis M. Felton- This book celebrates 25 years of service of African American Presbyterian clergywomen, whose ministries grace the PCUSA.

African American Congregational Histories– This notebook is a result of the Committee on Reunion and African American congregations in collecting their histories and putting them in written form.

All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes by Maya Angelou- In her third autobiographical book, Maya Angelou tells of her time in Ghana and what it means to be an African American on the mother continent.

Call to Worship: African American Liturgical Resources edited by Kimberly Long- The essays in this edition of Call to Worship offer readers a deeper understanding of the history, theology, and practice of African American worship.  It grew from the work of a task force of African American Presbyterian musicians, pastors, and scholars convened by the Office of Theology and Worship.

Bone Black: Memories of Girlhood by Bell Hooks- This book shows the unfolding of female creativity and one strong-spirited child’s journey toward becoming a writer.   She learns early on the roles women and men play in society, as well as the emotional vulnerability of children. She sheds new light on a society that beholds the joys of marriage for men and condemns anything more than silence for women. In this world, too, black is a woman’s color—worn when earned—daughters and daddies are strangers under the same roof, and crying children are often given something to cry about.   Hooks finds good company in solitude, good company in books. She also discovers, in the motionless body of misunderstanding, that writing is her most vital breath.

The Education of a British-Protected Child by Chinua Achebe- This collection of essays provides a vivid portrait of growing up in colonial Nigeria; considerations on the African-American diaspora, glimpses into the author’s extraordinary family life, and thoughts on the potent symbolism of President Obama’s election.

Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Disaster Preparedness

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A disaster preparedness plan is an important part of every church facility, but even more so for us located close to the coast.

The attached PDF was created by Col. Jon Rockstad of Summerville church. Jon has delivered this presentation to some members of the presbytery and will speak at the October 4th Presbytery meeting about the importance of disaster preparedness.

In the coming weeks, Rev. Mike Fitze will reach out to every church in the presbytery to identify the disaster preparedness contact in your congregation. Please assist us with this process so we can work together to prepare for potential disasters in our area.

Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Disaster Preparedness Presentation

STEPS 2014 Survey and Presentations

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We have asked all presenters to provide any resources they used in their presentations. The list below includes only the classes where we have these materials. If you are a presenter and would like your material included, please email Eric H. Doss.

 

First Session

Glory to God-Charlie Frost: Handout 1, Handout 2

Janis Blocker: Reading Minutes. Recording Minutes

Donnie Woods-221st General Assembly

Leif Kehrwald: Faith Formation in a Post Sunday School Era

Jan Cook: Practice Makes Perfect

Second Session

Introduction to Church Communications-Eric H. Doss-Word Document

Donnie Woods: Updating Church Bylaws: PowerPoint and Sample Bylaws

Leif Kehrwald: Analytics Don’t Lie

Jan Cook: Building a Highway to the Soul

Third Session

Engaging E-Newsletters-Eric H. Doss-Powerpoint

Leif Kehrwald: Faith Formation in a Digital Age

Rev. Donnie Woods Statement on Same Gender Marriage and the General Assembly

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Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

I write to you from Detroit where the 221st General Assembly is currently meeting.  Yesterday, the Assembly approved a measure giving pastors the discretion to perform same-gender marriages in states where it is legal. It offers the same discretion for churches with regard to the use of church property. The measure takes effect upon the conclusion of the General Assembly on Saturday, June 21, 2014. The Assembly also approved a proposed amendment to change the Constitution to include same-gender marriages in the church’s Constitution, passed the General Assembly but must be ratified by a majority of the church’s 172 regional presbyteries. Presbyteries have one year to vote on the proposed amendment. If a majority ratifies the amendment, it would take effect June 21, 2015

Below you will find a FAQ sheet that I hope will be helpful. Also, early next week, a pastoral letter from me and my four other colleagues of the South Carolina presbyteries will be emailed to all pastors and clerks of session.

Please join me in continuing to pray for the unity of the church which is Christ’s gift to us. Let us also, in these days, remember our baptism; and remember that love, charity, and forbearance are concrete ways that we live out our baptism in the community of faith.

Grace and peace,

Donnie R. Woods

EP/ASC

 

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Same Gender Marriage and the PC(USA)

1. Are congregations and/or pastors required to participate in/host such weddings?

“In no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience be bound to conduct any marriage service for any couple except by his or her understanding of the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.” No pastor is compelled to perform a service of marriage nor a session compelled to use church property for a service of marriage.

2. Can a pastor in a state where it is not permitted perform a wedding in a state where it is?

The teaching elder has freedom of conscience. Beyond that, it would depend on whether the teaching elder is authorized under civil law to perform a wedding in the state where the wedding is to take place

3. Will sessions have the authority to permit (or not) same-gender marriage services in the church?

Yes. Nothing has changed about the authority of sessions in the way church property is used.

4. If a pastor is willing to preside at the marriage of a same-gender couple, can the session prohibit the pastor from doing so?

No. The session cannot compel the pastor nor can the pastor compel the session.

The pastor has the freedom of his or her own conscience and the session has the responsibility for providing for worship and making decisions about the use of church property.

5. Can the session make a categorical prohibition of same-gender weddings in its building?

Yes. Nothing has changed about the authority of the session with regard to the use of the church building.

6. What process did the General Assembly use to make this happen?

The General Assembly made an authoritative interpretation of the Constitution and proposed an amendment to the Constitution.

7. What is an authoritative interpretation (AI)?

An AI is an interpretation of the Constitution by the General Assembly or the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission. It is binding on all councils.

8. What is permitted according to the AI at the adjournment of the assembly?

Pastors may conduct a marriage service for same-gender couples and may do so where the community gathers for worship with the permission of the session. “In no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience be bound to conduct any marriage service for any couple except by his or her understanding of the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.”

9. What is an amendment to the Constitution?

An amendment to the Constitution is determined by the General Assembly, but must be confirmed by a majority of the presbyteries. All councils are under the authority of the Constitution.

10. What if the presbyteries refuse to vote on the amendment?

A majority of the presbyteries must vote for the amendment in order for it to become part of the Constitution. A non-vote has the effect of a “no” vote.

11. If the presbyteries do not approve changes to the Constitution, what is the effect on the authoritative interpretation (“AI”)?

The AI remains in place until it is superseded by another.

12. What is the timeline?

The same-gender marriage measure (the AI) takes effect upon the conclusion of the General Assembly on Saturday, June 21, 2014. The proposed amendment must be ratified by a majority of the church’s 172 presbyteries, which have one year to vote. If ratified, the amendment would take effect on June 21, 2015.

13. What is the actual language of the authoritative interpretation?

“Worship is a central element of the pastoral care of the people of God (W-6.3001, W-6.3010) in which a teaching elder’s discernment of the leading of the Holy Spirit is indispensable. The necessity of ensuring the exercise of freedom of conscience in the interpretation of Scripture (G-2.0105) in the planning and leadership of worship has deep roots in our Reformed tradition and theology. Because a service of marriage is one form of such worship, when a couple requests the involvement of the church in solemnizing their marriage as permitted by the laws of the civil jurisdiction in which the marriage is to take place, teaching elders* have the pastoral responsibility to assess the capabilities, intentions, and readiness of the couple to be married (W-4.9002), and the freedom of conscience in the interpretation of Scripture (G-2.0105) to participate in any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform.

“Exercising such discretion and freedom of conscience under the prayerful guidance of Scripture, teaching elders may conduct a marriage service for any such couple in the place where the community gathers for worship, so long as it is approved by the session; or in such other place as may be suitable for a service of Christian worship. In no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience be bound to conduct any marriage service for any couple except by his or her understanding of the Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The authoritative interpretation of this section by the 203rd General Assembly (1991) (Minutes, 1991, Part I, p. 395, paragraphs 21.124–.128), and the subsequent authoritative interpretations of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission relying upon it, are withdrawn and replaced with this authoritative interpretation.”

*“As in other places in the Directory for Worship, the use of ‘teaching elders’ in this paragraph should be understood to include ruling elders commissioned to pastoral service.”

14. What is the actual language of the proposed amendment?

Amend W-4.9000 by striking the current text and replacing it with the following:

“Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people (traditionally a man and a woman) to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community.

“In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the married couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which God has an active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges.

“If they meet the requirements of the civil jurisdiction in which they intend to marry, a couple may request that a service of Christian marriage be conducted by a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), who is authorized, though not required, to act as an agent of the civil jurisdiction in recording the marriage contract. A couple requesting a service of Christian marriage shall receive instruction from the teaching elder, who may agree to the couple’s request only if, in the judgment of the teaching elder, the couple demonstrate sufficient understanding of the nature of the marriage covenant and commitment to living their lives together according to its values. In making this decision, the teaching elder may seek
the counsel of the session, which has authority to permit or deny the use of church property for a marriage service.

“The marriage service shall be conducted in a manner appropriate to this covenant and to the forms of
Reformed worship, under the direction of the teaching elder and the supervision of the session (W-
1.4004–.4006). In a service of marriage, the couple marry each other by exchanging mutual promises. The teaching elder witnesses the couple’s promises and pronounces God’s blessing upon their union. The community of faith pledges to support the couple in upholding their promises; prayers may be offered for the couple, for the communities that support them, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness.

“A service of worship recognizing a civil marriage and confirming it in the community of faith may be appropriate when requested by the couple. The service will be similar to the marriage service except that the statements made shall reflect the fact that the couple is already married to one another according to the laws of the civil jurisdiction.

“Nothing herein shall compel a teaching elder to perform nor compel a session to authorize the use of church property for a marriage service that the teaching elder or the session believes is contrary to the teaching elder’s or the session’s discernment of the Holy Spirit and their understanding of the Word of God.”