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Charleston Atlantic Presbytery

Archives for 2014

STEPS 2014 Survey and Presentations

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

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

  • 221 GA PowerPoint
  • 221 GA Summary
  • Belhar Brochure
  • Belhar
  • Civil Union 
  • Middle East

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

Pastoral Letter Regarding 221st General Assembly and Bulletin Insert

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

The Rev. Donnie Woods, in cooperation with the other South Carolina Presbytery executives, has composed the following letter for distribution to everyone interested.

Click here to download the letter.

Please click here for a bulletin insert, provided by Presbyterian Outlook, that your church may use in it’s bulletin.

GA Prayer for June 22

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

Philippians 1:2- 11“And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest if righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Amen”

GA Prayer for June 21

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

Mark 12:28-34 The greatest commandments center on love: love for God, love for oneself, and love for our neighbor. How is this accomplished? Do you see how it begins centered on God then expands to include each realm around us – beginning with the individual, then closest family and friends, to those in our environment and even to the world. God, your commandments call me to love you with all that I am. Why is it so hard to see the connection between accepting your love for me and giving my love to others? Transform me into your instrument of love in the world.

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

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

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.”

GA Prayer for June 20

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

Hebrews 12: 1-3 Often we forget that we are part of the entire Body of Christ; perhaps we see ourselves through denominational lenses or other titles we might use to define who we are. God sees His people as one. Scripture reminds us we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. We must not become entangled in things or issues that hinder us. When we focus on the cost at which we were bought, our actions should reflect not our own ambitions and desires but those of Christ. God of our Fathers and Mothers, reveal your will and desires for your people; conform our minds to yours. May we reflect you.

GA Prayer for June 19

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

1Thessalonians 5:12-28 “Live in peace with each other.” As the Body of Christ, we are called to live in peace, to be kind to one another even when we disagree. We are admonished to pray for each other. Today, spend time praying for the Body of Christ; that we may be known by our love. Eternal God, teach us to love each other as you love us. May we be the people you created us to be. May the world see you in us.

GA Prayer for June 18

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

1 Peter 3:14b-16a “Do not fear what they fear and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.  Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” God, may your church fear you and your judgment more than other human beings.  Lord Jesus, we give you the throne of our hearts in order that you may govern our thoughts, words, and deeds to our re-creation and your glory.  Make your church holy and wholly yours.  

GA Prayer for June 17

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

Romans 12:4-5 We all bring gifts to the world that no one else has to share. Without our active discipleship the body of Christ is not whole. We are all are created and redeemed for a purpose, to serve God and make his glory known to the world. May this be the day when you recognize the gift God has given you to share with the world and a day where you see everyone you meet as a unique and beautiful gift from God.  Beautiful creator and sustainer God, give me the self-confidence to see myself as a gift from God. Grant me the discipline to live out those gifts with Holy obedience. With humility and excitement help me to empower others to discover their gifts which you have bestowed upon them and support them as they strive to live into those gifts. Amen

GA Prayer for June 16

By Eric H. Doss Leave a Comment

Luke 13:18-21 New International Version (NIV) The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast. (V 18) Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? V.19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” Many times small acts of faith can have a huge effect on someone’s   life. • Actively listening to someone feeling the chill of life. • Taking a meal to someone who is sick or in grief. • Saying please and thank you to those serving you. All these things seem small, but they all can have a powerful effect on the person receiving them and may just be the thing that helps their seed of faith grow into a spiritual tree. Go into this day with the mission of doing small acts of the Kingdom. The scriptures promise that their impact will be huge. Gracious Father, make us stewards of your grace this day. Lead us by your Holy Spirit so that the world may experience a glimpse of your Kingdom through our words and actions. Amen

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