Presbytery Meeting, January 17, 2009

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Carefree, AZ.

Outgoing Moderator Art Campbell turned the "decent and orderly gavel" to our new Moderator for 2009, Glyndon Morris. They celebrated the Lord's Supper together.

A highlight of the morning was the Dedication of Mission Pledges. After the Rev. David Van Arsdale spoke briefly on our Presbytery's rich history of mission, and the importance of even the smallest gifts (referring to the story of the loaves and fish in Matthew 14), elders from each congregation filed forward to present the pledges.

Former Moderator and Outgoing Council Chairperson Barbara Walker was honored for her faithful and continuing work for the Presbytery. Among her praises was the very appropriate observation that Barbara is a true "churchwoman," because she gives her entire self to the Church.

The Reverends Bernie Nord and Alice Geils-Nord announced their decision to move to National Capital Presbytery, where Bernie has accepted a new interim position. Alice said her plans are not yet clear beyond their relocation.

Why does there appear to be a big rock in the sanctuary? Because at Desert Hills, there is a big rock in the sanctuary. Actually, the sanctuary was built around the boulder which extends out into the narthex. The front of the sanctuary is a window wall looking out onto the rock and cactus-strewn hillside. It is one of the most beautiful and remarkable buildings in our Presbytery.

Does the Presbytery spend time sorting through motions, proposals, recommendations committee reports and knots of red tape? Sometimes, indeed we do. Our Commissioners whom we sent to General Assembly last June reported on their recommendation regarding changes to the constitution. Our Administrative Commission to John Calvin presented their report, as did the Special Administrative Review Committee to Ganado Church. Somehow during the Ganado report we got tripped up in a tangle of Roberts Rules. It required patience and determination, but in the end everyone from Ganado got to say what needed to be said, and the Presbytery demonstrated its deep concern and care for every congregation. I'd say more, but the truth is that I fled prolonged - discussion - to the calm and quiet of the patio, conveniently using my dog as an excuse. She comes in handy in a multitude of ways.

I should explain that when taking photos during a Presbytery meeting, I use the "museum" setting on my digital camera. This allows me to shoot a picture without flash, but sacrifices crisp focus.The photo quality could be improved by using a tripod, but again, it's a balance between getting a good shot and being as inconspicuous as possible. If you've ever been really annoyed by a wedding photographer, you'll understand why I choose to err on the side of being inconspicuous.


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