Presbytery Meeting, March, 2009

The Presbytery of Grand Canyon met Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, March 20-21, at Horizon Church in Ahwatukee, co-hosted by Gila Crossing Church.

Our opening hymn set the tone of the entire 2-day meeting:

Great God, in Christ You call our name

And then receive us as Your own

Not through some merit, right, or claim

But by Your gracious love alone.

We strain to glimpse Your mercy seat

And find You kneeling at our feet.

(Left-click on any photo to zoom in.)

Two new presbyters were introduced: Robert Dulaney, with his wife Joyce, and George Saylor with his wife, the Rev. Mary Saylor, who is our stated supply at Emmanuel. Robert is retired and George was received as a minister at large.

Retirement must be contagious, because we also celebrated the Honorable Retirement of both Ralph Meredith and Al Gephart.

Our work Friday evening ended with worship, including a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Philip Butin, President of SanFrancisco Theological Seminary. On Saturday morning we came back together with worship led by the Horizon Praise Band and reflections by Rev. Ron Hawkins.

The new Commissioned Lay Pastor for Ganado, Audrey Jefferson, was examined and heartily welcomed. (Left)

What are those odd scarves? They are rainbow stoles, knitted, crocheted and woven by members in Grand Canyon Presbytery in preparation for this particular meeting. They were intended to celebrate the broad diversity in our church, but I suspect more than one participant accepted a stole simply because they are so colorful and fun.

[above: Judy Lippman and husband Dan from Valley]

At this long-anticipated meeting we voted on Amendment 08-b, which would delete the Book of Order's current paragraph G-6.o106b, which contains the fidelity and chastity requirements for officers (deacons and elders as well as clergy), and replace it with a different “standard of obedience.”

[above left:The Revs. Gale Watkins, Grif Vautier, and Darren Hawkins]

We have been studying, debating and “having conversation” about this amendment for many months. The turnout of voting presbyters was terrific, and, since the crucial issue was placed at the end of the agenda, the pews were full from start to finish. Pastors and commissioners were standing and sitting on the floor in the sanctuary, and rows of chairs were set up outdoors where yet more members followed the proceedings via the sound system. After 40 minutes of arguments pro and con, and another 10 minutes deciding whether to extend the debate, the amendment was passed by a narrow margin. Even though the amendment was approved, the issue will not be settled until every Presbytery reports its vote to General Assembly. The final outcome will depend on a simple majority of the Presbyteries. [below right: hosts from Horizon welcome the Presbytery.]

As always, some elders, clergy and otherwise, have difficulty taking anything seriously. [below: The Rev. David Hicks and Amy Davis King.]

In other business, Mickie Choi, representative of the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, presented rebate checks to several churches who had participated in the program. Then Al Gephart came out of his brand new retirement to encourage everyone to participate in the National Workshop on Christian Unity that will be held here in Phoenix in April. The extensive brochure was included in the packets, and is available through our Presbytery office.

[above right: La Berta Collins and friend
below right: Chip Ely and Ellie Schafer]







[Left: The Rev. Phil Courtney]

Our Presbytery is to be commended for our ability to tackle difficult issues with grace and peace. In the words of our closing prayer:

Your just-ness, Living God, is declared to us in ways that seem incomprehensible:
a baby born in a dim stable,
a boy in a temple teaching his elders,
a man without power confronting the authorities,
a dead man risen to new life.
This is the truth that we cling to, and which we are called to share -
a light to a world which longs to see your face.
Guide our feet as we go, helping and healing us
that we may always be faithful to you and to each other.
Amen.

[below: Miriam and Jack Schuler; right: The Rev. Cynthia Jennison]








One last note: My Serendipity was not the only dog present! The Rev. Constance McIntosh brought her Bouvier de Flanders puppy, 10-month-old Papa Bear. Perhaps it's time to initiate the Grand Canyon Presbyterian Canine Ministries.


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