From the General Presbyter

Going Back to the Way it Was

I doubt any member of our Presbytery intends to return to “the way it was” once the pandemic is over. The time away from church, brought to you by COVID-19, has many evaluating and re-evaluating their call to ministry, their regular participation as congregation members, and their relationship with God. I would imagine many of you could say you are not the same church you were two years ago, nor will you engage your congregation the same way as before.

Our Presbytery is no different, which is one reason we are embarking on a season of strategic priority identification. We are not the same Presbytery we were ten years ago when the 2012 plan was developed. We are not the same Presbytery we were before the pandemic either. Cabinet wants to know, how different are we? The leadership is committed to “encouraging, challenging and equipping” (from our vision statement) our congregations, but how do we do that in these days and these times? What do we keep? What do we change? What do we fund? How do we serve? What’s important? What is God calling us to be today and in the future?

The Cabinet, with the help of the Ministry Groups will be hosting a series of listening sessions. In these sessions, representatives from each congregation will have an opportunity to respond to a series of questions. Two more opportunities are available: a survey will go out to all on the Tidings mailing list within the next few weeks, and an Open Space will be held after the called February 10 meeting. We want to hear from you!

Watch this space and stay safe!

– Jackie