From the February Presbytery Gathering

Commissioners to the recent Presbytery Gathering had the opportunity to attend Learning Conversations prior to the meeting being convened. The meeting opened with the installation of Moderator, TE David Beary and Vice Moderator, RE Lori Ruff-Schmalberger. Commissioners listened to reports from and voted on action items presented by various teams and committees, prayed for the leaders and students who would be leaving for the Youth Winter Camp the next day, gathered around tables for a meal, and were blessed by worship that was woven throughout meeting.

Highlights included a Learning Conversation facilitated by Leslie Reese, member of the Grace First Presbyterian Church Water Team and moderator of the Living Waters of the World Peru Network. Participants learned a great deal about this important water project and how others can become involved.

Additionally, TE Tim McCalmont facilitated a Learning Conversation to a room full of commissioners, who spoke via Zoom with Mr. Doug Dicks, who works with congregations and councils of indigenous Christians in Israel Palestine, and also with Rev. Elmarie Parker, of the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Cairo. A Zoom recording of the conversation titled, Mourning with Those Who Mourn – The Body of Christ at work in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon while Missiles Fly, can be viewed here.

The text for the day’s sermon was from Luke 15:11-32, The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Presented in three parts, John Mambu, Mark Davis, and Kim Skilling shared insights into and interpretations of the well known story. Kim reflected on the missing character, the Mother. Who was she? Where was she? What was she thinking? Feeling? Listen to her sermon here.

Executive Presbyter, Tom Cramer, in an update on the work of the Council and its Task Groups speaks to the heart of who we are as a wider community of faith. Read it here.