Our Common Ministry
Presbytery of Chicago
www.chicagopresbytery.org
June 2010 • Volume 26 Number 3
The Presbytery’s Voice at General Assembly
The Presbytery of Chicago is sending seven overtures to the
219th General Assembly for consideration. The General
Assembly is meeting in Minneapolis in July 2010.
• Receive the recommendations of the Form of Government
Task Force and dismiss the task force with gratitude.
• Call upon the U.S. government to suspend the use of cerOvertures are the means by which Presbyteries
tain military bases in Colombia, and work towards
and Sessions of churches can put an issue
peace in that country.
before the national governing body. They
are a way to have a voice at the denom• Encourage the celebration of the 100th
anniversary of the first pronouncement of
ination’s highest body. Overtures are
the PC(USA) on social justice issues.
assigned to appropriate committees
at the Assembly, who study the issue
The issues likely to generate the most
and make a recommendation to the
interest and discussion are the ones conwhole Assembly for action. Our own
cerning the Middle East and those dealing
Presbytery moderator, the Rev. Cliff
with
ordination standards. A Study
Lyda, has been appointed moderaCommittee
that has been working for two
tor of the Middle Governing Body
years
on
the
situation in the Middle East is
Issues committee, and our Stated
bringing
to the Assembly a compreClerk, the Rev. Barbara Bundick
hensive
report with recommendahas been named assistant to
Logo for the 219th General Assembly:
tions
for
actions by the
another committee. Each of
“Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”
Presbyterian
Church and the
our commissioners has also
United
States
government.
See
a
brief
summary of the
been given committee assignments.
report on page three. The complete report can be downloaded from the PC(USA) website: www.pcusa.org/GA219
Chicago Presbytery’s voice will be heard by means of the
Select PC-BIZ, Browse the Site, and Search for Middle East.
following overtures:
For information on ordination standards, search for
• Seek compliance to United States government policy in the Ordination.
use of military aid by all parties in the Middle East.
The Rev. Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General
• Call for the “fidelity and chastity” language in G-6.0106b
Assembly, has released his greatest hopes for the 219th
in the Book of Order to be replaced with new language
General Assembly. They are: prayerful decision making, a
affirming ordination vows.
deeper awareness of the whole PC(USA); discernment of the
issues and challenges facing congregations; a common call• Request an authoritative interpretation so churches and
clergy can provide pastoral care in states that recognize gay ing to a church in change; attention beyond ourselves to a
world in great need; an enthusiastic sharing of the faith; and
marriage.
a furthering of the mission of Christ in the world.
• Re-establish an Office of Collegiate Ministries in the
(continued on pg. 3)
PC(USA) and develop a plan for funding that office.
Table of Contents
Presbyter’s Pen
PRTF Report
Advance Justice
Develop Congregations
Empower Ministry
2
3
4-5
6-7
8
Bus and
books for
Havana
pg. 4
Presbytery News 9-10
Transitions 9
Youth, Pres. Homes 11
Resources 12
Páginas en Español 13-15
Presbyterian Camps 16
Mission in Cambodia – pg. 5
Presbyter’s Pen
Challenges of a Living Faith
BY REV. ROBERT C. REYNOLDS, EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER
“So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not
give up all your possessions.” Luke 14: 33
As a college senior I studied the writings of Soren
Kierkegaard, a nineteenth century Danish
Christian philosopher. Personally, Kierkegaard
was an odd, reclusive sort, but his radical critique
of Christianity in his context was provocative. Paul
Holmer, a Kierkegaard scholar from Yale, was a
visiting professor at Macalester College that year
and I soaked up his powerful tutelage.
A recent publication on Kierkegaard reflects his
continuing relevance to us as prosperous twentyfirst century Christians. In An Introduction to
Kierkegaard, author Peter Vardy describes
Robert C. Reynolds
Kierkegaard’s position on the challenges of a living
faith. He writes, “Faith is shown in how one’s life is lived—
those alone have faith who trust their whole life to God, for
whom God is at the center of everything they do and think. . .
Faith may therefore be found in the very simple persons
whose whole lives rest on God. They will know themselves to
be sinners and failures but they accept that God loves them
not because they are good or virtuous. God loves them as
they are—warts and all. This is the hardest thing for the
strong, independent individual to understand but it is what
faith involves. Anything else is an exercise in self-deceit.”
(p. 64)
Christians believe God loves them unconditionally.
Overwhelming indications to the contrary—disaster, war, and
Schedule changes
Presbytery Council has set the dates for Presbytery Assembly
meetings in 2011. The schedule includes changes that will
hopefully prevent the postponement of winter meetings due
widespread suffering—they believe they are loved, and they
trust their whole lives to God! At least, according to
Kierkegaard, that’s how it is supposed to be.
It seems Christian people in trouble find it easier to trust
their whole life to God than those who prosper. People facing serious illness, disability, discrimination, abuse, unemployment, and death find it easier than those who are healthy
and prosperous. If one is in good health and has many possessions, it is harder to entrust it all to God who asks for
one’s whole life.
Globally, impoverished Christian Palestinians, Native
Americans, Haitians, Kenyans, Cubans, and poor Mexicans
trust their whole lives to God more easily than the relatively
wealthy citizens of more powerful nations. Frankly, it seems
we have more to lose than they, so we hesitate to trust God
and hold nothing back.
We believe God’s love is freely given, not merited, such that
God loves us “warts and all.” I suppose the “warts and all”
part includes resistance to entrust one’s whole life to God for
fear of losing a tenuous grip on power and prosperity. God
loves people in all circumstances of life, including the rich
and powerful. But the ones who can entrust their whole lives
in faith are happiest and most spiritually whole—regardless
of personal circumstances.
This is as true of whole communities, like Presbyterian
churches and governing bodies, as it is of individuals. God
loves us warts and all. I hope Chicago Presbytery, with its
tradition of being a strong and independent governing body,
can rediscover the riches of entrusting our whole life to God
in the coming weeks while resolving our extraordinary
financial challenge. We show our faith by how we live!
to snowy weather. The schedule also moves meetings to the
third Tuesday. Dates are February 15 (4 pm); April 12 (1 pm);
June 21 (4 pm); September 20 (1 pm); and November 19 (Sat.
11am).
OUR COMMON MINISTRY is published five times a year by the Presbytery Council’s Communications Work
Group of the Presbytery of Chicago, the regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church in Lake, Cook, and DuPage Counties.
Robert C. Reynolds
Geraldine Parker
Simeon D. Carson
Noris Caban
Executive Editor
Managing Editor
Graphic Design
Spanish Translator
Contributors
Gale Morgan-Williams
and Joe Pixler
OUR COMMON MINISTRY
100 S. Morgan
Chicago, IL 60607
Ph. (312) 243-8300
Fax. (312) 243-8409
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.chicagopresbytery.org
Next Issue: Oct. 2010 Deadline for copy: Aug. 23, 2010
OCM invites comments, questions and stories from our readers. Please direct your letters to the Editor, Ms. Gerry Parker
at [email protected]. Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you.
2
June 2010
Possible New Management
The Presbytery’s beloved Presbyterian Camps may soon be
under new management. The Presbytery Council voted
unanimously to approve the purchase agreement with
Lakeshore Christian Camping, Inc. (LCC). The Presbytery
had authorized the
Council to conclude
this agreement by
vote at the April
Assembly meeting,
following a recommendation by the
Presbytery
Reformation Task
Force (PRTF).
This is a major milestone for the
Presbytery that
promises to preserve
the property in perpetuity as a natural
resource and as a
retreat and camping
resource for Chicago
A sentiment held by all
Presbytery churches.
In addition, the transaction, to be completed in ninety days,
will bring $8.6 million for a timely payment on the
Presbytery’s outstanding indebtedness. Additional funds
may be forthcoming in the years ahead through conservation
easements to be shared by the Presbytery and LCC.
LCC leaders are faithful Chicago area Presbyterians deeply
committed to the camping ministry. They have a vision for
the camp that includes expanded multi-generational programming and capital development. The camping ministry
in Saugatuck has renewed potential to bear fruit under LCC’s
ownership. They will be seeking the support of Presbyterian
churches. The sale will not affect this year’s summer camping program, which is under the direction of Brad Fries,
Acting Executive Director and Emily Karstens, Assistant
Camping Director for Summer Programming. Summer staff
is in place and the camp is accepting registrations.
Regarding another proposal from PRTF, while the Presbytery
offices at 100 S. Morgan Street are still on the market, there
is no immediate prospective buyer.
and in the United States. In stating the value placed on the
denomination’s relationships with Jews and Muslims, the
report maintains that these “bonds of friendship must not
prevent us from speaking nor limit our empathy for the
suffering of others.”
The eight recommendations are:
• Affirmation of Human Rights and Moral Principles
• Affirmation of Previous General Assembly Policies and
Statements
• Directives for the Witness of the Presbyterian Church
(USA) in 2010-2012
• Lists eight Urgent Actions toward Justice and Peace in
Israel, the Occupied Territories of Palestine and
Jerusalem
• Lists nine Urgent Actions for a Comprehensive Peace
with Justice in the Middle East
• Addresses the United States Government regarding its
policy in the region, making five “calls”
• Lists six Statements Concerning the Christian Presence
in the Middle East
• Asks the 219th General Assembly to Approve Part One
of the report (Introduction, Letters and Reflections),
Receive Part Three (Study materials), and Authorize the
Creation of a Study Guide
The complete 172-page report can be read and downloaded
from the PCUSA website. See cover article for specifics.
The Presbytery’s Voice
at General Assembly
Continued from Page 1
The Presbytery of Chicago is sending ten commissioners to the General Assembly: five clergy and five lay
leaders, plus a Youth Advisory Delegate. In addition,
we have elected two alternates in case any of the commissioners are unable to serve. Clergy commissioners
are the Revs. Christine Chakoian, Cliff Lyda, Nanette
Sawyer, John Vest and Michael Winters. Alternates are
Coleman Gilchrist and Laura Taylor de Palomino. Lay
commissioners are Sonia Bodi, Phyllis Green, Mat
Hacker, Nick Shargo and Michael Welf. Grace Strome
is the Youth Advisory Delegate. Let us pray for them as
they too represent the voice of the Presbytery of
Chicago at the 219th General Assembly.
Hot Topic
One of the “hot button” topics before the 219th General
Assembly will be the Report of the Middle East Study
Committee. This major report, entitled “Breaking Down the
Walls,” includes eight recommendations submitted for the
Assembly’s approval. This report was two years in the making, as the Study Committee was mandated by the 218th
General Assembly in 2008. In presenting these recommendations, the Committee affirms its concerns for peace and
justice in Palestine and Israel, and its concern for the enduring integrity and witness of the Christian Church both there
Commissioners to 219th General Assembly
June 2010
3
“Advance
HeadlineJustice” – Mission Stories
Bus and Books for Havana
When people conjure images of Cuba, they often envision the
colorful 1950s vintage American cars that are still running
on their owners’ amazing resourcefulness. In reality, most
Cubans do not have cars. They walk for miles, hope for available seats on public buses, and hitch for rides along dusty
roads.
Abel Mirabal, pastor in Guanabacoa and Moderator of the
Presbytery of Havana, has expressed his profound gratitude
to all who contributed to this project.
Going Green
Several churches in the Presbytery are taking active steps
towards becoming more environmentally friendly in their
operations. Among them are Carol Stream Heritage, Western
Springs, Wheaton First, and Naperville River Glen.
In February, Carol Stream Heritage undertook a “green
audit” with School and Community Assistance for Recycling
and Composting Education (S.C.A.R.C.E.). The church had
already undertaken some changes, including replacing some
fluorescent lights with more efficient T8 green end tubes,
using water-saving toilets, turning lights and computers off
when not needed, and recycling. Nonetheless, the audit
identified additional ways to save energy, including replacing
lights with more energy-efficient bulbs, giving up styrofoam
cups, and choosing chlorine-free paper napkins and towels.
The church was also advised to assemble a “Green Team” to
continue giving attention to environmental issues.
Pastors for Peace bus in Cuba
Churches in the Presbytery of Havana, a partner of the
Presbytery of Chicago, must rent buses to take people to
meetings in scattered towns and kids to the summer camp in
central Cuba. Visiting groups from Chicago also use them to
get around Havana. These buses are not always reliable but
are always expensive.
Chicago Presbytery supports the ‘bus and books’ drive for
Havana, Cuba. The Presbytery of Havana will soon take possession of its own bus, thanks to the generosity of U.S.
Presbyterian organizations including the Presbytery of
Chicago. What’s more, the bus will be filled with nearly a ton
of books for the library at the Matanzas Evangelical
Theological Seminary, the source of most Presbyterian pastors and Sunday school teachers in the Presbytery of Havana.
The books were donated by the Association of Retired
Ministers, Spouses and Survivors.
The Presbytery of Chicago’s Cuba Partnership Mission Team
contributed $1,000 to the more-than $13,000 necessary for
the “bus and books” drive.
The bus is being transported to Cuba via Pastors for Peace, an
ecumenical organization dedicated to helping churches in
third-world countries. One of the group’s high-profile
initiatives is its occasional Friendshipment Caravan of
reconditioned U.S. school buses.
After it is suitably decorated with unique eye-catching paint
jobs by local vacation bible school kids – including slogans
such as “Dios Es Amor” (“God Is Love”) and “Puro Amistad”
(“Pure Friendship”) – the Havana bus will leave its home in
Santa Fe, NM, on July 15. It will be driven to the port in
Tampico, Mexico, and travel by boat to Cuba where its new
owners will be waiting.
4
June 2010
Western Springs chose to study environmental stewardship
through its Adult Leaning program in April. Sara Ross of
Faith in Place (www.faithinplace.org) provided an overview
of ways in which Chicago congregations are going green.
Participants also learned about Angelic Organics, a community supported agriculture initiative, and about “Creating
Community Change.”
As of May 2010, Wheaton First’s newsletter will be sent to
the congregation via e-mail as a pdf file. This is expected to
reduce expenses and further the church’s green initiatives.
Members and friends who still wish to receive a paper copy
of the newsletter are being invited to “opt in,” using a postcard they can mail back to the church office. Paper copies
will also be available for pick up at the church so that visitors,
especially, will be able to learn more about the church.
“Members are excited about this ‘green’ initiative and many
are taking advantage of this opportunity to go green. This
saves time and trees and is great stewardship,” says Jan
Buscher, member of the church.
Starting in 2008, Naperville River Glen’s Building and
Grounds committee began targeting energy use reductions to
reduce both operating costs and the church’s carbon footprint. Their survey identified exactly where they use energy
and for what (including the number of sinks and air conditioning units at the church). They also looked closely at their
utility bills to track unit costs and utilization. After close
assessment, the group determined that reasonable savings
could be achieved in both electricity and gas use. However,
the church needed to spend money to save money. They
installed a customized, computer-controlled air conditioning management system, and replaced thermostats scattered
throughout the building with sensors to provide greater control and allow more sensitive, finely-tuned temperature control. Ceiling lights and ballasts were also changed for higher
“Advance Justice” – Mission Stories
efficiency units. After an initial outlay of $8844, first year
savings attributable to these changes were $2430. These were
real savings based on units of energy used compared to 2008,
and do not include energy pricing variations.
Life Under the Overpass
The Social Justice Ministry of Elmhurst Presbyterian Church
presented Mike Yankoski in a program focusing on his experience of living “Life Under the Overpass.” Mike took a
semester off from college to voluntarily live as a homeless
person. He and a friend chose to do this to better understand the plight of the American homeless population and to
observe how the Christian community interacted with this
segment of society. They ate from trash cans and in rescue
missions, slept under bridges, and panhandled in order to
survive. Mike is advocating for a Christ-centered response to
our world’s great needs.
Mike has published two books about his experience: Under
the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America and
Zealous Love.
Mission in Cambodia
Itasca First supports Sang ki Lee, a missionary in Cambodia.
In a recent report, he told of a program to train university
students and leaders of Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGO’s) how to plan and develop business to generate
GET ’10 Culture Night with Dr. George Kim, Director of GET
’10 Program
income and help the poor get out of poverty. The program
was called GET ’10, which means Global Entrepreneurship
Training in 2010. A team of eight professors along with students from Handong Global University taught 80
Cambodians. Their challenge was to show the students how
to change their poverty mind-set and believe they can
overcome it.
The program was viewed as a success and the leadership of
Cambodia want this type of program to continue.
Weinberg, the church’s Mission Director, has worked in the
Congo to support women and families, and Tom Sullivan
helped create the Congo’s Education Excellence Project and
has advocated for Congo in Washington. They were part of
the panel who presented a DVD at the church about the
twelve-year war that has taken 5.4 million lives and caused
the rape of over 600,000 women and children. The panel
presented hopeful efforts to stop the Congo’s war and
empower women. Despite the crisis, the Congolese, with
U.S. partners, continue to run churches, schools, women’s
healing, hospitals and clinics, and micro-enterprise programs. The attendees were inspired by learning about a people of great faith and incredible courage who are bringing
hope to the Congo.
Ecumenical Update
At a pre-Presbytery event in April, the Ecumenical
Millennium Committee provided an update on what is happening locally within the larger body of Christ. The
Ecumenical Millennium Committee (EMC), represents
eighteen independent Christian
denominations
and organizations
with the Chicago
community. This
was the first of a
series of presentations to inform
church members
of activities the
committee is
doing that impact The Revs. Grayson Van Camp, Dudley Elvery and Edgar
Presbyterian
Hiestand. Hiestand is the ecumenical officer for the
churches and
United Methodist No. Illinois Conference.
their neighborhoods and to learn what churches are doing with regards to
ecumenical relationships. The event was sponsored by the
Presbytery’s Ecumenical and Inter-religious Work Group.
All You Can Eat
The Senior Highs of Chicago Fourth are grateful to those
who supported the annual Pancake Breakfast Fund-raiser
recently. Through the generosity of many, the event raised
more than $6,500 for the youth’s summer work camp trip to
Cary, Mississippi. All-you-can eat hotcakes were served by
the plateful, and the Rev. John Vest, Associate Pastor for
Youth Ministry, prepared seventy-seven omelets
Hope for Congo?
Evanston First has been involved in mission in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo for some time. Caryl
June 2010
5
“Develop Congregations” – News of our churches
Transformational Stories
Each church that
is involved in
the Acts 16:5
Initiative has a
Mission Team,
sometimes
called a Vision
Team. The team
and the
pastor(s) attend
The Mission Team of Chicago Second; Pauline two seminars
Ferguson (seated), Theola Jones, Eugene
provided by the
Leonard, Pastor Coleman Gilchrist, Mike
Vital Churches
Belletire and Howard Tiffen.
Institute each
year. Chicago Presbytery has just completed the second
seminar of Year One.
Friendship Presbyterian Church was formed one year ago
through the consolidation of Norwood Park and St. Andrew
congregations on the far northwest side of Chicago. Its mission is to Build Relationships That Transform Lives and
Glorify God.
The process of consolidation took several years and may not
have ever happened had it not been for the significant and
long-term assistance of the Chicago Presbytery, including
Acts 16:5. Our congregation’s main concern with joining Acts
16:5 was that, since it is geared to churches just considering
discerning their purpose, we would spend a lot of time going
over ground we’ve already covered. To our dismay and
delight, we’ve discovered we’re not as far along as we think.
And we’ve discovered that Acts 16:5 really does give us a lot
of ideas and flexibility to go at our own pace and address the
issues we need and want to address.
We are happy we’ve formed a six-member Vision Team that
meets once every two weeks. This team gives valuable feedback to our pastor and leads major church projects including
implementation of Word/Share/Prayer and designing/implementing a Small Groups initiative consistent with our size
(69 total members) and Mission (see above). We also see a
great opportunity to improve our communications and relationships with other congregations of our Presbytery in a way
that honors our Mission Statement.
Embracing and Reaping is the Acts 16:5 Initiative at Tinley
Park Faith United. They are committed to their Mission
Statement: Know God - Grow In Faith - Serve Others.
Vital Churches Institute through the Act 16:5 Initiative seeks
to find answers to why churches seem to be declining. They
point out that today there is a powerful God-given hunger for
fresh vitality among church leaders, congregations needing
and wanting to grow - to create new energy and new
ministries, and individual Christians seeking to grow.
To attain this level of vitality “Traditional” churches that
continually repeat services, programs, and committees year
6
June 2010
after year are destined to an existence of complacency. For
churches to survive or prosper, they need to embrace a path
from being traditional to transformational.
Faith United as a congregation has embraced this path and is
becoming a Transformational Church. The Acts 16:5
Initiative Vision Team traverses this path through a transitional stage looking at what does or does not work. Their
goal is to have the whole congregation involved in the integral life of Faith United. Presently, Faith United is actively in
the Transitional stage, seeking new ways to fulfill the Great
Commission, by serving their congregation and community,
while continuing traditions that have always worked.
Rare occurrences are becoming commonplace at Faith
United. For the first time in many years:
• Hosting New Members classes for seekers looking for a
church home
• Youth are appearing on Sundays, in worship, as lay readers,
and there is now time with children
• Attendance pads are reporting an increase in weekly
attendance of existing members, and guests
• Wednesday evening Bible Studies (both men and women)
have extended sessions
• An active Men’s ministry that is complemented by a dedicated Presbyterian Women’s Organization (PWO)
• Committees replaced by Ministries
• New Deacons and Elders
Their Session and pastor see the enthusiasm of the Vision
Team, the commitment to attendance and shared leadership,
a wide range of ideas shared, a willingness to be steadfast and
dedicated, even when the way forward is not clear, and a love
for their church.
Their Vision Team seeks awareness and attentiveness to
ideas and thoughts of others in the worship of God and in
mission, continuation of seeking ways to serve our community and inviting new ways of worship and service, including
input from all.
Naperville Knox recently launched the Indian Prairie Great
Banquet community in the western suburbs. In combined
efforts with First Presbyterian Church of DuPage and
Wheaton First Presbyterian, they hosted weekend retreats in
February (for men) and in March (for women). Each weekend was a tremendous success.
The Great Banquet is a short course in Christianity patterned
after The Cursillo and The Walk to Emmaus weekends.
Banquets are sponsored by a community of churches and are
biblically based on Luke 14:16-24 and Luke 10:27. The weekend allows guests a 72 hour opportunity to be still, to listen to
talks and each other, to worship, and to hear Christ’s plan for
this world and our lives. Banquet attendees become part of
a growing community of believers who desire to spend dedicated time studying and learning about Christ and supporting one another. Indian Prairie is a new banquet community that grew out of the Greater Chicago Great Banquet that is
held at Park Ridge Presbyterian Church.
“Develop Congregations” – News of our churches
Fall weekends for Indian Prairie are scheduled in October
for men and women. For more information please visit
www.ipgb.org or email [email protected].
Holy Week Labyrinth Walks
During Holy Week, the Wheaton First sanctuary was open
each day from 9:00am – 4:00pm, offering members, friends
and the public the opportunity to walk the canvas labyrinth
which was placed there.
Physically, the labyrinth is a large circle with a single path
that winds back and forth, moving alternately toward and
away from the center, and ending up in a central circle. On
the labyrinth, we are asked to simply follow and yield to the
path. As a spiritual metaphor and meditation practice, walking the labyrinth provides an opportunity for inward journey,
both figuratively and literally. It can be used for prayer, centering, problem solving, reflection, and/or inspiration.
During the week, the church also offered an informational
session on the history and use of the labyrinth.
Ghanaians Anniversary
The Ghanaian
Presbyterian
Fellowship, worshiping at Chicago Second,
held its annual celebration on May 23. It
was an opportunity to
be part of the
Ghanaian culture.
Leading the
congregation is James
Acquaah
Celebration at Ghanaian Presbyterian
Worshipping Fellowship
A Family Affair
The worship committee of Orland Park offers a unique
experience for families to serve together as ushers during
summer worship services. Families of four are being
encouraged to participate. The only stipulation is that any
children be eight years or older.
The preaching in the pulpit is fruitless unless it is reflected in
the lives of the congregation. Classroom teaching is ineffective unless it comes to life in the attitude and behavior of people. Your church is measured not so much by what its leaders
say as by what you do. You are the means by which the good
life advocated by the church is communicated to people.
Your church professes a concern for people; you express that
concern in the way you act toward others. Your church tries
to build up a Christian world; you validate these attempts by
your community. Your church claims to have a gospel that
will make people new, opening to them a fuller life; you are
the demonstration of that claim.”
Passion for Stewardship
The PC(USA) Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference was
held in Indianapolis in March. The Rev. Nancy Jo Dederer
and Elder Laurel Hamilton of Homewood First attended.
This 48-hour conference was packed with keynote speakers
and a selection of twenty-eight workshops. Between the two
of them, Nancy and Laurel took in eight of them.. Among
their choices were Creating a Spiritual Culture of Generosity in
your Church, Stewardship of the Environment, and Asset Based
Planning. The hands-on suggestions and resources provided
lots of ideas, and the encouragement from speakers like
Charles Spencer, (who led a workshop for our Presbytery last
year), truly stirred up a passion for the ministry of stewardship as our thankful response to God’s abundant grace in our
world.
“This was my third year to attend the Kaleidoscope”, said
Dederer. “In the past three years the conference has doubled in size, a sign of its relevance today. I encourage you to
consider attending next year in Phoenix, February 28-March
2.” Many of the workshop presentations are available for
download. It’s free and a great resource provided by committed Presbyterians. Log on to www.stewardshipkaleidoscope.org. Click on “Workshop & Plenary Materials” on the
sidebar. For more information, contact Dederer at
[email protected].
Article submitted by the Rev. Nancy Jo Dederer, Moderator,
Stewardship & Financial Development Work Group
Your Church is You
Mount Prospect Community’s February newsletter included
the following reminder:
“You are a walking advertisement of your church and the
Christ whom it proclaims. You take the church out of its four
walls and make it live in the everyday affairs of life.
Some have the idea that the pastor is the church. The pastor
is your representative, but certainly not your substitute.
June 2010
7
Empower Ministry — Guiding Leaders
A Consultant with Ears to Hear
Empower Ministry Covenants
The Presbytery has hired an experienced pastor and educator
to support the Empower Ministry Mission Priority
Leadership Team as a consultant. The Rev. Garnett Foster
has come on board to share her extensive teaching and leadership skills and her
passion for congregations and their
leaders. She is especially committed to
working with congregations that have
some diversity. She
spent fifteen years in
parish ministry in
multi-cultural
congregations.
The Empower Ministry Mission Priority Leadership Team
(MPLT) has validated twelve covenants for 2010. Five of
them are Multi-team covenants, which means support is
shared by all three MPLTs. The covenants represent the mission directions of the Empower Ministry MPLT, which are to:
Garnett’s focus is on
the educational
The Rev. Garnett Foster, Consultant for
aspect of ministry.
Empower Ministry
She seeks to help
clergy and lay leaders reflect theologically – to get more out
of their education. She has recently retired from her position at Director of Field Education and Placement at
Louisville Seminary, where, in addition to working with 60
students each year, she also trained their supervisors and
taught a course, Practical Theology in Congregations, which is
now a required course. She serves the national church on the
General Assembly’s Training Network for Committees on
Preparation for Ministry.
In addressing her call to the consultant position for Chicago
Presbytery, she said she seeks first to listen. She brings ears
that are open to exploring fresh discernment of what God is
calling the church to be and do in this time of transition in
the church and the culture. She will be looking for the
“holes” in the Presbytery’s mission commitments – the
unmet needs – and will encourage the Empower Ministry
MPLT to actively seek out areas where a covenant with the
Presbytery could address those needs. Garnett lists as an
example a gathering of small churches to seek ways to collaborate in areas such as leadership development, vacation
Bible school and mission outreach programs.
Garnett seeks to work with Christians who understand that
God loves the world and calls the church to love and serve
that world, and who are willing to “get their hands dirty in
involvement with persons and issues that are sometimes
painful and conflicted.” Her commitment to congregations
and the training of their leadership has brought her to
Chicago Presbytery. The Presbytery is blessed to have her
passion and her experience supporting the work of
Empower(ing) Ministry.
8
June 2010
• deepen faith through biblical literacy and education
programs;
• encourage collaboration between clergy and lay leadership;
• provide training about our identity and polity as
Presbyterians;
• encourage the spiritual growth and ministry skills of clergy
and lay leadership so that children, youth and adults may in
turn be led to spiritual growth.
The covenants are: Caregiver Support and Education; Clergy
Retreat; Hispanic Bible Connection; Hope First/Hope
Chicago; L.E.A.D.; Youth Ministry; Mission Council #8. The
five Multi-team covenants are: African American
Congregational Transformation; Congregations in Solidarity
in Latin America; Dakota Partnership; Hispanic Ministries
in Chicago Presbytery; and Multicultural Church.
True North Report
The True North Response Team offered a new training format in May at Winnetka Presbyterian Church. A second
event will be held in October. Both events are recommended
for those who have already taken the basic training.
The basic training helps a person to understand the basic
dynamics of ministerial misconduct and the devastating
results for individual victims and congregations. The training offered in May looked at the complexities of misconduct
prevention, pastoral awareness of self in relationship to others, and self care. The training scheduled for October will
look at congregational dynamics following misconduct.
The Response Team is recommending a new Bible Study.
The Baylor University School of Social work has developed a
study to be used in congregations titled “Power and the
Christian.” It is a five lesson study with the following titles
for each study unit:
Putting Little Ones First; Esther: Orphan Girl to Queen; Eli and
Samuel; David and Bathsheba; and When Our Use of Power
Pleases God. The study includes YouTube video examples and
interesting reflection questions, and helps participants to
understand both positive and negative uses of power, as well
as the power dynamic in sexual misconduct. The study is
available through the Baylor website: www.baylor.edu/
clergymisconduct.
Presbytery News
Challenge and Commitment
The Presbytery of Chicago met at Chicago Pullman for the
April Assembly meeting. During the pre-presbytery period,
commissioners heard from members of the Ecumenical
Millennium Committee who shared the ways individual congregations can relate to their work. In a second prePresbytery event, the Presbytery Reformation Task Force
updated information about the proposed sale of the
Presbyterian Camps to Lakeshore Christian Camping.
Worship rocked the house, reminding us that God’s promise
in baptism gives us the courage and compassion to meet the
needs of the world. The Rev. Victoria Curtiss was the preacher.
In the Assembly meeting, the Presbytery Council and the
Presbytery Reformation Task Force (PRTF) presented a letter
of intent, outlining the major points of a proposed sale of
Presbyterian Camps to Lakeshore Christian Camping. Those
points include a cash payment, prior to August 31, of $8.6
million. Also, in the future, once the property is debt free,
LCC might apply to protect the camps property with a conservation easement. If so, the Presbytery will receive the greater
of a) $1.4 million, or b) one half of all conservancy fees for the
camps. A conservation easement will both generate additional
funds to support the camps and the Presbytery, and will also
protect the camps from development, in perpetuity. The
assembly voted to allow the Presbytery Council, acting as the
corporate title holder of the camps, to approve and execute a
final sales contract with LCC. The Board members of LCC are
Chicago Presbyterians, most of whom have served on the
Presbytery’s camping oversight committee, and who are
dedicated to the continued ministry of the camps.
face the realities of raising the money to pay off the debt. He
also celebrated the 21 churches participating in the Acts 16:5
initiative, Presbytery’s continuing support for the rebuilding
work in New Orleans and the ongoing partnership with
Matanzas Seminary in Cuba. He introduced the Rev. Garnett
Foster, who has been hired as Consultant to the Empower
Ministry Mission Priority Leadership Team.
The Assembly celebrated the accomplishments of Ms. Bonita
Gilchrist, Operations Manager and an Executive Assistant on
the Presbytery staff. Bonita has been certified by the PCUSA
Administrative Personnel Association. In honor of her
achievements, the assembly voted to give Bonita voice at all
future Assembly meetings while she is on staff.
The assembly debated and approved four overtures that will
now be sent to the 219th General Assembly, meeting this
summer in Minneapolis. The overtures are:
1. On seeking compliance to US government policy in the use
of military aid by all parties in the Middle East;
2. To re-establish an Office of Collegiate Ministries in the
PCUSA and develop a plan for funding that office;
3. ToreceivetherecommendationsoftheFormofGovernment
TaskForce(whichhasproposedacompleterevisionofthe
FormofGovernment,thefirstpartofourBookofOrder)andto
dismissthetaskforcewithgratitude;and
4. To call upon the US government to suspend the use of certain military bases in Colombia and to work towards peace
in that country.
Commissioners held hands and reminded themselves of
their connections in the resurrected Christ, in the
Presbyterian Church, and in mission to serve the world.
Churches were thanked for their generous pledges and donations so far towards shared mission giving.
The End Hunger and Homelessness Mission Team reported
that there are over 21,000 homeless people in Chicago and
that over 700,000 persons need food assistance in Cook
County. Our connections as a worshipping, mission-loving
community in Chicago give us hope that someday the whole
world will know the peace that passes understanding.
The churches participating in the Acts 16:5 program reported
on exciting new outreach programs they are sponsoring.
With regard to the work of the PRTF, Executive Presbyter,
Bob Reynolds, reminded the Assembly of the Presbytery’s
commitment to moving Christ’s word forward even as we
The business before the Assembly was challenging. The
Assembly rose to the challenge with commitment, passion
and a zeal for mission.
Transitions
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR
MINISTRY
Enrolled as a Candidate
• Mr. Nathan Jeremie-Brink, member at
Chicago Pullman
Certified Ready to Receive a Call
• Ms. Sarah Iliff
• Ms. Polly Toner
• Ms. Courtney Ellis
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
New to Presbytery:
• Le Anne Clausen de Montes, from
North Central Iowa, serving as copastor at St. John’s UCC in Waukegan
Change in Presbytery
• Benjamin Bishop, from member at
large to interim pastor at St. Pauls UCC
in Chicago
• Laura Taylor de Palomino, from designated pastor at Hanover Park Christ to
member at large
• Anne Fisher, from member at large to
interim associate pastor at Deerfield
• Garnett Foster, to Consultant for
Empower Ministry
• Wendy Mathewson, associate chaplain
at Northwestern University
• Charles Matz, restored to active status,
member at large
• Richard Smith, stated supply/
moderator at North Riverside Christ
Inactive Status
• Bob Anderle, while he serves in the
military
Laboring in Bounds
• Autumn Butler-Saeger, at Great Lakes
Naval Station (from Middle Tennessee)
June 2010
9
Presbytery
Headline News
User’s Guide to MOO
In February, the Presbytery assembly approved a significant
revision of the Presbytery of Chicago’s Manual of Operations,
known affectionately as “the MOO.” The Book of Order
requires every Presbytery to have such a manual, laying out
the basic organization and functioning of the Presbytery.
(G-9.0405) Following is a brief summary of Chicago
Presbytery’s MOO, for those not familiar with the
Presbytery’s structure and function.
First: there are committees established by the Book of Order.
These include the Committee on Ministry, the Committee on
Preparation for Ministry, the Committee on Representation,
the Committee on Nominations, and the Presbytery Council.
Second: Our Presbytery additionally has three Mission
Priority Leadership Teams (MPLT); Advance Justice, Develop
Congregations, and Empower Ministry. Each MPLT creates
and empowers mission teams to assist congregations and
outside groups to work together on significant areas of interest. Some mission teams, such as the Mid-East Task Force,
have lasted for generations. Others assemble to promote one
project, fulfill their goals, and disappear. The breadth of
peoples’ interest and enthusiasm in mission is demonstrated
by the breadth of our mission teams. Many of these are represented in the Mission Fair which is held at the October
Presbytery Assembly meeting.
Third: The Presbytery operates through work groups and task
forces of the Presbytery Council. Work groups tend to ongoing tasks, such as supporting the staff and operations of the
Presbytery offices, representing the Presbytery in its ecumenical activities or assisting churches with real estate
issues. Task forces address time-limited projects, such as the
Presbytery Reformation Task Force’s work to help retire our
debt.
Fourth: The Presbytery conducts its secular business through
its three corporations, two of which, the Church Extension
Board and the Presbyterian Camps, Inc., are currently active.
In addition to setting the basic operating structure of the
presbytery, the MOO includes certain basic operating principles. For example, email has become an increasingly popular
way for committees to make simple decisions, such as setting
dates. Our MOO includes the basic parameters on how we
use and record email votes. We also authorize ourselves to
use discernment procedures in addition to those provided by
Robert’s Rules.
The February amendments to the MOO included two significant matters. First, the role of corporate trustee was passed
on to the Presbytery Council. In the previous version of the
MOO, the corporate boards were made up of nine people,
five of whom served on council. The other four did not serve
on council.
10
June 2010
The second significant change involves the adoption of a
conflict of interest policy for the Presbytery. Conflict of
interest analysis, recognizing that people live complex, multifaceted lives, addresses the POTENTIAL for a person’s
overlapping interests and roles to affect his or her judgment.
Our new policy requires Presbytery staff and volunteers to
disclose potential conflicts of interests and to refrain from
participating in discussion or voting on matters where a
conflict may exist.
A copy of the Presbytery’s MOO is available on the website:
www.chicagopresbytery.org Like all constitutions and bylaws,
our MOO is a living document, changing as the Presbytery
changes, in order to best serve God’s mission.
United Against Video Gambling
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago
has issued a statement opposing the expansion of video gambling in the city of Chicago. The statement, originally written in 1993, states the opinion that “gambling is regressive
in its economic effect, morally repugnant to many, and is
demonstrably harmful to a growing number of individuals
and families.”
The Council reaffirmed the statement in February 2010, saying that “the continued spread of gambling is poor public
policy and an inadequate response to the needs of the community.” They pointed out that there is already a vast assortment of gaming opportunities and the proposal to add video
gambling is ill advised and detrimental to the well being of
Chicago’s citizens.
The Council requests that any consideration of this expansion of gambling (an amendment to Chapter 8-12-010 of the
Municipal Code) be open to public hearings and that provision be made for public testimony to allow for those in
opposition to be heard.
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago is
composed of chief leaders of the Greater Chicago faith communities, embracing a broad diversity of theological and
religious traditions. The Council seeks to act with a unified
voice on social issues affecting the people of Chicago land.
The Co-Executive Directors are the Revs. Paul Rutgers and
Stan Davis. The Council’s website is www.crlmc.org.
Questioning the Answer
In March, seventy-one youth and adults from six churches
met at the Presbyterian Camps in Saugatuck for the annual
Confirmation Retreat offered by the Presbytery’s Youth
Ministry Team. The theme for the retreat was “Questioning
the Answer: What
does it mean to
say Jesus is your
Lord and Savior?”
and was led by
Rev. John Vest
from Chicago
Fourth. Music
was led by Rev.
Erik Dailey from
Lake Forest First.
A lot of laughter and a lot of hot chocolate
Over the weekend, some very thoughtful questions were
asked (and answered) in preparation for the time when sessions ask the confirmands to reaffirm the vows taken at baptism. Besides the time in learning, the group had good
weather (for March in Michigan!) which allowed outdoor
time to enjoy Mt. Baldy and around camp. And, of course,
the weather is always right for endless hot chocolate!
The weekend closed with worship and affirmations of faith,
amid the questions. “We give thanks again for another successful retreat, for the keynote and musical leadership that
made it possible, for the youth leaders, and, of course, for
the youth who came and for whom we do this,” says Nicole
Farley, member of Youth Ministry Team.
Article submitted by Nicole Farley, Director of Youth Ministries,
Winnetka
Resource for Caregivers of Older
Adults
Evanston-based Presbyterian Homes has launched
www.SeniorCareAnswerTeam.org, a new online resource
for caregivers of older adults. This may be an adult child who
is caring for a parent, or another adult who is caring for a
spouse or relative. The online site is intended to give caregivers a better understanding of the care services that are
available so they can choose the right kind of support for
their family member.
Information at www.SeniorCareAnswerTeam.org helps caregivers learn how to determine if a family member needs
help, and the different types of senior living and community
services available. Financial concerns are also addressed,
including assisted living costs, financial resources such as
Medicare/Medicaid, long-term care insurance and veteran’s
benefits. An easy-to-use online form is provided so that
users can ask questions directly of the Senior Care Answer
Team. Inquiries are responded to by the end of the next
business day, Monday through Friday.
“Throughout our years of experience, we’ve learned that
every family’s situation is very individual, and most feel they
are in uncharted territory. The array of terms, choices and
financial considerations is overwhelming,” says Lisa
Vandermark, director of memory care at Westminster Place
of Presbyterian Homes. “We wanted to provide a comprehensive site with answers to questions most often asked and
a way for them to ask questions specific to their individual
circumstances. This site can meet those needs.”
“We welcome questions from anyone - not just those considering a move to a Presbyterian Homes community,” advises
Lydia Torrese, geriatric nurse practitioner at Presbyterian
Homes and Senior Care Answer Team member. “The information and answers we provide are not specific to our
organization. This site is an effort to continue our mission of
serving older adults wherever they may live.”
There is additional information at the site in printable
resources that include tips, checklists and other related website links. Senior Care Answer Team members include
Presbyterian Homes’ health care professionals Dr. Peter
Jaggard, vice president of medical affairs, Bob Landsman,
vice president of finance; Melinda Pierce, director of rehabilitation services; Lydia Torrese, geriatric nurse practitioner; Lisa Vandermark, social services and director of memory
care; and Kathi Young, health care administrator.
Article submitted by Carolyn Staven, Public and Community relations Manager, Presbyterian Homes.
Educational Innovation
at McCormick
After a nine-month visioning process, McCormick
Theological Seminary is implementing a multi-year plan to
strengthen and expand on its model of theological education
as Reformed, urban, ecumenical and cross-cultural. The
educational innovation is designed to lay the groundwork for
long-term financial stability and to anticipate the leadership
needs of the global church.
At its recent meeting, the Board of Trustees approved several
proposals, including:
• Increased enrollment in the Doctor of Ministry Program,
• Further development of specialized leadership certificate
programs,
• Expansion of continuing education through congregational
partnerships,
• Building of the faculty’s aptitude for teaching in
multicultural classrooms,
• Introduction of online and hybrid courses into the
curriculum, and
• Fundraising for special projects.
Also at the recent Board meeting, the Rev. Cynthia Campbell
announced her intention to retire as President of the
Seminary at the end of 2011.
June 2010
11
Resources
How Do I…Get the Presbytery to
Help Publicize My Church’s
Event?
The Presbytery of Chicago has four main ways of communicating with our churches besides the Presbytery Assembly
meetings. Churches, Mission Teams, and Presbytery entities
are all welcome to ask for help spreading the word about
coming events.
The most well-known communications piece we have is Our
Common Ministry, the Presbytery Newsletter. It is published
five times a year. If a group wants to report about something
they have done, this is an ideal medium. Because of the long
lead time for printing this publication, it is not generally
used for announcing events. For submission deadlines for
Our Common Ministry, please look at the bottom of page two of
this publication.
The Presbytery uses the internet to let people know about
things quickly (things that will happen in the next two to four
months) by posting announcements on the Presbytery
homepage (http://www.chicagopresbytery.org), by posting
them on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/
Presbtyery.of.Chicago), and by sending out email
announcements to our subscribers using an email tool
called Constant Contact.
Web Site
To post an announcement on the web site, churches can send
an email to Adele Hensley ([email protected]).
Please include a description of the event, or a copy of the
flyer or announcement, a contact email and telephone number, the date of the event, the location, and the name of the
sponsoring congregation. Flyers for the web site can be in
these file formats: .pdf, .jpg, .doc, and .pub.
For announcements or to make changes to their particular
web pages, Presbytery mission teams, leadership teams and entities should contact their moderator or the staff person with
whom they work. The moderator or staff person can submit
the request to Adele Hensley.
Facebook
Anyone can post an event directly onto the wall of the
Presbytery’s Facebook page. To be allowed to post, a person
needs to have a Facebook account. He or she can then click
on the “like” button at the top of the Presbytery of Chicago
page. Posts will appear on the page and Facebook will show
each entry in the “live feed” of everyone who has said they
“like” our page.
Constant Contact Emails
If a church or a group has an announcement that they want to
email to the churches of the presbytery, ministers of the
presbytery, a particular special interest group, or general
interest subscribers, this is the tool to use. Churches should
contact Adele Hensley (312 243-8300 ext, 1314, or
12
June 2010
[email protected]). Other groups should
begin by contacting the staff person with whom they work.
Emails need to include a description of the event, a contact
name, email address, telephone number, date, location, and
the name of the sponsoring church or presbytery entity. Art
work can be included in these emails but .pdf files cannot.
Please send flyers, announcements, or pictures in these file
formats: .jpg, .doc, or .pub.
To emphasize the current and relevant nature of these email
announcements, Adele tries to send only one or two a day,
and usually sends them one to three weeks preceding the
event. This means there may be lag time between when a
group submits an announcement and when it is actually sent.
To subscribe to the Presbytery’s Constant Contact e-mailings: Visit the homepage (www.chicagopresbytery.org), scroll
down to the lower part of the right side menu, select the link
that says “subscribe to the POC email list,” and follow the
directions.
If you have questions about any of these internet communication tools, or about how to subscribe to Constant Contact,
use Facebook, or the Presbytery web site, please call or email
Adele.
Notices
• FOR THE ASKING: Seven white choir robes. Elmhurst
Yorkfield. Contact Beth Freese Dammers, (630) 833-6600
x13 or [email protected]
Coming Events
2010
• June 8, pre-Presbytery, Mission Insite, demographic
resources
• June 8, Presbytery Assembly meeting, 4 pm, Deerfield First
• July 3-10, 219th General Assembly, Minneapolis, MN
• July 23-Aug. 2, CSLA delegation to Colombia
• Oct. 12, Presbytery Assembly meeting, 4 pm, River Forest
First
• Dec. 14, Presbytery Assembly meeting, 1 pm, Christ
Church, Oak Brook
For more information on these events, call (312) 243-8300 unless
otherwise noted.
Compartiendo Nuestro Ministerio
Presbytery of Chicago
www.chicagopresbytery.org
June 2010 • Volume 26 Number 3
Voz Del Presbiterio en la
Asamblea General
• Llamar al Gobierno a suspender el uso de ciertas bases
militares en Colombia y trabajar hacia la paz en ese país.
El Presbiterio de Chicago está enviando siete oberturas a la
219na Asamblea General para su examen. La Asamblea
General se reúne en Minneapolis, en julio del 2010.
• Alentar a la celebración del 100mo aniversario del primer
pronunciamiento de la PC(USA) en asuntos de justicia
social.
Oberturas son el medio por el cual Presbiterios y
Los asuntos más probables en generar más interés y
Consistorios de las iglesias pueden presentar un problema
discusión son los relativos al Oriente Medio y los
ante el organismo gobernante nacional. Son una
relacionados con las normas de ordenación. Un Comité de
manera de tener una voz en cuerpo mayor de la
Estudio que ha estado trabajando durante dos
denominación. Oberturas son asignadas a
años sobre la situación en el Oriente Medio
comités apropiados en la Asamblea, que
está trayendo a la Asamblea un informe
estudian el problema y formulan una
completo con recomendaciones para
recomendación a toda la Asamblea
acciones por la Iglesia Presbiteriana y el
para acción. Nuestro propio
Gobierno de Estados Unidos. El informe
moderador de Presbiterio, Rdo. Cliff
completo puede descargarse desde el
Lyda, ha sido nombrado moderador
sitio Web IP(EUA):
del Comité de Asuntos de
www.pcusa.org/GA219 Seleccionar PCAdministración de Cuerpo
BIZ, examinar el sitio y busque Middle
Intermedios, y nuestra Secretaria
East. Para obtener información de las
Permanente, Rda. Barbara Bundick
normas de ordenación, busque
ha sido nombrada
Ordination.
Parlamentaria/Inscriptora al
Comité Coordinador de
Logo for the 219th General Assembly: “De su interior brotarán El Rdo. Gradye Parsons,
Misión. Cada uno de nuestros
Secretario Permanente de la
ríos de agua viva.” Juan 7:38
Comisionados también ha
Asamblea General, ha publicado
resibido asignaciones a comités.
sus mayores esperanzas para la 219na Asamblea General.
Son: toma de decisiones en oración; conciencia más
La voz del Presbiterio de Chicago se escuchará por medio
profunda de toda la IP(EUA); discernimiento de los
de las siguientes proposiciones:
problemas y retos de congregaciones; un llamamiento
común a una iglesia en cambio; atención más allá de
• Solicitar el cumplimiento de política del Gobierno de los
nosotros mismos a un mundo en gran necesidad; un
Estados Unidos en el uso de ayuda militar por todas las
compartimiento entusiasta de la fe; y una promoción de la
partes en Oriente Medio.
misión de Cristo en el mundo.
• Llamado a que “fidelidad y castidad” en G-6.0106b en el
El Presbiterio de Chicago está enviando diez comisionados
Libro de Orden sea reemplazado con nuevo lenguaje
a la Asamblea General: cinco clero y cinco líderes laicos,
afirmando votos de ordenación.
además de un delegado asesor de juventud. Además, hemos
• Solicitar una interpretación autorizada para que iglesias y
elegido a dos suplentes en caso de que cualquiera de los
clero puedan proporcionar cuidado pastoral en los
comisionados sea incapaz de servir. Clero comisionados
Estados que reconocen el matrimonio homosexual.
son:Rdo/as. Christine Chakoian, Cliff Lyda, Nanette
Sawyer, John Vest y Michael Winters. Lo/as alterno/as son
• Restablecer una Oficina de Ministerios Colegiales en la
Coleman Gilchrist y Laura Taylor de Palomino.
IP(EUA) y desarrollar un plan para la financiación de
Comisionados laicos son Sonia Bodi, Phyllis Green, Mat
dicha Oficina.
Hacker, Nick Shargo y Michael Welf. Grace Strome es
• RecibirlasrecomendacionesdelGrupodeTrabajodeForma Delegada Asesora de Juventud. Oremos por ello/as ya que
también representan la voz del Presbiterio de Chicago en la
deGobiernoydespedirelgrupodetrabajocon gratitud.
219na Asamblea General.
June 2010
13
Compartiendo Nuestro Ministerio
Autobus y libros para la Habana
Cuando la gente evoca imágenes de Cuba, a menudo ven
imágenes de los coloridos automóbiles americandos de los
años 50s que todavía se mueven debido a la sorprendente
inventiva sus dueños. En realidad, la mayoría de los
cubano/as no tienen coches. Caminan por millas, esperan
por asientos disponibles en autobuses públicos y buscan
enganche para paseos a lo largo de caminos polvorientos.
Iglesias en el
Presbiterio de la
Habana, un socio del
Presbiterio de
Chicago, deben
alquilar autobuses
para llevar gente a
reuniones en
ciudades lejanas y a
lo/as niño/as para
Autobus en Cuba de Pastores por la Paz
campamentos de
verano en el centro de Cuba. Grupos de visitantes de Chicago
también los utilizan para moverse alrededor de la Habana.
Estos buses no siempre son confiables, pero siempre son
caros.
El Presbiterio de Chicago apoya la iniciativa ‘autobús y
libros’ para la Habana, Cuba. El Presbiterio de la Habana
pronto tomará posesión de su propio autobus, gracias a la
generosidad de organizaciones presbiterianas de E.U.A.,
incluyendo el Presbiterio de Chicago. Es más, el autobus se
llenará con casi una tonelada de libros para la biblioteca del
Seminario Evangélico Teológico de Matanzas, fuente de la
mayor cantidad de pastores/as presbiterianos y maestro/as
de escuela dominical en el Presbiterio de la Habana. Los
libros fueron donados por la Asociación de Ministros
Jubilados, esposo/as y sobrevivientes.
El Equipo de Prioridad de Misión Asociación con Cuba del
Presbiterio de Chicago contribuyó $1,000 a los más de
$13,000 necesarios para la iniciativa “autobús y libros.”
El autobus es transportado a Cuba a través de Pastores por la
Paz, una organización ecuménica dedicada a ayudar a las
iglesias en países del tercer mundo. Una de las iniciativas de
alto perfil del grupo es sus Caravanas de Amistad con
autobuses escolares de reacondicionados.
Después de ser decorada adecuadamente con trabajos de
únicos de pintura llamativa por niños de escuela de Biblia de
vacaciones locales – incluyendo frases como “Dios Es Amor”
y “Pura amistad” – el autobus de la Habana dejará su casa en
Santa Fe, NM, el 15 de julio. Será manejado hasta el puerto de
Tampico, México y viajará por barco a Cuba donde le esperan
sus nuevos propietarios.
Abel Mirabal, pastor en Guanabacoa y moderador del
Presbiterio de la Habana, ha expresado su profunda gratitud
a todos los que han contribuido a este proyecto.
14
June 2010
Desafío y compromiso
El Presbiterio de Chicago se reunió en Pullman Chicago para
la reunión de la Asamblea de abril. Durante el período prepresbiterio, comisionados escucharon de los miembros del
Comité Ecuménico de Milenio que compartío las formas en
que congregaciones individuales pueden relacionarse a su
trabajo. En un segundo evento pre-presbiterio, el Grupo de
Trabajo de Reforma de Presbiterio actualizó información
sobre la propuesta de venta de Campamentos Presbiterianos
a Lakeshore Christian Camping.
El culto sacudió la casa, recordándonos que la promesa de
Dios en bautismo nos da el valor y la compasión para
satisfacer las necesidades del mundo. La Rda. Victoria
Curtiss predicó.
En la reunión de la Asamblea, el Concilio de Presbiterio y el
Grupo de Trabajo de Reforma de Presbiterio (PRTF)
presentó una carta de intención, bosquejando los puntos más
importantes de una propuesta venta de Campamentos
Presbiterianos a Lakeshore Christian Camping. Esos puntos
incluyen un pago en efectivo, hasta el 31 de agosto, de $8.6
millones. También, en el futuro, una vez la propiedad esté
libre de deuda, LCC podría solicitar proteger la propiedad de
campamentos con una servidumbre de conservación. De ser
así, el presbiterio recibirá lo mayor de: a) $1.4 millones, o b)
una mitad de todos los cuota de conservación de los
campamentos. Una servidumbre de conservación generará
fondos adicionales para apoyar los campamentos y el
presbiterio y también protegerá a los campamentos de
desarrollo, en perpetuidad. La Asamblea votó para permitir
que el Concilio del Presbiterio, como titular corporativo de
los campamentos, apruebe y ejecute un contrato de venta
final con LCC. Los miembros del Consejo de LCC son
presbiterianos de Chicago, la mayoría de los cuales han
servido en el comité de cuidado de campamentos
Presbiterianos y están dedicados al ministerio continuo de
los campamentos.
Lo/as comisionado/as unierons sus manos y recordaron sus
conexiones en el Cristo resucitado, en la Iglesia
Presbiteriana y en la misión de servir al mundo. Iglesias
fueron agradecidas por sus promesas de contribuciones
generosas y donaciones hasta el momento hacia la misión
compartida.
Con respecto a la labor de PRTF, el Presbítero Ejecutivo, Bob
Reynolds, recordó a la Asamblea el compromiso del
presbiterio de mover la palabra de Cristo adelante, aun
cuando nos enfrentamos a la realidad de recaudar el dinero
para pagar la deuda. También celebró las 21 iglesias
participando en la iniciativa Hechos 16:5, continuo apoyo del
presbiterio para el trabajo de reconstrucción en Nueva
Orleans y la continua asociación con el Seminario de
Matanzas en Cuba. Introdujo al Rdo. Garnett Foster, que ha
sido contratado como consultor en el Grupo de Trabajo de
Misión Ministerio de Poder.
La Asamblea celebró los logros de la Sra. Bonita Gilchrist,
Compartiendo Nuestro Ministerio
Gerente de Operaciones y Asistente Ejecutiva en el personal
del presbiterio. Bonita ha sido certificada por la Asociación
de Personal Administrativo de IPEUA. En honor de sus
logros, la Asamblea votó a favor darle a Bonita voz en futuras
reuniones de la Asamblea, mientras ella está en el personal.
La Asamblea debatió y aprobó cuatro oberturas, que ahora
será enviadas a la 219na Asamblea General, que se reunirá
este verano en Minneapolis. Los oberturas son:
• En la búsqueda de cumplimiento de normas a la política del
Gobierno de los Estados Unidos en el uso de la ayuda
militar por todas las partes en el Oriente Medio;
• Para restablecer una Oficina de Ministerios Colegiales en la
IPEUA y desarrollar un plan para la financiación de dicha
Oficina;
• Para recibir las recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo
Forma de Gobierno (que ha propuesto una revisión
completa de la Forma de Gobierno, la primera parte de
nuestro Libro de Orden) y despedir al grupo de trabajo con
gratitud; y
• Hacer un llamamiento al gobierno de Estados Unidos a
suspender el uso de ciertas bases militares en Colombia y
trabajar por la paz en ese país.
El Grupo de Misión Fin al Hambre y Deambulantes, informó
que hay más de 21,000 personas sin hogar en Chicago y más
de 700,000 personas necesitan asistencia alimenticic en el
condado de Cook. Nuestras conexiones como una comunidad
de culto, amante de la misión en Chicago nos dan la
esperanza de que algún día todo el mundo sabrá la paz que
pasa todo entendimiento. Las iglesias participantes en el
programa Hechos 16:5 informaron sobre emocionantes
nuevos programas de divulgación que están patrocinando.
Los negocios ante la Asamblea fueron desafiantes. La
Asamblea se elevó al desafío con compromiso, pasión y un
celo por la misión.
Bolígrafo del Presbítero
Desafíos de una fe viviente
POR ROBERT C. REYNOLDS, PRESBÍTERO EJECUTIVO
“Así, pues, cualquiera de vosotros
que no renuncie a todo lo que posee,
no puede ser mi discípulo. Lucas
14:33
Como estudiante de último año en la
universidad estudié los escritos de
Soren Kierkegaard, filósofo
cristiano danés del siglo XIX.
Personalmente, Kierkegaard era
extraño, solitario, pero su crítica
radical del cristianismo en su
Robert C. Reynolds
contexto era provocativo. Paul Holmer, un erudito de
Kierkegaard de Yale, fue profesor visitante en el Colegio
Macalester ese año y yo me empapé de su potente tutela.
Una reciente publicación sobre Kierkegaard refleja su
continua pertinencia para nosotros como cristianos
prósperos del siglo XXI. En Introducción a Kierkegaard, autor
Peter Vardy describe la posición de Kierkegaard sobre los
desafíos de una fe viviente. Él escribe, “fe se muestra en
cómo uno vive su vida — quienes tienen fe que confían su
vida a Dios, para quien Dios es el centro de todo lo que hacen
y piensan... Por lo tanto, se puede encontrar fe en las
personas simples, cuyas vidas completas descansan en Dios.
Sabrán que son pecadores y fallan, pero aceptan que Dios les
ama no porque no sean buenos o virtuosos. Dios les ama
como son—verrugas y todo. Esto es lo más difícil de entender
para el individuo fuerte e independiente, pero es lo que fe
envuelve. Cualquier otra cosa es un ejercicio de autoengaño.” (p. 64) (Traducción libre)
Los cristianos creen que Dios les ama incondicionalmente.
¡Indicaciones abrumadoras de lo contrario — desastres,
guerra y sufrimiento generalizado — creen ser amados, y
confían toda su vida a Dios! Por lo menos, según
Kierkegaard, es cómo se supone que sea.
Parece que a cristianos en problemas les resulta más fácil
confiar su vida a Dios que aquellos que prosperan. A
personas enfrentando grave enfermedad, discapacidad,
discriminación, abuso, desempleo y muerte de personas les
resulta más fácil que aquellos que son saludables y
prósperos. Si uno está en buen estado de salud y tiene
muchas posesiones, es más difícil confiar todo a Dios que
pide toda nuestra vida.
A nivel mundial, empobrecidos palestinos cristianos,
amerindios, haitianos, kenianos, cubanos y mexicanos
pobres confían su vida entera a Dios más fácilmente que los
ciudadanos relativamente ricos de las naciones más
poderosas. Francamente, parece que tenemos más que
perder que ellos, por lo que dudamos en confiar en Dios.
Creemos que el amor de Dios es dado libremente, no
merecido, de manera tal que Dios nos ama “verrugas y todo.”
Supongo que la parte de “las verrugas y todo” incluye
resistencia a confiar toda nuestra vida a Dios por miedo de
perder un agarre tenue en poder y prosperidad. Dios ama a
personas en todas las circunstancias de la vida, incluyendo a
los ricos y poderosos. Pero los que pueden confiar toda la
vida en fe son más felices y más espiritualmente llenos —
independientemente de sus circunstancias personales.
Esto es verdadero de comunidades enteras, como las iglesias
presbiterianas y cuerpos gobernantes, como lo es de
individuos. Dios nos ama verrugas y todo. Espero que el
Presbiterio de Chicago, con su tradición de ser un cuerpo
gobernante fuerte e independiente, pueda redescubrir las
riquezas de confiar nuestra vida entera a Dios en las
próximas semanas mientras resolvemos nuestro reto
financiero extraordinario. ¡Mostremos nuestra fe en cómo
vivimos!
June 2010
15
Vision Statement
“Chicago Presbytery – A Beacon of Hope, guiding
Leaders, Congregations and Communities.”
Presbytery of Chicago 100 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60607
Ready for You
Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and
invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant
to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now
ready.’ Luke 14:16-17
Thanks to a group of hard-working volunteers, Presbyterian
Camps is now ready! These volunteers showed their true servant-hearts on Memorial Day weekend as they picked up tools
and cleaning supplies to get camp ready for the busy and
exciting summer ahead.
With the camp site ready for summer, the focus is on the final
preparations for the summer program through our two week
staff training. The talented and enthusiastic group of summer
staff has arrived at camp and staff training is in full swing.
Counselors, Teams Leaders, Lifeguards, Kitchen staff and other
program staff all play vital roles in making the summer program
run smoothly. Despite the many different roles each plays in
the summer, the staff is coming together as a cohesive team and
is excited for campers and guests to fill the cabins and enjoy fun
and fellowship on the beach, in canoes, at campfires and
through the many fun activities camp has to offer.
A major focus for the staff these two weeks will be to continue
developing the summer Bible Study curriculum, “Be A Hero,
Living Like Jesus.” This curriculum will be used in all of the
youth programs in Camp Kema, Camp Gray, Westminster
Woods and Day Camp. Campers will hear about Heroes in the
Bible as well as contemporary heroes, including many stories
about kids their age who have made a difference. The staff is
excited about the study and hope that the youth campers will
learn how God works in their lives and how they can make a
difference and Be a Hero!
If you haven’t signed yourself, your family or your children up
Outdoor worship space at Presbyterian Camps
for camp yet, there are still some spots open, but act quickly!
Call Susan at the camp office (269) 857-3751 to check
availability for our summer camp programs.
Another way to participate is by volunteering your time. People
interested in helping directly with the camp program or by
helping with many of the “behind the scenes” work that goes
into making the summer program possible are always welcome.
If you would like to be a part of the ministry at camp email Brad
at [email protected] to learn more about the
opportunities available.
“We are so thankful to God for the ministry available at
Presbyterian Camps and hope that you will take advantage of it
this summer,” say Brad Fries and Emily Karstens. “We ask for
your prayers as we embark on what we hope will be a spiritually
rejuvenating, Christ-filled and fun summer at camp.”
Article submitted by Brad Fries, Acting Executive Director and Emily
Karstens, Assistant Camp Director for Summer Programming.