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Special Committee to Monitor Denominational Issues

Presbytery Council approved the formation of a Special Committee to Monitor Denominational Issues. The committee presently consists of co-moderators Glenn Hink (First, Sharon) and Bill Hoffman (East Main), along with the Council Steering Committee: Amy Na (Shenango), Donna Heard (Word Centered), Arnie Morris (First, NC), Jerry Mahaffey (Clerk) and David Dawson (presbytery executive)

Rationale: The likely approval by presbyteries of Overture 10-A from the 2010 General Assembly will remove the “fidelity and chastity” section (G-6.0106b) from the Book of Order. This does not immediately alter everything, but it is one of many significant developments within the PC(USA) that indicate important changes. Therefore Shenango Presbytery needs to proactively monitor the situation on behalf of our churches and ministers. It is our hope that we can do together whatever we do as a Presbytery so that our congregations can concentrate on the important ministry and mission that God has given to us.

Tasks: The committee will collect information and provide forums for teaching and ruling elders to review and discuss developments within the PC(USA). It is anticipated that the committee will function at least until the 2012 General Assembly in Pittsburgh.

Upcoming Events

• February 28, 2012 - Grove City College (Crawford Hall) at approximately 8:30 PM (following the break during the Presbytery meeting) we will have 90 minutes for a presentation for those who attended the Orlando meeting. Discussion will be limited, but unanswered questions will be especially solicited for use in future conversations. All are welcome to attend all or part of the Presbytery meeting.
  • Papers to be distributed...
    • Options to Consider
    • Approved Gracious Dismissial Policy
• March 11, 2012 at Northminster Church (New Castle) from 7-8:45 PM, a slightly shorter version of the February 28th presentation, along with time for discussion.
• March 22, 2012 at First Church, Sharon from 7-8:45 PM, a slightly shorter version of the February 28th presentation, along with time for discussion.

Notes from the Fellowship Gathering in Minneapolis (August 25-56, 2011)

• Rev. Dawson
• Lisa Hickman blog entry on Denominations
• Jason Schepp

Documents

• David Lewiki comments on Denominations
• FAQ on the impact of the change to the Book of Order on homosexuality
• Survey for yoru comment on Presbyteries and Synods
• David Brooks' "Creed or Chaos"
• Read Rev. Dawson's Pastoral Letter to the Churches of Shenango Presbytery
• Read Rev. Dawson's EP Report from the June 28, 2011 meeting of Shenango Presbytery
• Dr. Kenneth Bailey's "A Tale of Elephants and the Mouse: Presbyterians, 10-A, and the World Church"
• Shenango Presbytery's Gracious Dismissal Policy (approved at the November 15, 2011 Presbytery meeting).
• Shenango Presbytery Council Response (February 7) to the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting in Orlando (January 18-20)
• Options to Consider by David Dawson

Blogs

• Clark Cowden is a Presbytery Executive in San Diego and a member of the GA Council - his blog.
• Blog by Tod Bolsinger, Pastor and moderator of the Middle Governing Body Commission

Websites

• Fellowship PC(USA) has this website for conversation and ideas
  • John Ortberg: A Vision for Ministry & Introducing ECO from Fellowship of Presbyterians on Vimeo. 

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