CPC THIS WEEK
JULY 7, 2010
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE WAY WE DISAGREE
By Tom Stein
Last week, Beth Ann and I attended the 38th Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly in Nashville. Highlights:
1. Getting our picture taken with an Elvis statue.
2. Breaking bread with faithful friends.
3. Watching men with disagreements, discuss agreeably.
I will leave Elvis to your imagination, and I will remind you that breaking bread with faithful friends is good for the soul.
But what about the disagreements? First, the context. I volunteered to serve again this year on the Overtures Committee, which deals with the weighty issues we face as a church.
Last year’s commitee meeting? Four hours. This year’s commitee meeting? Eleven hours (spread over two days, if that makes you feel better).
That was before the main assembly even started. That assembly lasted over two days - including a session until midnight Thursday.
Yes, at times it was (in words I learned from Kari Harrington) like swimming through peanut butter. When I got home, someone asked me to pass the pepper, and I refused until the request was made in the form of a motion, then seconded, discussed, and passed by a majority vote.
BUT - as I reflected upon all those hours and all those discussions, I noticed something - everyone talked with kindness, respect and grace.
Make no mistake - you get a bunch of pastors and elders together, and you have some strong opinions. There were plenty of opportunities for harsh words. But for all of those hours, it never happened.
I say this not to praise men, but to thank God, and to remind us all that this is our calling in Christ. Whether the subject is planting a church or planting a garden, we will disagree. But will we do it with the loving spirit that the Bible commends? Will we model this in our homes, our workplaces, and our congregation?
In the church, we need to remember that we are on the same side, and that as we disagree, it is an opportunity to grow in God’s grace and show God’s grace.
I saw Elvis, I saw friends, and I saw grace. Elvis was Elvis. The friends were great. The grace was glorious.
WASHINGTON MISSION TRIP - LEAVING THIS SATURDAY!
PRAY FOR GOD TO:
* Prepare - in these final days.
* Provide - in every way.
* Protect - physically and spiritually.
* Produce - fruit for His kingdom glory!
TEAM MEMBERS:
Mike, Beth, Sam and Peter Allen, Bob Clark, Isaac Cook,
Molly and Ben Harrington, Taylor and Andrew Stein, Kurt and Sadira Steinfort
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: INDIA
Voice of the Martyrs reports:
“Two pastors from the Assemblies of God Church denomination were attacked on June 23 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The pastors -- Shiju Kuriakose (35) and Jayan (30) - had left a prayer meeting at a fellow believer's house when a group of unknown people began beating them with iron rods.
“Both pastors were badly injured and were admitted to the hospital.”
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
All of the materials on the two foyer racks are free.
Please feel free to take them and share them.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
July 13 - Peter Allen
THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: LUKE 13:22-30
JULY VERSES TO MEMORIZE: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11