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January 01, 2007
January Newsletter
Pastor's Pen
This coming Saturday, January 6th, Faith Church is hosting a special meeting of presbytery. There may be a lot of people coming from other churches so I would
encourage folk from this congregation largely waiting to hear the results of this meeting from members of Session or from folk on the special committee appointed to study the present concerns with the denomination.
I admit to a longing for a momentum towards unity across the board in Christendom. We have become so used to a fragmented Christendom that we only feel
comfortable with our own kind of folk. We handle disagreements awkwardly and defensively.
So I watched with great interest the televised coming together of Roman Catholics and Greek Orthodox leaders in Istanbul, Turkey last month. Istanbul used to be called Constantinople. In 1054 a messenger from the pope lay a writ of excommunication on the high altar of the Greek Orthodox cathedral in Constantinople, writing off the Patriarch of one of the other four great centers of the Eastern church. In those days
there were nominally five centers of Christendom with the bishop of Rome being "first among equals." The other four centers were Constantinople, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Antioch.
From that time on the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Roman Catholic Church were two separate bodies
of Christendom, each claiming to be the real successor to the Church founded by Jesus, fleshed out by the apostles and martyrs of the early Church.
When Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Bartholomew of Istanbul came together for joint worship, even though they did not take Communion together, it was a major step in the direction of unity between East and West. In one of our wonderful hymns we sing, "In Christ there is no east nor west," but I'm afraid there has not only been East and West claiming to be the real Church, but the Western sector of Christendom has been shattered into thousands of little pieces. This started in 1517 when Martin Luther shot his broadside against the Roman Catholic Church. Now "Protestant" doesn't mean "standing for something," as the word implies. Instead, Protestants protest and protest and protest, breaking off to celebrate their fragmentation "in Christ."
It made tears come to my eyes to see the Pope and the Patriarch with clasped hands held aloft at the end of their meetings. This was a huge historic moment, moving toward the undoing of something that had been done more than one thousand years ago. But it will be a chilly day in Purgatory, I think, before Protestants will every gather with hands held together aloft in the same way.
The concerns now before us as Presbyterians, and how strongly we feel about them, testify to the mistrust that has infiltrated our ranks. When trust is gone it is hard to listen and to talk winsomely. If relationships are not winsomely pursued, all the talking is to little avail because we do not listen to one another. "What is there to hear?" many will ask, if they know that there is strong disagreement on matters that have risen to high importance.
It will take a gust of the Holy Spirit's breath to change this situation. To even suggest that the Holy Spirit may prompt change of mind and heart when all the issues on the table seem non-negotiable, seems impossible. Who will change on what? Am I being asked to change my view on something that seems central to the teachings of the Bible? No way!
Yet, we know that the only way there could have been One visible Church since Jesus' departure, would have been if the myriad differences of view that inevitably
developed among thoughtful people were superceded by some unifying principle. Jesus must have known that people who tried to be His followers would disagree with others who tried to be His followers. The
solution was not for the people in positions of
leadership to excommunicate those who disagreed.
What if the ones who disagree with me are the really "orthodox?" What if your idea of what is right were treated as heresy so that your kind of people were bullied out of the Church? What do we do with strong
disagreements on important matters? Two great schools of biblical interpretation developed at two great centers of Christianity. Interpretation is nearly as important as the written word. How we interpret the Bible is what we say it means. How then can there
possibly be unity as Jesus prayed?
I'm no wiser than you on this. But I'm convinced that if Jesus High Priestly Prayer was any clue to His will for us, unity among His followers is among the most important matters in all of Christendom. So that if we will follow Jesus in this way, we've got a lot of swallowing to do, a lot of heartaches to endure, a lot of painful mutual submission. Unity is something to be attained; it will not come automatically.
My conscience will always be captive to my understanding of the meaning of the Word of God, but for the sake of visible unity I may have to go along in some way with those whose views I reject. How is this possible as time moves on and views vary as they do, and change as they do over the centuries, from place to place? How can I be molded in heart and mind to fit with folk who appear to me to be anathema who think my views are anathema?
I don't know. But let's not cross bridges before we get to them. Where we are now let us ask God for wisdom. As we are now let us compel ourselves to genuine humility. When we find ourselves irate, let
us ask God to grant us patience. God still chooses to inhabit the humble and contrite heart. Jesus' commands still haunt us. Jesus' teaching about the Good Samaritan looms before us. His Sermon on the Mount spells out how to treat our enemies, not just our political or national enemies, but also our
theological foes.
Let us pray for real guidance from the Holy Spirit in this tough time.
Pastor Stuart D. Robertson
Worship Schedule
January 7th - Sermon “Fire and Feathers ”
OT: Isaiah 61: 1 - 4
NT: Luke 3: 15 – 17, 21 - 22
Communion
Ralph Smith preaching
Clerk's Corner
The schedule for the meeting of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley at Faith Church on January 6, 2007 has been revised:
8:30am – 9:00am Registration
9:00am – 9:30am Welcome and Introductions
9:30am – 11:30am Presentation by Reverend
Dr. Mark Achtemeier
11:45am-12:45pm Presentation by Reverend
Mark Tammen
12:45pm ORDER OF THE DAY - Lunch
1:15pm – 2:45pm Panel Forum, in question
and answer format
3:00pm Adjournment
If you plan to be present at the luncheon you should register with Stephanie Cardwell before January 4, 2007.
On January 15, 2007 Stephanie Cardwell completes two years of exemplary and dedicated service in her capacity as Administrative Assistant. The Congregation is greatly indebted to her for the efficient manner in which the Church Office has been functioning.
At its December 5, 2006 Session meeting Pastor Robertson thanked outgoing members Michael Bergmann and Glenn Sparks for their contributions while serving on Session. Their term of office expires on December 31, 2006. He also welcomed incoming members Grieke Toebes and Steve Varys who will join the Session on January 1, 2007.
Registration booklets have been placed in the church pews. It would be appreciated if members of the Congregation and guests and visitors would sign their names at the time that the offering is being taken.
A special Session meeting has been called for January 16, 2007 to receive the report that has been prepared by the committee which has been charged with delineating the courses of action that can be taken by the Congregation in response to the actions by the 217th General Assembly. The report will be released to the Congregation at an early date. The next regular Session meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2007.
In order to submit the Annual Report to the Congregation on a timely basis it is requested that all contributors submit their write-ups at the earliest possible date to Stephanie Cardwell. I will be away for much of January and February and would like to get the report issued before I leave.
Jurgen M. Honig,
Clerk of Session
Caroling
I don't know about you, but I think it must have been when I was a child that I went caroling in a neighborhood. The wind was sharp which made the cold seem worse, but it didn't matter, it was a delightful way to end Sunday the 10th.
We only went to the older addition near the Church and we had somewhere around 30 people including several children. Stephanie had prepared a Christmas card that we could give the people we sang to and the children enjoyed ringing door bells and handing them out. The cards not only wished them a joyous Christmas, but told about our Church.
We received a great response to our caroling, one lady gave the children candy canes. Thomas Kennell said they got so many that every one in church could have two. Many neighbors had their doors open so that all residents could enjoy our singing. I think everyone we sang to enjoyed our presence. In fact one lady got in
her car and found us and told that she had been seeking some answers to her religious life and felt certain that God led us to her home. I don't know about the rest of the group, but her response really made this Christmas season the best for me.
I am fairly certain this function was sponsored by the adult choir, as I know that Dave Stith and Donna Lofgren were involved. I hope this is now an annual function of the Church for it is fun and obviously was appreciated by the neighbors. Afterwards we went back to the Church to enjoy some cookies, hot drinks and a warm Church.
Plan on attending next year, I feel sure that you will find this an important part of your Christmas season too.
John Miller
Jubilee Christmas
Jubilee Christmas was celebrated once again at Faith. On Saturday, 16th December, the church was filled with wonderful sights, sounds and smells as we enjoyed Jubilee Christmas with fifteen guest families. Thanks are due to many, many of our Faith community for making this day a success - gift givers, dollar donors, table providers, cookie (and other goodies) bakers, set-up crew, general helpers and family hosts. Following a hearty breakfast from Kris and Dave Stith, and Tom Van Horn, Pastor Robertson welcomed Faith folk and guests in the sanctuary, reflecting on the meaning of Jubilee Christmas. Afterwards, Tom Housley shepherded us through the morning in a jolly fashion, while Donna played the piano. Presents were chosen and wrapped, gift certificates and groceries distributed and our guests headed home with many bags of Christmas spirit. Each guest fills out an (anonymous) evaluation form, and here are some of the responses.
Question: What does Jubilee Christmas mean to you and your family?
“It means that there are people in the world, perfect strangers, that want everyone to have a Christmas to remember.”
“It means a lot because the people warm you with love and they welcome you in like family to their family.”
“We’ve been through a rough time. This has been such a blessing.
God bless you all.”
Thank you one and all who helped make Jubilee work.
Ron Smith and Dorothy Bethel,
Jubilee coordinators
Faith Women News
Elegantly decorated tables greeted the ladies who braved the cold weather to come to the December 7 Soup Supper, our Annual Advent get together.
The soups were great, the breads varied and tasty, and the dessert could have come from a fancy restaurant, it was that delicious.
Anella McFee led us in a time of introspection, and we closed the evening by lighting candles till our circle was a ring of flames. Our voices echoed the deep feelings we shared about the coming of the Christ child.
A lot of children’s books were dropped off at the Women’s Shelter, and were used for their Christmas Party.
January starts out with an opportunity to serve members of the Presbytery, who will meet at Faith on Saturday, January 6, 2007. We will greet them with coffee and goodies, and serve lunch as well. Please call Grieke, Barb Wiggs, or Nancy Dunn if you can help.
A Happy and Healthy New Year to you all.
FWF Committee
Birthdays
January 2 Kenneth Wark
January 3 Lydia Fletcher Frazier
January 8 Mark Varys
January 12 Mike Lockwood
January 14 Isaac Houghton Old
January 16 Alyssa Kirby
January 16 Dan Trinkle
January 17 Corinne Janovitz
January 21 Jessica Hem
January 24 John Miller
January 25 Norbert Muller
January 26 Penny Winship
January 27 Dale Housley
January 30 Caleb Destefano
January 31 Katie Hunter Houstma
January 31 Samuel Trinkle
Anniversary
January 21 Norbert & Barbara Muller
Community Worship Services
• Sun., Jan. 7 St. Mary’s Healthcare 2:30pm
• Sun., Jan. 14 Tippecanoe Villa 1:30pm
• Sun., Jan. 14 Friendship House 3:00pm
• Sun., Jan. 21 Davis Manor 3:00pm
• Sun., Jan. 28 Rosewalk Commons 2:30pm
The Deacons invite you to become a part of
this ministry
Worship With Us
We invite you to join in the worship of God each Sunday morning at 9:30am. We also invite you to participate in the prayers, fellowship, work and activities of this church.
For more information about this opportunity to be involved at Faith Presbyterian Church, please call or talk to any member of Session, Pastor Robertson or call the church office at 743-3683.
Schedule Information
You can contact Pastor Robertson
by calling the office, 743-3683, on Wednesday mornings 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pastor Robertson's day off is Monday. Outside of office hours please feel free to call Pastor Robertson at home at 497-2162.
Posted by faithpres at January 1, 2007 11:05 AM