Friday, September 2, 2011
called meeting of Mission Presbytery on Saturday, Sept. 17th
Dear Members of Mission Presbytery,
After two conversations with members of the New Presbytery Working Group, the Denominational Relations Committee of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, Mission Presbytery Trustees, and other parties on July 30
th and August 20th, the General Council believes that it is in the best interest of the presbytery to call a meeting of our entire body to discuss with one another the important implications for our life together that surround an effort to form a separate overlay presbytery and to consider possible options for remaining together.Though the overture is not yet in hand, it is our understanding that there will be a formal overture on or before Sept. 15th to form an ‘overlay presbytery’ by about a dozen congregations of our presbytery. There may be other overtures as well considering other forms of separation and/or remaining together. The churches choosing this path of separation are doing so to address their concerns in response to the recent changes in the Book of Order regarding gifts and qualifications for ordination to the various offices and because of changes in the Form of Government. The detailed discussion required to fairly assess such overtures and to consider and identify options for remaining together will require far more time than our regular business docket in October will allow.
Therefore, I call the members of Mission Presbytery to convene on Saturday, September 17th from 10 am to 3pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 211 Roleto Dr., San Antonio, TX 78213. 210-342-4253The stated purpose of this meeting will be to discuss but not vote upon the request to form a separate overlay presbyteryand to determine and define the options for responding to such a request that are available to us as a presbytery.A team of presbyters (elders and clergy) under the supervision of the Pastoral Care Division and the General Council are crafting the process for these conversations and discussion.Lunch will not be provided, so please bring your own.My earnest hope is that through this process and these conversations we may be prepared for whatever happens when we vote in October, and in all things evidence the best in Christian civility and love for one another, no matter our position.
In that hope I anticipate the grace of your presence and engagement with us on Sept. 17th.In Jesus,RobRev. Rob Mueller
Moderator, Mission Presbytery
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Explanation from Bill:
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it, an "overlay" presbytery would be a new presbytery with boundaries more or less co-terminous with those of an existing presbytery. This would give congregations that are unhappy with the recent change in ordination standards (and perhaps with other things as well) an opportunity to be linked with other like-minded congregations without leaving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)