It is poor stewardship to use disaster collections for media relations
Posted Monday, May 21, 2012
Why are we using money collected for disaster to fund this? When disasters occur, Presbyterians mobilize. We stand up in the pulpits asking for funds to alleviate the suffering. Presbyteries put out the call for collections. Good stewards dig deep into their pockets to give. It is poor stewardship to use disaster collections for this (no matter how important media relations may be). How can I call my congregation to give to PDA when I cannot assure that the collection alleviates suffering from disaster?
Rev. Bill Wisneski Honey Brook Presbyterian Church, Honey Brook, Pa.
‘The Witches of Lublin’ is a radio program, not a coven
Posted Monday, May 21, 2012
Thank you so very much for the work you do and for the fine publication you manage. It has helped my friends, my family and me tremendously, especially in light of Amendment 10-A and other recent PCUSA activities. I consult “The Layman Online” almost daily in an attempt to keep my local congregation and myself informed.
I have a bit of a concern with Ms. LaBerge’s article, “Why did PDA funds underwrite an awards gala for the secular media?” When I first read it, I concluded (in error, I believe) that an RCC award was given to practicing witches belonging to a coven. Before forwarding the article to fellow elders of my church, I researched “The Witches of Lublin” and learned that it is a radio program (not a coven, as I had first believed) about several castigated Jewish women in Poland in the 18th century. It appears to me, now, that the writers of this radio drama use the term “witches” in the title “The Witches of Lublin” as a metaphor for this small group of outcast women of 1700s Poland.
I mention all of this only because I think so very highly of The Layman and of LaBerge’s articles, and because it seems to me that the reference to “witches” in the article might be misunderstood by others besides just me. Perhaps a little addendum for clarification should be added? Of course, if I am completely wrong on this, and this award indeed went to self-professing witches, I would appreciate your setting me straight.
Of course, this in no way whatsoever excuses the inappropriate use of PDA funds to underwrite the RCC awards. I have sent an inquiry to Linda Valentine of the GAMC requesting explanation of the use of those funds.
Carolee Jones, elder First Presbyterian Church of Elko, Nev.
Editor’s note: “The Witches of Lublin” is the title of a holiday radio show chronicling the Passover drama of several castigated Jewish women in Poland in the 18th century. The writers of this radio drama use the term “witches” in the title as a metaphor. Although I still contend that underwriting the awards event was a misuse of PDA funds, thankfully an award was in fact NOT given to a practicing coven. Carmen Fowler LaBerge (This editor’s note has been added to the original article.)
Many Presbyterians no longer contribute to a wayward denomination
Posted Monday, May 21, 2012
In reference to the story: GAMC approves reduced 2013-14 budgets, eliminating 13 positions, I would just like to comment that even though many PCUSA churches are not giving to the denomination’s mission programs it does not mean that that money has been kept for the budgets of the local churches but has rather been used or is being used with other mission agencies and projects. When I served on the staff of a presbytery over and over again a number of local churches informed me that they refused to give to the denomination in protest to the decisions being made against Biblical authority but that mission money was being used with other Christ-centered organizations and projects. Presbyterians, in their history, have always been faithful mission contributors and this has not changed. What has changed is that many no longer want to contribute to a denomination which they consider to have gone wayward missionally and theologically. I also know of a number of PCUSA churches who are supporting directly missionaries and mission projects in other countries.
Rev. Dr. Eriberto (Eddie) Soto Jacksonville, Fla.
Mirroring U.S. government spending cuts?
Posted Monday, May 21, 2012
Sounds like what the U.S. Government considers “spending cuts.” Eliminate four add six.
Charlotte Brokaw Thomas
Reactions to Maumee Valley’s presbytery meeting
Posted Monday, May 21, 2012
The following is my reaction to the meeting which was held by the Maumee Valley Presbytery on May 15, 2012, to render a decision concerning the First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh in our efforts to leave PCUSA and to become a part of EPC.
A number of us who are part of the majority (300+) piled into our cars and drove the hour and 45 minutes from Tecumseh to Defiance, Ohio., to fight for our rights; however, after much ado, we learned that the results had undoubtedly been pre-determined and that the minority group (60) will be named the “true PCUSA church” with all property and rights awarded to them. Nothing we could have said would have swayed this group who proceeded to “pile on” throughout the meeting (The meeting started at 3 p.m. and we were headed home at 9, and other than some other church business, dinner and a worship service, our case was the meeting).
Three events stand out to me as the most painful: the clerk, coming to the microphone waving his “I’m a voter now, not the clerk” little colored paper, made it clear to the meeting that he was for the minority group. In addition, he gave unsatisfactory explanations concerning the often posed question: “Why did the presbytery fail to follow its own rules, rules that were to allow for a smooth, forgiving process that would release us to EPC? His answer was so much mumbo-jumbo, obviously thinking that we were stupid and wouldn’t know that he had no satisfactory answer. He said, “It’s the only way we had to get from ‘A’ to ‘B,’” etc.
Another source of pain was the repeated venomous speeches of one particular minister of the presbytery. His attitude and obvious efforts to be a “star” suggested to us that perhaps he has high ambitions in the organization. Christ-like? Far from it.
Finally, when our pastor stood at the microphone to describe the appeal which we will pursue and to request an opportunity to gain support of those in presbytery who sympathized with our position, he was addressed, not as Pastor Mortimer, or Reverend Mortimer, but as Mr. Mortimer. Perhaps an unintentional slight, but in light of the events of the day, it was an inexcusable affront.
Perhaps this experience will help to make us stronger. Perhaps this is the plan that God has for us. One of our members said, after all of the speeches were made and we realized that we had lost, “Well, we need to put this behind us and move on.” And I heard repeatedly during these weeks of struggle, “A building is not a church.”
We ask for your understanding and prayers Judy McAran, former elder and deacon, member of the choir
Why congregations don’t trust GAMC with per-capita and benevolence funds
Posted Monday, May 21, 2012
Hold it!, Back up!
Did you really, with straight faces, position these two stories side by side?
Are you reporting in one fell swoop, that the denominational functionaries are misusing disaster funds to prop up the celebration of the interfaith (to be charitable) RCC whilst at the same time making draconian cuts in disaster response funding? Seriously? I am trying to figure out why you did not label this the betrayal of trust and malfeasance that it seems to be.
This is just one more fine example of why huge numbers of congregations across the denomination are not entrusting the GAMC, et al with either per capita or benevolence funds.
Louisville cannot be trusted to execute sound stewardship decision making. I have for years been advocating a position of “Not One Penny”. Now the Louisville gang are doing that for me. As for my congregation, we will continue to directly support and fund Christ honoring ministries and missions – that way we know that our giving is being used as it was intended.
Rev. Jim Yearsley Tampa
Larges ruling is no surprise
Posted Friday, May 4, 2012
The recent ruling of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission in the Lisa Larges matter should come as no surprise.
The GAPJC stopped being a bulwark for the defense of the Reformed faith quite a while ago.
As with any functioning judicial mechanism, it accurately reflected what becomes of any body politic that has become overrun with activism and bureaucracy.
In turn, consensus supplants ethos and the enshrinement of diversity and subsequent “hyphenization” supplants the jugular call for unanimity.
One need only casually peruse the annals of history; as the aforementioned has proven the calculus for the collapse of one major civilization after another since the dawn of man. Indeed, the late Dr. Francis Schaeffer was tear-jerkingly on point in his assessments on this issue.
I applaud the godly passion of attorney Mary Naegeli, who rallied vigorously for what is and has been Biblically, morally and confessionally sound.
Now that parochialism has succeeded Christ’s Crown and Covenant in Louisville, her position remains clear and her faith steadfast and these are clear fruits of election.
Doubtlessly, she and many more will abandon the posts in the fortress that has obviously been beseiged and vanquished completely.
Naegeli’s acumen is now best employed as a liaison through which those churches and presbyteries who’ve tired of the poisonous derision passed off as natural badinage may escape the Babylon of Louisville as quickly, cleanly and painlessly as possible.
To remain committed to genuine reform and a return to traditional Scripturally based values in the PCUSA at this point would be about as practical as petitioning a federal court to stay the executions of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. I seriously doubt the proceedings would benefit them now.
I know firsthand how painful it is for the PCUSA was my home for decades. But I cannot stress enough that on the other side of this fence, the grass is indeed greener.
Eric Wells, Ex-PCUSA, now-OPC member, Youngstown, Ohio
How many are leaving PCUSA?
Posted Friday, May 4, 2012
I read your article on the churches leaving to join the ECO with interest. I am a part of a congregation leaving for the EPC. I would be interested in knowing, how many are leaving for that body and how many are leaving total?
Stan Huie Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church, Fredericksburg, Va.
Larges decision is unbelievable
Posted Friday, May 4, 2012
I find the ordination approval of Lisa Larges utterly unbelievable.
The PCUSA continues to shoot themselves in the proverbial foot. Do “they” not realize this will be the end of the denomination? After all, “they” are acting against the Scriptures!
May God have mercy on the souls of those who feel this is acceptable.
Shelley Downey, elder First Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale, Mich.
It all goes back to authority
Posted Friday, May 4, 2012
For some time now it appears that we are back to the formal cause of the Reformation debate: Authority.
Man and church councils not only claim equal authority with Scripture, but they also ignore it.
Will the next Martin Luther please stand up!
Ken Swanson Barnegat, N.J.
I renounce jurisdiction
Posted Friday, May 4, 2012
The following letter was sent to the clerk of session of Flat Branch Presbyterian Church, the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina and The Layman.
Dear Mr. Clerk:
As an ordained pastor in the PCUSA, I can no longer abide by the increasingly apostate denominational polity.
Even as the ordination standards of the denomination fell in June 2012, one could still hold on to the hope that one’s individual congregation and Presbytery could hold the line against participating in this unbiblical action of ordaining unrepentant individuals as Ministers of Word and Sacrament.
However the recent action by the Board of Directors of the Board of Pensions of 3/3/2012 which voted to extend spousal and child benefits to same-gender domestic partners of Benefits Plan members I find totally out of bounds.
By this action and with no “relief of conscience” each and every church and its members that hold to The Lordship of Jesus Christ and the infallibility of Scripture become unwilling participants in supporting what the Word of God calls sin.
I cannot in good conscience continue in the PCUSA, as the offering given by the congregation, which supports my financial package, will contribute to this abomination.
Therefore, In accordance with the Book of Order G-2.0509, and as announced from the pulpit on 4/29/2012:
I, David L. Perry do hereby renounce the jurisdiction of The Presbyterian Church of the United States of America also known as the (PCUSA).
I, David L. Perry do hereby renounce the jurisdiction of the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina of the (PCUSA).
I, David L. Perry do hereby renounce the jurisdiction of Flat Branch Presbyterian, (PCUSA) Bunnlevel, N.C.
I will continue to pray for the repentance and redemption of this once faithful denomination.
David L. Perry Fuquay-Varina, N.C.