Coalition’s Gathering XI
is in California Oct. 13-15
The Layman, September 30, 2008
The Presbyterian Coalition will meet October 13-15 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, Calif.
The principal speakers will be Jerry Andrews, “The State of the Denomination”; Terry Schlossberg, “Presbytery Votes on G-6.0106b”; Mark Roberts, “Reshaping the Denomination”; Dennis Okholm, “Ecclesiology Project”; Mark Brewer, “Holiness and Marriage.”
Gathering XI will also include eight workshops:
1) Winning the Vote in the Presbyteries: Part 1 (Good Planning)
A five step plan from here to the ballot on Amendment X. Don’t neglect the small but critical things that will make a difference in the outcome of the vote. The workshop will include preparing for the vote, election of commissioners and overtures to the next G.A.
Leader: Terry Schlossberg, an elder, is the former Executive Director of The Presbyterian Coalition and is currently serving as the Coordinator of the Campaign to Defeat Amendment B.
2) Winning the Vote in the Presbyteries: Part 2 (Good Arguments)
How shall we argue the case against the revised G-6.0106b? This workshop will prepare you to bring an effective and persuasive witness to the debate, through analysis of the amendment, the issues, the radical change in theology and talking points.
Leader: Sue Cyre, a pastor who currently serves as the executive director of Presbyterians for Faith, Family, and Ministry.
3) Discipline/Examinations
Leader: Jim Tony, a member of The Presbyterian Coalition Board of Director and the pastor of Palos Park Community Presbyterian Church in Palos Park, IL.
4) Sexual Wholeness in a Broken World
Leader: Mike Goeke, formerly the Executive Vice President of Exodus, International, now serves on the staff of Stonegate Fellowship in Midland, TX.
5) A Funding Primer
This workshop, prepared by the Presbyterian Global Fellowship, will help you understand how missions funds flow to and through the PC(USA). Common questions regarding per capita, designated gifts, and extra commitment opportunities will be addressed-not to advise on where to direct funds, but rather to empower congregations and their leaders to support mission as they are led by the Holy Spirit.
Leader: Paul Parsons, pastor of spiritual growth at Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Mo., and a member of the Leadership Team of the Presbyterian Global Fellowship.
6) Evangelical and Re-Forming
A discussion of the initiative PFR is taking in realigning/reshaping the PC(USA), along with other short term issues, challenges and opportunities for ministry. Paul has been leading PFR’s recent regional gatherings across the PC(USA), and will be bringing these conversations into dialogue with the questions and issues raised at this Gathering.
Leader: Paul Detterman, a pastor who currently serves as the executive director of Presbyterians for Renewal.
7) GA Follow-Up: So What Became of the Big Issues?
The session will review the major issues from June’s General Assembly and look at what needs to be done in response. What happened in San Jose, and how does it change the PCUSA? This survey will begin to answer such questions through presentation and dialogue.
Leader: Jim Berkley, a pastor and former Director of Presbyterian Action, serves on the Board of The Presbyterian Coalition.
8) The New New FOG
The newly-expanded Form of Government Task Force has completed a revision of its work, based on the input received at the 218th General Assembly. The nFOG and study documents are now being made available for churchwide study and response. Learn what has changed since the Assembly, and share your questions and concerns.
Leader: Dan Williams, co-moderator of the Task Force, serves as pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Staunton, Va.