The first stanza of this hymn was written within a half hour of the election of Carol Bechtel as General Synod VP, but I think it had a lot to do with that whole Monday and Belhar and everything; it’s just amazing what the church can be like on those rare occasions when we get it right. Read more…
The Carver Model, or I should say, the misuse of the Carver Model, is causing damage at the local level. The denominational staff is advocating this model to some of our young, idealistic, and inexperienced pastors for the reorganization of their local congregations. Read more…
In a letter “To Dutch Christians” dated August, 1942, K. Barth had this to say about groups not unlike Chicago Invitation. The Sitz em Leben is different of course. And one can certainly argue with Barth’s ecclesiology. But he wrote this: Read more…
“Fear breeds panic, and it can lead people and nations to act in ways
inconsistent with their character.”
Charles C. Krulak and Joseph P. Hoar
Washington Post
Thursday, May 17, 2007; Page A17
You’ve heard, no doubt that the GS adopted the Belhar. Read more…
Yesterday the General Synod ended. The final morning spent most of its energies on the Church Herald and the assessments (assessments are the only way the synod gets to the budget). The debate was spirited. The result was to cease denominational financial support of the every member reception of the Herald. Where then does that money go? The synod accepted the proposal from the GSC that would have some go to reduce assessments, and the rest to fund “Our Call.” Read more…
Well, this General Synod seems to taking wonderful and unpredictable steps. Give thanks to the God of Gods, for His mercy endures forever.
I have learned in my long years of ministry never to predict the outcome of a consistory meeting. And I have also learned to accept this as a very good thing. Read more…
Yesterday was perhaps the most remarkable day in the memory of this long-time synod observer and participant. Read more…
This evening, the General Synod elected Carol Bechtel as vice-president of the General Synod. Congratulations, Carol!
Al Janssen
The General Synod voted against recommendations 13 and 14 — the ones that proposed an “open space” and the preparation of order changes to create the new “middle assembly.” Instead the synod acted to continue the “denomination-wide dialogue.” Read more…