Thursday, June 20, 2019

06-23-19

Tim's Tidings

Do you know how to spell Presbyterian much less say it? 

Eastminster is a church belonging to the Presbyterian Church (USA).  This is a denomination which traces its origins back to the time of the founding of this country.  In fact, the founding of the United States was influenced by Presbyterians, and much of our form of government in America derived from Presbyterian practice.

 

The word Presbyterian literally means “ruled by elders.”  Elders are elected leaders who serve to oversee the spiritual and temporal mission and ministry of the church.   At Eastminster, elders serve three-year terms which are staggered into three classes.  This Sunday at 11 a.m. Eastminster members will elect to the class of 2022. 

 

In the Presbyterian denomination, elders are elected by the people through a process of nomination and vote.  Eastminster has a Nominating Committee, headed by elder Ed Bowers, which is placing four persons before Eastminster as elder nominees.  Elder nominees include Nancy Fowler, Rick Scheutte, Todd Uebele, and Brooke Wheeler.  Their biographies are included in your worship guide.

 

At 11:00 Sunday, I will call the meeting to order Clerk of Session Melissa Ketterman will declare aquorum and elder Bowers will bring a motion to elect these nominees.  After a second, nominees may be suggested from the floor by any member, provided they have received the consent of the nominee to serve if elected.  After nominations are closed, a vote will be taken, electing new elders to serve on the Eastminster board, which is called the “Session.”

 

Confused?  Interested in learning more?  If you are not a member, please stay and watch the Congregational Meeting.  It will show you Eastminster Presbyterian Church in action and enable you to appreciate the excellent management of “time, talent and treasure” exercised here. 

 

You may also learn more about Presbyterianism and Eastminster in a “First Impressions Gathering” where members and guests alike learn more about the mission and ministry of Eastminster.  They are held about 6 times per year.  Finally, this October will be heritage month.  We will start with a Missions Expo the weekend of October 5-6.  The following three weeks will feature gatherings on the Protestant Reformation, the formation of Presbyterianism, and the mission and ministry of Eastminster today.  A highlight will be the traditional “Kirkin’ of the Tartans” service on October 27.

 

Eastminster has much to be proud of in its heritage and its current ministry and mission.  A strength of Eastminster, perhaps the key source of its renewal, is the outstanding leadership of our members.  Thanks to our current Session, which are listed on the back of your worship guide, as well as those who faithfully have served and will serve in the years to come.  May we rightly discern the call of God into the future and be guided by wise, spiritually discerning leaders as we journey forward in faith and service.

 

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

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