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paradox3 said:
And General Council this summer will be voting on 8 separate remits!

Or does GC only vote on the 7 remits which have passed so far?
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Technically voting to enact remits since the votes on the actual remits happens at lower courts.
 
revjohn said:
Cumbersome and unweildy. I'm open to be pleasantly surprised.

In short we collapse Presbyteries and Conferences into Regions. Meaning more or less the same bodies doing the same work minus some duplication.

Less face to face time in the various courts with more face to face time happening in clusters.

Time will tell whether it counts as improvement or not.
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I read something (on this forum, too) saying the new model would make the polity more congregational. Is that the case? Will it be good or bad?
 
revjohn said:
Cumbersome and unweildy. I'm open to be pleasantly surprised.

In short we collapse Presbyteries and Conferences into Regions. Meaning more or less the same bodies doing the same work minus some duplication.

Less face to face time in the various courts with more face to face time happening in clusters.

Time will tell whether it counts as improvement or not.
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It's scary in this part of the world. It makes total sense (to me) in southern Ontario.

We were concerned about how remote congregations will be supported. Why did they put this congregation in this region. Thank you for changing it back to the one that makes more sense once you heard our pleas.

I'm inclined to think there will be growing pains.
 
GiancarloZ said:
I read something (on this forum, too) saying the new model would make the polity more congregational. Is that the case? Will it be good or bad?
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I think I've heard that. I know too when we had the interviews to see where people/congregations were, that desire was expressed. I was a facilitator and heard that from a couple of groups.

I was in a congregation that went through some conflict about ten years ago. We got some much appreciated support, and even mediation from Presbytery. I cannot even imagine what would have happened if we hadn't had the support of Presbytery. The people supporting us had much wisdom and more importantly, some neutrality. I'm all for grassroots decisions where possible. Sometimes though, guidance is needed.
 
Northwind said:
I think I've heard that. I know too when we had the interviews to see where people/congregations were, that desire was expressed. I was a facilitator and heard that from a couple of groups.

I was in a congregation that went through some conflict about ten years ago. We got some much appreciated support, and even mediation from Presbytery. I cannot even imagine what would have happened if we hadn't had the support of Presbytery. The people supporting us had much wisdom and more importantly, some neutrality. I'm all for grassroots decisions where possible. Sometimes though, guidance is needed.
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There can be guidance though without a higher church court. My denomination can receive guidance from hq and we operate using a congregational polity.
 
Northwind said:
I think I've heard that. I know too when we had the interviews to see where people/congregations were, that desire was expressed. I was a facilitator and heard that from a couple of groups.

I was in a congregation that went through some conflict about ten years ago. We got some much appreciated support, and even mediation from Presbytery. I cannot even imagine what would have happened if we hadn't had the support of Presbytery. The people supporting us had much wisdom and more importantly, some neutrality. I'm all for grassroots decisions where possible. Sometimes though, guidance is needed.
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Agreed. Congregational polity demands a huge maturity, which is not always the case of all people/congregations.
My denomination's (Lutheran) polity is modified Presbyterian, with congregations/congregational board, synods/synodical board, presidency/general board, and a general council every three years where all the bodies are represented. Clergy is "cared" by the presidency and answer both to congregational and synodical boards. It has worked well since it was implemented some twelve years ago. Before that, we were episcopal but without bishops (I know...). The concentration of power wasn't healthy and ceased to work at some point.
 
Part of our issue was the fact we shared the building with the Anglican congregation and had to deal with their bishop. Also, both clergy involved were "alpha males" (for lack of a better description) who had difficulties with compromise. As things progressed, emotions got heightened. It is difficult to resolve issues under those circumstances. All parties under normal conditions were generally mature enough to resolve normal concerns. This was different on several levels. The bishop and both clergy have now moved on and everyone has continued to live their lives.
 
Aaannddd ... it's Friday again in The Room for All :-) The sun is shining here, and spring bulbs are beginning to bloom. Weather forecast says double digits all weekend! Amazing change from last weekend's icestorm. I hope we haven't sent all that nasty weather to our Maritime friends.

So what are people up to this weekend? I have to go find a birthday gift for a busy seven year old girl - any suggestions?
 
Carolla said:
Aaannddd ... it's Friday again in The Room for All :) The sun is shining here, and spring bulbs are beginning to bloom. Weather forecast says double digits all weekend! Amazing change from last weekend's icestorm. I hope we haven't sent all that nasty weather to our Maritime friends.

So what are people up to this weekend? I have to go find a birthday gift for a busy seven year old girl - any suggestions?
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I'm continuing a paper on theistic evolution. And, of course, Sunday is church.
 
It is cloudy here and threatening rain. I'm okay with almost anything as long as it is not snow. :)

My choir director and her husband have been organizing classical or chamber music concerts for the past few months. She is a beautiful singer and he plays trumpet. They are having a concert tonight, and we plan to attend. There will be singing, trumpet, piano and violin. I'm looking forward to it.

The weekend will continue with downsizing efforts including a trip to the used book store to get rid of some books. Hopefully.
 
hey jae - make sure you get outside for a walk too - good for your weight loss project - and it would be a shame to miss the sunshine & fresh spring air!
 
hmm, busy 7 year old...been a bit since i had that age to buy for.

Love that it is spring out. I was outside in bare feet...with the sun shining on me...loved it.

I am feeling mellow. Had some good work calls today. Son is off at a course all weekend, husband is going to auction tomorrow, so will be a quiet day. Will spend time outside if sun is shining.
 
Northwind said:
I was in a congregation that went through some conflict about ten years ago. We got some much appreciated support, and even mediation from Presbytery. I cannot even imagine what would have happened if we hadn't had the support of Presbytery. The people supporting us had much wisdom and more importantly, some neutrality. I'm all for grassroots decisions where possible. Sometimes though, guidance is needed.
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Having lived through such a situation in a congregation, I will say that the Presbytery was not helpful at all. Perhaps if we had gone the route of filing a complaint it would have played out differently.
 
Two things on for tomorrow: a birthday party for my 15 year old niece, and a funeral/celebration of life for a former co-worker who died in sad and alone circumstances. Presbytery went well tonight...and communion brought tears to my eyes.
 
Hmmm........busy 7 year old female................

Parents keep her too busy with lessons, classes, sports etc or the kid is an Energiser battery?
 
paradox3 said:
Having lived through such a situation in a congregation, I will say that the Presbytery was not helpful at all. Perhaps if we had gone the route of filing a complaint it would have played out differently.
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I understand that can be a problem. Our Presbytery is pretty cool and supportive. There are some wise minds in it. I hope we're not that unique.
 
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