November Meeting Recap
Seattle Presbytery
It was good to see so many of you at the presbytery meeting last Tuesday and it is encouraging to hear of the good things God is doing in our presbytery--stories of growth, faith and mission were shared throughout our time in meeting and at table.
A special thank you to Wedgwood Presbyterian for their gracious and accommodating hospitality. (Did you know their basement flooded the day before the meeting? Talk about resourceful and determined!) We truly appreciate the extra effort to host this large body despite challenges along the way. Our deepest appreciation to Rev. Karen Breckenridge, Elder Bruce Manger, and all the saints at Wedgwood who made our night so meaningful.
We celebrate that both Christy Fisher and Erin McArdel passed their ordination exams. Christy will be serving as a Justice and Outreach Coordinator in a validated ministry with Wesley House at the University of Washington, and Erin has been called to a validated ministry as a hospice Chaplain with Providence Health and Services. Mollie Rieck Mana'o has also been called to serve as a Chaplain with Providence, and she also passed her rescheduled exam which was held at a special meeting. Emily MItchell of Bethany Presbyterian Church was examined and has been enrolled as a candidate.
The mission discussion focused on presbytery partnerships at Lake Burien PC and Trinity PC, so thank you again to both Rev. Tobin Wilson and Rev. Randy Butler for sharing the new things God is doing in the churches you serve.
The presbytery took an important step in the Seattle First Redevelopment plan by appointing an Administrative Commission to shape and finalize the redevelopment of the church and property over the next few years. Let us continue to pray for that process.
The presbytery however did not approve the lease/purchase of the Brighton building by the Torah Day School. Pray for our council, the Vietnamese and our Property and Finance committee as we regroup after a two year process of discernment on that building and the ministry of the Vietnamese church.
Thanks to the hard work and shepherding of Rev. Vonna Thomas and the Navigations Taskforce, the presbytery did put in place a policy on Gracious Separation.
Last but not least, a huge presbytery-sized thank you to Rev. Dr. Dennis Hughes for his many years of service as our Stated Clerk. There are few in this presbytery who have given as much to the well being of our presbytery than Dennis, and for all you do and have done--a deep, heartfelt thank you from all your colleagues in the presbytery and in the larger church. You have served with faithfulness and distinction and we are better for it.
Advent Blessings to you all,
Rev. Scott Lumsden,
Executive Presbyter