Update from Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center
Last Thursday, 64 members of KIAC’s community gathered in Olympia to advocate for two pieces of legislation that would positively impact the lives of immigrants – HB1095/SB5109 and a health equity budget proviso. As you may recall, HB1095/SB5109 would create an unemployment system for undocumented workers who currently pay into unemployment but are ineligible for benefits. The proposed health equity budget proviso would provide health insurance to all immigrants, regardless of status. At present, immigrants without permanent immigration status cannot access health insurance in our state.
Mutuality and co-learning are guiding principles in collaboration between Seattle and Colombian presbyteries
‘This is truly a unique and exciting way to be church together’
by Scott O’Neill | Presbyterian News Service
Several partner churches in Barranquilla, Colombia, partner with local community children’s programs to run after-school tutoring programs. (Contributed photo)
LOUISVILLE — A simple question asked nearly a decade ago by a Seattle-area pastor interested in learning more about the Presbyterian Church in Colombia has blossomed into a partnership that reflects a mutual passion for theological and academic inquiry, worship, faith and the desire to simply “be” together.
The special connection is between Seattle Presbytery and the el Presbitero de la Costa (Presbytery of the Coast) in northern Colombia. It’s been developed and nurtured over the past eight years through social media, Zoom calls and face-to-face visits. Earlier this year, a delegation from Seattle reconnected with their Colombian siblings after a hiatus in 2021 by visiting the city of Barranquilla, a seaport capital of more than one million people and the home for most of the 12 churches that comprise the Colombian Presbytery of the Coast.
The Rev. Eliana Maxim, co-executive presbyter in Seattle Presbytery, stated that when the two groups began to explore what a partnership might look like back in 2015-16, it was important that the presbyteries enter any relationship as equals.
“We agreed on certain guiding principles for our ‘hermandad’ or sibling relationship. And at the center of them was a posture of mutuality,” said Maxim. “Our presbyteries entered into this relationship as equals, committed to nurturing relationships above all else, and allowing them to then determine how we would live out our commitment to one another.”
Now eight years in, Maxim, who was born in Barranquilla, feels like the fruits of their labors are starting to materialize.
“My primary goal from the very beginning was for us to decolonize traditional mission partnerships and create something completely different: equitable, mutual and deeply relational,” Maxim said. “We are beginning to see the fruits of our commitment, and this is truly a unique and exciting way to be church together.”
SeaPres Podcast: SeaPres Conversations w/Eliana & Scott
New episode: SeaPres Podcast February 2023 update with Co-Executive Presbyters Eliana Maxim & Scott Lumsden.
January 20 SeaPres Update from Scott Lumsden
Dear Friends,
John the Baptist looms large early in the gospels as one who prepares the way for Jesus. In the gospel of John, John the Baptist calls out Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world to anyone who would hear; and then the next day points him out again to his disciples, two of whom leave John to follow Jesus (Jn 1:29, 37).
We all need people in our lives to help us find our way. Whether we are contemplating a new direction in life, are at a pivotal moment in our careers, or are just in need of a little guidance; we are blessed when faithful point out the deeper realities of things that we can only see in part.
One of the deeper realities about "post" covid church life appears to be that our finances (though they sustained us through in the crisis of covid), are now a bit less reliable. In the past few months, I've talked with many pastors who are relaying serious budget challenges for 2023. Add to that a budget deficit from 2022, and there you have it, the financial pinch we all knew would arrive eventually.
The Executive Board has been mindful of these challenges for some time and has recently created a $5,000 Economic Relief Grant for churches experiencing a budget deficit in 2022 or who are projecting a budget shortfall in 2023. (Please contact EJ for more information). It has also approved a three (3) month waiver of per capita for the third year in a row and has kept per capita at $40 for the 14th year in a row (with inflation it would be $55).
The Executive Board and staff are always looking for ways to assist our churches in their mission, so if there are other ways we can be supportive please reach out.
Peace,
Rev. Scott Lumsden
Co-Executive Presbyter
Crescendo concert recording available
From Northminster PC:
You’re invited to view a recording of a concert Northminster hosted last Saturday with the Presbytery. It was put on by Crescendo, which is an international group of musicians of faith. This concert featured music and readings with the theme of communion and used the music of 19th century Spanish composer, Hilarión Eslava. He was a priest who wrote a lot of worship pieces that were hugely popular in churches in his day and some are still performed on Holy Days in Spain. He is the ancestor of one of our elders, Antonio Rufin. Eslava’s work included producing three popular operas, but these works brought the condemnation of the church, so he was forbidden from writing further pieces and his music largely disappeared until Antonio uncovered it while doing family research during a trip to Spain. In the years since, he and his wife Becky have been working to bring his music into the 21st century and make if available for musicians and choirs. This concert is the first time his worship pieces have been performed in the United States.
We recorded the concert and it is now available on NPC’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Y_YJ-a6qqU0
December 19 Update from Co-Executive Presbyters
“All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people.”
John 1: 3-5
Dear friends,
As we draw another year to a close and gather with loved ones to celebrate and remember the birth of our Lord, we are grateful for each of you: for our congregations and worshiping communities who remain committed to the Gospel and its many expressions wherever your church may be planted; for our ordained teaching and ruling elders whose faithfulness to following God’s call has pushed and pulled them into new and different ways of being church; to all those community partners who see us as siblings and collaborators in serving all of God’s people.
As has been often said by other wiser folks, the pandemic was the visible change to highlight the quickly changing church landscape; changes that had been coming for years if not decades. And we are all adapting as best as we can, drawing on the creativity, imagination, energy, and love of all the faithful. This is hard work. But this is also sacred work.
We’ll enter 2023 with 17 churches committed to learning, unlearning, and relearning through the ongoing Thriving Congregations Initiative. We welcome Rev. J.P. Kang as the new presbytery moderator and Crystal Hairston (RE Lake Burien PC) as COM chair. A team of 15 clergy and elders from 7 of our churches will travel in mid-January on the presbytery Colombia partnership trip. Three of our churches expect to call their next installed pastors in the first half of the year. And meantime, we continue – as presbytery, as congregations – to seek how to further serve our communities among many other things.
I love the John verse in the first chapter above. The Christ child brought life for all of us. No guarantees that it would not be challenging or at times difficult to comprehend, but rather that it would a light for all people. So we may see more clearly. So we may find our way.
My Christmas wish for all our churches and members is that we embrace this gift and recognize the opportunity to be light and life. And may we be countercultural in the kindness we extend to one another on this journey.
Blessings of Christmas joy, hope, peace, and love to you and yours.
Eliana Maxim & Scott Lumsden
November 4 SeaPres Update from Scott Lumsden
Hello Seattle Presbytery, it's me Scott.
I know it's been a while, but as you probably know by now, I've been on sabbatical for the past three months. What did I do?
Well, for the first three weeks, I hiked the Oregon PCT with my son, Corin -- that is until the fires caught up with us and forced us to call it quits halfway through. I've hiked different northwest sections of the Pacific Crest Trail for about the last 5 years now, and we were hoping to get all of the Oregon PCT done this summer, but fire season caught up with us at Shelter Cove (Odell Lake, OR). So we decided to catch a ride into Bend, OR and then hop a shuttle to Timberline Lodge and hike to the Bridge of the Gods (Columbia River). Our hope is that we'll return next summer to finish the Oregon PCT sections we missed. There is something about the beauty and challenge of being out in remote parts of nature that is deeply renewing to me. I was truly blessed to hike even half this remarkable trail in Oregon.
After the hike, I relaxed a bit around Shoreline, reading and reflecting and doing a few house projects, but then toward the end of the sabbatical, I headed out with some friends for a 3-week road trip. We journeyed through eastern Washington, Oregon, Idaho, skirted the Tetons to the south (Jackson), dipped through Utah, and Wyoming, and settled in Montrose, Colorado for about a week, and then headed back. Our compass was naturally tuned to the beautiful rivers of those areas so that we could cast some flies, but we also let our gaze just marvel at God's magnificent creation.
I am grateful to serve in a presbytery that supports the practice of taking a sabbatical. And I am extremely grateful to have such incredible staff and colleagues to work with now that I'm back. I know you join me in extending a huge thank you to Eliana, EJ and the whole staff for the wonderful job they did in keeping the presbytery moving forward while I was gone. And I look forward to catching up with many of you over the course of the next few months.
Peace,
Rev. Scott Lumsden
Co-Executive Presbyter
PC(USA) Book of Order Amendments
Book of Order Amendments Booklet
The 225th General Assembly (2022) approved 33 proposed amendments to the Book of Order—including a replacement for the entire D-section—to be considered and voted on by the 166 presbyteries prior to July 9, 2023. For an amendment to be adopted, 84 presbyteries must vote to approve it.
The booklet is now available in English; Spanish and Korean translations are also available on the PC(USA) website.
The Seattle Presbytery’s Executive Board has called a special virtual meeting on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:00pm via Zoom for the purpose of considering approval of the proposed constitutional changes from the 225th General Assembly. Register for the meeting.
Outlook article features Seattle Presbytery Young Adult Advisory Delegate
Being the church of now, together: A YAAD’s reflection
Young Adult Advisory Delegate Kate Stoops thanks PC(USA) leaders who have shaped her; and she asks that young adults be taken seriously: “let us in,” she writes.
Read more: https://pres-outlook.org/2022/08/being-the-church-of-now-together-a-yaads-reflection/
Board of Pensions Pastor's Participation increase in 2023
From the Summer 2022 Board of Pensions Board Bulletin:
Pastor’s Participation medical dues increasing for 2023
Directors approved an increase in Pastor’s Participation dues for the first time in five years. Effective January 1, 2023, medical dues will increase 2 percent, from 27 percent to 29 percent. As a result, total dues for the benefits package will be 39 percent, up from 37 percent. Directors raised the cap on the maximum annual dues amount by $1,500, from $33,500 to $35,000, and on the minimum annual dues amount by $500, from $11,000 to $11,500.
The vote to increase dues followed a review of cost forecasts by Milliman Inc., the agency’s medical actuarial counsel. Healthcare costs spiked in 2021 as medical costs continued to climb and healthcare use increased following the coronavirus crisis.
In summarizing actions taken at General Assembly, the Reverend Dr. Frank Clark Spencer, agency President, discussed specific requests directed to the Board concerning parity of medical dues and affordability for small congregations, particularly within communities of color. He affirmed the need for ongoing evaluation and assessment of existing benefits structures that may not best serve an evolving denomination. And he reiterated the Board of Pensions’ commitment to providing affordability and flexibility in its benefits and to eliminating plan designs that perpetuate disparities and inequities.
July 26 Update from Eliana Maxim
Dear friends,
A pastor friend of mine called recently, seeking to gain understanding from a disastrous session meeting where discussion over a cancelled vacation Bible school devolved into a shouting match between elders and ultimately angry words about my friend’s leadership and preaching style. Another worried pastor shared with me that the fragile balance they had been able to maintain in their purple church was becoming frayed more and more as political rhetoric ramped up for upcoming elections.
No one goes into ministry believing it will be all about languorously long afternoons of intense scripture study, unending revelatory prayer sessions or life altering sermons. Ministry ends up dealing with the messiness and unpredictability of life; from clogged toilets to grief-stricken congregants to deciphering a church balance sheet to planning sermon series. And more. A more that includes coming to the realization that you will never please everyone and you will never ever be able to do it all.
The last few years have added another layer of tension to this peculiar vocation.
A deeply divisive country, a global pandemic, increased violence, and social unrest have all highlighted a growing mistrust and fear among our churches across the country and denominational borders. And in their anxiety, many have turned in anger against their pastoral leaders, impatient with their inability to “fix” things and make everything right again. And so we arrive at what many are calling “The Great Clergy Burnout”. Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein addresses this phenomenon in her latest blog.
In the middle of summer, as we look towards the fall when we’re anticipating another resurgence of covid infections, more fallout from Supreme Court decisions and January 6 hearings, and the anxiety around doing church well (i.e., getting folks to come back to worship, balancing budgets, being relevant) how can we turn our frustration with one another into collaboration, and suspicion of each other’s motives into community building?
We are not unique at facing these challenges. The early church had to be reminded repeatedly to work together as in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” and again in 1Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Grounded in this Biblical wisdom, I invite us also to keep in mind the calling of the church as expressed in the Book of Order that states “The Church is to be a community of hope… a community of love… a community of witness pointing beyond itself through word and work to the good news of God’s transforming grace in Christ Jesus its Lord.” (F-1.0301) May we turn our faces towards one another convinced we will encounter the sacred in one another as we together discern God’s will for the church, and work side by side to that end.
Paz,
Rev. Eliana Maxim
Co-Executive Presbyter
July 21 Update from Eliana Maxim
Dear friends,
The past month has been a whirlwind for many in our denomination as the church convened for General Assembly 225, the biannual gathering of the PC(USA). This time, the assembly met over a three-week period; committees in person at the newly renovated Louisville headquarters, and plenaries online through Zoom. Seattle Presbytery was well represented by our commissioners Rev. Lina Thompson, Rev. Eyde Mabanglo, Elder Todd Peterson (Woodland Park), Elder Glen Ferguson (Overlake Park), and Young Adult Advisory Delegate Kate Stoops (Mercer Island). Creative and compelling worship was designed by a team led by Rev. Tasha Hicks-McCray and included Elder Chris Lim (Union Church). Despite planning and executing a different and challenging assembly under uncertain circumstances due to covid impact, the church embarked on courageous discussions and took bold actions in many areas. Below you’ll get a general overview of decisions taken, including affirming women’s autonomy over their bodies in terms of reproduction justice and declaring the PC(USA) a sanctuary church. More information on GA225 decisions from issues on polity to rules of discipline to gender justice and environmental concerns can be found at https://www.pcusa.org/news/2022/7/12/summary-general-assembly-actions/. Several business items related to changes in the Book of Order will be coming to presbyteries for voting and Seattle Presbytery will take them up at an upcoming presbytery meeting soon.
Meanwhile back in Seattle Presbytery... Scott embarked on his 3-month sabbatical this week. The staff sent him off with admonishments to stay safe (he’s hiking in the wilderness), take pictures, and not give us a second thought. We pray for his time away; that it be restorative and re-creative.
The Thriving Congregations Team is busy planning a leadership summit for the end of September and continuing to walk alongside over 20 congregations in the initiative. Several churches are in the midst of pastoral transitions, and the presbytery’s nominating committee is busy at work preparing a slate for the fall presbytery meeting (Oct. 18) when we will elect new members to our leadership bodies. If you are interested in serving at the presbytery level, please contact SeaPres nominating for more information.
So, despite the warm sunshine and long days, there is much going on in the life of the presbytery and all the congregations. I am grateful for each one of you; for your partnership in seeking God’s will for the presbytery, for your faithfulness to the Gospel, and your commitment to be the church we need to be today, and in this place.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Eliana Maxim
Co-Executive Presbyter
PC(USA) LEADERS REACT TO DECISION TO OVERTURN ROE VS WADE
Sadness, anger, frustration
Nelson, Moffett, other church leaders react to decision to overturn Roe vs Wade
Rick Jones & Randy Hobson | Office of the General Assembly - June 24, 2022
LOUISVILLE
Friday’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs Wade came as little surprise to leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The decision came down as the denomination hosts the 225th General Assembly in Louisville. The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) and the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, were among several to express their frustrations over the decision and the expectation that it could lead to nearly half the states in the U.S. placing bans on abortion.
“The Presbyterian Church has been very clear about its position on this matter,” said Nelson. “We still have a lot to say about this issue from the impact on people of color, health and safety, as well as religious freedom.”
https://www.pcusa.org/news/2022/6/24/sadness-anger-frustration/
June 2022 SeaPres Update from Co-Executive Presbyters
Please listen to this SeaPres Podcast episode in preparation for the June 21st presbytery meeting.
SeaPres Podcast: Colombia Mission Partnership
Eight years after embarking on a unique partnership with the Presbytery of the North Coast (Presbyterian Church of Colombia), Seattle Presbytery staff discuss this pivotal time of deeper engagement and mutual learning invitations. Join Revs. Scott Lumsden, Tali Hairston, Maggie Breen, Paul Kim, and Eliana Maxim as they talk about what this means for our local congregations and communities.
May 26 SeaPres Update from Co-Executive Presbyters
Buffalo and Uvalde. We wish there were wise or comforting words we could offer. But like you, we are overwhelmed and heartbroken at the horror, violence, and hate. As we grieve both as church and nation, we join others in prayer...
Denominational resources that may be of help in your communities.
Gun Violence Resources (Presbyterian Peacemaking): presbyterianmission.org/ministries/peacemaking/gun-violence-resources/
Through a Mirror Dimly (Presbyterian Youth and Triennium Office)
drive.google.com/file/d/1f65UCiDIRNEUAzW4rEiTUbxPlOgug8RE/view
G-NS: A Resource for Generous Dialogue about Gun Violence (PCUSA Store, For Young Adults)
pcusastore.com/Products/GNS18D/gns-a-resource-for-generous-dialogue-about-gun-violence.aspx
How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings (Common Sense Media)
commonsensemedia.org/articles/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-school-shootings
Church safety resources from PC(USA): https://www.seattlepresbytery.org/news/2022/weapons-at-church-the-unthinkable-in-gods-house-pcusa-resources
Longing for peace,
Eliana and Scott
Revs. Eliana Maxim & Scott Lumsden
Co-Executive Presbyters
Weapons at Church: The Unthinkable in God’s House - PC(USA Resources
Weapons at Church: The Unthinkable in God’s House—A message from PC(USA) General Counsel Mike Kirk as our prayers and lamentations continue
We like to think of our churches as places of safety and refuge. A place to commune with God and join in fellowship with our church community. Unfortunately, others view churches as targets. White supremacist Dylan Roof murdered nine people at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina in 2015. Recently a Las Vegas man with a grudge against Taiwan entered the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California, and shot members and friends of the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church who were gathered at a celebratory luncheon.
It is unfortunate that church leaders must think about how to prevent such violence or how to respond to it if it happens. But sessions should discuss church safety. There are many resources available for churches, including the following:
Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship (FEMA)
Safety for Faith Based Events at Houses of Worship (Department of Homeland Security)
Developing an emergency plan for violence on church property (Creating Safe Ministries, PCUSA)
Congregations and mid councils should consider organizing a committee to discuss and make recommendations for safety policies and procedures.
Peacebuilding in the Holy Land
Peacebuilding in the Holy Land
Bellevue Presbyterian Church & University Presbyterian Church
Trip dates: October 15 - 22, 2022
Extension dates: Oct. 23 - 25, 2022
Many of us aspire to travel to the Holy Land. We want to see the places we read about in the Bible.
But the Holy Land is more than just the stirring backdrop of Jewish, Christian and Moslem faiths.
It's also a land of heartbreaking hostilities. Decades of strife between Israelis and Palestinians continue to rage. The Biblical imperative for justice, reconciliation and forgiveness is as much in need there today as it was 2,000 years ago.
You're invited to join an eye-opening trip to the Holy Land this October where you'll have an opportunity to not only tour the celebrated holy sites, but dig deeper into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We'll hear from Israeli Jewish and Palestinian guides, religious leaders and peacemakers. We'll discuss religious, political, and economic and justice issues facing the region. Moreover, we'll wrestle with the question of how we can engage and respond to the ongoing turmoil.
The tour is organized through our mission partner Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and MEJDI Tours. See:
https://www.mejditours.com/open-tour/seattle-presbyterian-churches-holy-land-tour/
Come learn more about this trip Wed. May 25, 5:30 pm: Either in person at University Presbyterian Church,
4540 15th Ave NE, Seattle 98105 OR
Via Zoom - contact Holy Land Task Force for the link.
2022 Colombia Partnership Trip
Please keep our Colombia partnership trip members and partners in prayer. 2022 team members: Renee Notkin, Maggie Breen, Tali Hairston, Paul Kim, Eliana Maxim, Alex Maxim. We’ll be posting trip photos and updates on Seattle Presbytery’s Facebook page.