August 21 Update from Co-EP Eliana Maxim
Seattle Presbytery
Dear Friends,
As summer winds down and we begin to consider the next season, it’s hard to imagine what to expect or how to plan for what is to come. I know that for many of our congregations and pastoral leaders, a certain sense of weariness might be setting in. After all, we have crossed the 6-month mark of the state’s stay at home order, and doing life in a pandemic. Despite all this, I marvel at the ways the church is being called at this time.
Many pastors are reporting higher than usual worship attendance in their virtual offerings. Churches are seeking to deepen their engagement with community organizations and partners to be more effective in responding to community needs.
Generative, creative, and yes, hard, conversations are taking place about the role and identity of the church, the value of property and buildings, redefining community and relationships, and theological explorations of what God might be up to in our neighborhoods and the world.
I give thanks and delight that we are able to embark on all this together, as a presbytery, as a denomination, as the body of Christ. With that, I want to highlight some ways you can stay engaged with your siblings in faith.
Pastor’s Zoom: Wednesdays at noon. An invitation to all our ordained ministers to join in checking in, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another. Zoom information is available online.
Presbyterian Week of Action: August 24-30. An assortment of opportunities to engage with the national church on issues of racial justice. Please visit https://www.pcusa.org/weekofaction/ to check out the schedule and activities.
Colombia Partnership Zoom: August 31 at 9:30am. Seattle Presbytery pastors are invited to join in this Zoom conversation with pastors from our partner presbytery in Colombia. A time to listen and share on leading during a pandemic, and praying for each other. Please register online for Zoom information.
“May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.” (1Thes.5:23-24)
Grace and peace,
Eliana Maxim
Co-Executive Presbyter