Living Faith Presbyterian Church's Final Worship Service

By TRACEY COMPTON
Renton Reporter Staff writer

On June 30, the first church ever established in Renton will hold its final service before closing forever.

Image Gallery

Video: Full Service, Sermon

First Presbyterian Church of Renton, started in 1885 and now called Living Faith Presbyterian Church, is closing, unable to build membership, fund  rising building costs and provide the amenities and experiences church staff want for their congregation.

“The reason we’re closing is not financial pressure, although, it gets to a point where it’s abusive to ask people to pour money into a building that is beyond their means to take care of,” said Rev. Tom Masters. “It’s more of the fact that for the health of the body of Christ, you want the adults to be able to meet new people that they can share their gifts with. And the new people can share with them and everybody can have a better fellowship and a more faithful expression in that body of Christ that way.”

Masters has been the pastor of the church for the last 20 months but was involved with the congregation many years prior.

2013 marks the church’s 128th year in Renton. The founding pastor was George Whitworth, a former University of Washington president and founder of Whitworth College in Spokane.

Continue reading at the Renton Reporter...

Rev. George Gilchrist publishes book on Ephesians

“Ephesians: 1st Century Background and 21st Century Applications”

Dr. George Gilchrist, a trained Interim/Transitional pastor, who recently transferred from San Francisco Presbytery to Seattle Presbytery, has published “Ephesians: 1st Century Background and 21st Century Applications.”

It’s not only a tool for discipleship but is useful for strengthening the small group ministry of the local church. Both hard cover and ebook versions can be purchased through bn.com and amazon.com.

Children's Ministry SeaPres Cafe Recap

Children's Ministry Spotlight

Saturday, June 8

Click here for SeaPres Cafe Children's Ministry Notes .

Facilitator: Jennifer Patterson, Director of Ministries to Children & Families (MIPC)

• Why Children's Ministry Matters (Jen Paterson)
• Children as Disciples/Spirituality of Children (Heather Ingersoll)
• Children as Worshipers (Jeny Carlson)
• Children as Family Members/Sticky Faith/How we help families get on board with the faith formation of kids! (Dani Forbess)
• LET'S GET REAL: What works and what doesn't work (Jen Paterson) - Curriculum, Challenges, Community Support
• Passing On The Reformed Faith  (Cordelia Scheuermann)

Presenter Bio’s

Jennifer Paterson, MDiv, serves as Director of Ministries of Children and their Families at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.

Heather Ingersoll, MA, is working on a PhD in Spirituality of Children at Seattle Pacific University and also serves as Director of Children’s Ministries at North Creek Presbyterian Church.

Jeny Carlson, MDiv student at Seattle University, and member of Mt Baker Park Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Dani Forbess, MDiv, serves with children and families at University Presbyterian Church.

Cordelia Scheuermann serves as Director of Children’s Ministries at Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church.   

Rev. Fred Davis Publishes New Book

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I wanted to let you know that Judy and I have published a book entitled "Through Stormy Waters; God's Peace in Life's Storms."

As many of you know, just weeks before I was to begin my ministry in Enumclaw, I was run over by a bus in New Mexico. I spent the next 3 1/2 months recovering from what appeared at first to be not only life-threatening injuries but also a paralyzing spinal cord injury. You all prayed, supported, financially assisted and ultimately welcomed us to Seattle Presbytery in November of 1997. Our book chronicles not only accident but the ways in which God has helped us through that - and many other storms in life.

You can like us on FB (Through Stormy Waters) or visit "Another Cup," my blog @ www.twoextrashots.blogspot.com. Print versions are available now. Several ebook versions will be available in a week or two (Kindle, Nook, iTunes, etc).

 -Rev. Fred Davis

Items Seeking a New Home from Living Faith

While we mourn the closing of Living Faith Presbyterian Church (formerly Renton First), we can also help them through this time. Attached is an inventory of items from the church that are for sale to a new home.​

For all inquires, please contact livingfaith@seattlepresbytery.org.

Click here to view the inventory.​

​Foosball, Speakers, and More!

​Stained Glass

​Bells

Responding to the Boston Bombing

​Image from npr.org

PCUSA Call to Prayer

 God is our refuge and strength,
   a  very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
   though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
   though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
-Psalm 46:1-3 (NRSV)

Gracious Lord, you are our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble. With sadness and questions in our hearts, your Spirit prompts us in this hour to pray for our sisters and brothers in the wake of the tragedy in Boston. Comfort with your generous grace in a way only you can, Lord, those who lost their loved ones in the bomb explosions today, those who are trying to connect with their loved ones, and those who are injured.  Strengthen first responders, medical personnel, and other authorities as they work through the day and night to come to the aid of many. Pierce the heart and soul of the perpetrator(s) of this act of violence. Forgive that individual(s) for they know not what they do.

Incline your ear to us, loving Lord, for we seek you, we plead to you to come to our aid, to hear our pleas and petitions for peace, for we long and groan for the day when the wolf will lay down with the lamb, where there will be no more bombs, no more loss, no more blood. Unite us as a human community, where neighbor loves neighbor, where our relating to each other is not through fear or violence, but through our common life, for in you and from you we live, and move and have our being.

In your strong love, hold us close to your heart. Anchor us in your love and secure us in your peace which surpasses all our understanding but which gives us the very confidence that in a Good Friday world, we are an Easter people, living in and with the power, possibilities and promise of your risen son, Jesus Christ.  In his Name and for his sake, we pray. Amen.

For information on how to join with other Presbyterians in responding to the acts of violence at the Boston Marathon or for worship resources (PDF) for use in times of disaster, visit the website of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which was invited to send—and is preparing to deploy—an experienced team of first responders.

Neal D. Presa, Moderator of the 220th General Assembly (2012)
Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Linda Bryant Valentine, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency

Read this article in Spanish/Encuentre esta declaración en español.

Read this article in Korean.

Massachusetts Council of Churches statement on the Boston Marathon Bombing

"Behold, I will bring health and healing to the city; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth." ~ Jeremiah  33:6 

Our hearts are heavy in Massachusetts. On a great day of civic pride and joy, our city of Boston was scarred by violence.  We grieve for those who have died. Bodies made to run and cheer were wounded. Our eyes are burned with images of terror in the very streets where we walk. Attend to us, Great Physician. We do not yet now why this has happened. Preserve us from quick judgements, O Lord. Give us wisdom in the days ahead. Reveal to us peace and truth. We sing the African-American spiritual "guide my feet, while I run this race, for I don't want to run this race in vain." In this time of uncertainty and fear, we cling to the sure promises of our God that we do not go on in vain.

Even as we grieve, we will remain steadfast in charity, defiant in hope, and constant in prayer. We are grateful for the prayers and support from across the country and the globe. Please continue to pray for the victims. Pray for our first responders, our elected officials, and the media who work with such trauma and return home to their own families. Pray for those without permanent homes who live in our public parks, displaced by this violence in our city. Pray for the marathoners, tourists and visitors far from home. 

The Massachusetts Council of Churches joins our prayers with citizens throughout the Commonwealth. In the words of the prophet Jeremiah, may our God indeed bring health and healing to the city.

The Rev. Laura E. Everett

Executive Director

Massachusetts Council of Churches

​

4/8-15: Revive Seattle (@ Capitol Hill, Union, & Seattle First)

From Rev. James Kearny

I want you to know about Revive Seattle an exciting ministry that is coming to town next week. They consist of lay people from around the country who are passionate about Jesus and want to help our churches share the gospel. I have met the leadership and like them. I have participated in their training and have practiced their simple method of sharing the gospel and found it effective.

They will be in Seattle from April 8-15, based in the Seattle Center, then spending one day in 7 different neighborhoods walking the streets and sharing with folks they meet. If this sounds scary to you, you are not alone. But they are not pushy, they are not gloomy, they are not blue eyed fanatics. They are regular people who love the Lord and desire others to know him.

Seattle Presbytery is well represented. My church, Capitol Hill Pres, is hosting this group when they come to our hill on April 11th. First Pres Seattle and Union Church are hosting Revive when they go to First Hill and Denny as well.

Please check them out at www.reviveseattle.org

I encourage you to call a couple of evangelists in your congregations--I guarantee you have them--and let them know about this happening. Since I have taken their training, I have begun sharing the gospel with people. In fact, Since I have been sharing the gospel with friends and family, I have had a number make commitments to Christ. I am talking with my leader of Adult Discipleship today about preparing to disciple these new believers. It's like having babies in the house again.

I apologize for such short notice. Though I am a pastor, I am also a little shy about this sort of thing. In fact, I have found that pastors are particularly wary of this kind of thing. By far the most people involved in Revive Seattle are lay people.

Feel free to call me with any questions. 206-850-6819. I challenge you to go to the web site and sign up. Come to one or more days and observe what the people are doing. It will change your life, if you let it.

He is risen!

James Kearny
Pastor
Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church

A Lenten Reflection from Rev. Mansour Kahjehpour

Lent Day 39
Friday, March 29 , 2013
Reading: Luke 14:25-33
 “Expensive Mosaic”

By Rev. Mansour Khajehpour

It does not matter how many times I travel to Istanbul, I always find a good reason to visit the magnificent, ancient Hagia Sophia Church, a church that was dedicated to the Logos, God’s Word.  Hagi Sophia basilica once was the largest Cathedral of the Orthodox Church and until 1935 carried the name “Mosque’ over its head. It aches my heart each time I visit this place I know there is a lesson for me.

In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. Constantinople became Istanbul and the basilica became a mosque. The bells, altar, and other symbols of Christianity were removed and the mosaics were plastered over.

When the Ottomans took over Constantinople, they made every effort to remove any signs of Christianity. The city became Istanbul and all churches became mosques, and this famous Cathedral became the Grand Mosque. All icons were destroyed and all the wall paintings were painted over. There I found a huge mosaic with Jesus at its center. The bottom part of this mosaic is badly deteriorated, but the rest carries a strong message.

Some centuries ago Christians left this at the emperor’s court, probably as another church decoration. For over 500 years this mosaic was hidden under plaster. These days the Turkish Tourism office is trying to restore it. To make this beautiful mosaic would have been very costly. To uncover and to restore this artwork is definitely costly as well. Visitors stop by it for different reasons, yet for me it had a very special message. As these small pieces of the mosaic are being uncovered I am being reminded of the sacrifice our sisters and brothers who have gone ahead of us have paid. This mosaic proclaims the same message: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters–yes, even his own life–he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (14:26-27)

Today’s Prayer:     Dear God, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You have given us life abundantly. Thank you for changing us to be the salt of the earth. Thank you for giving us your taste. Please give us creativity on finding new ways to offer you aroma, and your taste, the taste of your presence to the world around us without mixing your message with human ideologies and sinful culture. In Christ’s name, Amen!

4/14: First Taiwanese PC Chartering

From Bible Study to Charter

An Interview with Commissioned Ruling Elder Roger Wu of First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church

How did the Taiwanese fellowship get its start?

Sometime in May 2002, two brothers in Christ strongly sensed the call of God to share the Gospel with the Taiwanese community of Eastside.  They prayed together to ask for God’s guidance and the Word of God in Matthew 18:19-20 (“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”) inspired and encouraged them to start a Taiwanese speaking church in the Eastside.  In July 2002, they started a weekly Bible study fellowship at home and then had the first Sunday worship service on September 15th 2002 in Bellevue.  This is how the First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church started up.

What can you tell us about your partnership with MIPC? 

Through Seattle Presbytery’s introduction and MIPC’s acceptance, we started to meet at MIPC on March 16th 2003 for the Sunday Worship.  From the first day we were warmly welcomed by MIPC!  For the past ten years MIPC’s sincerely acceptance and incredible hospitality make us freely grow in joy and appreciation.  They treat us as their family and we learn from them how to do the community service such as Tent City 4 ministry.  Without MIPC’s fully supports, our chartering is definitely impossible.  We thank God for this amazing partnership with MIPC.  We are looking forward to doing future ministries with MIPC for the Kingdom of God.

What are your missional goals? Specifically how are you reaching the 1.5 generation of immigrants?

Our mission goal is to share the Gospel in Christ with more people (mainly for Taiwanese Americans, but not only limited to Taiwanese Americans) in the greater Seattle area and Taiwan.  Besides Sunday worship services, Sunday school classes, regular Bible study, we also have Joyful Life Fellowship and Ping-Pong Ministry to reach out the 1.5 and second generations of immigrants.

Why charter?

The chartering gives us more friends/partners and resources to do the Great Commission!  Praise the Lord!!

Shannon Beck is PCUSA's New Reconciliation Catalyst

By ​Jerry L. Van Marter, Presbyterian News Service
Read the full story here.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) World Mission (WM) has hired three “catalysts” to help the church engage with the three critical global issues ― poverty, reconciliation and evangelism ― around which World Mission has chosen to focus its work. .

The three critical global issues, which address the changing mission realities of the 21st Century, were defined as key mission issues by WM’s global partners, mission co-workers and PC(USA) congregations through an extensive survey and feedback process completed last year.

The three catalysts are Frank Dimmock, the Rev. Haemin Lee and Shannon Beck. They will start work this spring and will be available to speak to congregations, mission committees and presbyteries about the these issues as they network passionate Christians together to address poverty, especially as it impacts women and children, share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and work towards reconciliation in cultures of violence, including our own.

“These catalysts will bring a level of expertise and attention to these concerns that has previously not existed within the church,” said the Rev. Hunter Farrell, director of World Mission. “They will also be a key resource to help inspire, equip and connect churches and individuals who have passion and energy to work in the areas of poverty, evangelism and reconciliation. They will be the ‘catalysts’ to start a movement of Presbyterians involved in God’s mission in the world in each of these areas."

The reconciliation catalyst is Shannon Beck, a graduate of Seattle Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary. She is an educator, singer-songwriter, poet, blogger and peace-seeker who currently serves as director of young people’s ministries at First United Methodist Church of Seattle. She has worked for peace and justice concerns in various capacities, including seven years as chair of Seattle’s Presbytery’s Peacemaking Committee and on the Peacemaking Committee of the Synod of Alaska-Northwest. She helped found the PC(USA)’s Israel/Palestine Network, has done organizing for the Washington State affiliate of the National Religious Campaign against Torture and co-wrote the 2012 “Season of Peace” for the PC(USA).

Learing to Pray With the Arts

"But for the person who knows why he calls himself a Christian, none of the events in the life of Jesus Christ can be of no consequence. All of them concern us and have a mysterious and profound significance and relevance today." - Hans Urs von Balthasar

The Supper at Emmaus - Caravaggio

The purpose of “Praying with the Arts” is to provide a venue for listening to God through masterpieces of art. The retreats offer space in our frenetic culture to reflect, receive, and respond to our Triune God. Participants are invited into a deeper communion with God through the riches of the arts as inspiration for prayer.

Click here to learn more about Louise's upcoming retreat: Meditations on Holy Week, Saturday, March 23.

During the past several years, Rev. M. Louise Holert has offered “Praying with the Arts” retreats in the greater Seattle area, as well as in Vancouver, BC. Because the liturgical year provides an annual rhythm for reflection on the major events of salvation history, her primary focus is illuminating the liturgical year -- from Advent to the Ascension -- through devotional art. Louise also offers presentations on additional themes such as faith, fear, desolation, consolation, and gratitude. The format is guided meditation on masterpieces of devotional art with relevant Scripture texts, accompanied by poetry and sacred music.

In addition to presenting two annual retreats at St. Mary-on-the Lake in Bellevue, Louise is also available to lead “Praying with the Arts” events in churches. The material can be customized for single or multiple sessions and 1/2 day or weekend retreats.

Comments of people who have attended retreats:

"The artwork is helpful in creating an image of a particular passage in Scripture…it helps me to connect to the emotions of the characters in the text. I believe, the music that is chosen helps me to rest in the truth. To take the truth into my heart.. And, the content is rich and deep." Micheal, Cascade Community Church

"Meditating on the art and the Scripture together, opened me up to a new way to receive from the Holy Spirit. Something came up for me that I was not expecting, and I was able to come to a place of release, forgiveness, and freedom." Rosann, Capital Hill Presbyterian Church

"This ministry is a particular blessing to those of us who serve in smaller churches. Louise recently led our monthly women's association gathering in a prayer experience with art. The women appreciated the ways they were invited to pray with the Scripture, to notice the artist's interpretation of the text, and to make application to their lives. We look forward to another visit from Louise in the coming year." Pastor Amy, Edmonds Presbyterian Church

For further information, please contact Louise at: holertml@aol.com or visit Louise’s website: www.prayingwiththearts.com

Local Presbyterian Homeless Project for Two-Parent Families

From the Seattle Presbytery Network To End Homelessness​

We thought it was time to give you an update on a homeless project that we’ve been tracking and supporting for the last several months. As you may know, Madrona Grace Presbyterian Church in Seattle very generously donated their large basement space as a shelter for homeless families. Well, after a lot of construction help from volunteers from various congregations including their own, it is now up and running and providing one of the very few emergency overnight shelters for two-parent families in King County! There are currently six families living in shelter at Julia’s Place and these are families who would otherwise have nowhere to go to stay together.

Graphics courtesy of Sacha Maxim.​

Julia’s Place has developed a great momentum and continues to push forward with the mission of keeping the families of our community off the streets at night. Sarah and Victor came to Julia’s Place with their four children in May last year after both losing their jobs and subsequently their housing.  They worked diligently every day towards obtaining housing, both catching the bus from Madrona every morning at 5:45am to get to their new jobs in Woodinville.  By the end of July, they had saved up enough money to move their family into their own home!

Thanks to the generosity of Madrona Grace Presbyterian Church, Julia’s Place was able to provide 2,997 bed nights for homeless families from April to November of this year! And their partnership with Mary’s Place in Gethsemane Lutheran church provides a day-facility for their use as well.

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But while Julia’s Place has developed a strong core of volunteers to bring in meals and host the families each evening, the need continues for additional volunteer support to maintain this momentum. So we are asking you to look closely at the attached photos and volunteer opportunities summary to see how your congregation might come alongside this critical project.

We will be contacting you by phone soon to answer any questions and to see if this important ministry fits with your congregation’s local outreach efforts. In the meantime, if you or your church has questions or would like to be involved with this worthy effort, please contact Dawn McConaughy of Mercer Island Presbyterian Church at dawnmcconaughy@comcast.net, or Alyson Moon at alyson@marysplaceseattle.org or (206) 621-8474.

Thanks for giving serious consideration to joining with us in helping Madrona Presbyterian continue to provide the loving care to homeless families in the Greater Seattle area.

Carol Nett and Jack Roos, Co-Conveners

Current Project Needs (Updated 3/5/13)​

• Shower Installation: Site with plumbing identified. Need construction designed.
• Foundation seepage: Back gutter leak contributing to the problem. Need approach.
• Gas heater replacement: Existing ones working ok for now. But need to get estimates for similar replacements.
• Electrical wiring changes: Consider moving heater to another circuit and installing wall switch for lights.
• Blackberry brambles on south side: Access from south side & use church’s compost bins.
• Additional Refrigerator: Need a second one to separate guest food from group leftovers. Check electrical circuit load for location.
• Washer & Dryer Replacement: Existing ones are small and unreliable. Survey price vs. capacity & efficiency.
• Touchup Painting: Need to identify areas and see if matching paint exists.
• Warming Oven: Check out price & power requirements of oven to keep delivered food warm.
• Entry Door Closer: Install door closer on outside door to keep down heat loss.

MIPC Teen Helping Vietnamese Mothers

By Cody Hall

Do you remember seeing your unborn child for the first time on an ultrasound screen? Have you or someone you love benefitted from early cancer detection? These are things we take for granted every day here in America.  The ultrasound at Kim Long Charity Clinic in Hue, Vietnam is over 18 years old and cannot accurately diagnose and address these medical issues.  I am hoping to raise $20,000 for my senior project in order to purchase a new ultrasound device for the patients of the Kim Long Charity Clinic.

After visiting with Sister Bong at the Kim Long Charity Clinic in December I saw the amazing work the sisters do.   Kim Long Charity Clinic serves the poor and offers reduced or often times free health care.  Every day the sisters use the ultrasound on at least 20 patients.  The ultrasound is used for the diagnosis of breast, thyroid, and abdominal complications.  However, the current machine is not adequate to provide the medical care needed and some patients must be turned away and sent elsewhere.  With a new ultrasound the sisters would be able to efficiently and successfully address these issues in their clinic as well as provide essential heart and pregnancy ultrasounds. 

Witnessing firsthand the dedication and passion the sisters have in caring for their patients, I was inspired to try make a difference for them and the people they serve.  $20,000 will allow the clinic to purchase a new ultrasound device.  If you would like to join me in helping the sisters provide better medical health care please write a check and send it to Mercer Island Presbyterian Church with “ultrasound” in the memo line.  If you would like more information, please email me.

New Image Galleries are Up

​PresbyFest 2013

​Wallingford Pres' Centennial

Duke-​McArdel Ordination

Duke-McArdel Ordination and North Installation

Come celebrate with us!

Brian North will be installed in worship at Rose Hill Presbyterian Church on Sunday, February 10th, at 3:00pm.

Erin Duke McArdel will be ordained in worship at Southminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday, February 10, at 4:30pm with a potluck dinner celebration afterwards. 

Rohrer and Delaney Called to NPS Churches

Emmanuel PC Votes to Call Rev. David Rohrer

It is with great pleasure that the Emmanuel PNC announces that the congregation voted unanimously to call Rev. David Rohrer as their pastor on Jan. 13, 2013, and the NPSP COM approved the call at their January meeting. 

The NPS Presbytery will vote to receive Rev. Rohrer at the February presbytery meeting. Read more.

Congrats to Rev. Amy Delaney!

On January 6, 2013, the congregation at Edmonds PC celebrated moving Rev. Amy Delaney to the position of Pastor of their church. Rev. Delaney had been serving as the temporary pastor since 2010.

Check out North Puget Sound's Tidelands

Tidelands NCD (North Puget Sound Presbytery) is reaching out to young families who have no church experience in the Stanwood-Camano Island community in Washington state. Led by youth minister Brandon Bailey from Mountain View Presbyterian Church, Tidelands is living into a new way of planting faith communities centered in mission.

Persian Missionaries Visiting Seapres

UPDATE: Please come to Northminster on February 10, 2013 at 9:15 to our Adult Education time in the Fellowship Hall to hear about the mission work being done by The Rev. Sadegh Sephehri and Aziz Sadaghian. Everyone is welcome to attend!

---

Beloved sisters and brothers,

Greetings and Happy New Year!

This is with a great joy to be back in the Northwest. I thank God for you, your ministries, and your prayerful support of the amazing work that God is doing among many nations. I have three good news to share with you.

First, on regular basis I receive joyful emails telling me that one, two, or more individuals from Iran or Afghanistan have accepted the Lord. As someone once said, the Holy Spirit is gone out of control! Amid the severe persecution of Christians in Iran, many disillusioned Iranians walk out of Islam and into the Light of the World. It seems that the Stars that led the Magi from the East (Persia?) are still shining and many wise people seek the signs of the King of kings. Praise the Lord for what He is doing in our very midst.

Second, currently the PC (USA) has two mission co-workers serving the Iranian Diaspora in Germany and Eastern Europe. Ever since 1998 Rev. Sadegh Sepehri (wife: Pouran) and Aziz Sadaghian (wife: Nezhat) have been proclaiming the Good news to the Iranian and Afghani refugees in Germany. Many have accepted the Lord because of their ministries. Christianity Today in a recent article (July 17, 2012) reported that Rev. Sepehri has baptized over 500 Iranians in Germany. Another American missionary pastor has baptized over 2000 Iranians in the southern city of Nuremberg.

Third, from February 2nd through 17th, the two mission coworkers (Sadegh and Aziz) will be staying with my family here in Seattle. They are here to meet you and spend some times with your congregations. I am sure you will be blessed meeting them and hearing a report about their ministries. In return, I am sure, meeting and having a little time with you will encourage and bless them too. I would like to invite you to consider arranging a weekday (day or evening) gathering, or a Sunday worship with our two brothers. I will be the contact person to arrange the time, and I also will provide their transportation too. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email (listed above) to arrange this.

Thanks for your time and many blessings,

Mansour Khajehpour

PresbyFest to be "Awesome"

Things people might have said about PresbyFest 2012:

"...undoing the whole notion of the Frozen Chosen."

"Fun, enriching, and enjoyable--seriously."

"PresbyFest really delivered on both Presby and Fest!"

"Great signage."
 

During his keynote address, speaker Ray Suarez will ask, "What is the role of the church universal in the world today? Where has it been effective? And where has it failed? The dramatic shift in demographics we saw in the recent election (and how it affected the outcome) is reflected in our mainline denominations. How do we wake up to the reality? And what happens if we do? Or don't?"

Among the many luminaries presenting workshops, we are proud to feature Jim Wellman of the University of Washington presenting from his new book "Rob Bell and a New American Christianity."

We are also so fortunate to have Archbishop Elias Chacour joining us to preach and teach. For decades, Archbishop Chacour has courageously worked for peace in the Holy Land.

PrebyFest offers us all the opportunity to come together in our diversity, to learn from one another and share what we have experienced. It provides a place for us to lift each other in prayer and rejoice for all that has been and is yet to be. PresbyFest is a way for us to be Church.
 
Don't miss out--book your ticket today at www.seattlepresbytery.org/presbyfest!
Click here to share PresbyFest on Facebook.

Report on Synod Reduced Function

SYNOD MID COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

by Rev. Dean Strong - Synod Stated Clerk

Synod Meeting Summary, October 23-25. (Please note—this is an unofficial summary that may contain inaccuracies or omissions--- refer to the minutes which will be release as soon as is practically possible). 

The plan for reduced function was faithfully implemented within pastoral and practical considerations. 

Governance & Structure 
• Presbyteries will elect or reelect one Ruling and one Teaching Elder commissioner to begin serving Jan 1st for two year alternating terms and a maximum of six continuous years. They must be fully representative of the presbytery’s “Council” or equivalent; attend those meetings and fully abreast of the current business and issues before the presbytery, and able to speak on its behalf. It can be a current member of the “Council,” be added as an ex-officio member with or without vote, or simply be required to attend meetings and be included on all be the most sensitive “Council” and presbytery matters. This 14 member (and the Clerk) body will meet at least once a year face to face and as needed by electronic means. 
• A team has been appointed to revise all Synod Governing Documents 
• All committees of the Synod are ended as of December 31st, 2012. 
• The Synod Office will be closed by December 31st, the new location will be the North Puget Sound Presbytery office in Everett, WA, but in reality the office will be “virtual.” 

Assets and Finance 
• The real property held by the Synod (office building, Koinonia House, etc.) are being offered as gifts to the presbyteries where they are located without impacting the division of other liquid assets. An Administrative Commission has been appointed to deal with the disposition of real property. 
• 2013 Mission Partnership Funds of $150,000 received from GA will be divided among the presbyteries 
• Unrestricted funds held by the Synod will be distributed to the presbyteries as they mature. This may take months, and in some cases, years. 
• MDC will continue as usual. Some Synod funds to be distributed to the presbyteries are held in MDC and will be distributed as new certificates. It is hoped but not required that when those certificates expire the presbyteries will continue to invest them in MDC. 
• Funds that are donor restricted that cannot be given to the presbyteries will continue to be held and administered by the Synod. 
• Previous Grants and financial commitments will be honored through 2013. 
• Per capita has been reduced to $4.00 for 2013, which includes significant severance costs. It is anticipated that it will be reduced by at third to half in 2014 as costs continue to decline
• Some decisions regarding the disposition of liquid assets have been postponed until 2013 and will be made as the decisions made at this meeting are finalized and implemented and the financial position of the Synod is clarified (i.e. “when we know better exactly where we stand”). 

Programs 
• Ongoing Synod programs that one or more presbyteries want to support will be continued by them. Those without presbytery support will end on December 31st. 
• The Synod funding for PresbyTech will end on December 31st. It may continue if funding is secured from interested presbyteries. Synod of Living Waters is also interested in a partnership. Presbyteries are obligated to help churches transition to another provider if PresbyTech does not continue. The Synod is planning for its own technical needs. 
• The essential functions---Administrative Review, PJC, and appropriate financial functions---have been fully funded and will continue. 
• An Administrative Commission has been appointed to work with partners who have been affected by these changes. 

Staff 
• Newly elected Stated Clerk Dean Strong will continue in that position until reelection or replacement at the first meeting early in 2013; Eunjoo Lee will continue to provide administrative support. Martha Hubbard will continue as Treasurer and Kris Greene will continue to provide contracted bookkeeping. 
• All other current staff positions were ended as of December 31, 2012; severance packages have been provided for all staff.