Rev Bill

My nephew Rob has put a new perspective on the Declaration of Independence — updating it but keeping the same intent of the original.

Read his updated version here.

I love July 4! I love the fireworks and the celebration of America. I want to play Soussa marches and watch the Boston Pops concert with The 1812 Overture — the church bells of Boston adding to the concert along with army canons.

I can’t deny it — I love America!

But - why do I love America?

I love America for what it is — the freedoms that are ours as Americans — but I also love America because of what it can be. In a democracy, there is always the potential for creating a country where God’s will for liberty, justice, love, and freedom is a reality.

I believe that this was the dream of our founders — and it is still a dream worth dreaming of and fighting for. As long as we believe in this dream — and commit ourselves to praying for it and working for it — we will continue to strive for the greatness that is — and can continue to be — ours as Americans.

I just discovered a great blog — Gruntled Center. (The word “gruntled” means people who are contented with God and family — the opposite of disgruntled.)

“Gruntled” has some good advice to Presbyterians who may not like the results of the General Assembly last week — instead of leaving, stay and compete.

I agree with this wholeheartedly.

The major decisions of the General Assembly — particularly changing the Book of Order standards of Ordination — must be passed by each Presbytery to become official. If those who disagree with such changes leave instead of staying and expressing their convictions, the denomination will suffer. It takes everyone willing to stay together — share their convictions — and go through the process — for God’s will to be done. Since the Reformation our denomination has held that God speaks through Scripture, and that the will of God is made known through a democratic process of listening to each other — expressing what God is saying to us — and voting our God - given convictions. If all convictions are not expressed, the process does not work.

Let’s all work together to discern God’s will in these issues. We all remember how hard the process has been in the past, but we all need to pray together, work together (”stay in the boat” as our leaders are saying at this time) and know that Jesus is with us in all storms.

The General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has called on the denomination to be in a time of prayer as we consider the actions taken by the General Assembly — particularly the recommendation to ammend G-6.0106b — the ordination standards.

The letter calling for a time of prayer states:

We know the assembly actions may do little to ease the anxiety that seems to permeate our life together as a denomination. The debate isn’t new and the future holds difficult challenges. As the Rev. Dan Holloway, moderator of the committee that took up the items on ordination standards, said, “As we move forward, it is essential that we have conversations that are gracious and loving and welcoming, since we are not all of one mind.” Our hope is that none of us will act or react immediately to the decisions, choosing instead to pray and talk with one another about these issues.

I agree. We need to pray about this issue (and the one I just posted about) — and see where God may lead us. I pray we can find a way to work together for God’s glory and the work of God in the
world.

You can read the General Assembly Council’s letter here.

USA Today reports that the Presbyterian Church (USA) reported a loss of 57,000 members last year — the largest decline of membership since 1991. This brings our membership down to 2.2 million.

What will it take for the denomination to reverse this trend?

Greater commitment to Christ?

Greater commitment to our own faith and how we live it out every day?

Greater commitment to reaching out to others with God’s love?

More emphasis on “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20)?

More emphasis on actions of justice and cmpassion?

Greater commitment to looking for new ways to reach out to others — particularly the unchurched?

A combination of these?

We all have ideas and opinions, and I’m very interested in hearing them.

What do you think?

Post some comments and let’s discuss this.

You can read the USA Today article here.