A Message from the Stated Clerk, Rev. Erica Rader
Dear friends and colleagues in ministry,
I just realized that I am half way through my five-year term as Stated Clerk. God gave me a clear sense of my calling to serve the Presbytery while I was at a week of Transitional Ministry training at beautiful Zephyr Point. I determined I wasn’t called to do transitional pastoral ministry, but while gazing out at beautiful Lake Tahoe, I did sense God’s calling to be part of serving our churches and ministry together in times of transition. I sent in my resume and application while looking out at the blue water.
None of us expected this kind of transition ahead as we have responded to these pandemic times. A Barna Group study from data collected in December 2019 reported that just 2% of practicing Christians attended a church that produces a digitally videotaped or livestreamed service. Here we are less than six months later and everything is different. As we navigate change together I’ve been inspired with hopefulness for the future of the church as I see you all glorify God by being innovative, loving and justice seeking. It remains to be seen whether this is the leading edge of a new reformation of the Church or just a season of necessary creativity. What I do know is that you will continue to be faithful and creative and I will continue to pray for you, cheer you on and work with Joey Lee to resource you as best I can. I will also record in our minutes all about your faithful awesomeness as you run with perseverance the race that is set before us, all for the love of Jesus because it is a story worth telling! I’m grateful for all of you.
Grace & peace,
Erica Rader
Stated Clerk