February 3, 2017
 
Northeast Georgia Presbytery Newsletter
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186 Ben Burton Circle
Suite 100
Bogart, GA 30622
706-353-2533
In This Issue
A Word From Hilary
News from Northeast Georgia Presbytery
Prayer Concerns and Celebrations
Save the Date
 
 
A WORD FROM HILARY

Take a breath! I am glad February arrived. For all of January I was either preparing for a Presbytery meeting (our ecclesiastical judicatory work) or secular court in the case of "Alps Road" that has sued us in the Superior Court for the property. You too, faithful Northeast Georgia Presbyterians, have attended many specially called meetings in order to process the requests of Administrative Commissions working with congregations whose sessions have requested dismissal.
 
Thank you for understanding the cancellation of the meeting called for last Saturday, January 28, which was cancelled because we had not received a ruling from the judge; following a 7-hour hearing on the Temporary Restraining Order on January 26 (we are still waiting to hear the decision from the judge).
 
Reflecting on our Called Meeting January 10, I am so grateful for the leadership of Moderator Dr. Helen Epps and the Coordinating Team Chair Rev. Andy Cooke. The situation, as it had unfolded in the 12 hours before, presented the need to get as much information into the record which to some seemed unnecessary. Because our legal team had not had sufficient time to review all the pleadings (over 200 pages), and out of an abundance of caution, all the information which had been prepared for the actions coming to the body was read into the record.
 
The Committee on Ministry, under the leadership of Rev. Mark Harper, was thorough in its consideration and responsibilities. I hold up the work of that committee and the work of its task force of De Rodgers, Leslye Queen, Sue Jacobson, Norm Nicholson, and Alex Stevens.
 
The Administrative Commission had worked with the whole congregation at Central Presbyterian Church for well-over a year with admirable skill and pastoral sensitivity. It was quite shocking and sad to have our Christian brothers and sisters who supported the exit to ECO to do so through the civil courts rather than abiding with the decision of a higher, governing council in accordance with the vows we all take as deacons, ruling elders, and teaching elders. As the General Presbyter, I applaud the work, faith and dedication of these respected leaders, Bob, Cleda, Roe, Brock, Teresa, Kathy, Jan, Drew, and Rindy.
 
I am blessed to work among you.  
 
 
NEWS FROM NORTHEAST GEORGIA PRESBYTERY 
 
Click here for information about a VBS FunShop - Training with a Twist, Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland.

First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville will host the 30th Annual Gathering of Northeast Georgia Presbyterian Women on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Please click here for information, schedule and registration.

First Presbyterian Church in Athens would like to extend an invitation to all churches in Northeast Georgia Presbytery to attend their upcoming Core Godly Play Training, which is scheduled for June 8, 9, and 10 at 6:00 p.m. Click here for more information.

Click here for new Offerings from the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary.
 
Government Street Presbyterian Church in Mobile, Alabama is currently preparing their 2017 Urban Mission Camp Program. For more information about this camp please visit their website at: www.gspcmobile.org
 
 
Prayer Concerns and Celebrations

Mr. Cephas H. Starnes, father of the Rev. Martha L. Starnes, passed away on January 29th. Please keep Martha and her family, especially her mother Jean Starnes, in your prayers. Martha's parents were married 68 ½ years. A Memorial Service will be held today, Friday the 3rd, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Bartlett, TN at 3:00 p.m.
 
Rev. Al Simmons, H.R. member of Flint River Presbytery, passed away January 29th after an extended illness. He served as Executive Presbyter of Athens Presbytery many years ago. His Memorial Service was on February 1st at First Presbyterian Church in Thomaston, GA. Please keep his family in your prayers.
 
hands clasped

We Want to Hear from You!  
 
Please share your prayer concerns and celebrations by calling the presbytery office at 706-353-2533 or email Linda Turner

 
    
Save the Date

Church Officer Development Event, First Church, Athens , February 4
Committee on Ministry Team Meeting, Covenant Church, Athens, 10:00 a.m. February 9
Mediation Skills Workshop, Oconee Church, Watkinsville, February 13-17
Winter Stated Meeting of Presbytery, Reid Memorial Church, Augusta, 9:00 a.m., February 25


 
We believe Almighty God is calling Northeast Georgia Presbytery to become a Christ centered, inclusive community of faithful and healthy congregations.
  
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