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There is a sense of excitement stirring in Whitewater Valley Presbytery. If you haven’t been following our journey over the past year, that statement might surprise you. However, for those who have attended our meetings, witnessed ordinations and installations, or spoken with our Transitional Lead Presbyter, the enthusiasm about our presbytery's direction is unmistakable.
This enthusiasm was on full display during our Presbytery’s Stated Assembly Meeting on Wednesday, February 12. Our theme, "Creative as the Spirit," set the tone as attendees were invited to provide feedback on the Strategic Visioning Task Force’s draft vision statement:
To be a catalyst to equip leaders to shepherd healthy, bold, communities of faith.
The breakout groups sparked lively and insightful conversations around this vision statement, exploring whether it inspired them and what it means for us as a presbytery and our congregations. We welcome any additional thoughts you may have on this statement—please send them to Rev. Erin McGee at emcgee@whitewatervalley.org.
In addition to these discussions, the commissioners voted on 13 amendments from the 226th General Assembly. Here are four notable amendments:
· Amendment 24-A: The categories gender identity, sexual orientation, be included as protected classes in the Unity in Diversity section of Foundations of Presbyterian Polity
o General Assembly: Recommended FOR.
o Whitewater Valley Presbytery: Voted FOR.
· Amendment 24-C: Adds Historic Principles of Church Order and principles of participation and representation to required areas for examination for ordination.
o General Assembly: Recommended FOR.
o Whitewater Valley Presbytery: Voted AGAINST.
· Amendment 24-I: Eliminates the need for a concurrence from another presbytery to have business brought before GA (concurrences would still be allowed, but not required)
o General Assembly: Recommended FOR.
o Whitewater Valley Presbytery: Voted AGAINST.
· Amendment 24-M: Episcopal-Presbyterian Agreement on Local Sharing of Ministries
o General Assembly: Recommended FOR.
o Whitewater Valley Presbytery: Voted FOR.
Our results will be reported to the General Assembly for final tabulation once all presbyteries have submitted their votes.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to CrossRoads Church in Westfield for their warm hospitality during our Assembly Meeting. Additionally, I want to thank everyone who attended, both in-person and via Zoom, for the respect and unity displayed during and after the debate phase of our amendment voting. Despite diverse perspectives, the compassion and love we have for one another were evident, demonstrating that we can live, work, and worship together even with differing beliefs and opinions.
I look forward to continuing to build a vibrant Whitewater Valley Presbytery with all of you as we strive to be a catalyst for equipping our leaders in this wonderful presbytery. As Transitional Lead Presbyter Erin McGee concluded her message at the Assembly Meeting, “Whitewater Valley Presbytery, let’s do new things……and be the Church!”
Peace,
Ron Snow
Elder, Second Presbyterian Church
Moderator, Whitewater Valley Presbytery
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