Moderator’s Monthly Musings:
CHANGE: ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!
When/how will we acclimate to so much change? A November 17 Presbytery meeting seems so far behind us. Yes, I know we met, conducted business, held worship, and installed new leadership. I was there. That is right, I became your new Moderator. CHANGE.
First things first. A sincere expression of gratitude to Rev. Michael Burkley for his service as our Moderator in 2020. Making a swift pivot from in person meetings to virtual not skipping a beat. That is flexibility. Your adaptation and perseverance are recognized and appreciated, Michael.
As our new Vice Moderator Rev. Kathryn Beilke, a capable Pastor, jumped into three days of new Vice Moderator training, offered by General Assembly via Zoom. Equipped with a broad skill set, Kathryn has much to offer us. I look forward to working with Kathryn as we build, learn, and grow the Presbytery, Congratulations, Kathryn! Before Presbytery members and together Kathryn and I promised to use our energy, intelligence, imagination, and love to accomplish great things in service of God. More CHANGE, perhaps?
For three days I, too, attended GA Moderator training on Zoom. A few of the topics included Presbytery meetings via Zoom, Community Engagement in a Pandemic, Roberts Rules of Order (RONA 12th Edition), Matthew 25 Presbytery or Church and a Presby Bingo get acquainted game. You will be pleased to know GA staff are professional, talented, prepared and stand ready to assist Presbyteries as we go forward.
A brief history of my background remains posted on the Presbytery website. Looking forward I have ambitious plans. Do not worry, friends. Nothing too scary or over the edge. I want to become better acquainted with you and your church. We need to communicate in various ways between Presbytery meetings. What would be helpful communication for you? Please share your church’s needs. How might I be helpful? Of course, any plans we make will require flexibility in our current circumstances. We all understand the need to adjust. Have you heard? If you want to make God laugh, make a plan! CHANGE.
In 2021 I would like to spotlight one of the following 5 topics. One at each Presbytery meeting. Five meetings. Five topics.
Women of the Presbytery
New Worshiping Communities
Children, Youth, YADS
Social Justice
Creation Care
Watch for more details on this project. You will be updated. You will want to be involved.
Throughout the holiday season, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and welcoming the new year, pray to be strong for today, have hope for tomorrow and cherish remembrances of the past.
Be in communication.
Please pray for the Presbytery.
JUDY HARTLEY
Moderator
Albany Presbytery
