Advanced Copy- August Newsletter Pastor's Letter

“Why I am Presbyterian” Part II

Dear Friends,

This month I wish to continue to answer the question of, “Why am I a Presbyterian.” Last month I discussed our connectionalism. In this letter, I wish to give the second part of my three part answer which is, “I am Presbyterian because of our reformed faith.”

“What is reformed faith?” you ask. In a nutshell, reformed faith traces its roots to Augustine (345-430) through the theological work of John Calvin (1509-1564). It was developed during the time that the protestant church was being formed as it spilt away from the catholic church during a period of time that history now has titled The Protestant Reformation. The battle cry of the Reformation was a motto that I believe is still very important today: Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda, which means, “The church reformed and always reforming.” With this motto, the protestant and Presbyterian church was created with the understanding that “re-formation,” is necessary and in fact, desirable in the church. With this motto our founding fathers admitted, although probably not intentionally, that their theology was incomplete. It certainly was reformed, but the possibility for continued reformation would always be there. So, from its very inception, reformed faith was created to deal with and accept change. It is who we are as Presbyterians and as modern day subscribers to reformed faith and theology.

Now, let me shed light as to why this is very important and let me be as direct as possible. “OUR THEOLOGY IS IN NEED OF REFORMING!” Our theology is too small and our world has out grown it. This is the reason for mainline church decline. It is not because we play the organ or do not have contemporary worship. These things are mere surface level issues and do not come close to the depth of the real issue. Let me try to explain.

Have you ever had the opportunity to go back to your childhood home? I did, and I was shocked. My room was too small. I remembered it extremely large and was literally speechless as I walked into the 10’ x 12’ room thinking, “Who cut my room in half?” I was a teenager at the time and had we moved back into the house, there would be no way my stuff would fit into my old room. As much as I loved my childhood home and as many fond memories as I had of it, I would never want to live there again. My room, and in fact, the entire 1400 sq. foot house was too small.

I believe it is the same way in our world today. In a metaphorical way, our world has grown up. Many people of the world return to their home (the church), and they stand there speechless. The church’s theology is too small and makes no sense in a global world. They stand there shocked as they see religion being used to divide us up into the sheep and the goats, the haves and the have nots, the truly good people and the bad people. It is clear to me that they are no longer willing to buy into the kind of Creator we have created!

What’s the answer? This may shock you, but I don’t have it. I do know that it is time for our theology to grow up. What will this theology look like? I believe it should have these characteristics:

1. Honors our Reformed Heritage
2. Understands God as Perfectly Un-conditional Love
3. Honors the fact that God created all of creation and
4. Is used to bind all of creation together rather than drive us apart

Today, we are a long way away from those simple four statements above. Today, good and well intentioned church leaders are using theology and religion to divide. We label it conservative v/s liberals or evangelical v/s progressives, but the reality is if anyone in the church is using theology or the church to divide the body of Christ, their actions are simply not of God! It is time to grow up!

That is why I am Presbyterian! Because our motto, Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda, equips us best of any other denomination to re-form into the church that God has called us to be. We can lead the way to Peace. But, we have to do it together and we have to grow up!

Peace,

Dennis

Connection Is Born

Dear Friends,
Last night (Sunday), I attended a meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church with representatives from Westminster, Palma Sola Presbyterian, Kirkwood Presbyterian, First- Bradenton, Peace Presbyterian, and of course me from Whitfield. Not represented, but involved were Palmetto Presbyterian and Braden River Presbyterian. The purpose of the meeting was to establish and youth oriented worship service by pooling our resources. We have decided that we will begin this service, named The Connection, on September 16th and it will be held every Sunday evening at Westminster. The schedule will look like this...Open Gym/ Food/ Water Bar from 6:00-6:30. 6:30-6:45- Energizers- 6:45- Worship which will be followed by talk back time. All worship leadership will be shared by the participating churches and youth will be encouraged to take on most of the leadership roles. This is going to be a lot of fun and a great step as we combine our resources for a great youth program. If you are interested in more details, please let me know.

Other than that, today, I begin my 2 weeks of Continuing Education time. Brandon is at Church camp, so the house will be somewhat quiet. Take care, and I'll see you all soon,
Dennis

Daily Devotions

Good Morning Everyone,
Back to work soon, but wanted to quickly add my next post. Today, I want to highlight the Daily Devotion section on our website. It is on the right side under "Spiritual Tools." Click there and you will be sent to a short, but wonderful daily devotion. Also, at the bottom of that page is a "quote of the day," from the PC(USA) website. If you have not done so already, explore around the website and see what you might find. Hope everyone has a good day! If you have any prayer concerns, please either leave them here or email them to me or Billie.
In Christ,
Dennis

Day Off

Hi Again,
Just a quick post on my day off. I cut the grass today and ripped out some ugly shrubs. Other than that, it has been a nice, relaxing day. Back to work tomorrow with Staff meeting first thing. This week's sermon is based on Psalm 91. It was read in the movie me and Kim watched last night entitled, Facing the Giants. Which brings me to my question...Have you watched any good movies lately? We are going to watch Blood Diamond next.
In Christ,
Dennis