A Glimpse of Heaven in the Midst of Our Struggles, As Unity is Evidenced in the Worship of God

Reflections on the Presbytery Meeting

at the Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji

Presbytery meetings can be marvelous events.  Sure, most people joke about boring business meetings, but they are much more than that.  God’s glory shines through in all of the proceedings, although we may see God’s majesty more clearly at certain times, such as in worship, and approvals of ordinations and installations, and in the fellowship that such meetings encourage.

The meeting this past weekend at the Presbyterian Camp at Okoboji was one of those remarkable moments in time that God brings us, and we stand amazed.

Preceding the Saturday business meeting was an education event featuring one of the great leaders of our denomination, Dr. Bonnie Sue Lewis of the University of Dubuque, and current Vice-Moderator of John Knox Presbytery.  She shared God’s Word with eloquence and vigor, taking us deep into the verses of Scripture the Lord had put on her heart.

On Saturday, at the business meeting, we began with a beautiful worship service, with Dr.  Lewis preaching, and a number of pastors and elders from our presbytery working together to lead other parts of the service. It was a glimpse of the eschaton, with and almost audible echo of angel’s wings as we sang God’s praises.

One of the sweetest things we do at a Presbytery meeting is to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together, united in our love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Though we have differences (that is how God created us) we have so much more in common as receive the bread and the cup of the new covenant in Christ.

In the business meeting we dealt with both joyous and difficult issues with mutual respect and compassion.  We approved a budget with some planned cuts in years to come so that we stay within our means.  We diligently did the business of the presbytery, in a manner that was both decent and in order.  And, through it all, we had church, and it was good.

We gladly welcomed Rev. Brice Hoyt of Traer as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA (he was originally ordained in the Reformed Church in America),we approved Emily Heitzman of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo as a candidate for ministry.  We also affirmed the ordination of Sarah Feltman Hegar, daughter of our General Presbyter, David Feltman. 

It was a tremendously emotional time for David, as his dear older brother Dan died on the Friday before the meeting.  But David was with us Saturday, and he continued to serve the presbytery well, even in such a demanding situation.  Our Stated Clerk Blake Wood recently lost a favorite aunt to death, so he was also leading us with a heavy heart.

One of the changes that came out of the meeting was a title change for our General Presbyter, from the title we have used in the past to Pastor to the Presbytery. It is a fitting title for David, for this is what he does.  He is an intentionally pastoral leader and he cares about all of the churches, sessions and pastors of our presbytery deeply.  This is one of the great reasons we have such a wonderful presbytery.

IN CHRIST,

Rev Dr. S. Glenn Wilson,

Moderator, Committee on Ministry