When Old Is New Again
It really wasn’t even a decision, really. It was more of a collective, family lightbulb moment. Take Cathryn back to Annapolis Christian Academy. Not “send” her back. Not “let her go” back. Take her back. Through all of this mess with the church… the pain Ken and I have felt, the struggle to wrap our brains around the loss… she’s felt it too. It was a death to her, too. She lost a friend in Tricia, too. She saw someone she trusted do the wrong thing, and then ignore her. Her pastor, no less. It was a rough lesson to learn at a young age. Lesser kids might have abandoned their walk with God. She didn’t. But slowly she became less and less herself. Less and less “Cat” – the sparkly, bubbly,...
Read MoreComing Back Up For Air
And just like that. It was all over. We haven’t stepped back into Port Aransas Community Presbyterian Church since that awful Sunday abortion of a congregational meeting. No one in any official capacity has called. No one has prayed with us, or for us. Not one word, except for the “fired by Fedex” letter. It’s been 5 weeks tomorrow. Shun on. And yet, life has gone on. Spectacularly, in fact. Don’t get me wrong – we grieve. We grieve the loss the safety net of a church family and spiritual home. We grieve the fact that the church isn’t required to pay unemployment and he was fired months short of his pension being vested, which means he was left with nothing. No money. No official goodbye. No thank you. No lunch to bless...
Read MoreIndecently, and Out of Order
Dearest Friends, We must never lose sight of why we were all fighting so hard. As one of my wise friends said, “I’m proud of you – those kids represented the hill you were willing to die on… and you died on it spectacularly.” There have been many hurt feelings. Those that dissented, as well as those who voted in favor felt they had no other recourse, and for that I am sorry. The firestorm of shouting, from the pulpit no less, and the lack of order or decency at the Annual Meeting only served to prove that there wasn’t a true discussion possible and no one “on that side” was looking for solutions, only justification. Personally, I believe this congregation will not heal until it’s true pastor is called and...
Read MoreIf The Fish Stinks, It’s From The Head
1-27-2012 Dear Friends, Below is an excerpt from an email I sent last night to our Session. It is important to note that in all communication here, and on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter – the opinions and suggestions are mine. I accept full responsibility for them, and their tone and intent. If there are any factual errors I will be happy to correct them. I sincerely believe this is an opportunity for us to come together as a congregation and fix this mess. I, and others, are deeply disappointed in the process by which this has happened, and the fact that after many, many people stood and voiced their support on Sunday, and pledged to help, the vote was still carried out, in haste, and in relative secret, disregarding them completely. I have had a...
Read MoreA Few Pertinent Questions and Answers
1-24-2012 Dear Friends, Yesterday I posted an update and a plea concerning the urgent situation at Community Presbyterian Church. I spoke with DOZENS of people during the day, on the phone, via text message, via email, Facebook, Twitter and Google+. That’s the beauty of social media. It seems that I answered virtually the same questions over and over, and it solidified the fact that there is SO MUCH MISINFORMATION out there. Let me address a few questions: I was told the Youth Budget isn’t being CUT, it’s being REORGANIZED – is that true? The budget eliminates the full-time Youth Director position whose salary comes from our General Fund, and leaves in place special Youth Fund. I have not been able to determine what that fund will be for,...
Read MoreDecently and In Order
(Note: The petition referenced below is now closed.) My Dear Friends In Faith, Christ gives to his Church its faith and life, its unity and mission, its officers and ordinances. Insofar as Christ’s will for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be obeyed. In the worship and service of God and the government of the church, matters are to be ordered according to the Word by reason and sound judgment, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. - Presbyterian Book of Order (G-1.0100) Last night the Session of Community Presbyterian Church voted to approve a budget which eliminates our youth program and the position of Youth Director. Ken and I talked this morning and we still agree: We love being Presbyterian. We love Port Aransas, and most of all we love...
Read MoreIn The Shelter
Coming back from a week of saying goodbye to Ken’s Mom (and her sister June.) Fully understanding my mother-in-law’s sadness and pain. Seeing what she endured in a dishonorable husband. I grieve. I can’t form sentences. Big words escape me. News comes last night: Ken’s job is likely being eliminated by the church tonight. Our youth program gone. God sends songs. To all who are looking down Holding on to hearts still wounding For those who’ve yet to find it The place is near where love is moving Cast off the robes you’re wearing Set aside the names that you’ve been given May this place of rest in the fold of your journey Bind you to hope You will never walk alone In the shelter of each other We will live We will live (Never...
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