Synod Assembly gathers at Zephyr Point

May 12–14, 2005

Synod commissioners gathered at picturesque Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center for their May Assembly.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Synod Executive Rob Brink addressed the commissioners asking, what is the Synod of the Pacific? An appropriate way to respond might be to say, the Synod of the Pacific is a “Mission Support” synod.  “And, more importantly what is God calling us to be individually and corporately?” . . .”What if I stood in front of you, held up a mirror, and asked all of you to look carefully into it and think about what you see reflected back at you? First, you would see yourself amongst your fellow synod commissioners and staff. But if we look more closely we see living human beings created by God and for God. Each one of you created unique and different from any other human being. We come from different backgrounds, races, and cultures. Some of us are female, and some are male. God gave us different abilities and talents. We were created with free will. . We can choose either to believe or not to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, but we can’t choose the consequences of our choice. Yes, our actions and inactions have consequences. This life is simply preparation for the next greater fuller life God has promised for those who believe in Christ. We must keep this in mind as we make decisions as a synod. We cannot afford to waste a second of time on secular expectations or understandings for our lives or for the synod. The reason we exist is to glorify our creator, not be self-centered or focused on secular things. As synod commissioners and staff, we must focus our time and energy on what God expects from us.”

Click here for full Executive Address .

The Mission Statement Task Force presented its first draft of the new Synod Mission Statement. “Christ is the bridge by which we move from our perceived reality to what God is calling us to do and be. Therefore, we, the Synod of the Pacific, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), are called to foster partnership and connection within the Church, following Christ’s Great Commission.”  We elicit your comments and further input.  Please send them to kendra@synodpacific.org.

Synod approved, at the recommendation of the Mission Finance Committee, three new loans totaling $2,487.875.00, as well as revising the policy extending the term for loans over $750,000.00 from fifteen to twenty years. 

The Synod also approved the final 2005 and preliminary 2006 Operating budgets. The Finance Committee will bring to the October 2005 Assembly a balanced 2006 Synod Mission Budget. 

Synod approved, at the recommendation of the Mission Partnership Committee, three renewals and two new grants from the Hilda V. Thompson Fund, totaling $12,050.00. These grants are for medical services, with a preference given to Parish Nursing programs.

Additional highlights of the Synod meeting included:

Dorman Leader, a Director of Zephyr Point, led a group of commissioners through the construction zone of the new Tallac Center, speaking with enthusiasm and energy on how wonderful it will be.

The Reverend Cathy Quackenbush, having attended the G.A. conference, “Steps toward Peace in Israel and Palestine” gave a presentation, both spoken and a video, including discussion of the 2004 General Assembly four-point Overture on selected divestment.  She also provided information and materials.

Elder Ani Lelea, a member of the G.A. Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns (ACWC), spoke and presented a slide show of her October 2004 fact-finding trip with the G.A. Advisory Committee for Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Egypt.  She showed the realities that the Middle East crisis has brought to the region, including Palestinian refugee camps that have existed for many years and have developed into crowded areas with quite different access to resources, difficulties generated by a poor economy through checkpoints, dual road systems, poor infrastructure, house demolitions and the security barrier (separation wall) built through farmlands and neighborhoods in the West Bank/Gaza areas.  She focused especially on women (and children) who are a strong part of the practical solutions that affect the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities of the Middle East.  This trip of learning truly impacted and enriched her life in a deeply spiritual way. 

The Synod Assembly adjourned at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 14th.

COMMISSIONERS’ NOTEWORTHY NEWS!

The Synod of the Pacific is made up of individuals who lead exciting and interesting lives.  We wish to recognize and celebrate with them their stories.

Elder Kathryn Baker, Boise Presbytery

Kathryn is traveling to Japan and Taiwan this week with a delegation from the World Ministries Division. She will visit mission schools and hospitals in Japan and participate in the 75th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.  In October, she will travel to Brazil as part of the Presbyterian Women 2005 Global Exchange.

Elder Judy Wilkins, Presbytery of Eastern Oregon

Judy and Dale are rejoicing at the arrival of their first grandchild, Brady, born on April 19th. They had the opportunity to visit him, and his parents in Reno, NV before the Synod meeting. They give thanks for precious new life.

The Reverend William Ekhardt, San Joaquin Presbytery

The week before the May Synod meeting, Bill had to fly quickly to Pittsburgh, PA to perform a funeral service for his brother-in-law. The time with family was a blessing.  Included in this quick trip, with the help of the internet, and some elderly local people, Bill was able to find the birthplace of his Father and Grandfather. He was then shown the (non-recorded) cemetery where his paternal Great Grandfather and Grandmother and his maternal Grandfather and Grandmother are buried. He made rubbings of their stones, but more importantly, it touched his heritage.

The Reverend Robert Bowles, San Jose Presbytery

Bob’s daughter, Amber will be married on July 9th at Bob’s church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Aptos, CA, co-officiated with the groom’s uncle, a Los Angeles Roman Catholic priest.  On July 13th, Bob and his wife, Margie, are going to Greece for a month to recover.

The Reverend Isaiah Jones, San Jose Presbytery

Westminster John Knox Press, is publishing a songbook of Isaiah's music in June of 2005. The book will be entitled "God Has Smiled On Me". Isaiah also has a new website for his music and writing ministry: www.isaiahjonesjr.com.

The Reverend Pat Mecham, Nevada Presbytery

Pat shares with us a story about his church, First Presbyterian Church, Elko, NV.  For a number of years they have anticipated the building of a gymnasium/multipurpose center. This center will be used for a variety of ministries in the community. The building fund has steadily increased to over $300,000, all without an actual capital campaign!

Arriving in Elko in April of 2004, Pat hesitated to leap into a building campaign, however, the members at First Presbyterian envisioned using this space for sports activities (children, youth and adults), contemporary worship, vacation Bible school, church dinners, winter play space, for a future pre-school, concerts, an emergency shelter, etc.  It’s time to forge ahead! The enthusiasm is building, so please pray for God’s guidance with this project. 

Elder John Vinson, Boise Presbytery

John helps his wife, Karen, at the Nampa Farmers Market. They spend many hours of the week harvesting, washing and packing lettuce, spinach and other produce. They get up at 5:00 a.m. on Saturdays, pack the car chock full, and set up a tent and tables to sell their produce. Karen likes to talk with the customers while John minds the register. All in all, they love their work.