DECEMBER 2014

ROME PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHP O BOX 189939 MAIN STREETROME, PA 18837

“Maybe Christmas, {the Grinch} thought, doesn’t come from a store.~Dr. Seuss~

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In the early days of running the WVHS Concession stand with a friend, whenever things weren’t working according to plan, we would ask, “Just who is running this jip joint?” And then we would each point at the other. Well t’is the season when we think about asking that question of our church: “Just who is running this jip joint?” I think you’ll be pleased with the answer!

On DECEMBER 14TH we will hold our congregational meeting to elect officers. How convenient that our journey through the polity of ECO has landed us right at that exact spot! So following are the rules we live by as part of this movement we claim as our tribe. (And as usual, I’ll editorialize!)

2.01 God’s mission requires ordered leadership

Before the foundation of the world, God set a plan of mission to reconcile the world to Himself and chose to use the Church as His instrument of reconciliation.

Now wait right there! How cool is that!! God’s plan to bring the world into a right relationship with Himself was us! (What was He thinking?!) God has entrusted us with the work of bringing people to right relationship with the Creator of the universe! Wow!

It is incumbent upon all members of the body of Christ to participate in the work of building one another up in Christ and be deployed for His work in the world. To that end, excellent leadership is critical in the Church today, and that is not limited to ordained leaders. God calls some individuals to exercise specific formal leadership, which is modeled after the mind of Christ. The Church should strive to develop strong leaders in every area of life and ministry who lead in the way of Jesus. While pastors, elders, and deacons have unique roles in the structure of the Church, we recognize the importance of ordained and lay leadership at every level.

Hey!!! Did you read that? This means all of you/us have the potential to lead some sort of ministry in this church!!

While the specific offices recognized in ECO are elder, deacon, and pastor, ECO acknowledges that additional lay leadership is needed for effective ministry.

2.0101 Qualifications of officers

Elders and deacons are ordained and installed by the session. Pastors are ordained and installed by the presbyteries. Ordaining bodies must ensure that all officers adhere to the Essential Tenets of ECO. Failure of officers to continue to adhere to these standards is grounds for a session or presbytery to remove an officer from service according to the Rules of Discipline in this Constitution.

So, we take a commitment to the Essential Tenets very seriously. These will be used in the training of new officers who have agreed to serve pending their election to office. We would have to remove their names from the ballot if they were unable to commit to the Essential Tenets.

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2.0102 Preparation and ordination of officers

Ordaining bodies shall determine the appropriate course of preparation, ensuring that candidates for ordination meet all the requirements in this Form of Government. After demonstrating their readiness for service through an examination process, the candidates shall affirm their vows and be ordained by representatives of that ordaining body in a service of public worship.

2.0103 Ordination vows

a. Do you believe in One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and do you boldly declare Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and acknowledge Him Lord of all and Head of the Church?

b. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God, and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, the unique witness to Jesus Christ and the authority for Christian faith and life?

c. Will you receive, adopt, and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO as a reliable exposition of what Scripture teaches us to do and to believe, and will you be guided by them in your life and ministry?

d. Relying on the Holy Spirit, do you humbly submit to God’s call on your life, commit-ting yourself to God’s mission, and fulfilling your ministry in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture and guided by our confessions?

e. Will you be governed by ECO’s polity and discipline? And will you be accountable to your fellow elders, deacons, and pastors as you lead?

f. Do you promise to be faithful in maintaining the truth of the Gospel and the peace, unity, and purity of the Church?

g. Will you pray for and seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love?

h.(1) (for elder) Will you be a faithful elder, watching over the people in their worship, nurture, and service to God?

(2) (for deacon) Will you be a faithful deacon, serving the people, urging concern and directing the people’s help to those in need?

(3) (for pastor) Will you be a faithful minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by proclaiming the good news, teaching the faith, showing the people God’s mission, and caring for the people?

These have not changed much, but they have changed significantly.

2.0104 Questions to the congregation

a. (for elders/deacons) Do we, the covenant partners of this congregation, accept(names) as elders or deacons, chosen by God through the voice of this congregation to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ according to the Word of God and the Constitution of ECO?

Do we agree to pray for them, to encourage them, to respect their decisions, and to follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is Head of the Church?

How about that! There is responsibility and expectation of everyone!!

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Having answered these questions in the affirmative, those to be ordained shall kneel, if able, for prayer and the laying on of hands by other ordained officers.

The moderator will say to the ordained: You are now elders or deacons in the Church and for this congregation. Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Amen.

b.(for pastor) Do we, the covenant partners of this congregation, accept (name) as our pastor (associate pastor, assistant pastor), chosen by God through the voice of this congregation to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ, according to the Word of God and the Constitution of ECO?

Do we agree to pray for him (her), to encourage him (her), to respect his (her) decisions and to follow as he (she) guides us, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is Head of the Church?

Do we agree to pay him (her) fairly and provide for his (her) welfare as he (she) works among us?

Will we listen to the word he (she) preaches, welcome his (her) pastoral care, and honor his (her) servant leadership and authority as he (she) seeks to honor Jesus Christ?

By the way, folks, I think you do a great job keeping up your end of the bargain!

Having answered these questions in the affirmative, the candidate to be ordained and/or installed shall kneel, if able, and the presbytery shall, with prayer and the laying on of hands, ordain the candidate to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and install him (her) to the particular pastoral responsibility. The presbytery will invite other ordained pastors and elders to join in the laying on of hands.

The presiding member of the presbytery will say: You are now a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a pastor (associate pastor, assistant pastor) for this congregation. Whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Amen.

2.02 The Ministry of Elders

Elders are given authority and responsibility, along with pastors, to oversee the spiritual health of the congregation as well as the congregation’s faithfulness to God’s mission. Elders shall be elected by the congregation.

This is important work. I wonder if you have a sense of this work happening around you. I know the elders are trying to cultivate spiritual health and to get everyone on board to work together to be faithful to God’s mission. Is it coming across?

2.03 The Ministry of Deacons

Ordinarily, the biblical office of deacon shall be utilized by the congregation. Deacons lead ministries that nurture fellowship and care-giving within and beyond the congregation. Deacons may also be asked to preach and teach. The congregation shall determine the manner in which they are selected for service. The session shall oversee and direct the ministry of the deacons.

I wonder if every deacon just felt their stomach drop! It’s true! You could be asked to preach and teach just like the elders!

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That’s all for this installment of who we are and how we live. Next time get ready to learn all about the role of the pastor!!

Peace,

Karen

Dedication of Communion ware

In memory of Claude Coon and to the glory of God, we dedicated a new set of Communion ware on November 23, 2014. It is made of Myrtlewood and was handcrafted in Oregon.

Following is a description of this beautiful wood as given by the crafters who made our set, The Wooden Nickel:

Oregon Myrtle (Umbellularia Californica), a distant member of the Laurel family, is native only to the Southern Oregon and Northern California coast. It is actually a bush that occasionally grows into a tree. In California it is usually found in bush form, but in the rich river bottoms of the Southern Oregon coast it grows into a magnificent tree.

When grown in the open, the Oregon Myrtle takes on a dome shape to protect itself against the wind. However, in the forest it grows straight, reaching heights of sixty to one hundred feet. The bush form grows to ten to fifteen feet in height. The tree is symmetrical with olive-like fruit or nuts. The nuts are not edible, but the waxy Myrtle leaves can be substituted for bay leaves. Color and grain pattern in the wood varies greatly from yellowish-brown, gray, black, blond, brown, with hints of red, blue, and green. Its grain patterns such as burl, swirls, and fiddle-back, with the mingling of different colors makes this wood one of the most unique and beautiful in the world. With so many varieties of color and grain, it is impossible to duplicate a piece. Therefore, every piece made is valuable in its uniqueness.

This rare tree is slow growing. No one quite knows the age limits of the Oregon Myrtle. It grows to heights of one hundred feet and a diameter of two to six feet. A tree with a diameter of four feet can be as old as five hundred years. It takes centuries for these trees to come to full maturity. Green (or wet) Myrtlewood is extremely heavy and does not float. Myrtlewood planks, if air-dried, will take one year per inch of wood to dry, whereas kiln drying takes 6 to 8 weeks. If the drying process is too fast, the wood may crack or warp. Extreme care must be taken when readying the wood for use. In addition to Oregon Myrtle, there is Common Myrtle (Myrtus Communis L.) an evergreen shrub and relative of the Oregon Myrtle. Common Myrtle grows wild in Galilee, the Upper Jordan Valley, the Golan, and the Carmel Range. It is used both ornamentally and ritually as one of the four species of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. The branches were used in betrothal rites and sometimes for remedies. Also, there are biblical references to the myrtle: "and instead of the briar shall come unto the myrtle tree." (Isaiah 55:13) The Mediterranean species is an evergreen shrub with dense upright branches bearing a blackish-blue berry fruit that can be used as a condiment. The biblical background of the Oregon Myrtle's relative makes the wood valuable and unique in the manufacturing of religious pieces. An offering plate, bread plate, or communion tray made of Myrtlewood carries with it a biblically historical story.

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When my mother lived in Oregon, her church gave each new member a cross made of Myrtlewood. They were beautiful. Thanks be to God for the life of Claude and for the Lord our God who invites us in to dine with him at table.

Please turn in your information for the annual report by January 14, 2015. If at all possible please e-mail to me at rpchurch@epix.net.

Thank youPeggy C

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Session Meeting Summary

Elders met on November 19, 2014, at the home of Sandy and Mickey Morris at 6:30pm. Pastor Ballard opened with prayer. Judy Madill reported on the ECO Presbytery of the Northeast Gathering (November 14-15). Pastor Karen, Judy, and Peggy Hughes led worship on Friday night focusing on Hebrews 12:1-3. She described the sessions led by Rev. Dr. Dana Allin, Synod Executive, (speaking on the 5 Shift of the Missional Church), Anna Kent, Director of Mission Affinity Groups, (speaking on what more can we do), and John Terech, Director of Operation and Moderator of ECO Presbytery of the East, (focused his talk on Elder Leadership Institute of which Pastor Karen will be one of its leaders in 2015). Next, leading the elders, Pastor Karen continued with a coaching huddle, (Sharing and Teaching: discipling one another). The reflection question was: How is the Holy Spirit prompting me? Following a time of sharing, elders discussed next steps.

Elders then continued by discussing the following:

6 Shut-ins - Reuben and Jenny Brimmer, Marion Jones, Ethel Parks, Charlotte Sandor, and Virginia Wilson – please keep them in your prayers.

86 Covenant Partners Received and reviewed trustee and treasurer’s report Received ECO Audit recommendations – Peggy Coleman will be rewriting as a guide of what we

do for our audit. It will be filed for future use Approximately 65 people attended the October Friday night dinner – donations of $145 will go

to support Hands Across NE. The next meal is December 5 featuring turkey and ham dinners. Elders unanimously approved giving permission for Elder Dan Williams to lead communion at Friday Night Dinners as appropriate.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the next Men’s Fellowship Breakfast led by Ed O’Connor Also stay tuned for an announcement about a Christmas Party Flash Mob that is in the making –

perhaps on December 20th Elders discussed the 2014 proposed budget, making a few changes including the approval of

1/4th of 1% of our budget for the national ECO mission, used especially in the area of church planting

Sunday school children and XFA filled 49 “shoeboxes” for Operation Christmas Child. Mission committee provided $300 for Samaritan’s Purse, which will help cover postage for our shoeboxes.

Annual personnel reviews are in progress Discussed options for training incoming elders, deacons, and trustees Pastor Karen will attend Coach Training, along with Peggy Hughes, in January. This will be one

week of her Continuing Ed for 2015. She also continues to moderate Hallstead Session and serve as their liaison in their search for a pastor.

Set Congregational Meeting for December 14, 2014, at which time the congregation will review the 2015 Proposed Budget, vote on Pastor’s Terms of Call, and vote on the 2015 Slate of Officers

All 2014 Annual Reports are due to Peggy Coleman by January 11, 2015 Next Session meeting: December 9th @6:00 at the home of Sylvia and Tom Abrams

Respectfully submitted,

Sylvia Abrams, Clerk of Session

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Peggy ChambersMarty Weavers Mom Betsy’s fiancé/hospice Lexi Gross/eye surgery

Jayce Brown/surgery Dave Webster for healing and grieving Reuben/Cheyenne Butcher

Mary Shatinsky familyEd O’Connor/benign tumor Barney/Bev SingerShelba Wilbur/Matty Gladys Abel John Kipp Ricky Webster/eye

surgeryThe capture of Eric Frien Deb & Lucille for safe travels Jack/lung

issues Women held captive through ISIS Thank you to all the Veterans Joan Cowles Mabel/breast cancer

Jocelyn Brown/tonsils removed Bob in hospice/hoping for mercy as he passes

Thad Maryott/cancer Birthdays Ken Crawford/surgery for liver cancerMelissa/double mastectomy John Lewis & Family Wedding

Anniversaries Jail MinistryTravel Mercies Buffalo, NY Prudy Wilson Thad Maryott &

FamilyMabel thrugh surgery

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December 1 Hailey Crawford December 9 Jordon Shumway December 22 Ruth CarringtonDecember 4 Lori Roshak December 15 Suzanne Holbert December 25 Linda RobinsonDecember 9 Molly Pifer December22 Jim Crawford December 26 Lillie Poust

Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl. I love the color and it’s so soft and warm.

God Bless,Marian Brown

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December 20 Barney/Bev Singer

December 29 Marty/Kathy Weaver

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SPECIAL DATES Second Sunday of Advent December 7, 2014 Third Sunday of Advent December 14, 2014 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 21, 2014 First day of Winter December 21, 2014 Christmas Eve December 24, 2014 Christmas Day December 25, 2014 New Year’s Eve December 31, 2014

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