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September 9, 2010
Welcome
presbyters!
I
hope you had a creative and nurturing summer and are ready to begin this new
season with fresh energy. As I ponder the word “growing”, its connotation is
not always positive. However we have to think deeper on this word in our
ministerial situation. During the summer as I traveled around in Canada and the
US and met colleagues and friends, it was clear that many churches are
experiencing difficult situations with their finances and their membership. I
know there are congregations in Toronto Southeast Presbytery that are in a
similar situation. What is our story? Whose voices are we listening to?
During
the summer, many presbyters have worked to prepare for this new season. For
example, the Agenda Planning team spent time on the evaluations received after
the May plenary and have aimed at addressing concerns and incorporate
suggestions. There are no perfect solutions because presbyters have a variety
of opinions and needs (some of which conflict with each other). It is a
continuing challenge to support all our pastoral charges and mission units with
their varying characteristics and concerns.
What
can the Presbytery do for churches with problems or difficulties? There is no
readymade solution - but we can journey together, ready to celebrate the future
fruitful harvest with joy. My favourite phrase about problem solving is “Proactive planning for the future is the
best resolution of past problems”. We are not professional problem solvers
but faithful partners of God’s new creation. We are all committed to the church,
I have no doubt of that. However the ways we approach problem-solving are all
different. The most dangerous way is to avoid taking risks. What I think is
required for this fast changing world is to look at inventing new ways.
I
once mentioned that I would try to help the Presbytery with the big picture -
living as one body but part of the whole of The United Church of Canada. What
does it mean to say that we, both Presbytery and the local congregations, are one
body? Presbyters may ask, “What is your
perspective on how we are to help the whole Presbytery.” Looking at the next 10
years, I believe we should move towards working with small congregations to
gain a fuller understanding of their congregational life and vision. I hope we
can say that TSP is the Presbytery that cares and serves with love and
compassion as Jesus teaches us.
I
understand the Presbytery meeting to be a celebration of our future life as
church. Considering the limitation our meeting time places on us, there
absolutely needs to be some problem-solving around our gathering time. I invite
all of you to come – to encounter each other with joy - and to bring your
commitment and conviction.
Blessings,
John Lee
Chair, Toronto Southeast Presbytery, Toronto
Conference, The United Church of Canada
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