Rev. Joan Gray, moderator of the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has accepted the invitation of the Executive Committee of Presbytery to preach at the September 19 meeting of Presbytery, which will be held at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd., in Point Loma.

Stated Clerk Linda Therien said Rev. Gray "has graciously agreed to preach and in fact will be with us from Sunday the 17th, preaching at the Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe, through Tuesday the 19th so other opportunities to be with Rev. Gray will be planned. Details are in early design stage so more information about this will follow soon."

Update from the Task Force on the Way Forward

July 25, 2006

At the special called meeting of the Presbytery of San Diego on June 27, our Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Jack Baca, announced the formation of the Task Force on the Way Forward. Declaring that the actions taken at the 217th General Assembly "constitutes potential significant change in our ordination standards," Dr. Baca charged us with the task of responding to the questions asked in section 5 of the Resolution adopted by our presbytery on March 21, 2006.

Should you wish to read Dr. Baca's letter explaining the formation of the Task Force on the Way Forward, or the Resolution we adopted on March 21, 2006, both are available on this website.

As a task force, we realize that many of you are concerned about the Presbytery of San Diego and our future as it relates to the PC(USA). We want you to know that we have heard your collective voice and share your desire that the Task Force on the Way Forward work swiftly to bring clarity and vision to the confusion caused by the actions of the 217th General Assembly.

As members of the Task Force on the Way Forward we are committed individually, and as a team, to turn this time of seeming crisis into an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the health and vitality of God's Church here on earth. We realize we can only speak a new word and sing a new song as we attentively listen to the voice of the Spirit and obediently follow His lead. To that end we have covenanted together to enter into a season of focused discernment and fervent prayer. We would ask that all of you covenant to join us in this time of stillness, silence and hopeful expectation.

Our desire is to dedicate all that we say and do to Jesus Christ, and that our Lord and Savior be glorified and lifted up-both in the Church and before an ever-watching world-in the work of our Task Force. Yesterday our Task Force met for the second time. Our first meeting was held on July 17 and went from 9:00am until 5:00pm. Yesterday we met from noon until 7:00 pm.

During both of these meetings there has been a pervading spirit of openness, willingness, mutual respect and trust. We have spent time exploring many options, but most of all we have spent time reflecting on God's Word and praising Him for His promise that His plans for us are perfect. We choose to believe that as we earnestly seek His face, our faithful Lord will reveal His will and way to us. Even though our Task Force represents a diversity of opinions we can already see the hand of God actively working in our midst as a common thread of hope and a vision for our future begins to take shape and voice.

We are excited about what we can do in the months ahead-as individual churches, a community called the Presbytery of San Diego and as leaders chosen by God to give vision to others also trying to find their way during these troubled times. Contrary to what you may have heard, none of our 31 churches have made a decision to leave our presbytery or the PC(USA) and we are grateful that we have been given time to complete the work God is calling us to do.

Please be assured that we are prepared to bring a preliminary report to the September 19th meeting of presbytery that contains more than empty words. We realize many of you are anxious, others are angry; still others are weary of discussion that has no mutually acceptable resolution. We have accepted the awesome responsibility of presenting an action plan to the San Diego Presbytery, and with God's help, as a task force comprised of pastors and elders we intend to be faithful to our ordination vows to lead God's people with "energy, intelligence, imagination and love."

God has entrusted the Task Force on the Way Forward to give hope, vision, encouragement and strength to His people. We are standing firm in the Lord and the might of His power as we respond to this call. Please continue to pray with and for us during this exciting time in the life of God's Church.

Elizabeth Crews, Chair
Task Force on the Way Forward

EDITORIAL

Praise Comes Before Vision
By Elizabeth Crews, Chair
Task Force on the Way Forward

O Lord, our God, we do not know what to do,
but our eyes are upon You.

Perhaps you have already read the TFWF Update that appears above as well as on the home page of the San Diego Presbytery website. If not, I invite you to do so before you continue reading this reflection.

Several people have asked me why I chose to begin an article about the Task Force on the Way Forward with a quote from 2 Chronicles 20:12. After all there is not a vast and hostile enemy marching toward the Presbytery of San Diego; our lives are not in eminent danger, and we are not in great distress.

And while that is true, I intentionally selected that verse because the story told by 2 Chronicles 20:1-21 provides an excellent template for us to use whenever, and wherever, we find ourselves in confusion, anxiety and concern about what the Lord, our God, would have us do.

In these verses we find a sequence of events that move from alarm to victory-a sequence that seems almost insane in the eyes of a world that all too often relies on strong horses and swift chariots rather than the power of the Lord God of hosts. As you will note, the sequence in 2 Chronicles 20 begins with awareness that there is a problem approaching on the horizon. Some men come bearing bad news.

Interestingly, Jehoshaphat does not deny the problem. Nor does he try to minimize the potential for danger. Verse 3 tells us that he was "alarmed," so alarmed that he "resolved to inquire of the Lord" rather than react in panic mode or give in to fear. He called the people together and declared a fast, a time to earnestly seek God's help for a problem they were powerless to solve on their own. Their seeking began by acknowledging their powerlessness and the power and might of the Lord, their God. They rededicated themselves to the Lord and vowed to stand in His presence, and cry out in their distress, confident that He would hear and respond.

As the people "stood before the Lord," the first word that came from the "Spirit of the Lord" was not a solution as we think of solutions in human terms. The first utterances heard were words of encouragement and hope: "The battle is not yours but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15) "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you." (verse 17)

What happened next is the exact opposite of what we usually do when we are under stress: the people began to worship the Lord. "Then some Levites from the Kohahites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice." (verse 19) Finally came instructions from God on how they were to move forward, but even amid God's instruction came words of affirmation and reassurance, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." (verse 20) As they marched into battle, people were appointed to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness." Singers went before the soldiers chanting, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever." (verse 21)

Centuries later, the Presbytery of San Diego is in a time of confusion, anxiety and concern. We know we are facing a problem we simply can't solve in our own strength and power. Much like the Israelites we are facing an uncertain future, there is a storm brewing on the horizon. We are aware that we have a problem, yet we do not know what to do!

During this turbulent time, we need to heed the example given us by 2 Chronicles 10:1-21. We need to assemble together as God's people and begin to seek help from the Lord. This is a time for us, individually and collectively, to rededicate ourselves to God and begin to praise Him--in a very loud voice--for His covenant promises and faithful love--a love that endures forever. This is the time to realize that the battle belongs to the Lord, our God. He loves His people, those sealed with His name, with an everlasting love. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He invites us to put our trust in Him, knowing He will fight for us if we will only stand firm in His might and power.

As chair of the Task Force on the Way Forward, that is exactly what I am asking everyone in the Presbytery of San Diego to do right now:

• Seek help from God, and look to Him for wisdom and guidance, realizing He is Sovereign, Supreme and All-Sufficient. He has the answer to our every problem before we are even aware it exists!
• Rededicate ourselves to God, remembering that we are sealed with His name.
• Stand firm in His might and power, confident that the battle is the Lord's.
• Remember His faithful love, a love that will endure forever.
• Begin to praise Him in a very loud voice, anticipating victory as we step out in faith.
• Listen for His voice and respond obediently to His command.

All of the members of the Task Force on the Way forward are aware of the awesome task that has been entrusted to our group. We have committed ourselves to a season of active listening and purposeful discernment as we declare with the Israelites, "O Lord, our God, we don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you." As a task force, we are confident that the Lord, our God, will show us the way forward as we put our trust in Him and praise Him in joyful expectation. The Lord, our God, has promised to be with us; to never leave us or forsake us, and we believe the God who has done great things for His people throughout salvation history is present and active in our presbytery today.

But no matter how strong our faith and fervent our prayers, this is not something 10 members of our presbytery can do alone. That is why I am asking you to pray as we are, confident that the Lord, our God, hears and answers the prayers of His people when they come together to lift their voices in petition and praise.

In our modern society, which focuses on action and activity, we are inclined to think of prayer as passive. But in God's Kingdom, prayer is the most positive action we can take! Please join me, and the members of the Task Force on the Way Forward, as we all call upon the Name of the Lord, confident that He is Sovereign, Supreme, All-Sufficient-and in control. Praise comes before vision. Let us all sing God's praises today!

The Presbytery of Mississippi has declared the General Assembly's decision to allow sessions and presbyteries local option to ordain practicing homosexuals and adulterers "is a grievous error" that "places the Presbyterian Church (USA) in a state of constitutional crisis." On July 13, the presbytery approved a resolution that contends the General Assembly action requires the presbytery "to re-evaluate the nature of its relationship with the General Assembly."

The full text, including rationale, of the Mississippi resolution, click on this link.

Editor's Note: In the wake of the adoption of the Peace, Unity and Purity Report by the 217th General Assembly, members of the San Diego Presbytery are attending convocations and conferences sponsored by Presbyterian renewal groups as they explore faithful options to what they consider a state of "constitutional and confessional" crisis caused by the GA's action.

The first of these meetings, The New Wineskins Convocation, was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 19-22 at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church. According to New Wineskins officials, 686 persons representing 125 New Wineskins-endorsing congregations were in attendance at the convocation that made the decision to become the New Wines Association of Churches and apply for non-profit status.

Traveling from San Diego to attend the convocation were six representatives from three Presbytery of SD churches:

• Fallbrook Presbyterian, Fallbrook
  Kirk Bottomly (Pastor) and Chuck Boatman (Elder)
• Graham Memorial, Coronado David McElrath (Pastor) and Dick Walker (Elder)
• Trinity Presbyterian, Spring Valley Randy Yenter (Pastor) and David Wallace (Elder)

Elder Chuck Boatman admits he went to the convocation with rather low expectations. "I had read the material on the website and found it to be tentative in nature. It appeared to me that many member churches of the San Diego Presbytery-and especially Fallbrook Presbyterian Church-were well ahead of those who were leading the New Wineskins Initiative. The first day of the conference did nothing to convince me otherwise," said Chuck in a report given to the Fallbrook Session.

However, Chuck concluded his report by saying that the picture began to come into focus on the last day of the convocation. "On Friday afternoon, the proposals for a Congregational Action Plan and a New Wineskins Initiative Action Plan were presented and subjected to rigorous analysis and generally thoughtful discussion," reported Boatman.

Next came the action Chuck had hoped for. "The amended proposal was approved, and the New Wineskins Initiative officially became the New Wineskins Association of Churches. At this point in the conference, I was able to see that the New Wineskins board had done its 'homework,' and had done it well. My attitude changed from skepticism to enthusiastic support."

Pastor Randy Yenter agreed. "During the time in Tulsa we as a group moved from questioning what was going on, wondering if they really had a plan, to being open to what they had to say. I personally believe this is truly a movement of God in our times. It's bigger than just the Presbyterian Church that will include all Reformed Churches. I believe their understanding of being in a post-denominational time is right on the money. They offer a chance for congregations to focus on being a missional church!"

Passage of the PUP Report was not the only issue troubling attendees at the Convocation. Carmen Fowler, associate pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island, SC, and former executive director of the Presbyterian Coalition, addressed another key concern: the Trinity paper. "There is one head of the church," Fowler declared. "His name is Jesus. He does not go by nicknames. God revealed a name to us. It is not for us to choose him a nickname. God has revealed that He is the Father, coming to us in the Son, empowered by the Holy Spirit. End of conversation."

Rev. Fowler also spoke to another prominent theme, that of designated mission giving and missional faithfulness throughout the world. "If you are not already designating 100 percent of your mission giving to projects that demonstrate Biblical faithfulness, confess a Biblical faith and see how that dictates your mission giving and your mission participation."

Fowler said the changes taking place in the Presbyterian Church mirror changes taking place on a much larger scale. "What we are experiencing in the North American mainline Protestant Presbyterian churches is reflective of what is going on around the world. There is a global realignment, a global reformation of the church of Jesus Christ. We happen to be experiencing one aspect of that."

Even though her words were poignant, Fowler emphasized that she was not advocating leaving. "This is about getting on board with what God is doing in the world. There is an ever-morphing map where we see God actively working, and we can see how we might participate in that."

In conclusion, Rev. Fowler said she sees what is happening right now as a lesson we are all being asked to learn. "I believe that this is the season of our humiliation. Humiliation is the process of being humble. We were privileged for 100 years to be on the very forefront of the evangelical mission effort in the world. That was a privileged position. We forsook our privilege. We became distracted by lesser gods. We became enamored with ourselves. And we begin to fail to accomplish the mission of Jesus Christ by going and making disciples in our own congregations and across the borders."

Many at the Convocation expressed frustration with the PC(USA) and were ready to leave the denomination immediately. Others, including Robert Gagnon, professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and another of the Convocation's key speakers, counseled concerned delegates that a wait and see stance is in order. Gagnon counseled his listeners, "Wait on the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission." Even though he expressed very little confidence in the PC(USA)'s highest court, he said that the PJC should be given the opportunity to do the right thing, "no matter how unlikely the possibility that it will do so."

Interestingly, item 6 of the New Wineskins Congregational Action Plan calls for endorsing churches to "Work together to discern the future of our relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA)". However, the plan recognizes that such discernment will take time. In the interim, concerned sessions and presbyteries are instructed to begin asking themselves the same questions raised by questions a-e of item 5 of the Resolution adopted by the Presbytery of San Diego on March 21, 2006.

Also like the Presbytery of San Diego, the New Wineskins Association of Churches ultimately agreed to enter a "season of discernment" before making further decisions about what form and direction New Wineskins Association will take in the future. A steering committee was formed to develop a transitional plan and will make recommendations to the Association leadership team and the 2007 winter convocation

According to material published by New Wineskins, the strategy team "will consider a wide range of options for action, which will include an examination of Biblical, spiritual, missional, congregational, strategic, and legal considerations, and which could include the request for dismissal of a congregation from its presbytery." Delegates from New Wineskins endorsing churches will meet in Orlando, Florida February 8-9, 2007 to hear the steering committee's recommendations and take further action.

The Rev. Dean Weaver, co-moderator of the New Wineskins, boldly proclaimed, "God is doing a new thing. We need to take some decisive steps in following Him. It's time to get down to business."

• "Yesterday I witnessed a birth. It was spoken of so eloquently by an elder who watched the meeting of voting delegates and reflected upon her secular work as a mid-wife. And I agree with her.
• "Yesterday I witnessed the birth -- or maybe the rebirth -- of Presbyterians united in the belief that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, that Jesus is who He says He is, and that His standards have not changed. I witnessed the birth of the New Wineskins Association of Churches, a legal entity within the PC(USA), that will gather to worship Christ, live as He would have us live now, and move forward together in mission.
• "I witnessed the rebirth of a true sense of mission among Presbyterians. It was not about promoting a social agenda, or a radical, unbiblical lifestyle; it was not about worshiping at the altar of the false god of tolerance; but rather, through speaker after speaker, and prayer after prayer, I witnessed a gathering of Presbyterians desperately, achingly, wanting to see where God is at work, so that with everything they had, they could join Him in the effort.
• "I witnessed the rebirth of true fellowship. You should have seen the voting delegation, as they agreed upon next steps, and voting on language to communicate those next steps to sessions of individual churches, and within the New Wineskins Association of Churches. It was unlike any presbytery meeting I have ever seen! These folks loved, and laughed -- yes, there was debate, but it was couched in prayer and love -- and they agreed on a Christ-inspired, Bible-believing boldness. As I prayed this morning, I could almost feel the flash of lightning, and the sound of thunder, as the Lord unleashes a long-held-back torrent, and the joyful flood of revival pours through the parched land of Presbyterianism.
• "Last night I saw something special because Christ was present and He was pleased. And He is already responding to our community plea to pour Himself out among us. The New Wineskins are willing to join with Him, and serve Him - no matter what.
• "I have never stood in greater awe of what God will do, when His people respond in obedience. Look out world! Because under the banner of Christ, following Him in obedience, confessing to Him our inadequacy apart from Him, the 21st century Presbyterians are riding. Riding alongside Jesus.
• "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..."

If you would like to learn more about the New Wineskins Association of Churches, or read the documents referred to in Chuck Boatman's report, please visit the New Wineskins official website at: www.newwineconvo.com.

Other members of the Presbytery of San Diego will be attending the Presbyterian Global Fellowship gathering August 17-19 at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA, The purpose of this conference is to "gather like-minded Presbyterians to explore how to get on with the church's missional purpose.

We will focus on (a) becoming global Christians, (b) growing missional congregations, (c) training missional leaders, and (d) fostering "whole life" discipleship among all believers.

We will feature an article on the Presbyterian Global Fellowship in the next edition of PresbyNews. You can access more information on this meeting at: www.presbyterianglobalfellowship.org.

New Wineskins Association of Churches, accessed via the internet 8/07/2006 at www.newwineconvo.com

By Rev. David Pierson
La Mesa Presbyterian Church

We can learn a lot from Nehemiah. When he learned that the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed he sought the Lord with prayer, fasting and confession of sin. God's hand was with Nehemiah as he rallied a dispirited people to undertake the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem's Wall. Despite determined enemies, Nehemiah succeeded with God's help, and the wall was rebuilt!

What lessons does this hold for us?

In a time of increasing spiritual hunger, why are 85% of American churches declining? In an era of the most powerful communications technology in history, why do churches sometimes find themselves disconnected from their community?

George Barna recently reported the largest single year increase in Americans coming to faith in Christ in 15 years (Study data released March 27, 2006 on www.barna.org), and the evangelistic website Global Media Outreach reports a decision to receive Christ every 2 minutes (see www.globalmediaoutreach.com). Yet only 1% of American churches are growing by conversion growth. What is wrong?

PROJECT 6:15 is a sixteen month process which helps churches make key transitions to become a vision-driven, community-focused and future-oriented congregation with a passion for people to know Christ and become His disciples.

It is above all a process of discernment of God's vision for a particular congregation in response to the prayer of leadership: "God, how do you want to express yourself through this church in this community at this time?" This leads to both spiritual renewal and strategic outreach

Eleven churches in Presbytery of San Diego have undertaken Project 6:15. In May or June their pastors underwent training with Ken Priddy and Pat Bragg of United Front Ministries (On the web at www.unitedfrontministries.com). At this time each Pastor is training a Vision Team from his or her congregation, usually consisting of five people. Their job is to both discern and implement vision from God in partnership with the congregation and community.

Please pray for these eleven congregations as they pursue God's vision, may God bless them to be a blessing to their communities! The eleven churches are:

• Christ, Rancho La Costa
• Christ United
• Chula Vista
• Faith
• La Mesa
• Linda Vista
• Northminster
• Oceanside
• Pacific Beach
• Village, Rancho Santa Fe
• Westminster, Escondido

May the churches of our presbytery graciously proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the peoples of the San Diego region!

The Mission Festival previously announced for November has been postponed, and will be rescheduled early in 2007. Notification of the new date and place will come from the Mission Committee of Presbytery

The Rev. Dr. Ed Girod has been selected by Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church to serve as Interim Associate Pastor, replacing Rev. Brad Gustafson who has accepted a call to a Presbyterian church in Nebraska. Rev. Girod most recently served as Interim Pastor at Chula Vista Presbyterian Church.

Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church is located across from the Vons shopping center at 1675 Garnet Ave. All concerts are free. There will also be free childcare. Parking is provided.

On Saturday, September 2, The Chemistry will be at Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church from 8 pm to 10 pm. This group has a style rooted in hardcore rhythms and with a positive message. They performed at the Spirit West Coast at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Come see and hear this outstanding Christian group for FREE.

Archie Robinson & New Birth Praise will be in a concert of praise, worship and joy on Saturday, October 7 from 8 to 10 pm. They will provide a new spiritual presence in the Christian music industry. Come and hear Rev. Robinson and NBP at the Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church.

The public is invited to hear renowned organist Arthur D. Griffin, Jr. in concert on Sunday, September 10, 2006, at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 3025 Fir at 30th Street in San Diego. The program will begin at 4:00 p.

Mr. Griffin is considered one of America’s most talented organists and is among the fading generation of musicians who specialize in pipe organ music for traditional worship. He is a fourth generation musician who began studying music at age six, with his grandmother, the late San Diegan Mrs. Maudeline Kelley. He currently serves as organist at the First Baptist Congregational Church of Chicago and at Chicago’s St. Malachy Catholic Church.

During his San Diego concert, Griffin will perform a wide range of traditional, sacred and classical music, including organ works by several Black composers. He will also include a segment on “the art of organ playing” to showcase the versatility of the pipe organ

The organ recital is the first in a series of concerts planned by Christ United Presbyterian Church’s Chancel Choir. Each will also introduce an up-and-coming youth artist.

Eleven-year-old Sydney Williams-Kee will be the featured youth artist on September 10. Sydney is a student of local organist Lea Schmidt-Rogers, District Convener of the American Guild of Organist, and was among the local students who recently played for Paul Jacobs, chairman of the organ department at New York’s Juilliard School at Lincoln Center.

The concert will be followed by a meet-the-artists reception. A voluntary offering to support the concert series will be accepted.

For more information, call the church at (619) 239-2346.