Although the documents were read only for presentation purposes, not a floor debate, there were plenty of questions and clarifications at the November 15 meeting of the Presbytery of San Diego at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Point Loma.

Subject of the documents was the Presbytery's response to the Theological Task Force Report on the Peace Unity and Purity of the Church - a long-awaited study of issues that are tending to divide the denomination into liberal and conservative camps. Principal among them are constitutional issues concerning ordination standards, the essential tenets of the Reformed faith, and governance of the denomination.

Presented were a resolution drafted by four pastors that if approved would be forwarded to General Assembly, and an open letter to the resolution team endorsed by a group of pastors and elders.

The resolution declares that "the covenant between the San Diego Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (USA) is in danger of being broken by those who no longer stand with us." If the Authoritative Interpretation recommended by the PUP Report, which critics contend would allow "local option" in determining essential beliefs and practices for ordination, is passed by the General Assembly of the PC(USA) next June, such a breach would "render meaningless" the historic standards of the church. It calls for a vote on the resolution in early 2006.

The open letter counters by asking that the vote be suspended "until such time we can engage each other, face to face, to discuss not only the issues raised in the resolution but deeper theological issues that might divide us."

"Not that we may disagree theologically with some of your concerns," the letter continued, "but we do disagree with your interpretation of the PUP Report and its possible effect on the church's standards of ordination. We feel that this resolution is premature and is not in the best interest of the whole church."

Your comments are encouraged. See both the Resolution and the Open Letter elsewhere on this website. Take advantage of the opportunity to offer your views on the Resolution and/or the Open Letter by clicking on Comments

Are We There Yet? That's what many Presbyterians are wondering as they read the long-awaited report of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church. In the January-February issue of Presbyterians Today Magazine, the three former moderators who appointed the task force -- Freda Gardner, Syngman Rhee and Jack Rogers - give what the magazine considers concise and spirited assessments of what the task force's work and recommendations mean for members of the PCUSA.

For subscription information call 1-800-558-1669. To view the magazine's website, go to PTMagazine@CTR.PCUSA.ORG.

This week the Vatican made it official: Practicing homosexuals and those with deep-seated gay tendencies should not become priests. But Catholics aren't the only ones wrestling with the issue of gay clergy. A recap:

Anglicans: The Church of England accepts gay clergy if they are celibate. Most Anglican churches in Africa, West Indies and Asia reject gay priests. A decision by the U.S. Episcopal Church to ordain an openly gay bishop in 2003 created a rift that could lead to a schism.

United Methodists: The church bans ordination or appointment of "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals" in the clergy. It defrocked a lesbian minister in October and backed a pastor who refused church membership to a gay man.

Lutherans: U.S. Evangelical Lutheran Church allows homosexual ordination but requires sexual abstinence.

Southern Baptists: Denounces homosexuality and bars gay ministers.

Presbyterians: The U.S. Presbyterian Church has said its ministers must live "either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness."

United Church of Christ: Has been ordaining gay clergy for more than 30 years and endorsed gay marriage at its 2005 synod.

Judaism: Reform Jewish movement accepts gay rabbis, male or female. Orthodox Judaism regards homosexuality as an abomination, and the Conservative branch is debating about the clergy.

Islam: The Koran forbids homosexual acts, and some Muslim states punish sodomy with the death penalty.

Asian religions: Rules are less clear, but Hinduism and Buddhism demand celibacy of their monks, and Sikhism stresses that unmarried people should be celibate.

Reuters News Service as published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Dec. 1. 2005

In October, I attended the Synod Assembly meeting in beautiful Ventura, California. Commissioners from the eight presbyteries in our synod, including 18 from San Diego, gathered for two days to discuss and act on significant matters. As I prepared to present the report on behalf of our presbytery, I was struck by one penetrating question-should I be honest and communicate the difficulties we have experienced this past year, or should I sugarcoat my report and comment only on the positive? Honesty won. I began my report with this introduction:

"These are turbulent times in the Presbytery of San Diego. These are turbulent times in the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. In fact, these are turbulent times in our beloved PC (USA). I have declared this year to be the year of Stephen in the Presbytery of San Diego. Stephen's ministry in Acts 6-7 was characterized by TURBULENT TIMES, COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP, and new MISSION OPPORTUNITIES. May Stephen's ministry speak to all of us at such a time as this. "

These are turbulent times in our presbytery. We held eight presbytery meetings in one eight-month period. Several of us attended a seven-hour session meeting at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, which attracted over 300 visitors and lasted until 2:00 a.m. We, as a presbytery, dissolved the pastoral relationship of one of our beloved pastors against his will. Again, over 300 visitors were present for that unforgettable February meeting at which nearly 90% of the presbytery concurred with the difficult recommendation of the La Jolla Administrative Commission.

One month later, the presbytery was contacted by Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church, after its session voted unanimously to leave the PC(USA) for the Four Square denomination. A second administrative commission was formed around the Mt. Soledad congregation, and the third administrative commission of the year was established to deal with long-term conflicts at Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church. Ultimately, the conflicts at Pacific Beach led to the pastor's resignation.

On a denominational level, the final report from the General Assembly's Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity has prompted several pastors within our presbytery to respond with a resolution that encourages decisive action on the part of our presbytery. That resolution is being presented today for study, and it will be voted on in early 2006. Many of us sense that reactions to the PUP Report and the upcoming actions of the General Assembly in June 2006 could further polarize and forever change the landscape of our beloved denomination. Indeed, these are turbulent times.

COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP

Turbulent times in the church always herald the arrival of courageous leaders. We are not born with courage; courage is born within us through adversity. Notice the ministries of Esther, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Amos, John the Baptist, and Stephen.

In the midst of the turbulent times at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, many courageous leaders surfaced. Members of the session and congregation have demonstrated great patience, integrity, and courage. Stated Supply Chuck Hammond has brought an engaged, non-anxious presence to the congregation and to the presbytery. Members of the Administrative Commission, the Committee on Ministry Response Team, and individuals like Jack Baca, around LJPC. Because of the dedication of these and many others, 12 long months ended with a joyous centennial celebration. As part of the festivities, over 1,000 people attended LJPC's services on Sunday, October 2.

Courageous leadership also rose up around Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church this past year. In March, the conversation between the presbytery and Mt. Soledad began with worship, prayer, fasting, and conversations based on John 17: Christ glorified, leadership sanctified, and membership unified. Several pastors in our presbytery voluntarily gave up their pulpits for a Sunday in order to preach and lead in worship at Mt. Soledad. Debbie Rundlett, Jim Rauch, Neal Nybo, Ray Sparling, Paul Pulliam, Peggy Strand, and Paul Hefner all gave of themselves far beyond what many would do to ensure the peace and unity of a broken congregation.

In June, many of us participated in a first-ever worship service to bless over 300 church members and ten staff members and release them to another denomination. The faithful Mt. Soledad members who remained with the presbytery have been sustained by the courageous leadership of Doug Satre and elders Scott Sabin, John Lucas, and Art Miley.

Similarly, the session from Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church has worked closely with its administrative commission, to address many long-standing and difficult issues that divide the congregation. Paul Fisher, Chris Lenocker, David Whitmoyer, Anne Clark, Tom Johnson, Fred Jacobs, Gerry Tayler, Dick Adams, and Ruth Sweet have all been dedicated and courageous servants through this process.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

When courageous leaders emerge in the midst of turbulent times, new mission opportunities occur-Stephen's courage led the church of his day to the edge of an entirely new mission field. This year, in the middle of turbulence, we in San Diego have witnessed a flourishing of ministry. We adopted the final report of the Long Range Planning Task Force on May 17. Rev. Mike McClenahan has convened two informal meetings with a random cluster of pastors, to solicit input regarding future goals and objectives in four key areas: healthy congregations; church transformation; new church development; and collaborative mission efforts.

As a result of these conversations, several "Pastor's Sabbaths" were held this year, and more have been scheduled for 2006. These one-day retreats are wonderful times of building relationships with one another, listening to differing theological perspectives, and reflecting upon the presence of God in the midst of these turbulent times.

The presbytery established a Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and is forwarding 100% of all monies received to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. To date, we have sent over $173,000 to assist in the hurricane relief efforts!

We are also actively involved in fire relief efforts. The first stage of our partnership with San Diego Habitat for Humanity is nearly complete. Construction on the Amos family home, which was funded entirely by the presbytery, will be finished in early November. Approximately $50,000 remains in our Fire Relief Fund, and it is earmarked for the construction of a second home, through a matching partnership with CitiBank of San Diego

Our long-standing ministry to the military community has taken on a new form. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been finalized and will complete the decentralization of the ministry into two geographic clusters of churches. All property, staff, resources, and finances will be transferred to the two steering committees by the end of the year. Although the presbytery's budget will not have a line item for Military Outreach Ministries beginning in 2006, the ministry will continue to have a significant and positive impact on the lives of thousands of military families in our area.

We have also engaged in mission on a more global scale. Tom Theriault, Lewis Leon, and I have just returned from an unforgettable trip to visit with the Afar, the forgotten people of Ethiopia. Our great desire is to see a community of Christians rise up among these longtime Muslims. I pray that our relationship with our new friends in Ethiopia will grow into a long-term partnership for the sake of the Kingdom.

Indeed, these are turbulent days in our presbytery, our synod, and our denomination. But I am not afraid of turbulent times. Courageous leaders are born there. So are new opportunities for mission. I am glad I was honest with my fellow synod commissioners-there is no need to sugarcoat what is happening in San Diego.

From October 31st until November 12th, five pastors and two elders from six churches in Southern California journeyed to the desert of Northern Ethiopia. Those on the team from our presbytery included: Rev. Andy Smith (EP), Rev. Lewis Leon (First, Oceanside), Rev. Tom Theriault and Richard Jaynes (Solana Beach). For the past six years, Rev. Tom Theriault from Solana Beach has taken the lead in creating a partnership between the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mecane Yesus, World Vision Ethiopia and Solana Beach/the Presbytery of San Diego. This partnership is committed to holistic ministry in and with the Afar people of the deserts of Northern Ethiopia.

After arriving at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on November 1st, the group toured the headquarters of both World Vision Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mecane Yesus. Both local groups served as the hosts of the trip. After a two day delay in the schedule due to violence in Addis Ababa, the group took a private airplane to the Afar desert and stayed in the World Vision compound in town of Assayita for four days. Andy preached the gospel in the small and vibrant Mecane Yesus church in Assayita while Tom Theriault helped administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The group was welcomed be the people and the leaders of the community as "Friends of the Afar".

The group's visit was hosted by World Vision Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus. After arriving at Bole International Airport in Addas Ababa on Nov. 1, the group toured mission headquarters on the 2nd and drove to Afar on the 3rd. spent the 4th, 5th and 6th with the Afar people, drove to Antsokia on the 7th, stayed there the 8th and 9th, and returned to Addas Ababa on the 10th, and departed on the 12th.

World Vision's Afar Area Development Program assists the semi-nomadic Afar people in the northeastern region by providing a holistic, community-based approach to meet the needs of poor farmers with a special emphasis on children and women. This includes building veterinary posts, livestock vaccination sites, teaching improved farming methods to increase agricultural productivity, increasing immunization coverage, and access to primary education for children.

	TOP: Afar children outside of Assaita, Ethiopia standing in“fields ripe for harvest.” LEFT: The Presbytery of San Diego/Solana Beach Mission Team Members: (L-R) Rev. Tom Theriault, Jason Lee, Rev. Ralph Veenstra, Rev. David Housholder, Richard Jaynes, Rev. Andy Smith, Rev. Lewis Leon. RIGHT: Andy Smith visits World Vision Ethiopia Agricultural Training Site in Ayssaita, Ethiopia. BOTTOM RIGHT: Tom Theriault with Ethiopian hosts from the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus and World Vision. (L-R) Reverend Alemu Shetta, Gospel Ministries Director, Mekane Yesus; Rev. Tom Theriault; Beyene Geleta, Director, World Vision Ethiopia North Branch Office; Akle Lu, World Vision Ethiopia.
	BOTTOM LEFT: Andy Smith with new friend. Discussions concerning future adoption program of Afar children are ongoing. TOP RIGHT: Andy preaching at the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus in Ayssaita, Ethiiopia. TOP LEFT: Tom Theriault serving communion at the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus in Assaita, Ethiopia. BOTTOM RIGHT: Rev. Lewis Leon touring the marketplace in Ayssaita, Ethiopia.

The Presbyterian Crisis Center has received an endowment of close to $400,000 from the estate of F. Helen Pratt-Kurz. Here's her story:

Helen Minor and her twin, Hazel, were born in Indiana in 1906 and moved to San Diego in 1919. Helen and Hazel were graduates of San Diego High School. Soon after graduation Helen married William (Bill) Pratt, who worked for Hage's dairy.

Around 1939, Bill and Helen partnered with a man named Keith and opened Keith's Drive-In on El Cajon Boulevard. In 1941 they built another Keith's Drive-In in National City on property belonging to Bill's father. In the early 1950's the Drive-In on El Cajon Boulevard was torn down to make way for a freeway. At that time they made Cal Perez a part owner in the National City Keith's. In 1969 Keith's was remodeled into a family restaurant. Helen worked every night until closing at 2AM. She would take one break when Bill came to take her out to dinner. Helen was always beautifully dressed with her favorite lavish jewelry.

When Helen and Bill retired they sold the business to Cal Perez and moved to Monterey. They joined the Monterey Country Club where Helen swam every morning and played golf. A few years after Bill's death, she married Fred Kurz. After Fred's death she moved back to San Diego in 1995 and lived in a condominium at the Meridian with her twin, Hazel, until her death in 2000 at the age of 94. Hazel remained in the condominium until her death at the age of 98 in 2004.

The restaurant property was sold to Cal Perez by Helen's estate.

Helen supported the San Diego Public Library, the College-Rolando Branch Library and Mission Trails Regional Park. We have not been able to establish any connection she had with the Presbyterian Church in San Diego. She did leave a generous bequest to the First Presbyterian Church in Mesa, Arizona where her grand-nephew is Senior Pastor.

We hope this article will bring forth more information regarding Helen and her connections in San Diego. We are gratified by her generous gift to the Presbyterian Crisis Center.

Please call me if you have more information.
Ann Hewitt
619-222-9849

Rev. Jack Baca, pastor of the Village Community Church in Rancho Santa Fe, will step into the ample shoes of Elder Dick Berry as he assumes the position of Moderator of the Presbytery of San Diego for 2006. The election will be on the agenda of the November Presbytery Meeting. Nominated to be Vice Moderator is Rev. Neal Nybo of Solana Beach Presbyterian Church.

It's called "The Point" - a unique outdoor worship center created on land at the south end of the Palisades Presbyterian Church campus. A special dedication worship service to celebrate completion of the project was held on November 13, followed by a lunch in Fellowship Hall.

Chula Vista Presbyterian Church has been selected by the Presbytery as the site for a Hispanic Bible Study in the South Bay. The Evangelism Committee of Presbytery is sponsoring the group, which is being led by Hugo Carbajal and Nicasio Rojas. It meets each Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Twenty-two people attended the inaugural session. All Spanish speakers are welcome.

Christ La Costa Presbyterian Church 7807 Centella Street Carlsbad CA 92009 (760) 753-3290 5:00 family; 6:30; 8:00 traditional	Chula Vista Presbyterian Church 940 Hilltop Drive Chula Vista CA 91911 (619) 426-2211 7:00 family; 11:00 traditional	Discovery at the Center 6195 El Camino Real Carlsbad CA 92009 (760) 580-9777 6:00 traditional
Faith Presbyterian Church 5075 Campanile Drive San Diego CA 92115 (619) 582-8480 5:30 family; 7:30 traditional	Fallbrook Presbyterian Church 463 South Stage Coach Lane Fallbrook CA 92028 (760) 728-5804 5:00 family; 8:00 traditional	First Presbyterian Church 500 Farragut Circle El Cajon CA 92020 (619) 442-2583 5:00 family; 6:30 traditional
First Presbyterian Church 2001 El Camino Real Oceanside CA 92054 (760) 757-3560 5:00 family; 9:00 & 11:00 traditional	First Presbyterian Church 320 Date Street San Diego CA 92101 (619) 232-7513 7:00 traditional	Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church 455 Church Way El Cajon CA 92020 (619) 463-6631 7:00 traditional
Grace Presbyterian Church 1450 East Vista Way Vista CA 92084 (760) 724-0077 5:00 family; 7:00, 9:00 traditional	Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church 959 C Avenue Coronado CA 92118 (619) 435-6860 6:30 family; 8:00 & 9:30 traditional	La Jolla Presbyterian Church 7715 Draper Avenue La Jolla CA 92037 (858) 454-0713 4:00 family; 9:00 & 11:00 traditional
La Mesa Presbyterian Church 4426 Harbinson Avenue La Mesa CA 91941 (619) 463-4491 7:00 traditional	Lakeside Presbyterian Church 9908 Channel Road Lakeside CA 92040 (619) 443-1021 7:00 traditional	Linda Vista Presbyterian Church 2130 Ulric Street San Diego CA 92111 (858) 277-0523 7:00 traditional
Mira Mesa Presbyterian Church 8081 Mira Mesa Boulevard San Diego CA 92126 (858) 578-2150 7:00 family; 9:00 traditional	Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church 6551 Soledad Mountain Road La Jolla CA 92037 (858) 459-3865 no service on Christmas Eve this year	Northminster Presbyterian Church 4324 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard San Diego CA 92117 (858) 490-3995 5:00 family
Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church 1675 Garnet Avenue San Diego CA 92109 (858) 273-9312 4:00 traditional; 6:30 family; 11:00 traditional	Palisades Presbyterian Church 6301 Birchwood Street San Diego CA 92120 (619) 582-0852 7:00 traditional	Point Loma Presbyterian Church 2128 Chatsworth Boulevard San Diego CA 92107 (619) 223-1633 5:00 & 7:00 family; 9:00 & 11:00 traditional
Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Church 17010 Pomerado Road San Diego CA 92128 (858) 487-0811 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 contemporary & traditional 9:00 & 10:30 traditional	Solana Beach Presbyterian Church 120 Stevens Avenue Solana Beach CA 92075 (858) 509-2580 [call for childcare] 3:00 & 4:30 contemporary; 6:30, 8:30 & 10:00 traditional	Southeast Presbyterian Church 210 South Euclid Avenue San Diego CA 92114 (619) 264-0183 7:00 traditional
Trinity Presbyterian Church 3902 Kenwood Drive Spring Valley CA 91977 (619) 465-3011 6:30 family	Village Community Presbyterian Church 6225 Paseo Delicias Rancho Santa Fe CA 92067 (858) 756-2441 5:00, 7:00 & 11:00	Westminster Presbyterian Church 1500 South Juniper Escondido CA 92025 (760) 745-3225 5:00 family; 9:00 & 11:00 traditional
Westminster Presbyterian Church 3598 Talbot Street San Diego CA 92106 (619) 223-3193 7:00 traditional

"The Dream Begins with Me," a community celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., will take place at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 3025 Fir Street in San Diego, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, 2006.

Keynote speaker will be Dr. Henry W. Foster, Jr., who was nominated to be U.S. Surgeon General by President Clinton in 1995. His nomination was denied in Congress, but he continued as an advisor to the President. Dr. Foster is Professor Emeritus and Dean of the School of Medicine at Meharry College in Tennessee, a historically black college where many African-American doctors have been trained. He is also Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vanderbilt University. A mass choir from the community will be also part of the service.

Rev. Neil Berry, pastor of Christ United, comments: "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the looking glass in which we all reflected upon the dream of freedom and equality for every citizen of this country. Now that the dreamer has gone, we must as a group join together and be willing to go through the looking glass in order to make that dream a reality."

To Robert Matthews, a long-time member and worker within the Christ United congregation, the worship service's theme means, "I've got to go beyond the dream. Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn't just a dreamer. Freedom isn't granted, it has to be struggled for. Most people are willing to work in a positive way toward this, compromising and working with others. The struggle for freedom is also a struggle for equality and creativity.

"The Book of Proverbs," continues Matthews, "begins with the idea that to have wisdom one must have a fear of Almighty God. Knowledge will lead to justice, courage, creativity, and faith. All of these themes are in the Book of Proverbs. Freedom consists of intellectual, physical, and emotional freedom."

For more information, call the church at 619-239-2346.
-- By Ed Piper

• Rev. Dr. Jack Baca (Rancho Santa Fe Village)
• Rev. Dr. Chris Lenocker (Faith)
• Elder Barry Billingsley (Solana Beach)
• Elder Elizabeth Crews (San Diego First)
• Elder Susan Walker (Brawley)

Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the January meeting of Presbytery. Two pastors and two elders will be sent; one alternative pastor and elder commissioner will be elected as well.

• Budget, Property & Finance - Elder John Lucas (Mt Soledad)
• Ecclesiastical - Elder Carole Ostrander (Escondido)
• Evangelism - Pastor David Pierson (La Mesa)
• Human Resources - Elder Nancy Harber (Faith)
• Committee on Ministry - Elder Paul Hefner
• Missions - Pastor Mark Swarner
• Presparation for Ministry - Pastor John Powell (Pt Loma)
• Representation - Elder Sally Kerr (Escondido)

• Class of 2006 - Pastor Neil Berry, Christ United
• Class of 2007 - Elder Bob Battenfield, Fletcher Hills
• Class of 2007 - Pastor Kirk Bottomly, Fallbrook

Looking for an opportunity to serve the church? There are many opportunities to serve on committees of the Presbytery. Contact the chair of the Presbytery Nominating Committee, the Rev. Doug Kelly, at Christ Rancho La Costa Presbyterian Church. Call 760-753-3290.