tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34871276996364748692011-07-08T02:11:57.028-04:00Insights from the floor of RCA's General SynodJennifer VMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239529761066190814noreply@blogger.comBlogger371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-88958713089233365022009-06-10T05:09:00.013-04:002009-06-10T07:39:19.553-04:00

It's been a privilege for me to participate in the 2009 General Synod as a delegate and as one invited to participate here on the RCA's General Synod blog. All my interactions with staff have been positive and affirming. This year's Synod was well-run and there was a good spirit in evidence from beginning to end.IN RETROSPECT...As I've previously written here, the one aspect of Synod 2009 which

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-23956033722400693372009-06-09T14:27:00.007-04:002009-06-09T14:43:43.808-04:00

This morning's General Synod session was intense and draining as the delegates sought to forge a comprehensive communications strategy for the RCA. The advisory committee's six recommendations were extensively debated in three parts. The first narrowly rejected (after an initial one-vote plurality), a recommended two-year independent study of denominational communications. The second part was a

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-75766671242015927612009-06-09T08:51:00.001-04:002009-06-09T08:54:58.058-04:00

Final unofficial staff video of RCA General Synod, this time, they quiz delegates and volunteers!

drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14938318288912238935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-33821197948748317472009-06-09T00:53:00.002-04:002009-06-09T01:07:02.551-04:00

I sat in Synod today thinking about all the conversations that have taken place throughout history on important theological matters. I thought about the great councils of our early fathers and the debates that would take place on the third person in the trinity, God's grace or human will, and many more conversations that have so profoundly shaped what we call the Reformed tradition.Today was one

Jes Kast-Keathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09771824501536331461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-78001927059984180522009-06-08T20:56:00.004-04:002009-06-08T21:10:47.924-04:00

The Report of the Advisory Committees on the RCA Dialogue on Communication and the Church Herald presented tonight to delegates proposes an end to the ministry of the Church Herald. Among the six recommendations: "R-68 To instruct the General Synod Council, in its capacity as the executive committee of the General Synod, in cooperation with the Church Herald Editorial Council, to facilitate

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-54073883121341721822009-06-08T14:28:00.003-04:002009-06-08T14:36:18.837-04:00

By a vote of 145-72 the delegates reversed their Friday decision to effectively cancel General Synod in 2010. So General Synod plans to meet in Orange City, Iowa in 2010 after all.The initial vote on Friday was 120-100 in favor of an amended GSC motion to not hold General Synod in 2010. Upon further reflection, the thinking of this year's delegates obviously changed.

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-37462826873920547222009-06-08T11:15:00.003-04:002009-06-08T11:40:27.126-04:00

No need to use some lame metaphor for this occasion.The Reformed Church in America has just adopted the Belhar Confession as a fourth standard of unity for our church. I have to admit that I was more moved by the affirming response than I had imagined. At first I thought it was because I had invest so much time and energy over the past few days in the conversation and proposal (realizing it

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-83822480201908521022009-06-08T10:48:00.007-04:002009-06-08T14:26:47.785-04:00

After nearly two hours of debate, R-24 was approved 164-65. The action (if approved by 2/3 of the classes) would add the Belhar Confession as the fourth doctrinal standard officially recognized by the RCA:"To adopt the following amendment to the first paragraph of the Preamble to the Book of Church Order for recommendation to the classes for approval: The purpose of the Reformed Church in America

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-65830028740652478412009-06-08T07:17:00.004-04:002009-06-08T08:54:46.445-04:00

Sunday evening’s plenary featured presentations by the Our Call Forum on Global Mission and Christian Unity which included introductions of a number of ecumenical delegates and guests. Highlighting the Global Mission segment were resolutions honoring RCA missionaries Vern & Carla Sterk who served for more than 40 years in Chiapas. Much of the Christian Unity presentation featured a variety of

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-5707109375751379892009-06-07T20:15:00.000-04:002009-06-07T20:15:00.181-04:00

We might say that some swimmers become coaches. And, there are some swimmers who could never coach. It's possibly just as true to say that there are some coaches who could never swim. In other words, there are people who know all the right moves and techniques, but could never or would never put them into practice.One of my favorite moments at Synod so far has been the ordination of our

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-26588651855562071132009-06-07T20:02:00.005-04:002009-06-08T06:34:26.940-04:00

Vice President James Seawood was elected General Synod President for 2009-2010. He was enthusiastically affirmed by a busload of members from Staten Island's historic Brighton Heights Reformed Church which he pastors. Some of the members present publicly expressed to the Synod their heartfelt appreciation for their pastor who will be installed Tuesday as the second African-American General Synod

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-48797774807628523122009-06-07T19:31:00.002-04:002009-06-07T19:34:22.646-04:00

I want to invite all those delegates here at GS and all of those people who are praying at home to join us in prayer tonight.  Table 70 at GS.  9:00pm TONIGHT.  Specially around the Belhar confession.May Justice, Reconciliation, and unity be True of us at it was with our Lord Jesus Christ.Grace and Peace.

Jes Kast-Keathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09771824501536331461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-18170908399215581302009-06-07T14:54:00.003-04:002009-06-07T15:12:30.438-04:00

In Saturday morning's Advisory Forum we finally took on the Belhar. I'm not at liberty to say how things turned out, but I would like to take the time to say how things went. I know that I admitted in the last "Open Swim" that I would have to learn how to swim with others who have been welcomed into the pool. That was decidedly more difficult in the session during which we discussed the Belhar

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-9884421836366276842009-06-07T14:30:00.003-04:002009-06-07T15:25:25.305-04:00

My apologies to staff for my departure. Saturday was a busy day for the Advisory Forum Moderators. Here are my belated thoughts:Friday evening of synod captures for me the tension I feel with the focus of the denomination. It's the same tension, I think, that I feel with competition. Sticking with our (un)creative thread I've been maintaining, there is a tension I feel between striving to win

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-64028457428313342752009-06-07T14:30:00.002-04:002009-06-07T14:47:18.730-04:00

New unofficial staff video of RCA General Synod, this time, they quiz delegates and volunteers!

drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14938318288912238935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-62915287987216319892009-06-07T11:32:00.004-04:002009-06-07T12:08:46.262-04:00

This has been my first GS ever and I have to tell you that it has been like a spiritual retreat for me.   I am sure some of you 'old timers' who have been to GS year after year might feel differently, but let me plead my case why it has been refreshing, sad, and propelled me to prayer.1-The gathering of brothers and sisters from around the world who are RCA (and our ecumenical friends who are not

Jes Kast-Keathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09771824501536331461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-19178714508328859542009-06-06T20:38:00.001-04:002009-06-06T20:39:46.383-04:00

This afternoon’s Our Call Forum on Missions was an inspiring opportunity to become better acquainted with the RCA’s global missions effort. Reports from the Middle East, Chiapas, Sudan, and elsewhere were encouraging and challenging. The Good News is being courageously and creatively modeled and proclaimed. Hallelujah!

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-55845952870747667032009-06-06T19:42:00.004-04:002009-06-07T14:48:46.719-04:00

Meet the staff! Clever, well done hilarious unofficial video of the staff hard at work. If you're a fan of GS I'd recommend showing this especially to the youth, the next generations of GS delegates.Apparently, there are more to come! :)

drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14938318288912238935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-4918608545051283972009-06-06T19:38:00.004-04:002009-06-06T20:24:35.486-04:00

For the third year, every General Synod advisory committee dealt with the same key issues. While the fruitfulness of this approach is dependent on selecting the "right" issues, this approach enables all delegates to engage these significant matters more extensively than would typically be practical during floor debate. Discussing challenging issues face to face in the context of a relatively

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-30736649471951241442009-06-06T08:48:00.004-04:002009-06-06T14:09:30.976-04:00

I arrived late Tuesday evening from the far west, the northern part of the west. I am one of the pastors of First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor, WA on Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island is known for its foggy mornings and rainy afternoons. Though, I'm now three time zones away from that fog, I think this morning I may have come out of a different fog that the three hour time difference between here

Jon Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02789479285041021460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-15011169111304453752009-06-06T08:40:00.004-04:002009-06-06T21:08:26.972-04:00

Marlin Vis preached this morning. I happen to personally adore the man and the courageous, prophetic words he has to offer us. Two things I want to share with you that I want us to remember.1-Every decision we make here, keep the children in mind. I think we could even say, every decision we make in life, keep the children in mind. 2-Put down our swords. There is a time for us to debate,

Jes Kast-Keathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09771824501536331461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-61658319689413283422009-06-05T23:24:00.006-04:002009-06-05T23:33:38.728-04:00

The General Synod Seminarian Seminar (GS^3) had the privilege of spending some time with President Bechtel and General Secretary Wes Granberg-Michaelson before GS began. They were asked to bring some books that they would recommend to us to read. Carol Bechtel recommends:Norman Wirzba, Living the SabbathEllen Davis, Scripture Culture and Agriculture: an Agrarian Reading of the BibleCarol Bechtel

drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14938318288912238935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-3486848729223185482009-06-05T23:04:00.002-04:002009-06-05T23:23:05.846-04:00

It's so easy to be cynical, pessimistic, and negative in life. I was reminded that today, through seeing the beauty of General Synod in the simplest places. While walking around in the cafeteria, the diversity of GS really stood out to me in ways that I don't always notice: The older elder delegates, those that are physically disabled, those who do not speak English as a first language were all

drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14938318288912238935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-14285022167020723592009-06-05T20:10:00.008-04:002009-06-06T04:43:40.983-04:00

In his annual General Secretary's report, Wesley Granberg-Michaelson reminded the General Synod of a past conversation between RCA's Gregg Mast and the late Bob Bast. They had imagined combining the offices for Social Witness and Evangelism. It didn’t happen then, but the idea was right.We must learn to “shout the gospel with our lives.” These two areas of ministry are often viewed separately.

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-54520617927325241742009-06-05T19:53:00.002-04:002009-06-05T20:02:28.690-04:00

How many times did I want to stand up and say "Alright now, preach it Wes!" Wes is so right.  My generation - the emerging and current leaders want to see what our actions are.  Don't just preach the word (though important) live the word.  Come on now - Amen!  Live it!  Come on church, listen to the words of Amos 5:24 "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing

Jes Kast-Keathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09771824501536331461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-56893275049058741822009-06-05T19:16:00.002-04:002009-06-05T19:32:20.244-04:00

I serve as a moderator of one of the new hip and cool Issue Advisory Groups. These are groups that advise a committee that will form a recommendation on certain, hot topics of the Synod (this year it's Communication/Herald/RCA Today & adoption of the Belhar). Our first meeting was a get-to-know-you affair. Our second was designed to address options for the future of the denomination's

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-21531778826081466602009-06-05T14:58:00.003-04:002009-06-05T15:08:32.900-04:00

Wow. I've been mulling over President Carol Bechtel's Report over lunch, and no I feel it's time for me to put down my thoughts.Introduction: My name is drew yamamoto, and I am part of the General Synod Seminarian Seminar (GS3) and this is my second time at GS. I love GS, and I'm mourning the fact that it may not happen next year. I am from San Francisco, CA, and I am a senior in the Western

drewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14938318288912238935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-42705829153120143812009-06-05T14:47:00.003-04:002009-06-05T15:08:38.739-04:00

I was against R-6.  Meaning, I would like to see GS meet next year.  Here is why:1-A gentleman recapitulated Dr. Bechtel's presidential speech beautifully at the microphone...part of being Reformed is the fundamental belief in the power of the Holy Spirit in the gathered body.  As President Bechtel said, "We believe the spirit speaks most reliably and consistently in the gathered body of God."  

Jes Kast-Keathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09771824501536331461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-4057929385724080832009-06-05T14:37:00.002-04:002009-06-05T14:43:20.604-04:00

I think by now you'll notice the theme of these threads. It helps me stay interested. Anyway...By a slim margin, the Synod decided not to convene in 2010. I think it was 120-100. The major concern seemed to be the economy. It's all in the way it gets communicated. Are we talking about saving $225,000. Or, are we going to give every member $1 back next year? Well, yes. One speaker

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-86765833675559422592009-06-05T14:26:00.008-04:002009-06-05T14:42:35.058-04:00

The first major vote of this General Synod was quite an unusual one. Based on economic considerations, General Synod will not meet in 2010. This has occurred only once before in the RCA's long history--in 1933 during the depths of the Great Depression.The amended proposal from the GSC was approved by a 120-100 vote:R-6: "To instruct the officers of the General Synod to convene the 2010 General

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-28193602900036105252009-06-05T14:17:00.003-04:002009-06-05T14:28:48.560-04:00

Carol Bechtel was my favorite (and only) Hebrew professor at Western Seminary. Her demeanor (sp?) at the podium is no different than it was in the classroom. She is soft spoken and I would say gentle. She often is, but her report this morning was sharp and to the point; like a life guard who warns children not to get too close to the deep end of the pool. Her reflections on worship, on

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-64438632039669720822009-06-05T12:05:00.003-04:002009-06-05T19:16:55.170-04:00

I appreciate the initial focus of Carol Bechtel’s General Synod President’s report. Many of her predecessors’ reports explore the important question: “What is the glue that holds us together?” (e.g. What is our identity?)Indeed, that is a crucial issue for a denomination which began nearly four centuries ago as a distant extension of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands. Whatever utility that

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-91815480527567883782009-06-05T02:09:00.002-04:002009-06-05T02:18:29.476-04:00

I spent Thursday in training as a moderator for the Advisory Forums. We were begin trained in leading the groups who will discuss the two major issues before General Syond this year: communication and confession. One of the conversations was difficult and confusing. The other conversation was somewhat hopeful. That is, until I got to dinner and overheard some of the side conversations that

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-24745325604083824982009-06-04T08:21:00.002-04:002009-06-04T09:19:40.829-04:00

Anticipating General Synod 2009, 1 Cor. 12:12 springs to mind: "For just as the body is one and has many members, all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ."My name is Lee DeYoung. My home congregation is Hager Park Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan where I've been a member since 1982. It's my privilege to serve on the leadership team of South Grand Rapids

Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163668194882279883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-78572181406675131002009-06-02T09:02:00.003-04:002009-06-02T09:34:44.025-04:00

My pastor this last week said that General Synod is like the best polity class you could ever take.  Well good, just like Peter TeWinkle said, I am looking forward to diving in!A bit about me.  My name is Jessica (Jes) Kast-Keat.  I just finished my second year at Western Theological Seminary and have two more years left (4 year track).  I am under care of classis at Hope Church in Holland,

Jes Kast-Keathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09771824501536331461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-5539284123647849142009-05-28T09:54:00.002-04:002009-05-31T21:46:58.389-04:00

My name is Peter TeWinkle. I serve Hope Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI and have done so for the last 2 and a half years. Prior to that I served Hawthorne Reformed Church in Hawthorne, NY for four years. Prior to that I got married to Julie and just prior to that I graduated from Western Theological Seminary. There has actually been a lot of Hope in my life as I grew up at Hope Reformed

PastorOfHopenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487127699636474869.post-77536791523770009662009-05-26T15:21:00.002-04:002009-05-28T11:37:11.903-04:00

I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect, especially toward those with whom I disagree—even if I feel disrespected (Romans 12:17-21).I will express my disagreements with others without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally (Matthew 5:22).I will not exaggerate the beliefs of others or make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes

Jennifer VMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239529761066190814noreply@blogger.com0