As one of the animals on the Ark said to the other after Noah shut the door, “Where are we going?” The response, “Only the Lord knows.”
That is the same with the Vision 2025, only the Lord knows how this is going to end up, no decisions have been made, EXCEPT one. The decision that has been made is to make sure that the Legacy of the Edmonds Presbyterian Church is one of continuing to bless those who come in contact with the church. In the past that legacy was to be, “a caring community of faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. United in service, study and worship. Committed through intentional action, to reach others with the love of God in Christ.” In the future, we hope and pray that we will continue to bless our community, perhaps in a different way, but that is subject to all things working out. So what does this mean?
We (Session) don’t feel it would be appropriate to use up the financial reserves that have been set aside by the Saints who have gone before us and when the funds run out, close the door, sell the property (the proceeds going to Presbytery) and we are through. This does not seem to bless our community and would not be responsible to the Legacy of the Saints who have served the Lord through their gifts of time, talent, and money over the last 50 years in this congregation. This is the only option your Session has indicated they want to avoid. But, if all other options fail, this is the easiest and involves the least amount of work for Session.
In our recent Town Hall meeting (January 2018) and in the Frequently Asked Questions about the Future of Edmonds Presbyterian Church document, Session has made the effort to share with the congregation that we are not being responsible to those who have gone before us by letting the church close and “sell the property”;
What we do with the property is still “up in the air (heaven).” Actually, I am sure the decision has already been worked out in heaven. I just hope we, as a Session, are able to listen for God’s voice in this issue. If you are hearing God’s voice on this issue, speak! Share your thoughts, hopes, and fears with any of the Session members.
So what are the options available to us: ALL. In trying to find a way to bless others in our community, housing frequently comes up as a major source of frustration due to its very high cost in our area. Could we bless a specific group of people by providing a key piece of that housing cost? Yes. What groups could benefit from having the property already purchased? Young families, singles, teachers, those trying to change their lives, retired people (like retired Presbyterians - do you know any?).
Which group have we as a Session decided to focus on, or should we look at other options? We are leaning towards housing, but that has not been decided. As for a specific group to bless, it has not been decided. When there is enough information to provide to the congregation to answer the questions that will be asked, you will be given an opportunity to decide. Until then, pray for your Pastor, pray for your Session, and pray for your Community.
We will attempt to keep you updated on Vision 2025 each month here in the Caller. Thank you. God Bless -
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19,
Don Ide
That is the same with the Vision 2025, only the Lord knows how this is going to end up, no decisions have been made, EXCEPT one. The decision that has been made is to make sure that the Legacy of the Edmonds Presbyterian Church is one of continuing to bless those who come in contact with the church. In the past that legacy was to be, “a caring community of faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. United in service, study and worship. Committed through intentional action, to reach others with the love of God in Christ.” In the future, we hope and pray that we will continue to bless our community, perhaps in a different way, but that is subject to all things working out. So what does this mean?
We (Session) don’t feel it would be appropriate to use up the financial reserves that have been set aside by the Saints who have gone before us and when the funds run out, close the door, sell the property (the proceeds going to Presbytery) and we are through. This does not seem to bless our community and would not be responsible to the Legacy of the Saints who have served the Lord through their gifts of time, talent, and money over the last 50 years in this congregation. This is the only option your Session has indicated they want to avoid. But, if all other options fail, this is the easiest and involves the least amount of work for Session.
In our recent Town Hall meeting (January 2018) and in the Frequently Asked Questions about the Future of Edmonds Presbyterian Church document, Session has made the effort to share with the congregation that we are not being responsible to those who have gone before us by letting the church close and “sell the property”;
What we do with the property is still “up in the air (heaven).” Actually, I am sure the decision has already been worked out in heaven. I just hope we, as a Session, are able to listen for God’s voice in this issue. If you are hearing God’s voice on this issue, speak! Share your thoughts, hopes, and fears with any of the Session members.
So what are the options available to us: ALL. In trying to find a way to bless others in our community, housing frequently comes up as a major source of frustration due to its very high cost in our area. Could we bless a specific group of people by providing a key piece of that housing cost? Yes. What groups could benefit from having the property already purchased? Young families, singles, teachers, those trying to change their lives, retired people (like retired Presbyterians - do you know any?).
Which group have we as a Session decided to focus on, or should we look at other options? We are leaning towards housing, but that has not been decided. As for a specific group to bless, it has not been decided. When there is enough information to provide to the congregation to answer the questions that will be asked, you will be given an opportunity to decide. Until then, pray for your Pastor, pray for your Session, and pray for your Community.
We will attempt to keep you updated on Vision 2025 each month here in the Caller. Thank you. God Bless -
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19,
Don Ide
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