Called Meeting of the Presbytery –
Message from Rev. Judith Brown Bryant

More than 90 gathered at tables at the Called meeting of the Presbytery on Saturday, February 28 for education and conversation around Amendments to the Constitution.  We began our time with worship, led by Mary Lee Talbot accompanied by musicians Lowell Avery and Buddy Hubbard.  Worship continued through the morning as we returned to Ephesians 4:1-6 in silence and contemplation.

After hearing presentations by Bronwen Boswell and Mary Lee Talbot on all of the proposed amendments, we focused our attention on G-6.0106b.  We listened for God’s leading through Scripture, the stirring of our hearts, and through the gathered community.  Because the amendment is theologically complex and multi-faceted, we directed our attention to one portion of the issue. 

Trained facilitators guided the conversation using the process of Mutual Invitation, a model recommended by PC(USA). The intent is to provide an additional way of ‘being Presbytery’ and to encourage relationships of trust and communication, “making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4: 3).

Each person had the opportunity to answer briefly the following question; The proposed amendment likely has implications for the ordination of gay and lesbian persons. What is your thinking on this matter and how did you come to your understanding. 

Geri Lyon and Lowell Avery began by sharing their response. They modeled for us how to speak out of prayerful study and reflection.  During the next 45 minutes dedicated to small groups, we could hear silence, respectful voices, and occasional laughter.  Participants shared stories and struggle.  The conversation at our table was authentic and honest.  We closed with a time of silence and song.

I hope we came away with a sense of the complexity of the issue and with appreciation for the way that prayerful folk can arrive at different understandings. In the next month, we are encouraged to engage in more study and prayer before we debate and vote on the proposed amendment. 

I know that I'll be glad to enter our next meeting with the memory of the voices of my brothers and sisters in song, prayer and conversation.  Like the psalmist, I am glad to say, “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1)

Judith Brown Bryan