by Stated Clerk Randy Moody
The Peace River Presbytery Mission Statement is:
The Presbytery of Peace River is called to assist and support congregations, connect disciples in mission, and be the body of Christ together.
Part of honoring our individual ordination vows (W-4.0404) is to fulfill this mission statement. We are “the body of Christ together” when Peace River Presbytery (PRP) meets in council. We meet Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 9:00 am in First Presbyterian Church of Naples.
It is important for all ministers of the Word and Sacrament of PRP to gather with the ruling elders elected by the sessions of PRP congregations as the presbytery council seeking the will of Christ for His Church. We will celebrate ministries, act on mission partnership, speak then vote our position on proposed amendments to the Book of Order, support one another, worship, and more at this meeting.
The docket for the meeting is posted on our website along with the reports from presbytery committees and teams, https://peaceriverpresbytery.org/stated-called-meetings/ Please familiarize yourself with the content to be prepared to engage in discussion. Of particular note at this meeting is that we will vote whether or not we approve of the Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) which includes replacing the current Rules of Discipline section in the Book of Order with a new section titled Church Discipline. Another proposed amendment would remove “Honorably” from “Honorably Retired” in the Form of Government categories of presbytery membership. Another proposed amendment would give presbytery authority to mandate and enforce severance packages for pastors and Christian educators. All the proposed amendments can be viewed at this link: https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/oga/pdf/ga225_book_amendments_2022_final.pdf
Peace River Presbytery is a wonderful, diverse representation of the body of Christ. Connect with other disciples from our diverse congregations as we join together in our mission to present Christ to the world. I look forward to seeing you March 2.
Let’s be the body of Christ together!
Helpful Information for Presbytery Meeting from Rev. Rex Childs:
- Those travelling from the north WILL run into traffic on I-75 as you come into Naples. Many people commute south for work, so it will be busy. People should allow extra travel time to get here.
- There is a middle school directly across the street from the church as well as our own preschool that will be doing drop off around the time of people’s arrival. Please take extra care around the church to watch for little ones and their parents.
