September Crossroads Notes:

From our monthly Newsletter

Say hello to… Linda Benson, our new secretary! Linda will be in the office most Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00-1:00. She looks forward to meeting our members and friends in person or over the phone. She has previous experience in a church office (United Methodist Church in Woburn). She lives in Woburn with her husband and two sons (both of whom will be in college this fall). Kevin Hershey, our seminary intern for '05-'06! Kevin is a Presbyterian student beginning his final year at Boston University School of Theology, and expects soon to be a Candidate under care of Philadelphia Presbytery. He will share with us in a covenant arrangement for both learning and contributing to our church's ministry, for about 15 hours per week. Expected involvement will include some work with youth, preaching and leading in worship, and development of family ministry. His relationship with us will officially begin part way through September.

Session Renews Commitment To Full Inclusion At its August 8 meeting, the Session reaffirmed (with minor updating changes) the statement called An Affirmation of Community and Gifts in Response to G-6.0106b, which was first approved in 1997. Session also endorsed an Overture to the 217th General Assembly which calls for the removal of this paragraph from The Book of Order. This overture is expected to be voted on by the Presbytery of Boston in September. As presented and discussed with the congregation in June, the statement and action affirm that the Holy Spirit's gifts of qualities needed for elders, deacons, or ministers may be given to Christians who are homosexual and non-celibate as well as heterosexuals. If approved by the Presbytery, then GA, and later by a majority of presbyteries, the action will clear the way for local sessions and presbyteries to be free to determine whom they will or will not ordain as regards this question. The Session believes these steps are in line with our church's Vision Statement. Copies of the Affirmation and the Overture are available in the church entryway, or through the church office.