Last night it was my privilege to join with a group of friends and colleagues who had gathered for the purpose of examining people who had been chosen through the voice of the congregation to provide our congregation with leadership as deacons and ruling elders for the next three years.  I have participated in this process for a number of years, but something was refreshingly different this year.  The gathering had the aroma of celebration from beginning to end and it reminded me of the following statements – the first from The Shorter Catechism and the second from the newly revised Book of Order.

Q. 1.  What is the chief end of man?  A.  Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Standards for ordained service reflect the church’ s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life. (G-2.0104 b)

As part of the preparation for this final session our Pastor listed the following five practices in preprating for “Management of Anxieties in Systemic Change”: Keeping a non-anxious presence; Giving clear self-definition; Staying connected; Avoiding sabotage; Being playful.

During the meeting there were lots of smiles, good amounts of laughter, and an infectious spirit of joyful submission.

This truly was the Body of Christ living together in relationship!!