Can You Spare a Square?

As we continue to adjust to the transition with Ron’s retirement, please remember that we have capable leaders and committees already in place. So if you have a question regarding the building, please ask ruling elder Damon. He is the chair of Buildings & Grounds. He will either help you directly or get the right person to you. If you have a question about worship or the sanctuary, please see ruling elder Andy. He is the chair of Worship Ministry Team and is aware of all that needs to be attended to. Of course I am also available to help or to point you in the right direction.

There will be things that go wrong. Like last Sunday morning when there was no toilet paper in the women’s bathroom in the Ed Building. This is not the tragedy that it might first appear to be! After the initial frustration of the moment subsides (“can you spare a square?”) we all realize that we all have a “roll” (pun intended) to make our church run soft and smooth like Charmin. The toilet paper is not hidden, nor is it the sole domain of the chosen few. It is kept in the closet (a.k.a. “Ron’s closet”) in the corner of the Ed Building, next to the Outreach Classroom and the sound equipment. Grab what you need to restock your stall, and maybe grab an extra for your neighbor. Given the choice of “why isn’t this done for me?” and “how can I be a part of the solution?” I ask you to choose the latter.

In other news, Grace Presbytery has reached a settlement in the lawsuit that Highland Park Presbyterian Church initiated against the presbytery last fall. The settlement states that HPPC will pay the presbytery $7.8 million dollars. This allows them to be released from the trust clause and to be released from the denomination. So the departing congregation is paying the presbytery so they may keep their property and assets. However, as the lawsuit is being settled and even while a trial has been avoided, the pain is still present. There remains some within that congregation who wish to remain affiliated with the PC(USA). I ask you to continue in prayer for all those who suffer the pain of division.

We are a connectional church. This means we laugh with each other when we realize we just sat down in a stall without toilet paper. It also means we stick with each other in our differing opinions. It also means we love and support each other in times of sorrow, loss and stress. You do that well.

Thanks be to God!