Tell me a little about yourselves please

[yogi bear]

If anyone here fellowships with this group I would love it if you could give a basic introduction of this fellowship. I have not heard anything taught from this fellowship and I am wanting to learn just what the teaching is. You know kinda like basic history of the fellowship and how it differs from others.

[corndogloaf]

Hi Bvaug! My husband and I both are members of a local Presbyterian church. I have to be honest, as far as their specific belief system goes, and how it differs from other denominations, I am not totally sure. We have been members of the church for just over a year, and joined because of the fellowship we found there, the kindness everyone has shown us and I have to say, it does feel right to be there. My husband chose this particular church and denomination because he was more familiar with the different beliefs and practices of different denominations than I am. It is something I am trying to learn more about. My pastor recently lent me The Book of Order for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). It has not been an easy read so far, but I will be happy to share what I do learn with you as I learn it!

[corndogloaf]

you might try this web site: http://www.pcusa.org/navigation/whoweare.htm

that is for the Presbyterian (U.S.A), who I believe are considered to be a little more liberal than other Presbyterians (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

[yogi bear]

Thank you corndogloaf  for the info. I have not looked into this assembly before nor have ran across any that I know of that assembled with them. I like to look at how others come to their view and will look into the link.

[corndogloaf]

Your welcome Bvuag. This year our Pastor is focusing on teaching us about reformed theology as the focus for our Bible study class. While his focus is reformed theology, as he touches on different aspects he has been teaching along with them what different denominations generally believe and why. I'm finding it to be very interesting and have actually started doing some research myself. If you would like I can post my notes here.

[anniejane]

Hi there,
I am a Kiwi and am part of a Presbyterian church here.
I am married with 2 daughters aged 12 and 7 yrs.
I have been unwell and haven't been at church for awhile so I thought this could be a good way to reconnect.
My views are pretty liberal and we have a really good minister at church that I like. He makes sermons interesting and easy to listen too and he keeps things upbeat and is introducing new songs etc (yay). The majority of our church is made up of the over 55's so I am in the minority age wise but they are good people and I enjoy their company.
I come from a country church church that was very old fashioned with a congregation of 20 (on a good day) so being in a parish in town of 80 odd is a new thing for me and I'm enjoying it.

[corndogloaf]

Hi AnnieJane!

[anniejane]

Hi there!! 

[Elaine]

I am not a Presbytarian -but I know Presbytarians ---I've attended a Presbytarian service - one church that Pres Bush #1 went to ---

"Flat" would be my word...also disappointed or disillusioned.

From the testimonies from Presbytarians that left -one  -her parents and friends her whole life were elders that met at her childhood home and she listened in :) --Oh, did she tell me a bunch -and I sensed it while there.

Well, put it this way ---anyone that stops going for a family emergency --wait -and watch them come by your house and not even ask - why you haven't been around? Is everything ok?  -But their hands will be outstretched...
I'm not a pessimistic or negative person ---but after awhile I do a call a spade a spade.

Are you Korean? Gay? Black? --See what they really feel behind your back.

Sorry, bec I REALLY am not a mean person ---but "ick" is ick.
And I don't go around saying bad things about Episcopalians, Methodists, etc. Go figure.

[Wayne Sorge]

Presbyterians are a mix of diverse people theologically and politically.  I believe the Presbyterian Church USA is built on Biblical operating standards but they can be well followed or abused at a local level.  The potential is there for a great denomination based on a representative democracy but not a congregational system like Baptists and United Church of Christ have.  I grew up Baptist and I spent awhile in a United Church of Christ.  I believe they can be good churches also.. but I believe the potential is there more for mob rule and firing of pastors on a momentary whim..which I have observed once and heard about often.    Presbyterians believe we are here to praise God and to follow his commandments about caring for the poor and oppressed and caring for the world.    Sometimes we can seem stodgy to some people but I do not believe worship should necessarily be entertaining.   I do believe preacing should be relevant.   I am now in a seminary in the Master of Divinity program but may be too old to follow this to its end.   I like the way many Presbyterian churches are relevant to current issues.. but I do see danger this summer as we once again debate issues of ordination of gays and lesbians.   I am proud we will face the issue and I hope for the best in an open and affirming way.   The issue does not affect me directly but I believe a church that is open and affirming on that issue is likely to be right on other issues too.

[Elaine]

  Presbyterians believe we are here to praise God and to follow his commandments about caring for the poor and oppressed and caring for the world.   
    Sounds good.   


Sometimes we can seem stodgy to some people but I do not believe worship should necessarily be entertaining. 
 Nor do I - in fact there is way too much singing in my opinion - I wish "worship" was more about Bible Study/Teaching and teaching about the significance of a close, intimate, personal realationship with God.
And manifesting signs and wonders - primarily - healing!
And living in the Kingdom

(Could care less about current issues - gay, political, whatever) it's about us knowing and understanding Our Father... and thus loving and serving Him.

Do they talk much about the Kingdom and being joint heirs, Wayne?
How about in the seminary?  And all that means!!!

Thanks, take care

[Wayne Sorge]

You could probably find churches that cover all approaches.. but for the most part..Presbyterians I know believe they are joint heirs to the kingdom in the here and now and have a responsibility to work politically and socially to make the world more like the kingdom God would want it to be.   We can rest on our laurels about the afterlife.. but that will take care of itself.  If we care about the God who offers us the home in Glory we should be working to improve life for "the least of these" and caring for the poor, the imprisoned or the oppressed.   Otherwise Christianity is just a Fire Insurance policy.