 Presbyterian Leaders’ Forum  Monday, September 14, 1998
A Message from the GAC Chair Greetings from the General Assembly Council and from First Presbyterian Church of Vandalia, Illinois. The call to serve God through the Presbyterian Church (USA) as Chair of the General Assembly Council at the same time that I am serving as a solo pastor of a small church in a small town is indeed a challenge as well as a privilege.The only way I can do all this is to recognize that I can’t – not on my own. As all who call ourselves Christian must do daily, I will ask the Spirit for the strength, wisdom and courage to do whatever it is that God is calling me to do this day. In addition to the love of my own family, I will rely on the support and encouragement of our extended church family. Thank you so much for your letters of congratulations and offers of prayer! “But what about your congregation? How will they manage this year?” These questions have been asked again and again, usually by me and by members of First church. The answer is a terrific story of partnership among every governing body of our connectional church. The responses of the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois, the Synod of Lincoln Trails, and the General Assembly Council have been overwhelming in their commitment to support this congregation in order for their pastor to serve the whole church. Grants for small church assistance have enabled us to hire a part-time church secretary. In addition, the presbytery will commission a lay pastor to serve the congregation to assist during my term as GAC Chair. As I look to the year ahead, my vision is for a Council which will be open to the leading of the Spirit, discerning together the will of God, doing well the work which we are called to do, and communicating openly and often with each other and the whole church. I suggest three priorities to guide us: • Cultivate and promote the spiritual leadership of each member of council and to emphasize spiritual formation for the council as a whole. • Wise stewardship of each person’s time, energy, and gifts as well as the financial and staff resources of the whole church. • Nurture our relationships with congregations, presbyteries and synods; GA-related agencies, institutions and organizations; staff; and with each other. May our prayers for each other be prayers of thanksgiving and praise for the work of the Spirit in our lives and through this church. Cathy Chisholm |
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