The Presbyterian Layman Volume 32, Number 5 Posted November 11, 1999

A Presbyterian epiphany For Presbyterians tempted to equate decency and good order with stodginess, let us remember: Jesus loved a good party. In a very real sense, he is the life of the party. He perked up a wedding party by turning dirty, foot-washing water into fine wine. He invited himself to Zaccheus’ home for a dinner party – and Zaccheus was so excited he summoned his tax-collecting pals. Jesus attended many other house parties and attracted, often to the chagrin of his hosts, a large following of party-crashers. Thus, we have no doubt that Jesus will be present at the denomination’s end-of-the-year “The Dawn … an Epiphany,” a high-powered millennial celebration for young people. Two hugely popular evangelical bands, Jars of Clay and Kirk Franklin, will perform. On the surface, according to our correspondent Jim Miller, “this appears to be a tremendous event.” (See story) But Miller took a closer look at some of the seminars and discovered that many will be led by people whose thirst to criticize the Biblical policies of the Presbyterian Church (USA) seems unquenchable. They want all to feel sanctified about their sexual preference, the supposed error of accepting Biblical truth to determine right and wrong, and the latest chic in social justice. Meanwhile, on the same page as Miller’s story you will find a photograph and brief account of the upcoming Urbana 2000, another millennial celebration. Urbana is expected to dispatch into Christian ministry some 15,000 of the 20,000 young people who will attend. We were wondering what will be the outcome of the Presbyterian celebration. Then an e-mail arrived from Rev. Randy Jenkins, of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, N.C., who will be one of the seminar leaders at the Presbyterian event. Jenkins had read Miller’s account when it was posted on The Layman Online before this edition of The Presbyterian Layman. “I don’t agree with many/most of the other seminars that I have heard about, but I know that there will be at least one at that conference where the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ will be plainly taught and presented,” said Jenkins, whose letter is on page 23. He was speaking of his own commitment to help young people realize that the new millennium – as well as every hour, day, month, year, decade and century – belongs to Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior and Potentate of Time. Jenkins’ letter reassured us that Jesus will attend the Presbyterian party. For many, that discovery would be a true and marvelous epiphany.

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