News from the ​Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk

MEMORY
Recently, I saw the musical Cats at the Dr. Phillips Center. I saw that musical in Pittsburgh many years ago, long enough that it was almost as if I had never seen the musical before.  Then, the first act closed with the song “Memory,” and I began to recall the previous time I saw the play.
 
The experience got me thinking about faith, beyond the point of the musical, determining which cat was worthy of being chosen by Old Deuteronomy to ascend to the Heavinside Layer to begin a new life. My thoughts turned to the coming of Holy Week and Easter in a couple of weeks, and the regular rhythm of the liturgical church year. 
 
In its three-year cycle, the lectionary hits all of the high points of the liturgical calendar — Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, with healthy portions of Ordinary Time where the breadth of the Bible is explored. We are regularly reminded, especially by both a special day and season like Easter, of the central truths of the faith.  More so, worship happens on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, Sunday, a weekly reminder and opportunity to draw upon the presence and power of the resurrection for our lives.  We surely need the power of the resurrection in our midst as we continue to face the challenges of these days.
 
In the process, our memory — indeed, our faith — is strengthened. We need not run the risk of going years between seeing the story again and potentially forgetting important aspects of the story. It is there in some form each week, and we are there not just to hear it, but to be part of the company and add our voice to the ball to which we have been invited (another Cats reference).
 
May your celebration of Holy Week and Easter be joyous and meaningful as we again remember the essence of the Christian faith.  May we do as Peter advises, and “in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.”  (1 Peter 3:15)
 
A FEW POINTS

• Look for new medical cards as the Board of Pensions begins the Care Management program.  There will be new phone numbers on the cards that will put you in touch with Quantum Health, which provides this management service for the Board.  For more information, go here:  https://pensions.org/your-path-to-wholeness/care-navigation?utm_source=web&utm_medium=homepage_news&utm_campaign=care_navigation
• The Board of Pensions recently announced the Good Experience Apportionment for 2022.  Pensions and pension credits will be adjusted by 4.5% beginning on July 1.
• Is your session struggling with hurricane insurance (wind) coverage costs?  Please let us know in the Presbytery Office the challenges you are facing in maintaining adequate coverage.
• The 225th General Assembly will be held this June and July.  The meeting begins with the election of the moderator in a hybrid meeting on Saturday, June 18. Sixteen committees will meet in person, four committees at a time, in Louisville at the Presbyterian Center from June 19-July 1.  The full GA will then meet virtually in plenary sessions to complete the business on July 5-10. More about this next month …
• Barbara Sayles is retiring from her position as Executive Director of the Society of St. Andrew in early April.  We congratulate Barbara on her service to the hungry through her years at SOSA.  The good news is that Barbara will continue in her role is presbytery’s Hunger Action Advocate.

Dan Williams
Executive Presbyter / Stated Clerk
 

APRIL 2022

Rev. Dr. Dan Williams