THE KENDALL CONSTELLATION

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1 THE KENDALL CONSTELLATION A Newsletter of Kendall Presbytery Vol. I, No. 10 December 10, 2013 office Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth Awaken Your might; come and save us! Restore us, O God; make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved. (Psalm 80:1-3) Please forward this to all your friends in Kendall Presbytery. 1

2 If the click doesn t work (it won t) just look below Presbytery Meetings: Saturday, February 22 (location to be announced) Saturday, June 7 (location to be announced) Saturday, October 25 (in Jerome at the Monastery of the Ascension) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Friends and Colleagues of Kendall Presbytery, Sometimes, taking a step (or two) back can be helpful in gaining perspective, or gaining enough separation to see the fuller picture. 2

3 I don t know how he did it, but Claude Monet probably had to do much stepping back in producing his impressionist-style paintings. Though I m not an art expert, I assume much of the appeal of these works is the trick they play on the eye, forcing the viewer to take a step back, otherwise their senses see only flaws and disorganization. In some ways, it can be like that in our work settings, making the occasional outside expert helpful in that they are often able to see things that those too closely involved have been unable to recognize. It can also be that way in Church life. Often leaders in their local settings can fail to see the larger picture - but everyone can see it if they are willing to take a step back. Taking a step back is not difficult but convincing someone that there is value in the exercise can be. This is true especially if they are convinced that they have already seen all there is to see, or if they are suspicious of others who are counseling them to do so, or if they have gone on public record boldly exclaiming their position and perspective pride will be wounded in ever acknowledging they have spoken out 3

4 before gathering all the necessary information. There was a time, not too many years ago, that I thought correct theology was the essential ingredient to Church leadership. That was before I began serving as the Stated Clerk for the Synod of Mid- America. From that vantage point, a balcony view so to speak, I began to notice instances of correct theology paired up with a poor sense of ecclesiology (a theology of the Church) and a lack of perspective, not noticing the forest because of all the trees. Just because you are a great mechanic doesn t mean you will be a good and safe driver. In the same way, just because you have a correct theology of salvation, of the role of Scripture, etc. doesn t mean you know how to lead the Church. Many an argumentative, divisive, corrosive zealot comes with those qualifications. Love and humility, however, are often in very short supply. We are amazed at the defiance of the Pharisees in the New Testament, even conspiring to murder Lazarus because he had become an obstacle to their leadership. How did it come to this? In fact, their theology was essentially correct and robust. Their desire to lead in the correct path unquestionable. Love and humility, however, were found lacking. In contexts of disagreement, whether on the local level or in larger scale forums, the tendency to mis-characterize opponents, their motives as well as their characters, is universal. But, in the Church, things should be different. When we disagree in the same manner as people do in the world, we have ceased to be the Church. Could it be that disagreements are, in God s Providence, a stage for us to demonstrate that there is a real difference between us and the world, where differences always set the stage for division and the script is played out in words of hate and anger? Are we not called to exhibit the kingdom of God to the world? What better stage could we be given? The national press is interested the stage is set so let s give them something new to talk about. And they ll know we are Christians by our love. ~Ron Lavoie EP/SC Kendall Presbytery 4

5 Spotlight on: Chapel in the Valley (Swan Valley, Idaho) Chapel in the Valley, located on US Hwy 26 in Swan Valley, is a beautiful place carrying a beautiful message: God s love in Jesus Christ! 5

6 Rev. Laura Baarda is the congregation s pastor, serving with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. Laura has a particular gift for ministry to children - a ministry which touches many families in the valley and is a tremendous outreach from this congregation. 6

7 The balcony view from within the sanctuary - a beautiful and well-maintained facility. 7

8 The view of mountains to the north, visible through the windows behind the pulpit, reminds worshippers of the abundant goodness of God. 8

9 On this particularly fine Sunday morning, Rev. Laura preached from the prophet Isaiah s image of the potter s wheel, where the potter re-works a lump of clay that had failed to reach acceptable form on the first attempt. We may not always succeed on our first attempt nor our second, or even our third but God is gracious and able to sculpt our lives for goodness and glory. The perseverance of the saints is really a story of the unfailing love and perseverance of God. - Rev. Laura Baarda 9

10 Delbert Winterfeld here conversing with Rev. Baarda. Delbert currently serves on the Presbytery s Board of Managers - a tremendous gift of talent and experience necessary to properly manage the Hilda Thompson Ranch s complex operations. 10

11 The Chapel provides their pastor comfortable housing at the manse which is located immediately adjacent to the sanctuary facility. 11

12 The original vision of the congregation s founders is being fulfilled in faithfulness and love. Swan Valley, and our Presbytery, are blessed in great measure by this ministry. May the good news of Jesus continue to shine forth in this lovely corner of the Lord s vineyard for many years to come! 12