May 2012 Presbytery Handbook
May 10, 2012 by Rebecca Blackwell
Filed under Meetings & Events, News
Our theme for this meeting of Presbytery is a Hawaiian Luau. Luaus emphasize joy and hospitality just as we do as Christians. At a luau people sing, eat, and dance. So do Christians when we gather, even Presbyterians!
When people arrive at a Hawaiian Luau, a Lei is placed around their necks, symbolically saying to them “Welcome, we are glad you are here with us! Let‘s have a good time celebrating the beauty of this place and life.”
The Apostle Paul would have known nothing about Hawaii or Luaus. He certainly does, however, connect joy with hospitality, as he writes of Christians from Macedonia being “…filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2 (NLT)). Joy overflows in rich hospitality (an aspect of generosity). Together, these two realities become a force, combustibly playing off each other for a wonderfully transforming effect.
The interplay of joy and hospitality forms the theme for this meeting of Cherokee Presbytery. As we worship, interact, and act, let us be possessed by the spirit of this theme, as the Holy Spirit guides us through all our proceedings, our Savior smiles at our open and hospitable demeanor, and God is honored!
To download Handbook, click here: Handbook 2012 May 22