1/8
Rev. Sam Anh is in
for a visit. He’s with a Korean Presbyterian congregation that is a member of the literally hundreds of
Presbyterian denominations in Korea. …but closer to PCUSA than any other US Presbyterian
denominations Sam says. They are interested in some serious space use
at West-Park. Multiple services multiple days, multiple spaces. They could help
us significantly inn our reconstruction and pick up a big chunk of our annual
budget.
But there are, of
course, issues. What would it mean identity wise to have a guest congregation
with many multiples of members than us? Would we lose our presence, our
identity? Although, as I say to him, that’s our problem, not his… They
seem to be moving forward regarding women, but we need to talk about lgbtq
inclusion. Still an issue. I need to know that
no queer member of West-Park…or visitor…or friend…would ever feel
uncomfortable in our house. Ever.
We’ve got clear theological
differences here. Although I do detect a gentleness of spirit in him. We have to face this.
The whole phenomenon
of Korean Presbyterianism remains a bit of a mystery. Why, in all the places of
the world, did Presbyterianism find such fertile ground in Korea? There
is indigenous religion overlaid with Confucianism overlaid with a conservative
missionary version of Calvinism. What in Korean culture so connected with what
in Presbyterian culture? Maybe it’s worth finding out.
Strangely, this
might actually work.
We’ve come a long
way from the last relationship with a Korean pastor who when I asked him about
this issue responded, No problem. There are no homosexuals in Korea.
Pat O has bad news.
Our new work with the boilers has increased the efficiency of our heating
system. Radiators that were working at 30% capacity are now cranking out heat
at full volume. The sanctuary is a virtual sauna. And now, overworked, they are
springing leaks all over. And it has to be dealt with ASAP….Another time when
regarding the building, I’m ready to say, that’s it, I’m done, I’m out of
here…brick and mortar don’t count no more…
We’ve been going
back and forth for awhile with Nairoby, referred to us form Stan with the
Representatives. After a lot of conversation, we may be ready to be able to do
her origami theatre piece.
A lot is going on
here…
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