Session Notes: July 2023

Your Session sat, by Zoom, for its regular monthly meeting this week.  Summer Supply Pastor Rev. Dr. Dean McDonald moderated.

We welcomed a special (but familiar) guest speaker.  General Presbyter Rev. John Molina-Moore joined us to discuss the “sustainability” initiative we’ve mentioned here before. 

John explained that the pandemic accelerated a trend that has been evident for years – that the definition of “church” we’ve traditionally known has shifted from a building to a community. To clarify, what defines Western – the edifice on Virginia Avenue or the congregation that is associated with it?

If it’s the latter, then the church is “portable” and not tied to a particular location.

Virtually every church today underutilizes its real estate, many cannot afford its upkeep, and few can justify its expense versus its usage. 

We were surprised to learn that at least a dozen churches in our Presbytery are in the process of selling their property and redeploying the proceeds in line with their ministry focus (affordable housing, for instance).  One of these is our neighbor, Church of the Pilgrims.

As John said, they’re ceasing to be building managers and becoming the followers of Christ that they’re called to be.  It’s like Jesus telling his first disciples to lay down their nets.

This is one of the principal topics our Sustainability Task Force, aptly named Building for the Future and now in formation, is called to address.  This will be a fixed-term body commissioned by the Session.  If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Clerk of Session Becky Koenig or Elder Amy Lenander.

That’s all for now.  Thanks for reading and enjoy your summer.