Summary
- Congregational Vote Sunday, Oct 27th, 4:00pm, Barclay
- “Should we seek dismissal from the PCUSA and realign with another denomination?”
- A majority of the church membership is needed to proceed (51% on 10/27).
- Absentees are counted as “no” votes.
- A later, second vote will evaluate if negotiated terms of dismissal are satisfactory.
On Thursday the 10th, the Session met with the representatives from the denomination (the PCUSA) to determine what steps should next be taken in our discernment process regarding Hebron’s possible realignment with another denomination. With the concurrence of the denominational representatives, the Session overwhelmingly voted that it was time to take the next step and bring this question formally to a vote of the congregation.
There will be a polling of the congregation on Sunday, October 27th, at 4:00pm in the Barclay building. We will be asking the entire membership if Hebron Church should seek dismissal from the PCUSA and realign with another denomination.
This is a crucial vote in which every member needs to participate. In order to proceed, a majority of the membership must vote to seek dismissal. This is not the majority of those present at a meeting, but a majority of the entire membership (adjusted for shut-ins, etc.). So, if a member does not actively vote on Oct 27, they are counted as a “no” vote; not voting is the same as voting to remain in the PCUSA. Therefore, it is imperative that every member pray about and prioritize attending the congregational gathering on the 27th.
This will be the first of two congregational votes: the first is simply asking if we should realign, and a later second vote is asking if we can realign. So, the first vote, held Oct 27th, is asking only if Hebron’s fit and future would be better found if we were dismissed from the PCUSA; the second vote, held after negotiations with the PCUSA, would ask if the dismissal terms are satisfactory.
From the Session’s perspective, this is a question of our theological fit and future. Our ongoing concern is that given the theological differences with the PCUSA, (1) it is less and less likely that Hebron will be able to find biblical, Christ-centered pastoral/staff leadership candidates from within the PCUSA; and, (2) we will continue to be unable to connect with and be fortified by a denomination of like-minded believers. This does not mean that it will be easy to find staff and/or connect in any other denomination; it simply recognizes that our theological differences make this increasingly unlikely in the PCUSA.
After our lengthy period of discernment and prayer, it is our hope that Hebron Church will respond to God’s leading with grace toward all involved, peace and the unity of the Spirit, even in challenging times.
Please join us Sunday, October 27th, at 4:00pm, in the Barclay.
In Christ, Henry