Is the Money Worth It?
Friday, June 5, 2009 at 2:47PM I am a bit shocked: the recommendation to skip GS in 2010 just passed, and with far less of a fight than I expected. I am wondering whether this will pass at the classis level (I don't think it will), and if so, what it will mean. I do not think this is a good idea. It's not expensive enough ($1 per member) for the savings to be worth what we will lose - our annual gathering, where the classes communicate with one another, where we're forced to get together with people who do not live where we live or think the way we think, where we have to be the church in a bigger sense across our differences. I realize we're all worried about finances right now, but in this case, I just don't think the money is worth the change we've proposed. I'd rather pay the extra $1 per member.
Reader Comments (6)
I'm with ya, sister. If the strength of our polity and the place where we hear the Spirit speak the clearest is within the gathered body, then what are we doing? Hopefully the Classes will make a better decision.
I'll be surprised if it doesn't pass at the classis level.
How close was the vote on the synod floor?
Blessings, David
David: the vote was 120 to 100 in favor of skipping.
I am a little surprised, but not too much. I, too, think it's a bad idea. Gathering with brothers and sisters from around the denomination is one of my favorite things about GS, and, I think, one of those gluey components that holds us together. I don't know what it will mean if we don't have a GS next year. The margin of approval at GS was hardly a mandate, though, so it may be likely that it won't pass through the classes. Let's hope not.
As one who Voted on the floor to approve the recomendation, I am more than happy to clarify my vote. My vote was not on weather or not I felt Synod should be heald next year. It was a vote to allow the classis to make the decission.
The vote yes simply send this to classis for them to approve or not. Had this decission been binding without approval I would have voted No. As a delegate and as a person who as a non delegate loves to attend snyod, my understanding of the value is clear. However, I know that not everyone in my clasis may share the same view. This gives me the opertunity to share and communicate with my whole classis the value that we gain because of our reformed system and our gathering together as the body of Christ.
I believe others may share my reason for the vote.
I agree that it is a good thing for brothers and sisters to be able to come together to worship, connect/re-connect, and engage in the process of formulating how we live out our faith - (i.e. Our Call etc.) However, while money shouldn't be the driving force in our decision making - it does have to be considered. As one of many individuals, I personally have had to make choices based on what our finances are. This is reality for many in our world, never mind those who are just discovering this for perhaps the first time in their lives. Unfortunately, it is a tool which does allow us to engage in certain activities and acquire material goods. But in hard economic times, sacrifice, careful consideration of all possible options and difficult choices are not uncommon. I think that while difficult and even sad, this isn't an unreasonable decision. Perhaps future GS gatherings will be experienced with a deeper understanding and appreciation for their value.