Page 2 - pc_Issue7_Fall2018

2 FALL 2018
PRESBYTERIAN
Connection
MESSAGE FROM THE MODERATOR
presbyterian.ca
“Kids These Days!”
By the Rev. Daniel Cho, Moderator of the
2018 General Assembly
At one time or another some of us have probably uttered the words, “Kids these days...!” It was likely meant in an innocent, tongue-in- cheek way as a response to some- thing we saw or heard from a “young” person. It’s all relative—what do we mean by “kids”? Are they children? Teenagers? Young adults? Or does it refer to anyone who happens to be younger than we might be? What- ever our understanding, my message is dedicated to this young genera- tion that sits in the pews on Sunday mornings, but whose presence isn’t always felt as it should be.
I started some 30 years ago in ministry as a youth pastor. I loved those days—it was full of energy, not necessarily because I was ener- getic but because the natural energy of the youth rubbed off on me. The relationships we enjoyed were genu- ine as was their faith expression. They “told it like it is.” Anyone who’s planning to work with youth had bet- ter brace for some bluntness. Once, I was a guest speaker at a youth re- treat, and after the first service dur- ing a break time a young girl plopped down in the seat next to me and, foregoing the usual pleasantries, gleefully declared, “Hi, I’m Jean... you’re weird!” Believe it or not, she meant it as a compliment, and I re- ceived it as such. I venture to say that to be called “weird” is some- what of a badge of honour when it comes from a junior highschooler!
Even though I was a leader, it was the youth who taught me so much about authentic ministry and rela- tionships just by being themselves. I didn’t realize how much I had learned from them until I was several years out of youth ministry. That experi- ence in many ways shaped the at- titude and tone with which I try to relate to others, urged me to be clear in how I communicate the Christian faith in my preaching and teaching,
and modelled the need to sustain our sense of spiritual passion and vision as people of God (Joel 2). For that, I am so grateful.
In these last few months, I’ve had the wonderful privilege of participat- ing in a variety of events and activi- ties involving the young people of our church. Lifting up this youth genera- tion is a highlight for my moderatorial year and so it’s been especially grati- fying to meet so many of our younger members and join in their activities.
One of the events included Canada Youth 2018, where I was one of the preachers. This was a tremendously successful event with hundreds of par ticipants all across Canada, from B.C. to the Atlantic provinces, along with the largest international youth delegations to date. There was such a strong positive response to all the offerings there, including the work- shops, discussions, services, mu- sic, activities and so on. Everyone soaked up the whole experience. I got to know several of the youth and hear their stories of faith, fam- ily, personal struggle and hopes for this church of ours. This is what I consider the most meaningful take- away for me—being invited into their lives, and sometimes into their pain. But even in the midst of this struggle and discouragement they didn’t allow it to define them or their faith. CY meant something to them and that’s why it was important for so many of them that they be there. It taught them that their church is a safe and welcoming place, where relationships really matter, are cher- ished and celebrated. I was very moved and encouraged to share that time with them.
There was also a two-day youth consultation organized by Interna- tional Ministries (see page 17). It brought together about 20 young people in a variety of leadership roles or who had taken part in an international program. These were extremely gifted, theologically ar- ticulate, committed young women and men of deep faith who shared their experiences and discussed the potential roles their generation can have in our denomination, both lo- cally and internationally. I was so impressed with the depth and matu- rity of their faith and also very moved by their genuine desire to find more opportunities to serve God in and through the church. Their under- standing of the Christian mission and the passion and sagacity with which they personally endeavour to discern it belies their youthfulness. I was utterly impressed with all of
them and filled with hope for our future.
Other experiences include late- night talks with the Young Adult Representatives (YARs) at General Assembly. I learned of their back- grounds, heard their faith stories and fielded smar t questions about the polity, process and programs. They were very keen and curious about all things Presbyterian and they displayed a faith marked by an attitude of continual spiritual seek- ing. Although my time with them was limited, it was so encouraging.
I also had the chance to visit Camp Kintail in western Ontario. It was so wonder ful to see such excitement and joy in their faces at being with friends in the church and sharing meaningful time in a beautiful set- ting, learning about how to be the people of God. Often, I’m reminded of how camp experiences can pro- foundly impact young people. How many count Christian camp as lay- ing the foundation for their vocation- al calling? The list includes several past moderators, including myself, and scores of ministers and elders. Let there be no doubt that camps shape the hear ts of young people for the kingdom and incline their ear to hear the voice of God.
As part of my wish to highlight the youth this year, my international trip to Malawi in early September includ- ed two young representatives along with my wife, Esther, and the Gener- al Secretary, the Rev. Ian Ross-Mc- Donald. We visited with our par tners and saw the work of PWS&D in the Blantyre and Livingstonia Synods. And for the first time, the Committee to Advise with the Moderator now includes two young people who sit as full members. In all these exam- ples we have reason to give thanks for the involvement and perspective of youth.
As God’s people we are inextrica- bly connected to one another in faith and communion. As Paul tells us, we all are members of the body who confess the one Lord. I see young people as a gift for the church. And these gifts will only be further nur- tured by the embracing and mentor- ing by the more seasoned members and leaders.
So, let us be encouraged to foster one another’s growth in the kingdom so that they may continue to have assurance of their faith, conviction of their passion, stewardship in ser- vice and love of their neighbour. I, for one, am confident that they will be up to the challenge.
“Wow...kids these days!”
The moderator with young adult representatives at General Assembly.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Re, Chris Clarke’s Letter to the Edi- tor regarding military flags in the sanctuary:
While it is certain that troops in WWI and WWII suffered, and the flags are an indication of that suffering, the only testament that the church should require is the suffering of Jesus for love’s sake. In no way is the suffering of military troops to be equated with Jesus’ suffering. For the former suffered for imperialist war and for nations’ sake, whereas Our Lord suffered so as to bring all of that—war and nation alike—to an
Oops!
The “Just Wondering” ar ticle in the summer 2018 edition stated that only ministers of Word and Sacraments are permitted to administer the Sacrament of Baptism. That is incorrect. Book of Forms 201.4 states, “Where a pres- bytery discerns that there is no minis- ter of Word and Sacraments available
end. All military and national flags should, thus, be removed from all Presbyterian churches, and any al- liances with Canadian military regi- ments brought to an end, while all padres resign and no longer bless war of any kind. Flags are certainly to be replaced, as are our national allegiances, and only by the suf- fering love of Jesus, which calls all war-making and all violence to end. We remain Christians, first—and Canadians, a distant second—com- mitted to loving all nations’ enemies. —Joshua Weresch
to administer the sacraments (both the Lord’s Supper and Baptism) in a pastoral charge, it may commission a ruling elder or a member of the Or- der of Diaconal Ministries to do so on the following terms:” Four terms are listed. We apologize for any concern this error may have caused.