Fellow Book of Order Travelers:

The expanded Form of Government Task Force was charged by the 218th General Assembly with engaging sessions and presbyteries in a period of study of the new Form of Government documents. Since the 218th General Assembly, the Task Force had revised the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity and Form of Government documents (see attached) based on the feedback received through the Assembly, including all of the overtures, advice and counsel memoranda, and Assembly Committee comments. These revised documents are now presented to the denomination for their study and response.

In addition to the revised documents, the Task Force has created several additional documents (see attached) to aid the church in this time of study and response:

·         What is Missional Ecclesiology?   Written by Task Force member Paul Hooker, this paper explains the missional theology which stands behind the Task Force’s work.
·         Preface to Study Guides. This document introduces the study process, and suggests ways to study and respond to the work of the Task Force
·         Individual Preparation Guide. This document guides individuals through the Foundations and Form of Government proposals, to prepare them for taking part in a group study.
·         Group Study Guide. This document guides groups in discussing and responding to the Task Force’s work.
·         Updated Advisory Handbooks for Councils.

These documents can also be seen at the Form of Government Task Force website: http://www.pcusa.org/formofgovernment/

The Task Force will receive responses to their work from now until June 30, 2009. Following the period of study and response, the Task Force will make additional revisions to their work, and submit final versions to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly by the date set by the 218th General Assembly, October 15, 2009.

Sessions and presbyteries are encouraged to take advantage of this period for study and response, so that the best possible proposal may be presented to the 219th General Assembly in 2010.

Cynthia Bolbach and Dan Williams
Co-Moderators, Form o0f Government Task Force

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PILOT ROCK COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

OUT OF THE ASHES

Pilot Rock Presbyterian Community Church is in the process of designing their new building. They hope to begin building late this Fall or early next Spring.

Eighteen months after the sanctuary burned at the Pilot Rock Community Presbyterian Church

ground work has finally begun on the new building.

The congregation thanks all of you who have supported them with your prayers during this time of transition.

more pictures

On Sunday morning Nov. 11th at about 5:00am

the sanctuary, fellowship hall and offices of the

church burned to the ground. A house next door was also damaged.

No one was injured.

We invite you to show your support for the congregation by donating funds through the Synod of the Pacific at ECO account:

22-010010

This will count towards mission giving.

Contributions may also be sent to:

Eastern Oregon Presbytery at:

813 NW Ellis, Pendleton, OR 97801

(please mark the check, pilot rock church fire)

Messages may be sent to the church at:

Pilot Rock

Please keep CLP Todd Bensel and the people of Pilot Rock in your prayers.

Check out these places for interesting continuing education opportunities.

Ghost Ranch

Montreat Conference Center

Stony Point Center

Zephyr Point Center

(no picture available)

These are our camp and conference centers. Ghost Ranch and Zephyr Point are in the Western United States, Montreat and Stony Point are in the Eastern part of our country.

All have great programs throughout the year.

Check them out!