Congregational Retreat
January 6, 2018
This past Saturday (January 6th) we held our first congregational retreat. The purpose of the retreat was to begin the healing and reconciliation process we discussed at our most recent Called Congregational meeting (November 12, 2017).

In addition to the six session members, and Rev Laura and Rev Karen Vannoy, there were 16 members or friends in attendance. The format of the meeting was a brief discussion of the subject to be discussed, followed by small group breakout groups, followed by a general discussion of the “results” of the small groups.

Two subjects were chosen in advance of the meeting. These subjects were chosen by the session with the advice and council of Rev Vannoy, our church’s consultant in these and related matters.  The subjects chosen were:

• A covenant of behavior between members of the church
• A brief history of our Mission and Outreach Program, from its inception in the Mission Study Report.

• (James 1:19) Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry
• (James 3:9-10) With the tongue, we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God .., this ought not to be so
• (Eph. 4:2) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body
• (Eph. 4:25) Put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body
• (Proverbs 18:12) Before destruction one’s heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor

A proposed outcome of this discussion was to form a team (with no session members included) to draft a covenant that will spell out how we, as members of the Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis, will deal with one another.

For those so willing, please send an email to Debi ([email protected]) indicating your willingness to participate or you may sign up on the sheet in the narthex.  Debi will consolidate these emails and help set up the first meeting.

The second of our subjects was somewhat abbreviated as we ran long on the first portion. We did however, get an opportunity to hear at least part of how we have moved to the M&O ministry we now have.

Additionally, there was an opportunity for participants to make suggestions as to other important subjects they would like to have discussed in these retreats as we move forward in our healing and reconciliation activities.

Others who believe they have suggestions that can aid in our healing and reconciliation should feel free to send these ideas to Debi for inclusion in the idea bank.