SIFT

Our Presbytery has been working on Transformation in many areas of our ministry together. And the PUPS group has decided that we are in need of transformation as well.

This group was created in 2002 to undertake theological reflection across lines of theological differences as the process was defined and encouraged early in the work of the Peace, Unity and Purity PC(USA) task force. Thus we took our name from the task force and became the Peace, Unity and Purity Society (PUPS). With the approval of the task force report at the 217th (2006) General Assembly, some are upset and concerned about the future of the church. We as a group felt that we want to continue theological discussion across differing perspectives – in fact perhaps now more than ever! - so we decided to change our name to fit a transformed image.

In our search we returned to some guidelines produced a number of years ago by the PC(USA) Peacemaking Program called Seeking to be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement. The denomination also produced a training manual with suggestions for using the guidelines. Its name (with minor alternations) struck us as an excellent one to sum up our hopes and dreams. Thus PUPS has been transformed into:

Seeking In Faithfulness Together - SIFT

We will continue to meet beginning with eating our lunch as we share together, followed by worship (led by one of the group) and then a study of a theological document or the Bible.

The following covenant has been adopted by SIFT. We invite anyone who is interested in promoting this kind of dialogue to attend our next meeting and to consider entering into the covenant with us.

Covenant of the Peace, Unity and Purity Society
Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace.
(Ephesians 4:3)

We are Members of the Presbytery of Cincinnati and its congregations who find in Christ's teaching the commandment to love each other across the lines of theological and political differences.

Sustained by Christ's love, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and in gratitude for the gift of God's grace, we commit to upholding this commandment in the following ways:

We affirm creative interactions that avoid producing winners and losers.

Though some votes on divisive issues may have to be taken to make decisions and forge direction, we pledge first to seek other ways to form a common mind.

Though judicial action may be necessary as a last resort, we pledge first to seek other ways to be reconciled to our brothers and sisters.

We believe the best about each other. With all of our differences we name the same Lord and Savior, seek to serve the same God, and advance the work of the same Church.

We will deal openly with each other and keep those with whom we disagree informed about our intentions.

We will neither speak disparagingly of those with whom we disagree nor be silent when others do.

We commit to on-going Biblical study and prayer.

We will engage in Biblical and theological study together to deepen our understanding of our call to lead holy lives that proclaim God's righteousness and peace.

We will pray for each other, so that we may faithfully serve God, follow Jesus Christ, and be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Signature:

Date:

E-mail:

Adapted from the Albany Presbytery statement of June 4, 2002

2008 Annual Report

SIFT (Seeking in Faithfulness Together) met at various times during 2008 for the purpose of bringing Presbyterians of often widely disparate opinions and points of view into dialogue in a context of mutual respect. Using a format of Bible study, worship, discussion, sharing and fellowship, the group has considered various topics of concern to the Church. This year, in addition to explaining our individual beliefs on these topics, we have shared some of our individual stories on how we came to think or believe as we do.

In a year when it was necessary to put divisive issues to a vote, SIFT felt that it had something to offer in helping to maintain the peace and unity of the presbytery, both in the group’s meetings and in the instrument that has set the standard of attitude and behavior for members of SIFT, that is, its covenant which members have signed and have agreed to live by. At the November Presbytery meeting, SIFT provided an opportunity for members of the presbytery to sign the covenant and to pledge their intent to follow its standards.

Those who have participated in SIFT have experienced not just a reduction in anxiety and rancor, but also a bonding in Christ with members with whom they hold greatly differing theological views. We invite any and all members, officers and pastors of the churches of Cincinnati Presbytery to engage with us in our discussions during 2009. For information on meeting dates and times, please call: Becky Lindsay 859-331-0817 or Gordon Jewett 513-782-6437.

The Rev. Gordon Jewett & Elder Becky Lindsay


Contact the Presbytery	[About Us] [Congregations] [Meetings and Events] [Mission Groups] [News and Blogs] [Resources and Policies] [Contents] [Home]
	Copyright The Presbytery of Cincinnati updated 03/29/11 See our privacy policy Contact Webmaker