December 2, 2009
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Glen Ellyn, are concerned. We were unable to have the attached letter read at the last Presbytery assembly. As elder commissioners and clergy, we have faithfully attended assembly meetings and reported to our Session the work and actions of Chicago Presbytery.
The Southminster Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn Session and congregation are well aware of the Presbytery of Chicago’s fiscal vulnerability as the August 2010 due date for Presbytery’s $11 million loan obligation draws near.
Therefore, it is with surprise and concern that we find, as we visit with our families and friends in other congregations in our Presbytery, that there is a lack of awareness of this impending financial danger, which will affect us all.
We appreciate and pray for the Reformation Task Force work. Our following letter expresses our shared wisdom and desire to address this issue.
Please read the latter and discuss the issues with your Session and congregation. Because of the financial situation in the world, we know this is a fearful time; however, we need to face our fears, address the issues openly, and trust God to lead us.
In Christ’s Service,
The Session of Southminster Presbyterian Church, Glen Ellyn
Dear Members of the Presbytery of Chicago,
The Mission Ministry and Session of Southminster Presbyterian Church lend their
strong support to Lakeshore Christian Camping’s offer to purchase the Presbyterian Camps in Saugatuck, Michigan. Their proposal to save Presbyterian Camps maintains and preserves the ministry of the camps that have been a cornerstone of Christian camping for Chicago Presbyterians since 1899.
Many members of Southminster Presbyterian Church have been to the Camp themselves, sent their children there and now look forward to sending their grandchildren to Saugatuck. The Camps’ ministry of nurturing Christian faith, witness and discipleship is too precious to lose. We at Southminster want to see the Presbyterian tradition of Saugatuck continue for many generations to come.
We do not want to see Camp Saugatuck sold to developers but want it to remain as a witness to Christian camping.
In Christ’s Service, The Mission Ministry Committee of Southminster Presbyterian Church The Session of Southminster Presbyterian Church, Glen Ellyn