I seem to recall our lawyer suggesting not to include a statement about this in our Society Act, but I don't remember why. However, he did suggest that noting this in our rental policy is a prudent thing to do. He referred to a case where someone asked to use some church facility for a marriage; the church said 'yes' and only afterwards found out it was a same-sex couple. When the church wanted to back out of the rental arrangement, the couple took the church to court. If I recall our lawyer's take on the situation, the court case could have been prevented if the church's rental policy noted this in the first place. (Please do not construe this as official legal advice!)
So, our rental policy now includes this paragraph in its notices section:
[quote]Church rentals are at the discretion of the church council. The church limits the use of the church facilities to church-approved programs and purposes that are consistent with the church’s beliefs. In the case of rentals for wedding ceremonies and/or receptions, the church has a policy in which it is recognized that marriage is an institution ordained by God. It is a covenant relationship established by mutual vows between a man and a woman united by God. The church provides that all clergy under our employ and any retired pastors whose credentials we hold recognize marriage as an institution ordained by God, a covenant relationship between one man and one woman.[/quote]
We were advised to avoid the language of "lifelong covenant relationships;" if we tolerate divorce and remarriage, it could jeopardizethe entire statement.
If you're interested, our entire rental policy is here.
Thanks for this helpful, memorable overview. The link for the "decision-making process" near the beginning doesn't work for me though. Can someone point it to the right resource? Blessings! ~Stanley
I appreciated this panel conversation very much. I was convicted with the truth of how easy it is to spend more time meditating on the words of my news feeds rather than on the Word of God which leads to the malformation of my soul. The comments on the present polarization and judgment that characterizes so much conversation and division over COVID-19 were timely. Thank you for the practical hope offered at the end!
Thank you, Tyler, for sharing this. Very encouraging to read of the almighty and ever present power of God at work in his world and in your life! ~Stanley
Trinity CRC Rock Valley (IA) held a blue Christmas service just this past Sunday evening. It involved a candle lighting and times of reflection. I provided a meditation on Mt 2:16-18 (Herod's murder of the boys in Bethlehem and the lament from Jer 31:15) and Pr 25:20 (about not singing songs to a heavy heart), talking about how there's a place for lament in this season. Contact me if you'd like the order of worship or other details. ~Stanley
Trinity CRC's newsletter here in Rock Valley IA, called "News & Views," is published every other month. It typically includes: :: a couple articles/reflections on Christian living in general (this month we featured a couple pieces focusing on prayer) :: introduction to the next Song of the Month (we intentionally (re)learn a new(ish) song each month) :: highlights from recent council meetings :: updates on some of the church's ministries and/or mission partnerships :: introductions to new members and highlights of significant events (births, marriages, transfers) :: 2 featured families (who they are, where they live, how they met, best day of my life, best vacation, favorite Scripture, etc.) :: list of members serving in a military, each issue featuring one of them with a bit more detail
We include numerous photos throughout, especially on the cover. It's printed in full color on tabloid-size paper, folded in half, usually 12 pages long. It's been very well received in large part because it's one way we nurture community, helping people get to know one another. It's also a way to communicate our church's values and/or things we're celebrating and looking forwards to.
Hi Bryan! Something the leadership at Trinity CRC often hears is how it's hard (impossible, actually) to know everyone in a large congregation. The newsletter will not enable us to know everyone; however, it serves as a useful tool to help keep people in the loop about events and fellow members which we trust serves as one way to help people recognize they are indeed part of a community.
Posted in: What sample forms are available that outline the CRC stance on refusing to perform same-sex marriages?
Hi Henk! I hope you and Smithville CRC are well!
I seem to recall our lawyer suggesting not to include a statement about this in our Society Act, but I don't remember why. However, he did suggest that noting this in our rental policy is a prudent thing to do. He referred to a case where someone asked to use some church facility for a marriage; the church said 'yes' and only afterwards found out it was a same-sex couple. When the church wanted to back out of the rental arrangement, the couple took the church to court. If I recall our lawyer's take on the situation, the court case could have been prevented if the church's rental policy noted this in the first place. (Please do not construe this as official legal advice!)
So, our rental policy now includes this paragraph in its notices section:
[quote]Church rentals are at the discretion of the church council. The church limits the use of the church facilities to church-approved programs and purposes that are consistent with the church’s beliefs. In the case of rentals for wedding ceremonies and/or receptions, the church has a policy in which it is recognized that marriage is an institution ordained by God. It is a covenant relationship established by mutual vows between a man and a woman united by God. The church provides that all clergy under our employ and any retired pastors whose credentials we hold recognize marriage as an institution ordained by God, a covenant relationship between one man and one woman.[/quote]
We were advised to avoid the language of "lifelong covenant relationships;" if we tolerate divorce and remarriage, it could jeopardizethe entire statement.
If you're interested, our entire rental policy is here.
Peace,
Stan
Posted in: What can you do when your church is not meeting its budget?
Thank you, Ron, for tackling this question! Can you either describe or point to an example somewhere of a "narrative budget format?" Blessings, Stan
Posted in: Do you write a blog?
Hi Josh,
I think you've been to my blog before: 4thpoint.wordpress.com. Here's the list of blogs that the weekly "For CRC Pastors" e-newsletter follows.
Peace,
Stan
Posted in: Rush, Hush and Mush: 3 Keys to Bad Decisions
Thanks for this helpful, memorable overview. The link for the "decision-making process" near the beginning doesn't work for me though. Can someone point it to the right resource? Blessings!
~Stanley
Posted in: Let’s Join Hands and Pray
Beautiful. Profound. Thank you.
~Stanley
Posted in: COVID and Council: The Conversation You’re Dreading Is the Opportunity the World Is Waiting For
I appreciated this panel conversation very much. I was convicted with the truth of how easy it is to spend more time meditating on the words of my news feeds rather than on the Word of God which leads to the malformation of my soul. The comments on the present polarization and judgment that characterizes so much conversation and division over COVID-19 were timely. Thank you for the practical hope offered at the end!
Posted in: Decision-making During COVID-19 Requires Courage and Humility
Thanks, Cecil. I appreciate your writing, always characterized by wisdom and grace. ~Stanley
Posted in: God's Providence in My Morning Coffee Cup
Thank you, Tyler, for sharing this. Very encouraging to read of the almighty and ever present power of God at work in his world and in your life! ~Stanley
Posted in: Learning to Practice Self-Care
Thanks for these reminders... Good timing!
~Stanley
Posted in: Does Your Church Hold a Blue Christmas Service?
Trinity CRC Rock Valley (IA) held a blue Christmas service just this past Sunday evening. It involved a candle lighting and times of reflection. I provided a meditation on Mt 2:16-18 (Herod's murder of the boys in Bethlehem and the lament from Jer 31:15) and Pr 25:20 (about not singing songs to a heavy heart), talking about how there's a place for lament in this season. Contact me if you'd like the order of worship or other details. ~Stanley
Posted in: What Goes in Your Church Newsletter?
Trinity CRC's newsletter here in Rock Valley IA, called "News & Views," is published every other month. It typically includes:
:: a couple articles/reflections on Christian living in general (this month we featured a couple pieces focusing on prayer)
:: introduction to the next Song of the Month (we intentionally (re)learn a new(ish) song each month)
:: highlights from recent council meetings
:: updates on some of the church's ministries and/or mission partnerships
:: introductions to new members and highlights of significant events (births, marriages, transfers)
:: 2 featured families (who they are, where they live, how they met, best day of my life, best vacation, favorite Scripture, etc.)
:: list of members serving in a military, each issue featuring one of them with a bit more detail
We include numerous photos throughout, especially on the cover. It's printed in full color on tabloid-size paper, folded in half, usually 12 pages long. It's been very well received in large part because it's one way we nurture community, helping people get to know one another. It's also a way to communicate our church's values and/or things we're celebrating and looking forwards to.
Posted in: What Goes in Your Church Newsletter?
Hi Bryan! Something the leadership at Trinity CRC often hears is how it's hard (impossible, actually) to know everyone in a large congregation. The newsletter will not enable us to know everyone; however, it serves as a useful tool to help keep people in the loop about events and fellow members which we trust serves as one way to help people recognize they are indeed part of a community.