The Presbytery meeting is over and our contract together stands! It was wonderful to be surrounded by a number of Montclair folks as the item was pulled from the Consent Agenda and someone stood up to ask how COM could have approved the contract when it is known that I am in a same sex relationship and I was part of one of the couples married by Rev. Janie Spahr. Rev. Karl Shadley did a beautiful job of stating that because I am a minister in good standing in this Presbytery the COM didn’t have to debate that point. When the vote was taken there were a number of no votes voiced but the motion carried to approve it.

Each one of you is precious and as we begin our journey together during this Interim period, we are invited to see that which is precious in each other…

Greetings Montclair Presbyterian Church! For 10 years I have admired you from afar and I can’t tell you how privileged and excited I am to be serving with you during this time. One of my earliest introductions to you as a congregation was through Rev. Chuck McLain, beloved saint and beautiful man who worked for justice until his dying breath (and I would imagine is still trying to work it…!).

As we say goodbye in our hearts to Karen, and take these next steps as a community of faith, I suggested in my sermons of the last two weeks that we have two tasks that we must begin to accomplish together as a church community.