April 5, 2005
Dear Friends and Colleagues in Ministry,
Can we go forward together? You are invited to help answer that question. The Minister’s Council has embarked on a process to discern God’s leading for us in this time. It is called “The Jerusalem Council Process” based on Acts 15.
A Jerusalem Council will be held in the inspiring, Rodholm Room of the Humphrey Center, at Grandview College in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 13, 2005 starting at 9:00 a.m. and going until 4:00 p.m. Paul Kondy of Arthur Nebraska will be our facilitator. Joe Kutter, the Minister’s Council national President, has also been invited to offer perspective.
“What will it take for us to continue to live together?” asked, Joe Kutter at last summer’s Minister’s Council Senate. The narrow issue before us is that this year the MC Senate will consider what defines a Senator in good standing. Specifically, can a homosexual person serve as a Senator? The Senators in attendance May 13, will be listening in order to give voice this summer to the collective wisdom of our brothers and sisters. The broader issue is this; Can we as American Baptists hold very divergent interpretations of scripture, yet continue to be in relationship with one another?
The objective of the Jerusalem Council is not to come to a conclusion, or consensus of thought on this matter. The Jerusalem Council is to listen carefully to our colleagues and to prayerfully ask ourselves what it will take for us to continue to live together as American Baptists. You will want to attend this important event.
Any person serving in or retired from American Baptist ministry in Mid-America or a surrounding region is welcome to attend, you need not be a member of the Minister’s Council. May 13 will include a time of preparation, engagement with Acts 15, personal testimony and time for Jerusalem Council conversations. A lunch will be provided for participants. Donations will be collected for the meal. Please let us know if you plan to attend, by registering at the Mid-ABC.org website or by e-mailing, cheryl_calvarydsm@msn.com by May 10. A written form of the process can be found at: www.ministerscouncil.com Please keep the Jerusalem Council process in your prayers.
In Christ’s Service,
Cheryl R. Thomas Tim Stewart Dale Thomas
Mid-ABC MC, President Mid-ABC MC Past-President National Treasurer
The Ministers Council
Jerusalem Council in Des Moines, IA
May 13, 2005, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Paul Kondy, Facilitator
Paul Kondy is a retired ABC Pastor living near Arthur, Nebraska. He is currently serving in the Volunteer in Mission Program as pastor-to-pastor to American Baptist Churches of western Nebraska. Many years of his ministry were served in three two-point parishes in South Dakota and Nebraska. He later joined the staff of American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, serving as Western Area Minister in Kansas. His last pastorate was in the First Baptist Church of Pierre, South Dakota. In retirement, he has returned to Arthur, Nebraska, where he worked for the Haythorn Land and Cattle Co. and the HX Bar Ranch. Currently in summer months, he helps put up hay for Morrell Haying Company. Paul is greatly admired for his relational skills and his contagious sense of humor.
Location: The Rodholm Room, The Humphrey Center, Grandview College,
1200 East Grandview, Des Moines, Iowa (Across from Luther Memorial Church)
The Humphrey Center is Grand View’s oldest building. Opened in 1896 and originally called Old Main, its construction and design landed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Entering the building from the front door, you will find a beautiful staircase leading from the first floor to the third floor. The Rodholm Room is a large multi-purpose hall on the second floor of the Humphrey Center. A central feature of the room is a Danish ship hanging from the ceiling. Grandview College, a Lutheran School affiliated with the ELCA, has welcomed us free of charge for our Jerusalem Council.
Directions: Grandview College is located off East 14th, (Hwy 69) in Des Moines, Iowa. From the north or west on I 80: take East 14th south to Grandview Ave. and turn right. From the north on I35: take I235 West to Euclid, go west on Euclid to East 14th take East 14th south to Grandview and turn right. From the south or west on 235E: Take the East 14th exit and go north to Grandview Ave. and turn left. The Rodholm room is in the Humphrey Center, across the street from Luther Memorial Church. There is additional parking by the Holy Grounds coffee house.