One hour before presbytery convenes, the following Open Space discussions are planned:
MVP 1001 New Worshipping Communities Next Steps
Revs. Leo Pech and Cathi King (Members of Mission Commission), Leaders
Michael Gehrling gave an inspirational presentation on the exploration and cultivation of new worshipping communities at our last MVP meeting. Let’s keep the momentum going! What’s next? In this Open Space, the MVP Mission Commission will facilitate an opportunity for us to learn from and encourage each other about creative ways to live the gospel in our neighborhoods. Join us!
Ohio and Reproductive Care
Revs. Jessie Commeret and Terry Williams (Pastors & Faith Choice Ohio Board Members), Leaders
Please join Rev. Terry Williams, pastor of the UCC in Chillicothe, Ohio and organizer for Faith Choice Ohio to understand more about what is happening in Ohio around access to reproductive care and justice. Faith Choice Ohio elevates the moral power of faith communities to expand abortion access and to advance reproductive health, rights, and justice. Through education, advocacy, and counseling, they are committed to empowering advocates for abortion justice & reproductive freedom. Faith Choice has been around for a long time in Ohio (formerly Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice) and serves to provide counseling to those seeking access and information about abortion and reproductive rights. As a denomination that advocates for freedom of conscience as well as access to abortion, this open space seeks to offer information and provide moral messaging for those seeking to be faithfully pro-choice during this post-Roe world. Rev. Williams will share information about clergy for choice as well as the ballot initiative for a constitutional amendment in Ohio for the November election this year.
Also– please be sure to remind folks that there will be an informational meeting during dinner for those interested in attending the MVP PDA trip in October to Kentucky. Date: week of October 8, 2023. The MVP Presbytery will be underwriting the cost of this experience by $1000 to reduce the per-participant cost. It is our expectation that the cost per participant will not exceed $200.
The purpose of Open Spaces is to bring about transformation and generate fresh ideas that bring about change or new thinking that instigates new approaches to ministry.
Email Matt if you are interested in leading in a discussion – matt@maumeevp.org
