Wednesday, March 27
Olympia Presbytery
Washington
From the story in Mark 6, we know that Jesus takes what is available and blesses it to become what is needed. And yet the story leads us to wonder what it would have been like to be the disciples gathered around Jesus, unable to fulfill their understanding of God’s call to mission and ministry, and have Jesus ask, “Well, what do you have?” Were they bewildered? Anxious? Excited? Whatever their initial response, Jesus’ question moved the disciples from naysayers to active participants in God’s miraculous provision.
In a season of transition and change, Olympia Presbytery, eager to discern prayerfully God’s resources and leading, has been engaged in many conversations. One of the joys being discovered in these conversations is the spirit that comes with looking for God’s abundance rather than relying on one’s own abilities. Members want to hear God’s call and faithfully follow Jesus into the ministry and mission of a new season.
One venue for these conversations has been among the newest teaching elders of the presbytery. Over the past couple years, Olympia Presbytery has welcomed a number of new pastors—several of whom are beginning their journey in ordained ministry. Their fresh insights and energy in ministry have been blessed and used by God as a gift of provision and grace.
In partnership with the Seattle and North Puget Sound presbyteries, several Northwest leadership cohorts have started under the leadership of Elder Bill Palmer (from First Presbyterian of Bellingham). Many of these new pastors, along with other head-of-staff pastors in Olympia Presbytery, have been gathering at the presbytery’s Tillicum Center for training, support, and encouraging conversation. This leadership cohort’s participants, content, and formation in partnership with other presbyteries are a testimony to God’s abundance.
Olympia Presbytery serves 7,500 members of 45 congregations.
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
Susie Zych, executive assistant
Lynn Longfield, general presbyter
Tammy Stampfli, interim stated clerk
Sid Olson, temporary clerk
Steve Klump, treasurer
Jan Leng, communications editor
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Elder Joe D. Edmiston, PMA
Laura Edwards, FDN
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 5; 147:1-11
First Reading Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17 (18)
Second Reading Philippians 4:1-13
Gospel Reading John 12:27-36
Evening Psalms 27; 51
