Session Précis (December 2015)

At the Session meeting held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, we thanked Moira Robson for her service on Session and as Clerk. Marilyn Scott is the new Clerk of Session.

The following items may be of interest:

Baptism: 11:30 am service on December 13th.

Holy Communion: In addition to previously approved communion at the 10 am Service on December 13, and communion on the first Sunday of each month at the 11:30 am service, Holy Communion will be served at the 10:00 am service on February 28 and April 24, and at the blended service on June 5, 2016.

Board Initiatives: Session thanked the Board for all their work, and especially for the installation of new taps for the kitchen sink, new toilet paper holders in the women’s washrooms, and repair of emergency lights.

Outreach Committee: A total of $2,503.81 has been donated for Christmas baskets. An enormous thanks to all who contributed, and to those who have agreed to help with the purchase, packing and delivery of baskets.

The Terms of Reference of this new Standing Committee of Session were approved.

Search Committee for New Minister: The Presbytery of Montreal has approved our congregational profile, and authorized us to begin the actual search process.

Human Resources Committee: The search for a Children and Youth Director continues. If anyone knows of potential applicants, please contact Judy Pemberton.

Human Sexuality: In the past year, there have been renewed conversation and questions around human sexuality, sexual orientation and the church. The subject of human sexuality and sexual orientation was a significant focus for The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s highest court, the General Assembly, when we met in June of 2015. As a result, the church has asked for a study guide to help us look at the biblical texts, think carefully, talk together, and prayerfully consider this important subject.

We have received the Study Guide. Two copies will be available at Briarwood, and everyone can access the Study Guide at the following link: www.presbyterian.ca/sexuality.

Everyone is invited to look at the Study Guide, review and discuss it, and to offer feedback by email to survey@presbyterian.ca. The feedback will go to the Committee on Church Doctrine and the Life and Mission Agency (Justice Ministries).

With Christmas Blessings from the Briarwood Session

… and don’t forget our upcoming services:

Sunday, December 20: – a blended service at 10:30 with the children’s Christmas Pageant

Thursday, December 24: – family service at 4:30 pm – evening service at 7:30 pm

Marilyn E. Scott Clerk, Briarwood Presbyterian Church