(For Immediate Release)

Montreat PCUSA Congregation Worship Continues
and is Joined by Area Presbyterians

(Montreat, NC)—Gathering in the chapel of the William Black Lodge of Montreat, NC, members the Montreat Presbyterian Church were reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Phillipi, “press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus,” by Calvin Chesnutt, preacher for the historic worship service. John Somerville served as liturgist and offered prayers for wholeness and healing. This was the first worship service of the Montreat Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) for those in the congregation wishing to stay with the denomination after the Presbytery of Western North Carolina dismissed fellow members who wished to leave.

“It is not always easy to know the will of God. Most of us have not had a Damascus Road experience, but we are united in wanting to move on believing that God will guide and bless us in our undertaking. The apostle Paul speaks for us all when he says, ‘Forgetting what lies behind, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’” Chestnutt continued by saying we are told by Christ to put our call into action, and that our tradition of mission, service and action for those in need must be continued. We may argue and hassle on issues but eventually we will find an answer. We must press on,” he continued.

Joining this remnant in worship were 40 plus Presbyterians from area churches, a number of whom wish to join the ongoing PCUSA church, who wish to provide support and encouragement as the Montreat PCUSA congregation gathers its strength for the work it has been called to do. In an effort to get to know each other better, those gathered gave glimpses of their own connections to the region and, more importantly, to their sense of call to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mission personnel who have served in Korea, Japan, Africa, Viet Nam, and China on behalf of the Presbyterian Church USA shared their stories and their passion for the work that lies ahead as they “press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Finding ways to support and help this historic congregation, the Presbytery of
Western North Carolina has named a Commission to serve as the governing body for those who chose to remain in the Presbyterian Church (USA)—the denomination which birthed the congregation. Although membership is not completed, current commission members are: Heath Rada, Chairperson, elder, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church (Asheville, NC); Jerone Herring, elder, Black Mountain Presbyterian Church (Black Mountain, NC); Kay Layman, elder, Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church (Swannanoa, NC); John Somerville, clergy who worships with the Montreat Presbyterian Church (Montreat, NC); Kevin Frederick, clergy, Black Mountain Presbyterian Church; Carole Steele, clergy who worships with First Presbyterian Church, Morganton, NC; Lamar Williamson, clergy who worships with Black Mountain Presbyterian Church (Black Mountain, NC).

General Presbyter Bobbi White informed the congregation of the prayers and support that are coming in from their sister churches in the presbytery. In addition to financial support, “The Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver (NC) has offered both financial support as well as its choir or a music ensemble to help you with worship. It went through a similar struggle sometime ago and is now a strong fast growing congregation eager to sustain you as it can through your own transition time,” said White.

The Montreat Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) will continue to function in areas of mission, congregational care and worship in the coming weeks and months under the governance of the presbytery’s commission until such time as it is ready to elect a Session. Persons wishing to offer financial support are requested to do so by sending a donation to Montreat Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) at P.O. Box 577, Montreat NC 28757.

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