As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:12-15
PC(USA): Saturday I spent all day at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh for the quarterly meeting of New Hope Presbytery. I have the gig of “official photographer,” so I thought I’d share just a hint of what I covered during the inspirational day of worship, prayer, teaching, fellowship, and church business.
I’d like everyone to hear what I’m about to say. The Presbyterian Church here in North Carolina is all about the gospel of Jesus! There is such passion and commitment in this part of the Body of Christ; such love, purpose, and enthusiasm for living as disciples of Jesus.
All day Saturday I looked through my lens and I experienced not only life, and joy, and a love for mission, but some darned good theology too! This is a great church, a powerful witness to and for Jesus, and I am so glad that I am living my discipleship as a member of the PC(USA).
WITNESS: So I took photographs, and I listened, and I prayed, and I sang hymns, and I did my paparazzi thing, and I talked with so many committed, faithful, Jesus-following people.
It is my profound prayer that the images I captured tell the story of the beautiful spirit that was present at the Presbytery meeting all day long, and that those of you who take the time to look at them find yourselves encouraged to engage in more deliberate steps in the direction of a life of intentional, Christ-centered faith.
If you are, then I’d recommend that you take that journey of discipleship at a Presbyterian church; and – if you live in the Raleigh area – I’d like to invite you to make your way to Wake Forest.
I’ll be posting around 100 great photographs on the New Hope Presbytery website in a few days. But, for now, enjoy the handful I’ve pasted into the slide-show below. Click on the first picture, then scroll through for some memorable shots…
Living into hope, and promise, and love – DEREK
THanks so much Derek for capturing the spirit of our gathering.
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