Out of Chaos by Alexa Smith

Although it can be wearying, chaos can be the crucible for creativity and hope—or so former General Assembly Moderator Susan Andrews told more than 3,100 women at the 2006 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women.

Andrews’ sermon, “Out of Chaos,” was the kick-off for the five-day event. For Andrews, it was her last national commitment before entering full-time presbytery work, just three years after her election as moderator of the 215th General Assembly. On Sunday, July 16, she stepped out of the pulpit at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland, after 17 years of ministry there. On August 15, she began work as the new executive of Hudson River Presbytery in New York State.

“It will be a good combination of the experience I’ve had at the denominational level, put together with my love of the parish and a sensitivity to pastoral concerns,” she said, nearly hoarse just after preaching and after flying to Louisville following a first-ever consultation with 15 former moderators and other church leaders on the future of the church.

“The question now is: How can I bring my pastoral experience and love of the parish into strengthening the denomination through governing bodies?” she said.

And if there’s some chaos, well, that’s alright. “Chaos is as central to our scriptures as is creation and covenant,” Andrews told Gathering participants, adding that, unfortunately, chaos is where discipleship is honed.

Alexa Smith is a freelance writer and Presbyterian minister who has covered international issues for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for the past 12 years.

"Divine star" fractal image by Cory Ench

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*Find out how chaos has served the human story told in the Bible as well as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by reading the full text of this article in the September/October 2006 issue of Horizons.*	Out of Chaos by Alexa Smith Although it can be wearying, chaos can be the crucible for creativity and hope—or so former General Assembly Moderator Susan Andrews told more than 3,100 women at the 2006 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women. Andrews’ sermon, “Out of Chaos,” was the kick-off for the five-day event. For Andrews, it was her last national commitment before entering full-time presbytery work, just three years after her election as moderator of the 215th General Assembly. On Sunday, July 16, she stepped out of the pulpit at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland, after 17 years of ministry there. On August 15, she began work as the new executive of Hudson River Presbytery in New York State. “It will be a good combination of the experience I’ve had at the denominational level, put together with my love of the parish and a sensitivity to pastoral concerns,” she said, nearly hoarse just after preaching and after flying to Louisville following a first-ever consultation with 15 former moderators and other church leaders on the future of the church. “The question now is: How can I bring my pastoral experience and love of the parish into strengthening the denomination through governing bodies?” she said. And if there’s some chaos, well, that’s alright. “Chaos is as central to our scriptures as is creation and covenant,” Andrews told Gathering participants, adding that, unfortunately, chaos is where discipleship is honed. Alexa Smith is a freelance writer and Presbyterian minister who has covered international issues for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for the past 12 years. "Divine star" fractal image by Cory Ench Other Articles Online This Issue Gathering Scrapbook [1st page only] Out of Chaos Community in Diversity Getting to Know Our Global Partners Waking Up the World God's Word—Light for the Journey Joining Together in Love Through an Artist's Eyes Bible study resource Dispatch from Forbearance Presbyterian Church Nurturing Our Faith Supporting Mission Working for Justice and Peace Mosaic	Current Issue SEPT/OCT 2006 About This Issue Features PW Resources Departments FREE Resource Sept/Oct Index How to Use In Our Next Issue Items underlined can be seen in this Web site, all others appear in the September/October 2006 (HZN-06-240) issue of Horizons magazine. to Horizons, call 800/524-2612 or this issue ($4 plus shipping/handling)

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