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Dear First Pres Members and Friends,
Today was a significant day for our church community as we gathered together to determine our denominational home. This was not just about a vote, but about a church community coming together. We were able to praise our Lord as a called, Christ-centered community. We celebrated together, we joined hands and we prayed earnestly for God’s leading.
At 5 p.m. we met in the Sanctuary and at computer screens to hear the announcement of the vote results. Our scripture passage was from Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. No matter the decision that has been made, it is Jesus, our rock and salvation, in whom we place our trust and our life.
This morning, First Pres members voted as follows. We met our requirement of a minimum of 33% of membership in attendance. Of the 1,769 who voted, 1,689 voted “Yes” and 80 voted “No,” to continue the process of dismissal from the PC(USA) to ECO.
Many of you will experience relief, joy and perhaps some excitement in knowing these results. For others, you may experience disappointment, confusion and maybe even anger. If you are experiencing difficult emotions, please contact any of our pastors. We are available and encourage you to reach out if you would like us to process these feelings with you. And, in all things, we must lean on our Father.
The process is not over. Now that we know the results of this meeting, Pueblo Presbytery will vote to accept these results on June 16, 2012. We will continue to keep you apprised over these next few weeks.
Friends, please continue to pray. Let us reach out in Christian love to all those in our midst who are not in agreement with this result. Let us continue to live our lives in earnest desire to follow God and the path He sets before us.
I sincerely thank each and every one of you for showing the love of Christ today.
Jim
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