Somerset churches mull denominational split (ECUSA and PCUSA to EPC)

Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, PA) ^ | September 18, 2007 | KECIA BAL

[PAR35]

SOMERSET — With a growing frustration with the national organizations that oversee them, many congregants at two local churches are considering cutting ties with their national groups and forming a new church.

Church leaders at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church said they have been talking with members about the direction of national church groups they are affiliated with.

-snip-

If both congregations agree, members would split from their denominations and erect a new building in Somerset Township where worshipers would come together as members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

[PAR35]

Unusual in that the ECUSA congregation is looking at joining the Evangelical Presbyterians rather than one of the Anglican groups.

[PAR35]

ping

[Revelation 911]

this is the part where Catholics says “28001 denominations”

[dangus]

Nah, the two are joining one. That’s 27,999.

— a Catholic :^P :^D

[Kolokotronis]

Here’s one of the new official Episcopal hymns, apparently being used at the New Orleans HOB meeting. Any port in a storm, I suppose!

“Mothering God

Mothering God,
you gave me birth
in the bright morning of this world.
Creator, source of every breath,
you are my rain, my wind, my sun.

Mothering Christ, you took my form,
offering me your food of light,
grain of life, and grape of love,
your very body for my peace.

Mothering Spirit,
nurturing one,
in amrs of patience hold me close,
so that in faith I root and grow
until I flower, until I know.

Here’s another one (to be sung at the Eucharist, no less):

All creatures of the our God, sing praise,
with thankful hearts your voices raise
O sing praises! Alleluia!
O Brother Sun with golden beam,
O Sister Moon with silver gleam!

Dear Mother Earth, who day by day
unfolds our blessings on our way
O sing praises! Alleluia!
The flow’rs and fruit that in you grow,
let them God’s glory also show!”