In my first board meeting as a Reformed Presbyterian, I found it curious that there would be a Resolution of Thanks on the agenda, and even more curious that a committee would be assigned to write it. It seemed unnecessary and even wasteful. Once I heard the resolution, however, my heart turned. The care with which the statement was crafted emphasized that everything the board oversees belongs to Christ, and all its efforts were because if His kindness. It acknowledged that dozens of people had served so that the board’s work might be accomplished smoothly.

This year’s Resolution of Thanks at the recent Synod meeting is one of the best I’ve heard, being both specific and colorful. I’ve received the permission of the primary author, Richard Weir, to print it. While the report that goes into the permanent Minutes of Synod will be more formal, the following are excerpts of what was read at Synod.

—Drew Gordon

…We thank the Lord that the weather provided us with a comfortable week for our work. In addition, many of us who had not been at the college for sometime were amazed at the immaculate condition of the campus, in new buildings as well as old.

We were honored to hear from our former moderator, Pastor Keith Magill, whose message guided us to an emphasis on our work with the individuals in our congregations, because they are the heart of the church. He was followed by a fine message each day from John D. Edgar, Wade Mann, David Hanson, and John Carson, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church delegate.

We give thanks to the clerks, J. Bruce Martin and Ray Morton, for their confident leadership at the computers throughout the meetings. The moderator turned to the clerks as soon as he was elected to ascertain the correct order of business, and they immediately set him on the right course.…

We noted with pleasure that Pastor Harry Metzger was right at the microphone to speedily give us the announcements and to scold us for being slow with our actions. He also solved transportation problems hour by hour. And then we were grateful to the Seminary pages who were alert in supplying us with all the necessary papers and information.

We thank Geneva College and its staff for hosting us quietly, speedily and efficiently so that everything was in good order.…

Sky Lounge was the right size for our group this year, nicely fitted out. The shape and the organization were perfect for our use, and the electronics were fine. The podium was high enough that the moderator could call everyone by name and control the flow of people and of conversation.

Having the coffee time on the floor below us allowed the delegates to move to an area where there was no congestion. And the coffee was good and hot. Along with this arrangement, the managing office was on the same level as the meeting room, preventing congestion during the morning and afternoon breaks.…

—Richard Weir