• Congregational Gathering Outcome (both audio & text)

	Pastor Jeremy Vaccaro In May of this year the session of Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church began a journey of discernment about the future of our church. It was a topic that this church's session had been discussing for many years, but in May the discussion moved to an official process of discernment. Since then, all of us have been praying that the Lord would lead us to discover His will for CHPC. In May, we were of one mind that a discernment process was necessary, but we still had various opinions about our denominational future. The journey has been full of hard questions, honest disagreements, and heartfelt discussions. I've been so proud to be part of CHPC's session and its commissioned Denominational Concerns Task Force. They have poured themselves into this process wholeheartedly, and honored Christ along the way. On October 9, the journey came to an important milestone when the session voted unanimously to seek dismissal from the PC(USA) to join the EPC. The following statements show the way that God brought each one to this decision (including those serving on the Denominational Concerns Task Force). I believe they represent the work of the Holy Spirit in us to show us God's will for CHPC. For Pastor Mark and me, the discernment process has been twofold. We've discerned with the session about the future of CHPC, a decision that will last beyond our years as her pastors. And we've had to discern for ourselves about the future of our pastoral ministry. It's been a gut-wrenching experience. When I was officially ordained as a pastor in the PC(USA), I knew that it was a struggling denomination. I knew there were great differences in theology and emphasis across some 11,000 churches in the denomination. My prayer was that God would use me as part of a renewal movement within the PC(USA). Since then I have gained a deep respect and appreciation for many PC(USA) churches and their leaders, but I've also become more and more discouraged that we have such fundamental disagreement within the denomination. Today I am disheartened by the direction of the denomination as a whole. When I consider my ordained ministry in the PC(USA) I do think God has used me, yet it seems unclear to me whether my dreams of renewal are received as faithful or arrogant by my fellow presbyters. What I have often wished for these last several years is a Presbyterian denomination that felt united in mission and theology. As we began to explore the EPC, that is exactly what I found. I remember going to their General Assembly meeting earlier this year and experiencing it firsthand. Since their theological foundation was secure, they were able to focus on worship, celebration, mission, and prayer. There was a deep sense of trust among them. They were joy-filled. I left encouraged and lifted up... and I was just there to observe their annual business meeting!  This is what I think a denomination should be like - people bound together by their common love for Jesus, their commitment to the Gospel, and their accountability to each other for the sake of that Gospel. The EPC is not a perfect denomination, but I love the way they have worked hard to maintain their Reformed, Presbyterian, evangelical, and missional identity. I am so grieved by the state of our current denomination; it pains me to consider stepping away from the denomination that I have prayed so diligently for these many years. Yet, I believe that moving to the EPC is the best thing for me to do. I will continue to pray for the PC(USA). I will continue to support and encourage my friends around the country who feel called to stay in the PC(USA). However, my intent is to focus my energies on leading the church to participate in God's mission given to His Church for the sake of the Gospel as a pastor in the EPC.
	MEMBERS OF SESSION
	Bart Brynestad I simply want to do the Lord's will. That's it. Through prayer, discussion and study, I believe the Lord is leading us to the EPC. Our beliefs, our interpretation of Scripture and our worship are all very closely related to each other. I am very excited about this new chapter in Chapel Hill's life.
	Beth Burgess Ever since it became clear that the Lord was calling our church into a time of discernment on whether to seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (USA) to another Reformed body, I have taken that call seriously. Like many of you, I have spent many days and hours asking the Lord what He would have us do. During this time it became more and more clear that the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) was the place to which He was calling us. I had the privilege of attending the EPCss Presbytery of the Pacific meeting in October. There, I was able to see clearly why the EPC will be a place of growth, renewal, encouragement, and alignment for Chapel Hill and her people. While I am convinced that the EPC is a good fit for Chapel Hill and is in His will, it is not without some sadness. There will be a shift in relationships with colleagues in ministry as well as with some in our congregation. I grieve that loss. During this transition we will continue to submit to the Lord's will. I am excited to see what God has planned for our future.
	Tim Eliasen For many at Chapel Hill, we've gone about our mission without much regard to our affiliation with the PC(USA). What always seemed to matter most is whether or not our church was on track with respect to fulfilling God's plan - and specifically His plan for our church and all those with whom we have contact. But our affiliation does matter, especially when it comes to interpreting Scripture and surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ. With that, I have personally seen God's great love in our discernment process, and a call to a new home in the EPC with essential tenets of faith by which we can live out our purpose in clarity and community. All the while inviting others to know a saving faith in Jesus, helping those around us who are hurt, and growing to maturity in Christ!
	Karen Leland Let's be clear. Chapel Hill exists primarily to serve Christ in our Gig Harbor community, and all are welcome here. Each person who walks through our doors deserves to feel respected, safe and without fear of harassment. Therefore, the pastors and elected leaders of our church need to be beyond reproach. The difficult decision to seek dismissal from the PC(USA) demonstrates our resolve to uphold God's Word as our ultimate authority and Jesus Christ as "The Way, The Truth, and The Life.' I respect our Olympia Presbytery but have decided it is time to take a stand. Further, I agree that the EPC is the appropriate "landing place" for Chapel Hill.
	Art Moore I believe that we have found a home in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. As we got to know the EPC this year, we found agreement with our beliefs about who God is and the mission to which He has called us. My visit to the inaugural Presbytery of the Pacific in Sacramento helped convince me that members of the EPC practice what they preach. In the examination of pastors entering the EPC, I witnessed a strong stand for truth and doctrinal integrity combined with loving grace. In worship, around the meal table and in hallways, we enjoyed fellowship in Jesus as if we had known each other for a long time. We have asked God to guide us in this crucial decision, and I believe He has answered our prayers.
	Bill Pandiani Chapel Hill has been my church family for the last 22 years. I have been honored and glad and humbled to serve my church as an elder from 1994-97 and from 2010 to the present. I embrace our decision to seek alliance with the Presbytery of the Pacific and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, which is more closely aligned with CHPC's commitment to missions, evangelism and obedience to God's Word. I am excited to see what God has for us in this next chapter of Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church. God bless each and every one of you!
	Sheila Nesland With much prayer and discerning with the DCTF and fellow session members I am convinced that leaving the PC(USA) and joining the EPC is the best move for Chapel Hill. The EPC fits with our biblical and orthodox foundation. We wish to leave our present denomination in love and grace. We have fond memories and affection for people of the PC(USA), and they will be missed after years of affiliation. But we are looking forward to what God has planned for us in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
	Chip Slothower I have to confess, I have been through this process before with First Evangelical Church of Renton, of the EPC, which started as Renton First Presbyterian Church of the PC(USA). I grew up in that church, and when I was in junior high it went through the same process we are going through today. I have to say, it was much different then. The split was difficult and contentious. I am very proud of Chapel Hill. Not only have we taken the call to stay true to God's word seriously, we have done it in a way that shows grace and truth. It is not easy to go against our modern culture and stand up for what the Bible says, but we are doing it! We can rest assured that God will bless our faithfulness!
	Deanna Squyres As a new elder, this issue quickly became heavy on my heart, and I knew that I would eventually be called to vote on it. As I listened to all the pros and cons, more than anything I wanted God to let me know His stance, and I constantly bombarded Him with prayers begging Him for clear direction. In my personal Bible study in Kings I kept asking God, "What are you trying to tell me?" And I finally got it. God clearly revealed to me how destructive the acceptance of things that go against His Word can be, and how He chooses not to bless those who do. After meeting with a representative of the EPC, reading about who they are and what they believe, and listening to our representatives who have gone and experienced them, I believe that God has led Chapel Hill to this place at this time. My vote was a firm vote... for Christ.
	Sue Steensland Going through the Discernment Process with the DCTF has been a privilege. As we prayerfully sought God's leading for Chapel Hill, I took the opportunity to examine the essentials of my personal faith. I hope that many of us have done that as well. I am confident that our move to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church will support and further our mission. EPC leaders we have encountered have demonstrated a desire to serve the local church. I believe this is a positive association which will help us to serve God in our community and into the world.
	Sue Unterbrink If you've had the chance to visit the Evangelical Presbyterian Church website (epc.org), you have read that the EPC is "a church family centered upon the good news of what God has done for the world through His Son, Jesus Christ." This statement helps explain why I believe the EPC is God's answer to our earnest prayers for Chapel Hill. It is a family that supports its churches and its pastors. It is a denomination that is centered on the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ, and has non-negotiable tenets that guarantee that this will not change. And the EPC is a missional organization that is focused on spreading the Good News, both in our community and into the world. I have every hope that joining the EPC will strengthen our body, encourage our pastors and allow our church to reach many for Jesus' sake.
	Diana Wimber As I reflect on the many months that I've been a part of discerning God's leading regarding denominational issues, and particularly joining the EPC, I'm profoundly encouraged by how I've seen the hand of the Lord directing each step at a time. I do believe we're on a course of His leading, and being aligned theologically will mean greater freedom to do the work God has called us to here at Chapel Hill. Those of us who have had the privilege to see firsthand what the essentials are in the EPC have come away feeling blessed by the focus on prayer and the lordship of Jesus Christ. We've also seen the importance of unity and community among brothers and sisters in Christ put into practice. I have peace as I contemplate the future of Chapel Hill and its affiliation with the EPC.
	Judy Kuehn One of my favorite verses in Scripture is 2 Timothy 2:15 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." The EPC is a denomination that does not make excuses for Scripture, but rather stands firm with Scripture despite the call of our culture. I am encouraged by the "Essentials of the EPC," whose foundation is our triune God. Having attended Chapel Hill for fourteen years, I believe this move toward the EPC is the evidence of our deepening love for God and appreciation of His grace.
	DENOMINATIONAL CONCERNS TASK FORCE
	Greg Hammontree The decision to move to the EPC is a decision to remain true to what CHPC believes in. To do anything else would be a deviation from our core beliefs and would ultimately jeopardize our mission. I believe the move will renew our pastors and will bring a level of partnership with the denomination that has been missing for many years. I am eager to see all of our time and resources applied toward shared goals and interests without the distractions that have been increasingly present within the PC (USA).
	Debe Heitlauf As a deacon and member of our DCTF I have researched, discussed, considered and prayed about this issue for many months. With the changes in our current denomination over the years,  I am convinced that the PC (USA) and the direction they are headed is not in alignment with the scriptural teaching we have always heard from our pulpit and classrooms. After investigating all our options, I believe that a move to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is where God is calling us to be. Their Essentials perfectly align with what CH has always believed; nothing more and nothing less.
	Lance Hester After much prayer and study, I have concluded the EPC is the reformed denomination that most closely reflects Chapel Hill's beliefs and Biblical interpretations. Recognizing it is painful for those with longstanding roots to leave the PC (USA), the erosion that has occurred in the PC (USA)'s orthodoxy is no longer compatible with Chapel Hill. It is clear to me our pastors will be liberated to fully focus on ministry and won't be distracted by denomination politics. I believe this is paramount to our mission of presenting our members mature in Christ.
	Kimberly Fisher My husband and I became members of Chapel Hill in May 2005. Although I had accepted Jesus into my life as a child in Sunday school, I consider myself a "new" believer as I grapple with scripture while enjoying the journey. I have been blessed to serve (as a member of CHPC staff) on the Denominational Concern Task Force. What I have witnessed over and over is how deeply our elders and others care about this church. When I ask myself why the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is the right place for us, I am reminded to seek answers in God's Word. I believe with all my heart that there is one God, Creator of heaven and earth, and that we are called to be obedient to Him. I find comfort in knowing that Chapel Hill believes them too. As I leave my staff position, I am better equipped to continue these conversations outside our church walls and am excited to see what God's plan for Chapel Hill will be. My family and I continue attending as active members; I personally pledge to continue my part in working together to present everyone mature in Christ.
	Shari Monson It is not unusual for me to have to travel a bit before I land in a new place and feel at home. The journey I've made since May has taken me to Memphis for the EPC General Assembly, to Minneapolis for the Fellowship of Presbyterians, and most recently to Sacramento for the EPC Presbytery of the Pacific gathering on behalf of the DCTF. What I observed in California confirmed for me that the EPC will be a good home for Chapel Hill theologically, culturally, and missionally. I am convinced this move is right for my church and I am grateful to have shared the journey to this place.

 

TOWN HALL MEETINGS

 

Town Hall Meeting #1: 5/22/2011 (audio)

Town Hall Meeting #2: Pastor Jim Mead, 6/15/2011 (audio & text)

Pastor Jim's teaching on the authority and interpretation of Scripture.

Town Hall Meeting #2: Pastor Mark Toone, 6/15/2011 (audio & text) [Recommended]
Pastor Mark's teaching about the PC (USA).

Town Hall Meeting #3: Track 1: 7/13/2011 (audio, about 25 minutes)
Introductions, Pastor Jeremy Vaccaro; The Process of Discernment, Elder Diana Wimber, Chapel Hill; Where Will We Land? Elder Art Moore, Chapel Hill

 

 

Town Hall Meeting #3: Track 2: 7/13/2011 (audio, about 22 minutes)

Comments from Olympia Presbytery; Rev. Lynn Longfield, General Presbyter; Tony Cook, Stated Clerk of Presbytery; Elder Julie Johnson, Westminster Presbyterian Church [Recommended]

 

 

Town Hall Meeting #3: Track 3A: 7/13/2011 (audio)

Questions & Answers Moderator - Greg Hammontree

 

 

Town Hall Meeting #3: Track 3B 7/13/2011

Questions & Answers Moderator - Greg Hammontree (audio)

 

 

Town Hall Meeting #3: Track 4: 7/13/2011 (about 3 minutes)

Closing Comments & Prayer - Elder Sue Steensland, Chapel Hill

 

 

Town Hall Meeting #4: 9/28/2011

EPC Pastor Nancy Duff and Dr. Jeff Jeremiah, the Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

 

 

Town Hall Meeting #4: Q&A: 9/28/2011
EPC Pastor Nancy Duff and Dr. Jeff Jeremiah, the Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church answer questions about their denomination.

 

Town Hall Meeting #5: 10/23/2011 [Documents will soon be available]

 

 

 

RESOURCES

 

 

ONGOING DISCERNMENT PROCESS DOCUMENTS

 

Letter from the Session to the Congregation Members 10/13/2011

Discernment Process Timeline 9/12/2011

 

Verses for Reflection 9/12/2011

 

Letter Regarding Denominational Concerns 5/9/2011 (text)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Denominational Concerns (text)

Submit Questions to the Denominational Concerns Task Force

Discerning God's Leading Together (text)

The Big Questions: Is Homosexuality Sin? 6/14/2009, Pastor Mark Toone (audio & text)

The Bible and the Practice of Homosexuality by James Edwards (text)

 

We, the Session of Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, reaffirm the following:

 

Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and any decision which we make that is not in accordance with the Lordship of Christ is idolatry;

 

The Holy Scriptures are the only infallible rule of faith and practice;

 

We hold with the witness of Scripture, the words of Jesus and the Church through all ages that "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" are the central and unalterable expressions we have been given to understand and speak of the Triune God;

 

Jesus Christ, who has commissioned us to tell the world about Him, continues to transform lives as we yield ourselves to His control and purpose;

 

We declare that we intend to comply fully with G6.0106b: "Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament."

 

Resolution of the Olympia Presbytery