Presbyterian Polity and Pastoral Care: Living Together as God's Community Syllabus Saturday, October 28 – 9:00 AM Topics: What do we mean by community? CRE Requirements Robert’s Rules of Order Overview of the Book of Order and the The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity Reading Assignment:

 Scripture: Matthew 16: 21‐28, Romans 12: 9‐21, Romans 13: 8‐14

 Book of Order 2017‐2019 ‐ Preface and The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, chapters 1‐3

 Book of Confessions: The Nicene , The Apostles’ Creed, and The Scot’s Confession

 David Lose – In the Meantime – Pentecost 14A – Christian Community

 Jonathan Yarboro – A Case Study in Mutual Forbearance Handouts:

 Rules for Debate and Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement

 Themes in the Reformed Confessions

 Roberts’ Rules of Order Handout

 The Thoughtful Christian: When Church People Disagree

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Saturday, November 4 – 9:00 AM Topics: Living in Community Caring for One Another Who is a leader? The Congregation and the Work of the Session Rules of Discipline (brief overview) Reading Assignment and Homework

 Book of Order Form of Government Chapters 1‐6

 Book of Confessions: The , The Second Helvetic Confession, and A Brief Statement of Faith

 Find a scripture passage relating to (1) leadership and (2) pastoral care. Handouts:

and Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

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Saturday, November 11 – 9:00 AM Topics: Worshiping in Community Pastoral Care in the Worshiping Community Responsibility for Worship Reading Assignment and Homework:

 Book of Order Directory for Worship Chapters 1‐5 (and review portions of Form of Government that relate to worship)

 Book of Confessions: The Westminster Confession of Faith, The Shorter Catechism, The Larger Catechism

 Find a scripture passage relating to (1) worship and (2) prayer. Handouts:

 A Guide to Worship Service

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Saturday, November 18 – 9:00 AM Topics: The Confessing Community The importance of Confessions in the life of the church Reading Assignment and Homework:

 Book of Confessions: The Theological Declaration of Barmen, The , The Belhar Confession

 After reading The Belhar Confession, using the categories outlined in the handout “Themes in the Reformed Confessions”, determine where the provisions of The Belhar Confession fit.

 Find a scripture passage relating to (1) confession and (2) forgiveness.

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