Omena Presbyterian is what we call a “seasonal church.” Each Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend we welcome preachers from different denominations and different parts of the country. They are joined by a host of talented musicians from all over Michigan who lead us in worship. So if you don’t like what you hear this week come back again and hear a different perspective!
That being said, Omena is a Presbyterian church. So for those not familiar with our branch of Christianity, here are just a few of the principles that guide us in living out our faith. We believe that faith and reason go hand in hand. We may not be able to reason our way to God, but we think God gave us a brain for a reason. So for example, it is not just reasonable, but faithful to believe that God created the world AND to support the theory of evolution. Science, we believe, is a gift from God, not the enemy of faith.
That said, we are realistic about our human nature. Genesis says we are a combination of the breath of God AND the mud of the earth- a poetic way of saying that we are capable of both amazing and terrible things. That understanding influences the way we organize ourselves in the church and the way we think about secular government. You may know that America’s republic was modeled after the Presbyterian form of government. So we believe in the rule of law as laid out in a constitution. No one is above the law, and no one is beneath it either. So everyone- no exceptions- is entitled to due process and their day in court.
And we believe in a balance of power. In the church that means that members elect lay leaders, who have as much say in the deliberations of the church as do clergy. In secular affairs we affirm the need for a healthy tension between executive, legislative, and judicial branches. When any of those abdicate their responsibility or usurp another’s we see red flags.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we believe that everyone, of any denomination or faith or no faith is a child of God. So you will often find Presbyterians involved in all kinds of ecumenical and interfaith activities and advocating for programs and funding for God’s children near and far who are most in need. So we affirm the ordination of women, and the marriage of LGBQ partners. And we believe our secular leaders must zealously protect the rights of all individuals- no exceptions.
And so, whoever you are, and wherever you have been, you are welcome at Omena Presbyterian. Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m. Come join us!
Rev. Peter Moore, Moderator Omena Presbyterian Church
