Guess What? A Letter from Gary Erickson (Sunday School Director)

#1 11-30-2007, 10:35 AM

Dear SS Team,

I was born into and raised in the UPCI. I was reared in a pastor’s home where I was taught to love the fellowship, corporate with the programs, give to the fund drives, go to the events, and respect the leaders. This philosophy permeates my mindset. I have held licenses with this fellowship for 32 years and this inherited philosophy has not changed. Not all of the decision we make as a fellowship please me. Nevertheless, I still love the fellowship. It is from this premise that I send you this email.

With the permission of Brothers Hurley and Travis, I am sending you their thoughts. If I can just help one person it is worth being misunderstood. Although I was young at the time, I remember the AMF event and the sad aftermath. I have relatives that went that way and suffered as a result. Over the past few days it has been déjà vu. It is my prayer that the letters below will be of some help to you.

For your information: Since the 2007 General Conference we have lost 15 ministers and gained 25.

God bless,

Gary D. Erickson
General Sunday School Director

I just received this letter a few days ago, as it was forwarded to me. It is interesting the gain and loss stats, though I question how they numbers were arrived at. I am not posting the letters reference in the letter, as they have already been posted on this site.

BoredOutOfMyMind · #2 11-30-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pentecostisalive

For your information: Since the 2007 General Conference we have lost 15 ministers and gained 25.

crakjak · #3 11-30-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pentecostisalive

Dear SS Team,

I was born into and raised in the UPCI. I was reared in a pastor’s home where I was taught to love the fellowship, corporate with the programs, give to the fund drives, go to the events, and respect the leaders. This philosophy permeates my mindset. I have held licenses with this fellowship for 32 years and this inherited philosophy has not changed. Not all of the decision we make as a fellowship please me. Nevertheless, I still love the fellowship. It is from this premise that I send you this email.

With the permission of Brothers Hurley and Travis, I am sending you their thoughts. If I can just help one person it is worth being misunderstood. Although I was young at the time, I remember the AMF event and the sad aftermath. I have relatives that went that way and suffered as a result. Over the past few days it has been déjà vu. It is my prayer that the letters below will be of some help to you.

For your information: Since the 2007 General Conference we have lost 15 ministers and gained 25.

God bless,

Gary D. Erickson
General Sunday School Director

I just received this letter a few days ago, as it was forwarded to me. It is interesting the gain and loss stats, though I question how they numbers were arrived at. I am not posting the letters reference in the letter, as they have already been posted on this site.

Leaders are required to lead, this is a honest attempt to lead, in my opinion. May God give the UPC leadership clarity and wisdom to go forward in a way that will give glory to God our Creator.

Nahum · #4 11-30-2007, 10:52 AM

Blah, blah, blah.

crakjak · #5 11-30-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Blah, blah, blah.

Still under the bridge, huh?

Barb · #6 11-30-2007, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakjak

Still under the bridge, huh?

PP is troubled, as are many...I have a pastor brother in the same place.

I am praying for all...

Nahum · #7 11-30-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakjak

Still under the bridge, huh?

It's spin, pure and simple.

Lets see... the SS director, HM director and several DS' have now sent emails to calm the restless natives.

Why?

If there is a net gain, why the need for a letter?

crakjak · #8 11-30-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

It's spin, pure and simple.

Lets see... the SS director, HM director and several DS' have now sent emails to calm the restless natives.

Why?

If there is a net gain, why the need for a letter?

Of course, it is spin, also called putting the best face on a bad situation, what would you expect. Your in withdrawal, bro you will move beyond the need for detox, turn your face toward Jesus and don't let the UPC be an obsession, it will deter you from what God has for you to do.