![]() ![]() The key facts were “first that a clergyman of only one denomination – Presbyterian – has been selected for 16 years second, that the chaplain is paid at public expense and third, that the prayers are in the Judeo-Christian tradition.” Id. The Court went on to determine whether the specific features of the Nebraska legislative prayers violated the Establishment Clause. The Court concluded: “This unique history leads us to accept the interpretation of the First Amendment draftsmen who saw no real threat to the Establishment Clause arising from a practice of prayer similar to that now challenged.” Id. Accordingly, in upholding the prayer practice, the Court placed great weight on the “unbroken history” of opening legislative sessions with prayer, a practice which had become “part of the fabric of our society.” Id. The Supreme Court noted that the practice of opening sessions of the United States Congress with prayer had continued without interruption since the First Congress drafted the First Amendment, and a similar practice had been followed for more than a century in Nebraska and in many other states. The prayers were given by a chaplain who was paid with public funds and the prayers were addressed to the legislative body. 783 (1983), upheld the Nebraska state legislature’s practice of opening sessions with a prayer. In 1983, the United States Supreme Court, in Marsh v. While it’s difficult to articulate a rule or framework that can be applied to every prayer practice or policy, I’ve attempted to identify the kinds of prayer practices that are legally acceptable and the kinds that are prohibited. That decision invalidated the prayer practice in Rowan County, North Carolina. This blog is longer than usual because it replaces earlier posts that summarized the key Supreme Court cases on this issue, and adds a summary of the latest decisions from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Court decisions have emphasized that the analysis in prayer cases is very fact specific, and each new case turns on its own set of facts and conclusions. If not done correctly, the prayer practice may violate the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution. and remember that changing habits and patterns is hard.Is it legal for local governments to open board meetings with a prayer? It can be, depending upon how it is done. ![]() Perhaps a short retreat or half-day session around some great snacks is the way to refocus and transform your committee. ![]() Talk together about improving the way you work together.Make contact and share the meeting discussion well before the next scheduled meeting so as everyone is included. Care for committee members who miss a meeting.Ask who in your community needs to experience God’s love and how your church can meet needs. Remind people that the mission of the church is "making disciples for Jesus Christ in order to change the world." Discuss what this means in your community.Invite quieter people to participate by asking if those who have not spoken want to add something.Everyone in the church is praying the same prayer that month One congregation sends prayers each month to leaders to use for opening and closing meetings.Celebrate successes and affirm and support those who continue to struggle. At the next meeting, take a few moments to ask how each person is doing with the request he or she had. Ask each person what the group can pray for him/her. The members of a committee can agree to pray for one another between meetings.Pray for Holy Spirit guidance, and pause during discussions to allow people to pay attention to God’s nudges. Often, people who gather light a candle and remind one another that God is present. Develop rituals that remind you that wherever two or three are gathered, Jesus promises to be there.An order for Evening Prayer is in the back of the United Methodist Hymnal.There is a guide at the end of each issue. Use the Upper Room Daily Devotional for meeting devotions.Over several meetings, have individuals share their hopes and dreams for their work. Have someone other than the pastor responsible for opening and closing the meeting.Trustees: Read Psalm 24:1 or Matthew 19:23 and consider the implications for trustee management of property. Discuss the implications for the nominating committee. A brief devotional time can remind people how their work in this meeting relates to the mission of the church and God’s world.Įxamples: Finance Committee: Read Acts 6:1-7 and briefly discuss why the first "Finance Committee" was formed! Nominations Committee: Read 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 and consider how God selects leaders. Begin each meeting with more than a prayer from the pastor.Leading transformation requires the courage to act differently! … from focus on our interests to focus on God’s business … From activity-centered church toward faith-forming community ![]()
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