MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING Presbytery of Grey Bruce Maitland. Camp Kintail, Ashfield, May 14, 2013

Transcription

1 The Presbytery of Grey-Bruce-Maitland, of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, met in regular session on May 14, in the year of our Lord two thousand and thirteen, at Camp Kintail, at 6:30, preceded by supper at 5:30. Opening Worship Presbytery was led in an Opening Worship by Rev. Theresa McDonald-Lee and the wonderful Camp Kintail Staff. Commissioning of General Assembly Commissioners Moderator, Rev. Jeanette Fleisher, commissioned the Commissioners to the 139th General Assembly who could be present. Constitution After the opening worship service, Moderator, Rev. Jeanette Fleischer, constituted the Presbytery of Grey-Bruce-Maitland a court of the Church with prayer. Educational Component Our guest speaker was Dave Adams from Gideons International. Dave shared how this 101 year old ministry, known for its hotel Bibles and Grade 5 New Testaments, are working to share the gospel of Christ and free copies of God s Word in new ways. Acknowledging challenges, including being excluded from public elementary schools, Dave spoke of many new initiatives the Gideons have undertaken, to continue to get the Word out. Attendance Ministers: Alan Barr, Shelly Butterfield-Kocis, Mark Davidson, Timothy Ferrier, Jeanette Fleischer, Donald Hill, Ian Johnston, Owen Kim, Peggy Kipfer, Jan MacInnes, Chuck Moon, Jeremy Sanderson, Creola Simpson, Susan Smith. Appendix: Peggy Kinsman, Doug Lennox, Ron Mulchey, James Wyllie. Elders: Doug Conley, Rodger Delion, Bob Elliott, Willa Faust, Susie Furlong, Joan Haldane, Erlma Haldenby, Gordon Hedges, Janet Henderson, Don Leatham, Lillian Leggett, Lyle Love, John MacDonald, Ron MacIntyre, Ray Mills, Joan Milne, Mae Raynard, Mary Sylver. Page 377

2 Others: John Gilbert, Robert Buchanan. Regrets Jim Johnson, Bernie Skelding, Carol Glenn, Randy Benson, Dana Benson, Alex McCombie. Bea Ewing, Lloyd Love, Andy Burgess. Permission to Withdraw Shelly Butterfield-Kocis at 9:00 pm., Gordon Hedges & Jim Wyllie at 9:00 pm., Ian Johnston at 8:30 pm., Robert Buchanan at 9:00 pm. Visitors Joyce MacDonald, Dale Gilcrest, Walter Dickie, Joanne Lennips, Don Bell. Adoption of Docket The docket was presented to the court. Moved by Alan Barr and seconded by Timothy Ferrier that the docket be adopted, as amended. Carried. Consideration of Minutes Minutes for the Regular Meeting April 9, 2013, were considered. Moved by Gordon Hedges and seconded by Donald Hill, that the Minutes be adopted, as presented. Carried Correspondence The following correspondence was presented to the court and directed as indicated: 1. Various Dates: 2012 Statistical Reports Received from: Westminster, Paisley Knox, Belmore St. Paul s, Glammis Knox, Stokes Bay 2. Apr. 10, 2013: from PCC, regarding new formula for Presbyterians Sharing allocations (10% of dollar base rather than 10% of congregational revenue). Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). Page 378

3 3. Apr. 12, 2013: correspondence from Christian Horizons Re summer student employment, received from Alan Barr. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 4. Apr. 16, 2013: from Wilma Welsh, Clerk Presbytery of Waterloo- Wellington, enclosing material Re Dr. Kennon Callahan workshop to be held on Monday, May 6th at Knox Waterloo. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 5. Apr. 16, 2013: form PCC Re Changes to the Rolls. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 6. Apr. 16, 2013: Elder s Institute e-news. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 7. Apr. 19, 2013: and attached letter from IM Ian Johnston regarding summer ministry for Ashfield and Ripley, and about questions regarding the manse in Ripley. Directed to Admin. Committee and Transitions Committee for information. 8. Apr. 20, 2013: from Herb Hilder, Clerk of Presbytery, Prince George BC, enclosing a Historical Certificate regarding Richard Moffatt. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 9. Apr. 23, 2013: from Ken Smith, Clerk of Presbytery of Paris ON, enclosing copy of letter sent to Synod of Southwestern Ontario and the Presbyteries within, regarding seeking a reduction in Synod dues for non-viable congregations. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 10. Apr. 24, 2013: PWS&D Mission Moments newsletter. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 11. Apr. 24, 2013: from Chuck Moon, Transitions Committee, enclosing new guidelines for exit interviews for presentation to the Court. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 12. Apr. 25, 2013: from Matthew Foxall, regarding Youth in Mission Taiwan Extension. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 13. Apr. 26, 2013: from PCC to Clerk re Presbytery Statistics submission. Directed to Clerk for reply and submission (already sent by ). Page 379

4 14. Apr. 29, 2013: April KinTales. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 15. Apr. 30, 2013: from PCC Ministry and Church Vocations, seeking information regarding candidates who were recently interviewed by the Education and Reception Committee. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 16. May 6, 2013: from Don Muir, PCC, enclosing resources for the Commissioners to General Assembly. Directed to Clerk for distribution to Commissioners (already sent by ). 17. May 6, 2013: and attached letter from Terri-Lee Hamilton, PCC, confirming Eileen Simpson as a Commissioner to General Assembly. Directed to Nominations Committee (already sent by ). 18. May 7, 2013: and attachments from Peggy Kipfer, Interim Moderator, Knox Meaford, forwarding copies of Profile for review by Presbytery. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 19. May 8, 2013: from Ted Creen, Huron Feathers, inquiring about the possibility of an alternate date for the June Presbytery meeting (requesting change to 18th from 11th). Directed to Admin. Committee. 20. May 9, 2013: from PCC advising General Assembly Book of Reports mailed to Commissioners. Directed to Nominations Committee (already forwarded by ). 21. May 10, 2013: from PCC, in follow up to missing Stat. Reports. Directed to Clerk for reply. 22. May 13, 2013: from Centre for Clergy Care and Congregational Health Re Mid-Career Stretch program, Crieff Hills, Sep , Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 23. May 13, 2013: April 2013 PCConnect Newsletter. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). 24. May 13, 2013: and attachments from Mark Davidson, Interim Moderator, Lucknow and South Kinloss, forwarding copy of Profile for review by Presbytery. Directed to Clerk for general distribution (already forwarded by ). Page 380

5 Moved by Timothy Ferrier and seconded by Susan Smith that the correspondence be received and distributed as indicated. Carried Administration Committee Presented by Timothy Ferrier. Committee Reports Timothy first noted the request received from Ted Creen, to move the June Presbytery meeting from June 11th to the 18th, given that the summer staff will not be there the week of the 11th. Explained to the Court that the change in the dates and length of General Assembly unexpectedly caused the early June 11th scheduling. Change of June Meeting Date: Moved by Timothy Ferrier and seconded by Chuck Moon, that the date for the June 2013 regular stated meeting of Presbytery be changed from June 11th to June 18, 2013, as requested by Ted Creen and Huron Feathers. Carried Notice of Motion: That the Administration Committee will move, or caused to be moved, at the June meeting of Presbytery, June 18th, 2013, at Huron Feathers, that the Standing Orders be changed, that the June Regular Stated Meeting of Presbytery be held the third (3rd) Tuesday of June, so that on years when the meeting is hosted by Huron Feathers, the staff will be in place. SPARK Team Presentation Co-Conveners Mary Sylver and Alan Barr, and John Gilbert, made a presentation to Presbytery. On April 9th, Presbytery passed a Motion giving the SPARK Team a redefined mandate, to introduce a process for all congregations to engage in a study to discern their strengths and areas for development, in seeking to be a blessing to their community in the name of Jesus Christ. The community in question, being the broader community of our entire community of all the congregations within our Presbytery. Page 381

6 1. Asset Inventory: This presentation introduced the first step in the SPARK Team s new Mandate, being creation of a Presbytery wide asset inventory of our collective resources. To accomplish this, the Team distributed an Asset Inventory, which is to be completed and submitted by June 11th. The Team also gave an overview of what else lies ahead in the process that will eventually facilitate the completion and implementation of a Presbytery-Wide Visioning process by June Regional Panning Tables/Groups: This process will include the formation and implementation of Regional Planning Tables by June Six Proposed groups were presented by the Team. These are geographically and needs-based groups of congregations, brought together to investigate the opportunities for cooperative ministry within their mutual congregations. The examples of cooperative ministry presented were: shared administration, mergers, Christian education, Pulpit exchange, amalgamations, 2 point charges, lay worship leaders & clusters. 3. Continue to Work With Those Congregations That Identify a Willingness to Work On Cooperative Ministry: The SPARK Team will also continue to work with all the congregations that have already identified a willingness and are starting to work toward cooperative Ministry. 4. NCD Process October 2013: The next step will be commencement of a Natural Church Development process in October 2013, by all our congregations. 5. Planning for Collaborative Ministry - Nov to Mar. 2014: The next step will be planning (and implementing), within our Regional Planning Tables/Groups, collaborative ministry within each group. 6. Presbytery-Wide Vision - By June 2014: Page 382

7 The SPARK Team asks that all congregations move forward with perseverance and an acknowledgement that the Vision we seek through this process is not our own, but is a discernment of what God wants our vision to be, as we go forward to fulfil His Mission of spreading the Gospel to all corners of the world (including within our own Presbytery). Nominations Committee Timothy Ferrier asked that anyone who has not submitted their Nomination for Moderator for , and their Committee request, do so at the meeting, or as soon as possible by , to him or Bernie Skelding. Temporary Change to Committee Structure Timothy Ferrier advised the Court of the need and desire for a temporary change to the Presbytery Committee structure, and delivered the following Notice of Motion: Notice of Motion Re Temporary Change to Committee Structure Preamble: Due to: the limited human resources within Presbytery; growing clergy fatigue; increasing reliance on retired clergy due to the number of vacancies, especially chronic vacancies; and the perceived need to focus energy on the renewal and reorganization of pastoral charges within Presbytery for the future; the Nominations Committee will move or caused to be moved at the June meeting of the GBM Presbytery, that the following changes be implemented in the Presbytery regarding it's working committees for the two year period of Sept 2013 to Sept 2015: 1. Worship and Missions Alive Committees will take a two year sabbath (i.e. will not actively function); 2. SPARKS and Nominations sub-committees will act as Standing Committees for the two year period with representation on the Admin committee; 3. worship at each meeting of presbytery be led by the hosting congregation under the leadership of its Minister, Interim Minister or Interim Moderator; Page 383

8 4. urgent Missions Alive matters will be dealt with directly by the Admin Committee or delegated as the Admin. sees fit; and that no one on the Roll or Appendix of Presbytery be asked to serve on more than one Standing Committee or Sub-committee of Presbytery for this two year period, except for short-term emergent and/or urgent matters. Care of Congregations Committee Jan MacInnes: nothing to report. Care of Ministers Committee Peggy Kipfer: nothing to report. Missions Alive Committee Bernie Skelding absent: nothing to report. Transitions Committee Presented by Chuck Moon. Meaford & Lucknow / South Kinloss Profiles: Profiles were distributed by for Knox Meaford and for Lucknow and South Kinloss, for consideration by Presbytery. Chuck reported that their Committee reviewed both Profiles and found them to be in order. Moved by Ian Johnston and seconded by Susie Furlong, that Knox Meaford be permitted to circulate its Profile. Carried. Moved by Ian Johnston and seconded by Susie Furlong, that Lucknow and South Kinloss be permitted to circulate its Profile. Carried. Chuck also shared that the members of their Committee commented that both of these were stand out Profiles. St. Andrew s Hanover: Moved by Ian Johnston and seconded by Susie Furlong, that after discussion with the Rev. Donald Hill, the Transitions Committee agree to support the decision of the Page 384

9 Session of St. Andrew s Hanover, in their decision to deny the request received from Rev. Donald Hill, for leave to teach CPE during the interim ministry. Carried. Exit Interview Guidelines: Chuck next referenced the new Exit Interview Guidelines that had been distributed by for review, and consideration by the Court. Moved by Mark Davidson and seconded by Ian Johnston, that Presbytery Adopt the new Guidelines as presented. Carried Worship Committee Jim Johnson not present: nothing to report Moved by Jeremy Sanderson and seconded by Timothy Ferrier, that the Committee Report be accepted, as presented. Carried. Sharing The Good News Timothy Ferrier extended a big thank you to all the people who attended Geneva in support of their recent performance by the York Regional Male Police Choir. He noted the event was an overwhelming success - sharing how he had never seen so many people in Geneva, except perhaps for Rev. Alex McCombie s retirement. Mary Sylver also shared the success enjoyed by Southampton, together with Burgoyne and Port Elgin, in their recent hosting of the Gladys Sims Children s Rally. Announcements Bernice Gown shared upcoming Gospel Concert sponsored by Cornerstone Tara, May 24th, at 7:30 pm. Erlma Haldenby shared that Kinlough will be celebrating their 150th Anniversary this coming Sunday, with a special 2:00 pm. service. Alan Barr shared that St. Andrew s Chatsworth will be celebrating 157th Anniversary on May 26th, and Jan MacInnes will be the guest speaker. Ron Mulchey shared how both he and Doug Lennox recently attended the 50th anniversary of their graduation, at Knox College. Page 385

10 Walter Dickie, Clerk of Session for South Kinloss, shared the very special service they enjoyed last Sunday, featuring the Community Brass Band, with worship featuring the theme Inclusion and including participation from a number of individuals from Wingham and area Community Living. Lillian Leggatt noted that Tiverton will be hosting a performance by Midnight Harmony on June 15th at 7 pm., featuring gospel county music, free admission with donations going to support the tower restoration. Theresa McDonald-Lee, director of our host, Camp Kintail, shared numerous details of a number of the upcoming events being held at Our Camp, including: Jr. High Retreat June 7th-9th Run the Lane fundraiser, in support of the Campership Fund June 9th Cake by the Lake June 27th, in support of building accessibility ramps to the beach Two New Events: Sr. High Retreat - last weekend in October Confirmation Retreat - second-last weekend in October Jan MacInnes also shared an upcoming event in support of the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Mary Sylver shared an upcoming presentation in support of the Alzheimer s Society. Owen Kim reminded everyone about the 2:00 pm. Outdoor Service in celebration of Kinlough s 150th Anniversary this coming Sunday, noting that there will be a special presentation by the Men s Choir from the Korean Church in Toronto. Adjournment On Motion of Alan Barr, Moderator Rev. Jeanette Fleischer, adjourned the court with prayer and called it next to meet in regular session on June 18th, 2013, at Huron Feathers, Sauble Beach, with Supper at 5:30 and the meeting at 6:30 pm. Administration to next meet on June 4, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in Walkerton. Moderator Clerk Page 386