PRESBYTERY REPORTS MAY From the Stated Clerk

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1 PRESBYTERY REPORTS MAY 2018 From the Stated Clerk The Stated Clerk reports that she: o Appointed the Rev. Lyman Smith to moderate the March 11, 2018 congregational meeting of New Hope Presbyterian Church. o Appointed the Rev. Ed Taylor to moderate the March 13, 2018 session meeting of Silver Spring Presbyterian Church. o Dismissed the Rev. David McNeilly to New Hope Presbytery effective February 13, o Appointed the Rev. Lyman Smith to moderate Neelsville Presbyterian Church session and congregational meetings. o Appointed the Rev. Lyman Smith to moderate the April 8, 2018 congregational meeting of Potomac Presbyterian Church. o Dismissed the Rev. Jacalyn Thomas to New Hope Presbytery effective March 13, o Appointed the Rev. Diane Hutchins to moderate the June 24, 2018 congregational meeting of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church. The Stated Clerk reports that Trinity Presbytery approved the request for Rev. Mark Tidd to celebrate the Lord s Supper at the Fellowship of Christian Military Ministries event in Eastover, SC on March and that this Labor Outside the Bounds is permitted by NCP Policy. The Stated Clerk reports the following resignations from committees/commissions: o Jim Dykstra, Committee on Ministry The Stated Clerk reports that she has implemented the plan adopted by presbytery in May 2015 for the equalization of ruling elder-commissioners and teaching eldercommissioners eligible to vote at presbytery meetings, as mandated in the Book of Order g , with the following results: Ministers resident within the bounds at 12/31/17: 300 Elder-commissioners by church membership: 230 Ruling elders serving on Leadership Council 8 Ruling elders chairing committees/commissions 8 Certified Christian Educators who are ruling elders 1 Exempt staff officers who are ruling elders 2 Needed for equalization: 61

2 So, the Stated Clerk has allocated an additional elder-commissioner to 61 congregations regardless of membership size beginning with Colesville Presbyterian Church and ending with Rockville Presbyterian Church as listed in the National Capital Presbytery Directory. The Stated Clerk has informed the ruling elders who are entitled to voice and vote of their status and has informed the churches of their commissioner allocations. The Stated Clerk reports the names of Permanent Judicial Commission members whose terms have expired in the last six years: Class of 2012 Rev. Donna Marsh Class of 2013 Ruling Elders John Davidovich, Rufus McKinney, and Lora Tredway Class of 2015 Ruling Elder Devarieste Curry Class of 2017 Rev. Chien-Di Hung and Rev. Leslie Klingensmith, Ruling Elder Mary Hobbie The Stated Clerk reports the following information submitted by churches in their Annual Statistical Reports:

3 Presbytery Report 2017 Presbytery Number Name National Capital Address Rockville Pike #1009 City/State Rockville, MD Phone Web Site Fax Membership Prior Active Members Gains Losses 17 & Under 195 Certified & Over 478 Deaths 333 Certified 257 Other 2022 Other 270 Total Gains 1200 Total Losses 2759 Total Active Members Baptized 2947 Other Participants 1196 Total Adherents Female Members Average Attendance Affiliate Members 122 Baptisms Officers Child Baptisms 355 Male Session 508 Adult Baptisms 33 Female Session 563 Male Deacons 280 Female Deacons 557 Age Distribution of Active Members Male Femaie 25 & Under Over Total Distribution

4 People with Disabilities Hearing 471 Sight 138 Mobility 531 Other 276 Christian Education Birth Grade Age Grade Kindergarten 386 Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Young Adults 610 Grade Over Grade Teachers/Officers 1724 Total Racial Ethnic Breakdown Membership Elders Deacons Male Female Asian Black African American African Middle Eastern Hispanic Native American White Other Totals Potential Giving Units 14,442 Budgeted Income 54,312,594 Budgeted Expense 56,527,984 Receipts Regular Contributions 45,786,992 Bequests 4,115,078 Capital Building Fund 7,116,442 Other Income 8,804,868 Investment Income 3,250,746 Subsidy or Aid 161,992 Expenditures Local Program 47,323,250 Per Capital Apprt 999,406 Local Mission 2,569,563 Validated Mission 943,829 Capital Expenditures 7,577,115 Theological Fund 51,936 Investment Expenditures 1,862,779 Other Mission 2,296,653

5 The Stated Clerk reports that the Sessions of these congregations did not submit the required statistical reports for 2017: Community Presbyterian Church Taiwanese Presbyterian Church of Washington, DC Neelsville Presbyterian Church Furnace Mountain Presbyterian Church Litchfield Presbyterian Church The Stated Clerk reports that the Sessions of these congregations did not present their books for review during the Fall 2017-Spring 2018 review term: Community Eastminster Fifteenth Street Furnace Mountain Geneva Knox Litchfield Neelsville Northern Virginia Korean Northminster Riverdale Riverside Rockville United Sargent Memorial The Rock From the Leadership Council Minutes from meetings April 4 and May 2, NCP LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING Minutes April 4, 2018 God is doing a new thing, now it springs forth. Do you perceive it? Isaiah 43:19 Sent by the Triune God to be agents of salvation, reconciliation and justice, we empower and challenge our congregations to be Missional, Pastoral and Prophetic Present: Leadership Council: Charles Barber, Bill Plitt, Quinn Fox, Elsie Reid, Lee Bishop, Cameron Byrd, Pat Futato, Denise Anderson Excused: Laura Cunningham, Therese Taylor- Stinson, Beth Goss Absent: Rudy Cohen, Dave McClung

6 NCP Staff: Wilson Gunn, Sara Coe, LaJuan Quander, Todd McCreight, Karen Chamis, Jan Moody Guest: Mary Beth Lawrence, TE, Gaithersburg PC, Chair of Neelsville Discernment Team Meeting began with Charles Barber s and Wilson Gunn s remembrance of the prophetic and compassionate ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50 th anniversary of his assassination. Meeting was then opened with prayer and called to order at 12:40. Guest Mary Beth Lawrence was seated. The following reports were presented: Neelsville PC Mary Beth Lawrence gave a report on the March 25, 2018 Neelsville Advisory vote. (see Attachment 1). The discernment team recommended LC approve and recommend to presbytery the following motion: Upon recommendation of the Neelsville Discernment Team, the Leadership Council regretfully moves that the presbytery dismiss Neelsville Presbyterian Church from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) on the effective Date of Dismissal as defined herein and authorizes the President, Secretary, and Treasurer of National Capital Presbytery, Inc. to finalize and execute the agreement incorporating the terms of dismissal. The Effective Date of Dismissal will be on the date the following have been completed: National Capital Presbytery votes to dismiss Neelsville to ECO. Neelsville and National Capital Presbytery complete an agreement incorporating the terms of dismissal, which terms include a dismissal amount of $960,027 to be paid by Neelsville to National Capital Presbytery and requires a quitclaim deed subject to reversionary interest. Neelsville pays to Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program the amount owed on Neelsville s loan in the approximate amount of $385,000. Neelsville pays National Capital Presbytery its expenses incurred in the dismissal process. ECO confirms in writing to the Stated Clerk of National Capital Presbytery that it will be receiving Neelsville Presbyterian Church as a member congregation concurrently with the dismissal from the National Capital Presbytery. Neelsville provides its original minutes and rolls and registers to the Stated Clerk of National Capital Presbytery. Neelsville certifies in writing to the Stated Clerk of National Capital Presbytery that it has sent a letter (to be approved by NCP) to all congregants informing them that the PC(USA) welcomes all who wish to remain in the PC(USA) and notifying them to

7 contact the Stated Clerk of the National Capital Presbytery who will arrange a membership transfer to a PC(USA) church. Neelsville pays to NCP any bequests to the PC(USA) or NCP that it holds and certifies that no or no more such bequests exist. Neelsville certifies in writing to the Stated Clerk of National Capital Presbytery that any members of Neelsville as of March 26, 2018 who elect not to maintain membership at Neelsville after it is dismissed to ECO will have the same rights of access to and burial in the Neelsville cemetery as if they were members of Neelsville once it has been dismissed to ECO. The Stated Clerk of NCP sends to the Stated Clerk of ECO a letter dismissing Neelsville Presbyterian Church. Approved Community PC Sara Coe reported that the Administrative Commission met on April 3 and will meet again on April 25. The AC is drafting a letter to members of the congregation. General Presbyter Nominating Committee Sara reported that the committee will meet for the first time on April 5 at National PC. Sara has sent the committee materials from the LC Task Force and will attend the April 5 meeting. New location for Presbytery Office Todd reported that the current 10-year lease for the NCP office at Rockville Pike, expires July He is researching possible new locations. He recommends hiring a real-estate broker to help with the search. Members of the LC expressed support for the hiring of a broker. Changes to NCP Financial Policy regarding annual pastors retreat Todd gave the rationale for continuing the event. The following motion was presented: to approve and recommend to presbytery, upon recommendation from Leadership Council, the following change to the Presbytery Financial Policy: Amend lines to delete three over-night or two-night retreats and replace the current wording with an annual retreat Amend line 549 to delete next three to four years and replace the current language with next nine years Amend line 550 to delete 2018 and replace the current number with 2023 Rationale - The Parish Pastor Retreat has become a highly valued event tending to the relational fabric of the Presbytery over the three years it has taken place. This is an event that is worth continuing. There is $63,400 remaining in the fund. The retreat expense is around $16,000 per year, thus there is funding for at least three more years,

8 perhaps four. Partial funding may even be available for After funding is exhausted the Presbytery may choose to pick up this expense through its operating fund budget. Approved Recommendation from Moderator and Nominating Committee for re-nomination of NCP Treasurer Bill Plitt presented the following motion (during which Todd McCreight left the meeting): to approve and recommend to presbytery, upon recommendation from Leadership Council and the Nominating Committee, the re-nomination of Todd McCreight as Treasurer for a three-year term. Approved March 20 presbytery meeting Bill gave a summary of the evaluations from the last presbytery meeting and gave an update on the May 22 meeting with Rev. J Herbert Nelson preaching. Concern was expressed in one of the evaluations about the new rules for Open Space and that there will be no meal provided beginning in May. After the September meeting, the meal decision will be re-evaluated. Announcements Karen Chamis reported that the next Volunteer Gala, hosted by the LC will be on May 20 at Saint Mark PC and invited LC to discuss possible new ways of recognizing volunteers in the future. She also reported on plans for Wilson s retirement celebration. The meeting closed with prayer at 2:10 PM. The next LC meeting is May 2. Elsie Reid will lead the devotion.

9 Attachment 1 Analysis of the Neelsville Advisory Vote March 25, 2018 The NCP Disaffiliation Process provides that a Discernment Team will consider recommending that a congregation be considered for dismissal if 60% of the members cast an advisory vote, with 80% of those favoring leaving the PCUSA. 352 Membership of Neelsville 173 Members voted (49%) 179 Did not vote The vote took place on Palm Sunday. Neelsville was concerned about the number of people who were not able to vote that day and provided two lists of members who would not be able to vote one had 99 members listed; the other had 108 members listed. The reasons they wouldn t be able to vote were: out of country, out of state, in college outside of Montgomery County, away on March 25, Special Needs adult, moved and attending another church, homebound, elderly or ill, asked to be removed but not officially off rolls, name still on rolls only because spouse attends Neelsville, moved away but not yet off rolls, inactive for more than 1 year and in process to be removed. Of those on the 108 member list of people who wouldn t be able to vote, 15 did vote. Therefore, according to the information from Neelsville, 93 wouldn t be voting for one of the above reasons. 352 Membership of Neelsville 93 Had reason they would not be voting 259 Membership Neelsville would like to use for purposes of the analysis 259 Corrected Membership per Neelsville 173 Members voted (67%) 86 Did not vote Of the 173 who voted, 148 were in favor of leaving the PCUSA and 25 were opposed to leaving the PCUSA = 86% Favor Leaving = 14% Favor Staying

10 NCP LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 2, 2018 God is doing a new thing, now it springs forth. Do you perceive it? Isaiah 43:19 Sent by the Triune God to be agents of salvation, reconciliation and justice, we empower and challenge our congregations to be Missional, Pastoral and Prophetic Leadership Council: Charles Barber, David McClung, Lee Bishop, Laura Cunningham, Quinn Fox, Therese Taylor- Stinson, Elise Reid, Bill Plitt, Beth Goss Excused: Denise Anderson, Pat Futato, Cameron Byrd Absent: Rudy Cohen Staff: Wilson Gunn, LaJuan Quander, Todd McCreight, Sara Coe, Karen Chamis, Jan Moody Guests: Stephen Smith- Cobbs, TE, Trinity Herndon, Chair, COM; Mark Stunder, RE, Boyds, Chair, Budget and Finance; Susan Etherton, RE, Arlington; Carrie Yearick, TE, Boyds, Chair, CDC Devotion/Call to Order Meeting began at 12:30 with prayer led by Bill Plitt. Elsie Reid led the devotion highlighting the ministry of James Bryan, known as Brother Bryan, Presbyterian minister in Birmingham, Alabama whose life and ministry are recounted in the 1934 biography Religion in Shoes. Charles Barber called the meeting to order. COM Annual Report Chair of COM, Stephen Smith-Cobbs, presented the COM annual report. (Attachment A) Motion: that the Leadership Council receive with gratitude the annual report from Committee on Ministry. Approved Sara Coe presented the COM recommendation to Leadership Council and presbytery to approve the NCP Child and Youth Protection Policy. (Attachment B) Motion: that the Leadership Council approve and recommend to presbytery, upon recommendation from COM, the adoption of the NCP Child and Youth Protection Policy. Approved Nominating Committee Wilson Gunn presented a report from the Nominating Committee with names for the 2021 Class of the Nominating Committee. Motion: to approve the following nominations for the 2021 Class of the Nominating Committee: Laura Hollister, TE, Berwyn PC

11 Judith Wenig, RE, Darnestown PC Rebecca Messman, TE, Trinity Herndon PC Approved 2019 Mission Budget Guidance Number Mark Stunder, Chair, Budget and Finance, presented a Budget Guidance Memo and 2019 Mission Budget Guidance Number. Motion: that the $913,076 FY19 Mission Budget Guidance Number be approved and conveyed to the chairs of the Church Development Committee and the Mission Committee to guide the development of their budget requests for Approved There was discussion about long term financial planning. Todd gave an update on the progress of the Financial Plan Task Force, recruited in October 2017, that includes: TE Robert Laha (OPMH), NCP Staff, Todd McCreight, and Karen Chamis. They have met and plan to provide a report to LC on June 6, LaJuan gave an update on the Funding Initiative. (See LC Minutes, December 6, 2017 for initial report from consultant Tom Norwood). The Initiative has completed phase one and is in the process of completing phase 2 with the goal of presenting a report to LC in Request from Arlington PC Karen Chamis and Carrie Yearick gave an overview of the request from Arlington PC for withdrawal of funds from church sales proceeds. (Attachment C) Susan Etherton, RE, Arlington, PC answered questions. Leadership Council requested an update on the progress of the ministry plan. Motion: that the Leadership Council approve in accordance with paragraph 6.B. of the National Capital Presbytery Financial Policies ( ), upon request of the session of Arlington Presbyterian Church and recommendation from the Church Development Commission, withdrawal of funds from the Arlington Presbyterian Church sales proceeds in the amount of $486,000. This represents funds requested for its ministry plan implementation for 2018 and includes the annual salary/overhead for the neighborhood organizer, as well as funds for Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE), La Cocina (a nonprofit kitchen incubator), ASPIRE! (a literacy program targeting vulnerable students during their early elementary years), development of a garden/green space, website development and Nurture clergy catering. Arlington PC requests a one-time disbursement of the total to be used according to the ministry plan. Approved Endowment Spending Amounts for 2019 Budget Todd McCreight presented a recommendation from the Investment Committee. Motion: that the following spending amounts from NCP endowments and board-designated funds, as approved by the Investment Committee, April 12, 2018, be approved for inclusion in the 2019 Mission Budget:

12 Permanently Restricted Funds: Garden Endowment $ 0 Moravetz Endowment $ 0 Bovard (Scholarship) Endowment $ 889 Toland (Scholarship) Endowment $ 394 General Scholarship Fund $ 2,337 Board Designated Funds: NCP Scholarship Fund $37,021 Resurrection Fund $97,553 DC Resurrection Fund $34,150 Total all Funds $172,526 Approved NCP Annual Audit Elsie Reid presented the report and recommendation from the LC Audit Review Team of Elsie Reid, Pat Futato, and Charles Barber. Motion: that the Leadership Council approve and accept the 2017 audited financial statements. Approved Staff agreed to consider and document the segregation of financial duties to address, as far as possible, appropriate operational checks and balances given the limited number of staff employed. The Audit Review Team also recommended that the LC consider a change in the outside auditor going forward to provide a fresh look at NCP finances from time to time. NCP Social Media Guidelines LaJuan Quander presented rationale for guidelines. (Attachment D) Motion: that Leadership Council receive and approve the NCP Social Media Guidelines and authorize the Director of Communications to make decision under the Guidelines. Approved Updates Sara Coe reported that the Community PC AC had met and that letters had been sent to the members and pastor of Community PC. She also reported that the GP Search committee was meeting May 2 and will make a report and hear from the presbytery at the May presbytery meeting. Karen Chamis reported that she is recruiting members for the CDC team that will be working with the Garden Memorial PC Session to review and help to develop financial planning, strategic planning, Presbyterian polity, and leadership development.

13 Wilson Gunn was excused from the meeting and LC discussed plans for partnering with Personnel in the recognition of Wilson s tenure as NCP GP at the September presbytery meeting. The final plan is still to be determined. The meeting closed with prayer at 3:00. Next meeting: June 6 Devotion Leader: Denise Anderson

14 ATTACHMENT A COM REPORT TO NCP LEADERSHIP COUNCIL May 2, 2018 Setting the Scene: The work of the Committee on Ministry continues to happen in the midst of a time of change in the life and ministry of the Christian Church in general, the Presbyterian Church (USA) in particular, and every individual Christian congregation. In short, we Christians continue to be swimming in waters of transition. Here is the context in which we all seek to serve Christ and his church: - All congregations, however stable they may seem, are nonetheless in constant transition o This requires significant time and relational investment on the part of COM to help congregations follow paths which are pro-active, strategic, and healthy. - New models of church are more the future than traditional one o New Worshipping Communities and non-traditional congregations, immigrant fellowships o Such new models of church invite us into balance: what are the appropriate levels of risk and accountability that ensure the most talented, capable, accountable leadership possible for a congregation. - It is an era of high anxiety, which ratchets up conflict and dysfunction we attend to that with as much calm and grace as we can muster. - This era of anxiety means the COM needs to be especially attentive to working as partners in connecting churches and their leadership to the various resources of the presbytery including those beyond the COM itself. - The demands on church leaders are many. Pastors and elders are burning out and are frustrated. We care for them and try to provide opportunities to attend to their welfare, their self-care, and to get them to maintain healthy boundaries. As a COM, we are working toward creating a culture within our presbytery in which we can be seen as a partner to congregations, rather than a threat, coming alongside them as colleagues. We would like to shape a culture in which an Administrative Commission is not perceived as shameful and disciplinary, but as a significant and helpful investment by the presbytery in the life and ministry of a particular congregation who needs assistance in developing capacity for its future. We have created a Next Blessings team, whose purpose is to develop the process and toolkit that will help congregations who have come to the end of their lifespan to live into their legacy well.

15 We have trained leaders in our presbytery to work with leadership council and church development commission on Holy Cow -- analyze and communicate the results of diagnostic evaluations (called CAT scans) of a congregation s overall health, vitality and capacity. We are offering training opportunities on staff supervision and other topics. We are requiring and enforcing requirements for Healthy Boundaries trainings which explore dynamics of power, raise awareness of sexual misconduct, and encourage healthy leadership, now with particular attention to the concerns raised by the #MeToo movement. We are investing time and money in providing opportunities for retreats, for colleague groups, and especially for coaching for pastors serving in our presbytery. This past February we convened the first of what we hope will be regular meetings of representatives of the COM, the CDC, and Leadership Council to explore ways we can assist one another and work jointly to bring awareness of all possible presbytery resources as we work with our congregations and pastors. And perhaps most of all, we would like, in so far as it is possible, for every experience of COM exams, pastoral transition, dissolution, etc. to be one that is responsive, relational, gracious, and clear. Our primary work is accountability to each other and to the presbytery living out the ordination vows we ve taken. Accountability in the most positive form -- continually forming and deepening healthy, vital, faithful leaders and congregations. COM Documents - Questions from the Leadership Council 1. How does your committee support the presbytery mission? NCP s mission statement reads, We will provide care, oversight and accountability for teaching elders and educators. COM provides direct care, oversight, and accountability for teaching elders, educators, and sessions so that congregations in our presbytery are well-poised to carry out their unique mission calling. Currently in our presbytery there are: 108 congregations 8 fellowships There are 351 Minister Members of the presbytery. 58 pastors in congregations 10 Co-Pastors in congregations

16 25 associate pastors in congregations 17 interim pastors 5 temporary supply pastors 14 stated supply pastors 7 associate stated supply pastors 48 validated specialized ministries 60 at-large members 107 honorably retired COM carries our work by empowering five different teams. The Examinations Team examines candidates transferring into our presbytery or changing calls within our presbytery. These teams continue to work with candidates to ensure the theological and pastoral competence required for teaching elders in the variety of ministry contexts in this presbytery. Mick Burns serves as chair and Susan Querry Grayson serves as vice-chair for the Examinations Team. The Care Team is engaged in an ambitious listening project in which every minister member and certified educator in the presbytery is offered a listening ear by a trained member of the team over a four-year cycle. The Care Team provides grants for church leaders to attend continuing education events or facilitate colleague groups. The Care Team supports pastors by remembering clergy ordinations and showing compassion to those with illness or loss. The team conducts Exit Interviews with those leaving their current staff positions, and helps the executive presbyter welcome new clergy into the presbytery. The Care Team is also responsible for the annual clergy/educator retreat that has, for two years running, received a very positive response from the presbytery. Chuck Booker chairs the Care Team. The Ministry Relations Team (MRT) blends care, oversight and accountability for members of the presbytery and congregations through its work in crisis engagement and conflict management. The MRT has spent a significant amount of energy this year in working with congregations and pastors on negotiated dissolutions of the pastoral relationship, including a revision of that policy to make it clearer for all parties involved. When conflict is present in a congregation, MRT offers listening sessions -- a process through which the hopes, and concerns of a congregation can come to the fore for processing. The MRT also takes the lead in working with a congregation in need of an administrative commission. Finally, the MRT oversees the expenditure of the Clergy Crisis Funds to support pastors and their families in particular hardship. Lisa Rzepka and Aaron Fulp-Eickstaedt co-chair the Ministry Relations Team. The Congregational Transitions Commission provides oversight to every move made in, out, and within a congregation. The CTC works with congregations from the moment a pastor communicates her intention to leave a position through the calling of a new pastor. CTC works through liaisons who become the face of the CTC to the session and congregation and work with

17 them to determine the appropriate type of call (installed, designated, stated supply, etc.), ensure good fit, healthy financial picture (including minimum salary requirements and benefits), and all the appropriate legal and immigration requirements have been met. This includes overseeing the process for receiving ministers from other denominations. CTC works with Gap and Interim pastors to ensure that congregations have the appropriate pastoral coverage during times of transition and offers scholarships for interim ministry training. Lyman Smith and Harriet Hopkins co-chair this commission. The Specialized Ministry Team deals with all the transitional and maintenance issues pertaining to minister members who are: - serving in validated ministries - at-large - honorably retired, and - parish associates. The Specialized Ministry Team is working to build relationships with these teaching elders and provide support to them. They are responsible for validating specialized ministries within the bounds of the presbytery, receiving yearly specialized ministry reports, overseeing parish associate relationships, and ensuring IRS-related matters for specialized ministers are recorded properly. This team began its work in earnest in February and will continue to get clarity about its role as time passes. Shelby Etheridge Harasty is chairing this team. In addition to the working of these teams, COM has supported the creation of Next Blessings a working group to come alongside congregations who are making significant decisions about the last phase of their congregational lives. We also have trained a number of interpreters for the Holy Cow CAT assessment to help us measure the health and vitality of our congregations. What were the significant events for your committee last year? After a year of significant leadership transition in 2017, the COM has maintained relatively stable leadership during Our only significant leadership loss was the departure of vicechair Matt Merrill as he left to take a call outside of National Capital presbytery. This stability has allowed us to move more deeply in exploring new initiatives to enhance the work we seek to do in service of Christ and the church. Chief among these initiatives was the first ever meeting of representatives of the three largest and most impactful working groups of National Capital Presbytery: the Leadership Council, Church Development (CDC), and the Committee on Ministry. We met on February 15 of this year to learn about our respective ministries and explored possible opportunities for us to work together to better serve the congregations and leadership of our presbytery. We plan to meet again in August to continue our shared conversations. All of us who serve on the COM are very much aware that it is through the work of this body that congregations often have their most significant and impactful encounters with the

18 presbytery. It is our hope and prayer that those encounters are positive and serve to help congregations enhance their respective ministry. What issues are most pressing on your committee s docket right now? Because of the cultural trends mentioned above, the COM is working hard to respond to all the arising needs in our congregations, and are, at times, stretched thin. - We notice that even in the circumstance of normal pastoral transitions (retirement or pastor leaving for another call), congregations are interested in exploring options beyond simply calling another full-time, installed pastor and we are seeing a rise in the use of stated supply pastorates. We fully support paying good attention to congregational context and helping a congregation determine its best options and fit, but also recognize that this requires us to have more liaisons available to partner with congregations for longer periods of time and we are working to increase the number of trained liaisons we have ready to serve. - In light of the options now afforded in our Book of Order for pastoral transitions and the reality that the needs of congregations are increasingly varied related to pastoral searches, the Congregational Transitions Commission has begun to utilize its process for congregations requesting exceptions to normal procedures. - In general, we are working to operate out of a position of being pro-active rather than reactive in our ministry and work with pastors, sessions, and congregations. Finally, we are acutely aware our presbytery is entering into a major leadership transition with the coming retirement of our General Presbyter at the end of October. We have a particular concern and desire that this process include, as much as possible, opportunities for the GPNC to hear from the presbytery through listening sessions, surveys, and conversations with the leadership of the presbytery s committees and commissions; explorations of how other presbyteries in the PC(USA) are designing job descriptions for general presbyters; and consideration of just what sort of skills, gifts, and talents our presbytery needs in a general presbyter to effectively accomplish the ministry our presbytery seeks to accomplish in this time of ongoing change and transition in the church and in the PC(USA). The COM stands ready to assist both the Leadership Council and the General Presbyter Nominating Committee during this period of leadership transition for National Capital Presbytery. How can the Leadership Council be of help to your committee? We continue to be grateful to the Council for working with COM on behalf of our congregations. We hope that we can continually be seen by Council as a positive and trusted resource in the presbytery to be partner with the Leadership Council and Church Development (CDC) in coming alongside congregations in National Capital Presbytery who are seeking to find new ways of being church in the twenty-first century, a pastoral presence for those congregations who are coming to the end of their life-cycle, and a helpful resource for lay and clergy leadership who seek to be open to the guidance of the Spirit and to grow in their ability to lead the church in this time of change.

19 ATTACHMENT B Child and Youth Protection Policy National Capital Presbytery Jesus said Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. (Matthew 19:14) Jesus welcomed children and charged those who care for them to remove stumbling blocks from their paths. (Matthew 18: 5 6) National Capital Presbytery believes that it is called by God to help its congregations, pastors, and related organizations to provide a safe, nurturing environment for all children, to prevent the abuse of children while in their care, and to ensure prompt reporting of suspected abuse or neglect. Although National Capital Presbytery rarely has children within its direct care, it is dedicated to ensuring compliance with applicable laws and provisions of the Book of Order, and to providing information, examples, guidelines, resources, and referrals to its congregations, pastors, and related organizations. Toward that end, National Capital Presbytery will: Provide guidelines for and make available models of child protection policies for use by congregations and related organizations in drafting their own policies; Support congregations, pastors, and related organizations by sharing information about available resources and training opportunities; Require that any organization that uses Presbytery facilities and expects to have children in attendance have and follow its own appropriate general child protection policy or a child protection plan for the specific event; Require that any group or organization that receives grant funding from Presbytery and works with children or includes them in the funded program have an appropriate child protection policy; Require that all teaching elder members who work with or are in regular contact with children, whether paid or as volunteers, take Healthy Boundaries or comparable training approved by the Sexual Misconduct Response Team every three years; Require that all teaching elder members comply with the mandatory reporting requirements of their local civil law jurisdiction and the Book of Order. Failure to so comply may form the basis for discipline of the teaching elder under the Rules of Discipline set forth in the Book of Order.

20 ATTACHMENT C Memo To: Leadership Council From: Church Development Committee (CDC) Re: Arlington Presbyterian Church Request Greetings Leadership Council! As you know, CDC is charged with recommending (or not!) to the council ministry plans from churches who have sold their buildings. CDC has been working with Arlington Presbyterian Church for many years and in this next step in their discernment of where God is calling and who God is calling them to become, they have submitted to CDC a ministry plan proposal. At our last meeting on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, CDC voted and recommends to Leadership Council the attached ministry plan of Arlington Presbyterian Church. It is a strategic, focused and much prayed over ministry plan! Many months of discernment and conversation with the Elders and church members alike have ensued. And while we know this ministry plan is creating a new vision for how churches can comprehensively and intensively engage the community for good while nurturing faith, we highly recommend that Leadership Council approve this plan. Executive Summary of APC s Ministry Plan and CDC Process (For more detailed information, please refer to the full proposal which is attached.) APC frames this next step in their mission and vision around 4 core values: Welcome Nurture Serve Proclaim Their vision statement reads, Moved by God s love and through the power of the Holy Spirit, Arlington Presbyterian Church is challenged by the Word of God to welcome all, to nurture spiritual growth, and to serve with compassion. We proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord! Knowing that APC is in the between time of already selling their church building, but not yet settled into their new space, APC desires to continue to be the church, work for and with those whom God has placed on their hearts, to be relevant in the community as they work alongside the three organizations they want to support, be a force for good in the surrounding community,

21 and to expand their sense (as well as the community s sense) of the Realm of God. A letter of intent with Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) has been signed to secure their space in the new Gilliam Place development. CDC understands that this phase of APC s ministry plan is capital intensive, with monies going to build the Garden/Green space on the property they just secured; to give to the capital campaign of La Cocina to help renovate space next to the church s space so ministry can happen between APC and the most vulnerable of South Arlington s residents and where sharing of their community café will facilitate fellowship and outreach. In addition, La Cocina s connection with APC will extend to the Garden as they will use a small section to grow small amounts of produce to use in their kitchen; to help create a job of an on the grounds Organizer with VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) who will help extend APC s affordable housing vision in Northern Virginia beyond the Gilliam Place and who will meet with APC s leaders to develop strategies for community engagement; and to support ASPIRE!, which is a robust academic program serving underserved, elementary-aged at risk populations. There is also a small amount that will be used to develop a better web and social media presence as well as the creation of some space for clergy to gather and worship together. In addition, some monies will continue to fund APC s Neighborhood Organizer. A Designated pastor will likely come on board soon and APC hopes to carry the cost of the Designated Pastor through their churches regular giving. Below is their request for funds: 2018 Funding VOICE $ 75,000 La Cocina $100,000 Aspire! Afterschool $100,000 Garden/Green Space $110,000 Nurture Clergy catering $ 6,000 Proclaim Website Dev $ 5,000 Neighborhood Organizer 2018 $ 90,000 Total $486,000 Please let me know if you need any other information. Peace, Carrie

22 ATTACHMENT D SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES FOR ALL STAFF, COMMITTEES, TEAMS, TASK FORCE OF NATIONAL CAPITAL PRESBYTERY National Capital Presbytery uses Social Media as a communication tool to build presence, support our ministry programs and foster virtual dialogue. Currently, the platforms listed below are used as described: Facebook - National Capital Presbytery and Friends is our tool for promoting virtual community. It is a form of networking that continues to grow. This is our space to share our opinions, disagreements, agreements, and stories. We also use this space to promote events and programs within NCP and the larger church community. Twitter - #ncpfriends we follow many of our partners in ministry and all are invited to follow ncpfriends. Twitter allows us to get and participate in up to date information on any given trendy topic as it relates to the church at large and society s issues, and or calls for action. Instagram - #ncpandfriends we share pictures of events and places we have presence in our NCP community. YouTube - National Capital Presbytery NCP has several video series that highlight our mission presence. Here you can find our #MinuteInMission 90 sec video series, Mission Highlights Campaign videos and our Theology of the Call series. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, National Capital Presbytery to have a notice sent when new videos are loaded. Therefore, we ask that all staff, committees, teams, taskforces or recognized groups under the umbrella of National Capital Presbytery use these guidelines for creating social media AND website presence: 1. Consultation with Dir. Of Communication is necessary to determine whether an additional social media presence is necessary, as NCP has established platforms. 2. Request permission from the Director of Communication prior to establishing social media presence on any of the platforms listed above. a. Request should include, scope, purpose, and relationship to any NCP Mission b. Name of Administrator 3. Director of Communication should be added as an Administrator for oversight purposes. 4. The platform used will be branded with NCP colors and logo. 5. Director of Communication in consultation with staff reserves the right to remove any content or presence not deemed appropriate per NCP policies.

23 From the Commission on Preparation for Ministry CPM approved the following: On January 18, 2018, Stella Lee s status changed from Inquirer to Candidate. On March 15, 2018, Whitley Kaytlin Butler was enrolled as an Inquirer. Ordinations: On April 15, 2018, Shannon Jordan was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament at Vienna Presbyterian Church. On April 29, 2018, Dana Olson was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament at Ingleside Rock Creek. The Report of the Meeting of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic:

24 Square Pegs in Round Holes - Can a square peg really fit into a round hole? Yes, if you are Presbyterian. Try it! I suspect this model of visioning and decision-making has averted the church from creating conducive venues to stimulate minds and bring the beloved community closer. The 241 st Assembly is a reminder of the contemporary Gospel song, Come on in for the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. Nearly 45 commissioners, corresponding members, presenters, and guests showed up! The square/round table set-up was large enough to accommodate everyone. It enabled the Assembly to address its business matters. Plenary sessions were generative in nature. They were facilitated in a very large circle setting. As Presbyterians gathered from across the region, we united under the theme from Ezekiel 37:1-6. As a result, God blew a fresh Spirit of boldness and generosity upon the Synod s dry bones! At the conclusion of two days of working, praying, worshipping, debating and fellowshipping, the results affirmed that God s Spirit is alive and well in and across the synod. God can place square Presbyterians into circles of faith that work. Square pegs can fit into round holes! Unexpected Gift How does a Mid-Council respond to an unanticipated financial gift of $40,000.00? The synod was the recipient of such a gift during the 241 st Assembly. Presbytery Executive Jim Moseley and Vice-Moderator Elect Mawuna Gardesey made a special presentation to Synod Moderator Claterbaugh. With a mouth gapping the Moderator murmured Thank You. The check was in support of the Speer Trust Fund, a foundation in Delaware focused on alleviating the root causes of poverty. The synod has been a regular beneficiary of Speer Trust Funds but as New Castle Presbytery moves to a new model of ministry and leadership, the future funding from Speer Trust is in question. This check was one way of expressing Gratitude to the synod for its outreach and impactful ministries. The Synod Speer Trust Fund Committee awards grants to churches and organizations across the region engaged in this special ministry. Synod s priorities of addressing Race and White Privilege continued as Jim Moseley introduced three noteworthy scholars who are experts in their subject. Each brought groundbreaking facts that educated and strengthened commissioner s resolve of allowing their Christian values to outweigh hate and hostility. Rev. Dr. Jon Barton is the General Minister of the Virginia Council of Churches and resides in Richmond VA Rev. Veronica Cannon is the Interim Pastor of Avondale Presbyterian Church and resides in Charlotte NC Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Cannon is Senior Pastor of CN Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church and resides in Charlotte NC Doctrine of Discovery Retiring VCC General Minister, Jon Barton, transformed the Assembly into a History Classroom. An ardent supporter for Native American State and Federal Recognition, Barton introduced the Doctrine of Discovery. This was new information to most persons present. This doctrine or law was placed into action by European monarchs in order to legitimize the colonization of lands outside of Europe. It allowed European entities to seize lands inhabited by indigenous people under the guise of discovery. In 2000, VCC was invited by six Virginia Tribes to support them in seeking Federal Recognition. Jon has personally provided testimony to various committees of the US House and US Senate for the purpose of garnering recognition of six Virginia Tribes (Chickahominy, Chickahominy Eastern Division, Monacan, Nansemond, Rappahannock and Upper Mattaponi). These tribes have been largely overlooked. 1

25 As a result of the systematic discrimination created by the Virginia 1924 Racial Integrity Act, their records have been altered and destroyed by official acts of the Commonwealth. Passage of the federal legislation would enable these recognized tribes to become eligible for up to $12 million per year in federal Indian Health and Indian Education benefits. Most powerful to Barton s presentation was the reminder that The Doctrine of Discovery was used by the Christian Church which gave divine blessing and calling to European monarchs. The impact of this doctrine is felt today. Racism and White Privilege are alive and present in the church more than ever. Recognition means validation of one s personhood and value. The Catawba Story is also new to many; however, for Veronica Cannon this story is real talk. On October 6, 1866, the Catawba Presbytery was organized just after the end of the Civil War. Northern missionaries saw the newly liberated African Americans as objects of mission and began to evangelize. Hence, congregations were organized; presbyteries were created as well as synods related to the Northern Presbyterian Church. In 1887, the General Assembly organized the Catawba Synod which would be made up of the presbyteries of Catawba, Cape Fear, Yadkin and Southern Virginia. Since its inception, Catawba had strong ties to Johnson C. Smith and Barber Scotia College. These institutions of higher learning prepared men, women and young people for leadership in Black Presbyterian Churches and communities. The churches, presbytery and synod produced prophetic Presbyterian Leadership. Men and women were catapulted into civil rights leaders. Many became ardent advocates for social justice changes. However, with the 1983 Reunion of the PCUS and UPC, these presbyteries and synod were dissolved. Restructuring lead to African Americans feeling a loss of their voices and clearly diminished their presence and participation. Racial Ethnic ministries ended, mission functions ended and advocacy groups lost their seats on the council. Cannon challenged Commissioners to restore the lost voices, fund educational opportunities to help African Americans leaders to become stronger in their communities and across the denomination. Several commissioners bore witness to her presentation as they were alums of Scotia and Smith and/or products of churches that came out of Catawba or a similar history. Jerry Cannon is an effective practitioner in ministry and is Senior Pastor of the largest African American Presbyterian Church in the Synod and possibly the PCUSA. Jerry knows a lot about rationales for a new African American initiative. In fact, he is a walking and living history for the impact of the Catawba Presbytery and Synod. Jerry was the last Teaching Elder to be ordained by Catawba Presbytery. His sister, Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon, is the first African American female to be ordained in the Presbyterian Church by Catawba Presbytery. Jerry s presentation focused on providing a rationale for this new initiative. He charged the assembly to invest in the Next Generation of African American Leaders. He provided 10-key poignant themes: (1) Point the Next Generation of Christian Leaders to God, 2) Make them our primary focus, 3) Be in it for the Long Haul, 4) Allow for mistakes, 5) Foster authentic and long lasting relationships with them, 6) Teach them Structure and Orderliness, (7) Investing in the Next Generation requires hard work and financial investment, (8) Be prepared to step aside for the next generation but work alongside of them, (9) He stressed the importance of accountability and for all of us to hold each other accountable in terms of spiritual discipline and recruitment, and (10) Finally, he encouraged all to engage in the discipline of Prayer. Connectionalism Catherine Lynch, Presbyterian Church Investment & Loan Program (PILP) Development Specialist represents Synods of the Trinity and Mid-Atlantic covering the East coast (New Jersey to North Carolina). Catherine demonstrated beautifully the connectional nature between the General Assembly, Synods, presbyteries and congregations by delivering Rebate Checks to commissioners from six presbyteries. In turn, presbyteries are asked to present rebate checks to individual churches during their 2

26 presbytery meetings. Checks could range from more than $50.00 to $10, depending on the amounts a particular congregation, presbytery or synod has invested. Churches from Baltimore, Eastern Virginia, Salem, Shenandoah, WNC and National Capital Presbyteries were benefactors. Thanks Catherine and PILP. Committee Reports Administration Committee welcomed Helen Bessent-Byrd (EVA) as its new chair. The committee addressed, (a) Approval of Massanetta Springs Articles of Incorporation, (b) Referred the Kate B. Reynolds Certification Committee guideline changes back, (c) Established dates and processes for the presbytery minutes reviews, (d) Reinstated the Synod Executive and Stated Clerk Position to temporary full-time effective March 13, 2018 to December 31, 2018, (e) Future Assembly dates are March 11-12, 2019 and September 13-14, 2019 at Ginter Park PC. (September dates are a Friday/Saturday rather than a Monday/Tuesday). Finance Committee Co-Chaired by Riley Burgess and Robbie Phillips (CHA/CCC) reported the following: (a) Referred the revision for finance policies/procedures and the synod Treasurer position description to the Administration Committee; (b) Discussed the 2018 synod per capita rate and decided to leave it at $.85, but will be revisited later; (c) Shared that synod 2017 investments achieved more than $590, in returns; (d) Establish The Synod Mission Support Fund from the proceeds of the sale of the Synod property in the amount of $135,000. The Finance Committee is working on a plan to grow the fund for the purpose of funding the operations and mission of the Synod; (e) Received the Audit of the 2016 Financial Statements. (f) Committed $10, to the Baltimore Presbytery COLA for the 2020 General Assembly. The possibility of more funding at a later date can be sought. Grants and Awards Committee chaired by Jim Kirkpatrick (EVA) reported that Peacemaking/Global Witness applications have increased resulting from an informational letter having been sent to the synods 14 presbyteries in December. $25, of Peacemaking funds was reallocated to underwrite Administrative Commission cost which will address concerns that the synod has about AKAP. Grants, Scholarships and Awards were approved for the following: Peacemaking Offering funded projects at Ben Salem (CHA) Forklift Training Program - $5,000; Davidson College (CHA) Immersion Trip for college students - $7,500; Milner Memorial (NHO) Creation of a space for community groups to foster stronger community relationships - $5,500; and Virginia Law Enforcement Assistance Program VALEAP, (JAM) to support police officers involved in traumatic incidents - $20,000. New and Small Church Seven applications totaling $22, were funded. They include All Souls (JAM) sanctuary repairs for worship $3,500; Bear Grass (NHO) Music ministry $3,500; Francis Makemie (EVA) exterior painting of sanctuary $3,500; South Plains (JAM) organ repairs $2,800; The Fellowship Place (CHA) handicapped ramp $3,500; Third Norfolk (EVA) purchase new windows and blinds for fellowship hall $2,051; and Bethesda PC (JAM) replacement of the church roof $3,500. Euler Scholarship funded Christopher Speaks in the amount of $7,500. Presbytery Initiative Committee welcomed Cindy Privette (ABI) as its new chair. The committee s purpose is to respond to initiatives by two or more presbyteries. This cycle, the committee received and approved an application for a Retreat for Presbytery Leadership in the amount of $3, (NHO/CCC Presbyteries). This retreat is aimed at exploring ways to enhance relationships and encourage healing between Presbytery leadership and wounded congregations. Nominating Committee Susanne Taylor is Synod Moderator Elect and Mawuna Gardesey is Vice Moderator Elect. The following Presbyteries have vacancies on synod committees. AKAP: Jubilee; EVA: Representation and Speer; JAM: Nominating; PEA: Representation. 3

27 Executive Committee summarized its work between Assemblies. A recommendation to form an Administrative Commission (AC) to address the life, health, and vitality of the Atlantic Korean American Presbytery was approved. Further, the Synod Moderator and Stated Clerk were authorized to name seven persons to serve on the commission with at least half being Korean. After allowing time for debate, the 241 st Assembly approved the AC and prayer was offered by Commissioner Keith Page (BAL) on behalf of AKAP. THE NEXT GENERATION INITIATIVE PROPOSAL was distributed Monday evening. Tuesday morning, Commissioners were given additional time to read it as they gathered in the huge circle. Moseley then read the proposal aloud with everyone listening attentively. Presenters J. Barton, V. Cannon and J. Cannon joined the group in Plenary One which provided ample opportunity for commissioners to interact with them. Discussion evolved around the churches complicity in the Doctrine of Discovery and the unintended impact of the 1983 Reunion which resulted in dissolving All Black Governing Bodies. One commissioner compared this event to a Presbyterian Church member who was forced to give up her home because government chose to build a road through it. One commissioner remarked, What have we done in the name of Jesus Christ? Some feel that complacency is the enemy and the millennials are not complacent, they want change NOW! Purposefully, Jim placed the Assembly in a position to make a decision about the Next Generation Initiative as he identified the relationships between the presentations and the new initiative. Synod of the Living Waters is noted for developing water systems for third world countries. Synod of the Sun is known for developing solar panels to use in countries and areas where electricity is unavailable. What will the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic be known for and whom shall we serve? Commissioners did not hesitate approving the Next Generation Initiative. The 241 st Assembly empowered the Executive Committee to appoint a team to plan a strategy to move the Initiative forward to include such features as (a) conversation and collaboration with identified partners, (b) a timeline for actions and engagement, (c) a process to share the Initiative with member presbyteries, (d) a projection of funding needs, and (e) considerations for staff support and consultation. The sum of $ was approved from Presbytery Initiatives Funds for the team to cover expenses related to meetings, travel, production, interviews, research etc. The Initiative is on the Synod s website at Synod Stated Clerk reported that the PCUSA Freedom Rising Pilot Initiative is taking specific action to confront the societal and racial issues facing black communities in the U.S. by living into a new church initiative to address the plight of African American males in our country. Four presbyteries are out of compliance with the synod standing rules and the clerks of each presbytery will be notified of such: 1) NAT elected two ruling elders instead of one teaching and one ruling elder, 2) NHO elected two teaching elders instead of one teaching and one ruling elder, 3) PEA elected two teaching elders instead of one teaching and one ruling elder, 4) SAL elected one commissioner. All but Peaks Presbytery completed its per capita giving in The Synod Stated Clerk and Peaks Transitional General Presbyter are working to address this. Concerns continue to evolve about the life, health and vitality of the Atlantic Korean American Presbytery. Judicial and Civil Cases have occurred in this matter. The Synod Executive and Stated Clerk, Warren J. Lesane, Jr., has been elected vice-chair of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board. The Assembly instructed the Synod Moderator and Stated Clerk to communicate with all General Presbyters/Stated Clerks in the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic encouraging them to talk with commissioners attending the 223 rd General Assembly about the proposed per capita increase. Dates for upcoming Synod Assemblies are March 11-12, 2019 and September 13-14, 2019 at Ginter Park PC. 4