The Presbytery of New Covenant Stated Meeting March 19, 2016

Transcription

1 Page1 The Presbytery of New Covenant Stated Meeting March 19, 2016 First Presbyterian Church, Conroe, Texas 2727 N. Loop 336 West,

2 Page2 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of New Covenant Saturday, March 19, :00 am First Presbyterian Church, 2727 North Loop 336 West, Conroe, TX Registration Form Name: Mailing address: address: Church/City: Are you a first-time commissioner? Yes No CHECK ONLY ONE BOX BELOW VOTING Minister Member (Teaching Elder) Ruling Elder Commissioner (Elected by session of church listed above) Certified Church Educator Associate Certified Church Educator Elder with Privilege by Virtue of Office (Currently in a Presbytery leadership position, designated for this privilege) Commissioned Ruling Elder (with voting privileges) Former Moderator/Stated Clerk of Presbytery Elected Presbytery Staff Fellow NACBA (National Association of Church Business Administrators) NON-VOTING Corresponding Minister-Member from Visitor from Presbytery Staff Inquirer/Candidate under care Commissioned Ruling Elder (without voting privileges) Other Church Professional (Non-certified Educator, Youth Director, Business Administrator, Music Director, other) The Presbytery Meeting Toolkit has a list of those who are granted voice and vote as Commissioned Ruling Elders, Certified Church Educators (and associates), Elders with Privilege by Virtue of Office, Former Moderators and Stated Clerks of Presbytery, elected Presbytery staff, and the Fellow in the NACBA. Please check the toolkit if you are not sure of your status. It is found on the presbytery website.

3 Page3 The Presbytery of New Covenant Growing congregations that passionately engage their community to make disciples. Stated Meeting March 19, 2016 First Presbyterian Church 2727 North Loop 336 West, Conroe, Texas / This year s theme Growing Congregations Offering: Scholarship Funding for the Youth Triennium Gathering 8:30 am Registration Opens TBD 8:40 am New Commissioner Orientation TBD There will be a place available all day for prayer and meditation. Signs will direct you to this location. For your information, TE means Teaching Elder, and RE means Ruling Elder. BEGIN IN THE SANCTUARY THE DOCKET Please silence all devices! 9:00 am Welcome and Opening Worship Moderator, RE Shelley Hernandez Led by the Presbyterian Youth Connection Council General Assembly Commissioners Commissioning 10:00 am Opening Business Moderator and Stated Clerk Declaration of Quorum Moderator s Appointments Tellers Nominations to Nominating Committee 2016 RE Ginger Bailey (Tomball, First) 2016 RE Gary Long (Houston, Northwoods) Adoption of the Docket Welcome by Host Church TE David Green Welcome of Others (First time Commissioners, Corresponding Members, New Minister Members, Exhibitors, Visitors) (20 minutes for exhibitors) Omnibus Motion (B.1) 10:15 am Report of the Stated Clerk (B) TE Lynn Hargrove Administrative Commissions for Installations/Ordinations Dismissal of Love Korean Presbyterian Church, Houston 10:30 am Report of the General Council (F) RE David Green Any business will appear in the Addendum Report 10:45 am State of the Presbytery TE Mike Cole 11:00 am KEYNOTE: What Breaks God s Heart in Your Neighborhood? TE Jan Edmiston

4 Page4 Noon FELLOWSHIP AT TABLE/VISIT THE DISPLAYS 1:00 pm Reconvening Hymn TBA 1:05 pm Administrative Division (C) RE Jane Larkin EAC (C.1): Overtures TE Becky Downs Finance (C.2): Budget RE Cathy Bliton Personnel (C.3) TBA Committee on Ministry (D) RE Bob Patterson Motions regarding TE Debbie Measells, TE Sam Fabila, RE Joe Delgatto Service of Retirement TE Debbie Measells, TE Sam Fabila Committee on Preparation for Ministry (E) Service of Candidacy Dan Aikens RE Bill Hargrove Ministries Division (G) TE Ann Marie Quigley-Swanson Invitation for Grant Requests Congregational Resourcing Mental Health Symposium TE Charlotte Kibler Evangelism & Church Growth TE Jon Burnham 1001 New Worshipping Communities TE Caz Minter Outreach TE Kristy Click LIT/Presbyterian Foundation Nominating Committee (H) RE John Cronk New Business (Only if submitted four days prior to meeting date, so it can be posted online 3 days prior) Moderator s Remarks and Closing Prayer Adjournment (By rule of the presbytery, no later than 4:00 pm, unless the assembly votes by a 2/3 majority to extend beyond) Following adjournment, clerks will meet for session records review in TBA. The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of New Covenant will be Saturday, July 16, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church 902 W. Green Avenue, Orange, Texas /

5 Page5 Table of Contents Proposed Docket Omnibus Motion... below Table of Motions... 6 Keynote Speaker/Offering Recipient... 7 Church Anniversaries... 8 TE Ordination Celebrations... 9 Necrology Commissioning Service Report of the Stated Clerk (B) Ecclesiastical Affairs (C.1) Personnel (C.3) Committee on Ministry (D) Committee on Preparation for Ministry (E) General Council (F) MDSC (G) Nominating Committee (H) Publications OMNIBUS MOTION 1. To approve the minutes of the November 21, 2015 meeting at Houston, St. John s (document found online). 2. To dismiss the Administrative Commissions for Installation/Ordination. a. TE Mirjam Haas-Melchior at Needville, St. Paul s. b. TE Tim Marquez at Houston, Pathways. c. TE Simon Teh-Tse Hsu (Kho) at Houston, Grace Taiwan.

6 Page6 Table of Motions 1. From the Stated Clerk: To validate that the congregation of Houston, Love Korean Presbyterian Church, has fulfilled the requirements for dismissal according to the 2011 Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure of the Presbytery of New Covenant. 2. From the Stated Clerk: Having met the requirements for seeking dismissal, the congregation of Love Korean Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas, is dismissed to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) pending completion of the transfer to that body. 3. From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From EAC: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with Overture From COM: To grant TE Debbie Measells (Brazoria, First) Honorably Retired Status effective March 31, From COM: To grant TE Debbie Measells Pastor Emeritus status at Brazoria, First. 15. From COM: To grant TE Joseph Delgatto (HR) Pastor Emeritus status at Houston, Heights. 16. From COM: To grant TE Samuel Fabila (Houston, Biyaya) Honorably Retired status effective March 31, From COM: To grant TE Samuel Fabila be granted Pastor Emeritus Status at Houston, Biyaya. 18. From CPM: The committee recommends and moves that Daniel Dan Aikins (Houston, Memorial Drive) be enrolled as a candidate. 19. From Nominating: To elect the following to serve on presbytery committees: General Council class of TE Jonathan Murray (College Station, Covenant) Outreach class of RE Diane Segerstrom (Houston, MDPC)

7 Page7 Our Keynote Speaker What Breaks God's Heart in Your Neighborhood? TE Jan Edmiston,, serves as the associate executive presbyter of Chicago Presbytery, specializing in ministry. For the previous 27 years, she had pastored congregations in New York and Virginia. She is a candidate for the first ever co-moderator team for this year s General Assembly. You can find out more about her through her popular blog, achurchforstarvingartists, where she examines the lives of congregations through their life cycle, and the role of leadership in that evolution. Jan has a passion for congregational ministry, and is a well-known speaker and leader in our denomination. Her topic, What Breaks God s Heart in Your Neighborhood? is timely as the areas around many of our congregations have changed and are not like they were when the church was founded. Prepare to be challenged to think in new ways about your mission and outreach in your community. Our Offering Recipient Youth Triennium Delegation In the Presbytery of New Covenant, we value Youth Ministry! The offering for the March meeting will go to our Presbyterian Youth Ministries to help defray the costs for this year s Triennium participants. Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be July at Purdue University, and is a gathering of thousands of youth and adult leaders for a week of worship, fun, music, community building, and Bible study. Our delegation is made up of youth and adults from congregations across the presbytery. We appreciate your investment for this life changing event in the lives of our youth!

8 Page8 Church Anniversaries 150 years Navasota, First 120 years Angleton, First 75 years Texas City, First 65 years Port Neches, Trinity 60 years Dickinson, First Houston, St. John s Pasadena, Faith 55 years Cleveland, St. Luke s 50 years Houston, Community of the Servant Savior Houston, Juan Marcos Houston, St. Thomas 35 years Woodlands, Woodlands Community 30 years Tomball, First 25 years Houston, San Pablo+Trinity 10 years Bellaire, ChristChurch 5 years Houston, Pathways

9 Page9 Teaching Elder Ordination Anniversaries Paul Alexander 5 years David Barnes 55 years Jim Birchfield 20 years Debbie Cenko 15 years Bob Covington 60 years John Dearman 5 years Joe Delgatto 50 years Margaret Desmond 20 years Rhonda Detenbeck 20 years Becky Downs 15 years Lonnie Duvall 40 years Peg Ferguson 35 years Sharon Gazaway 10 years Ray Gearing 65 years Jacob George 35 years Alf Halvorson 25 years Scott Harbison 20 years Linda Herron 10 years Bill Heston 40 years Samuel Hsu 45 years Daniel Intsiful 25 years Troy Jarvis 50 years Steve Kerr 50 years James Knez 40 years David Leard 15 years Chang Jue Lee 50 years Joe MacDonald 45 years John Melsness 25 years Carl Mills 60 years Rose Niles 25 years Jane Pettit 5 years Dean Pogue 10 years Rachel Poysky 10 years Ann Marie Quigley-Swanson 20 years Tomas Spath 35 years Dave Steane 30 years Charles Teykl -55 years Abraham Van Sligenhorst 40 years Dan Walker 20 years Leigh Wisner-Hargis 10 years Ed Wolf 15 years John Wurster 25 years Paul Yeou 15 years

10 Page NECROLOGY FORMER MODERATORS Rubye Everett Houston, Pinecrest July 18, 2015 TEACHING ELDERS Robert Kwik February 15, 2015 Asa Hunt March 19, 2015 Jack Ware March 24, 2015 M. Dean Woodruff April 2, 2015 W. Sherman Wilson October 8, 2015 RULING ELDERS Bill Fogleman Bellaire & Westminster Presbyterian, Houston January 6, 2015 A.M. Red Olander Houston, Pines January 13, 2015 Mary Jane Goff St. Andrew's, Houston (also deacon) January 14, 2015 Eleanor Stevens Vaughan First, Angleton January??, 2015 Leland "Lee" Murphree St. Philip Presbyterian, Houston January 18, 2015 John A. Mawhinney, Jr. First Presbyterian, Houston January 19, 2015 John S. Eaton John Knox Presbyterian, Houston January 20, 2015 Ernie Kitchens First, Conroe January 22, 2015 Russell L. Holder First, Houston February 10, 2015 Kay Hughes Pathways, Houston February 10,2015 Laura Clary Drake, Orange (founding member) February 23, 2015 George Jordan, Jr. First, Houston February 27, 2015 Stanley Thomas (Tom) Kordinak First, Huntsville March 3, 2015 Beverly Kennedy St. Andrew s, Houston (deacon/trustee) March 5, 2015 Joyce Lynn Spring Branch, Houston March 7, 2015 Dixie Hire St. Andrew s, Houston (deacon/trustee) March 10, 2015 Bill Davis Houston, Central & St. Philip March 16, 2015 Annie Lee Lewis First, Conroe March 30, 2015 Edwin Battise Indian, Livingston April 14, 1956 J. William Mullendore St. Andrew s, Houston (deacon/trustee) April 16, 2016 Barbara Howard Houston, Westminster May 5, 2015 Al Tatom First, Conroe May 10, 2015 Dorothy Walker First, Conroe May 11, 2015

11 Page11 Robin Reamer First, Houston May 12, 2015 George Muths Clear Lake, Houston May 16, 2015 Frank Donnelly First, Houston (also Deacon)/St. Philip May 25, 2015 Jules Steve Schneider First, Houston June 11, 2015 Diane Parker Houston, Westminster/Conroe, First June 12, 2015 Charlie I. Pesak Needville, St. Paul s June 12, 2015 Bobbie Sue Robinson St. Andrew s, Houston June 18, 2015 David Bishop Clear Lake, Houston (also deacon) June 25, 2015 Jane Wood Woodforest/CSS/Webster June 29, 2015 Rebecca Howard Houston, Pinecrest July 3, 2015 Jonathan Yingst Houston, St. John s July 3, 2015 James O. Spencer, Jr. Conroe, First July 9, 2015 Jim Clemens Houston, St. Thomas July 20, 2015 Thomas P. Boyett III Bellaire, ChristChurch July 23, 2015 Albert Atkinson Houston, St. Philip July 28, 2015 O. Samuel Roden St. Andrew s, Houston (deacon/trustee) August 6, 2015 Anna Baker Katy, New Hope September 20, 2015 Martha Jenkinson Houston, Pines September 20, 2015 Sandra Cooper Houston, St. Philip September 18, 2015 Clete Booher Webster, Webster September 25, 2015 William (Bill) Barlow Clear Lake, Houston November 9, 2015 James Yocum First, Conroe November 14, 2015 Eleanor Weinstein Katy, New Hope November 19, 2015 Beatrice B. Wilkins St. Andrew s, Houston (deacon) November 25, 2015 Charles E. Everett St. Andrew s, Houston (deacon/trustee) November 26, 2015 Lewis Walker First, Conroe December 3, 2015 Bill Nelson St. John s, Houston December 16, 2015 Dick Weber St. Philip, Houston December 31, 2015 DEACONS Mary Green Clear Lake, Houston March 2, 2015 Myrajane (Myra) Hall Clear Lake, Houston June 13, 2015

12 Page12 PRESBYTERY OF NEW COVENANT COMMISSIONING SERVICE FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP We are called by God to be the church of Jesus Christ, a sign in the world today of what God intends for all humankind. The great ends of the church are the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the kingdom of Heaven to the world. The call of Christ is to willing, dedicated discipleship. Our discipleship is a manifestation of the new life we enter through baptism. Discipleship is both a gift and a commitment, an offering and a responsibility. The grace bestowed on you in baptism is sufficient for your calling because it is God s grace. By God s grace we are saved, and enabled to grow in the faith and to commit our lives in ways that serve Christ. God has called you to particular service. Show your purpose by answering these questions: Who is your Lord and Savior? Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. Will you be Christ s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love? I will, with God s help. Do you welcome the responsibility of this service because you are determined to follow the Lord Jesus, to love neighbors, and to work for the reconciling of the world? I do. Will you serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love, relying on God s mercy and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit? I will, with God s help. Do we, as members of the Presbytery of New Covenant, accept these brothers and sisters as commissioners and advisory delegates to the 220 th General Assembly, chosen by God through the voice of the church, to guide us in the way of Jesus Christ? We do. Do we promise to support and encourage them as they seek to fulfill their responsibilities in this ministry? We do. COMMISSIONING PRAYER Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you called disciples, and by the Holy Spirit, make them one church to serve you. Be with members of the General Assembly. Help them to welcome new things you are doing in the world and to respect old things you keep and use. In their deliberation, bring about what is best for us and for all people. As they meet, let your Holy Spirit guide so that the whole church may be joined in love and service to Jesus Christ, who, having gone before us, is coming to meet us in the promise of your kingdom. Amen. CHARGE You are commissioned to service as commissioners and advisory delegate to the 222 nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him. -- Colossians 3:17 Commissioners to the 222 nd General Assembly Teaching Elders: Kevin Boyd, Becky Downs, Nora Fitch, David Green Ruling Elders: Regena Bass, Johnna Cormier, Gary Denmon, James Hooper Young Adult Advisory Delegate: Aaron Seay

13 Page13 Report of the Stated Clerk - B A. For action by the presbytery: 1) Dismissal of Love Korean Presbyterian Church The Report of the Discernment Team to the Congregation of Love Presbyterian Church, Houston January 31, 2016 Dear Members of the Love Presbyterian Church, In June of 2015, the session of Love Presbyterian Church initiated a request to enter the discernment process of New Covenant Presbytery to consider the possibility of being graciously dismissed to another reformed body. In response to their request, the presbytery formed a team of two teaching elders and two ruling elders representing the presbytery, a facilitator appointed by the stated clerk, and the pastor and 3 other members of the church. In accordance with the procedure established by the presbytery, the team has met five times, and has also held a town hall meeting to help the session hear the questions and concerns of the congregation. During these meetings we have prayed, shared faith stories, and discussed theological issues and concerns about the PC(USA). The members of the team from the church expressed their concern over one issue-- the denomination s stance on LGBT marriage. It is the strong belief of the church representatives that this stance is gravely hurting their mission to the immigrant Korean community. During the discussion, Presbytery representatives of the team offered alternative ways of looking at this issue of concern in the hope of reconciliation. However, the team recognizes that the representatives of the church wish to proceed toward dismissal from the PC(USA). The Discernment Team discovered that though there were areas of common theological and ecclesiastical grounds with the PC(USA), the differences greatly outweigh the common ground. As such, there is no desire or possibility for reconciliation with the PC(USA). Having gone through Presbytery of New Covenant s Procedure for Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal, and after prayer and discussion together, it is the opinion of this Discernment Team that the congregation of Love Presbyterian Church, Houston is no longer called to be affiliated with the PC(USA), and therefore recommends dismissal of the congregation to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. We will continue to hold each other in prayer. In Christ, John Jo (RE, Korean Central) facilitator; Chunjae Jang (TE); Vincent Kim (RE); Paul Lee (RE); Kyong Teixeira (Deacon); Chung Lee (RE, Pathways); Becky Downs (TE, John Knox); Mark Plunkett (TE, Heritage), Dianne Harrington (RE, Pines)

14 Page14 휴스턴사랑의교회교인들에게드리는 분별팀보고서 January 31, 2016 사랑하는휴스턴사랑의교회교인여러분, 지난 2015년 6월, 휴스턴사랑의교회 ( 이하사랑의교회 ) 당회는다른개혁교단으로교단변경가능성을살펴보기위한은혜로운분별과정의시작을새언약노회 ( 이하노회 ) 에요청했습니다. 노회는이요청에따라, 노회를대표하는두명의목사님과두분의장로님, 그리고노회서기가임명한중재자한명, 그리고사랑의교회담임목사님과세명의사랑의교회교인대표들으로구성된분별팀을조직했습니다. 노회가정한절차에따라, 분별팀은총다섯번의모임을가졌습니다. 또한사랑의교회교인들이가지고있는질문사항과우려사항등을사랑의교회당회가충분히이해하는것을돕기위한공청회도한번개최하였습니다. 이모든모임중, 우리는함께기도하며, 서로의신앙간증을나누었으며, 미국장로교 (PCUSA) 에관한전반적인신학적이슈와우려에대해논의했습니다. 사랑의교회측분별팀은동성결혼에관한미국장로교의현입장에관한심각한우려를보였습니다. 사랑의교회측분별팀은동성결혼에관한교단의현입장이한인공동체에복음전파에큰어려움이되고있다고강하게생각하고있습니다. 이일련의대화를통해노회분별팀은사랑의교회와노회와의관계가다시회복될수있기를소망하며, 이문제에대한다른여러대안을찾으려고했습니다. 하지만, 분별팀은사랑의교회측분별팀이교단변경을계속진행하기를원한다는것을알수있었습니다. 노회분별팀은미국장로교와사랑의교회가뜻을같이하고있는신학론및교회론이있긴하지만, 이에 비해, 현재뜻을달리하는부분이너무크다는것을발견했습니다. 다시말해, 사랑의교회와 미국장로교와의관계가회복되리라는소망이나가능성은없습니다. 수개월에걸친새언약노회에서정한은혜로운분별원칙의모든절차를마치고, 서로함께한기도와 토론후분별팀이결정한최종의견은다음과같습니다 : 휴스턴사랑의교회는더이상미국장로교 (PCUSA) 에소속되어있다고볼수없으며, 이에따라 ECO(A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians) 교단으로교단변경될수있도록관계해소를추천합니다. 우리는계속해서서로를위해기도할것입니다. 그리스도안에서문안합니다.

15 Page15 중재자 - 조용한장로 ( 휴스턴한인중앙장로교회 ) 휴스턴사랑의교회 - 장천재담임목사 ; 김종범장로 ; 이승규장로 ; 윤경순집사새언약노회 - Chung Lee 장로 (Pathways); Becky Downs 목사 (John Knox); Mark Plunkett 목사 (Heritage), Dianne Harrington 장로 (Pines) The congregational meeting was held on March 6, of the 117 members were in attendance (70% - quorum requirement is 30%) and cast ballots. The results were that 82 (100%) voted in favor of dismissal. An additional congregational meeting was held on January 24, 2016, at which the decision was to join the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) pending completion of the transfer. 71 (61% - quorum requirement is 30%) of the 117 members attended that meeting, with 60 voting to be dismissed to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO), 8 to the Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad (KPCA), with 3 abstentions. Motions regarding the dismissal of Houston, Love Korean: To validate that the congregation of Houston, Love Korean Presbyterian Church, has fulfilled the requirements for dismissal according to the 2011 Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure of the Presbytery of New Covenant. Having met the requirements for seeking dismissal, the congregation of Love Korean Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas, is dismissed to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) pending completion of the transfer to that body. Administrative Commissions for Ordination or Installation: Motion to dismiss these commissions with our gratitude for their service: 1. To install TE Mirjam Haas-Melchior as Designated Pastor at Needville, St. Paul s, on December 6, 2015, at 3:00 pm. 2. To install TE Tim Marquez as Designated Pastor at Houston, Pathways, on January 24, at 3:00 pm. 3. To install TE Simon Teh-Tse Hsu (Kho) as Pastor of Houston, Grace Taiwan, on February 7, at 2:00 pm.

16 Page16 For your information: A. Please extend thanks to all of these people who have served on our many discernment teams: 1) San Augustine, Memorial TE Steve Newton(facilitator), TE Sharon Gazaway, TE Brian Wiggins, RE Sharon Templeman, RE Howard Daniel 2) Spring, Advent RE Nancy Penney (facilitator), TEChrista Brewer, TE Harry Yates, RE David Bell, CRE Craig Wood 3) Lake Jackson, First TE Mike O Neill (facilitator), TE Carl Orr, TE Tracy Williams, RE Dian Thomasson, RE Ginny Raska 4) Kingwood, First TE Vicky Jones (facilitator), TE Jim Birchfield, TE Belinda Koenig, RE David Bell, RE Jay Walrath 5) Freeport, First TE Jake Gonzales (facilitator), TE Debbie Measells, TE Mark Stoub, RE Bill Hill, RE James Coe 6) Galveston, West Isle CRE Peter Holmes (facilitator), TE David Green, TE Jolene Currie, RE Mary Ann Barnett, RE Eric King 7) Houston, First RE Mary Lee Going (facilitator), TE Pat Clark, TE Jack Haberer, RE Ann Hardy, RE Fred Cook 8) Houston, Grace TE Cassandra Dahnke (facilitator), TE John Hirling, TE Kristin Huffman, RE Jim Allison, RE Janet Rainey 9) Pearland, Peace TE Steve Spidell (facilitator), TE Kristy Forbes-Vits, TE Scott Harbison, RE Gordon Bellah, RE Rosy Murphy 10) Houston, Love Korean RE John Jo (facilitator), TE Becky Downs, TE Mark Plunkett, RE Dianne Harrington, RE Chung Lee 11) Mo. City, Southminster TE Bill Wade (facilitator), TE Kevin Boyd, TE Rhonda Detenbeck, RE Carla Burns, RE Felix Johnson 12) Waverly RE Anna Marion (facilitator), TE David Green, TE Laura Grice, RE Mary Whitaker, RE Bill Cowan B Statistical Reports were received from 87 of our 95 congregations. No reports were received from Biyaya, First Lao, Korean Central, Thien An, Grand Lakes, First in Livingston, Indian, and Bethel in West Columbia. Thank you!

17 Page17 1. For action by the presbytery: Overture Ecclesiastical Affairs Committee C.1 March 19, 2016 Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Amending G and G-6.04 Regarding Meetings of the General Assembly and Amending the Constitution. From the Presbytery of Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) to amend paragraph G of the Book of Order as follows, adding language in italics: The General Assembly shall hold a stated meeting at least biennially. Each General Assembly shall be organized around one of the Six Great Ends of the Church (F ), taken up in succession in the order listed in F The main business of each General Assembly shall be to discuss and to explore ways to enable Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) congregations and councils to fulfill more faithfully and effectively the Great End which is the theme for that General Assembly. Every third General Assembly shall depart from the rotation of the Six Great Ends and instead be called together to consider all amendments to the Constitution that have been properly submitted. All overtures to amend the Constitution, in order to be considered by the General Assembly for Constitutional Change, must have the endorsement of no fewer than 15% of the Presbyteries in the PC(USA). Overtures that receive two-thirds endorsement of the Presbyteries may be considered at any General Assembly following the achievement of the two-thirds endorsement. The moderator, or in the event [the rest of G continues unaltered from this point]; And amending section G-6.04 by striking certain words, adding others as follows, and re-lettering paragraphs b, c, d, and e: G-6.04 AMENDING THE BOOK OF ORDER 1. Amendments to the Book of Order shall be made only at a General Assembly for Constitutional Change (every third Assembly, as required by G ) and only if all the following steps are completed: a. All overtures to amend the Constitution must have the endorsement of fifteen percent of the presbyteries to be considered by the General Assembly. Overtures that achieve endorsement of two-thirds of the presbyteries may be considered at the next session of the General Assembly, regardless of the Assembly rotation (G ). a. b. All proposals requesting amendment of the Book of Order are communicated in writing to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly no later than 120 days prior to the convening of the next session of the General Assembly at which they will be considered. Rationale The General Assembly exists to serve the individual churches which make up the PCUSA, and not the churches to serve the General Assembly; The General Assembly constitutes the bond of union, community, and mission among all its congregations and councils, to the end that the whole church becomes a community of faith, hope, love, and witness (G ); The Six Great Ends of the Church are the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world (F );

18 Page18 In actual result, recent General Assemblies have produced the opposite of a bond of union, community, and mission among its member congregations but instead have produced strife, division, and dysfunction; and thereby greatly distracted PCUSA congregations from their central work of pursuing the Six Great Ends in their mission and ministry; The central focus of recent General Assemblies has not been on providing that the Word of God may be truly preached and heard... that the Sacraments may be rightly administered and received... [and the nurture of] the covenant community of disciples (G a-c), but rather has been centered upon the consideration of constitutional amendments effectively turning the meetings of the General Assembly into biennial Constitutional Conventions; A Constitution is not a manual of operations, but is a deeper document expressing shared and unifying principles and values which establish the general framework for governance, and therefore should not be easily amended without thoughtful consideration and widespread consensus regarding these fundamental principles and values; General Assembly meetings of the PCUSA must return to their rightful purpose of supporting and building up the congregations of our denomination as defined by the Book of Order enabling them, individually and together in church councils, to more faithfully and effectively fulfill the Six Great Ends of the Church. Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Adding a New Standing Rule F.5.c. Regarding Social Witness Policy Statements or Resolutions at the General Assembly From the Presbytery of the Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to adopt the following position concerning the process for addressing issues of social justice, economics, and politics: The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) hereby reaffirms the importance of and supports engagement of Presbyterians in issues of social justice, economics and politics. Following the example of Jesus Christ, Christians should engage in matters of social justice, economics and politics, in addition to matters of the church and theology. In carrying out this responsibility as a denomination, the PC(USA) shall cease taking divisive, up-ordown, yes-or-no positions on partisan issues of social justice, economics and politics at the national level. Instead, the PC(USA), when such matters are properly before the General Assembly, shall call to the denomination's attention the importance of the issue, explore the various dimensions of the issue, and implore its members to learn about and pray about the issue and to become engaged according to one's conscience and views at the local church and presbytery level. The PC(USA) shall also develop the schedule and agenda for the General Assembly so that the time allocated for education on such issues in committees, on the floor, and with all other aspects of the General Assembly is not disproportionate with the fact that social justice, economics and politics relate primarily to just one of the six great ends of the church. Specifically, Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222 nd General Assembly to amend the Standing Rules of the General Assembly regarding Plenary Meetings by adding the following new paragraph F.5.c. and relettering existing paragraphs c, d, e, f, and g: c. Any social witness policy statement or resolution to be proposed at the General Assembly shall first have the concurrence of one-third of the Presbyteries. On any such issue, as an alternative to establishing a potentially divisive policy by a yes/no vote, the Assembly shall seriously consider calling the denomination s attention to the issue to explore its various dimensions, and imploring its members to learn and pray about the issue and become engaged at the local church and presbytery level. In developing the docket of plenary and

19 Page19 committee meetings, the docket framers shall be mindful that social witness policy relates primarily to only one of the six great ends of the church and not give disproportionate attention to this one. Rationale Jesus was born into and lived in the real world of politics, economics and social injustice; The ministry and life of Jesus demands that Christians engage not just in matters of the church and theology, but also in the real world by attempting to right wrongs and combat injustice; At times the church has not engaged in matters of social justice, economics and politics, and, in those situations, has perpetuated injustice in the world; Presbyterians are a diverse Christian denomination with a wide range of views on matters of social issues, economics and politics; Presbyterians favor open and respectful debate about matters of social justice, economics and politics and how the Christian faith impacts such issues; The General Assembly of the PC(USA) has taken positions as a denomination on a wide range of partisan issues on matters of social justice, economics and politics about which there is diversity of viewpoints among the denomination; Taking yes or no positions on partisan issues has caused and continues to cause division within the denomination and loss of members. Foothills Presbytery believes there is a better way to fulfill the church's obligation to engage in matters of social justice, economics and politics, but avoid at the national level taking unnecessary positions on controversial issues that have the adverse effects described above. The makers of this overture understand social witness policy statements and resolutions according to the definitions adopted by the 205 th General Assembly (1993) in the report entitled Why and How the Church Makes a Social Witness Policy. Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Setting Aside Forming Social Policy at the Next Three General Assemblies From the Presbytery of the Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222nd General Assembly (2016) to temporarily set aside its Guideline and Policy for Forming Social Policy found in the appendix to the Standing Rules of the General Assembly. This section pertains to the role of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. Foothills Presbytery recommends the following to temporarily take its place: For the next three General Assemblies (223, 224, and 225) the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) shall focus its attention on generating discussion in the presbyteries about any social witness policy concerns that arise. The aim of these discussions will be to work toward forming consensus in the broader Church regarding social witness. For this time period, the ACSWP shall not on its own propose any Social Witness Policy to the General Assembly, synods or presbyteries, but shall allow any social witness policy proposals to arise from the presbyteries in the form of overtures.

20 Page20 For this time period, the ACSWP shall not serve its usual role as a clearing house or editor for all social witness policy proposals written by any other entity. Rationale The Social Witness Policy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been decided at General Assembly by up or down votes, sometimes by narrow margins, without first generating a sense of the will of Christ from the broader Church. This form of decision making has often led to deep divisions in the Church. By spending time and effort at generating conversation and moving toward consensus, Social Witness Policy can be formed that better reflects the wisdom and discernment of the whole Church. As much as possible, these conversations with presbyteries should be held through electronic means or regional meetings to minimize the expense. Any funds that would have been spent to bring ACSWP to its own committee meetings should be redirected toward the presbytery conversations. In doing this, the ACSWP will be fulfilling the task force policy in section 3.c. of Forming Social Policy to develop a plan in which the whole church can participate in the formation of social witness policy. Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Amending Standing B.2.b.to Add the Category Presbyter Advisory Delegates From the Presbytery of the Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222nd General Assembly (2016) to amend the Standing Rules of the General Assembly by striking certain words and adding others as follows: Under the section B Commissioners, Delegates and other Participants at the Meeting, Subsection 2. Advisory Delegates, Paragraph b, Categories : Categories b. There shall be four five categories of advisory delegates: youth, theological student; missionary, ecumenical and executive presbyter. The expenses of each of the first four advisory delegates shall be paid by the General Assembly (see Standing Rule I.3.) on the same basis as the expenses of commissioners (see Standing Rule B.2.f.(2) below for exception). The expenses for the executive presbyter advisory delegate shall be paid by the presbytery on the same basis as expenses for commissioners. Add a Paragraph h under subsection 2 Advisory Delegates as follows Presbyter Advisory Delegates: For each General Assembly, twenty percent of the presbyteries may elect an Executive Presbyter Advisory Delegate (EPAD) who shall ordinarily be the presbytery executive (or person operating as the chief executive of the presbytery by any other title) to be an advisory delegate to the General Assembly. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly shall design a rotation system among the presbyteries to accomplish this. Rationale Presbytery executives have a unique perspective, seeing intimately into the lives of congregations and closely into the life of the General Assembly at the same time. This perspective gives them a view of the whole church in a way that few others have. They care deeply about the life of the congregations and pastors they serve, and they care about the mission of the General Assembly as the whole Church ministers to the world. The voice of presbytery executives has been systematically diminished for over thirty years because they have

21 Page21 no say at General Assembly meetings unless they are elected a commissioner. This might happen only once in an executive s career because of the method commissioners are chosen. This important voice is effectively minimized at the Assembly. The voice of presbytery executives is very much needed at the Assembly to keep the whole church in perspective and to prevent the Assembly from seeming like an other. Paragraph c would not be changed, so Executive Presbyter Advisory Delegates would have the same privileges as other advisory delegates. That is, they would serve on a committee with voice and vote and would have voice on the floor of the Assembly. Presbyteries would cover the expenses of Executive Presbyter Advisory Delegates, so financial implications to the Assembly would not be a concern. Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Amending G-6.04e.to Require a Two-Thirds Majority Vote to Amend the Constitution From the Presbytery of the Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) to amend G-6.04e by striking the following language: e. The Stated Clerk receives written advice that a proposed amendment to the Book of Order has received the affirmative votes of a majority of the presbyteries. The proposed amendment so approved shall become effective one year following the adjournment of the assembly transmitting the proposed amendment. and by replacing the language with the words in italics to read: e. The Stated Clerk receives written advice that a proposed amendment to the Book of Order has received the affirmative votes of a two-thirds majority of the presbyteries. The proposed amendment, if approved and enacted by the next General Assembly, shall become effective at the close of that General Assembly meeting. and by engaging the following approval process: The thusly amended Book of Order, along with whatever other Book of Order amendments approved by the 222 nd General Assembly will be sent out to presbyteries for a vote, and upon achieving a two-thirds majority, the 223 rd General Assembly shall vote to ratify this change. Rationale Constitutions are social documents that assert and affirm the core beliefs, values, principles and appropriate rules to express the given identity of a people. As such constitutions are core social identity documents and should be stable across extended periods of time. In our American political experience this has been the case. The United States has only amended the Constitution a total of twenty-seven times across its near two and a half centuries (and only 17 times since the original first ten amendments). In the formation of the PCUSA the Church chose to dilute its understanding of Constitution by creating a Book of Order that was a hybrid of a constitution and manual of operations. In doing so the democratic principle ( majority rule ) was raised above the constitutional principle ( supermajority to amend ). This choice led to not only a loss of a stable understanding of our core identity, but it also promoted factionalism within the denomination. The passage of this amendment will appropriately restore stability to our core identity document,

22 Page22 reassert the constitutional principle and aid the church in regaining an appropriate understanding of engaging in patient discernment of the Will of Christ for His Church. Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Adding G c. to Permit a Presbytery to Abstain on Constitutional Changes From the Presbytery of the Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) to amend the Book of Order, Chapter 3, Councils of the Church, by adding to G : Point c: A presbytery may register as Abstaining when voting on General Assembly proposals recommending constitutional changes. Rationale The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is called to work for peace, unity, and purity, and its member congregations are committed to reducing any factors that obscure Christian unity; Church unity depends solely on Jesus Christ and not an unlikely if not impossible unanimity on the range of particular and partisan issues we encounter in society and culture: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) continues to press votes on divisive issues which have disrupted the peace, unity, and purity of the Church and diminished membership and mission momentum. When abstaining on constitutional matters, a presbytery decision to abstain will not be recorded as a no vote. However, a majority of presbyteries will be required to vote yes for a constitutional amendment to pass. A presbytery decision to register as abstaining may be accompanied by that presbytery s rationale for abstaining. The abstaining presbytery, for instance, may abstain from conviction that a vote to change the constitution at that time is inadvisable, divisive, and that further prayer, discussion, and discernment will benefit the Church. Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Adding a New Standing Rule L.2. Identifying the Right of Presbyteries and Synods to Submit Overtures Changing the Standing Rules From the Presbytery of the Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222nd General Assembly (2016) to amend Section L of the Standing Rules of the General Assembly as found in the Manual of the General Assembly. Foothills Presbytery recommends the following words to be added (in italics): SECTION L Recommending Amendments to the Standing Rules 1. In consultation with the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, the Stated Clerk shall recommend to the next session of the General Assembly any changes in the Standing Rules of the General Assembly deemed necessary. The Stated Clerk shall consult with the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly before proposing to the General Assembly any amendment to the standing rules.

23 Page23 Amending the Standing Rules 2. Presbyteries and Synods may submit overtures to amend or suspend the Standing Rules. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA), in consultation with the Stated Clerk, may offer their advice on any such overtures in the same way that the Advisory Committee on the Constitution (ACC) offers advice on amendments to the Constitution. 3. The Standing Rules of the General Assembly may be amended by a majority vote of the commissioners present and voting. A motion to amend the rules is debatable. Suspending the Standing Rules 4. A motion to suspend the standing rules is not debatable and shall require a two-thirds vote of the total enrollment of the commissioners. Rationale A fundamental principle of Reformed polity is that the people shall have a vote in the way they are governed. The Standing Rules govern the meetings of the General Assembly in much detail, and the structure of these meetings has a great impact on synods, presbyteries, churches and church members. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, together with the Stated Clerk, constitute a body much too limited to adequately represent the broader church in structuring General Assembly meetings. Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Amending G-3.05 On the Review of the Manual of the General Assembly From the Presbytery of the Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) to amend G-3-05 by inserting a new section, G and renumbering section G as G and section G as G The new section shall read: G Organizational Review The General Assembly has the responsibility to regularly review the Manual of the General Assembly. Presbyteries and Synods may submit overtures to amend, delete or suspend sections of the Manual of the General Assembly. Rationale 1. A fundamental principle of Reformed polity is that the people shall have a vote in the way they are governed. The General Assembly Manual of Operations and standing rules govern the meetings of the General Assembly in much detail, and the structure of these meetings has a great impact on the synods, presbyteries, churches and church members. 2. Both church and secular history show that bureaucracies, once established, have a tendency to become entrenched, isolated and self-perpetuating far beyond their original purpose and function. As there has been a revolution in communications and as the rapidity of social and political change shows no sign of abating, it is important for us to have structures that are nimble and adaptable. Therefore, it is important for the Body of the General Assembly to regularly address and review the operations of the Church.

24 Page24 Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Presbytery of Foothills. On Creating a General Assembly Reform Coordinating Committee to Renew the Practice of our Reformed Polity for the 21 st Century From the Presbytery of Foothills. Foothills Presbytery overtures the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) to create a General Assembly Reform Coordinating Committee with the aim to reform, renew and refresh the practice of our Reformed polity for the 21 st century, centered in the koinonia of our shared participation in Jesus Christ, the true Head of the Church (F-1.02). The General Assembly Reform Coordinating Committee will: 1. Coordinate with Synod and Presbytery Stated Clerks and Executives to organize regional gatherings of the commissioners to the 222 nd and subsequent General Assemblies, plus Ruling Elders, Teaching Elders, Deacons, Educators, Presbytery and Synod Staff persons and lay persons, to come together to study the core principles of our historic polity, to reflect upon the sweeping religious, political, cultural and social changes in which we find ourselves, and advise the GA Reform Coordinating Committee regarding the content and organization of the Constitution, the creation of a strategic ten year shared denominational mission plan, and to devise the most effective structures to faithfully and boldly uphold our Reformed polity and practice. 2. Study and devise a strategy to most effectively use the modern communication that is afforded to us through the internet and social media. 3. Receive, organize and report to the 223 rd and subsequent General Assemblies faithful summaries of the regional gatherings. Rationale Foothills Presbytery, affirming G that, The General Assembly constitutes the bond of union, community, and mission among all its congregations and councils, to the end that the whole church becomes a community of faith, hope, love and witness, has submitted eight overtures with the aim of engaging our denomination in the sustained work of reform, renewal and modernization. These individual overtures represent key strategic changes in our recent practice that we believe will instigate the Church to enter a new era of reform. Binding these diverse overtures together are the following principles: 1. Stability of Identity: The PC(USA) needs a stable Constitution that is undergirded by renewing the Constitutional Principle above the Democratic Principle. (Overture 007) 2. Change through Building Broad Consensus: The PC(USA) needs to move away from seeking change by legislation, and rather move to broad consensus building in and between the Councils of the Church. (Overture 003). 3. Holistic Witness: Through a balanced focus upon The Great Ends of the Church (F ) at the Meetings of the General Assembly, the PC(USA) needs a more holistic and faithful practice of living out the breadth of our Calling. (Overture 003) 4. Focus and Depth: The PC(USA) needs to improve and deepen its commitment to and practice of meaningful social witness by moving away from the practice of pushing yes/ no votes on highly partisan issues at the biennial Meetings of the General Assembly, and rather work to engage every congregation and every Council of the Church to find deep and rich consensus. (Overtures 004 and 005) 5. Mutual Interdependence: As Presbytery administrative leaders are in the unique position of relations between congregations and all higher Councils, the PC(USA) needs their wisdom and perspective as Advisory Delegates to the Meetings of the General Assembly (Overture 006)

25 Page25 6. Adaptability and Nimbleness: As the world of the 21 st Century is rapidly changing and as bureaucratic structures, once established and funded, tend towards outliving their original purpose, the PC(USA) needs the regular input of presbyteries into the issue of best practices and most fitting structures of the national Church. (Overtures 009 and 010) 7. More than Yes or No: As complex and multifaceted issues are often made simplistic by simple yes or no choices, the PC(USA) needs to create a third category of voting that allows for the message, no, not now. Believing the whole Church and every level of Council in the Church must be engaged in this work of reform, renewal and refreshment, the creation of a GA Coordinating Committee is the best method to engage in serious season of reform that is neither too hasty nor too tardy, but will help the PCUSA reform, renew and modernize its practice in a manner that is upholds the venerable standard, let it be done decently and in order. Overture Motion: The Presbytery of New Covenant concurs with this overture offered by the Mission Presbytery. Overture Confronting HIV and AIDS Globally Mission Presbytery respectfully overtures the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) to: 1. Give thanks for: a. The medical advances that have enabled better management of HIV, slowing the spread of the virus and allowing HIV-positive individuals to live longer and fuller lives; b. The responses of national governments and international agencies that have helped to improve access to these life enhancing medications; and c. The sustained and compassionate responses of faith communities to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. 2. Acknowledge: a. The continuing threat posed by HIV and AIDS, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa; and b. The current window of opportunity for eliminating the serious public health threat posed by HIV by 2030 through effective and coordinated action by a range of actors, including governments, medical professionals, community organizations and faith communities. 3. Commend to congregations for study and action Becoming an HIV and AIDS Competent Church: Prophetic Witness and Compassionate Action, approved by the 219 th General Assembly (2010); and 4. Commit to playing an active part in the global response to HIV and AIDS at this critical juncture, and, in particular, to: a. Direct the Stated Clerk, in collaboration with the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness, to urge the Secretary of State, the US Global AIDS Coordinator and other relevant US officials to increase global funding dedicated to fighting the HIV and AIDS epidemic, and to request that some of the funds be allocated to the support of faith-based organizations engaged in public education about HIV and AIDS and addressing the stigma and discrimination that continue to inhibit effective responses to the disease; b. Direct Presbyterian World Missions to: i. Encourage and accompany global partners working to raise awareness of the HIV and AIDS epidemic and to promote appropriate responses to the disease; ii. Educate PC(USA) constituencies, including congregations and mission networks, about the urgency of action to prevent a resurgence of HIV infections through media such as, bulletin inserts, publications and social media; and iii. Mobilize financial resources to support education and stigma-reduction initiatives, both domestically and in cooperation with global partners.

26 Page26 c. Direct the Stated Clerk to raise these concerns with other Christian denominations in the USA, through ecumenical organizations such as the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and Church World Service, and to seek coordinated responses to expand access to affordable medical care, including appropriate medications and therapies to respond to the health challenges presented by HIV and AIDS. Rationale The current situation of the HIV and AIDS epidemic demands an urgent global response, and faith leaders and communities are critical elements of that response. The purpose of this overture is to ensure that the PC(USA) acts with the moral urgency that the situation demands. The HIV and AIDS epidemic is now more than three decades old. Almost forty million people have died from AIDS-related causes. Fortunately, at a critical juncture fifteen years ago, the world responded to the crisis. Without that response, the toll would have been much worse. Because of that response, fifteen million people are now receiving life-preserving medication. PC(USA) was part of that global response, through the creation of a special World Mission office dedicated to AIDS-related activities, through the Presbyterian AIDS Network, and through the approval, by the 219 th General Assembly (2010), of a policy statement designed to assist the PC(USA) to become an HIV and AIDS competent church, a concept explored more fully by the World Council of Churches in the 2008 Ecumenical HIV & AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA) handbook, Beacons of Hope: HIV Competent Churches A Framework for Action.. The epidemic is now at another critical juncture, and it is vital that the world respond again, and that PC(USA) again be part of the response. Thanks to advances in science and medicine, we have the knowledge to end HIV and AIDS as public health threats by However, we have only a very short window of opportunity to take advantage of that knowledge to achieve that goal. If, during the next five years, we do what we know how to do, then new infections will steadily decline. But if we fail to act during the next five years, the disease will come roaring back and new infections will start to rise again. These two different futures are illustrated in a slide taken from a recent report from UNAIDS and The Lancet (shown right). The blue area shows the new infections if we apply our knowledge now. The red shows the new infections if we don t. The difference is 28 million if we act now, we can prevent 28 million people from becoming infected with HIV. Those 28 million people give a moral urgency to our actions. Social issues, such as stigma and discrimination, are important drivers of the epidemic. There are about seventeen million people living with HIV who are not receiving therapy, many of whom are in groups that are marginalized by society. They are afraid of the social reaction if they get tested and if they begin treatment; they are afraid of what their neighbors will say or what their employers or other authorities will do. Faith leaders have the social influence to change this situation. The authors of the UNAIDS-Lancet report have said that the most important thing for faith

27 Page27 communities to do is to reach out to the marginalized with messages of inclusion, to ensure that they can be tested and treated without fear. As we know from Luke 4:16-21, where Jesus reads the prophecy by Isaiah, Christ came for marginalized. His earthly mission was devoted to the poor, the sick, the outcasts. Compelled by our faith, and recognizing the moral urgency of taking action, we must do our part in the global response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic at this critical point, with a particular emphasis on advocacy, stigma reduction, and support for our partner denominations in geographical regions that are especially burdened by the epidemic. C.3 Personnel Committee March 19, For your information: In recognition of Sharon Darden s 47+ years of service and her commitment to the Presbytery of New Covenant, the Personnel Committee has approved 2 months of extended vacation time (June and July) for Sharon in Sharon will continue to be paid during this period and her job activities will be covered by other personnel. Sharon will still be able to use her normal vacation during the rest of the year as she normally uses her vacation to care for family members. Sharon has requested the months of June and July since there are no COM/CPM meetings in July and as she would like to attend the General Assembly and NACBA (National Association of Church Business Administrators) meetings during this period. In order to support her attendance at these meetings, a process will be set up for individuals/churches to make voluntary contributions to defray her expenses. Committee on Ministry - D Presbytery Report March 19, 2016 I. Recommendations for Presbytery action: A. The Committee recommends and moves that TE Debbie Measells be granted Honorably Retired Status effective March 31, B. The Committee recommends and moves that TE Debbie Measells be granted Pastor Emeritus Status at First Presbyterian Church, Brazoria, TX. C. The Committee recommends and moves that TE Joseph Delgatto be granted Pastor Emeritus Status at Heights Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX. D. The Committee recommends and moves that TE Samuel Fabila be granted Honorably Retired status effective March 31, E. The Committee recommends and moves that TE Samuel Fabila be granted Pastor Emeritus Status at Biyaya Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX.

28 Page28 II. Actions taken on behalf of Presbytery A. Pastoral Call between Grace Taiwan Presbyterian Church and TE Teh Tzu Hsu (Kho) effective January 2016; COM approved 9/2/14; sustained examination of Committee on Examination on 9/27/14; COM sustained examination on 10/7/14. Statement of Faith follows the COM report. Salary $ 36,000 Housing, Utility and Furnishing Allowance 8,988 Reimbursement of SECA in excess of 7.65% 3,712 Auto IRS Rate 1,000 Books, Professional Dues 500 Board of Pensions Dues 16,071 Study Leave Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 1,000 Study Leave 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks Annual Review 12/1/15 Ordination: 6/16/94; Transferring from Taipei Presbytery Education: 1984 M.Div. Tainan Theological College and Seminary B. Pastoral Call between Korean Young Nak Presbyterian Church and TE Jun Ho Kim effective March 1, 2016; COM approved 1/11/16; sustained the examination of Committee on Examinations on 1/23/16; COM sustained examination 2/2/16. Statement of Faith follows the COM report. Salary $ 24,000 Housing, Utility Allowance 20,000 Other direct compensation/reimbursement 6,000 Auto IRS Rate 3,500 Books/Professional Dues 1,500 Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family Yes 18,250 Study Leave Allowance 1,750 Study Leave 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks Annual Review Each March Ordination: 4/23/02; Transferring from Tropical Florida Presbytery Education: Department of Theology, Seoul Jangsin University and Theological Seminary M. Div., Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary Master of Theology, Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary 2004 Master of Theology course work, International Theological Seminary (CA) 2009 Doctor of Missiology, Grace Theological Seminary January 3, 2016 A. TE David R. O Neal laboring in the bounds of New Covenant Presbytery as he serves as Stated Supply of Trawick Church B. Dissolved the relationship between TE Noelie Day and Houston, Oaks effective 12/31/15 C. Approved Commissioned Ruling Elder Contract renewal between RE Debbie Battise Kleinman and Livingston, Indian for the term of 11/1/16 11/30/17;10-15 hours per week. Granted permission to perform the following functions: Baptism, Lord s Supper, Moderator Session, Voice at Presbytery Meeting, Vote at Presbytery Meeting, and Perform Marriages. Salary $12,000 per year IRS Rate 4,000 Study Leave Allowance 1,000 Study Leave Time 2 weeks D. Approved Terms of Compensation between TE Barrett Ingram and Navasota, First effective 1/1/16 E. Approved request from Navasota, First to converting TE Barrett Ingram s Designated Pastor Call to Installed Pastor effective 1/1/16.

29 Page29 Salary $ 30,000 Housing and Utility Allowance 5,000 Value of Manse 11,000 Other direct compensation/reimbursement 2,000 Auto IRS Rate 3,000 Books, Professional Dues 3,400 Board of Pensions Dues 17,804 Professional Development Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 1,700 Professional Development Leave (cumulative for 3 years) 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks Annual Review YES F. Approved request from Houston, Community of a Servant Savior to converting TE Kathleen Davies Designated Pastor Call to Installed Pastor effective 1/1/16. G. Approved terms of Compensation between TE Kathleen Davies and Houston, Community of a Servant Savior effective 1/1/16. Salary $ 13,374 Housing and Utility Allowance 18,750 Auto IRS Rate 1,000 Books, Professional Dues 200 Board of Pensions Dues 14,321 Professional Development Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 1,700 Professional Development Leave (cumulative for 3 years) 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks Social Security Compensation up to 7.65% 2,488 Annual Review YES H. Approved dissolving the relationship between TE Cynthia Wunder and Jasper, First effective 1/19/16 I. Received and approved Annual Report from CRE Debbie Battise Kleinman and Livingston, Indian J. Approved adding to the Pulpit Supply List 1. TE Holly Smith 2. TE Noelie Day 3. TE Munn Hinds (Member of Mission Presbytery) K. Approved MIF 1. Houston, Heights 2. Houston, Young Nak L. Approved Commission to install TE Mirjam Haas-Melchior to serve as pastor of St. Paul s Presbyterian Church, Needville on 12/6/15, at 3:00 pm To preside and propound the constitutional questions: TE Dr. Laurey Murphy, Moderator, Houston, Spring Branch To preach the sermon: TE Mike Cole, General Presbyter, Presbytery of New Covenant To charge the pastor: RE Mary Marcotte, Associate General Presbyter, Houston, Pines To charge the congregation: RE Fred DeLuna and RE Patricia Watson, Needville, St. Paul s To complete the commission: TE Debbie Cenko, Pastor, Wharton, First; TE Charles Teykl, HR; Rev. Anna Kreisle Humble, Interim Conference Minister, South Central Conference UCC; and Rev. Daniel Hass, Pastor St. John s UCC, Rosenberg M. Approved Commission to install TE Timothy Marquez as Designated Pastor at Pathways Church, Houston on 1/24/16 at 3:00 pm To preside and propound the constitutional questions: RE Shelley Hernandez, Moderator, Houston, Pathways To preach the sermon: TE Mike Cole, General Presbyter, NCP To charge the pastor: TE Fred Seay, Pastor, Sugar Land, First To charge the congregation: TE Shawn Kang, Pastor, Houston, Pathways To complete the commission: TE Sam Fabila, Houston, Biyaya; RE Sharon Darden, Houston, Pinecrest;

30 Page30 RE You He Shin, Houston, Pathways; and RE Chung Lee, Houston, Pathways N. Approved renewal of Stated Supply contract between Lloyd Crosby and Beaumont, Pioneer ¼ time effective 1/1/16 for one year. Salary $4,800 $4,800 Housing Allowance 8,400 8,400 Study Leave Time (cumulative for up to 3 years) 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation (cumulative for up to 3 years) 4 weeks 4 weeks Annual Review was held 12/27/2015 O. Granted TE Katherine Hester Doehring permission to labor out of the bounds of the presbytery to serve as Acting Pastor of Friends Congregational Church (UCC), 1/11 4/17 / 2016 in the absence of Pastor Dan De Leon for the duration of his sabbatical leave. February 2, 2016 A. Appointed TE Brian Long moderator at Sealy, First. B. Approved commission to install TE Simon Teh-Tse Hsu (Kho) as pastor of Grace Taiwan Presbyterian Church, Houston on 2/7/16 at 2 pm To preside and propound the constitutional questions: RE Shelly Hernandez, PNC Moderator, Houston, Pathways To preach the sermon: TE Mike Cole, General Presbyter, Presbytery of New Covenant To charge the pastor and congregation: TE Paul Change-Jul Lee, HR, Former moderator of Houston, Grace Taiwan To complete the commission: TR Mary Marcotte, Associate General Presbyter, New Covenant Presbytery, Houston, Pines; TE Lynn Hargrove, Stated Clerk, New Covenant Presbytery; RE Andrie Chen, Houston, Formosan; RE Sharon Darden, Houston, Pinecrest C. Approved request from Brazoria, First to have a congregational meeting on 2/7/16 to elect TE Debbie Measells Pastor Emeritus. D. Approved serious contact for Houston, Korean Young-Nak. E. Approved request from Houston, Heights to have congregational meeting to elect TE Joseph Delgatto Pastor Emeritus F. Approved Change in terms of compensation 1. Between TE Winfield Jones and Pearland, First effective 1/10/16 Salary $31,955 $35,128 Housing, Utility Allowance 25,065 25,065 Other Allowances or Insurance Payments 6,440 6,440 Books, Professional Dues Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 23,163 24,321 Study Leave Allowance 1,420 1,420 Study Leave 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Reimbursement of SECA tax up to 7.65% 4,976 4,976 Annual Review 12/10/15 2. Between TE Rachel Young and Houston, Clear Lake moving to half time effective 1/2/16 Salary $32,596 $ 4,548 Housing, Utility Allowance 25,000 25,000 Other Allowances or Insurance Payments 1,500 Books, Professional Dues 3,500 1,750

31 Page31 Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 21,570 16,215 Study Leave Allowance 1,670 1,670 Study Leave 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Annual Review 3. Between TE Mark Plunkett and Houston, Heritage effective 2/1/16 Salary $ 17,400 $ 18,000 Housing, Utility Allowance 17,400 18,000 Other direct compensation/reimbursement 403(b)(9) 8,000 4,000 Other Allowances or Insurance Payments 905 1,162 Auto IRS Rate 1,356 1,356 Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 15,734 15,720 Study Leave Allowance 1,450 1,450 Study Leave 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Annual Review Fall Between TE Dr. Ben Stewart, III and PNC International Seafarers Ministry, Houston effective 1/1/16 Salary $29,505 $30,390 Housing, Utility Allowance 21,630 22,279 Auto IRS IRS Rate Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 18,664 19,224 Study Leave Allowance 1,706 1,800 Study Leave 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Annual Review 1/21/16 G. Approved Stated Supply contract changes 1. Between TE Robert Rush and Tomball, First (change in compensation to contract) Salary $22,570 $ 18,570 Housing, Utility Allowance 8,000 12, Renewal between TE Rhonda Detenbeck and Rosenberg, First ½ time Stated Supply for one year effective 1/1/16 Salary $16,800 Housing Allowance 7,800 Travel IRS Rate 450 Board of Pensions Dues 13, Study Leave 500 Books/Professional Expenses 300 Study Leave 2 weeks Clergy Retreat days H. Approved dissolving the relationship 1. Between TE Debbie Measells and Brazoria, First effective 3/31/16 2. Between TE Samuel Fabila and Houston, Biyaya effective 10/1/15 I. Approved transfer of membership 1. TE Daniel Nguyen to Gulf South Presbytery of the Evangelism Presbyterian Church (EPC) 2. TE Peter Lee to Gulf South Presbytery of the Evangelism Presbyterian Church (EPC) J. Received signed Separation Ethic Forms 1. TE Cynthia Wunder (Jasper, First)

32 Page32 2. TE Samuel Fabila (Houston, Biyaya) K. This language was added to the Calling a Designated Pastor document: Notwithstanding the provision of any policy that the Presbytery of New Covenant has, in the case of a designated pastor becoming an installed position (with the appropriate approvals of the congregation and presbytery), an additional installation service is not required but may be conducted at the option of the congregation. March 1, 2016 A. Appointed Moderators/Transition Teams 1. Jasper, First - TE John Alexander (moderator) and RE Elnora Alexander 2. Houston, Biyaya TE Tim Marquez (moderator) and RE Alex Sardual 3. Houston, Pinecrest TE Mike Cole B. Granted Houston, Biyaya permission to have a congregational meeting to elect TE Samuel Fabila Pastor Emeritus C. Granted TE Samuel Fabila permission to serve the Lord Supper the first Sunday of the month and to preach if asked by the session of Houston, Biyaya. D. Approve Change in terms of compensation 1. Between TE Jonathan Crantz and Houston, First effective 11/6/15 Salary $35, $43, Housing, Utilities Allowance 45, , Other Allowance or Insurance Payments 1, , Auto Allowance 3, , Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 35, , Study Leave Allowance cumulative for 3 years 1, , Study Leave cumulative for 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Other paid group insurance - vision Reimbursement of SECA tax up to 7.65% 6, , Annual Review October 2. Between TE Michael Homan and Houston, First effective 11/6/15 Salary $41, $48, Housing, Utilities Allowance 34, , Other Allowance or Insurance Payments 1, , Auto Allowance 1, , Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 33, , Study Leave Allowance cumulative for 3 years 1, , Study Leave cumulative for 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Other paid group insurance - vision Reimbursement of SECA tax up to 7.65% 5, , Annual Review October 3. Between TE Andrew Stepp and Houston, First effective 11/6/15 Salary $30, $38, Housing, Utilities Allowance 46, , Other Allowance or Insurance Payments 1, , Auto Allowance 3, , Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 33, , Study Leave Allowance cumulative for 3 years 1, , Study Leave cumulative for 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Other paid group insurance - vision Reimbursement of SECA tax up to 7.65% 5, ,450.00

33 Page33 Annual Review 4. Between TE William (Bill) Heston and Houston, First effective 11/6/15 October Salary $47, $64, Housing, Utilities Allowance 64, , Other Allowance or Insurance Payments 1, , Auto Allowance 3, , Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 46, , Study Leave Allowance cumulative for 3 years 1, , Study Leave cumulative for 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Other paid group insurance - vision Reimbursement of SECA tax up to 7.65% 8, , Annual Review October 5. Between TE Jim Birchfield and Houston, First effective 11/6/15 Salary $130, $ Housing, Utilities Allowance 65, , Other Allowance or Insurance Payments 1, , Books, Professional Dues 1, , Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 58, , Study Leave Allowance cumulative for 3 years 1, , Study Leave cumulative for 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Other paid group insurance - vision Reimbursement of SECA tax up to 7.65% 14, , Annual Review October 6. Between TE Stephen Newton and Nacogdoches, Westminster effective 1/1/16 Salary $25, $30, Housing, Utilities Allowance 28, , Auto Allowance 6, , Books, Professional Dues Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 19, , Study Leave Allowance cumulative for 3 years 1, , Study Leave cumulative for 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Matching employer contributions to PCUSA Retirement Fund 1, , Reimbursement of SECA tax up to 7.65% 4, , Annual Review February Between TE Kevin Keaton and Board of Pensions effective January 2016 Salary $62, Housing Allowance 31, Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family Full Vacation 27 business days Business related expenses are reimbursed Continuing Education time provided 8. Between TE Jon Burnham and Houston, St. John s effective 1/1/16 Salary $35, $35, Housing, Utilities Allowance 35, , Other direct compensation/reimbursement 1, , Other Allowance or Insurance Payment , Auto Allowance 4, , Books, Professional Dues 2, , Board of Pensions Dues Member and Family 26, , Study Leave Allowance cumulative for 3 years 1, ,575.00

34 Page34 Study Leave cumulative for 3 years 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Matching employer contributions to PCUSA Retirement Fund 3, , Reimbursement of SECA tax up to 7.65% 5, ,063 Annual Review February 2016 E. Received signed Separation Ethics form from TE Debbie Measells F. Approved renewal of Commissioned Ruling Elder contract between Imelda Carrillo and Galveston, Emmanuel part-time for three years, 1/1/16 to 1/1/19; that she is granted the following functions: baptism; Lord s Supper; Moderate Session; Voice at Presbytery Meeting; Vote at Presbytery Meeting and Perform Marriages. Compensation: $200 plus mileage per Sunday; expense covered for two resources G. Approved Interim position and validation of ministry for TE John Hirling to serve as Interim Associate Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Houston, ELCA for the period of 3/1/16 8/31/16. H. Approved Annual Validation for Ministry/2016 Annual Compensation report for TE Thomas Sharon at Texas Children s Hospital. Statements of Faith Reverend Teh Tse Hsu (Kho) (Houston, Grace Taiwan) I believe in one true God. He is the Creator of heaven, earth, all things and mankind. The life of man comes from Him, and all things are under His sovereign control. All movements in the universe are the work of His hand. He has everlasting loving kindness and will call anyone to be His servant to fulfill His Great Commission. He has entrusted us to oversee everything He created, which includes His Church. Thus, I firmly believe, it is God s call on my life to begin my pastoral ministry in America. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only begotten Son, the Savior of mankind. He completed the work of salvation, being made in the flesh and came to earth as a man, by becoming our Messiah and Friend; especially He is merciful towards the outcasts of society who live among poverty and social rejection. Jesus cares about them and constantly draws near to them to give them warmth of heart and timely help, and restores unto them the dignity and meaningfulness of a human being. He is full of abundant grace and gives it all freely to all people, causing us to live in his grace like an overflowing cup. Jesus is the Lord of my house. I believe in the Holy Spirit, who is sent forth by the Son and the Father as our Comforter. All our works are possible because of His guidance in our life. He constantly moves upon the heart of mankind to meet their deepest needs inside. He comes alongside us to accomplish what the Father has called us to finish our work and fulfill our ministry on earth. I submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life and allow Him to work in me and finish what He has called me to do. I believe in the Holy Scripture as God s word, spoken and uttered by the servants of our God. Bible teaches us to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and shows us how to be a true disciple of Christ. It helps us recognize the people that God has called us to serve and administer His tender care. Rev. Jun Ho Kim (Houston, Young Nak) I believe in One God, eternally existing in Three Persons as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe God created all things both visible and invisible for God s pleasure, in concert with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe God is Holy. I believe God is love, good, just, righteous, kind, merciful, forgiving, wrathful, patient and other characters described in the Bible. I believe Jesus to be the Son of God, supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of Virgin Mary. I believe Jesus is the Messiah, the One prophesied in the Old Testament, to be the Savior of not only the Jews but the Gentiles as well. I believe Jesus is the Living Word who put on flesh, lived a sinless life, crucified on the cross and died the physical death. I believe his death on the cross satisfied the divine justice and wrath for the sins of the world. I believe Jesus rose bodily from the dead, appeared to his disciples and ascended into heaven in full view many people.

35 Page35 I believe the Holy Spirit is in the world to glorify Jesus the Christ and God the Father and sent by Jesus to be the believers constant Counselor. I believe the Holy Spirit is in the world to remind believers of what Jesus taught and convict humankind of sin. I believe the Bible to be the infallible written word of God. I believe both the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God. I believe the Bible to be the special and complete revelation of God which contains God s plan for the salvation of humankind and how humankind shall live. I believe that men and women are created by God, distinguished from other creations in that, only men and women bear the special image of God and therefore can know God in a special, intimate and personal way. I believe because Adam and Eve sinned, that humankind subsequently became sinful, corrupt and began to experience physical and spiritual death and humankind is unable to save itself from sin and judgment. I believe salvation is found in no one else except through Jesus the Christ, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) I believe salvation is accomplished by God, by drawing sinners to God and is offered as a gift to all who will believe unto Jesus as his and her Savior. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, his body. I believe God called the Church to worship, fellowship, teach and to administer sacraments (of both the Lord s Supper and Baptism) and be the salt and light of this world. I believe the Church is commanded by Jesus Christ to reach out to the lost and fulfill the Great Commission, to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20) I believe that Jesus will return in bodily form to the ultimate defeat of Satan and the renewal of all things by God. BIOGRAPHIES Debbie Cannedy Measells (Brazoria, First) I was raised in the United Presbyterian Church by my parents. My earliest memory involves going to church in Collinsville, Illinois, and passing by the iconic catsup bottle at the Brooks Brothers factory. At the time I was 4 years old and the water tower painted like a catsup bottle was only 6 years old. Now that I am retiring, I plan to go back and see both the church in Collinsville and the world s largest catsup bottle. I graduated from Indiana University (IUPUI). I went under care of Whitewater Valley Presbytery in 1971 and started Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in the fall of There were five women in my class and a total of ten women on campus. Every class was a lesson on transforming language to be gender inclusive both by students and instructors. While in Seminary, I served two Kentucky churches: Harvey Browne Memorial Church in Louisville and Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church. My first call was to First Presbyterian church in Midway, Kentucky where I was ordained January 8, The church and manse were next door to one another and both about 100 years old. I was a single female living in one of the largest houses in town. The boys in the Cub Scout pack, that I led, thought that was very strange and asked if I ever got scared in the big old house which was next to the cemetery and the railroad track. After 22 months as a solo pastor, I moved to Meridian, Mississippi where I did three years residency in Pastoral Counseling at East Mississippi State Hospital and served as a chaplain and worked at a mental health care center. While in Meridian, I married in and also became the moderator of the Session at Alexander Memorial Presbyterian Church in Kosciusko, MS for 5 years. It was an African American Church. After completing my residency at East Mississippi, I was the assistant pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS for a year ( ). Then I became the stated supply to Alexander Memorial and preached two Sundays a month until I got the call to come to Brazoria. While I was in Mississippi, I was the first woman ordained in Central Mississippi Presbytery. Since then several presbyteries merged into one and I am listed as the first ordained woman in the state of Mississippi.

36 Page36 I have served as the solo pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Brazoria since December 1, While a member of New Covenant Presbytery, I have served on the Nominating Committee twice, COM/Congregational Care and served as chair and vice chair. I was on the Small Church Task Force for many years and served on General Council. I served on four committees dealing with the possible closure of churches, including Sweeny Presbyterian Church, Heritage in Houston, and First PC in Freeport. In 1988, I was a runner up in the Rural Minister of the Year competition sponsored by Texas A&M. I earned the degree of Doctor of Ministry from APTS in In 1989 and 2000, I was commissioner to General Assembly. The Board of Pensions selected me from a group of small church pastors to receive a month Sabbatical in The church I serve celebrated 100 years of ministry in 2013 and the Sanctuary will be 100 this year, While I have been at First Presbyterian Church, Brazoria, I served as the President of the Ministerial Alliance for many years. My husband, Jerry, and I were recognized as Man and Woman of the Year in the early 1990 s. Our son, Peter, who was born here and his sister, Phoebe, who was four years old when we came have both graduated from the Columbia/Brazoria ISD and College (UH). They live and work in Brazoria County and still attend church at First Presbyterian in Brazoria. This town, this church and this presbytery, each have been the core of our lives for over 30 years. I thank God for the opportunity to fulfill my call in this way and in this place. Samuel Fabila (Houston, Biyaya) Retired Pastor of Biyaya Community Church Wife Gloria Candoleta Fabila Children: Louel Sam Fabila (Single); Frances Gay F. Otegbola (Married) Grandchildren: Xavia S. J. Otegbola 3 years and 1 month old; Savannah A. M. Otegbola 2-1/2 months old PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Administrative Pastor Biyaya Community Church, Houston TX September September 2015 Resident Chaplain Memorial Hermann Hospital Southwest, Houston TX August 2005 May 2006 OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Academic Dean Convention Baptist Bible College, Philippines Administrative Pastor Roxas Baptist Church, Philippines Administrator Convention Baptist Development Center, Philippines Faculty Member Roxas College, Philippines RELIGIOUS INVOLVEMENT President: Convention Baptist Ministers Association: Mindoro Conference of Baptist Churches: , Coordinator: Asian Coordinating Council of the Synod of the Sun, PC(USA): EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE Master of Education - West Negros College, Bacolod City, Philippines Master of Divinity - Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, Philippines Bachelor of Science in Education - Roxas College, Philippines Bachelor of Arts - Roxas College, Philippines III. For Information A. Clergy Retreat April 5-7 at Camp Allen in Navasota B. Healthy Boundaries Workshops (required every 5 years): Thursday, March 17 at the Presbytery Office

37 Page37 Tuesday, April 12 at Bay City, First Tuesday, May 10 at Lufkin, First Thursday, May 19 Thursday, June 9 Tuesday, July 19 Committee on Preparation for Ministry - E Presbytery Report March 19, 2016 I. Recommendations for Presbytery action: 1. The committee recommends and moves that Daniel Dan Aikins (Houston, Memorial Drive) be enrolled as a candidate. II. Actions taken on behalf of Presbytery - January 9, 2016 Actions/Recommendations from Commissioned Ruling Elders Subcommittee 1. Approved recommendation from CRE Subcommittee that those entering the process to become a Commissioned Ruling Elder for a Particular Service will be recommended to attend the Certificate In Ministry Program (CIM) offered by Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary or an equivalent program. 2. Approved that the members of the CRE subcommittee will be welcomed to join the Committee on Preparation for Ministry but will not be obliged. Actions Regarding Candidates/Inquirers 1. Approved enrolling John Hagmann (Houston, Clear Lake) as an inquirer. February 13, 2016 Action/Recommendation from Commissioned Ruling Elders Subcommittee 1. Approved request to withdraw from the CRE process RE Linda Owens (Katy, New Hope). 2. Approved request to withdraw from the CRE process RE Sharon Templeman (Nacogdoches, Westminster). 3. Approved dropping from the CRE process RE Gail Moore (Beaumont, St. Andrew s). III. Items for Information 1. Committee on Preparation for Ministry met on January 9, 2016 and February 13, General Council F March 19, 2016 The report of the General Council will appear in the addendum information for this meeting.

38 Page38 Ministries Division Steering Committee G March 19, For information: Vision Initiative and Social Justice Grants Applications Now Being Accepted Through April 30 Generosity is a signal characteristic of a Christian disciple and is an expression of the Holy Spirit in all of us. The generosity of two individuals has allowed for the creation of two grant programs at Presbytery of New Covenant to enhance expression of that Spirit of sharing for generations to come. This year $55,000 is available for Vision Initiative Grants and $10,000 for Social Justice Grants, and applications for both are being accepted through April 30. Vision Initiative Grants are designed to enhance progress to the Vision of the Presbytery (growing congregations that passionately engage their community to make disciples) and sustain the Mission of the Presbytery (confessing Jesus Christ as Lord; connecting one another in ministry; challenging one another for mission). Applicants are generally required to raise at least half of the needed funds with Gift funds constituting the balance. Priority in funding will be given to activities that result in increasing the overall membership of New Covenant Presbytery. Such increasing may be the result of new church development, redevelopment of established churches, general outreach to unchurched individuals or other approaches within the Mission of the Presbytery. Priority in funding will be given to activities that reach out as the Presbyterian Church to communities, groups and organizations with the express purpose of increasing disciples. Social Justice Grants are to be used for social justice issues, particularly for issues concerning equality and inclusion of all persons regardless of sexual orientation. This may include proposals to provide education for a church or group to enhance knowledge of a particular social justice or inclusion issue, create an action to bring justice to an issue, or further the cause of an organization that is already known to work for social justice and/or inclusion. All grant applications that meet the general purposes of this fund will be considered; however, those applications that address the more specific purpose of inclusion of all persons regardless of sexual orientation, as included in the donor s gift description, will be given top priority. The following groups may apply for a grant: 1) any church in the Presbytery of New Covenant with the approval of the Session; 2) organizations with partnerships with churches in the Presbytery of New Covenant; 3) committees of the Presbytery of New Covenant; and 4) organizations with covenants with the Presbytery of New Covenant. More details and applications can be found on the Presbytery s website ( under Resources Filing Cabinet Grant Information and Application Presbytery Grant and Scholarships. CONGREGATIONAL RESOURCING Mental Health Symposium EVANGELISM AND CHURCH GROWTH We welcome TE CAZ MINTER, Associate for 1001 New Worshipping Communities, based in Austin, Texas. More information will be included in the addendum information for this meeting. OUTREACH LIT/TPF We welcome representatives from LIT and The Texas Presbyterian Foundation to address the commissioners about energy conservation.

39 Page39