Presbytery of the Peaks Reports Packet. Presbyterian Response Teams and Administrative Commission

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1 Presbytery of the Peaks Reports Packet Presbyterian Response Teams and Administrative Commission Beale John Arehart (Lead), John Redding, and Rich Henderson The congregation held a meeting to conduct a straw poll on Sunday, March 12, The vote was 18-0 to continue to consider being dismissed from the PC(USA). The Session is in the process of gathering the necessary financial documents to present to the trustees of the Presbytery Dublin PRT: Linda Dickerson (Lead), Nancy Alexander, Stuart Childress The Session is in the final stages of gathering the necessary financial documents to present to the trustees of the Presbytery. Matthews Memorial Administrative Commission (AC) PRT: Carl Utley (chair), Phyllis Collins, Mark Hinchcliff, Lynn McGhee The AC is in the process of preparing a final report to be presented to the Presbytery at its August 19, 2017, stated meeting. Moderator, Sisters and Brothers of the Faith: Report of the Stated Clerk Thanks to all churches that submitted statistical reports in time to be on the Honor Roll and to all churches who missed the Honor Roll but reported before the deadline. Accurate statistical information is of great value both to the Office of the General Assembly and to the Presbytery. ACTIONS REPORTED (CORRESPONDENCE): 1. Report of the Commission to Ordain Amanda Bowman: Maysville Presbyterian Church on April 9, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Teaching Elders Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry, Moderator of the Commission Matt Bowman, Pastor, Maysville and New Store Presbyterian Churches Kim Jeffreys, Pastor, Madisonville Presbyterian Church, To Charge the Candidate Ruling Elders Pattie Bailey, Maysville Presbyterian Church Robert Pennington, Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8

2 Jennifer Spears, Maysville Presbyterian Church To Sit with the Commission Josh Andrzejewski, Chaplain and Faculty Instructor, Presbytery of the James, To Preach the Sermon 2. Peaks Presbytery Minutes for 2015 were reviewed and approved by the 238th Synod Assembly. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. FOR CONSENT AGENDA - The approval of the minutes of the One-hundred-eleventh Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks (February 18, 2017) as reviewed by those persons designated by the Standing Rules. 2. FOR CONSENT AGENDA -That motions be reduced to writing and sent to the clerks table before discussion. 3. FOR CONSENT AGENDA -That all committee reports be received. 4. FOR CONSENT AGENDA That the Commission to ordain Amanda Bowmen be dismissed with heartfelt thanks. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Report on Church Filings of the 2016 Session Annual Statistical Report Honor Roll: Altavista Falling Spring AC Old Concord Appomattox CH Farmville Peace Appomattox PE PC of Floyd Peaks Bedford Forest Pearisburg Berry Hill Glasgow Phenix Bluemont Grace Pulaski, First Blacksburg Green Ridge Quaker Memorial Briery Hermon Raleigh Court Buffalo High Bridge Roanoke Valley Chatham Mallow Saint Andrew Christiansburg Martinsville, First Salem Clifton Forge Mary Horner Walker Second, Roanoke College McAllister Memorial South Boston, First Collinsville, First Mizpah Trinity Ecumenical/SML Covenant, Roanoke Montvale Trinity Ridgeway Covington, First New Dublin Unity Cumberland Northminster Village Danville, First Northside West End Diamond Hill Oak Level Williamson Memorial Douglas Oak View Drakes Branch Old Brick 9

3 Additional Reports : Amherst Forest Hills Memorial Arvon Fork Union New Concord Belmont Holbrook St. New Store Belspring Jamestown Radford Brookneal Kentuck Roanoke Campbell Memorial Low Moor Rocky Mount Cool Spring Lynchburg, First Rough Creek Covenant, Lynchburg Mayberry Sinking Spring Falling Spring RC Maysville Virginia Fellowship Meherrin Westminster Fincastle No Reports Submitted: Beale Memorial Elon Mercy Seat Bethlehem Fairlawn Mt. Carmel Browns Fifth Avenue Narrows, First Buchanan Gethsemane United Pisgah Clarksville Glen Wilton Providence Colonial Harmony R.D. Holmes Memorial Concord Hat Creek Rustburg Coolwell Kayser Memorial Shelton Memorial Danube Madisonville Trinity, New Canton Davis Memorial Massies Mill Villamont Dublin Matthews Memorial Presbytery Report 2016 Presbytery Number Name Address City/State Phone Web Site Fax The Peaks 1022 Floyd St Ste A Lynch burg, VA office@peaks presbytery.or 10

4 g Membership Prior Active Members Gains Losses 17 & Under 62 Certified & Over 101 Deaths 286 Certified 177 Other 828 Other 28 Total Gains 368 Total Losses 1828 Total Active Members Baptized 752 Other Participants 599 Total Adherents Female Members 7474 Average Attendance 5186 Affiliate Members 95 Baptisms Child Baptisms 110 Officers Male Session 368 Adult Baptisms 20 Female Session 383 Male Deacons 65 Female Deacons 74 Age Distribution of Active Members Male Female 25 & Under Over

5 Report of the Committee on Ministry ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. Approved the request to renew the Commissioned Ruling Elder contract between Villamont Presbyterian Church and Phil Berry from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec.31, Endorsed Jamestown Presbyterian Church in their request to allow the Full Circle Nature School to use their building and grounds for academic purposes as a mission of the congregation. 3. Approved the request of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, to form a Credentialing Committee for the Rev. Vernie Bolden, minister in good standing of the Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, to serve as Stated Supply Pastor. 4. Approved the Commission for Ordination of Amanda Hayes Bowman at Maysville Presbyterian Church on April 9, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Teaching Elders Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry, Moderator of the Commission Matt Bowman, Pastor, Maysville and New Store Presbyterian Churches Kim Jeffreys, Pastor, Madisonville Presbyterian Church, To Charge the Candidate Ruling Elders Pattie Bailey, Maysville Presbyterian Church Robert Pennington, Cumberland Presbyterian Church Jennifer Spears, Maysville Presbyterian Church To Sit with the Commission Josh Andrzejewski, Chaplain and Faculty Instructor, Presbytery of the James, To Preach the Sermon 5. Granted permission for Diane Baldwin, CRE, to administer Communion at Meherrin Presbyterian Church from April 15, 2017 to April 14, Granted permission for Mike Price, CRE at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, to administer Communion at Meherrin Presbyterian Church from April 15, 2017 to April 14, Granted permission for Barbara Jacobs, CRE at Drakes Branch, to administer Communion at Meherrin Presbyterian Church from April 15, 2017 to April 14, Granted permission for Al Jacobs, CRE at Drakes Branch, to administer Communion at Meherrin Presbyterian Church from April 15, 2017 to April 14, Approved the request of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian to add Elder Ray Williams to the Pulpit Supply List for the Presbytery of the Peaks. 10. Approved the renewal of the temporary supply contract between Fincastle Presbyterian Church and Ian Maclean from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, Approved the request of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg to appoint an Administrative Commission to aid and support the dissolution of Covenant as of December 31, Approved the request of Oak View Presbyterian Church to enter into a temporary supply contract with Dr. William G. Chrystal from April 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, Approved the Commission to Install Eduardo Soto as Pastor at Altavista Presbyterian Church on May 21, 2017 at 4 p.m. 12

6 Teaching Elders Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry, Moderator of the Commission Andrew Taylor-Troutman, Pastor, To Preach the Sermon Loren Tate Mitchell, Associate Pastor, To Charge the Pastor Ruling Elders: Gary Andrews, Altavista Presbyterian Church E.A. Mayo, College Presbyterian Church John Collins, Chatham Presbyterian Church To Sit with the Commission: Tom Reif, Ruling Elder, Wellshire Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of Denver, To Charge the Congregation 14. Approved the request to renew the interim pastor contract between First Presbyterian Church, Covington and the Rev. Jim Slate from Feb.1, 2017 to Jan. 31, Approved the request to renew the Commissioned Ruling Elder contract between Rustburg Presbyterian Church and Terri Cornwell from Feb. 1, 2017 to Dec.31, Approve the interim pastor contract between Clarksville Presbyterian Church and Jonathan Barker from Feb. 16, 2017 to Feb. 15, Approve the changes made in Kristi Rolison s installation service. Nancy Dawson attended in place of Steve Earl and Howard Jennings served as Moderator. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: Recommend that Gary Lyn Coppedge's name be deleted from the rolls of Presbytery as a Teaching Elder/Minister of the Word and Sacrament according to the Book of Order G as he has joined a congregation of a denomination in which the PCUSA is not in full communion. 2. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: Recommend that the Presbytery of the Peaks dismiss James Moss to South Atlantic Presbytery for New Church Development. 3. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: Recommend the approval of transfer of membership of TE, Barry Tucker to the Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic, Evangelical Presbyterian Church effective May 4, FOR CONSENT AGENDA: Recommend that Presbytery concur with the request of Amherst Presbyterian Church at a congregational meeting on February 19, 2017, and Teaching Elder Matt Gaventa to dissolve the pastoral relationship and transfer Rev. Gaventa s membership to Mission Presbytery effective February 20, Recommend that the examination of Jonathon Barker, member of Salem Presbytery, be sustained pending his signing of the Book of Obligations, and that he be received as a member in good standing to serve as Interim Pastor at Clarksville Presbyterian Church, Clarksville. 13

7 Statement of Faith Jonathan C. Barker, D. Min. January 26, 2017 Raleigh, NC I adhere to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as found in the Book of Confessions and the Book of Order. I believe the books of the Bible, Old Testament and New Testament, contain the history of Israel s relationship with our living God from the acts of creation, through the giving of the law, through the revelation of Jesus as the Christ, through the formation of the Church and through what Christ s living mission and ministry can mean to the world. The writers were inspired by God. My faith is rooted in Reformed theology including God s sovereignty, the authority of scripture, the priesthood of all believers and justification by grace through faith. We are a connectional church through which we derive support, guidance and correction in our ministries. I believe in the Trinity of God, as stated in the oldest Church creed, the Apostle s Creed that God is the Creator, maker of heaven and earth and I believe in God s only Son, who is my Lord, Jesus Christ. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, God as giver of life, and was born of the Virgin Mary. As clarified in the Nicene Creed, I believe Jesus, the Christ, is fully human and fully divine. I believe Jesus lived an earthy life in ministry as a teacher and healer to all people regardless of their faith, health, or status in the communities he visited. His ministry revealed him to be the Son of God. When he was killed, he took the sin of the world upon himself. When he was resurrected, he became our Savior. Through faith, Christians respond in joy and gratitude to the acceptance, forgiveness and reconciliation God offers through Jesus life, death and resurrection. I believe Jesus did not expect, nor require, preconditions to his love and the offer of acceptance and reconciliation with God are the gifts of grace through faith. His life and ministry fulfills the Old Testament promise of his being Immanuel and the Messiah. I believe the Church seeks to be the embodiment of Jesus Christ in the world through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As the servant Church, I believe our work is to invite others to join the community of faith through the sacrament of baptism and to be continuously nourished through worship, including the weekly sacrament of the Lord s Supper. I believe in the great ends of the Church. The Church exists to proclaim the gospel for the salvation of humankind regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, nationality, educational or financial level; to provide shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship for the children of God; to provide for the maintenance of divine worship; to preserve the truth; to promote social righteousness and justice and to reveal the Kingdom of God to the world. In this age of technology, there s a deep yearning to know God. I believe Christ calls me and all Christians to continually renew and strengthen our spirituality for the challenging work ahead through study, prayer, and worship. So equipped with hope and joy, we minister to the least of our brothers and sisters and to our enemies and, as did Jesus and the prophets, we too must speak truth to power. The Belhar Confession states, in part, the church as the possession of God must stand where the Lord stands, namely against injustice and with the wronged and further that following Christ the church must witness against all the powerful and privileged who selfishly seek their own interests and thus control and harm others. I conclude my statement of faith with words from our beautiful and powerful Brief Statement of Faith: In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God s new heaven and new earth, praying, Come, Lord Jesus! 14

8 Faith Journey Jonathan C. Barker, D. Min. January 26, 2017 Raleigh, NC I was born to missionary parents in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, six years following the end of World War II. My mother was a nurse and midwife at the remote mission station and hospital in the village of Chicoree, not far from Mozambique. My father, an electrical engineer, worked to maintain the electricity for the hospital and construct houses. They married at the mission station. As the apostle Paul did, they too were tentmakers who shared their faith as they offered their professional skills to those who came to love and respect them. My parents, my sister and I left Africa and returned to the U.S. after my father and I contracting malaria. My mother was certain, she later told me that at the time of my illness there was no hope of my survival and resigned herself to my death. Since that time, God s healing Spirit has worked in my life many times. As a child, I lived with my family in a small town and attended the Holley Presbyterian Church. When I was about 5, I had a recurring dream of a wolf chasing me. It was frightening that I d be eaten, but much worse was the logical extension that I d be dead. And then what? To be eaten was frightening, but to die was terrifying. Death was an empty void, like floating in space alone as if I d never existed. I had parents and the church who d introduced me to the concepts of God and prayer, so one night I prayed as people throughout history around the world have prayed to God when they re troubled about something or terrified of death. Total peace came to me during that prayer and answered my fear of death forever. I grew as a child and adolescent in the northern Presbyterian Church during the 50 s and 60 s. In high school I played trumpet in the band and orchestra and participated in the sports of soccer, skiing and tennis. I enjoyed the youth group at Christ Clarion Presbyterian in Pittsford, NY. I was fond of the minister and years later consulted with him as I considered seminary. The U.S. invasion of Vietnam was troubling to me, especially after entering college where I studied journalism and communication. In 1972, I attended the Democratic National Convention in Miami, FL as a student reporter for my school and recorded the resistance to the war. The draft was ongoing during that time and it was by God s providence that my birthdate was chosen late in the lottery and I wasn t drafted. After graduation, I worked for the Gannett Newspaper company for about a year. It was during that time I met a photographer who shared his faith in God while we were working one night. That got me thinking about God in a new way. In the shadow of the Vietnam War, I needed to explore and expand my understanding of a loving God in light of so much turmoil, war and senseless death. I spoke with my minister who was active in social ministry and enrolled at Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School where Martin Luther King, Jr. had graduated. Following several years of ministry, I spent three more years of study in theology and family systems for my D. Min. During the past 39 years of my ordained ministry, God has called me to serve the church as associate pastor, pastor, stated supply pastor, in a specialized ministry as counselor, and as interim pastor. Most of my ministry has been within the bounds of and as a teaching elder member of Salem Presbytery. When I was a minister at large I worked at various pursuits such as owner of an internet service provider company, business analyst for internet banking, owner of a 15

9 real estate company, and as a financial broker and investment guidance consultant. During those times, I shared my faith with my work colleagues. After turning 65, I retired. A short time later I was contacted by Clarksville Presbyterian Church and asked if I would consider speaking with them about serving as their interim pastor. I agreed to do so which takes me to the present moment awaiting God s direction. INFORMATION: Report of the Committee on Administration The Committee on Administration met on February 6, 2017 via conference call and on March 29, 2017 in the Presbytery office. ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. Approved a policy to follow for sick leave. 2. Received update on the budget and covenants of intent. 3. Received report from the Investment Committee representatives. 4. Approved authorized bank signatories. 5. Approved a procedure for Employee evaluations to be finished on May 23, Approved deadline for 2018 budget input of August 1, Recommended to Cabinet that the Discipleship Committee be allowed to overrun their approved 2017 budget by $1,853 to allow for one additional week of Daycamp. 8. Approved request to Discipleship Committee Outdoor Education WG for a three year projection of Day camp income and expense. 9. Approved the Relations WG plan to visit six churches in conjunction with the Transitional General Presbyter. Report of the Trustees Information: The Trustees of the Presbytery of the Peaks met on March 29, 2017 in the Presbytery office. Actions Reported: 1. Received a report from the Investment Committee regarding the performance of the investment portfolio. The cumulative rate of return was 7%. 2. Received the Financial Annual Report to be appended to the report approved in January. 3. Approved using Woltz and Associates to facilitate the sale of the Roanoke manse. 4. Appointed Smith Chaney, John Fedison and David Clark to inspect the Matthews Memorial church and manse. Trustees will make a recommendation to the Administrative Commission for Matthews at the next Trustee meeting. 5. Approved the authorized signatures for banking transactions. 16

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15 Trustees of the Presbytery of the Peaks Annual Report Type of Date Original Restricted Book Market Fund Established Name of Fund Amount Amount Value Value Home Missions Various 134, , $ 445, $ 566, Ministerial Candidate Various 4, , $ 15, $ 22, Building Various New Church Dev Various 41, $ 152, $ 206, Church Extension Various 50, , $ 215, $ 306, Camp 1/9/1986 Nancy McClaughtery 2, , $ 5, $ 6, New Church Dev. 10/1/03 New Church Dev. 377, $ 522, $ 644, Church Development 10/1/03 Church Development 377, $ 498, $ 620, Leadership Development 10/1/03 Leadership Developmen 377, $ 499, $ 613, Camp Property Sales CF Sale 10/17/2009 1,810, $ 1,678, $ 1,828, CHC Sale 4/1/ , $ 285, $ 292, Total of Trustee Accounts 3,196, ,147, ,318, ,107,

16 Report of the Cabinet Information: The Cabinet welcomed Carl Utley who will be the Transitional General Presbyter on May 1st to the meeting He shared his Three year plan with the cabinet. Locations and Themes of the upcoming POP meetings were presented. May 4, Northminster, Roanoke. "The Priesthood of All Believers" August 19, Farmville, "Faith Alone, Scripture Alone, Grace Alone" November 16, Blacksburg," Reformed and always Being Reformed" Discussed that with a short docket for the May 4 POP meeting we wouldn't be serving lunch but there will be a light brunch after worship. Heard reports from the various chairs of committees. Actions Reported: 1. Approved docket for POP meeting at Northminster Roanoke on Thursday May 4, Approved minutes of January 10, 2017 meeting of the Cabinet 3. Approved that a "Resolution of Welcome" from the Mission Committee be presented at the POP meeting on May 4,2017 for adoption. Recommendations: None Report of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry INFORMATION: Next meeting is Tuesday, July 11, 10:00 AM at Bedford Presbyterian Church ACTIONS REPORTED: Voted to disperse funds from grant of $2000 equally among those under care. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. We recommend that Jordan Hertz become a Candidate in the ordination process pending Presbytery examination on May 4,

17 Jordan Hertz Faith Statement I believe in one God manifested in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe that God, as Father, created the universe and all creatures there-in. I believe that the Son, called Jesus, at once human and divine, was born of the Virgin Mary, taught and performed great miracles, was crucified, died, and was resurrected. He ascended into Heaven and remains there with the Father. I believe that humans are born sinful and that Jesus s death and resurrection was for all humanity and served to justify us to God, thereby giving us forgiveness from our sins. This forgiveness is given to us through God s Grace and His great love for us. I believe that Christ left the Holy Spirit to be with us on Earth, and the Spirit manifests itself throughout our lives with and without our knowledge. I believe that Holy Scripture is the Revealed Word of God and that my humanity limits my understandings of His Word. I believe in one faith that rests in Christ, that we are saved by that faith, and that true faith requires action. I believe that the life and teachings of Jesus Christ ushered in a New Kingdom that is urgent and present, that we are known to the world as followers of Christ by the way in which we live our lives on this earth. I believe that when this Kingdom comes to an end for us, through our belief in Christ, we will be united with God in all ways. Report of the Committee on Leadership FOR INFORMATION: CRE Program o Two tracks: courses for education and courses to become a CRE o It takes approximately two full years to complete the CRE program o Current CREs are partnered with CREs in training o Current CREs have mentors o CREs report to COM o Connecting with online programs at Union Theological Seminary o Interested in continuing education, possibly provided by the leadership committee Trent Colloquy o Edwin Lacey from the Wild Goose Christian Community will be one of the speakers at the May gathering. o Another speaker will discuss preaching and yearly planning for preaching. ACTIONS TAKEN: Spring Officer Leadership Training o Elizabeth will adapt Theocademy lesson plan to fit the PoP s context. o Elizabeth will work on getting a hard copy of the Theocademy video so facilitators don't have to rely on internet connections at host churches. o Part of the training event will cover the relationships between ruling elders and others (e.g. folks in the congregation, other ruling elders, clerk of session, pastor(s), 24

18 Presbytery, General Assembly). Either Jeff Binder or Steve Earl will lead this part of the training. o Possible need for Presbytery to provide projector and laptop to view the video. Fall Leadership Event o Providing CRE continuing education Interest expressed in having time to share stories, experiences and best practices, Q&A, and fellowship o Possible topic: nurturing and caring for small, aging congregations o Steve Willis is a small church pastor in this presbytery, and is a possible contact person for leading this event. o A half-day is preferable. Saturday mornings from 9:00am 12:00pm was suggested. o Consider scheduling this event between January and March instead of the Fall because Fall tends to be busy. o Structure: One seminar with two break-out groups (CREs-in-training and current CREs). Break-out groups discuss best practices. o Terri will check in with CRE workgroup and then get back to the leadership committee UPDATE - Report from Terri Cornwell re. CRE Workgroup Discussion on 3/22/17: Terri reported that the Leadership Committee would like to schedule its major leadership event for CREs, both in-training and those who have completed the program; Terri and Tony agreed to spearhead the planning of this event to be held winter 2018 on a Saturday when the winter CRE class is being held; the leadership event would be required for the CREs in-training and highly recommended for current CREs; Tony will provide a list of all CREs for the next Work Group meeting; Terri will report to the Leadership Committee that the tentative outline of the event (general session followed by two concurrent sessions for CREs in-training and current CREs with time for fellowship) was approved by the CRE Work Group with tentative date for the event: March 10, 2018 (second choice: March 17). RECOMMENDATIONS: None. Report of the Committee on Church Development INFORMATION: We have received no requests for grants or support for new worshiping community assistance. Please contact Betsy Haskins with your request. We will have our stated meeting in May. ACTIONS REPORTED: Several members of the committee have met with churches who are considering a new worshipping community. No action has been taken at this time. RECOMMENDATIONS: None 25

19 Report of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus We as a Caucus, have made long range plans and are thankful to be able to report that two of them are well on the way. One of the said plans is the publication of a newsletter. Two issues have been published, with the expectation of a third issue in the near future. This is all because of a dedicated and efficient publishing staff. The other mentioned plan is the visitation of sessions within the Caucus. Mizpah of South Boston has been visited. It was a most pleasing dialogue. The Caucus was informed that the congregation holds Sunday church school and morning worship four times per month, while celebrating the sacrament of the Lord s Supper on the first Sunday of each month. The P.W. meets regularly and members attend, and participate in, enterprises of the presbytery as pertaining to women. The congregation fulfills its obligation to presbytery. Mizpah contributes to the Black Caucus. The congregation is visible in the community through members participation in civic and social groups and organizations. Members of the Caucus were elated in hearing so much from a congregation with ten members. When inquiring about the impetus that encourages them, a response was the matter of commitment, working together and a carryover from family and friends of the congregation. Their limitation in contributing more is the dearth of members, especially young people. The Caucus will meet with Holbrook Street Church on May 1, We empathize with Mizpah in her need and desire for more members. Let us pray for this congregation and other congregations that are in similar predicaments. We advise our presbytery to keep evangelism in the foreground of its planning and projection. For the Black Caucus members, let us encourage each other to keep up the good work. Peace and goodwill, George M. Wilson, President INFORMATION: Report of the Presbyterian Women The first Spring Neighborhood Gathering was held on Saturday, March 25, at Salem Presbyterian Church, Salem, 1:00-3:00 p.m., for the Roanoke Valley, Highlands, and New River Valley Neighborhoods; 54 were present, and 68 toiletry bags were assembled and distributed to the area nursing homes. The second Spring Neighborhood Gathering was held on Saturday, April 8, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, 1:00-3:00 p.m., for the Piedmont, Hill Cities, and 26

20 Southside Neighborhoods; 23 were present, and 38 toiletry bags were assembled and distributed to the area nursing homes. Coordinating Team Meeting The next Peaks PWCT meeting will take place Saturday, May 6, at Rocky Mount Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount. Synod PW Summer Gathering The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic PW Summer Gathering will take place June 15-18, at the Massanetta Springs Camp & Conference Center in Harrisonburg. The full registration fee of $395 includes three nights and eight meals. Registration forms are available and are posted on the Presbytery of the Peaks website under the heading Events. Report from the Committee on Mission INFORMATION: We met on March 16. We continue to be grateful for all of the good work that Denise Pillow does as the Presbytery Hunger Action Enabler. Another round of 2 Cents a Meal Grant applications were submitted April 1 and the Grants Workgroup will award those. Denise is collecting stories on best practices with groups that work to alleviate hunger. The Committee is interested in forming a workgroup that will work on Care of Creation. We are seeking people to be a part of this effort. Paul Brokaw is the chair of our Disaster Ministry Workgroup and he is planning to form a group that will be able to respond when there is a natural disaster in our Presbytery. He is seeking names of people who would be willing to be a part of such a group. Jan McGilliard attended the national Haiti Network gathering in Ashville, NC as a representative of Peaks Presbytery. We continue to seek for ways that we can be involved in Haiti. The next Presbytery trip to Guatemala will be August We will focus on Care for Creation and part of our time will be spent planting trees. The deadline to register for the trip is May 15. For more information and to register, contact Teresa Auldridge at tauldridge@gmail.com. The Peacemaking workgroup reported that the Total from Peacemaking Offering in 2016 was $2089. Also this workgroup hopes to bring Dr. Bill Brown to Peaks Presbytery for an event on earth care. RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Mission voted to request that the following Resolution on Refugees be presented at the May Presbytery Meeting for adoption. This resolution came from the Presbytery of East Tennessee and we would like for Peaks to concur with this resolution. We plan to have educational materials on working with refugees as well as Bible study materials available at the May Presbytery Meeting. Resolution on Refugees: Resolution of Welcome As Presbyterians, we believe that every person is a child of God, worthy of love and acceptance; and we affirm our biblical faith to welcome the stranger and give safe haven to the refugee, 27

21 remembering that we follow Christ who was himself a refugee. Therefore, the Presbytery of the Peaks of the Presbyterian Church (USA), meeting on this 4 th day of May, 2017, renews its commitment to be welcoming and hospitable to refugees and those seeking asylum due to nationality, race, or religion, and decries any government policy that discriminates against these individuals as immoral, and contrary to US values and our understanding of the Biblical great ends of the Church. And further, with regard to all future policies, we urge the President and members of Congress to lead with integrity and with the values of compassion and hospitality essential to our identity as a nation. INFORMATION: Report of the Sessions Record Workgroup The Session Records Work Group continues to receive and review both past and current session minutes. Please see the Addendum for the quarterly report showing the running record of minutes submitted for review. For the May 4 Presbytery Meeting the Work Group will collect minutes, but will not return them until the August 19 meeting. Picking up the minutes after that meeting will save the Presbytery mailing costs. The churches listed below have Session Minutes and/or Session Records Review Forms that can be picked up at the Session Records table in the registration area on May 4: Buchanan, Clifton Forge, Colonial, and Northminster Past or current sets of minutes may be submitted for review at any time. However, 2016 session minutes are due for review during the year The Work Group reviews session minutes alphabetically by church name at each Presbytery meeting. The remaining schedule for the review of 2016 session minutes is as follows: Churches whose name begins with A-C (May 4) Churches whose name begins with D-H (August 19) Churches whose name begins with J-O (November 16) The Work Group will conduct another Session Records Workshop/Training Event to assist Clerks of Session in January Specific information will be sent to all Clerks of Session in late November. Any questions concerning minutes can be asked of Dave Hayes at the addresses below, at any time. Please feel free to ask! Churches that do not bring their 2016 Session Minutes to a Presbytery meeting are asked to send them, along with a completed Session Records Review Form, to Dave Hayes, Chair of the Session Records Work Group, Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, 701 Church Street, S.E., Blacksburg, VA Any questions concerning Session Minutes should be directed to Dave at or davidlavhayes@gmail.com. Churches should NOT send Minutes to the Presbytery Office! 28

22 Materials to assist Clerks of Session in their duties are available on-line through the Presbytery website at Click on Resources ; next click on Forms & Documents ; and finally click on Session Records to view these materials. 29