CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY

Transcription

1 CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY Commissioners Handbook Summer Stated Meeting September 8, :30am SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA ORGANIZED IN 1811 Proposed Docket...1 Committee on Ministry...24 History of Second Church...3 Committee on Preparation for Ministry...44 Consent Agenda...4 Finance Committee...45 Worship & Communion...6 Overtures Review Committee...56 Vision Task Force...8 Congregational Development Ministry Unit...77 Coordinating Committee...12 Leadership Development Ministry Unit...79 Stated Clerk s Report...15 CAP Presbyterian Women Nominating Committee...81 Map to Second Church...84

2 PROPOSED DOCKET CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY SUMMER STATED MEETING Second Presbyterian Church Charleston, South Carolina September 8, :30 AM 1. Call to Order Moderator, Ruling Elder James Deavor 2. Introduction of New Business/Approval of Docket - Moderator 3. Recognition of Visitors/Seating of Corresponding Members Teaching Elder Deane Kemper, Stated Clerk Joseph Harvard Ridgeley Beckett Charles Neder Raymond Fancher 4. Welcome to First Time Visitors and Special Guests Moderator 5. Welcome by Host Church/Presentation of Its History Teaching Elder Cress Darwin 6. Approval of Consent Agenda Teaching Elder Donnie Woods 7. Appointment of Standing Committees Moderator a. Attendance b. Resolution and Thanks 8. Worship with Communion - Sermon by Teaching Elder Sharon Core 9. Vision Task Force Report Eric Doss and Ruling Elder Sue Mathews LUNCH 10. Coordinating Committee Report Ruling Elder Robert Bobby Byrd 11. Stated Clerk s Report Teaching Elder Deane Kemper 12. Committee on Ministry Report Teaching Elder Dorothy Blackwelder Examinations of Ridgely Becket, Joseph Harvard, Charles Neder, Raymond Fancher 13. Celebration of Joys Churches M Z -1-

3 14. Committee on Preparation for Ministry Teaching Elder Elizabeth Yarborough 15. Finance Committee Ruling Elder Richards Roddey 16. Overture Review Committee Ruling Elder Kent Grimes 17. Nurture Unit Report Ruling Elder Sandra Bligen-Frazier 18. Congregational Development Ministry Unit Report Teaching Elder M. Fitze 19. Leadership Development Ministry Unit Report 20. Presbyterian Women Report Ruling Elder Phalarma Freeman, PW Moderator 21. Nominating Committee Report Teaching Elder Doug Fletcher 22. Celebration of Joys Churches A L 23. Call for Other Reports/Unfinished Business Moderator 24. Report of Attendance Committee 25. Report of the Resolution and Thanks Committee 26. Adjournment with Prayer and Benediction Important Dates to Remember December 8 Fall Stated Mtng. of Presbytery, Dorchester PC, Summerville, SC 2016 Presbytery Meeting Dates February 27 May 17 September 17 December 13-2-

4 Soon after the founding of Charleston, the community of Presbyterians, dissenters to the Church of England, worshiped together in the White Meeting House, a wooden edifice on Meeting Street. The congregation included English, Irish, Scottish, and Independent Presbyterians. In 1731, twelve families withdrew from the White Meeting House and established what is now the First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, modeled strictly on the Church of Scotland. This church grew rapidly. By the end of the century the building was inadequate to accommodate the worshippers and the necessity of a second Presbyterian church was realized. In 1809, fifteen men met and began planning for Second Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Andrew Flinn was called to organize the congregation. The church was built at the then substantial cost of $100,000, and on April 3, 1811, was dedicated with the corporate name of The Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston and Its Suburbs. Property for the church was obtained from the Wragg family, whose name was given to the area still known as Wraggborough. The impressive deed and documents of transfer of the property are displayed in the church narthex. Today, the Second Presbyterian Church is the oldest edifice of this denomination in Charleston, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1852 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States met in this building. Second Presbyterian Church s minister, Reverend Thomas Smyth, proposed that the Presbyterian Church have a historical association to care for its artifacts and statements of faith. His resolution was passed, forming the Presbyterian Historical Society. The Presbyterian Church of the United States designated Second Presbyterian Church its Historical Site Number One. Plaques noting this are mounted in the entranceway. The Classic Revival sanctuary is brick with stucco applied. The building features two tiers of windows, a square tower with an octagonal belfry, plastered walls, and a tetra Tuscan portico. Architect s plans called for a church spire, and though building costs were redeemed within a decade, the spire was never completed. This was due in part to the need to alter the original building. The immensity of the sanctuary strained the voices of the ministers. In 1833 the floor was raised three feet, the ceiling lowered sixteen feet, and the rear wall of the nave moved to enlarge the vestibule. The north and south entrances were closed and pews were added. In 1849 the original box pews were replaced by the ones still in use. As was the custom in Charleston, church pews were rented with the rental fee also purchasing a space in the cemetery plot. This custom was discontinued in 1924, but the numbers remain on the pew arms. A number of natural disasters have damaged the sanctuary. The hurricane of 1813 inflicted great damage to the roof. The earthquake of 1886 damaged the building to the extent of about $6,000. Cracks in the stucco are still evident in the bell tower. During the first century of the church s existence, the greatest damage to it came with the hurricane of August 27, The building was unroofed on its north side; the ceiling was so damaged as to necessitate its replacement, and the pews and organ were deluged. In September 1989, Hurricane Hugo wrought similar damage to the sanctuary and set the stage for two further damaging events. In an unusual December freeze, water pipes ruptured and the sprinkler system flooded the vacated sanctuary. Soon after, the heating system, in operation to prevent freezing, ignited debris that the storm had deposited in the chimney. The resulting fire damaged one panel of the stained glass window. In a way the 1989 disasters proved to be beneficial. They forced a complete refurbishing of the sanctuary and permitted restoration of the original elliptical ceiling. The lighting and the public address systems were modernized and the fire sprinkler and heating systems were secured. The Education Building accommodated worship services during the year the sanctuary was out of service. In turn, the Education building was improved through the repair and upgrading of Fellowship Hall, the kitchen, classrooms, offices, and storage areas. The tablets similar to tombstones on the interior walls of the sanctuary are memorials to various pastors and members. The memorial to Rev. T. Charlton Henry ends with the word triumphant. Generations of worshippers have at times played the T-r-i-u-m-p-h-a-n-t Game - seeing how many words can be formed from the letters in the word. The Reverend Andrew Flinn, the first pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, and the Reverend Henry are interred beneath marble stones in the center aisle. In the peaceful old cemetery lie many of the founders and early members of this church. Family names recorded on gravestones are found on today s church roll. -3-

5 Consent Agenda Summer Stated Meeting September 8, 2015 Any ruling elder or teaching elder commissioner may request that any motion/recommendation be removed from the omnibus motion. Upon such request, the recommendation/motion will be lifted from the omnibus motion and placed on the floor for discussion and vote at the appropriate committee report on the docket. OMNIBUS MOTION: That the following recommendations be approved. 1. Coordinating Committee a. That the Visioning Task Force be granted up to 2 hours on the docket to report on the major progress of their work, and recommendations for approval. b. That CAP approve the following presbytery meeting dates for 2016: Saturday, February 27; Tuesday, May 17; Saturday, September 17; and Tuesday, December 13. c. That Deane Kemper be elected to another 3 year term as stated clerk; and Donnie R. Woods be elected to another 3 year term as associate stated clerk, effective January 1, Stated Clerk a. That the minutes of the May 16, 2015 Spring Stated Meeting be approved and admitted to the record. b. That the minutes of the administrative commissions appointed to ordain/install Russ Blackwelder as Chaplain at PCSC, Summerville, SC on Sunday, June 21, 2015; to install Cecelia Armstrong as Associate Pastor at St. James PC, Charleston, SC on Sunday, June 28, 2015, and Daniel Smoak as Pastor at Westminster PC, Charleston, SC on Sunday, August 9, 2015 be approved and admitted to the record. c. That all the Unit/Committee reports without recommendations be received as information, except the Report on Attendance. 3. Committee on Ministry a. COM moves that CAP approve the dissolution of the following pastoral relationships: Rev. Stephen Graves with First PC, Orangeburg, effective May 15, 2015; Rev. Dorothy Blackwelder with Dorchester PC, effective June 28, 2015; Rev. John Hage with Mt. Pleasant PC, effective July 12, 2015; and Rev. Heather Prince Doss with Sea Island PC, effective August 31, b. COM moves that Rev. Thomas G. Long be Honorably Retired, effective September 1, Committee on Preparation for Ministry -4-

6 a. That Elizabeth Eason be enrolled as an Inquirer under the care of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, effective September 8, b. CPM recommends that in accordance with G , Leslie Bligen be dropped from the candidates roll of presbytery. 5. Finance Committee Report: Report is included in the Handbook as information, with NO RECOMMENDATIONS. 6. Overture Review Committee: a. That CAP approve the Overture on Divestment from the session of First Church, HHI, submit to at least one additional presbytery for concurrence, and forward to the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) for approval. b. That CAP receive the 8 Overtures from Foothills Presbytery as information, to be placed on the docket for a vote to concur at the December 8, 2015 stated meeting. 7. Nurture Unit: Report is included in the Handbook as information, with NO RECOMMENDATIONS. 8. Congregational Development Ministry Unit a. That CAP approve the attached Resolution authorizing the presbytery trustees to sign all legal documents necessary to transfer the title and deed to the Stoney Creek Church Property to the Stoney Creek Presbyterian Foundation for oversight and care. b. That CAP approve the request from First Church, Moncks Corner to encumber their property for a mortgage up to $400,000 with The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Moncks Corner, for the purpose of building a family life center on the church property. 9. Leadership Development Ministry Unit: Report is included in the Handbook as information, with NO RECOMMENDATIONS. 10. Presbyterian Women: Report is included in the Handbook, with NO RECOMMENDATIONS Respectfully submitted, Donnie R. Woods Staff Resource for Coordinating Committee -5-

7 From 'making good church people' to 'becoming good disciples' C H U RCH S E LL S BU I L D I NG T O M A K E W A Y FOR A FF O RD A BL E H O U S I N G, N EW W O RSHIPI N G C O M M U N I T Y APRIL 21, 2015 LOUISVILLE Arlington Presbyterian Church in Northern Virginia is a mile from the Pentagon. The average per capita income is $100,000. Families of four making $60,000 a year teachers, firefighters, medical personal staff, the lifeblood of the community are being forced out of their own neighborhood by high and rising rents. When Pastor Sharon Core arrived at the church in December 1998, her primary work with session leaders was to help them see themselves as the spiritual leaders of the church, rather than an administrative body. As we made this shift together, we began to discern that what we were doing wasn t working anymore, says Core. The church began their discernment as one of the initial churches in National Capital Presbytery to use the Transforming Congregations Project process offered through the presbytery. The process continued for several years through various iterations, including working with a consultant from the Center for Parish Development. At a retreat in 2009 the Session and ministry team leaders discerned a vision that led them to propose to the congregation that the church property should be given over and replaced by a new church within an affordable housing development. A firestorm of controversy and conflict was ignited when this proposal was presented to the congregation. Recognizing they had proposed something as radical as demolishing the building without establishing the groundwork and reasoning behind the idea, they tabled the proposal. In 2010, Arlington's presbytery suggested they follow a Presbyterian Mission Agency discernment and assessment process known as New Beginnings to look closely at the congregation s financial and spiritual health, neighborhood demographics and its own ability for change. New Beginnings helped the entire congregation recognize that something needed to change, says Core. That gave us the clarity to focus our efforts on what our mission should be in our neighborhood. Arlington Presbyterian invited then new church development coach, Shannon Kiser, to work with the congregation in The first thing Kiser did was form a vision team that would commit to four practices: Daily scripture reading and prayer Daily praying the Matthew 9:38 passage (that the Lord of harvest would send forth laborers into the mission field [their neighborhood]) Enter into conversations with people in their neighborhood, listening for whom our hearts are breaking. These missional practices helped us see and hear how God was speaking, says Kiser, now a 1001 new worshiping communities associate in the East Region. -6-

8 Kiser and the vision team lived into these practices throughout the summer while Core was on a three month sabbatical. By not relying on our pastor to tell us what to do, we gained confidence in our own ability to listen to God day-to-day, says vision team chair, Susan Etherton. When Core returned, the vision team was full of stories about the people they d met who lived and worked along Columbia Pike, where the church is located. We were drawn to those who couldn t afford to live here, even though they worked nearby, says Etherton. People wanted a deeper sense of belonging and community, where they lived and worked. Members of the congregation had discovered the ones for whom their hearts were breaking. It was like oh my-gosh, we ve come full-circle to affordable housing, says Core. It s as if God was saying to us, now you know why there was energy there, and why you re going to do this. It took nearly two more years of work but in January 2015, members of National Capital Presbytery unanimously approved the sale of Arlington Presbyterian Church to an affordable housing development partner for $8.4 million dollars. If everything stays on schedule the affordable housing development will close in July Demolition of the church building and new construction will begin in early 2017 with completion scheduled for Arlington Presbyterian is now deciding whether it will rent back worship space from the housing development. The congregation is working with an affordable housing project manager who recently completed a project with a Baptist church in neighboring Clarendon. Acknowledging the unfortunate reality that many urban and suburban churches can no longer maintain their real estate, Jill Norcross says, affordable housing is a way for them to give something back to the community. We re trying to the reach the lowest income group possible, but most of the units will be for those making $60,000 (the lifeblood of the community that Core referred to), she says. Plus, the church can recreate something new with some leverage. Arlington Presbyterian has also hired a mission developer to help them understand how to meet neighbors' desires for deeper connection and belonging which is the focus of a new worshiping community that will hopefully emerge from the sale. There is a remnant of folks who want to be part of this, says Etherton. It will probably be about half of what our current attendance [40] has been. We don t need a building to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our neighborhood, says Eatherton who raised her two college-aged students there and, like Core, was married in the church. Arlington Presbyterian has been a vibrant faith community serving our neighborhood for over 100 years. We will continue to do so, building or no. Adds Core, I get the building as sacred space, but just because we have great memories, that is not a reason not to redevelop. I ve shifted as a pastor, I m no longer trying to raise good church people. To me the beauty of church is people learning to listen to God and their neighbors, and becoming good disciples in the community

9 CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY Jesus said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 Who are we CALLED to be? As ambassadors of Christ, we affirm Jesus Christ as Head of the Church and we are members of the body of Christ. The Charleston Atlantic Presbytery is a Reformed expression of the body of Christ in which we covenant to worship and glorify God as we live together in community. What do we VALUE? What do we DO? Loving Nurturing Serving Holding Accountable As the 48 congregations of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, we commit ourselves: To love and nurture each other To provoke each other to love and serve our neighbor To hold each other accountable in love as ambassadors of Christ -8-

10 CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESYTYERY CORE FUNCTIONS Love and Nurture This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12) Bear one another s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Love and Service And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together. (Hebrews 10:24-25a) Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. (1 Peter 4:10) Love and Accountability So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20) For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. So then, each of us will be accountable to God. (Romans 14:11-12) RESPONSIBILITIES Gathering for worship: Praying, Sharing, Confessing, and Reconciling Caring for teaching elders and families Deepening connections between congregations Encouraging conversations to build bridges between races and ethnic groups Organizing Presbytery-wide events Providing leadership development, enrichment, and resourcing Providing pastoral leadership for every congregation Empowering congregations to fulfill God s specific call for them Listening to the Holy Spirit Offering ourselves to God, through worship and service Sharing resources Getting involved in justice ministries Encouraging working together in ministry, mission, and fellowship Assuring ALL are invited Making a difference as a congregation, neighborhood, and presbytery Connecting to Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, Synod of South Atlantic, and General Assembly Partnering with smaller membership congregations in their missional ministry Gathering regularly around the Table as the body of Christ Welcoming, training, orienting, and mentoring new committee/ministry unit members and chairs Welcoming and orienting new Teaching Elders and other professional staff to the presbytery Welcoming new Ruling Elder Commissioners and providing orientation for presbytery meetings Assessing annually the work of presbytery committees/ministry units Creating a presbytery stewardship education program Creating and empowering a Leadership Team to lead the presbytery in envisioning the future, evaluating its agencies and personnel, and communicating its work and needs -9-

11 VISION FOR NEIGHBORHOODS FOR CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY Lead by the Holy Spirit, Charleston Atlantic Presbytery s vision for neighborhoods builds bridges between congregations and Teaching Elders and includes the sharing of Burdens Celebrations Governance Mission Officer training Resources Worship Within the neighborhoods we: Gather for conversation Provide leadership development, enrichment, and resourcing Worship, fellowship, and celebrate together Create connections for shared mission, ministry, and fellowship Share in hosting stated meetings of presbytery Each neighborhood will have a coordinator who will facilitate their shared ministries. The coordinators will come together regularly to exchange ideas and coordinate activities between neighborhoods and at the presbytery level. NEIGHBORHOODS Neighborhood A (9): Aimwell Belle Isle Bethel, Walterboro Cane Bay Dorchester First, Moncks Corner Hopewell Peace Summerville Neighborhood B (7): Mount Pleasant New Wappetaw Palmetto Park Circle Sunrise Yeamans Park Zion-Olivet Neighborhood C (11): Allendale Barnwell Boiling Springs Denmark Estill First, Orangeburg Hampton Harmony Santee St. Luke Williston Neighborhood D (6): Beaufort-Salem First, Beaufort First, Hilton Head Island Lowcountry Providence Sea Island Neighborhood E (10): Bethel, JI Edisto Harbor View Hebron-Zion James Island Johns Island PC on Edisto Salem St. James St. Paul Neighborhood F (7): First Scots The Journey Second St. Andrews, Chas St. Andrews, JI Wallingford Westminster -10-

12 Visioning Task Force Recommends: Charleston Atlantic Presbytery adopt the vision of CAP Charleston Atlantic Presbytery adopt the core functions of CAP Charleston Atlantic Presbytery adopt the vision for neighborhoods of CAP Charleston Atlantic Presbytery directs the nominating committee to establish a transition committee of no less than six members (two of which will be from the VTF) to guide the presbytery as they live into our new vision -11-

13 Coordinating Committee Report for the September 8, 2015 Summer Stated Meeting of Charleston Atlantic presbytery For Information At its meeting on August 13, 2015, the Coordinating Committee did the following: The CC heard a progress report from Rev. John Wall (DP at Providence PC, HHI) on the on-going mission and ministry at the church, and the Session s request to invoke the Hiatus Agreement for another 1 year period. The Coordinating Committee unanimously agreed to the Sessions request, and to help Providence PC connect with other congregations who share their concerns about political/theological issues within the denomination. Received a report from Kent Grimes, chair of the Overture Review Committee, on the FPC Overture. The Coordinating Committee suggested some changes to strengthen the overture, which the ORC will consider. The amended overture will be presented by the ORC for approval at the Sept 8 meeting. The Vision Task Force presented its report and recommendations to the committee for discussion and approval. The report included the vision for CAP, the core functions of CAP, and vision for the neighborhoods of CAP. The VTF will share this report in detail with commissioners during the September 8 th meeting, along with a request asking CAP to elect a Transition Team at the December 8 th meeting to lead in implementing changes. The CC approved presbytery meeting dates for 2016 as follows: Saturday, February 27; Tuesday, May 17; Saturday, September 17; and Tuesday, December 13. The CC received the Foothills Presbytery Overtures with the request that CAP and other presbyteries concur. The FH Overtures are included in the handbook for today s meeting as information. The Overture Review Committee will make their final recommendation asking CAP to concur with the overtures at the December Stated meeting. The Executive Presbyter, Donnie Woods, who is chair of the Synod Boundaries Committee, reported that the work on reducing the number of Synods from 16 to 10 (or 12) continues. The final recommendation of the 16 presbyteries of the Synod of South Atlantic is to remain as we are (no changes). This recommendation will be approved by Synod at the September 17-18, 2015 meeting and submitted to the GA Commission on Synod Boundaries for consideration. -12-

14 Woods reported that CAP has received a $1000 grant from Tropical Florida Presbytery for a Harbor Cruise for pastors/educators of CAP; and a $7500 grant from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) for aftercare training for first responders to the Mother Emmanuel murders on June17. This training and other activities are directed to all the churches and ecumenical partners in the larger community. Woods report that a $1000 grant was sent to the Mother Emmanuel Fund on behalf of the 48 churches of CAP. Due to the resignation of Dan Packer as our synod commissioner, Woods reported that Kent Grimes (RE, FPC, HHI) will fulfill Dan s unexpired term. Additionally, Woods recommended to the nominating committee that Kent Grimes (RE) and Robert Bob Capers (TE) be nominated and elected as our synod commissioners, class of Both have agreed to serve. Received a report from the Finance Committee on the giving from churches during the first 7 months of 2015; and an update on the investment funds performance to date. The finance report is included in the handbook for your information and review. Approved up to 2 hours on the docket for today s meeting to hear a major report from the VTF on their work on behalf of CAP, along with their recommendations for moving forward. Also, approved the docket for today s meeting. Approved the request from Presbyterian Women to serve Communion at their Gathering on September 12, led by Rev. Cecelia Armstrong, AP at St. James PC. Received reports from various committees and units of presbytery regarding their ministry to the churches of Charleston Atlantic presbytery. Approved the Resolution for CAP trustees to sign all necessary documents to transfer the title/deed to the Stoney Creek Church property from CAP, to the Stoney Creek Presbyterian Foundation. The Session of FPC, Beaufort concurs with the transfer and will have members of their church on the Foundation Board. The CDMU will present the Resolution for approval. -13-

15 Recommendations: That the Visioning Task Force be granted up to 2 hours on the docket to report on the major progress of their work; and recommendations for approval. That CAP approve the following presbytery meeting dates for 2016: Saturday, February 27; Tuesday, May 17; Saturday, September 17; and Tuesday, December 13. That Deane Kemper be elected to another 3 year term as stated clerk; and Donnie R. Woods to another 3 year term as associate stated clerk, effective January 1, Respectfully submitted Bobby Byrd, Chair -14-

16 REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK TO PRESBYTERY September 8, 2015 INFORMATION: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? As one would expect, the murder of the Rev. Clementa Pinkney and eight parishioners at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston on June 17 has dominated church conversations in the Lowcountry. While still working through the sheer horror of an unthinkable tragedy, the wounds may be too fresh to see what changes, if any, the future will bring. On the political side, when the Confederate battle flag was removed from the Capitol grounds, Rep. Jim Clyburn called it a symbolic act that will be of little benefit without concrete actions to improve race relations generally and the lives of minority people specifically. In his eulogy for Rev. Pinkney, President Obama responded to those who call for more conversation by saying that over the years we ve had plenty of conversation what s needed now is action. Jeff Kackley, one of our pastors, lived and ministered near Blacksburg, VA, at the time of the Virginia Tech killings. He related that in the immediate aftermath of the massacre the community came together for comfort and support. There was an initial period of healing, but when the cameras and the news people departed for other stories and the grief counsellors went on to the next sad happening, it was back to business as usual. As I stood in line to pass through the security checkpoint to enter the College of Charleston arena for the Pinkney funeral, an NBC news reporter and cameraman pulled me aside for a quick interview. I was asked what I would like to see come of the killings. More than anything, I answered, I d like to see a breakdown of segregation in our churches. In Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery we have 48 churches, and we can all identify the white churches and the black churches. We won t be living our faith until we have racially blended congregations. As summer ends and the church program year starts up again, I would hope it won t be back to business as usual. My prayer is that the initial efforts of bringing all God s people together will continue. Recommendations: a. That the minutes of the May 16, 2015 Spring Stated Presbytery Meeting be approved and admitted to the record. b. That the minutes of Administrative Commissions appointed to ordain/install Russ Blackwelder as Chaplain at PCSC, Summerville, SC on Sunday, June 21, 2015; to install Cecelia Armstrong as Associate Pastor at St. James PC, Charleston, SC on Sunday, June 28, 2015, and Daniel Smoak as Pastor at Westminster PC, Charleston, SC on Sunday, August 9, 2015 be approved and admitted to the record. c. That all the unit/committee reports with no recommendations be received as information, except the report on attendance. Respectfully submitted Deane A. Kemper -15-

17 Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, Hanahan, SC MINUTES OF CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY COUNCIL SPRING STATED MEETING May 16, AM Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Council held its Spring Stated Meeting Saturday, May 16, 2015, 9 a.m., at Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, Hanahan, South Carolina. Present and constituting a quorum were the following: Teaching Elders: Theodore Teddy Adams Maggie F. Beamguard Dorothy Blackwelder Randell D. Boone Robert L. Capers Lamar D. Carney Richard A. Cushman Achim Daffin Cress Darvin Sidney E. Davis Audrey O. Deas Heather Prince Doss Douglas K. Fletcher Perry Griffin Carmen Goetschius Thomas C. Herrington Carolyn K. Heyward Charles C. Heyward Charles C. Heyward Jeffery S. Kackley Deane A. Kemper Sam F. Martin III Daniel W. Massie John N. Miller, Jr. John N. Miller, Sr. Patrick H. Perryman Frank Portee III Ashley R. Sanders Timothy Scoonover W. Michael Shelton Steven H. Souther Saunda Thomas Steven Thomas David W. Turner Alonza A. Washington Donnie R. Woods Beth Yarborough Commissioned Ruling Elders: Al Eads, Hampton Johnny Bo Hamilton, Summerville Willie McPhail, Beaufort-Salem Mary Robinson, First (Scots) Ruling Elders: Aimwell Barnwell Bethel, Johns Island Bethel, Walterboro Dorchester Edisto Estill First, Beaufort First (Scots), Charleston Henry Bligen Cindy Pack Deidre Hayes James Roper, Jr. Katie Crosby Peter Jones Wilma W. Frazier Paul Hankey Ron Bailey Linda Stout Leola Grisham -16-

18 Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, Hanahan, SC First, Hilton Head First, Moncks Corner First, Orangeburg Harbor View Hebron-Zion Hopewell James Island Johns Island Lowcountry Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Park Circle Presby Church on Edisto Providence St. James St. Luke St. Paul Second, Chas. Summerville Sunrise Wallingford Westminster Yeamans Park Zion-Olivet Kent Grimes Neva Lynn Peagler Chalmers Mikell Anne Hantske F. Renee Garrett Helena Middleton-Brown Esther S. Black Beth Robertson Sherry Mahoney Ruby Jenkins Joe Crowley Jo Lemmons Dick Query Duain D. Hollingsworth Neil Herring Kathy Cole Mark McKinney Frank Carroll Ann Robinson Shirley A. Lucas Ron Montgomery Marilyn E. Cochran Eugene Richardson Gladys F. Johnson William Holmes Norman Hook Wayne Mayberry Ross Heaton Cheryl Bennett David Bednarczyk Ron Holmes Sandra Bligen Frazier Educators: Janie Bruce, Westminster Pie Mikell, Presbytery office Martha Trussell, Yeamans Park Chairs of Ministry Units or Committees: Bobby Byrd, Coordinating Committee Sue Mathews, Visioning Task Force co-chair Lay Officers/Staff: James P. Deavor, moderator Janis Blocker, recording clerk Margaret Rivers, treasurer Jay Jackson, business manager and Finance Committee Eric Doss, director of communications -17-

19 Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, Hanahan, SC CALL TO ORDER AND WORSHIP Ruling Elder Jim Deavor, moderator, called the meeting to order with prayer. Candidate Russ Blackwelder preached the sermon entitled From the Wilderness, as partial fulfillment of the requirements for ordination. RECOGNITION OF CORRESPONDING MEMBERS AND FIRST-TIME COMMISSIONERS Stated Clerk Deane Kemper recognized Franklin Fant, Trinity Presbyterian Communities; Tanner Pickett, Montreat Conference Center; Robert Weingartner, the Outreach Foundation of the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee; Daniel Smoak, pastor-elect for Westminster Presbyterian Church; Frank Cunningham, Interim at Barnwell Presbyterian Church; Cecilia Armstrong, associate pastor-elect at St. James Presbyterian Church, and moved that they be seated as corresponding members. The motion was seconded and carried. All first-time commissioners were introduced and welcomed. WELCOME Ruling Elder Karen Cookson, member of the host church, welcomed the commissioners and referred to the history as printed in the handbook. PRESENTATIONS BY GUESTS Rob Weingartner, executive director of the Outreach Foundation, and Tanner Pickett, director of the Montreat Conference Center, gave presentations on the programs in operation and the opportunities available at each place. APPROVAL OF DOCKET The stated clerk presented the printed docket with a recommendation for the addition of several items and the reversal of some presentations. The docket was adopted with the recommended additions/changes. APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES The moderator made the following appointments: Attendance: Commissioner Ruling Elder Al Eads, chair Ruling Elder James Roper, Jr., Bethel, Johns Island Ruling Elder Gladys Johnson, St. Luke, Orangeburg Thanks: Teaching Elder Achim Daffin, chair Commissioned Ruling Elder Johnny Bo Hamilton, Summerville Ruling Elder Wilma Frazier, Edisto APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Teaching Elder and Associate Stated Clerk Donnie Woods presented the following Consent Agenda, which was adopted: 1. Finance Committee: a. That the audited Financial Statement for Presbytery, December 31, 2014, be approved and recorded. b. That the Undesignated Income & Expense statement through April 30, 2015 be recorded. c. That the Undesignated Giving by Churches through April 30, 2015 be recorded. 2. Stated Clerk a. That the minutes of the February 21, 2015 stated meeting and the March 7, 2015 special meeting be approved and recorded. b. That all unit/committee reports without recommendations be received as information with the exception of the Report on Attendance. 3. Coordinating Committee a. That the commissioners hear a report from Rob Weingartner of the Outreach Foundation and from Tanner Pickett of the Montreat Conference Center. -18-

20 Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, Hanahan, SC b. That the Visioning Task Force be granted one hour on the docket to report on the progress of the work on behalf of Presbytery. c. That Presbytery affirm the recommendation of the committee for presbytery that First, Hilton Head Island be advised that it would be best if that church perform the proposed study and draft an overture to address the concerns. 4. Congregational Development Unit a. That Presbytery approve the sale of the manse at Hopewell Presbyterian Church for $15,000 and authorize the trustees of the church to execute all documents to complete the sale. b. That Presbytery authorize presbytery's attorney and trustees to prepare and execute all necessary documents to transfer the title and deed to the property of Edisto Presbyterian Church from Presbytery to the Edisto Presbyterian Church Corporation for the purpose of encumbering the property for a loan in the amount of $50,000. c. That Presbytery authorize Edisto Presbyterian Church to move forward with a loan with First Citizens Bank of Charleston in the amount of $50, Committee on Representation That all churches and session councils encourage members to serve in some capacity on the various committees and ministry units of Presbytery. 6. Church and Society: no recommendations 7. Committee on Preparation for Ministry: no recommendations Information: a. Inquirer Jason Lind has requested and received approval to be removed from the process. b. Inquirer MacKenneth Rivers has been released from the Inquirer process. c. The following are under care of Presbytery: Colin Kerr Inquirer Karey Poinsette Inquirer Ralph Wetherell Inquirer Terri Wtherell Inquirer Russ Blackwelder Candidate Cathie Crawford Candidate Pat Jones Candidate Sharon Rowland Candidate REPORT OF STATED CLERK The stated clerk presented a narrative report, including an explanation of the ramifications of the marriage amendment. He referred commissioners to the website, particularly referring to the FAQ page. He reported that Teaching Elder Andrew Nix has withdrawn his membership from Charleston Atlantic Presbytery and has affiliated with Catawba Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE Ruling Elder Jay Jackson, business manager of Presbytery, reported on the status of the budget. Fortytwo of the forty-eight churches are now participating with pledges. He answered questions about the per capita of $1.50 requested by Synod. Presbytery has not met the full funding requests from Synod nor General Assembly for several years. RECESS FOR FELLOWSHIP BRUNCH The moderator recessed the meeting with prayer so that commissioners could fellowship in the social hall for a period of 45 minutes. He reconvened the meeting with prayer at 10:30 a.m. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY Teaching Elder Dorothy Blackwelder reported in the absence of Ruling Elder David Yandle, chair of the committee. The report included the following: -19-

21 Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, Hanahan, SC 1. Annual Review of Session Council Minutes books Without exception: Edisto First, Beaufort Hampton Hopewell St. James Yeamans Park With exception: Aimwell First, Hilton Head Providence Barnwell Harbor View St. Andrews, Chas Boiling Springs Harmony Second, Chas Denmark James Island Wallingford Estill Peace Westminster First (Scots) 2. Installation of Teaching Elders: Commissions appointed by Presbytery have installed Teaching Elder John Wall as designated pastor at Providence and Teaching Elder Steve Graves as pastor at First, Orangeburg. 3. Triennial Visits: The committee continues to conduct triennial visits with 1/3 of the churches of Presbytery. 4. Vacancies: The following churches do not have nor are actively seeking installed pastors: Allendale, Beaufort-Salem, Bethel (W'boro), Boiling Springs, Denmark, Estill, Hampton, New Wappetaw, St. Andrews (Johns Island), St. Paul 5. Active PNC: The following churches have active PNCs: First (Scots), interim head of staff; Johns Island, installed pastor 6. Honorable Retirement: Teaching Elders Daniel Massie and Carolyn Heyward will be honorably retired in a service to be conducted at this May meeting. Blackwelder presented the following recommendations on behalf of the committeel: 1. That Teaching Elders Cecelia Armstrong, associate-elect for St. James; Daniel Smoak, head of staff-elect for Westminster; and Frank Cunningham, interim at Barnwell be examined and upon approval of their examinations, they be received into membership of Presbytery. 2. That Russ Blackwelder be examined for ordination and that upon approval of his examination, he be received into membership of Presbytery and that his work with the Village at Summerville be approved as a validated ministry of Presbytery. 3. That Commissioned Ruling Elders Johnny Hamilton, Summerville, and Ralph Wetherell, Mt. Pleasant, be authorized to administer the sacraments and perform weddings in accordance with G for a one-year term beginning this date and subject to annual renewal. A motion to adopt the recommendations was seconded and carried. Teaching Elder Richard Cushman, a member of the committee, conducted the examination for Armstrong, Smoak, Cunningham, and Blackwelder. Upon completion of all the examinations, a motion by Cushman to sustain the examinations and approve in part and as a whole was seconded and carried. Following the approval of the examinations, Blackwelder made a recommendation that Presbytery grant the Committee on Ministry permission to appoint the following: 1. Commission to Ordain and Install Russ Blackwelder to the validated ministry of Associate Medical Director for Wellness at Presbyterian Communities on June 21, Commission to Install Cecelia Armstrong as associate pastor of St. James on a date to be determined. 3. Commission to Install Daniel Smoak as pastor, head of staff at Westminster, on a date to be determined. -20-

22 Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, Hanahan, SC Special Order: Recognition of Honorable Retirement A Service of Worship and Honorable Retirement was conducted for Teaching Elders Carolyn K Heyward and Daniel W. Massie. Many teaching and ruling elders shared words of praise and thanksgiving for the services rendered by these two servants of the Church. At the close of the service, the retirees offered the benediction. CELEBRATION OF JOYS The moderator offered time to commissioners in churches A-L to share events and joys. REPORT OF COORDINATING COMMITTEE Ruling Elder Bobby Byrd, chair, reported on the actions of the committee since the last stated meeting. He presented the Visioning Task Force co-chaired by Eric Doss and Sue Mathews. The Task Force proceeded with dividing the commissioners into neighborhood groups to glean input and gather data for the future work of Presbytery. REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE Teaching Elder Doug Fletcher presented the nomination of Clifford Jenkins, Wallingford, to the Class of 2017 on the Nominating Committee. A motion to elect the nominee was seconded and carried. REPORT OF NURTURE UNIT Ruling Elder Sandra Bligen-Frasier, chair, reported on events planned, including Bethelwoods programs. REPORT OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY UNIT The members of the unit presented a skit to promote the annual S.T.E.P.S. training program to be held August 29 at Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church. CELEBRATIONS OF JOYS The moderator gave time to the commissioners representing churches M- Z to share their events and joys. REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEES Attendance: Commissioned Ruling Elder Al Eads, chair, presented the following report: 32 teaching elders 14 teaching elders excused 17 teaching elders absent without excuse 6 visiting teaching elders 4 commissioned ruling elders 45 ruling elders 14 churches without ruling elder representation (4 with excuse; 10 without excuse) 2 church educators 2 chairs of ministry units or committees 6 officers/presbytery staff 53 visitors Teaching Elders absent without excuse: Spike Coleman Devia Phinisee Janet Culpepper Vance Polley William Dietrich Patti Tillman Simpson Stephen Graves Cameron Stark Smith Christine Herrin William Summers Stephen Keeler Jonathan Van Deventer -21-

23 Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, Hanahan, SC Noah Kennedy David Lindsay Thomas Long Churches without excuse Allendale Beaufort Salem New Wappetaw Peace St. Andrews, Chas. John Wall Kristen Beckham Widrich St. Andrews, Johns Island Salem Santee Sea Island Williston Thanks: Ruling Elder Achim Daffin, chair; Commissioned Ruling Elder Johnny Hamilton; and Ruling Elder Wilma Frazier presented the following Resolution of Thanks: It is with great joy that we wish to give thanks to the Session, members and volunteers of Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, indeed to all presbytery staff and commissioners who have made the spring stated meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery a meaningful and productive Gathering of God's People. We wish to give special thanks for:... the presence of the Holy Spirit and the atmosphere of love... the Word rightly preached through the gracious words of Candidate Russ Blackwelder... the Reverend Ron Weingartner's message from the Outreach Foundation for Tanner Pickett's news about the ministries of Montreat Conference Center the timely report of Stated Clerk Deane Kemper the informative reports of the committees of Presbytery the continuing service of the Visioning Task Force We give thanks for the welcoming of new brothers and sisters in the ministry of Presbytery and to celebrate the faithful service and retirement of the Reverends Carolyn Heyward and Daniel Massie. And last, thanks for the fellowship at the brunch and around the table. Be it resolved that the members of the churches of Presbytery will continue the work of the Lord as guided by the Holy Spirit through the leadership of Executive Presbyter Donnie Woods and staff. A motion to adopt both reports was seconded and carried. Service of Wholeness and Holy Communion The business of the day concluded with a Service of Wholeness conducted by the moderator, followed by observance of the Lord's Supper. ADJOURNMENT Following Holy Communion the moderator offered a prayer and pronounced the benediction to adjourn the meeting at 12:50 p.m. Janis K. Blocker Janis K. Blocker, recording clerk -22-

24 CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY COMMISSIONER S Form for Motions and Amendments Commissioners who wish to offer motions or amendments to any other motions that come to the floor of presbytery should write out the motion or amendment in the space below and present it to the stated clerk. MOTION: AMENDMENT: Name of Church: Commissioner s Name (Print) -23-

25 COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY Summer Stated Meeting September 8, FOR INFORMATION: The Committee took the following actions on behalf of Presbytery: A. Completed Annual Review of Session Minutes with the following results: Without exceptions: Bethel, Walterboro New Wappetaw Dorchester PC on Edisto Johns Island St. Paul With Exceptions: Belle Isle Bethel, Johns Island First, Moncks Corner First, Orangeburg Hebron Zion Mount Pleasant Palmetto Park Circle Santee Summerville The Following churches did not submit minutes for annual review: Allendale Salem Aimwell (requested extension) Sea Island Beaufort Salem Sunrise (requested extension) Lowcountry Williston St. Luke Zion Olivet B. Installation and Ordination of Ministers. Separate commissions appointed by CAP have installed Rev. Cecilia Armstrong as Associate Pastor of St. James and Rev. Daniel Smoak as Pastor of Westminster as well as ordained Rev. Russ Blackwelder to serve in validated ministry at The Village at Summerville (PCSC). C. Triennial Visits. COM continues to conduct visits with various churches. Please continue to cooperate in scheduling these meetings with your sessions. D. Churches with Pulpit Vacancies. The following congregations within our presbytery do not have and are not actively seeking installed ministers: Allendale, Beaufort-Salem, Bethel (Walterboro), Boiling Springs, Denmark, Estill, Hampton, New Wappetaw, and St. Andrews (John s Island). E. Churches with Active Pastor Nominating Committees. The following congregations have committees seeking ministers: Johns Island seeking an installed pastor and Hebron-Zion seeking an installed pastor. F. FPC, Orangeburg: Rev. Olin Whitener is serving as temporary interim pastor through September 2015, as the session seeks a long term interim pastor. G. BOP Shared Grants: COM approved 2 for Mr. Carl Bright ($1,300), and Rev. Stephen Graves ($1,900). 2. FOR ACTION (as part of the consent agenda) -24-

26 A. Dissolution of Pastoral Relationships: COM moves that the presbytery approve the dissolution of the following pastoral relationships: Rev. Steve Graves with First, Orangeburg, effective May 15; Rev. Dorothy Blackwelder with Dorchester effective June 28; Rev. John Hage with Mt. Pleasant, effective July 12, and Rev. Heather Doss with Sea Island, effective August 31. B. COM moves that Rev. Thomas G. Long be Honorably Retired, effective September 1, C. COM moves that the presbytery approve the following items: Examination for Membership. Having sustained the examination of the following individuals, COM moves that CAP examine and approve for membership: 1. Rev. Joseph Harvard Interim, First (Scots) 2. Rev. Ridgeley Beckett Associate, Mt. Pleasant 3. Rev. Charles Neder HR (pending COM September meeting) 4. Rev. Raymond Fancher HR (pending COM September meeting) B. COM as a Commission. COM moves that Presbytery authorize COM as a commission to receive and/or dismiss members during the summer months between May and September stated meetings. Respectfully submitted, Dorothy Blackwelder Acting Chair -25-

27 Beckett Personal Journey of Faith Raised in a Presbyterian home and family, I do not remember a day without the knowledge that God had a claim on my life. I was baptized as an infant by my great grandfather, an ordained minister in the PCUSA. I grew up in a loving home in Concord, North Carolina, where my family and I spent our days at First Presbyterian. It was within those church walls that I had my first Vacation Bible School, I learned my first Christmas hymn, and where I was mentored and loved by the friends and family around me. I never realized it then, but the memories I have of years bouncing around the pews and running through the fellowship hall gave me the unrelenting love for what lies inside the church doors. After moving to South Carolina, my family found their home at Easley Presbyterian Church (EPC), where I was confirmed and joined the PC (USA). My call to ministry started with a relationship with my mentor who was the Director of Christian Education (DCE) at EPC. She walked alongside of me through my adolescence exerting patience, exhibiting leadership, and loving me through my challenging adolescent years. I fell in love with the church and got involved in whatever I could get my hands on: helping the sexton, teaching the children, and even folding the bulletins on a slow summer Thursday. That relationship with my mentor led me to dive into a new church family in college and help lead the youth program, hoping to be the blessing my DCE was to me during those years. It was there that my colleagues, friends, and mentors affirmed my outward call to ministry. It wasn't until years later that I would own and embody that call for myself, more fully living into my pastoral identity. Such began the journey of seminary. I thought once I affirmed this call to ministry and settled in a seminary community, that it would be smooth sailing until graduation. Seminary exceeded my expectations in both good and challenging ways. I relearned what had been passed down to me in a new light. I analyzed what I had perhaps taken for granted, and gained a renewed appreciation for the church, the people God surrounds you with in life, and the wondrous path that God led me toward for so many years. I laughed, I cried, I stressed, I Sabbath-ed. On May 16, 2015 my journey at Columbia for my Dual Degree came to an end, but my education continues on. Each day, I prayerfully try to walk the path God has laid for me, teaching me and humbling me every step of the way. My call has been shaped by years of prayers, annual consultations, pastoral counseling visits, coffee with mentors, and hours of listening and continues to remain fluid. Over the years, God has called me to serve in many different ways in the church. I believe God is calling me to continue serving in the parish ministry setting to work specifically with faith formation. By nature, faith formation is much more than one specific type of ministry but rather informs all of ministry. I feel called to serve God through faith formation in young people extending to older adults in their journey. Today more than ever, I am thankful that I am a beloved child of God who bounced through the pews of an old wooden church and that there was never a day I did not know of the everlasting love and grace of God that latched tightly on to me before I could even grasp back. -26-

28 Ridgley Beckett Final Assessment Statement of Faith I believe in one triune and sovereign God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who created all things- those that may be seen and those that are unseen. I believe that God created human beings in God s own image. Human beings, once being in perfect union with God, separated themselves from God through sin. This sovereign God has chosen to reconcile this relationship with a covenant. God loves humanity unconditionally. The Old Testament teaches people the history of God s covenantal relationship with God s people. Through the words of the prophets, God reassures God s people that God will never desert them, regardless of their choices. Despite what people choose to do or not do, they can do nothing to escape the love of God that is of the Father Almighty. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, whom God selflessly sacrificed so that we may be forgiven for our sins and our sinful nature. I believe that the divine Jesus Christ came into the world through the virgin birth, thus being both God and human, and mediating between God and humanity. Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, and in His baptism fulfilled God s call by serving with, leading, and teaching twelve disciples, among others. Christ showed us how to live, love, serve, and glorify God. Most of all Christ showed us God s love through innocently dying on the cross. Christ took on our sins, died, conquered death, and came to be in fellowship on earth with His followers. While on earth, Christ commissioned His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. 1 He ascended into heaven to be with God the Father until He comes again in glory according to the scriptures. One can never be perfect, but it is through Christ that our brokenness can be made whole, and we can be in relationship with God. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Christ that binds us all together in God s love. God sent us the Holy Spirit to be with us forever to guide us and comfort us. The Holy Spirit convicts us with guilt when we falter and brings us to the cross on our knees asking for forgiveness. I believe in the authority of Scripture illumined by the Spirit so that we might read, learn from, and proclaim the Word of God. The Holy Spirit enables the proclamation of the Word to be God s Word to God s people. I believe in the authority of Scripture, which informs us of who God is based on God s relationship with God s people. Further, I believe that it teaches us how to live the Christian Life. I believe that through the Holy Spirit we are blessed with God s presence in all things. In the Lord s Supper, we remember Christ s sacrifice for our sins; the presence of Christ with us through the bread and wine sustains our faith for the journey in relationship with and service to God. In our baptism we represent an inward faith that one is given by God alone. I believe that the water in baptism sanctifies us and gives us new life that calls us to serve and be in relationship with God in love. The Holy Spirit gives us faith and grace and enables us to be God s instruments. Through the Holy Spirit we are able to respond to God s grace in gratitude through service to God. By God s grace, the incarnation of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit the early church became one universal church as it is today. As the Body of Christ, the Church waits in hope for the day when it will be reunited with Christ when He comes again in glory. Through the Holy Spirit the church can serve and glorify God. Through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit we have been given the gift of faith in all these things. 1 Matthew 28:19 NRSV -27-

29 Memorandum Date: April 24, 2015 To: Ridgley Beckett From: Don Horres, Executive Director Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church Dear Ridgley: On behalf of the Every Member in Ministry Search Team and the Personnel Ministries of Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, I extend the following offer to you to join the staff as the Associate Pastor for Every Member in Ministry. Your compensation would include: Salary: $23,500 Housing Allowance: $21,500 Social Security Allowance: $6,885 Moving Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 of moving expenses reimbursed (travel and moving expenses, associated with moving to Mt. Pleasant, SC) Benefits: Medical, death, short term disability and retirement provided by the church thru the Board of Pensions, PC (USA) and MetLife. Dental, supplemental life, long term care insurance and 403(b) retirement plan are optional at the cost to the employee Paid Time Off (PTO): 320 hours (8 weeks) per year. Paid time off to include vacation, sick and holiday time off. PTO prorated for first year based on start date. Continuing Education: Program staff employees receive 10 days continuing education leave per year. Employee also will receive up to $1,500 for continuing education expense reimbursement per budget year. Employee Spending Account: After one year of service, the employee receives $300 per year of service paid into an employee spending account (fund caps at $1,500). This will begin July 1, Cell Phone reimbursement: Program staff receives up to $55.00 per month for employee cell phone reimbursement. Sabbatical Policy for Pastoral Staff: Pastor Staff members may apply for three months sabbatical leave after 4 years of service. Sabbatical leave will be scheduled after year

30 Other: We will provide support for you to join the Company of New Pastors group and work with you to provide a mutually agreeable ministry coach. Screening requirements: Employment is contingent on completion of seminary degree, approval by Charleston Atlantic Presbytery and congregation of Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church and satisfactory background check and drug screen. We feel God s call for you at Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church and look forward to witnessing your development of our Every Member in Ministry to help our members experience Christian Community at MPPC and beyond. Blessings, Don Horres, Executive Director -29-

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35 MINIMUM COMPENSATION FOR PASTORAL CALL CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY Cash Salary 27,920 28,450 28,991 29,716 30,281 30,735 31,319 Housing Allowance 8,361 8,520 8,682 8,899 9,068 9,204 9,379 Utilities Allowance 5,716 5,855 5,966 6,115 6,231 6,324 6,444 Social Security 3,215 3,276 3,338 3,422 3,487 3,539 3,606 Automobile Allowance 5,993 6,107 6,223 6,379 6,500 6,598 6,723 Books and Study Allowance Full Pension & Medical Insurance 13,797 14,059 14,183 14,761 15,953 16,192 16,500 TOTALS 65,664 66,942 68,071 69,997 72,238 73,321 74,714 This Minimum Compensation Chart is intended to serve as a guide in assisting the Pastor and session in negotiating the amounts for Cash Salary, Housing/Manse and Utilities allowance that provide the Pastor the best tax advantages. Please feel free to adjust any of these numbers to achieve this goal. Please check with Donnie Woods if you have questions. -34-

36 2016 CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR COMPENSATION AND MINIMUM SALARY GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS Package should include: CASH: Cash salary **BENEFITS: PCUSA Medical and Annuity (35%-36½% of salary) ½ of Social Security (7.65% of salary) Funds and time (two weeks) for Continuing Education Four weeks vacation One week for other services to the church REIMBURSEMENTS: Automobile and Travel Allowance (vouchers) Personal Business Expenses (vouchers) Expenses for moving on to the field (one time expense) Minimum Cash Salary Guidelines: Bachelor of Arts Degree in any field: $32,385 *Certified Associate Educator: $37,479 Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education: $39,617 (The compensation package for educators should include the cash, benefits, and reimbursements listed above.) Minimum Cash Salary: (G b) *Certified Christian Educator $46,099 (The compensation package for Certified Christian Educators is to include the cash, benefits, and reimbursements listed above.) Suggested Cash Compensations in addition to cash salary: Automobile and Travel: $650 Continuing Education: $850 Personal Business Expenses: $200 Suggested One Time Expenses: Moving Expenses Start-Up Expenses incurred with moving *Sessions should encourage educators to become certified. Certified Christian educators are persons certified and called to service in the ministry of education in congregations or councils. They shall have skills and training in biblical interpretation, Reformed theology, worship and sacraments, human development, faith development, religious educational theory and practice, and the polity, programs, and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (Book of Order G a). The two levels of certification and their requirements are set by the Educator Certification Council of the General Assembly Council. Information may be obtained from the Presbytery Educator. ** Assistance with the reduction of student loans may be considered as part of the compensation package. -35-

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45 COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Sept 8, 2015 Report Information Annual consultation for inquirers and candidates was held June 6 at 9:00 am at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The CPM continues to meet with students in consultation for the preparation process. Students are encouraged to apply in writing to the CPM for scholarship requests. Scholarships are granted to currently enrolled seminarians in the month of September. The CPM Guide can be found on the presbytery website at: The following students are currently under CAP care: Elizabeth Eason was examined by COPM and approved as an Inquirer on August 13, Colin Kerr Inquirer Dubuque Karey Poinsette Inquirer JCS (Grad) Ralph Wetherall Inquirer Gordon Conwell Terri Wetherall Inquirer Gordon Conwell Cathie Crawford Candidate JCS (Grad) Pat Jones Candidate Erskine Sharon Roland Candidate CTS (Grad) *Certified Ready to Receive a Call The CPM asks that the Presbytery and churches continue to be in prayer for all of our students. Recommendations: a. That Elizabeth Eason be enrolled as an Inquirer under the care of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, effective September 8, Elizabeth is a member of Summerville Presbyterian Church, and a student at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA. b. CPM recommends that in accord with G , Leslie Bligen be dropped from the candidates roll of presbytery. He has accepted ordination in another denomination not affiliated with or in correspondence with the PC (U.S.A.). Respectfully submitted, Beth Yarborough. Chair, CPM Forms for the Preparation process can be found at:

46 Finance Committee Report to CAP Summer Stated Meeting September 8, Information a. Undesignated Giving by Churches through July 2015 is attached. b. Undesignated Income/Expenses through July 2015 is attached. c. Synod Per Capita/Mission Giving Report is attached d. Synod Per Capita/Mission Giving Request for 2016 is attached 2. Recommendations No Recommendations Respectfully submitted, Richards Roddey Chair -45-

47 CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY 2015 Undesignated Giving by Churches CHURCH 2015 PLEDGE 1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER JULY 3RD QUARTER TOTAL AIMWELL $ - $ 2, $ - $ 2, ALLENDALE $ - $ - $ - $ - BARNWELL $ 5, $ - $ - $ 5, BEAUFORT-SALEM $ $ - $ - $ BELLE ISLE $ 4, $ 1, $ 1, $ - $ 2, BETHEL (JI) $ 4, $ - $ 2, $ - $ 2, BETHEL (W'BORO) $ 10, $ 2, $ 2, $ $ $ 5, BOILING SPRINGS $ - $ - $ - $ - DENMARK $ $ - $ $ - $ DORCHESTER $ 14, $ 3, $ 3, $ 1, $ 1, $ 8, EDISTO $ 2, $ - $ $ 2, $ 2, $ 2, ESTILL $ 5, $ $ $ $ $ 2, FIRST BEAUFORT $ 34, $ 8, $ 8, $ - $ 17, FIRST (SCOTS) $ - $ 25, $ 11, $ 11, $ 37, FIRST-HHI $ 90, $ 22, $ 22, $ 7, $ 7, $ 52, FIRST-MC $ 25, $ 6, $ 4, $ - $ 10, FIRST-O'BURG $ 18, $ - $ 4, $ 4, $ 4, $ 8, HAMPTON $ 2, $ 1, $ - $ - $ 1, HARBOR VIEW $ 10, $ 2, $ 2, $ $ $ 5, HARMONY $ 1, $ - $ $ - $ HEBRON-ZION $ 4, $ 1, $ 1, $ $ $ 2, HOPEWELL $ $ - $ $ - $ JAMES ISLAND $ 17, $ 5, $ 4, $ - $ 9, JOHNS ISLAND $ 10, $ 2, $ 2, $ $ $ 5, LOWCOUNTRY $ 7, $ 1, $ 1, $ - $ 3, MT. PLEASANT $ 101, $ 20, $ 20, $ 6, $ 6, $ 47, NEW WAPPETAW $ 1, $ 1, $ - $ 3, PALMETTO $ 24, $ 3, $ 2, $ - $ 5, PARK CIRCLE $ 1, $ - $ $ - $ PEACE $ 9, $ 2, $ 2, $ $ $ 5, PC ON EDISTO $ 12, $ - $ 3, $ 3, $ 3, $ 6, PROVIDENCE $ - $ 2, $ - $ 2, ST ANDREWS-CHAS $ 3, $ - $ - $ - $ - ST ANDREWS-JI $ - $ $ - $ ST JAMES $ 47, $ 11, $ 11, $ 3, $ 3, $ 26, ST LUKE $ - $ 2, $ - $ 2, ST PAUL $ 2, $ 1, $ - $ 4, SALEM $ 4, $ - $ 2, $ - $ 2, SANTEE $ $ $ $ $ SEA ISLAND $ - $ 15, $ - $ 15, SECOND $ 10, $ - $ 5, $ 2, $ 2, $ 7, SUMMERVILLE $ 52, $ 11, $ 19, $ 3, $ 3, $ 34, SUNRISE $ 21, $ - $ 5, $ - $ 5, WALLINGFORD $ 6, $ 1, $ 1, $ - $ 2, WESTMINSTER $ 7, $ 1, $ $ $ 9, WILLISTON $ 4, $ $ $ $ $ 1, YEAMANS PARK $ 5, $ 1, $ 1, $ $ $ 3, ZION-OLIVET $ 5, $ $ $ - $ TOTALS $ 568, $ 128, $ 191, $ 52, $ 52, $ 373, , $ 191, $ 52, $ 373,

48 Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Undesignated Income and Expense July 2015 Jul 15 Budget Jan - Jul 15 YTD Budget Annual Budget Income 4100 UNDESIGNATED INCOME 4108 Fellowship TD Ameritrade Divide 1, , , NCD TD Ameritr Dividends , , Miscellaneous Receipts 1, , Unified Mission Giving 52, , , , , Total 4100 UNDESIGNATED INCOME 54, , , , , Total Income 54, , , , , Expense PRESBYTERY 5000 COUNCIL EXPENSES 5100 Executive Presbyter Salary 5, , , , , Executive Presbyter Expenses , Executive Presbyter Housing 2, , , , , Executive Presbyter Utilities , , , SECA Tax Allotment , , , Youth DirSalary , , , Youth Director Expenses Assoc for CongNurtur Salary 4, , , , , Assoc for CongNurt Expenses NCD Consultant 1, , , , , Business Manager Salary 2, , , , , Business Manager Expenses CommDir Salary 1, , , , , CommDir Expense Allowance Administrator 3, , , , , Stated Clerk Salary 1, , , , , Stated Clerk Expenses Recording Clerk , , Temporary Clerical Assistance , , , Pensions, Ins & SocSec 7, , , , , Payroll Direct Deposit Expenses , , Presbytery Office Expenses 5221 Building Maintenance/Repirs 1, , , , , Equipment Maintenance 1, , , , Janitorial Service , , , Postage , , , Supplies/Printing Supplies/Printing Credit , Supplies/Printing - Other 4, , , , Total 5226 Supplies/Printing 3, , , ,

49 Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Undesignated Income and Expense July 2015 Jul 15 Budget Jan - Jul 15 YTD Budget Annual Budget 5227 Telephone , , , Utilities , , , Yard Maintenance , , , Total 5220 Presbytery Office Expenses 8, , , , , General Expenses 5236 Fellowship Mission , Insurance P/C 2, , , , , Staff Training , , , Staff Travel 1, , , , , Total 5235 General Expenses 4, , , , , Executive Committee 5246 Accountant Services , , , Exec Comm Expenses Exec Council Credit Exec Comm Expenses - Other , , , Total 5247 Exec Comm Expenses , , Presbytery Meetings , Technology , , , Visioning Task Force , , , Total 5245 Executive Committee , , , , Total 5000 COUNCIL EXPENSES 46, , , , , COM & COPM 6001 Candidates Eval & Scholarship , , , Candidates Workshop Expense Committee on Ministry , , , Judicial Procedures , , Pastoral Support System , , , Professional Development Prefossional Dev Credit , Professional Development - Other , , Total 6006 Professional Development , Unit Expenses , , BoP Shared Grant Expense 2, , , , Total 6000 COM & COPM 2, , , , , CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT 6110 Planning Outreach & Conferences -48-

50 Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Undesignated Income and Expense July 2015 Jul 15 Budget Jan - Jul 15 YTD Budget Annual Budget 6112 Evangelism & Church Growth Small Church Network Total 6110 Planning Outreach & Conferences Partnership 6123 Beaufort-Salem Salary Support , Boiling Springs Salary Support , Aimwell Salary Support , , , Hopewell Salary Support , , , Edisto Support , , , Total 6120 Partnership 1, , , , , Cane Bay NCD , , Administration 6141 Unit Contingencies Unit Expenses County Fees/Taxes Total 6140 Administration Total 6100 CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT 1, , , , , LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT UNIT 6151 Administrative Expense Christian Education Association Leader of Leaders Events , Program Assistance Res Ctr Committee Epenses Res Ctr Local Church Support Gr Res Ctr Subscription/Membership , Res Ctr Supplies & Postage Resource Center Equipment Resource Ctr - New Resources , , , Resource Ctr - Promotion S.T.E.P.S , , Total 6150 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT UNIT , , , , NURTURE MINISTRY UNIT 6201 Adult Ministry C&C Program 4, , , , , C&C Scholarship Fund , C&C Transportation , , Children's Ministry Children's Ministry Credit , Children's Ministry - Other , ,

51 Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Undesignated Income and Expense July 2015 Jul 15 Budget Jan - Jul 15 YTD Budget Annual Budget Total 6205 Children's Ministry , Middle High Ministry Middle High Program Credit , Middle High Ministry - Other , , , Total 6206 Middle High Ministry , , , Nurture Unit Expenses Senior High Ministry , , Total 6200 NURTURE MINISTRY UNIT 4, , , , , CHURCH & SOCIETY MINISTRY UNIT 6240 Compassion Partnerships 6244 Wallingford Sr Activity Day , Zion-Olivet Day Care , , , Campus Ministry 1, , , , , Total 6240 Compassion Partnerships 1, , , , , Global Missions 6251 Cong Global Project Support , Latin American Ministries 2, , , , Mission Programs/Education Total 6250 Global Missions 2, , , , Justice Issues 6261 Black Presbyterian Caucus Justice Issues Prog & Projects Self Development of People , C & S Unit Expenses Total 6260 Justice Issues , , Total 6220 CHURCH & SOCIETY MINISTRY UNIT 3, , , , , Total PRESBYTERY 57, , , , , GA SYNOD & INSTITUTIONS 6300 GENERAL ASSEMBLY 6301 Mission Giving - 6% , , , GA3 Per Capita 2, , , , , Total 6300 GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2, , , , , SYNOD OF SOUTH ATLANTIC 6351 S1 Mission Giving - 2% , , , S2 Per Capita , , ,

52 Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Undesignated Income and Expense July 2015 Jul 15 Budget Jan - Jul 15 YTD Budget Annual Budget Total 6350 SYNOD OF SOUTH ATLANTIC 1, , , , , INSTITUTIONS 6401 Presbyterian College , Presbyterian Home of SC , SC Campus Ministry Cabinet , SC Christian Action Villa International Operations William Brearly Home, Montreat , Total 6400 INSTITUTIONS , , , Total GA SYNOD & INSTITUTIONS 5, , , , , Total Expense 62, , , , , Net Income -7, , , ,

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56 PRESBYTERY PER CAPITA & MISSION GIVING 2016 Per Capita Mission Giving PRESBYTERY Members $1.50/Member $1.00/Member CENTRAL FLORIDA 18,667 $ 28,001 $ 18,667 CHARLESTON ATLANTIC 16,507 $ 24,761 $ 16,507 CHEROKEE 6,103 $ 9,155 $ 6,103 FLORIDA 6,268 $ 9,402 $ 6,268 FLINT RIVER 4,743 $ 7,115 $ 4,743 FOOTHILLS 14,663 $ 21,995 $ 14,663 GREATER ATLANTA 37,462 $ 56,193 $ 37,462 NEW HARMONY 9,116 $ 13,674 $ 9,116 N.E. GEORGIA 7,669 $ 11,504 $ 7,669 PEACE RIVER 15,892 $ 23,838 $ 15,892 PROVIDENCE 7,546 $ 11,319 $ 7,546 ST. AUGUSTINE 15,296 $ 22,944 $ 15,296 SAVANNAH 5,440 $ 8,160 $ 5,440 TAMPA BAY 18,117 $ 27,176 $ 18,117 TRINITY 14,147 $ 21,221 $ 14,147 TROPICAL FLORIDA 8,472 $ 12,708 $ 8,472 TOTAL 206,108 $ 309,162 $ 206,

57 Overtures Review Committee Report to CAP Summer Stated Meeting September 8, 2015 Information: a. First Church, Hilton Head Island sent an overture regarding the Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee (MRTI) to CAP requesting that it be approved and sent to General Assembly. The overture was forwarded to CAP s Overtures Review Committee (ORC) for review and recommendation to CAP. After review by the ORC it recommends the HHI s proposal be amended as shown in the document below. b. The Foothills Presbytery has recently approved eight overtures that it plans to send to the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) for approval. Foothills sent these proposals to CAP for review and hopefully our presbytery s support. The overtures are included below for your review. These overtures are being reviewed by CAP s Overtures Review Committee with the Committee s recommendation to CAP planned for the stated presbytery meeting, scheduled December 8. Recommendations: a. That CAP approve the attached Overture on the MRTI received from the Session of First Church, HHI with amendment proposed by CAP s Overtures Review Committee, submit to at least one other presbytery for concurrence, and forward to the 222 nd General Assembly (2016) for approval. b. That CAP receive the attached 8 Overtures from Foothills Presbytery as information and to be placed on the docket for a vote on the recommendation of the Overtures Review Committee at the December 8, 2015 stated meeting. Kent Grimes, Chair Overture Review Committee -56-

58 August 19, 2015 Overtures Review Committee Report on Overture from First Church, Hilton Head First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island sent an overture to the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery to adopt a resolution regarding the Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee (MRTI) and forward it as an overture to the General Assembly. The MRTI is a committee of the General Assembly, formed in The MRTI is responsible to interpret the General Assembly s social witness policies as the policies relate to business entities that the Board of Pensions and Presbyterian Foundation hold in their investment portfolios. When concerned with certain activities of business entities that the church holds in portfolios, the MRTI will engage them in a number of ways with the goal of having these businesses change their behavior in the areas of concern. If after a period of engagement the issues are not satisfactorily resolved, the MRTI may recommend to the General Assembly divestment of these business entities. After review of the First, HHI proposal, the Overtures Review Committee of CAP proposes the following amended resolution and recommends adoption by presbytery and forwarding to the 222 nd General Assembly (2016). (Note: The Committee s proposed amendments are compared with the original received from First, HHI in the last page of this document.). Resolution: Work Group on Divestment. Whereas, Peace, Unity, and Purity are cardinal values of PCUSA and, Whereas, recent MRTI recommendations adopted by the General Assembly have resulted in divisions within our denomination and, Whereas, matters involving Israel and the surrounding Middle East are beset with profound complexity and tangled historical context and, Whereas, the approach of divestment in business entities may miss what is actually intended, e.g. the sanctioning of the government of Israel for its policy towards the Palestinians in general, which includes our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters and, Whereas, in our increasingly complex world it is often difficult to distinguish between offensive or defensive use of a given manufactured item, and Whereas, the agencies with responsibility for financial investment have been encouraged by the General Assembly to consider investing positively in corporations with exemplary social witness policies; Be it herein resolved that: 1. After the MRTI engages with a business entity about concerns with its business activities and is not successful in changing the business activities and now believes divestment of the business entity is the best option, the MRTI will advise the Board of Pensions and Presbyterian Foundation of its recommendation and rationale without publicity. For information, this activity shall be included in the MRTI report to the General Assembly. 2. If the General Assembly decides to add any corporation and security to its Divestment List, thereby, instructing the two agencies with portfolios on divestment, it shall require a two-thirds vote in plenary. Therefore, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly is directed to send the following proposed amendment to the Book of Order to the presbyteries for their vote: Add the following paragraph at the end of G , Meetings and Quorums, Adding corporations and securities to the General Assembly Divestment List shall -57-

59 require a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly commissioners present and voting. 3. The twelve members the MRTI shall be appointed/elected as follows: Two members each appointed by the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Foundation; eight at large members nominated by the General Assembly Nominating Committee and elected by the General Assembly. Consideration shall be given to nominating committee members with broad views of social witness policies and applying them to investment opportunities. 4. When divestment is contemplated MRTI shall seek comments on its recommendation from all the presbyteries and the comments received shall be carefully considered before preparing its recommendation to the General Assembly. 5. When divestiture is under consideration and based on a specific issue, the business entity shall also be looked at broadly in regard to positive activities and work the entity has been doing for communities and the world as a whole. 6. Other than just divestment of business entities, the MRTI shall seek investments in business entities that are using mechanisms and targets as a means of their achieving social justice. e.g. mechanisms being used by the business entities to improve availability of water, education, food, etc. 7. MRTI shall research business entities, develop a list of those having exemplary social witness policies and encourage the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Foundation to invest in these business entities, if financially sound. 8. In all recommendations, the prospective effect on Unity of the church shall be taken into account. Rationale: 1. Currently, GA instructions on social issues to the two agencies with investment responsibility is frequently determined by a vote with a swing of a handful of votes determining what is highly publicized church policy. When such instructions are on matters far from our core mission they become more politicized and in a country evenly split politically by definition such is divisive and offensive to Unity of the church and too many of its members. If the committee made its divestment recommendation as a suggestion to the Board of Pension and Presbyterian Foundation there would likely be less fanfare. MRTI could continue to do its good work in considering the church s social witness policy in recommending investments. This recommendation would be included as information in its regular report to the General Assembly. 2. Adding business entities to the General Assembly Divestment List is a significant action and often has unintended consequences. Requiring a super majority of twothirds for this significant action will eliminate issues being approved by only a few votes. A super majority has a greater chance of being achieved if there were more time for consensus building on controversial issues in the plenary session. Typically the favorable percentage of votes on controversial issues in committee are significantly higher than the votes in plenary. e.g. In 2014 the vote in committee was 69% in favor of divestment of the three corporations, while in plenary it was only 50.6%. 3. Having more at-large members will increase the chance of the committee having broader views of social witness policy. The advocacy/advisory committees on Social Witness Policy, Racial Ethnic Concerns and Women s Concerns and the Presbyterian Mission Agency would continue to have voice to provide input on social witness policy but the interpretation of policies in regard to investments would be made by the MRTI committee. 4. Greater involvement of the people in the pews is missing and is critically important for Unity, especially on contentious social issues; discussion and education can forge greater unity, as well as provide the commissioners to GA a broader perspective of God s intent for the church. Receiving comments from presbyteries will provide the MRTI with a wider range of views on the issue of mission responsible investment. 5. The expanded charge to look at the entire profile of the business entity is important for context and balance. Current MRTI presentations resemble in some ways, unilateral prosecutorial briefs. Such is not commonly mentioned. -58-

60 6. Some reporting and search for business entities with outstanding positions on social witness should be part of recommendations made. MRTI has responsibility for investment opportunities not just those to be divested. The Divestment Strategy document states: The theology of mission extends the concept of stewardship into society and insists that the full influence and impact of church investment be seen in the larger society context This strategy should apply to investment opportunities as well as divestment. 7. The MRTI should be recommending investments with consideration for and interpretation of the church s Social Witness policy and should avoid even the appearance of setting policy. 8. It should be recognized that people and organizations can do bad things with products and materials ordinarily manufactured and used for the common good. Should manufacturers be held responsible for how their customers use their products? 9. As mentioned, Unity of the church is critical and must be balanced by the types of social issues addressed. Comparison of First Church, HHI s version to Committee s Recommended Version Below is an explanation of the Overtures Review Committee s proposed amendment to the overture received from First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island. This amendment is reflected in the Committee s version of the overture above: The following is the first bullet in First, HHI s Resolve section and is replaced by bullet numbers 1 and 2 in the Resolve section above: MRTI be converted from a committee to a Commission, taking direction and advice from the General Assembly but reporting its recommendations and rationale without publicity directly to the Board of Pension and the Presbyterian Foundation. The first bullet in the First, HHI s Rationale section provides a rationale for the item that the Committee recommends be replaced with numbers 1 and 2 in the Rationale section of the Committee s version. All other parts of First, HHI s overture remain unchanged. The reasoning for the Overtures Review Committee s proposed amendment are: A representative in the Office of General Assembly (OGA) thought the forming of the MRTI as a commission created an inconsistency. The representative thought it was not consistent for General Assembly to grant authority to two agencies to manage investment portfolios, then grant to another entity the authority to restrict their investment. The committee felt it is important for an overture to the General Assembly to have the support of the OGA. Since adding corporations and securities to the General Assembly Divestment List is a significant change which often has unintended consequences, the committee believes it is reasonable to require a super majority to add to the list. More details on this addition are included in the rationale section above. -59-

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