Mr. and or Ms. Senator State of Pennsylvania Senate Box Harrisburg, PA Dear Governor, Senator, Representative

Transcription

1 901 Allegheny Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Phone: (412) Fax: (412) Mr. and or Ms. Senator State of Pennsylvania Senate Box Harrisburg, PA Dear Governor, Senator, Representative Pittsburgh Presbytery is a faith community comprising 145 congregations and more than 30,000 members in Allegheny County. As Presbyterians, we are part of a faith tradition that has affirmed our responsibility to care for the earth as our home and care for all people, especially our most vulnerable populations. We are opposed to the building of the Shell Ethane Cracker plant because we believe that the plant will drastically decrease the air quality in southwestern PA, air quality that already is among the worst in the country. This plant, and subsequent plants that are planned for the Ohio Valley, will be mass producing plastic products that have been linked to the death of animals and the diminishment of fragile natural habitats. A group of our members prepared the attached declaration for the review of our presbytery at its quarterly plenary meeting at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Bridgeville on December 14. Nearly two hundred persons were present, and they voted to endorse this declaration, asking that we circulate it broadly to elected officials, public media, and church groups. Please know that Pittsburgh Presbytery stands firmly in support of policies that create jobs that also promote sustainable environmental practices. May God help us all to remain true to the abiding values of taking care of the earth for our generation, and generations to come. Yours sincerely, Heather Schoenewolf, Moderator Sheldon Sorge, General Minister Carla Campbell, Stated Clerk

2 REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK December 14, 2017 Items for Information 1. Deadline for Docket Time Requests and Changes to Presbytery Meetings in 2018 The Ecclesiastical Committee would like to remind chairs of committees, commissions, and ministry teams that all requests for docket time at presbytery meetings must be made to the Ecclesiastical Committee. For the February 2018 presbytery meeting, such requests must be submitted to the Stated Clerk s office no later than noon on Thursday, January 11, The Ecclesiastical Committee further notes that during 2018, it will be experimenting with changes to the format of the presbytery meetings with input from the presbytery staff and the Executive Committee. 2. Formation of Administrative Commission The Executive Committee of Pittsburgh Presbytery held a specially-called meeting on October 5, 2017 to enquire into the reports of a schism at the Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek following the vote not to continue in the dismissal process. Following a full report from the Plum Creek Discernment Team, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the entire presbytery in the interim between presbytery meetings pursuant to the Manual of Pittsburgh Presbytery because time was of the essence, authorized the formation of an administrative commission for the Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek. The Plum Creek Administrative Commission was empowered to: assume original jurisdiction under Rule G e if necessary in the judgment of the Administrative Commission. On October 31, 2017, also pursuant to the Presbytery Manual, the Moderator of Pittsburgh Presbytery, Rev. Heather Schoenewolf, appointed the following individuals to constitute the Plum Creek Administrative Commission: Ruling Elder Eugene Feather (Hampton) Ruling Elder Sally Huber-Lewis (Oakmont) Rev. Dr. Vincent Kolb (Sixth) Rev. Sarah Robbins (At-large) Rev. Dr. Larry Ruby (HR) The Plum Creek Administrative Commission has begun its work Minutes Reading Dates and Locations The Ecclesiastical Committee has scheduled Minutes Readings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the follow dates and locations: April 7, 2018 Forest Hills Presbyterian Church April 21, 2018 Unity Presbyterian Church (formerly Wallace Memorial) May 5, 2018 Elfinwild Presbyterian Church May 19, 2018 Bethel Presbyterian Church (Bethel Park) June 2 Presbytery Center September 15 or 22, 2018 Presbytery Center (Date to be determined after the Pitt football schedule is finalized due to parking lot restrictions.)

3 4. New Clerk of Session Training The Ecclesiastical Committee has scheduled New Clerk of Session training for Saturday, February 17, 2018 with a snow date of Saturday, February 24, Presbytery Review of Session Minutes The Administrative Review of Session Minutes for calendar year 2016 has been completed. The results of the review are as follows: The following churches had their minutes and rolls and registers approved with commendation: Baldwin UP Bellevue UP Bethel (Monroeville) Beulah Bower Hill Comm. Carnegie Clinton Concord East Liberty East Union Elfinwild First (Castle Shannon) First (Crafton Heights) First (Edgewood) First (Pittsburgh) First (Rennerdale) First (Tarentum) Glenshaw Greenfield Hawthorne Av. Hebron (Clinton) Heritage Hiland Hillcrest Hoboken Jefferson Ken Mawr Montours Mt. Hope Mt. Nebo Mt. Pisgah Mt. Vernon North Hills Northmont Pine Creek Pleasant Hills Comm. Ross Comm. Sampson s Mills Sewickley Shadyside Sixth Swissvale U.P.C. of Universal Union Unity (Wallace) Unity United Waverly Westminster Whitehall The following churches had their minutes and/or rolls & registers approved with exceptions: Bethel (Bethel Park) Bidwell Covenant Comm. Eastminster First (Duquense) Fox Chapel Hamilton John McMillan Korean Linway Logan s Ferry Mt. Plesant UPC of Noblestown Oakmont Olivet Parkwood St. Andrews Second Southminster Sunset Hills Valley Wexford The following churches failed to have their minutes/rolls and registers read or were only partially (P) this read this year: Amity (P) Aspinwall Beechview Bethany Bethesda (Elizabeth) Bethesda (Pittsburgh) Brentwood Brookline Blvd. Buena Vista Bull Creek Calvert Mem. Central (Tarentum) Chartiers Valley Cheswick Christ Comm.

4 Community House Comm. of Reconciliation Comm. PC of Ben Avon Coraopolis (P) Crafton Cross Roads (M ville) Cross Roads (Wexford) Deer Creek Emsworth First (Gibsonia) First (Elizabeth) First UPC (Boston) Forest Ave. Forest Hills Friendship Comm. Gladden Glenshaw Valley Grace Mem. Grand View Hampton Hebron (Penn Hills) Homestead Hot Metal Bridge Indianola Ingram Kerr Liberty Lincoln Place McKeesport Mosaic Comm. Mt. Washington Natrona Heights Neville Island New Life Comm. Oakdale Open Door Pleasant Unity (P) Plum Creek Riverdale Riverview Sharon Comm. South Side Springdale Upper Room UPC of Universal Third Valley View Verona The Ecclesiastical Committee granted Hampton United Presbyterian Church s request for special minutes review, but that the review was not complete by the deadline for the written report. 5. Correspondence During the reported period since the last regularly stated Presbytery meeting, all correspondence that was received was responded to and/or appropriately routed for review and response in due course. Items for Action 1. Consent Motions The Stated Clerk recommends the following items be approved by consent: # 2. *2. Ecclesiastical Administrative Commission to Ordain or Install The Stated Clerk recommends that the Minutes of the following Ecclesiastical Administrative Commissions be approved and the Commissions be dismissed with thanks: BRANCH-TREVATHAN Administrative Commission to Install Becky Branch-Trevathan The Administrative Commission elected by the Presbytery on September 21, 2017 to install Becky Branch-Trevathan as Pastor for Sharon Community Presbyterian Church, comprising Senior Vice-Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock, the Rev. Brian Janssen, and the Rev. Tom Petrosky, together with Ruling Elder Melissa Bigelow of Sharon Community Presbyterian Church, and Ruling Elder Carla Campbell of Southminster Presbyterian Church, met by appointment on October 29, 2017 at 2:15 p.m. at Sharon Community Presbyterian Church. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the

5 Commission approved the Service of Installation and voted to proceed to the installation of Becky Branch-Trevathan according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 3:00 p.m. and installed the Rev. Becky Branch-Trevathan as Pastor for Sharon Community Presbyterian Church Senior Vice-Moderator Hancock asked the constitutional questions which the candidate answered in the affirmative. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Brian Janssen who also offered the prayer of installation. The Rev. Tom Petrosky offered the charge to the pastor. Elder Carla Campbell offered the charge to the congregation. The minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the Commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Installation with the pronouncement of the Benediction by the Rev. Becky Branch-Trevathan. DAWSON Administrative Commission to Install Ellen Dawson The Ecclesiastical Administrative Commission elected by Pittsburgh Presbytery on September 21, 2017 to install Rev. Ellen Dawson as Associate Pastor of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, consisting of the Moderator Rev. Heather Schoenewolf, to moderate, Teaching Elders: Rev. Dr. Donald J. Dawson and Rev. Jeff Potter; Ruling Elders: Penny Young (Elfinwild) and Marion Ahlers (Fox Chapel) met by appointment on Sunday, October 1, There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by Rev. Ellen Dawson. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission moved to include Marion Ahlers, Ruling Elder from Fox Chapel, in the Installation Commission. The Commission then moved to proceed to the Installation of Rev. Ellen Dawson according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 5:00 p.m. and installed Rev. Ellen Dawson as Associate Pastor of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. Moderator Rev. Heather Schoenewolf asked the constitutional questions (W ) which the candidate answered in the affirmative. The Sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Don Dawson. The Charge to the Pastor was delivered by Rev. Jeff Potter; the Charge to the Congregation was delivered by Rev. Sharon Stewart; Rev. Don Dawson offered the prayer of installation. The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Installation with the pronouncement of the Benediction by the newly installed Rev. Ellen Dawson. FLYNN Administrative Commission to Ordain and Install Diane C. Flynn The following Administrative Commission was elected by Pittsburgh Presbytery on September 21, 2017 to ordain and install Diane C. Flynn as a Teaching Elder: Moderator Rev. Heather Schoenewolf or her designate to moderate. Teaching Elders Rev. Dr. Sheldon Sorge and Rev. Dr. John Welch; Ruling Elder Brenda Withers, Crafton United Presbyterian Church and Ruling Elder Carmen Lee, Friendship Community Presbyterian Church. The Commission met by appointment

6 on October 1, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Crafton United Presbyterian Church. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by Rev. Sheldon Sorge. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of Ordination and Installation and voted to proceed to ordain and install Diane Flynn as Pastor at Crafton United Presbyterian Church according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 3:55 p.m. and ordained and installed Diane Flynn as a Teaching Elder. The Moderator, Rev. Karl McDonald, asked the constitutional questions which Diane answered in the affirmative. The Sermon was delivered by Rev. John Welch, and Rev. Karl McDonald offered the prayer of ordination. The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the Commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Ordination and Installation with the pronouncement of Benediction by Rev. Diane Flynn. KANASKI Administrative Commission to Ordain Alina Kanaski The Administrative Commission elected by the Presbytery on September 21, 2017 to ordain Alina Kanaski as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, comprising Senior Vice-Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock, the Rev. Carolyn Cranston, and the Rev. Jim Davidson, together with Ruling Elder Bobbie Bish of Hampton Presbyterian Church, and Ruling Elder Lori Seitz of Chartiers Valley United Presbyterian Church, met by appointment on September 24, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at Chartiers Valley United Presbyterian Church. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of Ordination and voted to proceed to the ordination of Alina Kanaski according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 3:00 p.m. and ordained the Rev. Alina Kanaski as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Senor Vice-Moderator Hancock asked the constitutional questions which the candidate answered in the affirmative. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA. The Rev. John Yohe offered the prayer of installation. The Rev. Carolyn Cranston offered the charge to the pastor. The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the Commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Ordination with the pronouncement of the Benediction by the Rev. Alina Kanaski. Administrative Commission to Install Rev. Ryan Pixton PIXTON The following Administrative Commission was elected by Pittsburgh Presbytery on November 19, 2017 to install Rev. Ryan Pixton as Associate Pastor: Moderator Heather Schoenewolf or her designate to moderate. Ministers Rev. Dr. Theodore Martin, Rev. Gavin Walton and Rev. Kendra Smith; Elders Sissy Molnar, Hampton United Presbyterian

7 Church, Bea Jones, Shadyside Presbyterian Church and Lannie Garther, Sewickley Presbyterian Church. The Commission met by appointment on November 19, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hampton United Presbyterian Church. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by Ted Martin. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of Installation and voted to proceed to install Rev. Ryan Pixton as Associate Pastor at Hampton United Presbyterian Church according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 3:50 and installed Ryan Pixton as Associate Pastor. The Vice Moderator, Elder Cathy Nelson, asked the constitutional questions which Ryan answered in the affirmative. The Sermon was delivered by The Rev. Dr. Ted Martin. Elder Sissy Molnar offered the prayer of installation. The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the Commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Installation with the pronouncement of Benediction by Rev. Ryan Pixton. ROGERS Administrative Commission to Install Louise Rogers The Administrative Commission elected by the Presbytery on September 21, 2017 to install Louise Rogers as Associate Pastor for Westminster Presbyterian Church, comprising Senior Vice-Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock, the Rev. Dr. Jim Gilchrist, and the Rev. Ayana Teter, together with Ruling Elder Jerry Clark of John McMillan Presbyterian Church, and Ruling Elder Deborah Lee of Westminster Presbyterian Church, met by appointment on October 15, 2017 at 2:40 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Trent Hancock. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of Installation and voted to proceed to the installation of Louise Rogers according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 3:00 p.m. and installed the Rev. Louise Rogers as Associate Pastor for Westminster Presbyterian Church Senior Vice-Moderator Hancock asked the constitutional questions which the candidate answered in the affirmative. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Doug Marshall. The Rev. Dr. Jim Gilchrist offered the prayer of installation and charge to the congregation. The Rev. Ayana Teter offered the charge to the pastor. The minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the Commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Installation with the pronouncement of the Benediction by the Rev. Louise Rogers. Administrative Commission to Ordain Kendra Buckwalter Smith

8 SMITH The following Administrative Commission was elected by Pittsburgh Presbytery on February 16, 2017 to ordain Kendra Buckwalter Smith as a Teaching Elder: Moderator, or her designee to moderate, Teaching Elders Jake Clawson and Edwin van Driel, together with Ruling Elder Lynn Holden of the Glenshaw Presbyterian Church and Percy Jackson of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church met by appointment on April 30, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. at the Shadyside Presbyterian Church. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by Jake Clawson. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of Ordination and voted to proceed to the ordination of Kendra Buckwalter Smith according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 4:00 p.m. and ordained the Rev. Kendra Buckwalter Smith as a Teaching Elder Carolyn Cranston asked the constitutional questions which Kendra Buckwalter Smith answered in the affirmative. The Sermon was delivered by Edwin van Driel. Todd Leach offered the prayer of ordination. The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Ordination with the pronouncement of the Benediction by the Rev. Kendra Buckwalter Smith.