Presbytery of the Peaks Ninety-ninth Stated Meeting March 1, 2014 Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, VA TABLE OF CONTENTS

Transcription

1 Presbytery of the Peaks Ninety-ninth Stated Meeting March 1, 2014 Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, VA TABLE OF CONTENTS Enrollment Call to Order & Welcome Nomination Committee Recommendation 5 Installation of Moderator and Vice-Moderator 5 Call to Worship 5 Declaration of Quorum... 5 Moderator Appointments... 5 Report on PRTs ACs and Investigating Committee Approval of Docket and Consent Agenda... 8 Report of the Stated Clerk We Seek God s Forgiveness and Grace Proposed Terms of Agreement of Gracious Separation Walker s PC Liturgy for Dismissal God s Word to Us.. 21 Order of the Day-Lunch Afternoon Session Educational Presentation..22 Report of the General Presbyter Report of the Committee on Ministry Report of the Committee on Preparation 31 Report of the Session Records Work Group Report of the Coordinating Cabinet Report of the Committee on Administration Reportof the Nominating Committee Report of the Division of Church Development Report of the Committee on Leadership..42 Report of the Committee on Discipleship Report of the Committee on Mission Report of the Presbyterian Women Report of the Trustees Report of the Black Caucus. 47 We Gather To Celebrate Report on Attendance and Absence Resolution of Appreciation Prayer of Thanksgiving and Celebration We Go Forth To Worship and Serve Hugh Springer Stated Clerk Margie Anderson Moderator 0

2 ATTENDANCE Active Teaching Elders Attending George Anderson Jeff Binder Philip Bouknight Paul Brokaw Dale Brown Stewart Childress Janet Chisom Nancy Dawson David Dickerson Linda Dickerson Stephen Earl Bart Edwards David Etheridge Robert Fiedler Tupper Garden Todd Hester Geoff Hubbard Kim Jeffreys Jane Johnson Ronald Johnson David Keck Andy King Shirley Larson Elizabeth Link Iain Maclean Lisa Marshall Melissa McNair-King Loren Mitchell Monte Mitchell Mikel Pugh Bill Russell Jim Slate James Smith Elizabeth Smith Bart Smith Bob Smith Jennifer Spivey Kim Steinhorst Catherine Taylor Andrew Taylor-Troutman Allen Thompson Barry Tucker Susan Verbrugge Morgan Whitfield Steve Willis Charles Willoughby Active Teaching Elders Excused Susan Balfour Kathy Carpenter Dusty Fiedler Robert Fiedler Matthew Gaventa Marina Gopadze Jason Grimes Richard Hamm Caitilin Hoy Paul Johnson John Kidd Robbie Kidd Russell Lee Bradley Long Don Makin Gary Marshall Robert McRae Ed Melvin Russ Merritt Emily Miller James Jeff Tom Will John Gary John Paul N Ginny Brent Moss Porter Robinson Robinson Salley Scheidt Scholer Sydnor Taylor-Troutman Williams Active Teaching Elders Absent Steve Darr Michael Fleenor Lee Hahnlen Robert Hall Michael Hickman John Losee Sarah J Martin Amy Merrill Willis Jamie Pharr Cameron Smith John Wiederholt Rodney Wilson Members at Large Attending Chip Sanders Members at Large Excused Barbara Rodgers Certified Christian Educator Attending Ann Graham HR Teaching Elders Attending William Caperton David Gellert David A Kirk Edgar C. Mayse Joe McCutchen De Rodgers Terri Hugh Don Slate Springer Warters CREs Attending Joe Allmond Margie Anderson Phil Gerald Berry Carter 1 Al Jacobs Barbara Jacobs

3 Lynwood Ladd Gary Pillow Tony Ward CREs Excused Richard Henderson Kathy Hull Jennifer Makin CREs Absent Mark George Bill Meneeley William Rountree Cabinet Members and Committee Chairs Attending Bob Berkley Sandra Gisiner Aubrey Fane Theresa Underwood Tom Gillespie Voting Elders for Churches Church Ruling Elder Altavista John Erb Amherst William Plail Appomattox CH Shana Richardson Bedford John Blair Belspring Mike Brown Bethlehem Nancy Dodd Bluemont Elmo McAlexander Buffalo Al Jacobs Campbell Memorial Roger Dalton Chatham Tom Motley College Duane Benton Cool Spring Marilyn Hubbard Covenant, Lynchburg Sandy Chase Cumberland Juanita Hazlegrove Diamond Hill Katharine Dean Drakes Branch Willie Pettus Elon Bernard Mazanec Fairlawn Wayne Patty Falling Spring, RC Wesley Shepherd Fellowship Toni Wray First, Lynchburg Becky Giles First, Lynchburg Sally Leslie First, Narrows Carolyn Lewis First, Pulaski Jenny Makolandra First, Roanoke Barry Webb Floyd Wanda Hylton Forest Alice Smith Forest Hills Bob Brown Glasgow Judy Loughhead Green Ridge Jeff Echols High Bridge Tim Wilhelm Jamestown Marilyn Osborn Low Moor Becky Irvine Church Ruling Elder Mallow Carlene Gibson Mary Horner Walker Cleo George Maysville Sharon Chandler Memorial J E Saunders Mizpah Sylvia Kent-Goodman Mizpah Gail McCullough Mount Carmel John Sibley New Concord Bill Aiken New Store L J Kidd Northminster, MH Joan Porter Northmister, Roanoke Don Smith Northside Lisa Garcia Old Concord Carlton Thompson Peace Mark Weirup Pearisburg Michael Nevergold Quaker Memorial Lisa Cawthorne Quaker Memorial Phyllis Beilfus Raleigh Court India Atkinson Raleigh Court Robert Atkinson Rustburg Ruth Syre Saint Andrew Becky Tweedy Salem Sydney Nordt Second Bill Broadhurst Second Deborah Vaughan Second Jeff Smith Sinking Spring Jesse Drennen Trinity Ecumenical Neil Strong Virginia Cindy Harper Walkers John Gain West End Janice Luck Westminster Angela Hart Williamson Lilly Gentry Churches Not Represented by Ruling Elders Appomattox PE Arvon Beale 2

4 Belmont Berry Hill Bethel Bouldin Briery Brookneal Browns Buchanan Christiansburg Clarksville Clifton Forge Colonial Coolwell Covenant, Roanoke Danube Davis Memorial Douglas Dublin Falling Spring, AC Farmville Fifth Avenue (2) Fincastle First, Collinsville First, Covington First, Danville First, Martinsville First, South Boston Forest Forest Hills Fork Union Galatia Gethsemane Glen Wilton Grace (2) Harmony Hat Creek Hermon Holbrook Kayser Memorial Kentuck Madisonville Mary Horner Walker Massies Mill Matthews Memorial Mayberry McAllister Meherrin Mercy Seat Montvale New Dublin New Hope Oak Level Oak View Old Brick Peaks Phenix Pisgah Providence R D Holmes Memorial(2) Roanoke Roanoke Valley Rocky Mount Rough Creek Shelton Memorial Slate Mountain Trinity Ridgeway (2) Trinity, Arvon Unity Village Villamont Visiting Teaching Elders M. Ellen Anderson Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Roger Wilborn Berry Hill Visiting Ruling Elders Diane Baldwin Quaker Richard Claterbaugh Green Ridge Roanald Coleman Altavista Terri Cornwell Forest Peggy Echols Green Ridge Nancy Farthing First, Roanoke Susie Garrett First, Roanoke Luther Glen Walker s Tom Gisiner Peace Bill Gordge First, Roanoke Cathy Hartman First, Roanoke Beverly Hines Jamestown Pat Knowles Westminster Layton Manus New Concord Leslie Matney First, Roanoke Eunafaye McAlexander Bluemont Ed Mikenas Amherst Janice Nevergold Pearisburg Janet Rakes Blacksburg Nancy Reames Jamestown 3 Dave Stetson Gayle Tolley Wes Williams Shelda Wills Altavista High Bridge Oak View/Rough Creek Christiansburg

5 Other Visitors Lucy Aiken New Concord Sally Bain First, Roanoke Stuart Bain First, Roanoke Phil Brown First, Roanoke Pam Claterbaugh Green Ridge Carol Ferguson Salem Jerry Garrett First, Roanoke Margaret Glover Walker s Buz Gordge First, Roanoke William Hogan Walker s Emily Rhodes Hunter Blacksburg Mark Lewis Mary McMichael Jennifer Mitchell Helen Petrill Ellen Pettus Nancy Phipps Jane Sibley Nancy Wilborn Bev Williamson Lynn Wimmer David Woorly Estelle Woorly First, Narrows First, Roanoke Fellowship Quaker Drakes Branch Salem Mount Carmel Berry Hill First, Roanoke First, Roanoke Walker s Walker s Staff Not Counted Elsewhere Robin Padgett Denise Pillow Joyce Russell WE GATHER TO WORSHIP AND SERVE This meeting was interwoven with elements of worship. Our work is grounded in scripture, reflection, liturgy, prayer and song. Our worship is celebrated in our ministry and service. We were asked, as we prepared for our meeting, to prepare our hearts for worship. Registration and Fellowship began at 8:30 a.m., and at 9:00 a.m. orientation for first time ruling elders, teaching elders and YAADS was held. WE GATHER IN GOD S NAME WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER The Ninety-ninth Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks, meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church, was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by the Vice-Moderator, Margie Anderson. OPENING PRAYER...Margie Anderson, Vice-Moderator May the strength of God pilot us, May the power of God preserve us, May the wisdom of God instruct us, May the hand of God protect us, May the way of God direct us, May the 4

6 shield of God defend us, May the hosts of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world. May Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ in us, Christ over us, May your salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and forevermore. Amen. Patrick of Ireland ( ) NOMINATING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. Tom Gillespie, Chair, Nominating Because of the illness of our recently elected Moderator, Dusty Fiedler, and her resignation, the Nominating Committee Chair, Tom Gillespie, presented the names of Margie Anderson, CRE at Covenant PC, Lynchburg, to be Moderator, and David Etheridge, co-pastor at St. Andrew PC, to be Vice- Moderator for APPROVED INSTALLATION OF MODERATOR AND VICE-MODERATOR..Hugh Springer, Stated Clerk First time Commissioners and first time Teaching Elders were recognized and introduced. WELCOME FROM HOST CHURCH - Bill Russell, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church welcomed the group on behalf of the church. Liturgists for the day were Sandra Gisiner, Peace PC and Ron Johnson, Holbrook Street PC. Thank you to the organist, Jay Kelley. *CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm Liturgist L: Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. P: We worship the LORD with gladness; we come before God with joyful songs. L: Know that the LORD is God. It is God who made us and we belong to the LORD. P: We are God s people, the sheep of God s pasture. L: Enter the gates of the LORD with thanksgiving and God s courts with praise; give thanks to the LORD and praise God s Holy name. P: For the LORD is good and God s love endures forever; God s faithfulness continues through all generations. Let us worship God OPENING HYMN O Christ, the Great Foundation DECLARATION OF QUORUM The Stated Clerk, Hugh Springer, announced a quorum was present. MODERATOR APPOINTMENTS The Moderator appointed the following: Temporary Clerks - Sandy Chase and Diane Baldwin Resolution of Appreciation - Joe Allmond REPORTS Written reports from Presbytery Response Teams and Administrative Commission were received by the Moderator and Presbytery. 5

7 REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY RESPONSE TEAMS AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR FIRST, ROANOKE..Margie Anderson, Moderator, and Hugh Springer, Stated Clerk Presbytery Response Teams Bethel Presbyterian Church PRT: Wanda McDowell (Lead), John Collins, John Erb No new update from the Bethel Team. Bouldin Memorial PRT: George Wilson (Lead), Tom Gillespie, Linda Dickerson There is no new update with the Bouldin Memorial Team as they have not yet heard back from the Session of Bouldin Memorial. Falling Spring AC PRT: James Smith (Lead), Michael Nevergold, Mikel Pugh The PRT of Falling Spring AC has been formed. We are in the very early stages of gathering information and hope to begin conversations with Falling Spring AC as soon as February 23. Galatia PRT: Bob Fiedler (Lead), Steve Willis, Barbara Rodgers The PRT working with the Session of the Galatia Church has collected all the financial and property data and forwarded it to the Presbytery of the Peaks Trustees for their evaluation and recommendation. New Hope Presbyterian Church PRT: Aubrey Fane (Lead), Richard Guthrie, Jan McGilliard In December 2013, our team met with the New Hope session to hear their response to the proposed settlement from the PRT and to give them an opportunity to make a counter offer. As of now we have not come to an agreement on terms. In truth we are some distance apart. At this point we are going back to the beginning to attempt a discernment process that gives all parties an opportunity to participate. I anticipate using presbytery resources during the process, and our team will continue to work with the session and congregation. The process may be lengthy, but we think it will be helpful. Our goals are, 1. Reconciliation, in accordance with gracious dismissal, reconciliation is always our first goal, and our team still believes this is possible. 2. Demonstrate that it is possible for a conservative church to remain in the PCUSA and remain true to its ideals as a congregation. 3. To correct some of the faulty information that was and is included in the informational packages provided by other church denominations to entice congregations to leave the PCUSA. Northminster, Madison Heights PRT: John Kidd (Lead), Kim Jeffreys, Bradley Long The initial congregational meeting took place on Sunday October 27, 2013 at 4:00 pm. Questions were asked and answered. The meeting was congenial with a sense of sadness and some fear about what might happen. The vote was 44 to continue to seek dismissal 2 to not seek dismissal. The total is two less than the 50 that the 2102 statistical report reports as average attendance. It is 49 less that the 95 member active roll. 6

8 We talked with the Session after the meeting and provided a copy of the documents required and who provides what. The PRT will make themselves available to answer questions if need be. As of now no further meetings are scheduled. Piedmont PRT: Russ Merritt (Lead), De Rodgers, Sarah Martin Piedmont has officially and legally been released to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church as of January 29, A dismissal service was held on October 27, Slate Mountain Presbyterian Church PRT: Charles Taylor (Lead), Matt Gaventa, Bart Smith We are just beginning with Slate Mountain. We had a meeting scheduled with the Session for Thursday, January 23. Unfortunately because of scheduling conflicts two members of the team were unable to attend. Team leader, Charles Taylor, and Dwight Christenbury, moderator of the Session, were able to be present for that meeting. Together we talked about the Session's feelings. The "pastor" there insisted that the motivation was entirely within the church itself, but all the arguments appear to have been taken directly from other sources. Nevertheless, the elders present insisted that the church was solid behind the request. It wants to be part of the true church, and feels the PCUSA is not. We are scheduling another meeting in which the entire PRT can be present. Walker's PC PRT: Chuck Willoughby (Lead), Janice Wells, Margie Anderson We have completed all steps prior to presenting to Presbytery. We currently have in hand an executed dismissal letter along with minutes from the congregational meeting where the congregation present voted unanimously to withdraw from PCUSA. A representative from the PRT was present for that meeting. We have requested Dismissal of Walker Presbyterian Church as an agenda item for the Feb. Presbytery meeting. Administrative Commission First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke AC: Sydney Nordt (Chair), Sue Bentley, John Collins, David Kirk, Pix Mahler, Catherine Taylor Since February 1, 2013 the Administrative Review Committee/Administrative Commission for First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke has met 62 times. We have met with the Session and with the Faithful Remnant, now around 50, that wish to remain in the PCUSA. The AC is also putting together a support team in the Roanoke Valley area to work with those from First wising to remain in the PCUSA The Session has met with representatives of both the EPC and ECO. At this time two firms, auditors and assessors, are meeting with representatives of the AC and First church. We ask for your prayers. Report from Investigating Committee: At the October 23, 2013 meeting of Presbytery, the Stated Clerk, in the absence of a rule for constituting a Presbytery investigating committee to inquire into a nonsexual issue, was authorized to appoint three members of the Committee on Ministry s Work Group on Minister Care and Church Relations to serve as an Investigating Committee to respond to a written statement of an alleged offense under the rules of Discipline D b. That Investigating Committee was constituted and has now filed a written report under D that no charges will be filed. The three members appointed to the Investigating Committee were David Keck, Bill Russell and Ginny Fedison. 7

9 APPROVE DOCKET AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion to approve was made by the Stated Clerk, Hugh Springer. No items were removed for discussion. APPROVED A. Approve Stated Clerk s Recommendations 1. That Alice J. Smith be elected as Recording Clerk of Presbytery for 2014 APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA 2. That the minutes of the Ninety-eighth Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks (October 24, 2013) as reviewed by those persons designated by the Standing Rules, be approved. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA 3. That motions be reduced to writing and sent to the clerks table before discussion. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA 4. That all division and committee reports be received. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA B. Approve Committee on Ministry Recommendation 1) That the ministry of Emily Miller, Mission Associate for the YAV Program, Presbyterian Mission Agency, be validated 12/2/13 12/1/14. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA C. Approve Cabinet Recommendation 1. That the POP Manual of Operations be accepted for First Reading. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA STATED CLERK S REPORT February 15, 2014 Moderator, Sisters and Brothers of the Faith: The Minutes of the Ninety-eighth Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks (October 24, 2013) are currently available on line at peakspresbytery.org. CORRESPONDENCE: Dated October 25, 2013: Copies of two Complaints by Edward Bennett and Robert Smith to the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic against the Presbytery for alleged delinquency and irregularities arising from the work of the Administrative Commission for First Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, and how those matters were handled at the October 24, 2013 meeting of Presbytery. Dated November 5, 2013: An initial Report of Findings from the Moderator and Clerk of the Synod Permanent Judicial Commission that the complaints did not state a claim upon which relief could be granted. Dated November 21, 2013: A notice that the Synod Permanent Judicial Commission did not grant the complainants a Stay of Enforcement as the request failed to receive the three signatures required by D a(3). Dated December 23, 2013: A further Report of Findings by the officers of the SPJC that the complaints did not state a claim upon which relief could be granted was issued following the submittal of answers to the complaints by Presbytery s Committee of Counsel. 8

10 Dated January 3, 2014: Copies of the two Challenges to the Report of Findings of the SPJC Moderator and Clerk that the two Complaints fail to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Dated January 28, 2014: A notice from the Stated Clerk of the Synod that the SPJC has scheduled a hearing by means of a telephone conference call on February 24 for presentation of evidence and argument on the Report of Findings The following letter from Dusty Fiedler: January 16, 2014 Dear Colleagues and Presbytery Friends, Many of you know of my diagnosis of multiple myeloma (a blood cancer that attacks the bones) shortly after our last presbytery meeting, and so many of you have sent me cheerful cards, s, prayers, and best wishes. Thank you, thank you! Recently I have been to Duke Medical Center to learn about a bone marrow transplant, which I will have (probably in March). This is a long process, but the outcome looks bright. I am grateful to be a transplant candidate. (I ll receive my own stem cells.) However, this will necessitate my being away and unavailable for several months, and so I feel I must resign as presbytery moderator. When I am free, I don t feel I can handle the sort of stress of recent meetings. I have spoken with Vice-Moderator Margie Anderson, and I know she ll do a super job! This experience has helped me see lots of things in a new perspective. One recurring hope is that we might return to the ministries of Jesus spreading Good News, serving the poor, caring for the most vulnerable, working for justice and peace. My prayer is that we might move ahead as a strong Church, working together in Christ s name. Fondly, Dusty Kenyon Fiedler Report of the Commission to Ordain Dana Amber Vaughn at the request of the Presbytery of Western New York, to serve as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Westfield, New York, with the service of ordination being held on February 16, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. at the Northminster Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, VA. Teaching Elders Stephen Earl, Moderator Janet Chisom C. Todd Hester Andrew Taylor-Troutman Ruling Elders Sydney Nordt, Clerk (Salem) Marie Haines (Northminster) Sitting with the Commission Nancy Summerlin (Presbytery of The James) Shelby Ethridge (National Capital Presbytery) Jeremy Cannada (Presbytery of The James) Ruling Elders Representing Their Congregations Susan Leivy (Second) Andy & Gini Agee (Raleigh Court) 9

11 Peggey Rowland (Peace) Laura Haris (Rennie Memorial) Sandra Austin (Rennie Memorial) Mel Hughes (Brett Reed Memorial) Other Ministers Attending Will Robinson Hugh Springer James & Lucille Elder (Rennie Memorial) Amy Maxey (Rennie Memorial) Jeanette Armistad (Rennie Memorial) Carl Utley (Salem Presbytery) The Act of Ordination Sermon: Nancy Summerlin Scripture: Mark 1: 16-20; Jeremiah 1: 4-10 Propounding the Constitutional Questions To the Teaching Elder: Stephen Earl Prayer of Ordination: Andrew Taylor-Troutman Charge to the Teaching Elder: Shelby Ethridge Benediction: Rev. Dana Amber Vaughn RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. CONSENT AGENDA: That Alice J. Smith be elected as Recording Clerk of Presbytery for APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA 2. CONSENT AGENDA: That the minutes of the Ninety-eighth Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks (October 24, 2013) as reviewed by those persons designated by the Standing Rules, be approved. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA 3. CONSENT AGENDA: That motions be reduced to writing and sent to the clerks table before discussion. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA 4. CONSENT AGENDA: That all division and committee reports be received. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA: That the Commission to Ordain Dana Amber Vaughn be dismissed with heartfelt thanks. APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 1. Necrology of Ruling Elders for Recognition by the Chaplain of the Day during morning worship. Necrology of Ruling Elders and Christian Educators Name Church Date of Death Ray Smith Amherst 10/16/2013 Anne Peerman Altavista 3/24/2013 Elizabeth Roberts McCann Blacksburg 2/2/2013 Jeanne Ruark Boyd Blacksburg 2/17/2013 Carol Polandick Neely Blacksburg 8/21/2013 Richard Wells Rusk Blacksburg 8/23/2013 Donald Y. Bowman Bluemont 7/15/

12 Charles L. Vernon Bouldin Memorial 6/20/2013 Richard Puckett Bouldin Memorial 12/12/2013 Richard M. Harper Brookneal 1/29/2013 James Hal Smith Christiansburg 8/4/2013 Hassell Simpson College 6/10/2013 Inez Karnes Cool Spring 1/25/2013 Chip Warsaw Covenant, Roanoke 2/11/2013 Peggy Woods Covenant, Roanoke 6/16/2013 Priscilla Elliott Cumberland 3/11/2013 Stephen "Henry" Farmer Diamond Hill 7/5/2013 Elsie Frances Repass Dublin 1/11/2013 Charles William Nye Dublin 12/12/2013 Grover Cleveland Thomas Elon 1/30/2013 Donald Reed Jennings Elon 6/3/2013 Garland Huffman Falling Spring, Glasgow 7/19/2013 James Percy Young Farmville 1/7/2013 Wilbur Charles Stanley Farmville 1/29/2013 Sidney Bruce Spencer Farmville 4/7/2013 Martha McCorkle Tennant Farmville 7/14/2013 Nancy Cox Kruszyna First, Covington 5/3/2013 Charles C. Smith First, Danville 3/18/2013 Madaline Martin First, Lynchburg 2/11/2013 Johnnie Lu Morgan First, Lynchburg 2/24/2013 Monteen Smith First, Lynchburg 4/3/2013 Robert Kilgore First, Pulaski 4/4/2013 Eugene L. Nuckols First, Pulaski 4/19/2013 Cloyd DuVal Seagle, Sr. First, Pulaski 9/12/2013 Armistead Boyd (Joe) Glover First, South Boston 2/9/2013 Carroll Thackston First, South Boston 2/17/2013 Thomas Skinner Lovelace First, South Boston 3/17/2013 James William (Jim) Burton First, South Boston 5/31/2013 Walter Addison Morable First, South Boston 12/21/2013 Mac McAllister Forest Hills 9/18/2013 Geraldine Dix Halifax 1/12/2013 Rachel Davis Hat Creek 1/7/2013 George Winston Hat Creek 2/20/2013 Edgar Hendley Braford High Bridge 12/30/2013 Tina Goad Tatum Mary Horner Walker 2/17/2013 Charles McDowell Hall Maysville 6/18/2013 Margaret Elcan Taylor Maysville 8/21/

13 Robert Harris Saxon Maysville 11/25/2013 Arnold Hostetter, Jr. McAllister Memorial 3/24/2013 Murray Young McAllister Memorial 9/5/2013 Lowell T. Ferguson Memorial 4/19/2013 Jean White Gunn New Dublin 4/13/2013 Jack Lewis Vincent Northminster, Roanoke 8/11/2013 Frank Henry Feather, Jr. Northminster, Roanoke 12/21/2013 James Thomas Sydnor, Jr. Quaker Memorial 4/10/2013 John Earl Evers, Sr. Quaker Memorial 5/28/2013 Anna Burnett Elcan Quaker Memorial 8/31/2013 Celene Sanders Radford 4/10/2013 Creighton B. Wright Raleigh Court 5/20/2013 Robert E. Hicks, Jr. Saint Andrew 5/11/2013 David A. Wiley Saint Andrew 8/7/2013 Vaughn Bonham Salem 1/1/2013 Frank Martin, Jr. Second 5/11/2013 William Anderson Second 7/19/2013 Sue Ross Second 8/3/2013 Vivian Wall Giles Shelton Memorial 1/5/2013 Mary Hopkins Barksdale Shelton Memorial 2/26/ Necrology of Teaching Elders for Recognition by the Chaplain of the Day during morning worship. Harold Ellsworth Moffitt, Jr. January 5, 2013 John B. Trotti January 29, 2013 William Tally Manson, Jr. May 3, 2013 Elbert Madison Williamson September 30, 2013 Millard Gray Stimpson November 7, Report on Ruling Elder Attendance at Presbytery Meetings in Church Name Feb May July Oct Church Name Feb May July Oct Altavista P P P P Hat Creek Amherst P P P P Hermon P Appomattox CH P P P High Bridge P P P Appomattox PE P P P Holbrook P P P Arvon P Jamestown P P Beale Kayser Memorial Bedford P P P Kentuck P P Belmont P Low Moor P P Belspring Madisonville P Berry Hill P P Mallow P Bethel Mary Horner Walker Bethlehem P P Massies Mill Blacksburg P P P Matthews Memorial 12

14 Bluemont P P P P Mayberry P Bouldin Memorial P P Maysville P Briery McAllister Brookneal Meherrin P P Browns Memorial P P P P Buchanan P P P P Mercy Seat Buffalo P P P Mizpah (2) PP PP PP Campbell Memorial P P Montvale Chatham P P P Mount Carmel P Christiansburg P P P P New Concord P P P P Clarksville P P P New Dublin Clifton Forge P P New Hope P P P P College P P P P New Store P P P Colonial Northminster, MH P P P Concord Northminster, Roanoke P P P Cool Spring P P P Northside P P P P Coolwell Oak Level P P P P Covenant, Lynchburg P P P P Oak View P P Covenant, Roanoke( 2) P PP P P Old Brick P Cumberland P Old Concord P P Danube Peace P P P Davis Memorial P Peaks P P Diamond Hill P P P P Pearisburg P P P P Douglas P Phenix Drakes Branch P P P P Piedmont P Dublin P Pisgah Elon P Providence Fairlawn P P Quaker Memorial (2) PP PP P PP Falling Spring, AC R D Holmes Memorial(2) Falling Spring, RC P P P Radford P P P Farmville P P P P Raleigh Court (2) PP PP PP P Fellowship Roanoke Fifth Avenue (2) Roanoke Valley P P P Fincastle Rocky Mount First, Collinsville Rough Creek P P First, Covington P P P Rustburg P P P P First, Danville P P P Saint Andrew P P P First, Lynchburg (2) PP P PP PP Salem P P P P First, Martinsville PP P PP P Second Roanoke (3) PPP PPP PPP PPP First, Narrows P Shelton Memorial P P P First, Pulaski P P P Sinking Spring First, Roanoke P P P P Slate Mountain First, South Boston P P P Trinity Ecumenical Parish P P P P Floyd P P P P Trinity Ridgeway (2) Forest P P P P Trinity, Arvon Forest Hills P P P P Unity Fork Union Village Galatia P Villamont P 13

15 Gethsemane P P P Virginia P P P P Glasgow P P Walkers Glen Wilton P West End P P Grace (2) P P P Westminster P P P P Green Ridge P P P Williamson Memorial P P P P Harmony 4. Report on Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) Attendance at Presbytery Meetings in Commissioned Ruling Elders Joe Allmond P E P P Margie Anderson P E P P Phil Berry n/a n/a P U Gerald Carter P P P P Julia Crim U U U U Bryan Garra U U n/a n/a Mark George U U P U Rich Henderson U U P P Emily Hoyer U P n/a n/a Kathy Hull P P U E Al Jacobs P P P P Barbara Jacobs P U P P Lynwood Ladd E P E P Jennifer Makin P E E P Bill Meneeley U U E P Gary Pillow P E E P Bill Rountree U U U U Tony Ward U U P P 5. Report on Teaching Elder Attendance at Presbytery Meetings in P = Present; E = Excused; U = Unexcused Active Teaching Elders FirstName LastName Feb May Jul y Oc t 14 FirstNam e Active Teaching Elders Fe Ma LastName b y George Anderson P P P P Gary Marshall E E E P Jeff Binder P P P P Lisa Marshall E E E Philip Bouknight P P P E Sarah J Martin P Paul Brokaw P P U P Catherine McCollough P P P P Dale Brown P P P P Melissa McNair-King P P E P Kelsy Brown P P P P Robert McRae P P P P Kathy Carpenter P P U U Ed Melvin P P P P Stewart Childress P U P E Amy Merrill Willis E P P P Janet Chisom P P P P Russ Merritt U P U David Codington U U P U Emily Miller P P E E Gary Coppedge P P P P Loren Mitchell E U P P Steve Darr U P U U Monte Mitchell E P P E Jul y Oct

16 Nancy Dawson P P P P James Moss P P P P David Dickerson P P P P Jamie Pharr U P E P Linda Dickerson P E E P Jeff Porter P P E P Stephen Earl P P P P Mikel Pugh P P P P Bart Edwards P P P P Joshua Robinson P P P n/a David Etheridge P P P P Tom Robinson P P P P Dusty Fiedler P P P P Will Robinson E P E P Robert Fiedler P P P P Bill Russell E P P P Michael Fleenor E U E U John Salley P P P E Tupper Garden P P n/a n/a Chip Sanders P U P P Matthew Gaventa P U P Gary Scheidt P P P P Marina Gopadze P P P P John Scholer E P U P Jason Grimes P E P P Jim Slate E P P P Lee Hahnlen P P P P Bart Smith n/a P E P Robert Hall U P U E Bob Smith P P P P Richard Hamm n/a n/a n/a n/a Cameron Smith P P P P Todd Hester P U U P Elizabeth Smith P P E P Michael Hickman P U U U James Smith P E P U Caitilin Hoy P P P P Jennifer Spivey P P P E Geoff Hubbard P P P P Kim Steinhorst P P P Kim Jeffreys U P P E Paul N Sydnor n/a E E n/a Jane Johnson U P P P Catherine Taylor P P E E Paul Johnson P P P David Taylor P P n/a n/a Ronald Johnson E P P E Andrew Taylor-Troutman P E P U David Keck P P P P Ginny Taylor-Troutman E E P P John Kidd P P P P Allen Thompson U P P P Robbie Kidd P P P P Barry Tucker P P E P Andy King n/a E E P Susan Verbrugge P E E P Shirley Larson E P P P Morgan Whitfield P P P P Russell Lee P P E P John Wiederholt U P P P Elizabeth Link E U E P Brent Williams U P U P Bradley Long P P P P Steve Willis P P E P John Losee U U U U Charles Willoughby P P P P Iain Maclean P P U U Rodney Wilson U U U P Don Makin P E E E Members at Large FirstName LastName Feb May Susan Balfour P Meggan Farwell Kelly Kaufman E E E Barbara Rodgers P P Catherine C Snyder Jul y Oc t Ellen Woodworth 15

17 Sam Weddington P n/a Honorably Retired Teaching Elders FirstName LastName Feb May Jul y Oc t FirstName LastName Greg Armstrong Angus A McQueen Frank Avery Wayne Meredith Bernard K Bangley Robert Miles Richard E Bethune Vernon D Miller Vernie Bolden Charles W Moore J Kearfott Boyd Jerry M Newbold Jr Ted Brossoie Burton Newman Robert Button P P Ron Obenchain P P P William Caperton P P Walker Pettyjohn Donald Chichester William Phipps P Dwight Christenbury Jr William Plonk Thomas C Clay James J H Price P G Cosby III Robert Ramey P P Charles Davidson C Rusty Reaser Calvin Dixon Edward Renegar Cecil Eanes Raymond Riddleberger Gene Edmunds De Rodgers P P Frank Erwin J Kenneth Rogers P E Peter Geitner James A Rohne David Gellert P P P M Anderson Sale E P Andy Good Louis Skidmore George C Goodman P P Terri Slate E E E Richard T Harbison Sherwood F Smith Collier Harvey Walter Smith Robert M Hendrickson David R. Snyder Julianne Hollingsworth Hugh Springer P P P P William Honeywell P Jeannette Tagg M Robert Jackson Charles Taylor P William H Jackson William E Thompson James M Kennedy Don Warters P E P David Kilpatrick Fred Webb David A Kirk P P P C W Thomas West William R Klein P Olin Whitener E E Hugh U Leach George Wilson P E Edgar C. Mayse P P Robert A Wilson P P Joseph McCoy William B Young Joe McCutchen E P P P Fe b Ma y Jul y Oct 16

18 6) The following churches submitted their statistical reports at least one week before the deadline, thus qualifying for the Presbytery s Honor Roll: Altavista Appomattox Ct House Beale Memorial Berry Hill Bluemont Briery Brookneal Buffalo Chatham Christiansburg College Cool Spring Cumberland Danville First Diamond Hill Douglas Drakes Branch Dublin Fairlawn Falling Spring RC Farmville Fellowship Forest Forest Hills Galatia Glasgow Green Ridge Hermon High Bridge Jamestown Kayser Memorial Low Moor Martinsville First Mary Horner Walker Maysville McAllister Memorial Meherrin Mizpah Montvale New Dublin Northminster, Rke Northminster MH Oak Level Oak View Old Concord Peaks Pearisburg Phenix Pulaski First Quaker Memorial Roanoke Roanoke Valley Second Sinking Spring St. Andrew Unity Virginia Westminster WE SEEK GOD S FORGIVENESS AND GRACE CALL TO CONFESSION Ron Johnson, Liturgist PRAYER OF CONFESSION Unison Holy God, we confess that we have grown complacent in our response to your call to us to love and to serve. You set before us a rich feast of blessing, but we are drawn to lesser things that cannot satisfy. You call us to attend to urgent needs in the world, but we indulge our own wills. We confess, O God that our ways are not your ways; our thoughts are not your thoughts. Forgive us, we pray. Time for Silent Prayer Kyrie Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Through your Spirit empower us to be free of critical and judgmental thoughts; to see people and events as you see them so that we may respond with compassion; to listen carefully for your truths; to be aware of the words we speak that others may not be harmed; to relax in your power and grace and trust your will; to be free of carrying the weight of burdens we cannot relieve and to walk in your path of goodness and peace that we may become who you intend us to be. We make this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen ASSURANCE OF PARDON.Ron Johnson, Liturgist L: While it is true that we have sinned, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through God s love and grace in Jesus Christ. The good news is this: That only Christ is in a position to 17

19 condemn. And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. P: Great is our Lord, and abundant in love; his grace is beyond measure. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. L: Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. P: Thanks be to God! HYMN God, How Can We Forgive PROPOSED TERMS OF AGREEMENT OF GRACIOUS SEPARATION BETWEEN WALKER S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND THE PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS The Vice-Moderator, David Etheridge, began presiding at this point since the Moderator, Margie Anderson, had served on the PRT for Walkers. Chuck Willoughby presented the report, as follows, and made the motion from the PRT to accept the recommendations, and in addition (1) have a Commissioning/Dismissal Service; and (2) recognize and give thanks for the support and leadership provided to Walker s PC by the Rev. Joe McCutchen. Members of the PRT were Chuck Willoughby, Janice Wells, Margie Anderson. APPROVED The Session of Walker s Presbyterian Church, of Pamplin, Virginia, is requesting dismissal from the Presbytery of the Peaks (POP) and its parent denomination, the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (PCUSA), said dismissal to include transfer of the Congregation to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). As of this writing, it is understood that the congregation has: 35 active members; a sanctuary built in 1906 with a recent addition of a fellowship room, kitchen, restrooms, unfinished basement, a cemetery, and land containing of 1.67 acres with total appraised value of $300,050; approximately $162, in cash, investments, and savings assets as of June 30, Based on this information, and numerous discussions and meetings between the Session and Presbytery s representatives, as well as a meeting with the congregation for a straw poll, all relevant parties now agree to this dismissal and transfer with the following conditions: The Presbytery of the Peaks agrees to: 1) Dismiss and transfer Walker s Presbyterian Church to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church if so requested by the Congregation by a two thirds vote of active members present at its next meeting; 2) The proposed date of dismissal would be May 15, 2014 with a commissioning/dismissal service to be conducted by the Presbytery prior to dismissal; 3) Include in this transfer and dismissal all properties, facilities, cemetery, financial and other assets, and membership; 4) Cede to the congregation any rights to the name Walker s Presbyterian Church in Appomattox County, Virginia, given the understanding that the identity of the congregation has been with the PCUSA and/or its antecedent bodies for over 225 years and with the stipulation that a new name for the congregation be established which includes the name of the denomination to which it is being dismissed; 18

20 Walker s Presbyterian Church, including Session, Trustees, and membership upon its request, agrees to: 1) Work with the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery to receive written confirmation from the Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church that the transfer is acceptable should the way be clear and all agreements are accepted in this document no later than one month prior to the meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks to which the agreement for dissolution is to be presented; 2) Pay to the Presbytery of the Peaks (POP) in recognition of the ministry and support provided to the church as a member of the Presbytery and its antecedent bodies the following: A. Ongoing Support of Presbytery Mission (including Covenant of Intent, Two Cents a Meal, One Great Hour of Sharing, Missionary Support) for Three (3) years at an amount of one thousand one hundred dollars ($1,100) for a total of three thousand three hundred dollars ($3,300); B. An amount of thirty three thousand twenty one dollars ($33,021) based on the tax assessment of the building and property value and current financial assets; 3) The total amount of thirty six thousand three hundred twenty one dollars ($36,321) will be paid over a five (5) year period with the following conditions: A. By no later than the proposed date of dismissal (May 15, 2014), without stipulations or conditions, except as noted above, Walker s Presbyterian Church will remit the first payment of three thousand three hundred dollars ($3,300.00); B. Beginning on December 31, 2014 and annually thereafter until paid in full, Walker s Presbyterian Church will remit equal yearly installments of six thousand six hundred four dollars ($6,604.20) for a total of thirty three thousand twenty one dollars ($33,021) ; C. The Presbytery of the Peaks shall not charge the Walker s Church interest on the unpaid balances due. The Walker s Church shall have the right of prepayment in part or in full without Presbytery asserting a penalty; 4) That prior to actual dismissal Walker s Presbyterian Church agrees to elect and have registered in the county courthouse a board of trustees to serve as officers of the congregation in its new denomination; 5) That Walker s Presbyterian Church agrees to establish an incorporated cemetery association for the transfer of the cemetery property of the Walker s Presbyterian Church within six months after the actual dismissal date; 6) Provide Presbytery of the Peaks Stated Clerk with all original records of session and congregation minutes, membership rolls, and the like, as requested, to be maintained in perpetuity at the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia. Arrangements may be made through the Stated Clerk for micro-filming and digitizing records by the Presbyterian Historical Society if the Session would like originals to be returned. All costs for these services will be provided by the Session; 7) To assure that the congregation settles down in its new denominational home the Presbytery of the Peaks shall retain a right of reverter* for ten years upon the real property of the congregation, such right to be exercised should the congregation seek to leave its new home for another denomination or independency or should the congregation fail to fulfill all the agreed-to obligations in the separation agreement; 19

21 8) That Walker s Presbyterian Church agrees to reimburse the Presbytery of the Peaks all costs for the transfer of deed(s) with the inclusion of the right of reverter. We, the undersigned, agree to these conditions: *Definition of the Right of Reverter: A right of reverter gives an organization the opportunity to resume ownership of property when that property is not being used in accordance with the requirements laid out upon the transfer of the title of that property. The Right of Reverter shall be retained and may be exercised with Walker s Presbyterian Church as stated above if the conditions of the agreed-to obligations in the separation agreement are not met and/or if the Congregation decides to leave the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. APPROVED Liturgy for Dismissal... Sandra Gisiner, Liturgist L: God s Word teaches us that the Church is the Body of Christ to whom Christ gives all the gifts necessary to be his body. (1 Corinthians 12:27 ) P: We give thanks for the gifts and ministry given by Christ at the founding of Walker s Presbyterian Church in the community of Concord, VA in 1787 and the establishment of the Presbytery of the Peaks as a corporate expression of the PC(USA) in L: The Church is to demonstrate Christ s gifts in its life as a community of faith, hope, love and witness. (1 Corinthians 12:28) P: We give thanks for Christ s presence in and through Walker s Presbyterian Church as it worshipped, witnessed, taught and served for 226 years and for the Presbytery of the Peaks who seeks to enhance, equip and empower congregations and leaders to become bold servants of transformation to the glory of the Triune God. (Mission 2006) L: The ancient creeds of the church call us to affirm that Christ s Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. The Church is One because it belongs to Jesus Christ with whom there is one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith one baptism, one God and father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. Because in Christ the Church is one, it strives to be joined with all those whom Christ calls into relationship with him. Various denominations obscure our oneness, but do not destroy our unity in Christ. (The Nicene Creed and Eph 4:5-6; Book of Order, The Foundations of Presbyterian Policy F ; F a) P: We give thanks for our oneness in Christ as we have experienced it on this faith journey together: For friendships made, for joys celebrated, for times of nurture and growth, for our companionship in Jesus Christ, and for the love of God which has sustained us. L: The Church is holy not because of the purity of its doctrine or the righteousness of its actions, but because the holiness of the Church comes from Christ who sets it apart through the Spirit s power of forgiveness and grace for the purpose of witnessing to God s love. (Book of Order, The Foundations of Presbyterian Policy F b) P: We give thanks for wounds healed, expectations met, gifts given and promises kept; for lives changed and ministry provided through the collaborative efforts of those seeking to do God s will. We also seek God s forgiveness and mercy for wounds not healed, promises not kept, and for relationships broken. L: Because in Christ the Church is catholic, it strives everywhere to testify to Christ s embrace of all people. Because in Christ the Church is apostolic, it strives to proclaim the good news of salvation in 20

22 Jesus Christ and to present the claims of Jesus Christ, leading persons to repentance, acceptance of Christ alone as Savior and Lord and into new life as Christ s Disciples (Book of Order, The Foundations of Presbyterian Policy F c-d) P: The Church summons Christians to a deeper faith, a larger hope and a more complete love as it bears witness to God s grace. Too often we have let our complacency, fears, preoccupation with self and our own agendas get in the way of following God s will. As we now go our separate ways, we remain parts of the body of Christ and pray that the Lord will bless as and keep us all as we continue to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Amen. Leader: Loving God, Alpha and Omega, you are both beginning and end. Our endings and our beginnings are rooted in your love. Whether near or far, we are held close by your love, and kept safe from any lasting loss. Let our time together end with your blessing. Touch all memories with your grace and peace. Help us to live with courage and gladness in the future you present to us. In every time and place may we offer you our highest and our best. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia. Amen. Hymn We Gather Here to Bid Farewell GOD S WORD TO US Scripture.Luke 19: 1-10 Sermon... The Welcome of Jesus.. Rev. Steve Willis, Teaching Elder, Virginia PC Communion by intinction Rev. Bill Russell and Rev. Jenny Spivey officiating Reading of the Necrology. Sandra Gisiner and David Etheridge, Liturgists Hymn of Commitment For all the Saints # 526 ORDER OF THE DAY.LUNCH Two-Cents-a-Meal - Presentation and invitation to contribute at lunch time...denise Pillow Instructions regarding lunch were given by Pix Mahler, member of Westminster The Blessing of the meal was given by Bill Russell. AFTERNOON SESSION WE GATHER TO SHARE The Afternoon Session began at 1:00 p.m. As Commissioners and guests gathered, pictures of several POP Churches were displayed on the screen. OPEN MIKE - At this time there was an opportunity for announcements from Churches; announcements from Presbytery Committees; and announcements from Organizations and Agencies. WE RESPOND TO GOD S WORD ORDER OF THE DAY EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION Welcome to the Neighborhood..Introduced by Steve Earl Participants: Loren Mitchell, pastor of Appomattox CH, Tony Ward, CRE of West End, and Andy King, Campus Ministry at U-Kirk, Radford University. Information was presented about For Such a Time as This and described Pastoral Residency Programs for small churches. 21

23 PRAYER FOR PEAKS PRESBYTERY CHURCHES. Margie Anderson Holy One, who calls us to be in relationship through Jesus Christ, we thankfully accept your gift of loving grace. We are your church, which dwells in many houses. Some of these dwellings have known the footsteps of countless saints through many centuries. Others are filled with your people who accepted your creating of new places to gather for worship and mission. We ask that each community of the faithful feel the outpouring of your spirit so that each mission in a particular time and place will be one of grace, hope and love. Sustain us, Lord, as we embrace our relationship with you and fill us with the wisdom, courage and compassion to reach out to others so that we may be an example of this Christ filled relationship. May we of the Presbytery of the Peaks acknowledge that we can do nothing without you and can do all things working with you. We ask that we receive the blessings of a relational church no matter where we sing our hymns or open your Word. May we as ordinary people in ordinary places find that we can do extraordinary things working together as your church in the name of The Christ who called us to be neighbors and friends. So be it. Amen REPORT OF THE GENERAL PRESBYTER The Report of the General Presbyter was given by Nancy Dawson. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY The Report of the Committee on Ministry, as follows, presented by David Keck, chair, was received and its ten recommendations were APPROVED. INFORMATION: General Guidelines of COM Liaison program: 1. COM members are assigned to their closest of Presbytery neighborhoods: 2. Liaison groups meet together at each COM meeting to coordinate and update work with their churches 3. At the minimum, Liaisons will make contact with all Sessions and/or pastors annually to ask how things are going and to offer COM assistance if requested 4. At the minimum, Liaisons will personally visit with all Sessions and/or pastors at the following points in the life of a congregation: a. All Sessions and Pastors every 3 years b. Congregations served by temporary supply relationships every 2 years c. Following the departure of a Pastor. Use Exit Interview documents in COM notebooks d. Within 6-18 months after the arrival of new pastoral leadership e. As needed to train or arrange for training of Pastor Nominating Committees 5. Purpose of the visits: that Sessions may have a personal connection with the Presbytery and its COM. Liaisons offer a Presbytery presence 6. On their visits, Liaisons will seek out the joys, challenges, celebrations and concerns of the Session and pastoral leadership a. and telephone contact can supplement physical visits b. COM Liaisons are added to church newsletter and mailing lists c. When visiting Session meetings, COM Liaisons may lead a devotional, report on what s happening within the Presbytery, the PC(USA), receive concerns, answer questions raised by the Sessions d. Focus on positives, what's going well, how Presbytery of the Peaks can provide support and resources 22

24 e. Communicate with COM and Presbytery staff news, information, problems, or needs of the churches as appropriate 7. As available, represent the Presbytery at congregational celebrations such as anniversaries, dedications, ordination and/or installation services 8. If a church begins to work with a PRT on gracious dismissal, the COM liaison ceases contact and the PRT becomes the primary Presbytery contact for that church ACTIONS REPORTED: 1) Approved the following Temporary pastoral relationships: a) Chip Sanders renewed Interim pastor of Fairlawn, 8/22/13 2/22/14, as needed b) Carl Utley, a member of Salem Presbytery, as Interim pastor of Raleigh Court, 1/1/14 12/31/14 c) George Goodman as Interim pastor of New Concord, 1/1/14 12/31/14 d) Tupper Garden as Interim pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Floyd, 1/2/14 1/2/15 e) Geoff Hubbard renewed as Stated Supply of Cool Spring, 1/1/14 12/31/14 f) Russ Merritt renewed as Stated Supply of Rocky Mount, 7/1/13 6/30/14 g) Rodney Wilson renewed as Stated Supply of Montvale, 1/1/14 6/30/14 h) Louis Dodd renewed as Temporary Supply of Kayser Memorial, 1/1/14 12/31/14, with Paul Brokaw as Supervisor i) Wes Williams renewed as Temporary Supply of Oak View and Rough Creek, 1/1/14 12/31/14, with David Gellert as Supervisor j) Chuck Klotzberger renewed as Temporary Supply of Appomattox PE, 1/1/14 12/31/14 2) Assigned the following moderators: a) Green Ridge Bill Phipps b) Jamestown Dale Brown c) Raleigh Court Bart Smith through 12/31/13; then Carl Utley d) Altavista Mikel Pugh e) Briery Robert Hall f) Pisgah John Salley 3) Assigned the following Colleague Advisors: a) George Anderson for Carl Utley b) Catherine Taylor for Allison Unroe 4) Granted permission for the following churches to elect a PNC: a) Providence and Memorial 5) Granted permission to the following to labor within or outside our bounds: b) Carl Utley, member of Salem Presbytery, to labor within our bounds 1/1/14 2/15/14 c) Allison Unroe, member of Presbytery of the James, to labor within our bounds 1/15/14 2/15/14 d) Kenneth Chorle, member of Redstone Presbytery, to labor within our bounds 2/1/14 2/15/14 e) Susan Balfour to labor outside our bounds in Western North Carolina, as Stated Supply of Saluda PC, Saluda, NC,10/27/13 10/26/13 f) Kelsy Brown to labor outside our bounds in Grand Canyon Presbytery, 12/3/13 until transfer of membership g) Caitilin Hoy to labor outside our bounds in Twin Cities Presbytery, as Hospital Chaplain at Hennepin County Medical Center, 1/6/14 until transfer of membership h) Emily Miller to labor outside our bounds in Mid-Kentucky Presbytery, as Mission Associate for YAV Program, Presbyterian Mission Agency, 12/2/13 12/1/14 6) Approved the following dissolutions of pastoral relationships: a) Kelsy Brown with Altavista effective 12/3/13 b) Emily Miller with the Presbyterian Church of Radford effective 11/24/13 c) Gary Scheidt with Trinity Ecumenical Parish effective 11/1/14 7) Approved the following dismissals to other Presbyteries: a) Jean Brown to National Capital effective 9/17/13 23

25 b) Joe Reggin to National Capital effective 11/12/13 8) Added the following to the approved Pulpit Supply list: a) Kevin White, candidate under care of the James 9) Re-affirmed existing policy that only those ruling elders who have completed CRE training may preside over the Lord s Supper. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) FOR CONSENT AGENDA: That the ministry of Emily Miller, Mission Associate for the YAV Program, Presbyterian Mission Agency, be validated 12/2/13 12/1/14 APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA The COM reports the fulfillment of the Form of Government G-2.08 and the Presbytery of the Peaks EEO/AA program by all committees calling pastors as reported in the recommendation below: 2) That the examination of Carleton Carl Utley, a member of Salem Presbytery, be sustained; that pending his signing of the Book of Obligations, he be received as a member in good standing. APPROVED 3) That the examination of Allison Nicole Unroe, a member of the Presbytery of the James, be sustained; that pending her signing of the Book of Obligations, she be received as a member in good standing, so that she may accept the call of Pastor of Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, effective 1/15/14. APPROVED 4) That the examination of Kenneth Edward Chorle, a member of Redstone Presbytery, be sustained; that pending his signing of the Book of Obligations, he be received as a member in good standing, so that he may accept the call of Pastor of Falling Spring Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, effective 2/1/14. APPROVED 5) That the following terms of call be approved for Allison Unroe, pastor of Fairlawn Presbyterian Church: Cash Salary $45,000 Supplement for SECA 4,846 Manse Rental Value 13,500 Board of Pensions Dues 20,475 Equity Escrow Plan 1,100 Vacation paid 4 weeks annually Continuing Education leave 2 weeks annually (cumulative to 4 weeks) Reimbursable expenses: Moving expense paid in full Travel at IRS rate up to 2,500 Continuing Education 1,200 Book allowance 250 Manse utilities paid directly by church 5,000 APPROVED 6) That the following terms of call be approved for Kenneth Chorle, pastor of Falling Spring Presbyterian Church, RC: Cash Salary $32,000 Supplement for SECA 3,446 Manse Rental Value 9,600 Board of Pensions Dues 14,652 Equity Escrow Plan 1,100 Vacation paid 4 weeks annually 24

26 Continuing Education leave 2 weeks annually (cumulative to 6 weeks) Reimbursable expenses: Moving expense (estimate) 2,500 Travel at IRS rate up to 6,780 Continuing Education 1,500 APPROVED 7) That COM be granted authority to assign Administrative Commissions for the purpose of Installation for Allison Unroe and Kenneth Chorle. APPROVED 8) That COM be granted authority to assign an Administrative Commission for the purpose of Ordaining Dana Vaughn, candidate of Peaks, to the ministry of Word and Sacrament, which will take place at Northminster Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, on Sunday, February 16, Dana has accepted a call as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Westfield, NY, Presbytery of Western New York. APPROVED 9) That the presbytery grant Honorably Retired status to Gary Scheidt, to be effective 11/1/14. APPROVED Prayer of Thanksgiving and Commitment Sandra Gisiner, Liturgist Faithful God, in baptism you claimed us, through Christ you saved us and by your Holy Spirit you work in our lives. We give you thanks for the life and ministry of Carl, Allison, Kenneth, Dana and Gary. Thank you for gifting them with faith, hope, patience, good humor, wisdom and grace. Strengthen them in their responses to your call and empower them to continue to seek your will giving you all glory and honor and praise. Amen 10) That the following Commissioned Ruling Elders be re-commissioned with all functions allowed by the Book of Order, G a) William Rountree at Mary Horner Walker, 5/5/14 5/4/17 b) Lynwood Ladd at Old Concord, 1/1/14 1/1/16 c) Gary Pillow at Sinking Spring, 1/1/14 12/31/16 APPROVED Carl Utley - Faith Journey and Call to Ministry I was the Southern Baptist pastor/usaf Chaplain s son about whom people said, Someday he ll make a fine preacher. I made a profession of faith when I was 8 years old. Jeremiah s prophetic call made an impression on me in junior high school, and I internalized Jonah s warning not to flee from God s claim upon my life. Throughout high school I was deeply connected to the ministry of the church. I was prophesized over in a particularly emotional gathering during my senior year in high school, spoke in tongues, and was launched into promised kingdom-greatness by our charismatic fellowship leaders. Providentially, I left the church for a degree in philosophy at Ouachita Baptist University where I tormented ministerial students with agnostic provocations. I gained needed distance from the church of my youth as well as intellectual tools that would later enable me to re-integrate faith into my worldview. I also dated a Presbyterian, who insisted that I attend church with her from time to time. It was in her Presbyterian church that the seed of reentry was planted; this was a church where I did not have to leave my brain at the door. Graduate studies in philosophy at Baylor University led my wife and I, newly married, to Central Presbyterian Church in Waco, Texas. We met a faith community that embraced its ministry 25

27 downtown, fed each other on Sundays, and called us to participate in its fellowship and ministry. An attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II that year was the catalyst that led me from philosophy pursuits to a Master of Divinity degree at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. As a candidate for ministry I came to understand that the assassination attempt for me was a visceral symbol of the crucified messiah. I did not confuse the Pope with Jesus but the attempt on his life certainly revealed the sinfulness of the world, our need for a Savior, and my sense of call to ministry. Ordained in March of 1984, I began to serve the Presbyterian Church in various settings: a small rural congregation in southeast Arkansas, a 400 member church in east Texas, an urban congregation in Houston, Texas, and then as the pastor/head-of-staff of a large church in south-central Nebraska before moving to North Carolina as a trailing spouse. I served two congregations as an interim pastor and have served the past 8 years as the pastor of a suburban, mission driven congregation of 300. Salem Presbytery introduced me to cross-cultural mission in southern Mexico with the Tzeltal Synod of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico, a pivotal experience in my faith journey. Along the way I earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2000 from Austin Seminary with a focus in preaching and worship. My faith journey has profoundly shaped and been shaped by 33 years of marriage to Beth Utley, a church educator and now candidate for ministry in Salem Presbytery, and by our four children, now young adults in various stages of launch. My faith has also been shaped and strengthened by life s difficulties; God is truly near to the brokenhearted. The Presbyterian Church has been and continues to be my spiritual home. Trusted colleagues, both ruling and teaching elders, have been a steady source of friendship, encouragement, and guidance. Fundamentally, I trust God. I depend on God s grace and goodness. I trust that the past, present, and future are God s to govern. My confidence is in God s saving love. Statement of Faith - Carl Utley I stand firmly and comfortably in the Reformed tradition. With the whole church I trust in God, whom Adam and Eve knew as Creator, whom Israel calls Lord, whom Jesus called Father, and whom the Church worships as the Triune God. God is the source of life. God's sovereign will is justice through faithful love. And though the world is sinful and broken, God will bring to a full and just completion all that God intends. I trust that God s will will be done. I trust in Jesus Christ. Concerning who Jesus is, the angel Gabriel was the first to call him by name and declared that he would be heir to the throne of David. Mary received him as the Son of the Most High. Nazareth knew him as the son of Joseph and Mary. John the Baptist proclaimed that he was the Lamb of God. His disciples first knew him as Teacher, then Prophet, then Crucified Messiah, and after three days as their Risen Lord. He was revealed to the Apostle Paul as the Lord of the Church, Paul's own savior and Lord, and as one who was coming again. The writer of Hebrews knew him as the Great High Priest who passed through the heavens and the full and final atonement for all sin. John of Patmos saw him in glory and believed that in God's time and according to God's will, a new heaven and new earth would be established through him. The Church has known and continues to know Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Risen Lord. As for his mission, Jesus Christ was born, grew up in the tradition of his ancestors, was baptized, tempted, preached, healed, taught, fed hungry people, raised the dead, forgave and ate with sinners, restored outcasts, confronted religious hypocrisy as well as evil, was rejected and 26

28 crucified, and then raised from the dead all so that a broken and sinful world might know and fully enjoy God s reign of love through the forgiveness of sins and the promise of a new heaven and earth. A mystery that I still cannot comprehend, Jesus was fully human and fully God, and through his death we have been reconciled to God. I affirm that salvation is entirely God s work. My faith in God is itself a gift from God. I trust the Holy Spirit, God's presence and power in creation, history, and salvation. The Spirit brings order out of chaos, shapes the world according to God's sovereign design, thwarts evil, inspires faith, calls us to and enables reconciliation, and empowers the Church to fulfill its mission. The Church is the Body of Christ, called and empowered by God to make disciples of all nations, to baptize and teach, to proclaim and celebrate Christ's presence in Word and Sacrament, to make him known through our compassion, the promotion of social righteousness, and through our love for one another. I believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ and God's Word to me. I am strengthened by the sacraments of baptism and the Lord s Supper as means of grace as they are celebrated in the church s worship. I am equipped for ministry by the church and held accountable to the church through its order and governance. As a teaching elder it is my joy and responsibility to study, preach, and teach the Word of God, to celebrate the sacraments, to pray with and for my congregation, and to lead a life that commends itself to the gospel. With the ruling elders of the congregation and presbytery I share responsibility to encourage and nurture the faith of all those who are entrusted to our care, always looking to Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the Church. He alone is Head of the Church and he alone is Lord. Allison Unroe Autobiography A cradle Presbyterian, I was raised in the church where people first noticed my gifts for ministry during confirmation in eighth grade. From then I served as a regular liturgist. Throughout high school I actively participated in the life of the church, attended Camp Hanover every summer, and served as Youth Elder on Session my senior year. At the same time I was also finishing Project Burning Bush, a Lilly funded program for youth interested in ministry that was run through Union-PSCE. Even as a teenager I knew I felt called to ministry, but my time on session was difficult. I wasn t ready to experience the details, logistics and tension that sometimes arise. So I started to tell God that I would do whatever God wanted, as long as it didn t mean regular session meetings. I spent the next four years at Virginia Tech, where I was active in Cooper House. I spent my college summers working at Camp Hanover, leading small groups of teenagers through adventures in God s creation while building intentional Christian community. In May of 2006 I graduated with a BA in English and packed my bags for Miami, FL, where I would serve the PC(USA) as a Young Adult Volunteer, even staying for an extra year to volunteer and teach high school. My time in Miami only strengthened my sense of call. I worked with several youth groups, a nonprofit neighborhood assistance center, and in a local church where I was eventually invited to preach monthly. As my second year went on the church I was serving got louder and louder about the gifts that they saw in me, and I began to see that, as much as I loved teaching, I wanted to teach different things. I saw hungry souls in my students, and I wanted to feed them. Finally a word from a prophetic member in my congregation spoke to me in a way that I could not ignore, so I applied to seminary. Aware of my love for education, I chose a seminary that offered a dual degree. It was fortunate that UPSem also happened to be in my hometown. While in seminary my love of learning took over, and I dove into my language, Bible and Pastoral Care courses. I came to love the richness and complexities of 27

29 scripture, the challenge of true discipleship, and the responsibility of preaching and teaching. I was definitely in the right place. My first call was as an Associate Pastor at River Road Presbyterian Church where, unbeknownst to us, our Head of Staff was very ill. Though I was hired to specifically work with youth, I was immediately asked to fill many gaps that he couldn t because of his illness. I was preaching multiple times each month, at one point even weekly. I taught Sunday school weekly, was solely responsible for our informal service, staffed the Mission and Service ministry, and occasionally moderated session meetings- all in addition to my work with the youth. Less than a year after my ordination our Head of Staff died. My expanded responsibilities continued for five months while the church looked for an interim. Through my time at RRPC God has distinctively shaped my sense of pastoral identity and my understanding of my call. I believe that God called me to RRPC for a season one where they needed more than they thought they did and where I learned things I didn t know I needed to learn. That season has passed, and I am excited to move into the next chapter of my call with Fairlawn Church. Allison Unroe Statement of Faith I believe in the one triune God, one being in three persons: Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. I believe in God who creates, calling out order from chaos with divine power and authority. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only son, our Lord and Savior, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. Taking on human form, Jesus came to this earth pre-ordained as our truly human, truly God Savior who would live among us, teach us, lead us, love us, suffer for us, die for us, and be raised for us. Because of Jesus ministry of salvific grace and sacrifice of selfless love, we may have eternal life. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the sustaining divine presence with us on earth to give us words, advocate for us and encourage us. I believe in one holy and catholic Church, the body of Christ, called into being by God, founded on and lead by Christ, its head, and empowered and connected by the Holy Spirit. The mission of the church is to be God s hands and feet in a tired and groaning world. The church is called to bear witness to the good news in ministries of service, worship, presence, mission, study, fellowship, hospitality and community. I believe in two sacraments- Communion (The Lord s Supper) and Baptism- through which God works to extend grace to a broken and hurting world. Sacraments are unique acts symbolizing God s claim on our lives and activity in the world. The Holy Spirit s sanctifying presence in the sacraments transforms an otherwise simply symbolic act into a unique opportunity to access the divine and be connected with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Communion we are reminded of Jesus sacrifice for us and the grace it extends to us, thankfully celebrating and proclaiming the good news until he comes again. Through communion, God nourishes us spiritually and grows us in our ability to love God and our neighbor, to whom we are called to carry the love we have experienced in the Lord s Supper. In Baptism we are cleansed of our sins, claimed as God s own and covenanted with the church so that we might receive unity with Christ, the forgiveness of sins and new birth. Baptism initiates us into the family of the church, the body of Christ, and, through covenant, prepares the way for us to continually be grown and nurtured in our faith by the church. 28

30 I believe that scripture is the divinely inspired word of God that is given to God s people to inform us, guide us, and nourish us in our faith. I believe that humans are inherently fallen and sinful beings who are only saved by grace through faith that is not of ourselves, but is a gift from God. A Brief Biography of Rev. Kenneth Chorle I am excited to have been selected by the PNC to be considered as a candidate to serve as pastor of the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church. My story of faith begins at age sixteen. Due to the pressure of the Sixties counter culture, I had drifted away from my Christian upbringing and sought a life of rebellion. One evening in my room at home, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my rebellion by showing me that my life was like the spear of the Roman soldier at the cross of Jesus. My sins not only hurt God and caused God pain and sorrow, but my sins eventually led to the death of Jesus on the cross. My sister led me in a prayer seeking God s forgiveness, and the prayer included full surrender of my life to God. For me this was the start of a new life in Christ. The call to preach the Gospel came to me a few months after my decision to give my heart completely to the Lord Jesus. I did not hear a literal voice. But, God did speak in a still small voice, like the voice of God given to Elijah in the cave. Knowing that God wanted me to proclaim His message of hope and salvation through His Word, I entered the University of Pittsburgh seeking to prepare to ultimately attend seminary and get ordained in the United Presbyterian Church. So, I majored in communication and sociology. Upon graduation from seminary, I accepted a call to a rural church in New Castle, PA. After serving for nine years in a rural church in New Castle, PA, I accepted a pastorate in the city of Beaver Falls, PA. Ten years in the city as a pastor went by and new opportunities awaited me. Next, God led me into interim pastoral work. I took two assignments as an interim pastor before getting back into a called and installed full time pastorate. The Holy Spirit brought me to Murrysville, PA where I remained pastor for nine years. Looking back over my ministry in the Presbyterian Church, USA as a teaching elder, I can identify with the words given to the prophet Jeremiah. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jer. 1:5) While I am not saying my life has been prophetic like Jeremiah, I do believe that my call to preach and teach the Word of God originated while I was in my mother s womb. In other words, I was chosen before my birth to do this task. My call to preach came to me when I agreed at age sixteen with that still small voice and heard God s call for me to preach. My faith journey as Presbyterian pastor has included all the elements of the faith journeys of Biblical characters, as well as those who attend our Presbyterian Churches. I have been tested by the Lord, and I have been tempted by the evil one. I have used faith to accomplish good things, and I have lacked faith at times. I have offered good counsel, and I have made some mistakes. I have been on the mountain tops of enthusiasm and success, and I have been in the valleys of disappointment and despair. Despite the circumstances, I can testify that God has always been faithful to His Word and His covenant and His Church. God always gave His grace and love to me, and God continues to love the world (John 3:16). The truth of the Apostle Paul s statement to the Colossians has been an inspiration to me through all aspects of my faith journey. Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col.1:27). My call to preach began the moment I asked Christ to live in me, and my call will continue at Falling Spring Church with the assurance that Christ still dwells in my life. With Christ living in me, I have hope for today, tomorrow and 29

31 forever. If I have hope, then those around me can find this hope too. The wonderful assurance of Christ risen from the dead is the basis for my future ministry at Falling Spring Presbyterian Church. Statement of Faith of Rev. Kenneth E. Chorle I believe in one God who exists in three divine persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the trinity is equal, as well as divine. The trinity is a mystery, and I realize I cannot fully understand the nature of God. The Father is Creator of the entire universe. The second person of the trinity, our Lord Jesus, is our redeemer. Jesus was sent by God, the Father, into the world with the mission of dying on the cross with the sins of the whole world upon His body. The death of Jesus made atonement for our sins. The Holy Spirit convicts and convinces sinners of the errors of their ways and leads sinners to the Savior, Jesus, the Christ. (John 16:8) God can only partially be known through the observation of the creation. (Ps. 19:1) If a person walking in the woods finds a watch, then he or she knows there is a watchmaker. The beauty of creation tells us that God exists, and God created the universe. However, nature, or general revelation, is not sufficient to lead us to Christ and find salvation. We are in need of special revelation, which is The Word of God, to understand God s plan for the world and His plan of salvation. Through the written Word of God, we discover our true identities as sinners and our need for the saving death of Jesus on the cross. The plan of salvation is made perfectly clear through the Scriptures in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. I believe the Bible is the inspired (God breathed), infallible, Word of God without error and profitable for those who read, hear and practice it. (II. Tim. 3:16) The Bible is authoritative for both the believer and the church. The Word of God is the only rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the final authority on all matters. The church is the people of God who have been called out to worship and serve the one true God. (Ps 100) The primary purpose of the church is for the worship of God and to strengthen and edify believers. (Rom. 14:19; 15:2) As believers, we are to be growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus through our times of fellowship in the church. (II Pet.3:18) In addition, the church must reach out to the world with the message of salvation and hope in Jesus and seek to evangelize those who live within a few miles of the church, as well as those who live far away in foreign lands. The decision making process in the church should always be carried out in the knowledge that Jesus is the Head of the Church and His will is to be sought by presbyters at all levels of government (session, presbytery synod and General Assembly). Baptism is the spiritual mark God places upon infants, children and adults to show that they belong to God and are included in His covenant of grace and mercy for life and at the time of death. The sacrament of baptism is identification with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Lord s Supper is the spiritual meal which strengths believers. The Lord s Supper includes the presence of Christ, but Christ s presence is not confined to the elements of bread and juice. Both baptism and the Lord s Supper convey grace to the believers who partake of them. By faith, the benefits of the sacraments are received. The world will come to a close some day with the visible and personal return of the Lord Jesus. (I Thess. 4:16) Jesus will come in His glory and power at an undisclosed time. (Matt. 24:30) Every believer must be ready for the Day of His Appearing (Rev. 16:15). While I am not certain of the timeline of events, the second coming will include a resurrection of the dead and judgment. After Christ returns, the new earth and the new heavens will be set up, and all of God s people will reign with Christ forever and ever. Amen! (Rev. 21 and 22) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY The Report of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, as follows, presented by Andrew Taylor- Troutman, Chair, was received and its three recommendations were APPROVED. 30

32 INFORMATION: COPM retreat will be February 5-6 at Union Presbyterian Seminary RECOMMENDATIONS: The committee recommends the following inquirers be approved for candidacy, based on evaluation of their fitness and readiness for a call to ministry requiring ordination. Each will present a brief statement about their journey of faith and sense of call. Then questions can be asked from the floor pertaining ONLY to their sense of call: 1) Emily Rhodes Hunter, a member of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church and student at Union Presbyterian Seminary. APPROVED 2) Michelle Hughes, a member of Bedford Presbyterian Church and student at Union Presbyterian Seminary. APPROVED 3) Carol Ferguson, a member of Salem Presbyterian Church and student at Union Presbyterian Seminary. APPROVED Constitutional Questions, Charge and Prayer...Margie Anderson, Moderator INFORMATION: REPORT OF THE SESSION RECORDS WORK GROUP The Session Records Work Group continues to review past, as well as current Session Minutes. To date, members have reviewed 354 sets of Minutes, 121 sets of 2006 Minutes, 119 sets of 2007 Minutes, 113 sets of 2008 Minutes, 104 sets of 2009 Minutes, 94 sets of 2010 Minutes, 82 sets of 2011 Minutes, and 72 sets of 2012 Minutes, for a total of 1,059 sets of Session Minutes. Materials to assist Clerks of Session in their duties are available on-line through the Presbytery website at Click on Resources ; then click on Forms & Documents ; then click on Session Records to view these materials. The Work Group conducted a Session Records Workshop/Training Event January 18, at Bedford Presbyterian Church. Thirty-two (32) individuals representing 25 churches (25 Clerks of Session, 2 ministers, and 5 guests) attended the workshop, along with 7 members of the Work Group. Rather than reviewing Session Minutes by Clusters/Neighborhoods, the Work Group will review them alphabetically by church name. The schedule for the review of 2013 Session Minutes at Presbytery meetings in 2014 is as follows: Churches whose name begins with A-C at the February 15 Presbytery meeting; Churches whose name begins with D-H at the May 8 Presbytery meeting; Churches whose name begins with J-O at the July 26 Presbytery meeting; Churches whose name begins with P-W at the October 23 Presbytery meeting. Churches that do not bring their 2013 Session Minutes to the Presbytery meeting are asked to send them and the completed Session Records Review Form to Shelda Wills, Chair of the Session Records Work Group, Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, 107 West Main Street, Christiansburg, VA Churches should NOT send Minutes to the Presbytery Office! Any questions concerning Session Minutes should be directed to Shelda at or swills@usit.net. 31

33 ACTIONS REPORTED: 1) The Work Group wishes to make its Annual Report to Presbytery, based on the Book of Order (G and G ). As of January 24, the 72 churches listed below had submitted 2012 Session Minutes for review, and each church received a certificate of appreciation. The 14 churches in bold marked by an asterisk (*) received a gold seal on the certificate for submitting minutes that were Approved Without Exception. * Altavista * Amherst Appomattox CH Beale Memorial Bedford Belmont Berry Hill * Blacksburg * Bluemont Bouldin Memorial * Buchanan Buffalo * Christiansburg Clarksville Clifton Forge College Colonial Covenant, Lynchburg * Covenant, Roanoke Covington, First Danville, First * Diamond Hill Douglas Dublin Fairlawn Falling Spring, Glasgow Farmville Fifth Avenue * Floyd Forest Forest Hills * Galatia * Glasgow Green Ridge Hat Creek Hermon High Bridge Holbrook Street Low Moor Lynchburg, First Mallow Martinsville, First Mary Horner Walker Mayberry Maysville Meherrin Memorial Mizpah New Dublin New Hope Northminster, MH Northminster, Roanoke Oak Level Old Concord Peace Peaks * Pearisburg * Quaker Memorial Radford Raleigh Court Roanoke, First Roanoke, Second Roanoke Valley Rough Creek Salem South Boston, First Trinity, Ridgeway Trinity Ecumenical Parish Villamont Virginia Westminster * Williamson Memorial As of January 24, 61 churches had not submitted their 2012 Session Minutes for review. Appomattox PE Arvon Belspring Bethel Bethlehem Briery Brookneal Browns Campbell Memorial Chatham Collinsville, First Concord Cool Spring Coolwell Cumberland Danube Davis Memorial Drakes Branch Elon Falling Spring, Hot Springs Fellowship Fincastle Fork Union Gethsemane Glen Wilton Grace Harmony Holmes Memorial Jamestown Kayser Memorial Kentuck Madisonville Massies Mill Matthews Memorial McAllister Memorial Mercy Seat Montvale Mount Carmel Narrows, First New Concord New Store Northside 32

34 Oak View Old Brick Phenix Piedmont Pisgah Providence Pulaski, First Roanoke Rocky Mount Rustburg Saint Andrew Shelton Memorial Sinking Spring Slate Mountain Trinity, Arvonia Unity Village Walker s West End REPORT OF PRESBYTERY S COORDINATING CABINET The Report of the Coordinating Cabinet, as follows, presented by Gerald Carter, Chair, was received and its two recommendations were APPROVED. FOR INFORMATION The chair reported that on an ad hoc basis David Etheridge will serve as Vice Chair of the Cabinet if needed. This announcement received unanimous consent. Tammy Dowden has resigned from her position as administrative assistant. Please,however, continue to use office@peakspresbytery.org to send reports and communications. ACTION TAKEN: 1. Approved this year s Presbytery theme Welcome to the Neighborhood. 2. The following Cabinet work group assignments were made: Communications: Jim Moss, Wanda McDowell, Sarah Eller, David Keck Evaluation: Janice Wells, Tony Ward, Tom Gillespie, Jamie Smith, John Fedison Worship: Barry Tucker, Aubrey, Ron Coleman, Theresa Underwood Education: David Etheridge, Sandra Gisiner, Bill Caperton, John Kidd, George Wilson 3. The docket for Feb. 15, 2014 meeting of Presbytery was approved. The snow day is March 1. FOR RECOMMENDATION: 1) CONSENT AGENDA: With one amendment to assure that an Electronic Meeting Policy would cover various forms of electronic communication, the draft of the updated Manual of Operation was approved for presentation to Presbytery for its First Reading on February 15, APPROVED IN CONSENT AGENDA 2) The 2014 budget with necessary terms of call for ministerial staff was approved to be presented to Presbytery. APPROVED REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION The Report of the Committee on Administration, as follows, presented by John Fedison, Chair, was received, and its two recommendations were APPROVED. The Committee for Administration met at the Presbytery office on February 3, The division discussed the response to the 2014 Covenant of Intent request, the 2014 budget, and several personnel items. 33

35 Actions Taken: 1. Approved the review of the current telephone system equipment. 2. Approved the Summer Camp Director contract for services. 3. Approved the formation of the Presbytery Relations Workgroup to replace the existing Stewardship Workgroup. 4. Recommended a review of the job descriptions for the Support Staff 1 & 2 positions. 5. Approved meeting dates in 2014 of April 10, July 10, September 25 and December 4. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Recommend approval of the 2014 Terms of Call for the ministerial staff of the Presbytery: Total BOP Prof. Cont. Total Name Salary SECA Housing Salary Total Exp Ed. Package Dawson, Nancy 43,583 6,272 32,135 81,990 27,302 10,000 1, ,492 Binder, Jeff 20,950 4,221 30,000 55,171 17,833 5,000 1,200 79,204 Earl, Steve 34,756 4,469 19,200 58,425 18,884 8,000 1,200 86,509 APPROVED 2. Approve 2014 Budget: A B C D I 1 2 Presbytery of the Peaks Preliminary 2014 Budget 3 4 YTD 2013 Proposed 5 Jan-Sept Budget Income 7 Designated Acct Budget Funding 3, , , Camp Income Synod Accounts 6, , , , , , GA Unified & Per Capita Presbytery Unified Giving 76, , , , , , Investment Income Miscellaneous Receipts , , , , Total Income 15 Expense 396, , , Council Expense Division Expense Moderator Expenses Communications Expense Presbytery Meeting Expense Nominating Committee Black Caucus Workgroup Expense PRT Team Expenses Committee on Representation Total Council Expense 1, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

36 28 29 Division of Administration Division Expenses 32, , , Office Expenses 2, , , Presby Office Equipment Stewardship/Treasurer Meetings , , Audit Expense 84, , , GP Expense 58, , , AP Expense 11, , , Stated Clerk Expenses 1, , , Mission Resource 29, , , Administrative Support Staff 26, , , Ministry Support Staff 30, , , Accountant , , Office Staff Expenses , , Web Services 55, , , Youth & Young Adult Associate 335, , , Total Division of Administration Committee on Ministry 4, , , Committe Expenses Calls & Pensions Seminar , Vacancy Workgroup 1, , Minister/Cong. Relations Wk Grp 1, , Care/Nurture Work Group 1, Leadership Development 1, A B C D I YTD 2013 Proposed 5 Jan-Sept Budget Colleague Advisors Counseling & Crisis Support Congregations in Transition Interim Ministry Scholarships Installation Commissions Administrative Commissions Sexual Misconduct Committee Session Records Workgroup COPM Total Committee on Ministry , , , , , , , , , , , Church Development Committee Expenses Congregation Training & Support Small Church Workgroup Evangelism Workgroup New Worshipping Community WG Partnership w/congregations TotalChurch Development , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Cooperative Missions Division Expenses Education and Training Community Outreach Grants Mission Trip Scholarships CEDEPCA , , , , , , , ,

37 80 CEDEPCA Battered Womens Shelter P'ship Educaton & Communication Total Cooperative Missions 49, , , Leadership Committee Leadership Development WG Teaching Elder Leadership 1, , Ruling Elder Leadership , , GA Orientation Session Training , Total Leadership Committee , , Discipleship Committee Discipleship Committee Expense Christian Ed & Resource Center WG 1, , , Youth & Young Adult WG 8, , , Higher Education Grants 33, , , Camp Budget Request 24, , , Total Discipleship Committee 67, , , Synod Unified & Per Capita 4, , , GA Unified & Per Capita Giving 77, , , Total Expense 557, , , APPROVED The Presbytery of the Peaks Financial Position 12/31/2012 & 12/31/ Beginning Balance $ 647, $ 648, Add Receipts: YTD Mission Receipts for GA, Synod, & Presbytery 683, , Covenants of Intents (Includes Unified & Per Capita) Selected Giving, GA, Synod causes 171, , Other Selected Gifts (excludes 2Cts, C A Partnership) Fifth Sunday Offering (See also page 2) Camp Income 39, , , , Income from Presbytery Designated Funds 6, Interest Income less bank fees 4, Current Assets less Liabilities Miscellaneous Income 10, , Unrealized gain/loss on operating reserve 21, , Transfer Accounts Total Receipts 944, , Less Disbursements:

38 Mission Funds to General Assembly 290, , Mission Funds to Synod 27, , Other In/Out Mission Funds Forwarded 39, , Presbytery 585, , Operating Reserves to Designated Fund 217, , Total Disbursements 1,160, ,299, Cash Balance 12/31/2012 & 12/31/2013 $ 431, $ 267, Presbytery of the Peaks Income & Expense 12/31/2013 Current Income Month YTD Budget Covenants of Intent 151, , ,000 Camp Income , ,225 Designated Account Funding Transfers 132,477 Miscellaneous 11, , ,000 Total Income 162, , ,702 Council Expense Council Division Expense , ,000 Moderator Expenses Treasurer Expense Communications Expense , , ,000 2,200 Presbytery Meeting Expense , ,000 Nominating Committee Black Caucus ,000 Workgroup Expense , ,000 Committee on Representation 50 Total Council Expense , ,750 Division of Administration Division Expenses Office Expenses 5, , ,536 Presby Office Equipment , ,300 Stewardship Audit Expense 9, ,500 GP Expense 9, , ,303 Associate for Ministry 10, , ,571 Stated Clerk Expenses 1, , ,566 Mission Resource Expenses , ,938 Administrative Support Staff 3, , ,795 Ministry Support Staff 3, , ,019 37

39 Accountant 3, , ,118 Interim Web Design Expenses ,000 Associate for Youth and Young Adults 7, , ,428 Office Staff Expenses , ,200 Total Division of Administration 44, , ,174 Division of Ministry Committee Expenses , ,500 Calls & Pensions Workgroup Vacancy Workgroup ,500 CRE Workgroup Minister/Cong. Relations Wk Grp , ,500 Care/Nurture Work Group Month YTD Budget 1, ,400 Sexual Misconduct Committee 1,000 Session Records Workgroup ,000 COPM 7, ,300 Total Division of Ministry , ,400 Division of Church Development Committee Expenses ,000 Congregation Training & Support 1, ,500 Church Development Workgroup 2, ,500 Evangelism Workgroup 1,500 Partnership w/congregations , ,000 Total Division of Church Development , ,500 Division of Cooperative Missions Division Expenses Education and Training 1, Community Outreach Grants 10, , ,000 Mission Trip Scholarships CEDEPCA 7, , ,500 Partnership Education Higher Education Grant 11, , ,000 Total Division of Cooperative Missions 29, , ,900 Division of CELD Christian Ed. & Leader Dev Wkgp Pastor/Lay Leader Workgroup ,850 Leadership Dev. Conf & Ctr 2, ,750 Christian Ed & Res Ctr Wrkgrp , ,150 Youth & Young Adult Wrkgrp 1, , ,175 Camp Expense Commissioner Orientation Minister Orientation 24, , Total Division of CELD 1, , ,500 Synod Unified & Per Capita 5, , ,000 GA Unified & Per Capita Giving 30, , ,478 38

40 Total Presbytery Expenses 114, , ,702 39

41 40

42 REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Report of the Nominating Committee, as follows, presented by Tom Gillespie, Chair, was received, and its ten recommendations APPROVED. ACTION TAKEN: See below RECOMMENDATIONS: That the following be elected to leadership positions: 1. Margie Anderson, Commissioned Ruling Elder, Covenant, Lynchburg as POP Moderator for David Etheridge, Co-Pastor, Saint Andrew, Lynchburg as POP Vice-Moderator for David Gellert, HR, as Commissioner to the 2014 General Assembly 4. Endorsement of Carol Ferguson, Candidate under care of POP, Seminary Student, Union Presbyterian Seminary as Seminary Student Advisory Delegate, 2014 General Assembly. 5. Bob Berkley, Ruling Elder, First Lynchburg, as Treasurer, 2014 through For Trustees: a. De Rodgers, HR, class of 2015 b. David Clark, Ruling Elder, First Danville class of 2016 c. John Lanier, Ruling Elder, Quaker Memorial class of 2016 d. Bill Neely, Ruling Elder, Blacksburg, class of For Committee on Ministry: a. Ina Ingram, Ruling Elder, First Danville class of 2016 b. Joe Allmond, Commissioned Ruling Elder, Christ Presbyterian Parish (Arvon, Trinity and Fork Union) for COM class of For Committee on Preparation a. Richard Tate, Ruling Elder, Bedford, for COM class of For Committee on Administration a. John Fedison, Ruling Elder, Appomattox, as Chair, 2014 b. John Fedison, Ruling Elder, Appomattox, class of 2016 c. John Erb, Ruling Elder, Altavista, for class of 2016 d. Jerry Foltz, Ruling Elder, Appomattox, for class of For Committee on Missions a. Jamie Smith, Chair for 2014 b. Linda Dickerson, Teaching Elder, Northside, for class of 2016 APPROVED 41

43 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHURCH DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION: Three neighborhood gatherings have occurred, including discussion and training for the Percept demographic program, and more will come in the near future. The Division is planning to research opportunities for ministry in the communities where churches have gone through gracious dismissal, using Percept and our current workgroups. Work is being done to bring Martha Grace Reese or another prominent evangelism speaker to the presbytery for our July 2014 meeting and other presentations in the area. ACTIONS REPORTED: 1) Approved and pledged $5000 support for the presbytery to host a pilot program of For Such A Time As This. It is a denominational effort to match up recent seminary graduates for 2-year designated pastor relationships in small churches. RECOMMENDATIONS: None REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEADERSHIP INFORMATION: We had our initial meeting on January 16, 2014 at the Presbytery office Established plenary meetings before Presbytery Meeting If you have an interest in serving on any of the workgroups please contact John Kidd or Steve Earl ACTIONS REPORTED: 1) Reviewed our areas of responsibily for: Leadership Events, CRE Training, Pastor orientation to the Presbytery, Officer Training and working with the Trent Colloquy for New Ministers 2) Named the following workgroup: Jenny Spivey; 2014 Church Professionals event, John Kidd; Pastor Orientation, Tony Ward; CRE Training, Suzy Edwards; Officer Training Elizabeth Link; Trent Colloquy, Richard Henderson; 2015 Presbytery wide Leadership Event RECOMMENDATIONS: none REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLESHIP The Report of the Committee on Discipleship, as follows, presented by John Kidd, Chair, was received. The Committee on Discipleship has met for the first time with these work groups and ministries represented: Christian Education (and Resource Center), Higher Education, Outdoor Education, Young Adults, Youth Council, Camps and Conferences. We had good conversations and reports as we began this "new thing" in our presbytery work. We shall be in discussion continually about the Committee purpose and how each of the ministries complete these goals and enrich the life of the churches in the Presbytery. The Higher Education Work Group is now working with seven present or potential ministries on campuses within the Presbytery of the Peaks, with the possibility of more to come. The Presbytery of the Peaks has received a grant of $34, for campus ministry from the now- 42

44 former Westminster Foundation. The Higher Education Work Group is engaged in a year-long study to form a recommendation on how this money may be used with the greatest and most extended effect. The Christian Education committee has been striving to plan opportunities for the youth of the Presbytery, in order to enhance their Discipleship and grow in their love of God and neighbor. These opportunities include: a Confirmation retreat in late March for any confirmand in the Presbytery, a middle school Adventure Camp held at Camp Bethel, and a high school mission trip to Raleigh, NC. We have also engaged in sharing educational offerings for youth and young adults at our various churches, and have made an effort to exchange ideas and share resources, in a "lending library" way. And from the Youth Council: The seventh annual Presbytery Senior High Retreat sponsored by the POP Youth Council (fondly known as PoPYoCo) will take place the weekend of Feb at Camp Bethel near Troutville. The theme of the retreats this school year is "Eklego: Chosen to Choose"using John 15:16 as the basis. This year's keynoters are the Reverends Elizabeth and Bart Smith from Second Presbyterian and Raleigh Court Presbyterian, respectively. The retreat will have keynotes, small groups, and rec time. On Saturday afternoon everyone will participate in the Stop Hunger Now mission project. We are most grateful to the Two-Cents-a-Meal program for some funds to do this project. There were over 100 participants at the fall Middle School retreat and we are hopeful of seeing a similar response this winter. Applications for both youth and adults for next year's Youth Council are now available on the Presbytery website. Please read Peaks Postings, January 29, 2014 for the brochures and announcements for the Senior High Retreat, Confirmation Retreat, the Middle School Adventure Camp, High School Mission Trip and others. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MISSION The report of the Committee on Mission, as follows, presented by Jamie Smith, Chair, was received. INFORMATION: The theme for this year s Ecumenical Advocacy Days is Jesus Weeps Resisting Violence/ Building Peace with a focus on Violence. The dates are Friday, March 21- Monday, March 24. CEDEPCA partnership: A delegation of 11 people from Peaks Presbytery went to Guatemala in October. The group came home with renewed energy for the work of this partnership. Their report follows: In October, 11 people from 4 different churches in Peaks Presbytery traveled to Guatemala with the Inter-cultural Encounters Program of CEDEPCA. The participants were: Susan Verbrugge from Blacksburg Presbyterian, Larry and Arlene Betts from Mayberry Presbyterian, Janet Chisom, Karen Nelson, Steve Lemons, Michele Meinhart, Teresa Auldridge and John Ellison from Salem Presbyterian and Marsha Bowen and Kathy Carpenter from Northside Presbyterian. We spent time learning about the history and the current political and economic situation in Guatemala. We learned about the work that is being done by CEDEPCA in their four areas of focus: Biblical/Pastoral Education, Women s Programs, Disaster Ministries and Intercultural Encounters. Through all of these ministries, the work of CEDEPCA is transforming lives through education. One of the highlights of our trip included visiting with the La Puya Mining Resistance Community near San Jose de Golfo. The mining of gold on land without the consent of the community is a violation 43

45 of the 1996 Peace Accords. Mining also puts their water supply at risk and threatens to destroy the land. For 2 years, this resistance community has kept the mining company out. CEDEPCA will be involved in providing help for these communities through the Disaster Ministry. We also visited Casa Migrante, an organization that works with people who have or are considering migrating to the United States in order to find work and send money back to their families in Guatemala. They explain all of the risks that are involved with migration. When people are sent back to Guatemala, they meet them at the airport and help them with their re-entry. The coordinator of Casa Migrante said that when people are told of the risks, their response is that they would rather die trying to get to the United States than to stay in Guatemala and watch their families starve to death. Our visit to Casa Migrante helped us to look at the issues of Immigration in a new way. Finally, we visited people with the Prince of Peace Church in Sacapulas. They greeted us with the warmest of Guatemala greetings and welcomed us into their church. They took us with them on the evening of All Saints Day to visit the cemetery where everyone in town had gathered to honor their loved ones and ancestors. It was a holy experience as we were led through the candlelight cemetery. In Sacapulas, we met with women who have been a part of the Biblical Pastoral Education program. They told us how much their lives had been changed through the classes of which they had been a part. It was moving to see their faith and to hear that because of these classes taught by CEDEPCA, these women now know that they have value and that they can better their lives. Each time I go to Guatemala with CEDEPCA, my life is changed and my faith is deepened. I am grateful for the long-standing relationship between Peaks Presbytery and CEDEPCA. We are willing and eager to share our experiences. If your church would like us to give a presentation, please contact Kathy Carpenter at olekack@gmail.com. Joining Hands partnership: A delegation from Peaks Presbytery will be going to Haiti, Feb The 5 participants will be James Smith, Catherine McCullough, John and Phyllis Collins, Jan McGilliard. Grants Workgroup: The workgroup is scheduled to meet on February 18 to award the Community Outreach Block Grants and the first round of 2 Cents a Meal Grant. There is about $12,000 in each 2 cents a meal fund (local and regional/national/international). Disaster Preparedness Workgroup: Disaster Preparedness is a plan that focuses on specific forms for individuals that need to be filled out and also help to identify people who would be willing to help in a disaster. This workshop helps churches decide how they would set up a communication system and keep a set of that information at the church in one other place. Part of the workshop is an emphasis on households being prepared with basic supplies. ACTIONS REPORTED: 1) The Committee on Mission gave the CEDEPCA Partnership authority to apply for the Synod Presbytery Initiative Grant and to recommend approval of this grant application by the Presbytery. 2) A delegation from Peaks Presbytery will be going to Haiti, Feb The 5 participants will be James Smith, Catherine McCullough, John and Phyllis Collins, Jan McGilliard. We would like for the names of the participants to be included in the Presbytery minutes and that we have a time of prayer for these people at the Presbytery meeting on February 15. RECOMMENDATIONS: none REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN 44