Minutes of the Special Session. of the PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH. April 17, Massanutten Presbyterian Church Penn Laird, Virginia

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1 Minutes of the Special Session of the PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH April 17, 2012 Massanutten Presbyterian Church Penn Laird, Virginia NEXT STATED SESSIONS Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Lexington Church Lexington, Virginia Saturday, August 25, 2012 Mt. Carmel Church Steeles Tavern, Virginia Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Woodstock Church Woodstock, Virginia SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY IS A COVENANT BODY WHERE:» congregations are empowered to be centers for mission,» lay persons are equipped to be Disciples of Christ in a challenging world,» church leaders and members are nurtured and strengthened for service,» open communication and information are used constructively and creatively to keep us connected.

2 SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY DIRECTORY Ruling Elder Paul Dana... Moderator 2012 Teaching Elder Olivia Haney...Vice-Moderator 2012 Teaching Elder Randy Webb...Acting General Presbyter Ext 108 Teaching Elder Dan Williams...Acting Stated Clerk Ext 110 Pam Williams...Treasurer Ext 111 Ruling Elder Doug Sensabaugh...Communications Coordinator/HAE Ext 106 Ruling Elder Lisa Hedrick...Resource Center Coordinator Ext 105 Ruling Elder Heather Carter... Office Coordinator/Bookkeeper Ext 100 Kimberly T. Stroupe...Assistant for Constitution Ext 107 EXECUTIVE EMERITUS: The Rev. Homer C. Phifer, Jr. 490 Burning Tree Road, Pinehurst, NC SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY OFFICE 1111 North Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA Telephone: Fax: SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY CORPORATION 1111 North Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA Current Officers Don Myers, President David Witt, Vice President Garrett Long, Vice President Philip H. Miller, Secretary B. Randolph Roller, Treasurer Advisory Members Brown, Edwards & Company, LLP CAMP PADDY RUN Address: 221 Camp Lane, Star Tannery, VA 22654; Telephone: i

3 CANDIDATES FOR MINISTRY OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT Marie Mainard O Connell Helen Punker Robertson Rebecca Siddle Home Church Covenant 638 W. Frederick St., Apt 2 Staunton, VA Home Church Goshen 471 Sunnybrook Rd. Fairfield, VA Home Church Waynesboro First 649 Chestnut Ave. Waynesboro, VA J. Walter Canter Home Church Cooks Creek 1490 Bluewater Rd. Harrisonburg VA INQUIRERS FOR MINISTRY OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT John Craft Emily Peterson Home Church Tinkling Spring Home Church - Covenant ii

4 GOVERNING BODIES Synod of the Mid-Atlantic 3218 Chamberlayne Ave. Richmond, VA Office of the General Assembly 100 Witherspoon St. Louisville, KY iii

5 PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING Shenandoah Presbytery gathered at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Massanutten Presbyterian Church in Penn Laird, Virginia. The purpose for the meeting was to consider and act upon the proposed Separation Guidelines, and to discuss church property issues. (Minutes, February 11, 2012, page 10.) Moderator, Dr. Paul Dana, called the meeting to order with prayer. WORSHIP Leading worship was the Rev. Randy Webb, Acting General Presbyter, Ruling Elder Doug Sensabaugh, Communications Coordinator and Hunger Action Enabler, and the Rev. Bernard Bangley, an honorably retired pastor from Peaks Presbytery. The Rev. Bangley preached a sermon titled Tensions We Can t Resolve, based on 1 John 2: QUORUM AND ENROLLMENT The Acting Stated Clerk reported that a quorum was present. The final enrollment was as follows: Adm Administrator DYP Director, Youth Program OM Overseas Missionary Asst Assistant ED Educator P Pastor Assoc Associate GP General Presbyter Prof Professor Chap Chaplain Honorably Retired SS Stated Supply CM Campus Minister IA Interim Associate Stu Student COP Co-Pastors IN Inactive T Teacher Coun Counselor IP Interim Pastor TM Tent Making DP Designated Pastor ML Minister-at-Large WC Without Charge (Description code for attendance: P = present E = excused A = absent) P Allen, Donald R., Jr. P Arnold, Timothy P Sherando Barbara S. A Barner, Ann Elizabeth A Barner, Fred Thomas E Baxter, John A. E Bethard, John T. P Charles Town Excused P Biggs, Thomas T. E Boyer, Grace Jones E Brandon, Joseph C. E Bridgman, Larry Ann C. E Bridgman, Stewart G. A Bromhead, Jonathan ML P Brownlee, J. Malcolm A Bucy, Ralph D. P Bunker, Jonathan W. P Berryville Jim Barb P Burton, Rufus T., III P Martinsburg First Dot Bowers P Caldwell, Clifford D. P Cardot, Guy Richard P Petersburg P Carlsson, Charles M., Jr. A Carr, Phillips L. P Chapman, George W. P Buena Vista E Coffman, Donna B. ML E Cole, William A., Jr. P Coleman, Glenn M. P Hot Springs Ronda Clayton P Conrad, Scott A. P Glen Kirk Joyce Anderson A Coppedge, Gary L. ML E Corder, William Lee ML P Cornfield, Keith A. P New Providence Donald Roll P Cornish, Homer T. 32

6 P Cox, C. William P Cranford, April H. Assoc Tinkling Spring P Crumley, Rachel Assoc Front Royal E Cushman, James E. P Cushwa, John W. P Falling Waters Ernest Weidman, Jr. E Dax, Betty G. IP Broadway P Dent, William H., Jr. E DeSarro-Raynal, Clark ML E DeSarro-Raynal, Donna ML P Dietrich, Richard S. P Staunton First William Winter E Dobyns, Sharyl A. ML E Donohoe, Patricia A. P Douty, Horace D. /IP Oxford E Earl, John B., Sr. P Evans, Caroline B. Assoc Warrenton P Evans, George W. P Cooks Creek Nancy Myers E Everhart, William G. Supply Bunker Hill P Farthing, Stanley H. Supply Zetta P Fetterman, Amy Assoc Covenant E Field, Robert F. E Fisher, Merle L., Jr. E Fisher, Otis L. E Forbes, Richard A., Jr. P Foster, M. Kerry P Bridgewater Cheryl Burke E Franklin, John S. E Garrison, John D. E Garriss, K. Braxton E Goodman, William R., Jr. P Goshorn, Robert D. P Hahn-Campanella Kitty Supply Highland-Memorial P Hand, Kevin L. P Franklin Paul Gutshall Ruddle Upper Tract P Haney, John H. P Goshen Millboro Rocky Spring S. A. Lockridge P Haney, M. Olivia Kincaid ML P Harmon, Melissa L. P Beulah Mary Lou Cox Monterey Dorothy Terry Pisgah James Stephen E Harrison, L. Randolph P Hastings, John R. Skip P Collierstown Janet Scott E Hay, Thomas D. Adm E Hayter, J. T., Jr. P Held, Ann Reed P Trinity Judith LePera E Hellmuth, Barton L. E Hendy, Susanna ML P Heyward, William B., Jr. P Smyrna Robert Meek E Hill, Robert S., Jr. P Hill, Sarah L. ML P Holbrook, Fred A. Adm P Holden, Thomas J., III P Holman, Glen A. P Waynesboro First Linda Ritchie Dan Woodworth P Hopkins, E. Reed P Loch Willow Bob Quigley P Howard, Carl D. SS Hedgesville & Little Falls P Howard, David D. P Strasburg A. Pasquet A Hunt, Patricia ML P Hunter, Tully J. P Tinkling Spring Charles Cook Lyle Moffett 33

7 E Inglis, J. Leslie E Jackson, James R. P Jackson, Katherine C. P Moorefield Don Baker A Jaureguizar, Marcia W. ML E Johns, Harry E. IP Olivet P Johnson, Barbara R. P Romney Vida Marie Simon E Jones, Donald D. M. E Kennedy, J. Whitner P Key, Kyle W. Assoc Harrisonburg First A Klein, Deborah H. ML A Klein, William M. P Lexington Rae Carpenter P Lanaghan, Patrick R. P Burnt E Langdon, J. Bradford ML E LaPrade, Lester N., Jr. P LaRue, H. Donald P Finley Memorial Michael Robison P Leggett, John P. P Massanutten Betsy Hay Dietrich Maune E Lewis, Elizabeth Chap Westminster-Canterbury E Lewis, Herbert T. E Lindsey, James E., Jr. P Long, Karen J. IP Keyser E Lowe, Emory G. E Macbeth, Bruce A. P McClintock, Lynn ML P McCoig, Dan M., Jr. Assoc Winchester First P McCrary, Elizabeth L. P Augusta Stone A McDermott, F. Lee ML E McDonald, Carlyle A. P McDonald, John L. P Waynesboro Second Alfred Swicegood P McFarlin, Charles A. P Spring Hill William Baylor A McLean, Karen E. ML E Miles, Larry C. /SS Shenandoah Parish E Moore, G. Carl P Fairfield Bonny Wilson Timber Ridge Joyce Shull Brouchman E Moore, William L. OM E Muncy, Robert L. E Neel, Donald E. P Newman, Howard A. P Mt. Horeb John Bookhultz A Nickels, George E. E Norville, Charles K. P O'Gorek, Paul A. Chaplain Sunnyside Community P Osborne, Robert S. P Berkeley Springs Glenn Ryburn P Owen, Jan G. P Painter, William L., Jr. A Pancake, Joseph S. E Perkins, P. Parker, Jr. P Peterson, John C. P Covenant Clementine Morrison Terry Westhafer P Pettit, Ann R. Supply Massanutten P Pettit, Patrick S. P Mossy Creek Pat Campbell E Poland, Ernest L. Jr. ML E Pollock, Richard Adm P Potter, Ronald R. P Sunnyside Elton F. E Price, Norman G. E Pyles, Elizabeth P McDowell Sarah Samples P Reed, Charles K. P Warm Springs Elizabeth Knapp 34

8 P Reifsnyder, Richard W. P Winchester First Debbie Lawall Linda Swiger Dave Thalman E Reller, Charles K. P Rhyne, C. Thomas P Front Royal Ruth Younk A Robinson, John A., Jr. Adm P Robinson, Sally O. IP Parish of Valleys P Ross, Anne M. P Elkton Carl Onuchovsky P Schmahl, Carl P Warrenton Joan Bundy A Sefcik, Joseph T. E Sherman, H. Wray P Hermitage Excused P Sherrard, Robert L. P Windy Cove Gary Nair P Sieck, Philip L. E Slider, C. Richard II P Sloop, John F. P Harrisonburg First Whit Krumm Gloria Price Charles Scott E Snelson, Andrew L. E Sommer, Philip W. A Sonstegard-Spray, Maren Assoc Winchester First E Stanley, Arthur L. E Stephens, Millard M. P Stokes, Martin L. P New Monmouth Harold Hotinger A Swezey, Charles M. E Symons, Charles D., Jr. E Thornton, Joel P. ML E Tremba, Randall W. P Shepherdstown Jerry Thomas P Tutterow, Christina B. P Bethesda Karin Cron A Unger, Philip E. ML E Vernon, Joseph H. J. E von Oeyen, Jr., Robert E Watkins, John M. P Webb, Lisa M. P Woodstock Malinda Johnston P Webb, Randall E. Supply Nineveh E Whiteley, Nancy S. P Wilkers, Jack B. P Staunton Third Excused E Wilkinson, Donald S. P Williams, Daniel S. P Staunton Second Andy Easley P Wilson, Joan M. Supply Mt. Storm E Wilson, Stanton R. P Witt, David R. P Opequon Jean Steidel E Woodworth, Robert B. P Wyche, Frank P Hebron Jim McGavock E Young, Betty Jean E Young, Philip H. A Young, Richard O., Sr. CHURCHES WITHOUT INSTALLED PASTORS Ben Salem Bethany Bethel Derek Almarode Bloomery Anna Lee Wilkes Broadway Leslie Sebers Buckton Greg Stiles Buffalo Gap Daniel Stogdale Bunker Hill Excused Burlington 35

9 Cedar Creek Circleville Clear Brook Craigsville Harvey Sprouse Elk Branch Gerrardstown Mary Campbell Halltown Hedgesville Walter H. Highland Memorial Immanuel Mac McCray Ivanhoe William Wood Kearneysville Erik Wolf Keyser Melvin Evans Little Falls Lawrence Massie McCutchen Middletown Hal Hollis Mount Carmel Linda Koogler Mount Hope Pauline Sydnor Mount Joy Mount Olive Mount Storm Tony Wilson Nineveh Sandi Ey Olivet Charles Clemmer Oxford Clinton Anderson Piedmont Pines Chapel Daniel Myrtle Second Opequon John Marker Seneca Rocks Byron Bland Slanesville Springfield Tabler Hank Hogmire Tomahawk David P. Tuscarora Jonathan Brown Union Wardensville Westminster Berkeley Glenn Williamsville Zetta Excused VOTING ELDERS: Commissioned Lay Pastors A James Boyette P Michele Elliott P Tom Forbes P Judy Hensley E Isca Mitchell A William Moore P Alan Morrison A Linda Reece A Alvin Russell A Bobby Spurgeon P Ron Wilkes Voting Elders of Presbytery Staff or Presbytery Council: P Doug Sensabaugh, Staff Ruling Elder P Sandi Ey, Council (also Nineveh commissioner) E Heather Carter, Staff Ruling Elder P Paul Dana, 2012 Vice- Moderator E Lisa Hedrick, Staff Ruling Elder P Richard Johnson, Council E Karen Thatcher, Council P Phil Zirkle, Council NON-VOTING VISITORS: Visiting Ministers Bernard Bangley David Duckworth Carol Seaman 36

10 Presbytery Staff Kim Stroupe Pam Williams Visitors Gilmer Ayers Anna Bangley Bill Burslem Hannah Bush Ed Chappell Abe Clymer Wayne Dalton Donna Esther Lowell Gross Fran Hobbs Sue Hotinger Charlotte Hott Ray Lafferty Sam Lantz Houston Lynch Robert Marshall Seth McCormick Trish McFarlin Ken Miller Kathy Milliser Julian Moffett Naomi Moran Carolyn Newman Virginia Painter Russ Porter Charles Robertson Martha Sieck Joy Stiles Betty Ann Sullivan Ruth Swisher Beverly Thompson June Thompson Carole V. Thomson Dorothy Tuennermann Mary Linda Wolfe Edna Wood Teaching Elders = 82 Voting Ruling Elders = 95 Other = 41 TOTAL = 218 WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS The Moderator welcomed all visitors and ruling elder commissioners were recognized for this being their first Presbytery meeting. The Rev. John Leggett welcomed the commissioners to Massanutten Church. APPOINTMENTS The Moderator appointed the following: Assistant Clerks Rev. Tully Hunter, Ruling Elder Carl Onuchovsky of Elkton Church, and Ruling Elder Judith LePera of Trinity Church. Parliamentarian Rev. Fred A. Holbrook The docket was adopted. (See page 41) DOCKET CHURCH PROPERTY ISSUES The Rev. Daniel S. Williams, Acting Stated Clerk, gave a PowerPoint presentation on church property issues, focusing on: Three actions related to property taken at reunion in 1983: the trust clause, exemption paragraph, and Article 13 churches A brief history of property disputes in civil courts, particularly relevant United States Supreme Court decisions An overview of General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission decisions that have established authoritative interpretations in the potential dismissal of churches. Following this presentation, the Acting Clerk fielded questions from the Presbytery about property issues. MODERATOR The Rev. Jonathan Bunker, immediate past moderator of Presbytery, assumed the chair, as Moderator Paul Dana and Vice Moderator Olivia Haney are both members of the separation guidelines task force. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION The task force that drafted the separation policy presented the proposed guidelines, and reported on the history behind the work and the changes that had been made since the first reading of the document at the November 8, 2011, stated meeting. Members of the task force the Rev. Olivia Haney, Ruling Elder Paul Dana, the Rev. Charlie McFarlin, and Ruling Elder Charlotte Hott formed a panel to answer questions from the Presbytery to clarify the proposal. 37

11 RECESS The Body adjourned at noon to the outdoor pavilion to enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by members of Massanutten Church. The Body reconvened at 1:00 p.m. INTERCESSORY PRAYERS Rev. Randy Webb led the body in prayer remembering the many persons and causes that members of Shenandoah Presbytery had called to our attention in written concerns during the morning. AMENDMENTS TO SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY DISMISSAL POLICY AMENDMENT That Section VII be amended as follows: In line 207, insert the words of active members present and voting after more. In line 211, strike out will and insert shall. In line 212, insert the words with a vote on the Administrative Commission's recommendation and Plan of Separation. A simple majority is required. After request. Proposed language: (changes in Italics) In the event that the vote for dismissal is 2/3rds or more of active members present and voting, the session and the Administrative Commission shall proceed with a Plan of Separation. Once the two groups have agreed on this plan, the Administrative Commission shall report the proceedings which led to this point, including the Plan of Separation, to Shenandoah Presbytery. At the next stated or a called meeting of the presbytery, the presbytery will shall vote on the congregation's request with a vote on the Administrative Commission's recommendation and the mutually developed Plan of Separation. A simple majority is required. (Book of Order G b and the Authoritative Interpretation of the 218th General Assembly). Approved; see other amendments to follow AMENDMENT Beginning line 215 Insert the italicized text: In the event that the written vote for dismissal is greater than 50% but is less than 2/3rds Approved AMENDMENT To amend the policy at line 207 by striking out is 2/3 or more of the active members present and voting, the session and the Administrative Commission and inserting the text in italics, below: In the event that the vote for dismissal by the congregation is 85% or more of the active members present and voting the Administrative Commission shall recommend dismissal with property without required payment. If the vote of the congregation is 67-84% the Session and the Administrative Commission shall proceed with a Plan of Separation. Defeated AMENDMENT Line 194: Insert the italicized text: If the church where they are commissioned requests dismissal, the CRE s relationship with that congregation will be dissolved at a time to be negotiated and specified in the plan of separation. Approved. AMENDMENT Reverse the order of Sections VI and VII (Amendment disappeared when the following amendment was substituted) 38

12 Substitute amendment: Move first sentence of section VII to become the first sentence of section VI First sentence: In the event that the written vote for dismissal is greater than 50% but is less than 2/3rds or more of active members present and voting, the session and the Administrative Commission shall proceed with a Plan of Separation. Approved. AMENDMENT Line 68 Strike the final two sentences of section II: If necessary and if possible by the presbytery (G b). Approved. AMENDMENT Strike A in line 72 Approved. AMENDMENT Correct Book of Order reference in line 85 add G b to the cited reference (G ) Approved. (Originally, this was to strike the G reference, but Fred Holbrook later reported that it needed to remain, with the other reference added to it.) DEBATE AND ACTION In the afternoon session of the meeting, Presbytery proceeded to consider the proposed separation guidelines. Written ballots were circulated. While the ballots were being counted, the Rev. Martin Stokes and Ruling Elder Doug Sensabaugh led the body in the singing of several spiritual songs. Presbytery voted to approve the policy as amended, by a written ballot: 159 yes and 14 no, with no unmarked ballots. (See pages for written policy) With action being taken on what constituted the final report by the task force, the task force was discharged with Presbytery s thanks. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned with prayer led by the Moderator Paul Dana. Presbytery will meet in Stated Session: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Lexington Presbyterian Church, Lexington, VA (9:30 a.m.) 39 Paul R. Dana, Moderator

13 Daniel S. Williams, Acting Stated Clerk Kimberly T. Stroupe, Recording Clerk 40

14 DOCKET 8:15 a.m. REGISTRATION BEGINS 9:00 a.m. Call to Order with prayer Worship 9:30 a.m. Determining a Quorum Welcome and Introduction of Guests Seating corresponding members Appointments by the Moderator (Assistant Clerks) Adoption of the Docket Representative of host church 9:40 a.m. CHURCH PROPERTY ISSUES PowerPoint presentation by Dan Williams Question and Answer period 10:40 a.m. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION Task Force Proposed Dismissal Guidelines for Shenandoah Presbytery (Changes since first reading) 11:00 a.m. QUESTION AND ANSWER TIME for clarification (not debate) Panel discussion with task force, stated clerk, parliamentarian 12:00 p.m. LUNCH RECESS served by Massanutten Church 1:00 p.m. DEBATE AND ACTION Prayer before vote is taken Vote taken by ballot (to protect members right to vote their conscience) Counting and announcement of vote result ADJOURNMENT Times are all intended as general orders no Orders of the Day, other than lunch (despite operating procedures statement that reports over 10 minutes in length are Orders of the Day). 41

15 Dismissal Guidelines for Shenandoah Presbytery Preamble These guidelines begin with fervent prayer that they will never be needed. If they should be, then both the congregation making the request and Shenandoah Presbytery ( presbytery ) will have failed in their shared responsibility to achieve the reconciliation and the unity to which scripture calls us. Nevertheless, in a time of uneasiness, rumors, and strongly held convictions, we may find ourselves faced with the unpleasant and tragic necessity of negotiating a separation between sisters and brothers in Christ. Should that time come, we would also have failed our responsibilities to the body of Christ in the church which holds our membership, if we did not carry out that process decently and in order with as little dishonor to the Church of Jesus Christ as possible. These guidelines are a means for the presbytery to consult with the congregation about what is best for the mission and strategy of the congregation and the presbytery. In all cases when a congregation or some of its members express unhappiness with the presbytery, or with other parts of the denomination, the goal shall be loving, honest, compassionate reconciliation, so that harmony many be restored and mission strengthened. It shall be the policy of the presbytery to treat decisions of congregations considering or seeking dismissal as a matter for pastoral care and not for discipline. We acknowledge that such a matter is sensitive and needs to be treated with compassion as Christ has compassion upon all children of the covenant. We believe and affirm the basic principle of our unity is that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. Church property is a tool for the accomplishment of the mission of Christ in the world (G ), and is neither the basis of our unity, nor is it to be used to promote division among us. Our Book of Order reminds us that the civil power of the state should not be used to enforce the provisions of a religious constitution (F b). As a presbytery, we recognize that the Book of Order (G b, G , G ) provides that the presbytery may dismiss congregations from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to join with a Reformed denomination whose organization is conformed to the doctrine and order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). We are reminded that the presbytery is the only body empowered to dismiss congregations. The presbytery asks our congregations to defer litigation against the presbytery in civil courts. In the spirit of the Apostle Paul, together we peacefully seek first to discuss and arbitrate any disagreements, as brothers and sisters in Christ, before seeking any civil remedies afforded by law. (I Corinthians 6:1-8) We recognize that this process is not an easy one and defining what is best for the mission and strategy of the church falls into the following areas: concern, ministry, and pastoral care. Opportunities and concerns to be addressed in the process include: 1. Consideration that reconciliation be the first desire of both the congregation and presbytery. 2. No action regarding possible dismissal should be undertaken without an extensive evaluation by the presbytery. Only after a careful process will the presbytery be able to evaluate a request for dismissal or to decide that another course of action is most appropriate to advance the mission strategy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that is shared by both the congregation and the presbytery. 3. If reconciliation is not possible, work toward a gracious separation of the congregation from the presbytery. 4. The disposal, dispersion, or distribution of the church property, both real property and liquid assets. Real property may include manses, cemeteries or additional properties owned by the church. Liquid assets may include bonds, certificates of deposits, stocks, endowed funds and loans. 5. The relationship of the presbytery with the teaching elders and congregation considering dismissal. 6. Congregation members who choose to stay with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). 42

16 Procedure When it becomes apparent that there is significant desire within a congregation to consider dismissal, or the presbytery becomes aware that a congregation is in some degree of turmoil or serious disagreement with either the presbytery or the denomination, the following steps shall be taken: I. The session of the particular congregation shall contact the stated clerk of Shenandoah Presbytery to request a visit from a Church Review Team ( team ). II. III. IV. The presbytery will then form a team to work with the session and congregation. The purpose of this team is to engage the session and the congregation as a whole (as circumstances suggest) in a time of prayer and dialogue aimed at understanding the areas of disagreement and conflict. The team shall consist of seven (7) members, including teaching elders and ruling elders. These persons shall be selected by the general presbyter, stated clerk, chair of Presbytery Council, chair of the Committee on Ministry ( COM ), and the presbytery Moderator. These persons shall be selected for their listening skills and their gifts for mediation and conflict resolution. The team shall meet with the session with reasonable haste. The purpose of this meeting is to listen to the concerns of the session. If resolution can be reached with the session, the team will report back to the COM (as a whole) and the Committee on Church Development ( CCD ) in writing that a resolution has been reached. The stated clerk will then dismiss the team with thanks on behalf of the presbytery. If resolution is not reached, ordinarily the presbytery shall elect the members of the team to an Administrative Commission (Book of Order G b, G ). The Administrative Commission shall work with the session to organize and set dates for congregational gatherings. These gatherings shall be an open discussion about dismissal from the denomination. The agenda shall be decided by the session and the Administrative Commission. Areas to be discussed may include education about the issues which have brought the congregation to this point, if needed. During the congregational gatherings, if an active church member is unable to attend a gathering, he/she may correspond with the Administrative Commission in writing. These gatherings are for the purpose of seeking input from the congregation and the presbytery, but they are not congregational meetings (Book of Order G-1.05). V. In the event that the congregational gatherings indicate that the congregation and the session wish to proceed with dismissal from the denomination, the Administrative Commission will report to the COM and the CCD. The session, at the direction of the Administrative Commission, will then proceed to hold a congregational hearing in which a written ballot will be taken. This written ballot provides information to all parties but does not by itself determine the outcome of the issue of dismissal (G , last sentence). It will be announced to the congregation that, in accordance with the Authoritative Interpretation of the 218 th General Assembly (2008), withdrawal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is not a matter that can be considered at a congregational meeting. A. Congregational Hearing Procedure 1. The session and the team shall announce the congregational hearing at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of the hearing. The date of the hearing shall be published in the worship bulletins on three (3) 43

17 consecutive Sundays and letters shall be sent by first class mail to all active members of the congregation. The hearing shall be held at a time mutually agreed upon by the session and the Administrative Commission. 2. The quorum for this hearing shall be the same as for meetings of the congregation. The Administrative Commission shall make record of the church s quorum and exactly how many active members attended the hearing. Active members of the congregation shall have permission to speak and vote. The general presbyter and stated clerk and the Administrative Commission shall have permission to speak. 3. The installed pastor of the church shall moderate the hearing. If this hearing is deemed to be tense or stressful, the presbytery may wish to suggest that the pastor or moderator invite a teaching elder named by the presbytery, in an effort to ensure that the congregational decision to be made is free of undue influence from the installed pastor, protecting both the process and the pastor. But an installed pastor is not bound to act on this suggestion (Authoritative Interpretation of the 218 th General Assembly). 4. After opening with prayer, the moderator shall state the purpose of the hearing and present the following question: Shall the Presbyterian Church request Shenandoah Presbytery to dismiss it to? Ample time shall be given to both those who favor and those who oppose such an action. 5. After fair and open discussion, a ballot with the following question shall be distributed to the voting members attending: Shall the Presbyterian Church request Shenandoah Presbytery to proceed with negotiations to dismiss it to. The ballot choices shall read: Request dismissal Do not request dismissal 6. The votes will be collected by assigned members and given to those who are counting, which will include a member of the Administrative Commission, a member of the session, and a member of the congregation appointed prior to the meeting. 7. The Administrative Commission will report the vote to the COM and the CCD, and proceed as directed in Sections VII and VIII of the policy. VI. In the event that the vote for dismissal is two-thirds or more of active members present and voting, the session and the Administrative Commission shall proceed with a plan of separation. The administrative commission and the session shall discuss the following points. A. Property (real and liquid) The session shall provide a list of all assets and liabilities. 1. The presbytery, in this process of negotiating issues of conscience and property with the congregations, will seek to reflect the presbytery s primary concern for the ongoing missions and vitality of Christian witness in the area impacted by the ministry of that congregation. 2. In this regard, the presbytery has an abiding interest in and responsibility for the location and facilities of the member churches, since they are an expression of the mission of the larger church (G ). 44

18 3. Even so, the presbytery will recognize that the church in a particular area is not its building or financial assets, but the members of the congregation. 4. The presbytery will be mindful of both congregation members who, for reasons of conscience, desire that their congregation be dismissed to another denomination, and also those congregation members who wish to remain within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In the spirit of ecumenism, the presbytery recognizes that when a congregation is dismissed to another Reformed denomination, Christian ministry does not disappear within this geographical area. 5. If a group within the congregation desires to remain within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) and another group within the congregation desires to be dismissed to another Reformed body, the session and the administrative commission will make an effort to enable both to be viable congregations in the aftermath of separation. B. Status of the Teaching Elder As a congregation decides on its future, the teaching elder(s) serving that congregation must decide if they will remain with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or separate from the denomination to another denomination. The Administrative Commission shall work with the teaching elder(s) in reaching a decision. The following guidelines shall be recommended. 1. Teachings elders who decide to stay in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and not go with the departing congregation shall be provided, by that congregation, a severance package that is in accord with the presbytery s policy. 2. Teaching elders who request dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with the departing congregation shall be dismissed to the receiving denomination upon request from the receiving denomination and when the transfer of the congregation is complete. 3. Ruling elders, who have been commissioned as Commissioned Ruling Elders (CRE) will vote only in the church where their membership resides, not in the church where they are commissioned. If the church where they are commissioned requests dismissal, the CRE s relationship with that congregation will be dissolved at a time to be negotiated and specified in the plan of separation. If the church which holds the CRE s membership requests dismissal, the CRE shall decide whether they will go with their congregation or move their membership to another congregation. C. Congregation members who wish to stay in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall receive support and care. The amount of the resources to be provided shall be the subject of negotiations and shall involve issues such as, but not limited to: number of members wishing to remain, proximity of existing Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations, and the need for pastoral leadership. VII. Once the two groups have agreed on this plan, the Administrative Commission shall report the proceedings which led to this point including the plan of separation to Shenandoah Presbytery. At the next stated or called meeting of the presbytery, the presbytery shall vote on the congregation's request with a vote on the Administrative Commission's recommendation and the mutually developed plan of separation. A simple majority is required. (Book of Order G b and the Authoritative Interpretation of the 218 th General Assembly). 45

19 VIII. In the event that the written vote for dismissal is greater than 50% but is less than twothirds, the administrative commission shall bring to the presbytery a recommendation to consider the request for dismissal, in accordance with the Book of Order G b. At the presbytery meeting, which may be either a stated or called meeting, to consider a request for dismissal, the presbytery shall proceed in the following manner. A. Before the vote they shall: 1. Hear from members of the congregation favoring dismissal. If any member of the congregation desires to speak before the presbytery, they shall contact the stated clerk twenty-one (21) days prior to the presbytery meeting. 2. Hear from members of the congregation opposing dismissal. If any member of the congregation desires to speak before the presbytery, they shall contact the stated clerk twenty-one (21) days prior to the presbytery meeting. 3. Hear from members of the Administrative Commission. 4. Hear the recommendations regarding the dismissal. 5. Be informed of any financial contributions or obligations related to this congregation through its relationship with any council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 6. Hear from the Administrative Commission whether the organization of the denomination to which the church wishes to be dismissed conforms to the doctrine and order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 7. Be informed of how this congregation s dismissal would affect the mission and ministry of the presbytery. 8. Receive a proposal, if any, for a financial and other settlement between the presbytery and the congregation. B. If the session and the administrative commission have negotiated a proposed settlement regarding financial and other matters, then following discussion and prayer, the presbytery shall vote by a written ballot on this questions: Shall the Presbyterian Church be dismissed to based on the following terms and conditions of a settlement between the church and the presbytery? C. The ballot choices for the presbytery shall read: Yes No D. The terms of dismissal, along with a written report from the administrative commission and the vote count, shall be recorded in the minutes of the presbytery meeting. IX. If the congregation requesting dismissal files suit in any civil court to claim the real property involved in the dismissal, the actions taken by the presbytery regarding the dismissal shall be held in abeyance for possible reconsideration by the presbytery after a determination by the civil court. X. If the title to the congregation s property is not transferred to the congregation at the time of dismissal, the presbytery may lease the property to the dismissed congregation. The congregation shall maintain the property and have responsibility for liabilities or losses relating to the property that may be incurred during the lease. While the presbytery will be gracious in establishing the lease fees for the property, in no case shall the fees be less than any encumbrances or mortgages upon the property. 46

20 XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. In negotiating and discussing any financial arrangements with the representatives of the congregation, the Administrative Commission will consider whether a viable continuing congregation loyal to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) exists which may make use of the property and what provisions have been made for their care if that should not be the case. The original session minutes and all other official records related to the church s life as a church in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or its predecessors will become the property of the presbytery (G ). Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the presbytery appointing an Administrative Commission in place of the congregation s session and its assumption of original jurisdiction in accordance with the Book of Order G c. The intent in any dispute within the life of the Church is to achieve reconciliation. Shenandoah Presbytery wishes to make clear our intention to continue to seek that goal. Any congregation within Shenandoah Presbytery that should separate from the denomination is assured of our continuing prayers for them and of our willingness to welcome them back to that part of God s family known as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Amendments to this policy shall be reviewed by Presbytery Council for recommendation to presbytery. 47

21 APRIL 2012 index ADJOURNMENT...39 APPOINTMENTS...37 CHURCH PROPERTY ISSUES...37 DEBATE AND ACTION...39 DISMISSAL GUIDELINES ADOPTED...39, DOCKET...37, 41 ENROLLMENT INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION...37 INTERCESSORY PRAYER...38 QUORUM...32 RECESS...38 WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS...37 WORSHIP...32