Presbytery of Monmouth Docket Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Toms River, NJ

Transcription

1 Presbytery of Monmouth Docket Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Toms River, NJ 7:00 Worship Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson 7:40 Presbytery Convenes with Prayer Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson 7:45 Opening Items of Business Formation of the Roll & Brief Announcements Approval of the Docket Report on Arrangements Omnibus motion Report of the Stated Clerk & Correspondence Rev. Jean Pinto, pro tem 7:55 Ministries Division Steering Committee (MDSC) Rev. Myrlene Hamilton Hess Educational Ministries Resource Center Emily Allen Mission Working Group Rev. Terry Chapman 8:10 Regional Presbyter Rev. Wendy Bailey 8:15 Mission Council Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson 8:35 Trustees Rev. Theresa Swenson 8:45 Committee on Preparation for Ministry (examination for Ordination- Christine Myers-Tegeder) Elder George Gill 9:05 Committee on Ministry Elder Dan Raisch 9:10 Nominating Committee Rev. Jean Pinto 9:15 Personnel Committee Rev. Doug Chase 9:20 Presbytery Visioning Roundtable Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson 9:50 Miscellaneous, Un-docketed & Unfinished Business Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Thanks Extended to Host Church Adjournment 9:55 Closing Prayer Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson

2 Questions for Visioning Roundtable: 1. What is the essential mission of a presbytery? 2. On a scale of 1-10 how necessary is it that a congregation fully participate in the financial responsibilities of its presbytery? (1 not necessary at all; 10 vitally necessary to the well-being of the congregation and the larger Church) Why? 3. Some in our presbytery are rethinking the concept of percapita assessment of congregations for the funding of the presbytery. Another approach would be for the presbytery to assess congregations a percentage of their receipts or income for a year. Please discuss the pros and cons of a percentage assessment vs. a per capita assessment.

3 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH MEETING IN ALLENTOWN, NEW JERSEY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 The Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Monmouth, held at The First Presbyterian Church, Allentown, New Jersey, on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., was convened at 7:00 p.m. The Rev. Robin Lostetter (Bordentown) and the Rev. Dana Eglinton (Jacksonville) led the Presbytery in worship, assisted by Elder Kathie Ackerman (Bordentown), Enoch Smith (Allentown), and the Rev. Phyllis Zoon (Plumsted). The offering was designated to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The meeting was called to order with prayer offered by the Moderator, the Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson. Roll of Presbytery's Commissioners The roll of commissioners present was formed by the Clerk pro tempore, the Rev. Jean Pinto. The roll for this Stated Meeting was as follows: Church Minister Commissioners Elder Commissioners Allentown Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Nancy Tindall Mary Beth Drew Dwayne Bailey Douglas Paige Jeffrey McLaughlin Atlantic Highlands, First Peter Donoghue Barnegat, Wright Memorial Bayville, Morning Star Peter Edgar Reinhard Rutz John Czekaj Belmar, First Bordentown, First Bricktown, Brick Principe de Paz- Cliffwood Beach, Bayview Cranbury, First Bill Morris Robin Lostetter Doug Chase Lou Mitchell Suzanne Schafer-Coates Kathie Ackerman Lori Evans Don Winchell East Brunswick, Trinity Englishtown, First Farmingdale, Pierce Memorial Forked River Freehold, First Hightstown, First Jackson, Cornerstone Jacksonville Jamesburg Korean New Church Terry Chapman Barbara Heck Dana Eglinton Gary Filson Vera Musser Howard Dunbar Susan Beaton Walt Vincent

4 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey Development Lakehurst Lakewood, First Lakewood, Hope Lincroft Long Branch, First Manasquan, First Matawan, First Middletown, Westminster Neptune, Martin Luther King Jr New Egypt, Plumsted New Gretna, First Ocean, Church on the Hill Perrineville, Millstone Point Pleasant Beach Red Bank, First Retreat, Oak Grove Rumson, First Sayreville, First Shrewsbury South Amboy, First Christina Hindley Barbara Hicks Phyllis Zoon Claire Pula Theresa Swenson Jason Tucker John Monroe Francis Nace Wendy Harman Ralph Evans John Pillarella Claude Heller Ken Garrison Ken Park David Hinton Bill Faust Joyce Davies Joe Davies Sue McPherson Sykesville, First Tennent, Old Tennent Tinton Falls, Hope Toms River Victoria Pruner David Joynt Scott Thayer Gary Weiss Stephen Buckley Graham Bright Dan Raisch Tuckerton, First Merideth Mueller Gwen Atwell Yardville, United Mission Council Administrative Division Steering Committee Ministries Division Steering Committee Board of Trustees Jean Pinto Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Jean Pinto Rob Morrison Wendy Bailey Wendy Bailey Jean Pinto Terry Chapman Barbara McDonald Wendy Bailey Theresa Swenson Victoria Pruner Dan Raisch Bill Faust Howard Dunbar Nancy Tindall Lori Evans Patty Williams Gary Weiss Howard Dunbar

5 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey Attendees with Privilege of the Floor Presbytery Staff MONMOUTH PRESBYTERY SPECIALIZED, AT- LARGE & RETIRED MINISTERS Barbara McDonald George McDonald Terry Fouse Mary-Lynn Morrison (at-large) Rob Morrison Jane Price (s) Joanne Petto (s) Joanne Van Sant (s) GUEST - MINISTERS GUESTS - ELDERS GUESTS - OTHERS Wendy Bailey* Thad Livingston (Past Moderator) Marie Luthringer Patty Williams* Members Guests * Lay employee with privilege of the floor (G ) Karen Collins (Allentown) Robert Musser (Englishtown) Kim Daly (Allentown) Bailey Pruner (TR) Douglas Hughes Karen Giurici Before adjournment, the Stated Clerk reported that the following presbyters wished to be excused from this Stated Meeting: Name Church Reason Rev. Jeffrey Carney South Amboy Travel Rev. David McKirachan Shrewsbury Travel Limitations Julissa Alvarez-Garcia Principe de Paz Illness Joanne Schnaudt None Rev. Cynthia Bowman At-large Other Commitment Rev. Myrlene Hamilton Hess Bayville, Morning Star Travel Rev. Linda Goeddel Specialized Other Commitment Rev. John Milne Retired Out of State Rev. Dierdre Thompson Specialized Medical Rev. Linda Chase Pt. Pleasant Other Commitment Rev. Fred Halde New Gretna Other Commitment Rev. Mike Hoffarth Sayreville Out of State Rev. Scott Cupp Matawan Travel Rick LaFever Lakewood, First Emergency (friend) Rev. Carl Wilton Pt. Pleasant Medical Rev. Rob Carter East Brunswick Vacation Rev. Courtney Cromie Jackson, Cornerstone Travel

6 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey Rev. Cynthia Ritter Parker Englishtown None The following are permanently excused for health reasons: Allen A. Ruscito Retired John E. Slater Retired Clarence Twigg Retired The following are excused because they live outside the bounds of the Presbytery and do not labor within the bounds: Raymond A. Foley Retired Samuel Y. Khalil At large Timothy S. Lantz Chaplain Kimberly Bracken Long At large Dayle G. Rounds Church related Ingram S.C. Seah Retired Robert L. Seaman Retired Danny M. Sharpe At large Robert M. Taylor Retired Joyce C. Tucker Retired Wayne R. Whitelock Retired In keeping with the provisions of the Form of Government, G , the 31 ministers and the 39 elders present constituted a quorum for the Stated Meeting. The total registered attendance was 71; the total number of persons eligible to vote was 66. The following were absent: There were no elder commissioners present from the following churches: Principe de Paz (Bayview), East Brunswick, Freehold, Korean, Jackson (Cornerstone), Long Branch, Manasquan, MLK, Ocean (Church on a Hill), Perrineville (Millstone), Oak Grove Retreat, South Amboy, Sykesville, Sayreville Elders attending a Stated Meeting for the first time were introduced. Dawn Adamy (New Brunswick) and Stuart Spencer (Thompson Memorial Church of Philadelphia Presbytery) were seated as corresponding members. Announcements: Dawn Adamy invited the clergy of Monmouth Presbytery to join the clergy of New Brunswick at a Clergy Retreat at the Stella Maris Retreat Center, Jan The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson announced that the President of McCormick Theological Seminary, Frank Yamaguchi, will be preaching at Allentown PC on Dec. 8, 2013 at 8:30 and 11 a.m. It was moved and carried to elect the Rev. Jean Pinto, to be Clerk pro tempore in the absence of the Stated Clerk, the Rev. Carl Wilton, due to illness. Approval of the Docket It was moved and carried to approve the docket for this meeting. Business docketed at this meeting included: Pre-presbytery meeting Youth Mission Trip Worship Presbytery Convenes with Prayer - The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Election of Clerk pro tempore Opening Items of Business Formation of the Roll & Brief Announcements

7 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey Approval of the Docket Report on Arrangements Report of the Stated Clerk & Correspondence The Rev. Jean Pinto, pro tem State of the Presbytery Report of the Regional Presbyter The Rev. Wendy Bailey Mission Council The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Mission Working Group The Rev. Terry Chapman Committee on Preparation for Ministry The Rev. Meredith Mueller Personnel The Rev. Doug Chase Nominating Committee The Rev. Jean Pinto Committee On Ministry Elder Dan Raisch Trustees The Rev. Theresa Swenson Administrative Division Steering Committee (ADSC) The Rev. Wendy Bailey Elder Nancy Tindall Ministry Division Steering Committee (MDSC) The Rev. Myrlene Hamilton Hess Mt. Holly Administrative Commission Elder Bill Faust Miscellaneous, Un-docketed & Unfinished Business - The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Thanks Extended to Host Church Adjournment Closing Prayer The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Report on Arrangements The Rev. Stephen Heizel-Nelson welcomed the presbytery and acquainted the commissioners with the facilities of the Allentown Presbyterian Church. Report of the Clerk pro tempore Rev. Jean Pinto presented the Minutes of the June 25, 2013 Presbytery Meeting at the Pincipe de Paz Church, Cliffwood Beach for approval. It was moved and carried. REGIONAL PRESBYTER S REPORT Rev. Wendy Bailey reported that Rev. Carl Wilton is home from the hospital and is improving. She also presented a gift of a hurricane lamp to Mary Lynn Morrison in appreciation for her work in managing the presbytery s Sandy relief effort with the recovery team. The staff and council are beginning to question whether we need a physical space for the Presbytery office or could it be done virtually. The budget that we have and how we raise our funds is not sustainable in the long run. A task force composed of the Regional Presbyter, Elder Howard Dunbar (presbytery accountant), Rev. Jason Tucker and Rev. Jean Pinto has been working on alternative ways to fund the presbytery which will continue to be worked on with the goal of transforming our process of funding for MISSION COUNCIL Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson, Moderator, reported that much of the issues in Wendy s report are reflected in the minutes of the Mission Council. MISSION WORKING GROUP Rev. Terry Chapman reported that the Mission Working Group is looking at ways that we can make connections to all the mission, advocacy, and social justice opportunities available. Not just information but (spiritual) transformation. The group is working on two overtures that they will present in January.

8 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY On behalf of the committee, the Rev. Meredith Mueller made the motion that Candidate Bailey Ann Pruner be examined for ordination. Following questions, a motion was approved to arrest the examination. It was moved and carried that Bailey Ann Pruner be approved for ordination and that Philadelphia Presbytery be asked to ordain her on our behalf. The Rev. Tori Pruner led the presbytery in prayer of thanksgiving for Bailey s life and call. PERSONNEL Rev. Doug Chase, chair of Personnel, moved on behalf of the committee to approve a revised draft of the Personnel Policies and Practices of the Presbytery of Monmouth for approval. The motion carried. NOMINATING COMMITTEE Rev. Jean Pinto, chair of Nominating, presented the following nominees for Presbytery approval: For the Committee On Preparation for Ministry, Class of 2014 The Rev. Joanne Van Sant (Faith Reformed, Hazlet) For the Permanent Judicial Commission, Class of 2015 Ruling Elder Sue Ralph (Englishtown) There being no nominations from the floor, a motion was made and carried to elect the slate unanimously. COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY Ruling Elder Dan Raisch, chair of the Committee on Ministry, reported the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken by evote since the last meeting of Presbytery: A. That, acting as the Presbytery, the Committee concurred with the session and congregation of the First Presbyterian Church, Freehold and the Revs. Cynthia Bowman and David Bowman in regard to the dissolution of the pastoral ties between them, according to the terms of the respective Agreements of Separation documents which became effective on October 6, B. That the Committee acted to appoint the Rev. Barbara McDonald as Moderator of the session of the First Presbyterian Church, Freehold, effective October 15, C. That the Committee, acting as the Presbytery, approved the Parish Associate relationship between the Rev. Suzanne Schafer-Coates and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, effective November 1, 2013, at the following terms of remuneration: Total salary and housing $20,000 Pension, Medical, Disability $10,800 Social Security Allowance $1,639 Travel $1,100 MediFlex $1,426 Dental $1,035 Study Leave $500 This relationship was established to support the Meadow Lakes ministry recently adopted by the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury following the discontinuation of the relationship between the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown and the Meadow Lakes ministry.

9 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey The Committee reported the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken at the stated Committee meeting of November 5, 2013: 1. The Committee recommends that the Presbytery receive the Rev. Douglas E. Hughes as an At Large member upon his transfer from Shenango Presbytery. Following examination, it was moved and carried. 2. The Committee discussed Overture st G.A. (2014) from Kiskiminetas Presbytery. A motion that Monmouth Presbytery concur with Kiskiminetas in supporting the overture was defeated. 3. In conjunction with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and the Educational Ministries team, COM will seek to form a Pathway to Commissioning task force to develop policies relating to the commissioning of Ruling Elders for a particular purpose (the position formerly titled Commissioned Lay Pastor.) The Committee reported the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken by evote after submission of the Committee s November report to Presbytery: 1) The Committee moved that Presbytery approve the formation of an administrative commission with the following membership to conduct the ordination of Ms. Bailey Pruner at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River at 4:00pm on January 5, 2014: Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson (Allentown, Moderator of Monmouth Presbytery) Rev. Courtney Cromie - Cornerstone (Jackson) Rev. Gary Filson - Jamesburg Rev. Dr. David M. Joynt - Toms River Elder Susan Beaton - Freehold Elder Peter Thomson - Toms River Elder George Gill Allentown The motion carried. 2) The Committee moved that Presbytery approve the contract for Stated Supply services between the Rev. Paul Rack and the First Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands, at the following terms, effective December 1, 2013: TRUSTEES Part time service at 20 hours per week Salary $20, Soc. Sec. Offset 1, Pension & Med 6, Total Effective Salary $28, Professional Exp 2, Vacation 1 month plus one Sunday Cont. Ed. Leave 2 weeks Attendance at GA 8 days on even numbered years Atendance at FPC 4 days each year Note that Social Security and Pension & Medical will be split proportionally between Atlantic Highlands & Hope Tinton Falls as Rev. Rack will continue to serve as Interim Pastor for the latter congregation. The motion carried. The Rev. Theresa Swenson, on behalf of the Trustees, made the following motions: 1) That Presbytery approve of a lease of the building of Hope Presbyterian Church, Tinton Falls, including the sanctuary, to a congregation of the United

10 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey Pentecostal Church, International, at terms to be negotiated by the Session. The motion carried. 2) Moved that Presbytery approve an application loan of $260,000 being sought by the Presbyterian Church in Shrewsbury from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation, through the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Fund, for property repairs and improvements. The motion carried. 3) That Presbytery approve of the Endowment Fund Policy, Mission Fund Policy and Investment Policy. The motion carried. Moderator Heinzel-Nelson thanked Rev. Swenson and the Trustees for the effort and thought put into the developing of these policies. ADMINISTRATION DIVISION STEERING COMMITTEE Elder Nancy Tindall moved that Presbytery receive the financial report submitted by the independent auditors, Feldman Sablosky Massoni, and append it to the minutes. The motion carried. The Treasurer also gave a preview of the 2014 budget, which is based on a $35.20 per capita. Per capita shortages will be covered by the payment made by the Mt. Holly Church in its agreement with the Presbytery upon its dismissal. 2% increases for staff. MINISTRIES DIVISION STEERING COMMITTEE Elder Joyce Davies announced the Equipping the Saints program in January; the Pizza and Polity confirmation class at Hightstown PC; the Women s retreat, Sat. Jan. 25; and a brunch for Educators and friends Mon., Jan MT. HOLLY ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION REPORT Ruling Elder Bill Faust reported as follows: In accordance with the actions taken at the June 25 th Presbytery Meeting at Cliffwood Beach, the Moderator of Presbytery, Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson, on August 30, 2013, appointed Rev. Jean Pinto (Yardville), Elder William Faust (Red Bank) and Elder William McFarland (Mt. Holly) to an Administrative Commission to oversee the dismissal of the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Holly from the PCUSA denomination to the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians, frequently referred to as the ECO denomination. The Administrative Commission viewed its task as being implementers of the findings of the Monmouth Presbytery Gracious Discernment Team for Mt. Holly, assuring that the recommendations of the Gracious Discernment Team were completed decently and in good order. With very mixed feelings of accomplishment for the team and sadness at the loss of vital contributors to Monmouth Presbytery, I can report that this has been done, with the Church being dismissed on November 1, The following items have been completed: Full Payment to Presbytery of Per Capita for 2013 Full Payment to Presbytery of 10% of regular contributions received by the Mt. Holly church for the 2012 calendar year All deeds signed over to the Mt. Holly church on November 1, 2013; (here I want to express appreciation to Elder Joel Davies for substantial assistance in drawing up appropriate legal documents) By-Laws redrawn and adopted by the congregation to remove any reference to the PCUSA

11 November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey All financial accounts put solely in the name of the Mt. Holly church All insurance policies reviewed to assure that they do not rely on membership in the PCUSA denomination Membership roles revised to remove from membership those members indicating the wish to continue membership in the PCUSA All communication materials reviewed to remove reference to the PCUSA Board of Pensions notified that Rev. Tim Osborne has elected to join the ECO denomination The Administrative Commission has received a commitment for one item that is still outstanding: All original church records are to be deposited with the PCUSA Historical Society no later than January 24, It was moved and carried to accept the report and spread it upon the minutes. Report on Leaves of Absence The Presbytery excused those presbyters previously named from this Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Monmouth. Thanks Extended to the Host Church Elder Walter Vincent announced that he has signs with information about where to Hurricane Sandy victims can receive assistance and would like to distribute them to people to place on their lawns. Adjournment The Presbytery meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. with prayer by Moderator Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Attest: The Rev. Jean Pinto, Clerk pro tempore

12 COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT January 28, 2014 The Committee reports the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken by evote since the last meeting of Presbytery: A. That the Committee recommends that for the year 2014, the Presbytery of Monmouth grant the Rev. Linda Goeddel permission to celebrate the Lord's Supper in public worship at Crestwood Manor on a monthly basis, as well as in such individual situations of pastoral care as may seem prudent to her. (Although specifically identifying Rev. Goeddel, the Committee recommends that this permission be extended to all Teaching Elders serving in chaplaincy situations in the Presbytery.) B. That the Committee recommends: 1. That according to the Book of Order G-2.10, Presbytery extend the commission of Elder Rick LeFever (Hightstown) to limited pastoral service at the First Presbyterian Church, Lakewood for a period of one year; 2. That during the period February 2, 2014 to February 1, 2015, Presbytery grant Elder LeFever permission to moderate meetings of the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Lakewood, celebrate the Sacraments, officiate at weddings, and have voice and vote at meetings of the Presbytery; 3. That Presbytery approve the contract between Elder LeFever and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church, Lakewood, with the same terms as the 2013 contract except for a 2% increase in cash salary. C. That the Committee recommends that Presbytery approve the change in the terms of call for the Rev. Dr. Merideth Mueller, serving at the First Presbyterian Church, Tuckerton, reflecting a 6% increase in base salary, adjusted proportionally to reflect a change from full time to three quarter (3/4) time service. [The reduced total package will free church resources to permit the hiring of a staff person for Christian Education. This change was initiated by and approved by Rev. Mueller.] The Committee reports the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken at the stated Committee meeting of January 7, 2014: 1. Recommend that the Presbytery concur with Session of the First Presbyterian Church, Sayreville and the Rev. Michael Hoffarth in extending the contract for stated supply services for one year through December 31, 2014, with the following terms: salary $15,595.56, housing allowance $23,886.88, social security offset $3,020.41, pension

13 $2,176.03, medical reimbursement allowance $600, travel allowance, study allowance $400, 2 weeks study leave time and 4 weeks plus 1 Sunday vacation leave. 2. The Committee voted to recommend that the request of the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands for suspension of G regarding term limits for ruling elders be denied. Instead the Committee would propose to meet with the Session to explore the issue and suggest other alternatives. Respectfully submitted, Daniel Raisch

14 Docket Thursday, January 9, 2014 Mission Council of the Monmouth Presbytery The First Presbyterian Church of Freehold 118 West Main Street Freehold, NJ The Moderator Called the Meeting to Order at 7:15 and moved that the Rev. Jean B. Pinto be elected Clerk Pro Temp. The motion carried. 2. Motion to Form the Roll and Approve the Docket was approved Moderator Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson P Vice Moderator Rev. Jean Pinto P Administrative Division Steering Committee Elder Joel Davies E Ministries Division Steering Committee Rev. Myrlene Hamilton-Hess P Member at Large Elder Bill Faust P Member at Large Rev. Cynthia Ritter-Parker P Member at Large Rev. Rob Morrison E Member at Large Rev. Mike Hoffarth P Mission Working Group Rev. Terry Chapman E Committee on Ministry Elder Dan Raisch P Committee on Preparation for Ministry Elder George Gill P Committee on Preparation for Ministry Rev. Courtney Cromie E Executive Presbyter (ex officio) Rev. Wendy Bailey P Stated Clerk (ex officio) Rev. Carl Wilton E 3. Devotions: We shared our favorite part of the birth narrative of our Lord and the Moderator led us in prayer. 4. The Minutes of the 11/14/13 were approved as read. 5. There was no Clerk s Report. 6. Executive Presbyter Updates It was moved and carried unanimously to concur with the recommendation of the staff that the presbytery move to a virtual office, following the expiration of the lease with Plumstead Church, and to recommend approval by Presbytery. 7. Visioning Myrlene Hamilton Hess and Jean Pinto presented a proposal to amend the Presbytery Bylaws and Standing Rules to eliminate the Administrative Division Steering Committee and the Mission Division Steering Committee and consolidate their work under the aegis of the Mission Council. The motion was discussed and it was decided to bring a revised proposal to the next Mission Council so that a first reading can be brought to Presbytery in March and final approval before the next class of nominations are elected. 8. Reports and Items for Docket A. The Mission Council recommends to Presbytery that all specialized clergy serving as chaplains in hospitals, nursing homes, and so on be given permission to officiate communion at their discretion. The Mission Council also recommends that any Presbytery group, such as PW, Youth Programs, Clergy Retreats, etc. be given permission to hold communion worship services officiated by teaching elders at their discretion. Such a motion would cover all requests such as the one we have received from the Presbyterian Women to have communion at their Spring Gathering on April 26, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church of Manasquan with Barbara MacDonald officiating. B. Regional Presbytery Group have had their 2 ½ year evaluation of Wendy Bailey s work and will bring recommendation to the March meeting to extend Wendy s call through the calendar year and extend it for 3 more years. C. The moderator reported that the Administrative Commission constituted for the ordination of Bailey Pruner completed its work. D. MDSC: Educational Ministries wants 15 minutes at beginning of meeting;

15 E. ADSC: Requests 30 minutes on the docket for a table discussion about Presbytery funding. F. CPM: no time needed; written report will be given. G. COM: Dan Raisch reported that a significant number of churches do not presently have installed full time ministers, and that this is a growing trend. The committee requests 5 minutes on the docket. H. Trustees: Budget needs 10 minutes on the docket; I. Mission Council: Requests 10 minutes on the docket to discuss the office move. J. Nominating Committee: Requests 5 minutes on the docket. K. Personnel: Requests 5 minutes on the docket. 12. The meeting was adjourned and closed with prayer at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, The Rev. Jean B. Pinto, Clerk Pro Temp

16 2013 Statement of Faith Myers-Tegeder STATEMENT OF FAITH I believe in God the creator, redeemer, and sustainer. God is one all-powerful God, completed by the three equal natures of God. God created us and loved us first. God is gracious and desires that we seek to know God and be in relationship with Him. God saves by God s grace alone. Since we cannot earn salvation, we are called to respond with obedience and preach and serve faithfully. Scripture is the inspired word of God, written down and collected by human hands. It reveals God to us through the history of God s relationship with us, through Jesus Christ and his ministry, and through the Holy Spirit as we read God s Word. Jesus Christ is God incarnate. By living among us in human form, God shared in our challenges, suffered, and exemplified how we are to live with one another and how we are to serve God. Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. Because God s power could not be defeated, Jesus Christ was resurrected and now reigns in heaven until the time is right to return to this world and complete His kingdom. The Holy Spirit of God is present and active in our world. It is fully God has every freedom of God and can move, instruct, influence, change, and empathize with all human beings. With the aid of the Holy Spirit we can better understand scripture, have more effective communication through prayer, and discern God s will. Jesus Christ left His disciples with instructions for two sacraments; the Lord s Supper and baptism. By participating in the Lord s Supper we proclaim what Christ did for humankind. The bread and wine represent the body and blood of Christ that had to be sacrificed to bridge the sinful gap between us and God. They are visible signs of God s grace. Baptism is also a sign of God s grace. It is both a personal and public affirmation of our intention to let God direct our lives and hearts. Even Jesus Christ was baptized. Although He was God incarnate, He was in human form and submitted to God s will. Jesus Christ also instructed the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. We are called to share the good news of the gospel. Discipleship requires a lifelong process by which we strive to be sanctified and become more like Christ, letting go of our sinful selves and desires. We also assist others to know God and do the same. Since we are relational and intended to live in community, the church is instituted to be a body of believers to carry out God s will and live as Christ like examples in our world. The Christian church, of which the Reformed church is part, has a responsibility to the world to be loving and compassionate and to stand for social justice. In both the Old and New Testaments God calls us to love God, love one another as we would love ourselves, and care for the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and those needing to know the love of God. Everyone, regardless of gender, race, status, wealth, or intelligence has the right to the opportunity to be loved, be treated kindly, and to know God.

17 MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH The meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Presbytery of Monmouth was called to order on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Red Bank, by the Rev. Theresa Swenson, President, with the Rev. N. Scott Cupp and Ruling Elder Howard Dunbar participating by conference call. Rev. Swenson opened the meeting with prayer. ROLL OF ATTENDANCE President Members The Rev. Theresa Swenson P The Rev. N. Scott Cupp P Ruling Elder Henry Hohorst P The Rev. John Milne P Ruling Elder Gary Weiss P Ruling Elder Sue Warren E Regional Presbyter The Rev. Wendy Bailey P Treasurer Ruling Elder Nancy Tindall P Financial Secretary Ruling Elder Howard Dunbar P Stated Clerk The Rev. Carl Wilton E (P=Present; A=Absent; E=Excused) The Rev. Theresa Swenson was appointed clerk pro tem. Rev. Swenson announced that Kathe Morrison has resigned from Trustees since her husband has taken an Interim position in Florida. Following discussion of various options, it was moved and carried to distribute the Mt. Holly gracious dismissal payment, of approximately $50, 000 as follows. First apply approximately $3,000 to the Mt. Holly outstanding per capita balance. Once that is satisfied, distribute the remainder 70% to Endowment and 30% to Missions. Regional Presbyter Rev. Wendy Bailey presented a proposal on moving the Presbytery offices to a virtual office. After discussion, Trustees recommend that Presbytery approve extending the lease in New Egypt on a month to month basis for no more than 4 months starting February 1, Trustees also recommend that Mission Council and Personnel work out the details of the transition for Presbytery staff to work remotely. Trustees discussed the obligation to contribute to repairs in New Egypt for the time we have been there, as agreed upon verbally when we began our 3 year lease. It was moved and carried that a payment be made from the Presbytery to the New Egypt church in the amount of $33,000 ($10,000 for each year of occupancy, $1,000/month extension in 2014) to compensate them for the use of their building. Rev. Theresa Swenson will present this decision at a meeting with the New Egypt church on Wednesday, January 15 at 2pm.

18 Ruling Elder Nancy Tindall reported that the Endowment Fund has been set up with an opening balance of $136,000 and the Mission Fund with an opening balance of $452,000. The current distribution of assets among cash, fixed and equities is in line with our investment policy. Rev. Theresa Swenson will ask Bill Faust from COM to connect with Ruling Elder Nancy Tindall to discuss needs at the Jamesburg church. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. with prayer by Rev. John Milne. The next stated meeting of the Board will take place on February 12, 2014 at 9:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, Red Bank. ATTEST: Rev. Theresa Swenson President, Trustees PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH

19 The Presbytery of Monmouth 2014 Budget Worksheet (a/o 1/27/14) Proposed Proposed 12/31/ YTD Actual Budget PassThru Operating Revenue: Per Capita 454, ,703 - Per Capita Shortfall (177,632) (157,228) - Unrestricted & Equity Reserves 37,785 48,985 - Transfer In - Restricted Funds: Legal - Expense ($0k) 5, Endowment Fund. & Mt Holly Per Cap. - 6,605 - Trustees - Manse ($10k) - 2,000 3,000 CPM - Scholarships ($6.4k) - - 3,750 s/t 319, ,065 6,750 Mission Giving for Governing Bodies 147,215 85,000 59,453 Hunger($4.5k)/Centsability ($6.2k) 11,312-10,700 Genesis Center - Synod Grant ,700 Transfer In - Restricted Funds: Principe de Paz (up to $40k) 30, Youth Triennium ($12k) 12, Hispanic Tri-Presbytery ($10k) 10,000-10,000 Selina Rule - Library ($5.0k) 5, Hunger Fund ($3.4k) 428-3,400 Mission Fund - 4,500 30,000 Hurricane Sandy - Donations 90,271-30,000 Minister/Lay Remittances 2,900 4,500 - Other (CPM Install. / CE donation) 3, s/t 312,935 94, ,253 Total Operating Revenue 632, , ,003 Operating Expenses: Partnership Ministries - Per Capita 139, ,150 - Presbytery Center 15,467 15,442 - Personnel Related Exp's 217, ,449 - Trustees 8,750 19,200 33,000 Presbytery Assistance 5, Total Presbytery Operations Expense 385, ,241 33,000 Program Expenses: Partnership Ministries: Governing Partnerships - GA/Synod 52,606-49,787 Presby. Partnerships - Camp J. 9,267-9,666 Presby. Partnerships - Hispanic Tri-Presby. 10,000-10,000 Departments & Committees: Ed. Ministries ($5k Trienn. 2014) 17,721 7,500 - Genesis Center 9,837 4,324 31,700 MWG - Promote Mission Proj./Hunger 5,857 1,000 7,900 Comm. On Ministry Comm. On Prep for Ministry 1,881-3,750 Special Ministries: Education/Enrichment Grants ,000 - Church Development 30, Mission Endowment 4, Cents-ability 6,812-6,200 Personnel Exp. - Hurricane Sandy 31, Hurricane Sandy - Grants & Exp's 58,772-30,000 Total Partnership & Program Exp's 240,549 22, , Total Ops, Partnership & Progam Exp's 626, , ,003 NET INCOME 6,

20 PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH Note: Schedule reflects giving received through 1/24/14 General Mission, ECO's & Special Offerings YTD December 31, General Mission Pledge vs Paid 2013 Total Giving Recap Actual Expected Dec'13 YTD $ General Presbytery GA Special Mission Mission Mission (Under) Mission Hurricane & Offerings Total Church Pledge Support Paid / Over Paid Centsability & ECO's Giving Allentown - PC 8,000 8,000 10,000 2,000 10,000 4,515 14,515 Asbury Park - Principe de Paz * Atl Highlands - FPC Barnegat - Wright Memorial PC 4,500 4,500 4, ,500 4,500 Bayville - Morning Star PC * 7,500 7, , ,325 Belmar - FPC * (600) Bordentown - FPC 2,000 2,000 2, ,000 3,313 5,313 Bricktown - PC 34,000 34,000 34, ,540 3,948 38,488 Cranbury - FPC 10,500 10,500 7,875 (2,625) 7,875 4,261 12,136 East Brunswick - Trinity PC 9,450 9,450 9, ,450 1,777 11,227 Englishtown - FPC ,174 Farmingdale - Pierce Memorial Forked River - PC Freehold - FPC - 0 1,401 1,401 Hightstown - FPC - 0 5,568 5,568 Holmdel - Korean Church of NJ Jackson - Cornerstone PC Jacksonville - PC 3,000 3,000 3, ,000 1,281 1,158 5,440 Jamesburg - PC Lakehurst - PC Lakewood - FPC 12,000 12,000 12, , ,076 15,376 Lakewood - Hope PC 1,700 1, (763) 937 1,766 2,703 Lincroft - PC 2,000 2,000 - (2,000) Long Branch - FPC Manasquan - FPC - 0 4,981 4,981 Matawan - FPC * 5,000 5, , ,915 10,217 Middletown - Westminster ,293 1,309 Mount Holly - FPC * 8,800 3,060 (5,740) 3, ,200 Neptune - Martin Luther King Jr * (700) 0 New Egypt - Plumsted PC ,766 New Gretna - PC 2,400 2,400 2, , ,849 Ocean - Church on the Hill - 0 6,859 6,859 Perrineville-United PC Millstone * 4,000 4, ,000 4,000 Point Pleasant - PC * 3,700 7,400 3,700 7,400 1,050 3,351 11,801 Red Bank - FPC 16,000 16,000 16, ,000 3,048 19,048 Retreat - Oak Grove PC 3,060 3,060 3, ,060 3,060 Rumson - FPC 6,000 6,000 6, , ,710 9,583 Sayreville - FPC Shrewsbury - PC at Shrewsbury * 1,000 1, , ,556 4,025 South Amboy - FPC * 4,000 1,200 (2,800) 1,200 1,328 2,528 Sykesville - FPC Tennent - Old Tennent PC Tinton Falls - Hope PC * Toms River - PC Tuckerton - FPC 2,500 2,500 2, , ,869 4,681 Yardville - United PC 2,000 2,000 1,624 (376) 1, ,325 Individuals & Ministers 5,000 2,900 (2,100) 2,900 1,732 4,632 Budget Adj. 1,550 (1,550) 0 Total 120, , ,362 (12,998) 150,362 9,566 69, ,346 % shortfall -8% The 2013 "Expected Gen. Mission Pledge" column assumes that churches who have not yet pledged for the year 2013 (i.e. churches with will remit the same amount in 2013 as paid in 2012 (unless an amount was paid in 2013; then the 2013 projected annual run rate was used). Mission Giving YTD Dec'13 1/27/2014 2:02 PM

21 Anticipated Income Net Per Capita $266,475 The per capita rate is increasing $0.20 in Since 2009, the rate has increased just $0.28 or less than 1%, with the presbytery portion of the rate decreasing by 3%. Mission Giving $148,950 It is through the generosity of our congregations beyond their per capita giving, though, that enables the presbytery to be strong in supporting all of its member congregations. It is our hope that our congregations will exceed our per capita and mission estimates. If so, we will be able to offer so much more in congregational support and mission Spending Equipping Staff Operations Synod & GA Monmouth Presbytery monmouthpresbytery.com Monmouth Presbytery Mission and Ministry 2014

22 Mission Statement The purpose of the Presbytery of Monmouth is equipping ministers and congregations to strengthen God s people for ministry in obedience to Jesus Christ. Leadership Development $72,275 Spending Plan for 2014 The presbytery provides many services for congregations needing or wanting help in curriculum, education and leadership development. Events, Classes and Workshops are available throughout the year including Equipping the Saints and Nuts and Bolts. Expanded opportunities for Lay Leader development and education are being planned. We help support youth attend Triennium and other youth events. We also pay the salary of our Christian Education Consultant who is available to congregations to help develop their leadership, education, and spiritual formation programs. Genesis Center $36,025 The Genesis Center is available online at genesiscenternow.com where you can browse physical and electronic resources for checkout and use by individual leaders or congregations. Emily Jones, curator, is available for consultation on resources and services. The Center is expanding in 2014 to include other services and information such as workshops, publishing, and additional consulting. Ministry Grants/Partnerships $ - As needed Grants are available for consultants, workshops, and initiatives to meet the specific needs of congregations. Grants and loans can be requested through Mission Council. New Faith Communities $10,000 We are creating new Hispanic faith communities through our partnership with New Brunswick and West Jersey in Tres Iglesias Presbiteriana. The funds for this support have been reserved in previous years. Congregations in Crisis $ - As Needed Through the COM and other sources our presbytery offers support for congregations and pastors in transition or other difficult times. This includes financial support to help with legal expenses should the need arise. Preparation for Ministry $3,750 Monmouth Presbytery is currently supporting eleven candidates for ministry. Consultation, coaching, preparation, scholarship and examination of prospective teaching elders is all included in our support. Presbytery Mission $54,765 Includes support for Sandy relief, CentsAbility, Hunger, Mission Working Group and Camp J. Synod and GA Mission $184,935 In addition to our per capita, it is proposed that Monmouth Presbytery tithes ten percent of our income to the mission work of the PC(USA). Mission Volunteers, New Church Development, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, are all mission work in which our denomination participates. Communication and Operation $69,140 Of course, in order to provide this support and connectivity in mission, we need to have operational expenses for communication and technical support. Our website, newsletter, telephones, computers, etc. are all necessary for the presbytery to serve our congregations well. Staff $169,175 Our staff is vital to providing all of the above support to our congregations. The staffing level remains the same as 2013, with salaries increasing 2% in 2014.

23 PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH Note: Schedule reflects giving received through 1/24/14 Per Capita Remitted YTD December 31, Per Capita - Assessment vs Paid (Under) Church Assessed Paid / Over Allentown - PC 21,875 21,875 - Cliffwood Beach - Principe de Paz 1,330 1,330 - Atl Highlands - FPC 2,345 - (2,345) Barnegat - Wright Memorial PC 3,220 3,220 - Bayville - Morning Star PC 3,815 3,815 - Belmar - FPC 4,655 - (4,655) Bordentown - FPC 6,125 5,040 (1,085) Bricktown - PC 16,485 16,485 - Cranbury - FPC 20,475 4,411 (16,064) East Brunswick - Trinity PC 12,215 5,050 (7,165) Englishtown - FPC 2,485 1,453 (1,032) Farmingdale - Pierce Memorial 2,170 2,170 - Forked River - PC 9,135 3,870 (5,265) Freehold - FPC 11,935 3,419 (8,516) Hightstown - FPC 9,940 9,940 - Holmdel - Korean Church of NJ - - Jackson - Cornerstone PC 5,040 2,299 (2,741) Jacksonville - PC 3,605 3,605 - Jamesburg - PC 8,890 1,870 (7,020) Lakehurst - PC 2,520 2,520 - Lakewood - FPC 1,715 1,715 - Lakewood - Hope PC 7,665 2,342 (5,323) Lincroft - PC 4,935 4,935 - Long Branch - FPC 1,330 1,330 - Manasquan - FPC 23,765 10,500 (13,265) Matawan - FPC 9,240 9,240 - Middletown-Westminster ($1.429 PY) 6,965 1,429 (5,536) Mount Holly - FPC 11,025 11,025 - Neptune - Martin Luther King Jr 1,610 - (1,610) New Egypt - Plumsted PC 2,065 1,859 (207) New Gretna - PC 1,400 1,400 - Ocean - Church on the Hill 7,455 4,035 (3,420) Perrineville-United PC Millstone 5,565 5,565 - Point Pleasant - PC 18,620 15,517 (3,103) Red Bank - FPC 41,930 41,930 - Retreat - Oak Grove PC 3,675 3,675 - Rumson - FPC 11,445 11,445 - Sayreville - FPC 5,810 5,810 - Shrewsbury-PC at Shrewsbury 10,150 10,150 - South Amboy - FPC 3, (2,060) Sykesville - FPC Tennent - Old Tennent PC 4, (3,570) Tinton Falls - Hope PC 3,185 3,185 - Toms River - PC 97,125 16,131 (80,994) Tuckerton - FPC 6,230 6,230 - Yardville - United PC 13,580 13,580 - Individuals Budget Adj Total 452, ,400 (175,255) $ Per Capita Giving YTD Dec'13 1/27/2014 2:03 PM