Minutes of the 155 th Stated Session. of the PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH. August 25, Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church Steeles Tavern, Virginia

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1 Minutes of the 155 th Stated Session of the PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH August 25, 2012 Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church Steeles Tavern, Virginia NEXT STATED SESSIONS Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Woodstock Church Woodstock, Virginia Saturday, February 9, 2013 First Church Martinsburg, West 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 David Witt...Stated Clerk Ext 110 Larry Holsinger... 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 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 Gwen Carr Eric Gleason Kristy Ray Seth McCormick Home Church Tinkling Spring Home Church - Covenant Home Church Tinkling Spring Home Church - Warrenton Home Church Tinkling Spring Home Church Waynesboro First 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 155 th STATED MEETING The 155 th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Shenandoah was held at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church, in Steeles Tavern, Virginia, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, The Moderator, Ruling Elder Dr. Paul Dana, called the meeting to order with prayer. WORSHIP Worship was planned and arranged by the Maury River Mission Community, members of which led the service of worship. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Keith Cornfield. QUORUM AND ENROLLMENT The Moderator 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. A Arnold, Timothy P Sherando Walter Carter A Barner, Ann Elizabeth A Barner, Fred Thomas E Baxter, John A. E Bethard, John T. P Charles Town 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 E Bucy, Ralph D. E Bunker, Jonathan W. P Berryville Excused E Burton, Rufus T., III P Martinsburg First Jerry Derflinger E Caldwell, Clifford D. A Cardot, Guy Richard P Petersburg P Carlsson, Charles M., Jr. A Carr, Phillips L. A Chapman, George W. P Buena Vista Arlene Garrett P Coffman, Donna B. E Cole, William A., Jr. P Coleman, Glenn M. P Hot Springs A Conrad, Scott A. P Glen Kirk Joyce Anderson A Corder, William Lee ML P Cornfield, Keith A. P New Providence Richard Glenn P Cornish, Homer T. P Cox, C. William P Cranford, April H. Assoc Tinkling Spring E Crumley, Rachel Assoc Front Royal E Cushman, James E. P Cushwa, John W. P Falling Waters Janis Bucklen E Dax, Betty G. IP Broadway 77

6 P Dent, William H., Jr. P Dietrich, Richard S. P Staunton First Louisa Dixon 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 E Evans, George W. P Cooks Creek Mark Williams E Everhart, William G. Supply Bunker Hill P Farthing, Stanley H. Supply Zetta P Fetterman, Amy Assoc Covenant E Field, Robert F. A Fisher, Merle L., Jr. E Fisher, Otis L. E Forbes, Richard A., Jr. P Foster, M. Kerry P Bridgewater Emily Heatwole E Franklin, John S. E Garrison, John D. E Garriss, K. Braxton E Goodman, William R., Jr. A Goshorn, Robert D. E Hahn-Campanella Kitty Supply Highland-Memorial P Hand, Kevin L. P Franklin Kimberly Kline Ruddle Upper Tract P Haney, John H. P Goshen Absesnt Millboro Rocky Spring P Haney, M. Olivia Kincaid ML P Harmon, Melissa L. P Beulah Mary Lou Cox Monterey Excused Pisgah Debbi Stephenson E Harrison, L. Randolph E Hastings, John R. Skip P Collierstown Janet Scott E Hay, Thomas D. Adm E Hayter, J. T., Jr. P Held, Ann Reed P Trinity Paul Sleezer E Hellmuth, Barton L. E Hendy, Susanna ML E Hill, Robert S., Jr. A Hill, Sarah L. Assoc Lexington P Holbrook, Fred A. Adm P Holden, Thomas J., III P Holman, Glen A. P Waynesboro First Lowell Gross P Hopkins, E. Reed P Loch Willow Gloria Ralston P Howard, Carl D. SS Hedgesville & Little Falls P Howard, David D. P Strasburg A Hunt, Patricia E Hunter, Tully J. P Tinkling Spring Lyle Moffett E Inglis, J. Leslie E Jackson, James R. E Jackson, Katherine C. P Moorefield Excused P Jaureguizar, Marcia W. ML A Johns, Harry E. ML P Johnson, Barbara R. P Romney Beth Herriott E Jones, Donald D. M. E Kennedy, J. Whitner E Key, Kyle W. Assoc Harrisonburg First A Klein, Deborah H. ML 78

7 P Klein, William M. P Lexington Marjorie Page P Lanaghan, Patrick R. P Burnt P Langdon, J. Bradford ML A LaPrade, Lester N., Jr. /SS Bethany P LaRue, H. Donald P Finley Memorial Beth Gibson P Leggett, John P. P Massanutten David Reser Wendy Stapleton E Lewis, Elizabeth Chap Westminster-Canterbury E Lewis, Herbert T. E Lindsey, James E., Jr. E Long, Karen J. IP Keyser E Lowe, Emory G. E Macbeth, Bruce A. A McClintock, Lynn ML P McCoig, Dan M., Jr. Assoc Winchester First A McCrary, Elizabeth L. P Augusta Stone Lee Livick Combs A McDermott, F. Lee ML E McDonald, Carlyle A. E McDonald, John L. P Waynesboro Second Al Swicegood A McFarlin, Charles A. P Spring Hill Jack Mohler A McLean, Karen E. ML E Miles, Larry C. /SS Shenandoah Parish P Moore, G. Carl P Fairfield David Wade Timber Ridge Allen Strecker E Moore, William L. OM E Muncy, Robert L. E Neel, Donald E. A Newman, Howard A. A Nickels, George E. E Norville, Charles K. P O'Gorek, Paul A. Chaplain Sunnyside Community P Osborne, Robert S. P Berkeley Springs Linda Whitesitt P Owen, Jan G. /SS Mt. Olive P Painter, William L., Jr. A Pancake, Joseph S. E Perkins, P. Parker, Jr. P Peterson, John C. P Covenant Clayton Brooks Janey Terry A Pettit, Ann R. Supply Massanutten P Pettit, Patrick S. P Mossy Creek Pat Campbell E Poland, Ernest L. Jr. ML E Pollock, Richard Adm E Potter, Ronald R. P Sunnyside Excused E Price, Norman G. P Pyles, Elizabeth P McDowell Beverly Thompson P Reed, Charles K. P Warm Springs P Reifsnyder, Richard W. P Winchester First Woodward Bousquet Ellen Cunningham John Fisher E Reller, Charles K. E Rhyne, C. Thomas P Front Royal John Huff A Robinson, John A., Jr. Adm P Robinson, Sally O. IP Mt. Horeb P Ross, Anne M. P Elkton A Schmahl, Carl P Warrenton Diana Bennett Susanne Taylor A Sefcik, Joseph T. A Sherman, H. Wray P Hermitage A Sherrard, Robert L. P Windy Cove P Sieck, Philip L. E Slider, C. Richard II 79

8 P Sloop, John F. P Harrisonburg First E Snelson, Andrew L. P Sommer, Philip W. E Sonstegard-Spray, Maren Assoc Winchester First E Stanley, Arthur L. E Stephens, Millard M. P Stokes, Martin L. P New Monmouth Gary Swink A Swezey, Charles M. E Symons, Charles D., Jr. P Thomas, Aaron Lee P Olivet Don Reid P Thornton, Joel P. P Cedar Creek Clear Brook Julie Baker Ivanhoe Middletown Hal Hollis Mt. Hope Pauline Sydnor Second Opequon Wardensville A Tremba, Randall W. P Shepherdstown P Tutterow, Christina B. P Bethesda Karin Cron A Unger, Philip E. ML E Vernon, Joseph H. J. A von Oeyen, Jr., Robert E Watkins, John M. P Webb, Lisa M. P Woodstock Robert Thomas P Webb, Randall E. Supply Nineveh Acting General Presbyter P Whiteley, Nancy S. E Wilkers, Jack B. P Staunton Third Excused E Wilkinson, Donald S. P Wilson, Joan M. Supply Mt. Storm E Wilson, Stanton R. P Witt, David R. P Opequon Carole Witt Stated Clerk E Woodworth, Robert B. P Wyche, Frank P Hebron Hannah Bush E Young, Betty Jean E Young, Philip H. A Young, Richard O., Sr. CHURCHES WITHOUT INSTALLED PASTORS Ben Salem Bethany Richard Moring Bethel Jill Webb Bloomery Joanne Laird Broadway Buckton Greg Stiles Buffalo Gap Debbie Hinkle Bunker Hill Burlington Excused Circleville Craigsville Excused Elk Branch Gerrardstown Halltown Excused Hedgesville Vicki Jenkins Highland Memorial Immanuel Kearneysville 80

9 VOTING RULING ELDERS: Commissioned Ruling Elders Keyser Little Falls McCutchen Mount Carmel Mount Horeb Mount Joy Mount Olive Mount Storm Nineveh Oxford Piedmont Pines Chapel Seneca Rocks Slanesville Smyrna Springfield Staunton Second Tabler Tomahawk Tuscarora Union Westminster Williamsville Zetta Excused William Moran Linda Koogler John Bookhultz Sarah Lange Eddie Cosner Sandi Ey C. Anderson Sara Baker Laura Meek Excused Nancy Swisher Henry Hogmire Franklin Stilwell Joyce Ludwick Jane Karicofe K. McCune Larry Lawhorn P William Barnett A James Boyette P Michele Elliott A Tom Forbes P Judy Hensley P Isca Mitchell P Jean Steidel A William Moore P Alan Morrison E Linda Reece E Alvin Russell P Bobby Spurgeon P Ron Wilkes Voting Ruling Elders of Presbytery Staff or Presbytery Council: P Sue Hotinger, Council P Doug Sensabaugh, Staff Ruling Elder P Sandi Ey, Council (also Nineveh rep) E Heather Carter, Staff Ruling Elder P Paul Dana, 2012 Presbytery Moderator P Lisa Hedrick, Staff Ruling Elder P Richard Johnson, Council P Karen Thatcher, Council NON-VOTING VISITORS: Visiting Ministers Presbytery Staff Jack Heintzleman Roger Powers Kim Stroupe David Duckworth Susan Quass Visitors Deborah Barnett Garry Bock Pam Brannon Adrian Burt Maxine Caperton Terry Coffman Dawn Cornfield Shirley Dana Mary Glenn Davis Candace Farthing Donna Gorden Lannie Harper Millie Hiner Marie Hollis Ashley Kave Jacob Kave Donna Lanaghan Sam Lantz Darlene Mason Naomi Moran Carolyn Newman Mark Perry James Ramsey J. Ratcliffe Don Roll Burnett Sensabaugh Marcus Sensabaugh Nancy Sensabaugh June Thompson Mary Helen Thorne Anna Lee Wilkes Mary Linda Wolfe Teaching Elders = 62 Voting Ruling Elders = 83 Other = 37 TOTAL =

10 WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS The Moderator welcomed all visitors and ruling elder commissioners were recognized for this being their first Presbytery meeting. The Rev. Susan Quass, interim at Tuscarora Church, introduced visiting minister Roger Powers from the Presbytery of Baltimore. The Rev. Jack Heintzleman welcomed the commissioners to Mt. Carmel and gave a brief history of the church. APPOINTMENTS The Moderator appointed the following: Assistant Clerks - Rev. Ann Reed Held and Ruling Elder Janet Scott of Collierstown Church. Parliamentarian Rev. Fred A. Holbrook OFFICE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE The Rev. Melissa Harmon presented the following report, which was approved: On August 15 the Office and Personnel Committee met to interview candidates for the one-quarter time Stated Clerk position. The committee makes the following recommendations: 1. That the Rev. David Witt be elected to serve as the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery for a period of three years renewable, beginning September 1, That David fill the position of Stated Clerk at today s meeting. Following his election by the Presbytery, Rev. Witt was installed as Stated Clerk in a commissioning service led by Moderator Paul Dana and Acting General Presbyter, the Rev. Randy Webb. The Committee noted the hiring of a new Presbytery Treasurer, Larry Holsinger, as of June 12, Upon successful completion of the trial period, Mr. Holsinger will be nominated at the November Presbytery meeting. MINUTES MAY 8, 2012 The Body approved the minutes of the stated session held May 8, 2012, as distributed. DOCKET The docket was amended to include a brief presentation by the History Committee. The docket was adopted as amended. (See page 92) COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORT OF STATED CLERK The Rev. David R. Witt, Stated Clerk, presented the following report, which was approved: I. FOR INFORMATION: The stated clerks of the presbyteries in the Synod of Mid-Atlantic have reviewed presbytery minutes. Shenandoah s were found to be without exceptions. II. RECOMMENDATION: That Presbytery approve the minutes of the commission to install the Rev. Sarah Hill as associate pastor of the Lexington Church, as found on page 93 From the Stated Clerk: approved OMNIBUS MOTION Excuse from attendance of all or part of this stated meeting those ministers who submit such a request. 82

11 PRESBYTERY STAFF REPORTS Resource Coordinator Lisa Hedrick circulated information on The Big Event being held on September 15, Communications Coordinator and Hunger Action Enabler Doug Sensabaugh reminded everyone that September is hunger action month. Doug also noted that former General Assembly Moderator, Rick Ufford-Chase will be the keynote speaker at a retreat entitled Building Bridges for Peace to be held at Massanetta Springs on November 3. For more information, go to Acting General Presbyter Randy Webb updated the Presbytery on the three initiatives he proposed at the May 8, 2012 meeting, including church review teams, mission close to home, and a multi-faceted, Presbytery-wide emphasis on biblical Christian stewardship. See pages for a written report. PRESBYTERY COUNCIL Ruling Elder Karen Thatcher presented the following report: Presbytery Council met on July 10, 2012, and due to the length and complexity of the items on its agenda, adjourned to meet again on August 7, The next stated meeting of Council is Tuesday, October 9, 2012, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Presbytery Office in Harrisonburg. I. INFORMATION: A. Council welcomed new Treasurer, Larry Holsinger. B. The Committee on Office and Personnel has coordinated the replacement of 27 windows at the Presbytery Office which will cut down on heating and cooling costs. C. The Communications Committee reported that Presbytery now has its own internet server and will move church websites to the new server. II. ACTIONS TAKEN: A. Council accepted, with regret and great appreciation for his work, the resignation of Dan Williams, as Stated Clerk, effective July 31, Dan has accepted the position of transitional presbyter in Central Florida Presbytery. B. Council voiced their support for the Rev. Randy Webb s participation in the Certificate in Executive Leadership program of study sponsored by McCormick Theological Seminary. C. Council approved the Process for Distribution of the Bernice Hiett Bequest as prepared by the Committee on Church Development. (See pages 96-99) D. Council approved the extension of the contract with the Rev. Randy Webb for one year (through December 31, 2013) to serve as Acting General Presbyter. {Delayed until November} E. Council approved asking that committees consider reductions in their budgeted spending for F. Council approved sending the proposed 2013 Budget to the August Presbytery for a first reading. (See pages ) G. Council approved the use of a zero based budget process for 2014, using the Vision Presbytery Statement as a guide. Work on the 2014 budget will begin immediately. III. RECOMMENDATIONS: A. Council recommends that Presbytery s manual, Section 4.4.9, World Wide Ministries, be amended to increase the committee membership from six to nine and also to clarify the mission of the committee. (See pages ) APPROVED 83

12 B. Council recommends that Presbytery s manual be amended to change the number of stated meetings of Presbytery each year from four stated meetings each year to three by amending section of the Manual by striking the entire paragraph and inserting new text below: Number of Meetings: (G ) requires Presbytery to hold stated meetings at least twice each year. There will be four STATED meetings each year: 2 nd Saturday in February, 2 nd Tuesday in May, 4 th Saturday in August, 2 nd Tuesday in November. Presbytery. Council shall recommend the location of meetings and propose the agenda Number of Meetings: (G ) requires Presbytery to hold stated meetings at least twice each year. There will be three STATED meetings each year: 2 nd Saturday in February, 3 rd Tuesday in May and 2 nd Saturday in September 3 rd Saturday in October. Presbytery Council shall recommend the location of meetings and propose the agenda. A motion from the floor was made, seconded and approved to amend the above recommendation to make the fall meeting the third Saturday in October. A motion from the floor was made, seconded and approved to postpone action on the above recommendation until the November Presbytery meeting, and refer the item back to Council for further review. C. Council recommends that the Presbytery direct the General Presbyter Search Committee to begin the search for a Transitional Presbyter, who would serve for a period of 3 years. (See rationale on page 107) APPROVED D. During this time of challenge for Shenandoah Presbytery s budget, Council recommends making the compensation package of the Transitional Presbyter a funding priority. APPROVED REMEMBERING RULING ELDER BERNICE B. HIETT A presentation on the Bernice Hiett bequest, including a celebration of her life and ministry and information regarding the one-time distribution of the bequest to the small churches of the former Winchester Presbytery and to foreign missions (pages 96-99), was given by the Rev. Carl Howard. GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONER REPORTS The Body received written reports from General Assembly Commissioners Mary Lou McMillin and Patrick Pettit, (pages ) and heard oral reports from commissioners Jim Johnston, Linda Koogler, Bob Osborne, Patrick Pettit, and Sally Robinson. RECESS The Body adjourned at 12:30 to enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by members of Mt. Carmel Church. The Body reconvened at 1:30 INTERCESSORY PRAYERS Rev. April Cranford 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. HISTORY COMMITTEE The History Committee reported that SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY: A Heritage of Service has been published and is available for $38 per copy. 84

13 WORLD WIDE MINISTRIES The World Wide Ministries report was highlighted by mission close to home presentations, Mission Next Door of Rockbridge County and Massanutten Cares. The Partnership Committee will sponsor the annual Ethiopian Partnership Banquet on Friday, November 2 nd at the Cooks Creek Church with guest speaker Carolyn Webber. COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE The Rev. Patrick Lanaghan shared a presentation on behalf of the Communications Committee on websites with classes to be held on September 22 and October 13. COMMITTEE ON CHURCH DEVELOPMENT The Committee sought to clarify their process for ministry grant application by providing the following explanation: Ministry Program Grants Application Process: Clarified and Simplified The Committee on Church Development receives applications for Ministry Program Grants, and Emergency Repairs/Maintenance Work. Completed applications are to be directed to Keith Cornfield, CCD Program Grant Coordinator. For your convenience, they may now be submitted by mail, , or fax: Mail: Pastor Keith Cornfield, Mission Grant Coordinator, C/O New Providence Presbyterian Church, 1208 New Providence Rd., Raphine, VA pastornprov@embarqmail.com (all applications must be followed up with signed hardcopy). Fax: (540) Keith may be reached at (540) if there are any questions. You will complete two forms for each application: First, please complete either the Ministry Program Grant application or Emergency Repairs/Maintenance form; and Second, please complete the Financial Disclosure Form and send with all applications. The Ministry Program Grant form is the correct form for all non-emergent grant requests (including building/redevelopment requests). Forms are available on the "Scholarships and Grants" section of the Presbytery website. Ministry program funds are to be used for programs that are new or continue the mission and vision of your church or community. All non-emergent applications should clearly describe the relevance of the grant request to your congregation's mission and vision. Emergency Repairs/Maintenance Work applications will be for church repairs or maintenance repair and work that is crucial to carry on the ministry of a congregation. PRESBYTERIAN CAMPUS MINISTRY AT JMU The Rev. Kerry Foster reported for Presbyterian Campus Ministry at James Madison University and introduced Jake and Ashley Kave as new on-site campus leaders. See pages for written report MOFFETT FOR MISSION Marcus Sensabaugh presented for the Moffett for Mission Committee, highlighting the annual Baja mission trip that included a slideshow. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE Ruling Elder Richard Johnson, chair, presented the following report, which was approved: RECOMMENDATIONS: That Presbytery elect the Rev. Rufus Burton to fill a vacancy on the General Presbyter Search Committee. That Presbytery elect the Rev. John Bethard to fill a vacancy on the Committee on Church Development, Class of

14 COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY Ruling Elder Jim Johnston, vice-chair, presented the following report, which was approved: I. FOR INFORMATION: A. Ask the Presbytery Council to amend the dismissal policy to include expenses for the dismissal review team. B. The Glen Kirk Church Session invited a Church Review Team to visit. The team consists of: Rev. Randy Webb, Rev. Fred Holbrook, Rev. John Peterson, Rev. Christina Tutterow, Ruling Elder Joyce Tipton, Ruling Elder Beth Smith, and Ruling Elder Marne Gibbs. The team has organized and met with the Glen Kirk Session on August 13. C. The Sessional Records Committee feels clear and concise information from COM/Presbytery would be helpful to congregations with respect to storing records and purging records (how long and what kind of records should be kept by congregations). Fred Holbrook provided the Committee on Ministry with a copy of Massanetta Springs Document Retention Policy. Doug Sensabaugh will be asked to place a model policy under Forms and Policies on the Presbytery website and to inform the churches about its availability for use (WORD format will make it user friendly ). Questions about the policy can be directed to Kim Stroupe. D. See page 113 for a written report from the Sessional Records Committee. II. ACTIONS TAKEN: A. Approved renewing the temporary supply contract between the Williamsville Church and Candidate Helen Punker Robertson through December 31, B. Approved renewing the interim teaching elder contract between the Rev. Betty Dax and the Broadway Church Session through June 30, C. Requested a Church Review Team be sent expediently to the Glen Kirk Church Session per their request. D. Appointed a moderator to the Glen Kirk Session until such time as there is reconciliation or resolution regarding the question of dismissal from the denomination. E. Upon the Rev. Scott Conrad s return as moderator to the Glen Kirk Session, the COM appointed a liaison to be present at all session meetings for the foreseeable future. F. Approved dismissing the Revs. Clark and Donna DeSarro-Raynal to Transylvania Presbytery effective September 10, (Numerous communications to Transylvania went unanswered prior to 2012.) G. Approved Authorized Ruling Elder Debi Barnett to have her previous commission extended in order to grant her permission to administer the Lord s Supper at the Charles Town Church July 15, August 12, and August 19, while the Rev. John Bethard is away from the pulpit. H. Concurred with the request of dissolution between the Rev. Daniel S. Williams and the Staunton Second Church effective July 31, I. Dismissed the Rev. Daniel S. Williams to the Central Florida Presbytery effective August 1, J. Gave permission to the Harrisonburg First Church to form a Co-Pastor Nominating Committee. K. Approved the changes to the Criteria for Validated Ministry document, which is part of the Presbytery Manual. L. Dismissed the Rev. Gary Coppedge to the Presbytery of the Peaks effective May 10,

15 M. Approved to move the monies from line-item 5770 Commission Emergency Fund currently under Ministerial Relations, to Pastoral Care and Wellness, and ask the Budget & Finance Committee to increase the amount from $2,500 to $5,000. N. Gave permission to Olivet Church Session to call a congregational meeting. O. Approved renewing the temporary supply contract between the Bethany Church Session and the Rev. Les LaPrade through June 30, P. Approved renewing the commissioned ruling elder contract between the Kearneysville Church Session and Tom Forbes through May 31, Q. Approved renewing the commissioned ruling elder contract between the Springfield Church Session and Linda Reece through May 10, R. Approved renewing the commissioned ruling elder contract between the Burlington Church Session and Linda Reece through May 10, S. Approved renewing the commissioned ruling elder contract between the Pines Chapel Church Session and Isca Mitchell through August 31, T. Approved the interim teaching elder contract between the Mt. Horeb Church Session and the Rev. Sally Robinson from September 1, 2012-August 31, U. Concurred with the request of the Rev. William Heyward to dissolve his pastoral relationship with the Smyrna Church effective September 8 and that he be dismissed to the Presbytery of Salem effective September 9. V. Approved the following request from the Sessional Records Committee for addressing situations in which minutes are not submitted: 1. Readers make two attempts to secure minutes which are not submitted during the regular window of time. If unsuccessful: 2. the chair contacts the pastor. If unsuccessful: 3. the chair refers to COM for attention. If unsuccessful: 4. after three consecutive years, the three year delinquency is reported to Presbytery. W. Approved the commissioned ruling elder contract between William Barnett and the Tomahawk Church Session from May 1, 2012-April 30, III. RECOMMENDATIONS: A. Concerning the Rev. Aaron Lee Thomas: 1. Sustained the examination of Mr. Thomas following the statement of his Christian experience and an opportunity for questions from the floor. (See pages ) 2. Enrolled him as a member of Presbytery (transferring from the Presbytery of Western North Carolina) to be the pastor of the Olivet Church following the examination and the signing of the Book of Obligations 3. Approved the following terms of call between the Olivet Church and Lee Thomas beginning November 4, 2012: Annual Cash Salary 40, Of the above, $15,000 is designated as housing & utility allowance SECA 3, Board of Pensions 13, Dental Insurance 1, Continuing Education/Books 1,

16 Auto reimbursement at IRS rate.555 per mile Three month Sabbatical after six years of service Sabbatical escrow including pulpit supply Moving expenses to the field Four weeks annual paid vacation, including four Sundays Two weeks annual paid study leave, including two Sundays Disability clause included The pastor nominating committee of this church has provided for the implementation of equal opportunity employment for ministers and candidates without regard to race, ethnic origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability. 4. Approved the following commission to install the Rev. Aaron Lee Thomas as pastor of the Olivet Church on November 11, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.: Teaching Elders Kyle Key Joseph Brandon April Cranford Ruling Elders Don Reid, Olivet Lisa Hedrick, Covenant Stephany Morgan, Staunton First Doug Sensabaugh, Massanutten Convener - Ruling Elder Doug Sensabaugh Preside and Propound Questions to Pastor Ruling Elder Doug Sensabaugh Elder to Propound Questions to Congregation Ruling Elder Don Reid Preach Sermon Rev. Kyle Key Charge Congregation Ruling Elder Lisa Hedrick Charge Pastor Rev. Joe Brandon Prayer of Installation- Rev. April Cranford B. Concerning the Rev. Joel P. Thornton: 1. Approved the following terms of call between the Parish of the Valleys Council (consisting of Cedar Creek, Clear Brook, Ivanhoe, Middletown, Mt. Hope, Second Opequon, and Wardensville churches) and Joel P. Thornton beginning September 1, 2012: (Joel is already a member of Shenandoah Presbytery) Annual Cash Salary $33, (Of the above, $5,000 is designated as the IRS housing allowance for furnishings, utilities, and insurance at the manse) SECA 3, Board of Pensions 14, Shared Housing Equity 1, Auto reimbursement at IRS rate 4, Continuing Education Books and materials Three month Sabbatical after six years of service Sabbatical escrow including pulpit supply Moving expenses to the field Four weeks annual paid vacation, including four Sundays Two weeks annual paid study leave, including two Sundays Disability clause included 2. Approved the following commission to install the Rev. Joel P. Thornton as pastor of the Parish of the Valleys on September 30, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the Mt. Hope Church: Teaching Elders Lee McDermott Charles Symons Lisa Webb Ruling Elders Caroline Hickerson, Clear Brook John Marker, Second Opequon Helen Rudy, Wardensville Annette Whitley, Middletown 88

17 Convener Rev. Lisa Webb Preside and Propound Questions to Pastor Rev. Lee McDermott Elder to Propound Questions to Congregation Ruling Elder John Marker Preach Sermon Rev. Charles Symons Charge Congregation Ruling Elder Caroline Hickerson Charge Pastor Ruling Elder Helen Rudy Prayer of Installation- Ruling Elder Annette Whitley C. Recommend the status of honorably retired be granted to the Rev. Donna B. Coffman, effective August 31, D. Recommend the changes in terms of call between the Rev. Maren Sonstegard-Spray and the Winchester First Church, going from full-time to part-time, with the following salary and benefit changes: Current Revised Salary/housing $37, $30, Board of Pensions 12, , Auto allowance 1, , Continuing Ed/books 1, , Vacation (4 weeks) and study leave (2 weeks) remain the same. E. The Committee on Ministry recommends the following to Shenandoah Presbytery: 1. That the presbytery concur with the action of the Hot Springs congregation taken on Sunday, August 5, 2012, requesting a change in terms of call effective September 1, 2012 to change Rev. Glenn Coleman from full-time to one-half time (20 hours per week) at one-half salary and benefits as stated in the minutes of the congregational meeting. 2. That dissolution of one-half of the full-time call invokes the Presbytery policy requiring a six month continuation of full salary and benefits (including housing) beginning September 1, 2012, as Rev. Coleman begins his contracted working at 20 hours per week. 3. That the change in terms of call will take place on March 1, 2013, at the end of the six month term of full salary and benefits continuation. 4. That the Committee on Church Development be requested to consult with the Hot Springs Church and begin a congregational mission study as soon as possible, to identify future mission and ministry options. F. That the Committee on Ministry be authorized by presbytery to form an administrative commission on presbytery s behalf, in accordance with the guidelines in the Book of Order, if it should be required to resolve and correct difficulties in one of our churches. This authority is in effect until November 13, As provided elsewhere in the Book of Order [G b.(5)] Functions that may be entrusted to administrative commissions include, but are not limited to: (5) (by presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly) visiting particular councils, congregations, or agencies over which they have immediate jurisdiction reported to be affected with disorder, and inquiring into and settling the difficulties therein, except that no commission of a presbytery shall be empowered to dissolve a pastoral relationship without the specific authorization by the designating body (G ) Due to the unique nature of this particular request, if the formation of an administrative commission occurs, the presbytery staff will inform all commissioners to this meeting of its formation, its membership, and the congregation for whom it has been appointed. The Administrative Commission will report its actions to the next stated meeting of the presbytery. Background: The Ministerial Relations Committee of presbytery s Committee on Ministry is 89

18 responding to a request for help in one of our congregations. The difficulty is not related to any issues with the presbytery or the denomination and therefore the procedures in our Dismissal Guidelines do not apply. The Book of Order G provides that Presbytery has a particular responsibility to coordinate, guide, encourage, support, and resource the work of its congregations. In order to accomplish this responsibility, the presbytery has authority to: d. counsel with a session concerning reported difficulties within a congregation, including: (1) advising the session as to appropriate actions to be taken to resolve the reported difficulties, (2) offering to help as mediator, and (3) acting to correct the difficulties if requested to do so by the session or if the session is unable or unwilling to do so, following the procedural safeguards of the Rules of Discipline; In addition G e provides: After a thorough investigation, and after full opportunity to be heard has been accorded to the session, the presbytery may appoint an administrative commission with the full power of session. The committee has heard from both the pastor and members of the session that there is an urgency about responding to this situation. At the same time our listening process is not yet complete. In our meeting with the pastor, three representatives of the Ministerial Relations Committee became aware of some issues that may, if needed, be better addressed by an administrative commission. Because of the urgency of the situation, the possibility that an administrative commission may need to be formed before the November stated meeting of presbytery, and the fact that presbytery is the council that appoints an administrative commission, the Committee on Ministry presents the above recommendation. HONORING THE REVEREND DONNA B. COFFMAN The Rev. Donna B. Coffman was recognized upon her retirement on August 31, Teaching Elders Ann Reed Held and David Witt voiced their appreciation of Donna and her years of service to the Presbytery. RULING ELDER COMMISSIONED Presbytery commissioned the following ruling elder for service in the specified field and the Moderator of the Presbytery commissioned him for service: Concerning William Barnett: 1. Mr. Barnett be commissioned as ruling elder of the Tomahawk Church through April 30, That COM appoint a mentor to Mr. Barnett. 3. That Mr. Barnett be authorized to perform the functions of the Book of Order at the Tomahawk Church. COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY The Rev. Amy Fetterman, chair, presented the following report which was approved: I. FOR INFORMATION: Eric Gleason, member of Warrenton Presbyterian Church, was enrolled as an inquirer at the August meeting of CPM. Eric is a senior at Shenandoah University. II. RECOMMENDATIONS: The CPM met on June 19 th but did not have a quorum. As the committee was scheduled to meet with two potential inquirers who had driven or flown in to meet with the CPM, the Stated Clerk recommended the committee meet and have its actions affirmed by the Presbytery. A. Affirm that Kristy Ray be enrolled as an inquirer. Kristy is a member of Tinkling Spring and is attending Columbia Theological Seminary. 90

19 B. Affirm that Seth McCormick be enrolled as an inquirer. Seth is a member of Waynesboro, First and has already received his MDiv from Gordon-Conwell. C. That Amy Fetterman and Ruling Elder Susanne Taylor (Warrenton Church) be approved as readers for the fall 2012 ordination exams. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. with prayer led by the Moderator Paul Dana. Presbytery will meet in stated session on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at the Woodstock Church in Woodstock, Virginia beginning at 9:30 a.m. Paul R. Dana, Moderator David R. Witt, Stated Clerk Kimberly T. Stroupe, Recording Clerk 91

20 DOCKET (Members of Presbytery are urged to be registered and seated by 9:30 a.m. If not yet registered, please do so right after worship) 8:30 a.m. REGISTRATION BEGINS 9:30 a.m. Call to Order with prayer Worship the Maury River Mission Community 10:30 a.m. Determining a Quorum Welcome and Introduction of Guests First time commissioners Seating corresponding members Appointments by the Moderator Correction and Approval of Minutes New Business Adoption of the Docket Communications and Report of the Stated Clerk Omnibus Motion Presbytery Staff Reports Representative of host church 11:00 a.m. Presbytery Council Karen Thatcher Budget & Finance 11:45 a.m. ORDER OF THE DAY General Assembly Commissioners Reports 12:00 p.m. World Wide Ministries Carl Howard 12:15 p.m. Communications Tom Holden 12:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. Intercessory Prayer History Committee 1:35 p.m. Committee on Church Development 1:45 p.m. Presbyterian Campus Ministry Kerry Foster 1:55 p.m. Office and Personnel Melissa Harmon 2:10 p.m. Moffett for Mission Don Allen 2:15 p.m. Nominations Committee Richard Johnson 2:20 p.m. Committee on Ministry Jim Johnston Preparation for Ministry Amy Fetterman 3:15 p.m. Anticipated Adjournment 92

21 MINUTES OF COMMISSION TO INSTALL THE REV. SARAH HILL, as associate pastor of the Lexington Presbyterian Church of Lexington, Virginia. In accordance with the appointment of the Presbytery of Shenandoah, the commission convened at the Lexington Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, June 17, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. Commission members present: Teaching Elders: Ann Reed Held, Deborah Klein, William Klein, and Anne Ross. Ruling Elders: Cynthia Hintze of Lexington, Paul Dana of Tinkling Spring, Emerson Willard of Hebron, and Houston Lynch of Broadway. A quorum was present. William Klein, convener, called the commission to order and led in prayer. The commission elected William Klein, moderator, and Anne Ross, clerk. The congregation was called to worship. Deborah Klein preached the sermon based on Luke 24:13-35 Pilgrims on a Journey of Faith. William Klein asked the questions of the minister. Cynthia Hintze asked the questions of the congregation. These being answered in the affirmative and with prayer led by Ann Held, the commission installed her as associate pastor of the Lexington Presbyterian Church. The members of the presbytery and others welcomed the newly installed associate pastor into their fellowship in the ministry of the Word and Sacrament. Paul Dana delivered the charge to the congregation, and Ann Held and Anne Ross delivered the charge to the associate pastor. At the conclusion of the service the newly installed minister made a brief statement and pronounced the benediction. After the installation service the officers and members of the church came forward to their associate pastor and gave her an appropriate expression of cordial reception and affectionate regard. The commission then read and approved their minutes. The commission adjourned with prayer led by Anne Ross. William Klein., Moderator Anne Ross, Clerk 93

22 REPORT OF THE ACTING GENERAL PRESBYTER August 25, 2012 Dear Partners: Working with congregations, pastors, and elders in our presbytery as Acting General Presbyter continues to be a blessing and an energizing experience of God s leading for me. As I come alongside pastors and congregations to share in their life journeys either in times of difficulty or as we stand together on the threshold of exciting new possibilities, I am aware of God s presence and leading, and of the privilege of sharing these experiences with you. In many ways this is a fragile time for our presbytery. Familiar challenges such as an aging population, diminishing membership, and dwindling financial resources continue to be factors that impact our ministry. But new ways of being the church together, new possibilities for mission and a renewed sense of vision are also present in lively discussions at many levels of our life together. Most important for us is to recognize that God is with us in all of this and to be more intentionally open to discerning God s leading. We must not let fear of the challenges around us inhibit us from moving faithfully into the future that God has in mind. The external challenges mentioned above are easy to identify. But they can be overcome if we succeed in facing the internal challenges that have to do with our faith relationship with God, our discipleship as followers of Jesus, and our commitment to live faithfully together in the world as members of the body of Christ who are passionately focused on the mission He has given us. I continue to spend as much time as possible in the churches of our presbytery because building those relationships is part of our corporate witness to the Gospel and a vitally important part of our shared ministry together. I want to keep you updated on the status of the three initiatives that I spoke to at our May 8, 2012 meeting of presbytery, and then inform you of one more. 1) Resource presbytery Church Review Teams. Several qualified people have offered their time and energy to be part of presbytery Church Review Teams as provided for in the Dismissal Guidelines policy which we adopted on April 17, The session of the Glen Kirk Church in Waynesboro was the first to request a visit from a Church Review Team, and since our shared perception was that there was some urgency to this request, we did not have time to do the kind of training of team members that we wanted to do. However, a very effective seven member team was selected according to the process outlined in the policy and the meetings that are part of this process are taking place. With God s help, I am anticipating a positive resolution of the issues for all the parties who are involved. I also anticipate that based on this first experience implementing our policy there will be some suggested revisions to the policy coming before you at the November presbytery meeting. 2) Become more focused and more intentional in our overall efforts at evangelism. This initiative has been slower to take shape than the others. There are significant conversations taking place around this emphasis in several parts of our presbytery. That is especially focused in the committee on Church Development and their subcommittee on Church Transformation, as well as in World Wide Ministries and its sub-committee on our Ethiopian Partnership. An initiative being undertaken by the World Wide Ministries Committee as part of this effort is Mission Close to Home which will be explored in a session at the BIG EVENT at Massanetta Springs on September 15. The rationale for this exciting emerging initiative appears below as number 4) in this report. 3) Design and implement a multi-faceted, Presbytery-wide emphasis on biblical Christian Stewardship. We have a core group of dedicated people who are working as a stewardship planning team to bring these resources to our presbytery in several different ways. The BIG EVENT on September 15 gives an opportunity for a workshop called Blest be the Tithe that Binds that promises biblical and user-friendly resources in a lively conversation that ponders why we tend to stew over stewardship. In addition, many Mission Communities are planning Officer Training events for some time in the fall. That is a good opportunity for biblical resources in the area of stewardship to be made available to our congregations as they gather in mission communities for these training events. I believe that individuals and congregations who follow biblical stewardship practices will experience a growing in their faith relationships as well as renewed strength for mission and ministry. 94

23 4. Mission Close to Home. I am pleased to partner with you in a fourth new initiative (actually a spin-off of the evangelism initiative above) which grew out of conversations with congregations in mission communities in our presbytery and also from examples offered by our partners in Ethiopia. For Christians in Africa, while their evangelism efforts are much more direct and intentional than ours, it is also true for them that social development projects and their witness to the Gospel are inseparable. Several congregations in our presbytery are doing amazing things in mission in their local communities. Some of these are known as Backyard Ministries, Mission Next Door, and Massanutten Cares. I am sure there are others, but we have not been telling the stories of all these great things that are happening. The Mission Close to Home initiative which is being developed by the World Wide Ministries Committee seeks to build on this form of witness and lift it up for wider use among the churches of the presbytery. This should be understood as one component of the witness we have been commissioned to give to the ends of the earth. It does not replace or weaken our commitment to our Ethiopian Partnership or any other form of global ministry, but it recognizes the connection between local and global mission as being two facets of the same mission. Jesus last words to his disciples before his Ascension to the Father in Acts 1:8 are You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. In saying this, Jesus identified three concentric circles of mission focus: local (Jerusalem), national (all Judea and Samaria), and global (to the ends of the earth). Our presbytery and groups of congregations within it, have a strong history of global/international mission involvement through long-standing partnerships and mission trips to Ethiopia, Baja Mexico, Haiti, and others. We have also sent more than a dozen mission trips to the Gulf states (national) in cooperation with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to rebuild homes after devastating hurricanes. While many of our congregations are pioneering very creative local mission projects, as a presbytery we have not given much attention to this area. Perhaps by not celebrating, or initiating, or encouraging these kinds of local mission efforts, we have missed out on opportunities to empower local congregations to be centers for mission. In any case, it seems we have a better track-record on the other two of the three areas where Jesus sends us to be his witnesses. Perhaps it is time to focus some attention on local mission opportunities as well. The thrust of this effort would be to respond to needs identified by a hosting congregation or receiving congregation. Perhaps there is some church property that needs attention, or a person/family in the community whose home has been burned or otherwise is in need of repair. Volunteer helpers from one or more other congregations in the presbytery could commit to responding as part of a guided weekend hands-on mission experience within the territory of Shenandoah Presbytery. The anticipated benefits of this initiative would include: 1. A needed repair or task is accomplished that benefits the local community or a family or church within it. 2. Our corporate caring as a witness to the love of Jesus is expressed in practical ways that also support 3. The witness of the hosting congregation which demonstrates its caring by connecting in new ways with the needs in their community. 4. The World Wide Ministries Committee (and the whole Presbytery) benefits by being able to teach and demonstrate sound mission practices in an affordable, close-to-home mission trip experience. 4. Shenandoah Presbytery is strengthened by the strengthening of relationships between people in participating congregations, and by its role as an organizing and sponsoring partner. 5. Individual participants benefit by making a difference, meeting new friends, and by having the kind of spiritually nourishing experience that frequently happens in mission trips of this kind. This model seems to offer benefits to every partner and participant as identified above. I also believe that these kinds of experiences can be among the important building blocks that help transform our presbytery and the congregations in it. Perhaps this could help us experience a more biblically missional mindset: a way of living our response to Jesus command to be his witnesses which would find us becoming ever more vibrant communities of sound mission practice. As always, other ideas, visions, inspirations and leadings of the Spirit that you may have, that would strengthen and enrich our life and ministry together are most welcome. Your partner in this great faith, Randy Webb, Acting General Presbyter 95