The Presbytery of Ohio Valley Presbytery Assembly meeting at the First Presbyterian Church - Evansville, Indiana June 2, 2012

Transcription

1 The Presbytery of Ohio Valley Presbytery Assembly meeting at the First Presbyterian Church - Evansville, Indiana June 2, 2012 CRE Mike Beaver, Moderator Rev. Lawrence Jackman, Stated Clerk The Moderator, Commissioned Ruling Elder Mike Beaver, called the meeting of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley to order at 10:00 a.m. EDT (9:00 CST). A quorum was declared present and attendance was indicated by the rolls, as follows: Formation of the Roll The roll was established by written registration. Minister members and Elder Commissioners were present (P), absent (A), or excused (E) as listed below. Ministers Church Ackerman, Jim (E) Honorably Retired Aelick, E. Duane (E) Honorably Retired Ballard, John (E) Member-at-Large Bangert, Byron (E) Honorably Retired Barnes-Davies, Peter (P) Scottsburg, First Barrett, Bill (E) Scipio, United/Grammer Barrett, Carol (E) Member-at-Large Bartel, Michelle (E) New Washington, Trinity United Bean, Michael (A) North Vernon, Graham Brand, D. Calvert (E) Honorably Retired Bremer, David (A) Bloomington, United Brookman, David (E) Honorably Retired Brown, James (E) Honorably Retired Casteel, Peggy (P) Columbus, First Chironna, John (E) Honorably Retired Cochran, Sarah (E) Vernon, Vernon Colwell, Allen (P) New Albany, St John United Cormack, Jack (E) New Albany, Mount Tabor Craig, Robert (P) Columbus, First Cramer, James (E) Honorably Retired Crittenden, David (P) GA/Mission Council Davenport, Dennis (P) Evansville, Eastminster Davis, Lant (P) Terre Haute, Central DeSanto, John (E) Honorably Retired Drake, Alfred (E) Honorably Retired Erickson, Eric (E) Honorably Retired Erickson, John (A) Seymour, First Erickson, Norie (E) Honorably Retired Evanchak, Michael (P) Boonville, Hemenway Memorial 1

2 Ministers Church Finley, E. Dean (E) Honorably Retired Finnan, Alan (E) Washington, Westminster Fisher, Carol (E) Martinsville, First Fleming, Kevin (P) Evansville, First Flucke, Aaron (E) Lexington, Lexington Flucke, David (E) Charlestown, Community Fortel, Deborah (P) Honorably Retired Fox, Kathleen (P) Newburgh, Newburgh FrizLanger, Martha (E) Dale, Dale Frost, Randall (E) Member-at-Large Geckeler, Steve (E) Honorably Retired Gladney, Eugene (A) Princeton, First Gorton, William (E) Honorably Retired Gould, Monica (P) Mount Vernon, First Guthrie, J. Marshall (E) Honorably Retired Hainer, Frank (E) Laconia, Rehoboth Haw, Ann (E) Honorably Retired Heilman, William (E) Honorably Retired Heldring, Boyd (P) Petersburg, Main Street Hill, Scott (P) Corydon, Corydon Hudson, Jay (E) GA/PILP Hudson, Jill (E) GA/Governing Body Relations Hueftle, Keith (E) Honorably Retired Humphrey, Carol (A) Member-at-Large Jackman, Lawrence (P) Presbytery of Ohio Valley Jensen, Mary (A) Member-at-Large Jessen, Timothy (P) Member-at-Large Johnson, Hana (P) Cayuga, Cayuga (United) Keeney, William (E) Honorably Retired Kendall, Wes (A) Greencastle, Greencastle Kim-Kort, Mihee (A) Member-at-Large Kinloch, Donald (E) Honorably Retired Knight, Jo Ann (E) Fort Bliss, U.S. Army Kort, Andy (E) Bloomington, First Langer, Larry (P) Jasper, First Lee, David (P) Spencer, Spencer Lee, Sang Tae (A) Bloomington, Korean Lenhart, Benjamin (E) Honorably Retired Lorimer, Robert (E) Honorably Retired Marshall, Anne (P) Columbus, Fairlawn McCormick, Wendy (P) Evansville, Center for Congregations Southwest McDaniel, Mark (A) Bedford, First McGhee, Susan (P) Presbytery of Ohio Valley McGlasson, Paul (A) Sullivan, First 2

3 Ministers Church McKune, John (E) Honorably Retired Moore, Gregory (A) Member-at-Large Napier, Brad (A) Brownstown, First Nead, Alfred (E) Honorably Retired Olson, Mark (P) Trinity Parish Olson, Wendy (P) Trinity Parish O'Neill, Shane (E) Honorably Retired Owen, Elisa (A) Member-at-Large Paul-Bonham, Scott (A) Terre Haute, Fed Bureau of Prisons Pedersen, Rachel (P) Bloomington, First Pekich-Bundy, Katrina (E) Hanover, Hanover Peters, Linda (P) Terre Haute, Unity Porter, Mark (E) Honorably Retired Pritchard, Richard (E) Honorably Retired Pye, Charles (A) Clarksville, Grace Railing, Deanna (E) Member-at-Large Ramirez-Spears, Amy (E) Member-at-Large Robinson, Mark (A) Member-at-Large Rogers, William (E) Honorably Retired Roseland, Chris (A) GA/Mission Council Rudolph, L.C. (E) Honorably Retired Rumsey, William (E) Honorably Retired Sale, Thomas (E) Honorably Retired Scroggins, Gary (A) Brazil, First Seay, Scott (P) Nashville, Brown County Fellowship Smith, Alexa (E) GA/Presbyterian Hunger Program Smith, Sharon (A) Member-at-Large Stokes, Donald (A) Livonia, Livonia United Stuart, Irene (E) Honorably Retired Summerfield, Don (E) Jeffersonville, First Taylor, Veltri (P) Evansville, Asera Care Hospice Thompson, Murray (A) Bloomfield, First Thompson, William (E) Honorably Retired Thorne, Cheryl (P) Vincennes, Indiana Tracy, Doug (E) Honorably Retired Tratebas, Edmund (E) Honorably Retired Turner, Robert (E) Honorably Retired VanderZee, John (P) Bloomington, Bloomington Hospital VanderZee, Wendy (E) Bloomington, Hospice of Bloomington Hospital Walden-Fisher, Beth (A) Salem, Salem Walters, Ralph (E) Patoka, Union Bethel Waters, Nancy (P) Paoli, First White, Robert (E) Honorably Retired Williams-Hanrattie, Sharon (A) Columbus, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. 3

4 Ministers Church Wynveen, Barry (P) Princeton, United Young, David (P) Madison, Madison Young, Nancy (P) Member-at-Large Ministers, Other Denomination Church Feagan, Gene (P) Evansville, First Avenue/Westminster Morris, William (A) Patoka, Patoka Parker, Ray (A) Evansville, Parke Memorial Perkins, R. Wayne (A) Evansville, Immanuel Commissioned Ruling Elders Church Beaver, Mike (P) Nabb, Nabb Ford, George (P) Vincennes, First/Upper Indiana Haddad, Alejandra (E) Bloomington, United Harder, Alan (P) Terre Haute, Central Jones, Richard (A) Farmersburg, First Kutz-Mellem, Sharon (P) Laconia, United/Central, Valley City Poff, Dick (A) Spencer, Bethany Snyder, Barbara (P) Traister, Andy (A) New Albany, Mount Tabor Turner, John (A) Jasonville, Howesville Church Commissioner Church Bedford, First Mike Alexander (A) Bloomfield, First Ted Hawkins (A) Bloomington, First Ron Jensen (P) Bloomington, United Judie Iverson (A) Boonville, Hemenway Memorial Glenn Rudolph (P) Brazil, First Vanita Moore (A) Brownstown, First Rich Swartwood (A) Cayuga, Cayuga (United) Mike Morgan (A) Central, Valley City Juanita Davis (P) Charlestown, Community Tom Cook (A) Clarksville, Grace John Trueblood (A) Clinton, United Jack Fenoglio (P) Columbus, Fairlawn Phil Newton (P) Columbus, First Jo Lucas (P) Corydon, Corydon Charles Eckart (P) Dale, Dale Steven Rexing (A) Elizabeth, Church of the Covenant Jim Troutman (A) Evansville, Eastminster Bob Parsons (A) Evansville, First Helen Templeton (P) 4

5 Church Commissioner Church Evansville, First Avenue Ed Marlin (P) Evansville, Immanuel Bea Clem (A) Evansville, Parke Memorial Wanda Collins (A) Evansville, Westminster Doug Mikolasek (P) Farmersburg, First John Wood (A) Fort Branch, First Bill Jackson (A) Grammer, Grammer Linda Coggin (A) Greencastle, Greencastle Marilyn Lawrence (A) Hanover, Hanover Janet Lowry (E) Henryville, Community Neva Newlin (A) Henryville, Mount Lebanon Sue Weddle (A) Jasonville, Howesville Commissioner (A) Jasper, First Jim Duncan (P) Jeffersonville, First Virgil Hertling (P) Laconia, United Commissioner (A) Laconia, Rehoboth Paula Hensley (A) Leavenworth, Community John Stutzman (P) Lexington, Lexington Lincoln Taylor (E) Livonia, Livonia United Johanna Lambert (A) Madison, Jefferson Commissioner (A) Madison, Madison Jean Beaver (P) Madison, Smyrna-Monroe Kenneth Hord (A) Martinsville, First Mike Stiver (E) Mitchell, Mitchell Oakleigh Westfall (A) Montezuma, First Ann Stanley (P) Mount Vernon, First Bob Seitz (P) Nabb, Nabb Roberta Bastian (A) Nashville, Brown County Fellowship Bill Boyle (P) New Albany, Mount Tabor Commissioner (A) New Albany, St John United Jaci Owen (P) New Washington, Trinity United Ruby Taflinger (A) Newburgh, Newburgh Pat Poland (P) North Vernon, Graham Steve Graham (E) Paoli, First Larry Hollan (A) Patoka, Patoka June White (A) Patoka, Union Bethel Gerald Bane (A) Petersburg, Main Street Sue Vinson (P) Princeton, Fairview Commissioner (A) Princeton, First Troy Davidson (A) Princeton, United John Hynemann (A) Roachdale, Roachdale John Boruff (A) Rockville, Memorial Carolyn Davis (P) Salem, Salem Max Bedwell (P) Scipio, Scipio Bill Gerhard (P) 5

6 Church Commissioner Church Scottsburg, First Cheryl Davenport (A) Seymour, First George Ernest (A) Spencer, Bethany Robert Pedro (A) Spencer, Spencer Carol Miller (P) Sullivan, First Bob Tomey (A) Terre Haute, Central Renee Newton (A) Terre Haute, Unity Jan Buffington (P) Vernon, Vernon Commissioner (A) Vevay, Caledonia Caren Griffith (A) Vincennes, Bethany Donald Opell (A) Vincennes, First Nadene Nichols (A) Vincennes, Indiana Diana Reel (A) Vincennes, Royal Oak Robert Dutton (A) Vincennes, South Side Larry Doll (P) Vincennes, Upper Indiana Brett Robling (A) Washington, Westminster Steve Foddrill (A) Elder Members by Reason of Office Jean Brown (P) Jane Gore (P) Carol Miller (P) Bill Gerhard (A) Paul Kelleher (A) Rob Peters (A) Karen Goodwell (A) Mary McClellan (A) Visitors Alex Becker Henryville, Community/Mount Sara Shields Mitchell Lebanon Julie Olt Elizabeth, Church of the Allison Doll Vincennes, South Side Covenant Steve Ogdie Allen Park Pres. Church Don Causey Evansville, First Ave Allen Park, MI Schuyler Olt Elizabeth, Church of the Jackie Crittenden New Albany, Mount Tabor Covenant Jan Jasperse Westminster Grand Rapids, MI Norma Eisert Salem, Salem Janet Mullins Henryville, Community Jayne Williams Terre Haute, Unity Rhondal Mullins Henryville, Community Rudy Owen New Albany, St John Tamara Recob Newburgh, Newburgh The Assembly began with Worship and the Proclamation of the Word. Candidates for Ordination as Ministers, Alex Becker and Julie Olt, preached the Word, the liturgists were the Presbytery of Ohio Valley and Elder Mike Beaver, the celebrant at Holy Communion was Rev. Tim Jessen, and the musicians were Robert Nicholls, Rev. Kevin Fleming, Rev. Timothy Jessen. Following Worship, the Assembly responded to the Word with the Business of the Day. Rev.Deborah Fortel, Chair of the Committee on Ministry, presented the two candidates for examination for ordination as ministers. Alex Becker was presented first. 6

7 Faith Journey I grew up as a baptized Presbyterian in Wayne Presbyterian Church, Wooster, Ohio, which is in Muskingum Valley Presbytery. We lived next door to the church, which meant that we often looked after the church in different ways. I watched my mother play the piano every Sunday, sung in her choir and played in her handbell ensemble. I was active in youth groups and Sunday School in a church that gathered around 100 people every Sunday in the rural north end of town. As I grew up, I was given opportunities to read scripture in church and participate in worship. I also had joined a Boy Scout troop and, in high school, began competing in Speech and Debate. During this time of discernment, I recognized the importance of my relationship to God in keeping me on the right path, helping me make the right decisions in my life journey. And as I made those decisions, I recognized in myself (with the help of my parents, pastor, youth group leader, and many others) the potential for ministry. I explored this potential in church camps, Boy Scout summer camps and my own troop, and most importantly, through the PC(USA) s Project Burning Bush. In this program I met with other youth discerning a call to ministry, gathering at the Union-PSCE campus in Richmond and at Montreat to learn about seminary and what being a pastor might mean. All of these experiences during my formative years led me to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. Here I had the chance to broaden my experience of Christ s church by visiting and learning about other denominations, and it was during this time that I was able to attend the 216 th General Assembly in Birmingham, AL as a Young Adult Delegate. I realized at that event that I belonged in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) which connected me to so many people who worshiped and experienced God both decently and in order and through emotional, heartfelt expressions of worship. It pained me to see a church so deeply divided over so many issues yet, for the large part, it encouraged me to see a church willing to discuss the issues rather than ignore them or simply part ways. During these summers I served as an Assistant Chaplain and as Chaplain for Seven Ranges Scout Reservation in Kensington, OH. These were my first true ministry experiences, where I had the opportunity to minister in an interfaith, ecumenical setting to both youth and adults. I also served for two months at First Presbyterian Church in Shelby Ohio as a student pastor. This congregation allowed me to preach, to participate in session meetings, and to do pastoral care during a time when they had no pastor. All of these experiences together gave me the confidence that God was beside me in my journey towards pastoral ministry, and that God truly had equipped me for this ministry. It was during college that I began to more fully develop my perception that Jesus truly is Rabbi, teacher, to me. I saw God as the one who enabled me to learn from my mistakes, to pay attention to events surrounding me and glean insights about pastoral ministry. Often, these insights were so small that I couldn t even articulate them: things like how to begin a phone conversation or how to notice God s hand in an ordinary event. But God also taught me larger lessons: that grief is a long journey, and that my perspectives (and others ) can change over time, for example. With God as my teacher, I entered Louisville Presbyterian Seminary due to its commitment to supporting students financially and giving them practical experience. During seminary I continued to develop a love for practical ministry which was only deepened by my work as a chaplain intern at University Hospital, my student internship, and supply preaching in Henryville and other places. I discovered that God was bigger than I had ever imagined and that, therefore, God s irresistible grace was more wonderful than I could believe. I have been humbled, encouraged, chastised, blessed, equipped, and of course taught by God. This has led me to the life of ministry of teaching, praying, caring, blessing, learning, and so much more that I set out to find so many years ago. Statement of Faith I believe in God who created the universe and made humans in the image of God; I believe in Christ, God s ultimate revelation; I believe in the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ and present in eternity. These three persons constitute the Trinity, one God who has always been and always will be. 7

8 I believe in God s presence in the world since its creation, engaging and inspiring the faithful throughout history as God s imperfect followers sought reconciliation and forgiveness from sin. God is holy, but God is also among us, relating to us in ways that defy explanation. I believe in Christ incarnate, who came to earth as a true human being and was resurrected from the dead, granting to humanity freedom from death and forgiveness of sins. The incarnation gives meaning to our physicality, our suffering, and the ministry of the church; Christ s resurrection inspires us always to hope for a better future. I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit over the church, which is Christ s body: the followers of Christ united through the bonds of Holy Communion, the sacrament which brings all believers to Christ s table. The Holy Spirit will not allow the church to become static or stagnant. The church best follows God s will by discerning and following the movements of the Spirit. I believe that the Bible, our collection of the writings of God s followers, has authority over the church for its guidance and for insight into its history, showing our imperfect past and giving us hope for the future. No one person or culture has a monopoly on the Bible: it belongs to all. It contains God s Word and God s Truth, and must be taken seriously and with respect for its depth and breadth. I believe that we, both as individuals and as the church, have a primary responsibility to respond to God s grace by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving our neighbors as ourselves; we do this by seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. God s power is love, and our power to do God s will is love, especially for the least among us. I believe that we can only follow God s will because Christ has freed us from bondage to sin and granted us God s grace, which we can neither earn nor refuse. God will not forsake us, and nothing can separate us or anyone else from God s love in Jesus Christ. I believe that leaders in the church have special responsibilities to teach Christ s followers through Word and Sacrament and through living their lives as an example of a journey of faith, always seeking transformation and reconciliation to follow God and become more like Christ. Leadership in the church is a special vocation, but it is not the only vocation. Our vocation is the manifestation of God s gifts in our lives; it is who God has called us to be, both inside and outside the church. I believe that I am a redeemed sinner on a journey of faith, following the Good Shepherd. Through many ways, Jesus Christ will continue to teach me, guide me, inspire me, and transform me in faith and in life. Following a period of oral examination, it was m/s/c (Lee) to arrest the exam. It was m/s/c (Thorne) to sustain the examination and approve Alex s ordination. Rev. Fortel then presented Julie Olt. Faith Journey I was born into a Presbyterian family and have been Presbyterian all of my life. My earliest memory in the church is of participating in Vacation Bible School and the crafts that we made, the songs we sang, and the pictures we looked at in the Bible. I learned to look forward to summer because I knew that it was time for Bible School. As I grew, so did my experiences. Youth group, choir and Sunday school were all places where I felt secure, loved, and accepted. An experience as a teen that was life changing was spending time at Camp Burnamwood each summer. Church camp was the first place that I truly felt the presence of God in my life, and my faith grew and took on a new dimension. 8

9 Over time I changed from being a person that was always on the receiving end at church into being someone who was able to share my faith with others in many different ways. I taught Sunday school, began participating in Presbytery committees and was ordained as an Elder. I served multiple terms on Session, chaired committees and led mission trips. My faith was also lived out in the work that I did. I served as the Director of Ashland Area Presbyterian Ministries where I coordinated the mission of the five Presbyterian Churches in the Ashland, KY area. This involved providing direct services for those in need, leading mission trips (youth and adult), speaking at the different churches about mission opportunities, and engaging in mission activities with the congregations. I also served as the Director of Ashland Community Kitchen, an agency which provides daily meals to anyone who is hungry. It was through these experiences that I began to feel the call to ordained ministry and I actively began to try to find a way to pursue my call. Being an Elder commissioner to the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly in 2008 was a positive, educational, and Spirit-filled time for me. Seeing the work of our connectional church in action was amazing. I learned that we can: worship together, listen to each other, talk with each other, agree, disagree, maneuver, love each other, and a multitude of other things; but, most importantly, that through it all the Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way. I visited with representatives of several seminaries while I was at the Assembly, and then after doing some research upon my return home, I applied to Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I started classes at LPTS in January, 2009 and graduated on May 20, For the past three years I have worked in the office of Evangelism and Church Growth for the PC(USA), which has been a tremendous learning experience. In addition to working for the denomination, I did pulpit supply wherever I could and as often as I could. During my senior year, I filled the pulpit at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Elizabeth, IN, several times and enjoyed the small, yet vibrant, group of worshipers there. I began to sense that this was the church to which God was leading me, and after prayer and discernment, the feeling developed into truly feeling called to be their pastor. They are a wonderful group of people and I look forward to sharing my gifts and talents with them as we discover together where God is leading us and what God is calling us to do and be in this time and place. Statement of Faith I believe in a creator and creating God who is at work in and through all things. God is the architect of all that is seen and unseen, the giver of life, eternal and ever present. God has been, and continues to be, revealed to us through Scripture, as does Jesus Christ, the Word of God. The world came into being at God s behest and God has been active in the creation throughout time and continues to be active in the world today. God has authority over every area of our lives and I believe that God exercises that authority for our good. I believe that through Scripture we learn of God s overwhelming love of all of creation including humanity and of God s faithfulness to all generations. God loves humankind with a love that will never let us go and this love is seen in the covenant relationship God has with humanity, exhibited throughout Scripture. Therefore, we can be confident that God was with us in the past, God is with us in the present, and God will be with us in the future. Our God is a triune God; Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. I believe in the saving power of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Humankind became separated from God through sin, and it is through Jesus Christ the Redeemer that our sins are forgiven and we are restored to right relationship with God. I believe that the Word was with God in the beginning and that in the incarnation Jesus came to earth as God in human form and was both fully human and fully divine. The life and ministry of Jesus give us an example of a life lived in obedience to God s will. Jesus lived a sinless life, and died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead and reigns with God, giving us the assurance of eternal life with God. It is through the grace of God that we are saved and we are justified by our faith, both gifts from God. Freed from our sin through grace, we are able to lead joyful, thankful, 9

10 responsive lives! Because of this grace, we are called to Christian discipleship, witnessing to the love of Christ with the sick, the poor, the lonely, and all who are on the margins of our society, meeting people where they are and sharing the love of Christ with them. I believe that we are assured of God s presence with us in all times, places and situations through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; we are never alone. The Holy Spirit plays an active role not only in the lives of individuals and in the church, but indeed in the entire world. The Spirit enables us each to have faith binds us to Jesus Christ. Just as the Holy Spirit is set free in the world, so the Holy Spirit sets us free to be children of God, believing, worshipping, praying, acting, and working for the glory of God. As the community of faith and with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we go forth in joy as the church into the world. I believe that the Scriptures are the inspired word of God and, that though written in specific times and places, the Word of God continues to speak throughout time and still speaks to us today. Through Scripture God is revealed to us, primarily in the person of Jesus Christ, which forms the basis for our belief, confessions, and our Presbyterian form of government. The Bible tells us who God is, how God has been active in creation throughout the ages, and about God s relationship with humanity. The Word of God incarnate, Jesus Christ, is revealed in Scripture and through Scripture we come to know how we are to live our lives in accordance with the will of God. I believe that the Confessions interpret Scripture and assist us in articulating our beliefs and help us to pass on the traditions of our faith. I believe in one holy, catholic, apostolic Church. Christ is the Head of the Church and the Church is Christ s body. The Church is a sign of the presence of God in the world, and as such, goes forth in worship and mission. The Church proclaims the Good News, inviting others into the community of faith. Through preaching the Word and celebrating the sacraments the Church fulfills two of its primary duties. The Church is called both corporately and individually to works of compassion, peace, and justice, which are possible through the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. I believe that the sacraments are the visible signs of God s invisible grace. In baptism we are reminded that we are God s own, that we have an ongoing need for grace, and that we are called into lives of discipleship. Communion is a celebration of Christ s sacrifice as we look forward to his return. At the table we are united with the whole Church and join all of the faithful in giving thanks to God; are nourished for the work of discipleship; renew our baptismal vows; and recommit to joyfully loving and serving the Lord, each other, and our neighbors. It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that we are able to live faithful lives in accordance with the will of God. In grateful response to the love shown to us in Christ, we give thanks and praise to God and go forth as the Church to love and serve the Lord. Following a period oral examination it was m/s/c (Thorne) to arrest the examination, and it was m/s/c (Newton) to sustain the examination and approve Julie for ordination. Consent Agenda (Stated Clerk, Rev. Lawrence Jackman) The Docket (as amended), Stated Clerk s Report, Treasurer s Report, Assembly Minutes, Charlestown Administrative Commission and Olivet Administrative Commission Reports were presented. It was also proposed that the Presbytery issue a proclamation regarding the 90 th birthday of Rev. Al Drake. Approved. The Docket The Presbytery of Ohio Valley Docket for Assembly: June 2, 2012 First Presbyterian Church - Evansville, Indiana Elder Mike Beaver, Moderator Rev. Lawrence Jackman, Stated Clerk Call to Order and Opening Worship Examination of Candidates for Ordination: Julie Olt and Alex Becker 10

11 Opening Business Declaration of Quorum, Consent Agenda Approval of Docket Minutes Approval Clerk s Report Treasurer s Report Charlestown Administrative Commission Olivet Administrative Commission Committee on Ministry Introduction of New Commissioners and Guests Welcome from Host Pastor Report of Council Church Transformation Team Stewardship Work Group Lunch Presentation of New Hymnal Center for Congregations Presentation Speak Out Update on March 2 Recovery and Tornado Relief Efforts Report of the Executive Presbyter AC Reports New Business Statistics Necrology and Prayers of the Presbytery Closing Worship and Communion Clerk s Report (The Rev. Lawrence Jackman) Presbytery Minutes Review The Minutes of the Presbytery were read and reviewed by the Synod of Lincoln Trails on April 25. Approval was without exception. Administrative Commission to Ordain On March 18, 2012 the Administrative Commission to Ordain Garrett Adam Vitorio Schindler met and fulfilled their charge to ordain. The Moderator Mike Beaver moderated the commission and proffered the constitutional questions to the candidate. Having completed their assigned charge, the commission was dismissed at the close of the service. Garrett is dismissed to the Presbytery of Sesquehanna Valley effective March 18, Resignation Elder Eric Moore has resigned from membership and moderator of the Administrative Commission for New Church Development. Permission to Labor outside the Bounds The Rev. Hana Johnson was granted permission to labor outside the bounds of the presbytery for the purpose of performing a wedding in Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery in June. Consistent with policy, the COM Moderator and EP approved this activity. Overture Advocates David Young has been elected (by e vote) to be the Overture Advocate for Overture 22 from Twin Cities Presbytery. Overture 22 requires the GA offices to implement a 2006 action of GA. 11

12 Michelle Bartel has been elected (by e vote) to be the Overture Advocate for Overture 97 from the Presbytery of Sacramento. Overture 97 is a call to unity in the midst of diverse opinion on issues of marriage and ordination standards. Response Team The Rev. Andy Kort and the Rev. Scott Paul-Bonham have agreed to serve on the Response Team which would respond to issues related to violations of POV policy on sexual boundaries. Treasurer s Report (Elder Jean Brown) Presbytery of Ohio Valley, Inc. Condensed Statement of Revenues and Expenses (Actual vs Budget) January 1 through April 30, 2012 Jan April 2012 Annual Actual Budget Revenue Per Capita $ 127,046 $ 203,638 Shared Giving (Unified Mission) 42, ,000 Contributions 1,030 5,500 Unrestricted Invest Inc & Trans 25,250 77, , ,138 Expense Staff Expense 71, ,009 Ecclesial Expense 46,738 80,985 Meeting Expense 3,538 14,100 Administration & Office Expense 10,927 38,000 Program Expense 15,910 34,433 Cluster Expense 500 6,000 Task Force Funding 2,025 6,000 Total Expense 151, ,527 Net Surplus/(Deficit) $ 44,586 $ (389) Fund Balances As of April 30, 2012 Church Legacy Funds $ 661,744 Brown Trust 277,557 Restricted Funds (Specific Use) 191,600 Undesignated Net Assets 995,473 $ 2,126,374 12

13 Report of the Charlestown Administrative Commission (Rev. David Young) The Administrative Commission to the Charlestown Community Presbyterian Church reported to the last meeting of the Assembly that we had to postpone scheduled meetings with the session and the congregation on account of the tornadoes of March 2. Those postponed meetings were subsequently held on April 14. At those gatherings we shared information and received feedback. We also retained the services of a trained facilitator, the Rev. Dr. David Sawyer, who guided those gathered in sharing their reflections on the congregation and on our work. One result of our meetings on the 14 th was a more structured process of discussion and review with the session of the issues at hand. We have met twice with the session since the 14 th, in addition to attending all their meetings since we were commissioned. We are moving forward in a deliberate fashion to continue these collaborative conversations. As always, we ask for your prayers for the leaders and members of the Community Presbyterian Church, along with the members of the Administrative Commission during this time of review and discernment. The Administrative Commission members are: Rev. David Young, chair; Rev. Rob Craig, vice chair, Elder Karen Goodwell, clerk; Rev. Dr. Michelle Bartel, CRE Mike Beaver; Elder Dave Holt, and Rev. Anne Marshall. Report of the Olivet Administrative Commission (Rev. Lant Davis) The Supreme Court of Indiana has not yet ruled on the case. Thus, the legal status of the matter is unchanged since the commission s last report to the Assembly of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley. From December 2006 through May 15, 2012, the Presbytery has paid $319, in legal fees with respect to this matter. Committee on Ministry Report (Rev. Deborah Fortel) Summary of COM Actions Taken from February 12, 2012 through May 8, 2012 At the May 8, 2012 meeting the Committee on Ministry: 1. Reviewed the standards for adding names to the list of persons available for pulpit supply in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley and referred it to a working group consisting of the moderator, the regional team leaders, and staff resources Susan McGhee and Larry Jackman for revision and consideration at the August meeting of COM. 2. Heard an illuminating presentation on the Center for Congregations by Wendy McCormick and Doug Hanner. 3. Approved the request of the Charlestown Session for a Ruling Elder to serve communion during the pastor s absence. 4. Approved the proposal to include Teaching Elders not serving in congregations and honorably retired Teaching Elders in the prayers by the COM. 5. Heard reports from the Regional Ministry Teams. 6. Approved a brief outline of questions to guide the statements of faith written by candidates to be called to POV congregations and by Teaching Elders seeking membership in POV. a. What is your understanding of God? b. What is your understanding of Jesus? c. What is your understanding of the Holy Spirit? d. What is your understanding of the Trinity? e. What is your understanding of Scripture? 13

14 f. What is your understanding of the nature and role of the Church and of the Sacraments? g. What is your understanding of Christian discipleship? 7. Approved a clarified pattern for examinations of candidates for ministry by the presbytery. a. If a candidate who has been under care of the POV CPM is called to serve a congregation in POV, the CPM moderator or her or his designee will ordinarily introduce the candidate at the presbytery assembly and will begin the questions of the candidate. b. If a candidate who has been under care of another presbytery is called to serve a congregation in POV, the COM moderator or her or his designee will ordinarily introduce the candidate at the presbytery assembly and begin the questions of the candidate. 8. Approved the minutes of the February 11, 2012 stated COM meeting. 9. Approved contracts as follows: a. First Presbyterian Church of Paoli, Indiana, and Rev. Nancy Waters, serving as Stated Supply Pastor. Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship and facilitate an ongoing life of prayer in the congregation. 2. Provide pastoral care, visitation of sick and homebound, conduct funerals, weddings, baptisms, special services, new member training, and assist congregation in community outreach. 3. Moderate session. 4. Facilitate leadership development within the congregation to enhance shared leadership with pastor. 5. Conduct elder/deacon training, as necessary. 6. Promote and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 3/15/12 to 3/14/13 Approx. 20 hours per week BOP Est. $9,295 $10,222 $21,500 Vch.IRS rate Approx. $3,500 Standard Standard $400 (vouchered) Yes b. Grammer Presbyterian Church of Grammer, Indiana, and Rev. William Barrett serving as Temporary Pastor. Duties include: 1. Moderate session and congregational meetings. 2. Lead worship and preach 3 Sundays per month, at Sunday worship. 3. Call on sick and homebound as needed. 4. Officiate at weddings and funerals. 5. Pray for the church. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 5/1/12 to 4/30/13 Approx. 6 hours per week $4,000 Vch.IRS rate Pension Payments: 12% of effective compensation to a 403(b). 14 None None None c. Scipio United Presbyterian Church of Scipio, Indiana, and Rev. William Barrett as Temporary Pastor. Duties include 1. Moderate session and congregational meetings. 2. Lead worship and preach 3 Sundays per month, at Sunday worship. 3. Call on sick and homebound as needed. 4. Officiate at weddings and funerals. 5. Pray for the church. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pensio n 5/1/12 to 4/30/13 Approx. 14 hours per week $22,500 Vch.IRS rate Pensions Payments: 12% of effective compensation to a 403(b). None None None)

15 d. Mt. Lebanon Presbyterian Church and Henryville Community Church of Henryville, Indiana, and Alex Becker as Stated Supply Pastor. * Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship and administer the sacraments. 2. Offer pastoral care, especially to those who are homebound, grieving or sick, and to others with special needs or concerns. 3. Participate and encourage congregational participation in he life of the Presbytery. 4. Serve as moderator of sessions and congregations. 5. Conduct weddings and funerals. 6. Participate in church fellowship events and activities. 7. Pray with and for the congregations. *Contract between Mt Lebanon and Henryville Community Church of Henryville, Indiana, and Alex Becker is approved if the way be clear. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 7/1/12 to 6/30/13 Approx. 20 hours per week $8,137 $13,000 Vch.IRS rate Standard Standard $ 1,000 (vouchered) Yes e. Valley City Presbyterian Church of Central, Indiana, and Sharon Kutz-Mellen as Temporary Supply Commissioned Lay Pastor. Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship, including children s message, bulletins, help with Sunday School when necessary. 2. Participate in and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. 3. Conduct elder/deacon/new member instruction. 4. Moderate Session and Congregational meetings. 5. Conduct weddings, funerals, & pastoral visitations when possible. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 1/1/12 to 12/31/12 Approx hours per week $ $8,060 Vch.IRS rate. 2 wks incl. 2 Sundays Social Security Offset: $1,616; Extimated BOP: $10,794 1 month incl. 4 Sundays $ 110 (vouchered) 10. Approved the following E-Vote Report of votes taken electronically between COM meetings of February 12, 2012 and May 8, 2012: a. Approved: Permission for the Church of the Covenant to set the date for a congregational meeting to call a pastor. 11. The following congregations and pastors were prayed for: Valley City and Sharon Kutz-Mellem, CRE, Brown County Fellowship and Scott Seay, Pastor, Vincennes, Southside and Barbara Snyder, Moderator, Trinity Unity and Michelle Bartel, Pastor, Rockville, Memorial and Mark and Wendy Olson, Co-Pastors, and Evansville First, and Kevin Fleming, Pastor. Yes Introductions and Seating of Corresponding Members - (Rev. Lawrence Jackman) Rev. Gene Faegan was seated as a Corresponding member. Welcome from the Host Pastor (Rev. Kevin Fleming) 15

16 Report of the Mission Council - (Rev. Susan McGhee) Susan called on Rachel Pederson regarding the Youth Task Force. Average age of members of the task force is 32. If there are anyone who could be excited to be in youth ministry in the POV, please encourage them to be part of the team. Encourage youth to attend the rally at PYOCA in September. Pray for our youth in our Presbytery. Report of the Church Transformation Team (Rev. Allen Colwell) Allen solicited written ideas, dreams, and aspirations that would make the witness in our communities more visible. We look to be doing church differently. Up to $2000 been authorized; more may be available through Council. Alan requested information for doing a pulpit Swap-aroo on Reformation Sunday. He encouraged us to tell our stories more, as there is great power in this. He encouraged that pairs of members go from one church to another to tell what God is doing is one s own church. Ann Stanley from Montezuma spoke of prayer walking and praying in 6 different sections of town. The call is to evangelism and revival looking for ways that God is working in our communities, starting in Southern Indiana, taking it out of the sanctuary into the streets, with the mantra Who is Jesus; Where is Jesus; Here He is! Report of the Stewardship Work Group (Rev. Peter Barnes-Davies) Peter encouraged churches to make pledges on the Yellow Cards regarding mission giving to/through POV. He also encouraged people to attend the Stewardship Workshops that are available. We were encouraged to tell our stories of why we like to give. We also heard from Dave Krittenden about telling our one story about why we want to give. People with a heart for stewardship were invited to join the committee. Statistical Report (Rev. Larry Jackman) Larry gave us some encouraging and enlightening statistics about our Presbytery. Lunch The Assembly shared a wonderful lunch, prepared by the hospitable folks at First Presbyterian Church. Presentation on the New Presbyterian Hymnal - (Rev. Timothy Jessen) Tim led the Assembly through several of the hymns that are contained in the new Presbyterian Hymnal Glory to God. He encouraged us to call on him and his group to present workshops in our area of the POV. Greetings from the Indiana Center for Congregations (Rev. Wendy McCormick) Wendy informed the POV of the Center for Congregations, especially of the web site, www. CenterforCongregations.org. She mentioned the Resource Grants that are available, giving specific examples of projects that have been resourced. What s wrong with the church is usually fixed by what is right with the church, she posited. Speak Out Session Report of the Youth Committee (Rev. Rachel Pedersen) 1. On August 18 th at Camp PYOCA (3-9pm) there will be The Event! featuring the band Great Romance. It will be a time to catch-up with friends, enjoy a great concert and get ready for a new school year. The cost is $5.00 per student. 16

17 2. The Presbyterian Youth Triennium is July 16-20, 2013, and will be amazing. POV would like bring 50 youth or 1% of the total triennium population. Rachel or former Triennium participants can speak with young people at churches. 3. The Youth Committee is forming and is in need of interested members. There are currently four, and more individuals (youth included) who feel called to work with young people in our presbytery are needed. Contact Rachel at Report of the POV Academy Committee (Elder Barbara Snyder) The POV Academy Committee has met twice since the last Assembly. We celebrated the very successful Journey through the Old Testament class held at Camp Pyoca on April The Rev. Dr. Alan Finnan led the 13 participants, including five who are exploring their call to become Commissioned Ruling Elders, on a fascinating journey from Genesis through Malachi. Plans are well underway for the next two POV Academy classes, both to be held at Camp Pyoca. Reformed Worship 101 will take place September The New Testament class is scheduled for November The registration deadline for Reformed Worship 101 is July 25 and for New Testament September 15. Registration forms are available on the POV website or from Barbara at bbsnyder@bestonline.net. Barbara also brought to the Assembly the information of the 2012 Presbytery Prayer Partners: The Presbytery of Ohio Valley encourages all our congregations to pray for each other throughout the year. See the chart at the end of these minutes. Linda spoke about their 6 youth and 6 adults who went to the Henryville area. David spoke about the Presbyterians for disability concerns and resources available for their inclusion in worship and ministry. The packet can be down-loaded Peter spoke about the excitement in Scottsburg and going to Kenya. Deborah spoke about both Julie and Alex are examples of the new face of ministry in the PCUSA who are working part time as pastors and part time in other work. Scott spoke of the NCD Commission and how God is at work in Sellarsburg and asked for prayers. Scott Seay spoke of the Brown County Presbyterian Fellowship that has just completed the first year as a teaching congregation as a field education site. Jo spoke of the need for used hearing aids that will be sent to the Center in Bethlehem. Alan spoke of the end of his term as CRE at Terre Haute as having begun at 1 st Evansville and his trip when coming out of the pulpit. Kathleen spoke of one of her members, Tamara, as a student at Louisville in the M.Div. program. Monica spoke of being at Mt. Vernon for 5 years. Additionally, a writer in her congregation has written about the sailing trip the Goulds took, and it will be in Presbyterians Today. Monica also spoke of their usage of the Center for Congregations. March2Recovery and POV Tornado Recovery Update (Elders Mike and Jean Beaver) Mike spoke of the recovery efforts in the Henryville area in which he and Jean are participating. The recovery Phase is done; now the group is positioned to begin the long-term recovery work. The organization has By-laws written, etc. Jean spoke of how there are many of POV people who are in good positions to continue the efforts. Make it happen! is the mantra. Report of the Executive Presbyter - (Rev. Susan McGhee) Susan reported that she is very glad to be here in POV because it is good here God is up to something in our midst. She suggested that we picture our congregation and pray: Holy One, what is your deepest desire for my congregation? 17

18 Holy One, what would you like my prayer to be for my congregation? Holy One, is there something I need to let go of so that I can join in Your prayer for our congregation? Holy One, is there anything I can say or do on Your behalf for my congregation? Report of the New Covenant/Palmyra Administrative Commission (Rev. Larry Langer) The Monroe City church has been taken down and the ground is covered with new grass. One of the half-round stained glass windows has been refurbished and is back at the Monroe City site and in the Lord s Warehouse for safe keeping, until it can be put into the new addition to the Lord s Warehouse building. The other half-round window has some round panes which are being taken out and refurbished, and will be given as memento glass. The Lord s Warehouse is operating as usual, but now as a stand-alone entity. Jan Utt is able to be back at work with them. Work continues on the establishment of the new 501c3 non-profit corp. for The Lord s Warehouse. The other churches in the area are on-board with us on this, and they are continuing the funding for the helping of the needy. We are hopeful that as soon as the new corporation is formed, we will be able to begin the building of the addition to the Lord s Warehouse. By the time of this June 2 nd meeting, the transfer of the Palmyra church building and property to the Indiana Landmark Foundation Group should be complete. Thanks to George Ford and his knowledge of the appropriate folks in the Vincennes area, the title searches and surveys and the approval of a Quit Claim Deed by the courts has been complete. We are receiving $5000 for the property. We are also in negotiation with Indiana Landmarks for the re-use of some of the stained glass windows from the building. The members of the Administrative Commission are: Rev. Larry Langer, chair; Rev. Michael Evanchak; Rev. Linda Peters; Rev. Cheryl Thorne; CRE George Ford; Elder Diana Reel; and Elder Rob Peters. New Business It was m/s/c (Barnes-Davies) that 10 minutes be added to the docket so that we as a body can share information about and ask questions of the General Assembly Mission Council s plan to radically shift the nature of the two special Offerings, namely the Peacemaking Offering and the One Great Hour of Sharing. Peter shared some thoughts and there was discussion. Necrology and Prayers of the Presbytery (Rev. Susan McGhee) After naming several prayer concerns, Susan gave recognition to the Necrology Report for the calendar year 2011 and led our prayers. Celebration of the Saints Minister & Elder Necrology Report January 1 December 31, 2011 Churches Date of Birth Date of Death Bedford, First David Elmore 11/18/ /10/2011 Shirley Owen 11/15/ /19/2011 Bloomfield, First Elmer Smith 01/19/ /12/2011 Margaret Harrah 05/19/ /27/2011 Boonville, Hemenway Mary Jean Burns 02/15/ /08/

19 Brownstown, First Kelly Motz 07/27/ /10/2011 Columbus, Fairlawn Lt. Col. Robert (Bob) Lee McCracken 07/19/ /26/2011 Corydon, Corydon Charles Edward Becker 07/05/ /30/2011 Mary Alice Hess 03/24/ /31/2011 Dale, Dale Lloyd Winkler 08/20/ /03/2011 Evansville, Eastminster Elva Allen 05/18/ /03/2011 Naomi Balding 12/11/ /23/2011 Clarence Owens 04/29/ /29/2011 John Schroeder 07/26/ /04/2011 Russ Brown 01/02/ /10/2011 Evansville, First Norris Robinson 03/19/ /15/2011 Mary C. Dannettell 11/11/ /07/2011 Evansville, First Avenue Mary D. Jones 02/16/ /24/2011 Evansville, Parke Memorial Ronald Phillips 07/20/ /04/2011 Helen Ruth Smith 03/17/ /12/2011 Farmersburg, First Doris Van Arsdale 01/28/ /11/2011 Pat Glenz 02/15/ /05/2011 Norma Thompson 06/27/ /00/2011 Grammer, Grammer Dorotha Connell 00/00/ /00/2011 Hanover, Hanover Wayne E. Smith 01/08/ /02/2011 Juanita Ross Webster 10/21/ /23/2011 Henryville, Community Mary Ann McKain Staples 02/10/ /06/2011 Jasper, First Alma Jean Briedenbaugh 09/06/ /24/2011 Leavenworth, Community Rita Kay Carver 01/00/2011 Martinsville, First Elza O. Cox 03/31/ /25/2011 Montezuma, First Martha Jean Bartlett 05/16/ /03/2011 Mildred Goff Machledt 08/28/ /23/2011 Mount Vernon, First James R. Carr 04/09/ /23/2011 Nabb, Nabb Phyllis Hoffmeister 07/27/ /26/2011 Jerry Joe Cravens 10/13/ /17/2011 New Albany, St John Richard Stephens 11/20/ /17/2011 North Vernon, Graham 19

20 Gene O. Eaton 04/11/ /15/2011 Glenn Jones 10/31/ /26/2011 Paoli, First Robert Jones 09/05/ /16/2011 Roachdale, Roachdale Virginia Perkins Clodfelter 12/01/ /20/2011 Scipio, Scipio Peggy Lou Dean Newland 08/16/2011 Sullivan, First Virginia Miesenhelder 08/28/ /16/2011 Terre Haute, Central Judith A. Lowder 12/03/ /06/2011 Claude Curry, Jr. 07/24/ /26/2011 Vincennes, Indiana Oscar Francis Meyer 08/16/ /01/2011 Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me. There are many homes up there where my father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. John 14: 1-3 The Assembly moved into the Sealing of the Word with the Holy Meal. The Offering was taken and the Sacrament was shared by intinction. Adjournment - (Elder Mike Beaver) Closing Sentences L: From where we are to where you need us, P: Christ beside us. L: From what we are to what you can make of us, P: Christ before us. L: From the mouthing of generalities to making signs of your kingdom, P: Christ beneath us. L: Through the streets of this world to the gates of heaven, P: Christ above us. L: Surround us with your presence, inspire us with your purpose, confirm us in your love. P: Amen. L: Now to the One who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus, P: From generation to generation, forever. Amen. 20