STATED CLERK PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES October 18, 2014

Transcription

1 Report of the STATED CLERK PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES October, 0 I. NOMINATIONS A. Temporary Clerks Region E Region F B. Courtesy Committee II. COMMUNICATIONS A. All readers of presbytery minutes for the June, 0 Stated Meeting have given approval. Copies are at the Stated Clerk s desk or will be ed to people who request them. Commissioners from Regions E and F and will be asked to read minutes of this meeting. B. The Stated Clerk is maintaining a list of program groups, affinity groups, or special interest groups in the presbytery. To date, the Stated Clerk is aware of these groups or organizations: Covenant Network: Stephen Pfleiderer, Moderator, Clergy and Laity United: Carl Matthews, President. If there are other groups or organizations with leadership and regular meetings, please contact the Stated Clerk to have them included in the listing. C. The General Presbyter is pleased to announce that the 0 Statement of Intents have surpassed the 0 Statement of Intents for the Presbytery and the percentage of congregations participating is higher than ever. Many thanks for unity of the presbytery in our ministry and mission together. D. Received reports from Commissioners to the st General Assembly. They are included in this report beginning on page. E. Clerk of Session Training, November, 0 at Providence Gum Spring, pm. Register online: III. COMMISSION REPORTS A. THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES APPOINTED TO INSTALL Rev. Don McLean as Pastor of Tappahannock Presbyterian Church Richmond, VA met Sunday May, 0 at :0 PM at the church. A quorum was present consisting of the following: MINISTERS: Rev. Don Steele (Bott Memorial), Moderator Rev. Judy Thomson (St Andrews), sermon Rev. Tom Coye (St. Andrews), Charge Candidate ELDERS: Elder Dean McBride (St. Andrews), Charge Congregation Elder Lynn Clements (Orange), Prayer of Adoration Elder Charles Holmes (Grace Covenant), Prayer of Illumination Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-.000 of THE BOOK OF ORDER, Rev. Don McLean was installed as Pastor, Tappahannock Presbyterian Church, Tappahannock, VA R E P O R T S 0 R E P O R T S

2 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va B. CRESTWOOD ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION After almost a year of prayer, study, and discussion, the Administrative Commission and the Session of Crestwood Presbyterian Church appear to have reached an impasse, and have been unable to reach accord on proposed terms for separation. Accordingly, the AC plans to present the presbytery with its recommended response to Crestwood s request to be dismissed to ECO at its February, 0 meeting, in accordance with the POJ Guidelines, para..c. Until then, the AC thanks the presbytery for its continued prayers that all our words and actions may bear witness to God s gracious and reconciling love in Christ Jesus. Brint Keyes, Moderator C. MONTROSE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION: FINAL REPORT The Montrose Administrative Commission was established by a vote of the Presbytery of the James at their meeting June, 0, to close the Montrose Presbyterian Church after 0 years of faithful service. Members appointed to the commission were: Teaching Elders: Steve Starzer (Fairfield), Moderator; Ron Bullis (Hopewell First); Gordon Mapes (Chester) Ruling Elders: Barclay Bradshaw (Three Chopt); Jack Corley (Grace Covenant); Cherry Peters (Richmond Second) Prior to the establishment of the Commission, members met with the Session of Montrose PC and the General Presbyter on April, 0, to introduce themselves, to review the status of the property, and to develop lists of steps to be accomplished. It was reported that the congregation of Greater Works Evangelistic Ministries wanted to rent the building at 00 Brittles Lane for a year, and they may also be interested in buying the property after that. Once formally empaneled, the commission members met again with the Session on July 0, 0. The following actions were reported or taken: Letters have been sent to all active and inactive members (approximately 0 people) asking them if they wish to have their membership transferred to another congregation and offering assistance from the POJ. The POJ has negotiated and signed a one-year lease with Greater Works Evangelistic Ministries for the use of the property. An inventory of the equipment and items being included for the use by the tenant has been attached to the lease. The Commission voted to offer the organ to another Presbyterian church first, then to a church from another denomination. If no church wants to acquire it, it will be turned over to Rogers Organ to refurbish and sell it, with the proceeds to be sent to the Montrose Church account held by the POJ. The Commission voted to offer remaining church assets (hymnals, Bibles, communion services, etc.) to any Presbyterian Church that may want them. The items will be posted on the POJ web site. The Commission discussed with the Montrose Session the ultimate disposition of any remaining funds on hand. All restricted gifts will have been used for the intended purpose by the time the church closes. An account will be created at the POJ with any remaining funds. The proceeds from the lease of the property will be placed into this account as well. When the property is sold, those monies will also be placed into the fund. Because in recent years Montrose Church has R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

3 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va had emergency building problems, the Commission and the Session discussed using this fund to provide assistance to other small Presbyterian churches facing emergency capital repairs, such as furnace issues, damaged roofs, etc. On July, 0, a service was held to celebrate Montrose Church s 0 year history of serving God in this community. There were approximately people in attendance, including current and former members of Montrose Church, former ministers of Montrose Church and some of their family members, other teaching elders from the denomination, and members of the Administrative Commission. Members of the congregation served a wonderful luncheon after the service for all in attendance. Now that Montrose Church has ceased operations:. All records have been inventoried and sent to the Presbyterian Historical Society, Philadelphia, PA, for safe keeping.. All financial accounts are being closed out as final bills are received and remaining funds will be transferred to the Montrose Presbyterian Church account at the Presbytery of the James.. All non-monetary assets have been distributed to other Presbyterian Churches including the sanctuary organ to the Ashland Presbyterian Church. RECOMMENDATION: That the Montrose Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission be dissolved by the Presbytery of the James with appreciation and gratitude for the work which was completed. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Cherry Peters, Clerk Montrose Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission D. CHRISTIAN ARABIC CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION: FINAL REPORT The Administrative Commission for the Christian Arabic Church (AC CAC) was established on June, 0 by Presbytery of the James (POJ) with powers of presbytery (G-.0) to consider the request by the CAC to be dismissed from the PCUSA to ECO. The AC CAC consists of: Duane Berger, Ruling Elder Terry Brady, Ruling Elder Caitlyn Deyerle, Teaching Elder Greg Govan, Ruling Elder (Moderator) Daniel Hrach, Teaching Elder Elizabeth McGuire, Teaching Elder The AC CAC met three times in plenary. It met with the Executive Presbyter of POJ; with Dr. Stan Skreslet (UPSem) and Rev. Richard Haney (Blue Ridge PC), friends of the CAC minister and persons by experience familiar with the concerns of ethnic congregations; and with Keith Hill and Larry Moffett, representatives of ECO East Central Presbytery. The AC CAC reviewed POJ support for, and jurisdictional relationship with, the CAC and the terms of the Walton Grant to the CAC as a New A grant, separate from, and in addition to, Mission Program Grants by PCUSA obtained by POJ for the CAC, of $0,000 received through POJ by the CAC on October, 00. The Walton Grant is given without expectation of repayment, but with the provision that it be used within five years for purposes agreed at the time of receipt ( site acquisition and/or construction costs for the church ). The Office of Mission Program Grants, Presbyterian Mission Agency, has subsequently R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

4 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va Church Development of PCUSA in POJ. The AC CAC reviewed in detail documented actions of POJ and ECO. The AC CAC developed a timeline of events from the decision of the CAC to withdraw from PCUSA (November, 0) to the notifications sent to POJ by CAC and its pastor, Rev. Fakhri Yacoub, that each had been welcomed into membership of ECO (June, 0). Before the AC CAC could convene for the first time it learned that the CAC and its pastor had, in effect, self-dismissed to ECO. The rationale used was that the CAC, as a new church development (NCD), was not a congregation and therefore did not need to be dismissed. Rev. Yacoub claimed authority of his presbytery of ordination (Cairo Evangelical Presbytery, Synod of the Nile of the Evangelical Church) to permit him to join ECO. ECO accepted both NCD and pastor without reference to dismissal from POJ. The AC CAC accordingly considered that its mandate was to determine what to do about the departure of the CAC and of Rev. Yacoub, and about the Walton Grant to the CAC, which was the primary obstacle to orderly dismissal of both to ECO. The AC CAC determined that communication concerning the CAC and its pastor should be at a presbytery-to-presbytery level. The AC CAC concluded that the CAC had decided to leave PCUSA because of cultural concerns with the denomination s views on human sexuality, and that Rev. Yacoub had attempted to be transferred with his congregation. The dismissal process was complicated by CAC impatience to depart and POJ insistence that the Walton Grant be repaid as a condition of dismissal of the CAC. The AC CAC determined that: The CAC was in fact under POJ jurisdiction and should have been properly dismissed. Return of the Walton grant was a matter between Presbyterian Mission Agency PCUSA and the CAC. Rev. Yacoub had reacted to POJ s establishment of the AC CAC by abandoning his attempt to be transferred from POJ to ECO; instead, he used permission by his presbytery of ordination to join ECO, having asked for such permission over a month before the POJ meeting. He did not inform POJ at any time of this claimed membership in two presbyteries. POJ made a good faith effort to dismiss the CAC and to transfer Rev. Yacoub to ECO, but the process was complicated by misunderstandings and miscommunications on all sides. A list of the findings of the AC CAC is attached to this report, together with the timeline of events mentioned above. The AC CAC notes with regret that years of cooperative ministry to the Arabic community in Richmond by the CAC and POJ ended without appropriate closure. The AC CAC took the following actions:. To dismiss the CAC with blessing to ECO with no financial claims against CAC by POJ.. Notes with regret that Rev. Fahkri Yacoub has in effect renounced jurisdiction (G-.00) by joining another denomination without completing the process of transfer from POJ.. To notify the Office of Program Grants, Presbyterian Mission Agency that the CAC, a grantee, has left the denomination. added language that it makes grants in support of ministries that are related to the Presbyterian Church (USA). If a supported ministry separates from the denomination, the full amount of the grant may become due and payable. Such language was not present at the time of the grant to the CAC. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

5 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va To direct the POJ Committee on Ministry (COM) to review PCUSA policy on dual membership of Teaching Elders serving with ethnic congregations and make appropriate recommendations to POJ.. To direct COM to review applicable POJ documents and make recommendations to POJ for revisions to specify that a New Church Development of POJ is under the jurisdiction of presbytery and requires formal action by POJ for dissolution or dismissal to another denomination.. Notes that discussion of the proposed Dismissal Guidelines at POJ should include the need for clear guidance on dealing with Teaching Elders of the Presbytery in the event they and/or their congregations state they are leaving or intend to leave the denomination. The AC CAC recommends that POJ dissolve the AC CAC. Respectfully submitted, Greg Govan, Moderator IV. CONSENT DOCKET RECOMMENDATIONS: A. That the minutes for the June, 0, stated meeting be approved. V. THE STATED CLERK MAKES THESE RECOMMENDATIONS: None ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONER REPORTS Teaching Elder Chris Mooney: I was privileged to serve as a Commissioner to the st General Assembly (GA) of the PC(USA) a few weeks ago in Detroit, MI. The General Assembly is the highest governing body of the PC(USA), and meets every two years to discern together the direction the Spirit is leading the Church. Over 0 commissioners gathered (an equal number of ruling elders and pastors), joined by over Young Adult Advisory Delegates (ages -) and other advisory delegates, to consider over 0 overtures submitted to the GA by the 0+ presbyteries that make up the PC(USA). Many, if not most of the items of business, thankfully did not require much debate. For example, an overture commemorating the 00th birthday of John Knox was approved quickly and unanimously. Presbyterians can agree on some things, I discovered! Happy Birthday, John! There were, however, several 'hot-button' items of business that, as expected, inspired fierce debate and passionate witness from advocates on both sides of the aisle. For a balanced summary of these issues and the actions taken by the GA, I encourage you to go to this link: st GA Summary. Detroit was an apt setting for this year's GA. A once thriving and influential city, Detroit has experienced a precipitous decline over recent decades due to an array of factors. Signs of urban decay are everywhere. From an outsider's perspective, Detroit appears to be a forsaken city, without hope and a future. Over the course of the week, however, commissioners began to see that this is not the whole picture. We encountered story after story of church leaders who, empowered by the Spirit and a profound trust that God is not done with Detroit, are working to bring hope and renewal to their city and stood before us to bear testimony to God's power at work. The story of Detroit in many ways mirrors the story of the PC(USA). Many have already sounded the death knell for our denomination, pointing to our steep loss of membership over the last several decades, our aging congregations, dwindling resources, and internecine conflicts as a sign that we are a church without hope and without a future. There is, of course, no denying that the decline R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

6 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va. 0 0 is real. However, if I took away anything from my week at GA, it is this: Hope is alive in the PC(USA), and God is surely not done with us yet. One of the ways we see this hope for our church is in the,00 New Worshipping Communities (NWC) initiative. At the 0th GA in 0, a bold and audacious initiative was approved that committed the PC(USA) to plant,00 new worshipping communities in the next 0 years. Yes, you read that right...,00! Sounds far-fetched, doesn't it? Well, we heard a report at this year's GA that in just the last two years, NWC's have been planted across the country! To celebrate this incredible movement of the Spirit, we took a break from one of our business meetings to toss around the convention hall red beach balls, each ball representing one of the NWC's that have been planted. Presbyterians CAN cut loose, I discovered! What's fascinating are the ways that so many of these new communities are re-imagining church, pushing boundaries of what a "Presbyterian church" looks like, and in doing so finding resonance with younger and more diverse populations. I encourage you to visit the,00 NWC website, where you can learn more about the initiative and watch inspiring videos to see the shape these NWC's are taking. Here is the website: 00 NWC. I am excited that one of FPC's Transforming the Future teams will spend time studying the 00 NWC initiative and discerning how God might be calling us to get involved. For just as God is not done with the PC(USA), I am even more firmly convinced that God is not done with First Presbyterian Church. We have an important part to play in God's future for the church and for our city. Now is not the time for despair or hopelessness; now is the time for action and deepened commitment, for the Spirit is on the move! Hope abounds! In the grace and peace of Christ, Chris Mooney R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

7 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va. Report of the st General Assembly R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

8 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va A Commissioner s Report on the st General Assembly W. Clay Macaulay Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan Teaching Elder - June 0 Campbell Memorial Church, Weems I begin with thanksgiving! I am grateful to the Presbytery of the James for electing me to serve as a Teaching Elder Commissioner to the st General Assembly (GA), which met in mid-june, and to the congregation that I serve, Campbell Memorial Church in Weems, VA for the opportunity to attend the nation-wide gathering of Presbyterians. While I don t believe in having a bucket list, I will say it has been a career-long ambition of mine (as an ordained minister for years) to serve the Church as a Commissioner to its highest council. Often the Commissioner reports that I have read previously, talk about how exhausting and workburdened one is in attending General Assembly. That was not my experience. Yes, the days are long. Yes, there is work to be done both in preparation for and most certainly during the Assembly. But the hours logged-in the reports that I read and studied the thought-filled discussions offered in GA committee and in plenary were not tedious or exhausting. I found them to be exhilarating! Maybe it s because I am a life-long Presbyterian or maybe just a Church-polity nerd but I found the gathering of presbyters of Church-faithful advisory delegates, staff resource-team members, numerous observers, and countless volunteers to be a greater extension of the Church that I know and love back home in Weems, Virginia! Let s not be misled in our thinking The General Assembly is not They (as opposed to our We ) By the grace of God, We Presbyterians from congregations and sessions from presbyteries, and synods and General Assembly are all part of the one Body of Christ, whom alone we serve as Head of the Church. I served as one of commissioners, half of whom were teaching elders and the remaining half as ruling elders. I was a member of the GA Mission Coordination Committee, comprising members. Our stated purpose as a committee was to consider matters related to Mission programs authorized by the GA, PC(USA) mission goals, the mission budget and church-wide compensation. In large measure, the actions we discussed and approved by (over 0% of the) Mission Coordination Committee were placed on the GA plenary s consent agenda. Of course you have heard of the important decisions that were made by this Assembly most notably on church divestment and authoritative interpretations on same-gender marriage. There were numerous important actions considered, discussed and voted on by this Assembly, but these two issues have drawn and will continue to draw the most attention by the public and social media, as well as that of concerned citizens and members of our Church. As a Commissioner to the GA, and as your colleague and friend, I want to tell you that we who gathered for seven full days in Detroit considered these important issues carefully, thoughtfully and prayerfully. Both in GA Committees and in plenary session, we carefully weighed and discussed both sides of the issues before us. Before voting in plenary, we turned and discussed thoughtfully in small groups how our decisions would impact both the larger church and our congregations at home. Then as in many other instances throughout the Assembly, we paused to pray mostly silently for the Holy Spirit to guide us in decision we were called to make. It was a deeply moving experience to see how the highest council of our Presbyterian Church is governed and led in its decisions by the Spirit of the living God. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

9 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va With glory to God who calls us knows us by name and redeems us in Jesus Christ, I remain grateful to the Presbytery of the James for electing me as a Teaching Elder Commissioner for the st General Assembly. May God continue to bless us as together we worship and serve our one Lord, Jesus Christ. GA Reflections-Gene Rosen, Ruling Elder-Fairfield Presbyterian First, I would like to thank the Presbytery of the James for giving me this opportunity to serve the church is such an awesome way. As a person growing up in the church your entire life, you hear and learn of the government of the church but you just figure that it happens. But when you get the opportunity to serve and be a part of that government, you understand what an experience it really is. Serving the Presbytery as a Commissioner was something I never thought about and figured I would never have the opportunity to serve, but now it has become a reality. It was quite an eye opening experience and one that I know I will always cherish. So, again to the Presbytery, thank you. Having served as an Alternate in 0 to Pittsburgh, I was somewhat aware of the commitment that would be required as a Commissioner. It may have been more than expected but the opportunity to attend as an alternate was a valuable experience. The Presbytery should continue to do this if at all possible as it makes the process much easier. The week at GA is a grueling week with meetings, discussions, etc. It is something for which you cannot really prepare. But there is a very positive side as well-it is a week of worship, of prayer, of fellowship, of sharing and of meeting fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who start out as strangers to you. But as you worship and share and pray, they no longer are strangers but rather true brothers and sisters in Christ and you realize that you are all there for the same reason-to serve God and his Church in the denomination. As I have reflected over the past weeks since GA, thinking about what GA meant to me, I think for me the one main thing that sticks out the most is that we all are brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all Presbyterians, we all love the Lord and we all love the denomination, but we are all DIFFERENT. We are not born and raised in Virginia with the Virginia culture. We are not all Southerners with the typical Southern conservative backgrounds. We are all different, we were raised differently, we enjoy different things, lifestyles, etc., however, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we are all Presbyterians. But we do not think the same. That does not mean that I am correct and you are wrong or vice versa. We are all different and because of that, decisions that are made may not be exactly as we want them to be but that does not mean that they are wrong. For GA, I was assigned to the Church Polity and Ordered Ministry Committee. The Committee assignments are random and totally subjective. As a Commissioner, you are not given an opportunity to request a particular Committee but are assigned. We were kept in order, thanks to our Parliamentarian, POJ's own Rev. Carson Rhyne. The Committee work is the first place where you feel like you are really working as you review and respond to overtures that have been submitted by various Presbyteries. Then after Committee work, you get to see the decisions that you were a part of in Committee being discussed and debated in the plenary sessions. The committee work is very valuable in understanding the process. As we dealt with the tough decisions of the Church and the denomination over the week of GA, I tried to remember the above-we are different. But that did not stop me from trying to understand the issues and to vote as I felt best for the Church and the brothers and sisters in POJ. But at the end of the week when all of the votes did not go my way, I left Detroit still a child of God and still a Presbyterian, understanding that my way is not the important thing-god s will is what is important and that God is always in control. I want to thank fellow Commissioners and Alternates from POJ for their friendship and fellowship during the GA experience. I made new friends and strengthened existing ones. This was an experience that I will never forget and one which I am thankful that I had the opportunity to experience. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

10 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va Teaching Elder Stephen Hodges The st General Assembly was a transformational time for me. When I indicated an interest in attending the 0 GA in Detroit, MI from Friday, June th through Saturday, June st I had no idea what I was going to experience, before I ever arrived. Both of my parents, and my much loved father-inlaw died within days of the commencement of the GA. After several discussions with our General Presbyter/Stated Clerk and my family I decided that I wanted to go. It is what my parents would have expected. And I am deeply committed to our denomination. So I went with a very heavy heart. Having come out of a successful corporate career I have been to my share of conferences. I m well aware of how things must be done on the grand scale. I m also aware that much that goes on at the GA level can seem distant to a rural church and its pastor. What I was not aware of was the way I would so quickly connect with the Spirit in the moment. For me the GA was not a corporate affair where I would go and get it done, so I could get back home. The GA became the place where the Holy Spirit worked me over, I unpacked a lot of emotion, and then the same Spirit sent me home a different pastor. The change in me can be captured with my words to my congregation on June th, I will honor the decisions of the 0 GA. I was there. I listened. I voted. Now, the way I voted is immaterial, I own the decisions. Each is my decision. Since the 0 GA, I ve had time to read the media and hear the fallout conversations. I wish each person could have been there. To hear both sides passionately, skillfully argue their points would be enlightening to anyone, anyone willing to listen. I was assigned to committee #, Ecumenical and Inter- Faith Relations, which allowed me to hear up close the persuasive arguments from both Israeli and Palestinian representatives. I listened and was influenced. To see Moderator Heath Rada deal with the tensions and moderate a well run GA was uplifting. In all, the experience of the 0 GA gave me hope to go on, with new commitment. Yes, we are a fractured denomination. Yes, we who hold onto this denomination have our differences. Yes, I m aware many have been angered by the work of this GA. Nevertheless, I am deeply grateful for having been elected by the POJ to attend this particular st GA as a commissioner teaching elder. I participated and hope to have honored your decision to send me. With the pain of having lost so many loved ones in such a short time just before my departure, I will still cherish the moments, the opportunities to place my vote, the friends I found, and the memories to have served our PC (U.S.A.) denomination in this way. To God be the Glory, Stephen L. Hodges, Teaching Elder, Providence Forge P. C. GA st COMMISSIONER S REPORT BILL BROWNFIELD Detroit was my third General Assembly, but my first as a commissioner. What a difference. Uplifting, inspiring, Christ-filled [at times], spirit filled, frustrating, very political, way, way too long committee meetings, and on and on went my thoughts, experiences, and feelings. I expected this GA to be an historic one; it was. Only time and our Lord will determine that historic impact. I know I am not the same person I was when I arrived in Detroit. I have a much greater understanding and perspective of our denomination, one I believe may only be possible through the GA experience. The depth and breadth of diversity among PC(USA) members is amazing. I felt that we in the POJ have perspectives on issues that surprise many of our sisters and brothers across the U.S. And they hold perspectives that may, at times, seem foreign to us. Yet we all worship the same God. Two particular decisions by this GA received most of the media coverage; marriage and the Palestinian/Israel issues including divestment. I have received numerous comments about them upon R E P O R T S -- 0 R E P O R T S

11 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va my return from Detroit. Most could be summed up with the question heard often; What did you people do up there? As one greatly interested in our polity, I was disappointed with the decision to use an Authoritative Interpretation [AI] to answer the same-sex marriage issue for pastors and sessions. My understanding of AI s was they were to interpret language already in our Constitution. In its zeal to respond to the issue, the GA leadership and body chose to issue an AI that I believe does not interpret anything in our Book of Order. It deletes current language, and replaces with new. I believe this should have been addressed via a proposed amendment to our Constitution voted upon by all presbyteries. On the divestment of three particular stocks, the very close decision was, in reality, symbolic. I returned home wondering, Is Robert s Rules and a simple majority vote on an issue so divisive as divestment.isn t there a better way? The vote was for divestment to 0 against. Is a sevenvote majority the best way for the GA to speak to the church and to the world? It took years after I was ordained as a Ruling Elder to be elected as a GA commissioner. I am grateful to the Presbytery for electing me to participate in such a meaningful experience. It was an incredible honor and totally worth the wait! And to those who have aggressively questioned me, my best response perhaps is You had to be there! Bill Brownfield CONSENT DOCKET Presbytery of the James, Stated Meeting # Second Presbyterian Church, Petersburg, October, 0 I. THE STATED CLERK MAKES THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: A. That the minutes for the June, 0, stated meeting be approved II. COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION TEAM MAKES THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:. That the balancing of Commissioners formula to presbytery for 0 be approved (pages -).. That the following persons be elected to the Committee on Nominations: Class of 0, Region C, Carol Dunlap, Ruling Elder, Hebron Class of 0, Region D, Evalyn Page, Ruling Elder, First United, Richmond Class of 0, Region E, Cecelia Edmonds, Ruling Elder, Concord. That the following persons be elected to the Committee on Representation: Joe Young, Teaching Elder, Oak Grove Church, Class of 0, Moderator Kathryn Lester-Bacon, Teaching Elder, Richmond Second, Class of 0 III. COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY MAKES THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS: A. That these Teaching Elders be Honorably Retired: a. Rev. George Conway, June, 0 b. Rev. Gordon Lindsey, //. c. Rev. Edna Banes, /0/ d. Rev. Jim Baker, /0/ R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

12 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va B. That the position of Executive Director of the Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship be validated (see attached position description, pages -). IV. TRUSTEES OF PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES, INC., MAKE THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: A. That the title to Three Chopt Church property be transferred to the Trustees of Three Chopt Church. COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION TEAM (C&C TEAM and Trustees) Presbytery of the James Meeting, October, 0 The C&C Team Reports this Information:. Learned that the Personnel Committee is working on revising POJ Personnel Policies. Learned that the search for a Professor of Evangelism at Union Presbyterian Seminary has or strong candidates and interviews are to begin this fall.. Providing notice to the Presbytery in October about proposed changes to the POJ Manual (see pages - ) The C&C Team Reports Taking the Following Actions:. Approved the hiring of Rev. Glenda Hollingshead for Assistant to the Stated Clerk for Committee on Ministry.. Approved the hiring of Colleen Earp for Y.E.S. position, Camp Hanover. Approved the transfer of former Spotsylvania Members to Hope Presbyterian Church, EPC. Supported the new Purpose Group, Evangelism and Growth, that came out of the Presbytery consultation, GROW THE POJ. The Team of Moderators approved the new Purpose Group.. Approved three Conversations about Amendments to the Book of Order and Book of Confessions to be held at :0- pm on November, 0 at Covenant; December, 0 at South Plains; and January at New Hanover. The C&C Team Reports the Following Items for the Consent Docket:. That the balancing of Commissioners formula to presbytery for 0 be approved (pages -).. That the following persons be elected to the Committee on Nominations: Class of 0, Region C, Carol Dunlap, Ruling Elder, Hebron Class of 0, Region D, Evalyn Page, Ruling Elder, First United, Richmond Class of 0, Region E, Cecelia Edmonds, Ruling Elder, Concord. That the following persons be elected to the Committee on Representation: Joseph Young, Teaching Elder, Oak Grove Church, Class of 0, Moderator Kathryn Lester-Bacon, Teaching Elder, Richmond Second, Class of 0 The C&C Team Makes the Following Recommendations:. That the Docket for October, 0 Presbytery meeting be approved.. That the new Dismissal Guidelines be approved. (see pages -) R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

13 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va The POJ Trustees Report this Information:. Report concerning investments: The investment portfolio totaled $,0,0 vs. an original investment $,00, after additions and withdrawals. Since inception (//00), we have an annual return of.%. For the prior months the total portfolio, which includes the original investment portfolio and the Presbytery Office Park, returned.%. The Presbytery Office Park account value was $,,0 vs. an original investment of $, after additions and withdrawals. Since inception (//0), we have an annual return of.%. For the prior months the Office Park account returned.0%. All returns are net of our fee of 0.%.. Learned that the Victoria Church continues to be in default of the rental agreement between them and the Presbytery of the James and is unresponsive to requests for payment. The Trustees instructed the General Presbyter to communicate, again, with the Victoria Church.. Received update on the status of Stafford Property Sale along with a request for the names and addresses of the Trustees. The POJ Trustees Report Taking the Following Actions:. Approved lease with Greater Evangelistic Ministries for Montrose Church. Approved a contract to refinish the Climbing Wall at Camp Hanover. Approved a contract for new phone system at Camp Hanover. Approved a request from Bethany Church to be included on the Virginia Historical Register.. Approved updating of the POJ Office telephone system for $,00. Funding to come from Capital Improvements Fund. The POJ Trustees Report the Following Items for the Consent Docket:. That the title to Three Chopt Church property be transferred to the Trustees of Three Chopt Church. The POJ Trustees Make the Following Recommendation:. That the Settlement Agreement with First American Eagle Title Company for. acres of land of the former Allen Memorial Church be approved. The proposal is to pay the Presbytery of the James $,000 for the property. Presbytery of the James COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS Proposal for Amendments to the Presbytery s Manual of Administrative Operations and Standing Rules R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

14 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va The C&C Team is notifying the Presbytery of the following proposed changes to the Manual of Administrative Operations of the Presbytery. Vote on these changes will come at the February, 0, POJ meeting: (Strike-outs indicate sections deleted; bold face indicates new wording added]: Section, Paragraph A: A. Time and Date of Meetings: The dates for the Stated Meetings of the Presbytery shall usually be the Third Saturday in February; Third Tuesday in June (this date shall be adjusted to avoid conflict with meetings of the General Assembly); and Third Saturday in October. The Moderator shall call a special meeting at the request of three Teaching Elders and three Ruling Elders from three different congregations. Special Meetings may be called in accordance with Section G-.00 of the Book of Order. Section, Paragraph A, would be revised as follows A. The Moderator: A Moderator shall serve for one calendar year, and may concurrently serve on an elected team, commission, or constitutional committee. At the summer stated meeting, the Committee on Nominations shall announce a nominee for Moderator, to be elected at the fall stated meeting. At the fall stated meeting, the floor shall be open for other nominations. Any person being nominated shall have been notified prior to nomination and shall have given his or her consent to such nomination. The Moderator elected at the fall stated meeting shall be installed and begin serving at the winter stated meeting. In the absence of the Moderator, the most recent, past moderator being present shall moderate. The Moderator shall perform his or her duties according to the Book of Order and the Manual of the Presbytery of the James. The Moderator shall be responsible for conducting the meetings of the Presbytery. In the absence of the Moderator, the Vice Moderator shall moderate. In the event that both Moderator and Vice-Moderator cannot serve, the most recent, past Moderator being present shall moderate. While serving as Moderator, the Moderator shall also sit on the Communication and Coordination Team, with voice and vote. B. The Vice Moderator: A Vice Moderator shall serve for one calendar year and may concurrently serve on an elected team, commission, or constitutional committee. The Vice Moderator may perform any duties delegated to him or her by the currently serving Moderator. The Vice Moderator shall also sit on the Communication and Coordination Team during his or her one year of service as Vice Moderator, with voice, but without vote. C. The Election of the Moderator and Vice-Moderator: At the Summer stated meeting of the Presbytery, the Committee on Nominations shall announce a nominee for Moderator and Vice Moderator for the following calendar year. Election shall take place at the fall stated meeting. At the fall stated meeting, the floor shall be open for other nominations. Any person being nominated shall have been notified prior to nomination and shall have given his or her consent to such nomination. The Moderator and Vice Moderator elected at the fall stated meeting shall be installed and begin serving at the winter stated meeting. At the completion of the Moderator s one-year of service, the Vice Moderator will ordinarily be nominated for election to the office of Moderator for the following year. Section Five, Paragraph D, Paragraph, would be revised as follows: R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

15 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va Teaching Elder The purpose of the Communication and Coordination Team is to facilitate effective and efficient communication between the various teams, purpose groups, and members of the Presbytery and to provide for coordination of the operations of the Presbytery. The Communication and Coordination Team consists of a representative from each Nominating Region and a Moderator and Vice-Moderator ( at large positions), and the Presbytery Moderator, and the Presbytery Vice Moderator. The Presbytery Vice Moderator will have voice, but no vote. The responsibilities of the Communication and Coordination Team include PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES BALANCING OF COMMISSIONERS FOR 0 (G-.00) Active (0), Active HR (), Members at Large (), Validated ():... Minus those of the above who are unable to attend meetings... - Honorably Retired (), of whom we count for purpose of balancing... + Total.... Ruling Elders Ruling Elders elected by sessions as commissioners to presbytery (G-.00a) : commissioners from each of congregations having 00 or more members... commissioners from each of congregations having 00 to members... commissioners from each of congregations having 0 to members... commissioner from each of the remaining congregations... Ruling Elders enrolled by presbytery during terms of elected service to presbytery or its congregations (G-.00): New Church Development... Moderators of POJ, Teams, or Committees... RE's commissioned to do pastoral work... Certified Educators who are Ruling Elders and congregation members (G-.0b):... Total.... Average Attendance of Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders, 0-0 Teaching Elders Ruling Elders All HR s All From Congregations Other R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

16 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va RULING ELDERS FROM EACH CONGREGATION JANUARY, 0 TO DECEMBER, 0 Four Ruling Elder Commissioners from congregations having 00 or more members: Charlottesville First, Fredericksburg, Richmond First, Salisbury. Three Ruling Elder Commissioners from congregations having from 00 to members: Chester, Crestwood, New Hanover, Richmond Second, River Road, Westminster Charlottesville. Two Ruling Elder Commissioners from congregations having 0 to members: Bethlehem, Blackstone, Bon Air, Brandermill, Campbell Memorial, Culpepper, Fairfield, Gayton Kirk, Ginter Park, Grace Covenant, Hebron, Lakeside, Lord Jesus, Madison, Meadows, Olivet, Orange, Overbrook, Petersburg Second, Providence Forge, Rockfish, St. Andrews, South Plains, Southminster, Summit, Swift Creek, Three Chopt, Tuckahoe, Westminster Richmond. One Ruling Elder Commissioner from congregations having up to members: Aberdour, All Souls, Amelia, Ampthill, Ashland, Bethany, Bethesda, Beulah, Blue Ridge, Bott Memorial, Brett-Reed Memorial, Burkeville, Byrd, Chase City First, Colonial Heights, Concord, Cove, Covenant, Eastminster, Ebenezer, Emporia First, Forest Hill, Genito, Gordonsville, Greenwood, Gregory Memorial, Hartwood, Hawkins Memorial, Hopewell First, King s Chapel, Kirk O Cliff, Laurel, Lawrenceville, Louisa, Mattoax, Mechanicsville, Milden, Milford, Mitchells, New Covenant, Oak Grove, Ogden, Pine Grove, Praise the Lord, Providence Gum Spring, Providence Powhatan, Pryor Memorial, Rennie Memorial, Richmond First United, Rivermont, Rosewood, St. James, Salem, Sandston, Scottsville, South Hill, Tabor, Tappahannock, Thyne Memorial, Trinity, Village, Waddell Memorial, Wesley, Westminster Petersburg, Woodlawn, Woodville, Wylliesburg, Zion Hill Report of the Dismissal Guidelines Task Force: Presbytery of the James Procedures for Churches Considering Dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

17 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va Jesus Christ is Lord of all and Head of the Church and has called those who believe and follow him to be his disciples. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seeks to follow the way and teachings of Jesus as part of the one Church which he has established. In our confessional heritage, we are challenged by and reminded of God s reconciliation with the world in Jesus Christ, and how the church is called to be a reconciling community in the world. The unity of the church is compatible with a wide variety of forms, but it is hidden and distorted when variant forms are allowed to harden into sectarian divisions, exclusive denominations, and rival factions. Wherever the church exists, its members are both gathered in corporate life and dispersed in society for the sake of the mission of the world. As Jesus prayed for his followers 'that they may be one,' the Church seeks to live by and offer the reconciliation that Christ has shown. However, sometimes there are circumstances when people of faith and congregations of the Church disagree. It is the responsibility of the Presbytery to manage those disagreements in a manner that is faithful and just. Therefore, when a congregation of the Presbytery considers requesting dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), these procedures shall be followed. Early Conversation and Reconciliation. When signs arise of a serious disagreement by a congregation or a substantial number of its members regarding policies and positions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), both members of the congregation and officers and/or committees of the Presbytery may initiate informal conversations intended to explore both commonalities and differences and seek reconciliation in Christ so as to preserve the peace and unity of the church.. Signs of such serious disagreement may include reduced financial support for mission, significant loss of membership, refusals to serve on presbytery committees and task forces, etc. Efforts to effectuate change through customary procedures, such as overtures and motions, are not by themselves signs of such disagreement.. Informal conversations should include and be guided by Bible study and prayer. They should seek to identify points of agreement, as well as areas of difference. There should be opportunities for development of relationships and trust. Pastors, as teaching elders, have a special role in assuring that the conversations lead to better understanding and reconciliation.. It is important that informal conversations take place at an early stage, before the differences hurt the mission of the congregation and while participants have open minds. There is no time limit for such informal conversations. The Confession of, The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Part I, Book Of Confessions (Louisville: Office of the General Assembly, 00),.,., and., p. and. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

18 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va. 0 0 Pre-Application Consultation. A congregation {referred to as the Congregation }considering an application for dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall first consult with the Committee on Ministry and the Stated Clerk. The purpose of consultation is to allow both the Presbytery and the Congregation: a. To identify issues which are the basis for dismissal, to provide information to aid the Congregation in understanding the positions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and to offer proposals for reconciliation and resolution; and b. To determine if there is a sufficient number of members of the Congregation who do not wish to be dismissed to constitute a continuing congregation.. The consultation under the preceding paragraph shall be completed within six months of its initiation unless the Presbytery or the Committee on Ministry determines to extend the period. Application for Dismissal. Upon expiration of the period of consultation, the Session, on behalf of the Congregation, may apply for dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by submitting an application to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the James, conforming to the following: a. The application shall be approved by the Session of the Congregation and signed by the moderator and the clerk of session as representing the official action of the session. b. The pastor, as a teaching elder, shall submit a letter stating either that he/she will continue to serve as moderator of the Session or that he/she requests the Committee on Ministry to appoint a new moderator to serve while the application is pending before the Presbytery. G-.00 of the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), hereafter the Book of Order, provides that the presbytery has responsibility to address schism within the membership of a congregation and the procedures for dealing with them. G-.00 of the Book of Order grants presbyteries the authority to divide, dismiss, or dissolve congregations in consultation with their members, paragraph b, and to assume original jurisdiction in any situation in which it determines that a session cannot exercise its authority, paragraph e. G-.00 of the Book of Order limits business at congregational meetings to six enumerated matters, not including requests for dismissal. G-.00 provides that a presbytery s determination concerning a property disposition of congregations in schism does not depend upon which faction received the majority vote within the congregation at the time of the schism. Consistent with the Book of Order, these Procedures do not require a vote of the congregation on an application for dismissal. Recent cases of dismissal in this Presbytery have involved disagreements of congregations with policies and positions on social issues adopted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The congregations have considered such disagreements so serious that the congregations have chosen not to be a part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In these circumstances, the pastor of the particular congregation, as a teaching elder and when acting as moderator of the session, has unique responsibilities to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and that deliberations are fair and inclusive. This is regardless of whether he/she agrees or disagrees with those members seeking dismissal. Moreover, pastors have a conflict of interest with their accountability to the presbytery on the R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

19 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va c. Upon receiving the application for dismissal, the Stated Clerk may request that the Committee on Ministry appoint a representative of the Presbytery to attend meetings of the Session and provide information to both bodies as necessary for the process. d. The Session, on behalf of the Congregation, shall submit its most recent statement of assets and liabilities and similar statements for the past five fiscal years, prepared in conformity with its historical financial procedures and standards. If any assets or liabilities used in the programs of the Congregation are not included in such statements, all such assets and liabilities shall be included in a consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, prepared in conformity with its historical financial procedures and standards. All such statements shall be certified by the Session as being complete and accurate in all material respects. e. The Session, on behalf of the Congregation, shall submit a recent independent appraisal of all real estate used in the programs of the Congregation. It shall also submit a reasonable valuation of all other assets so used. The Session, on behalf of the Congregation, will make available upon request all records and documents pertaining to such assets. f. The Session, on behalf of the Congregation, may propose terms and conditions under which dismissal would be granted. Any such proposal shall include a concise rationale for such terms and conditions. g. All costs of the application and of the Presbytery in connection with the application shall be the responsibility of the Congregation. Administrative Commission. The Presbytery shall appoint an Administrative Commission to consider the Congregation s application for dismissal, to conduct such review and evaluation as it deems appropriate, and to make a recommendation to the Presbytery to dismiss or not to dismiss the Congregation. one hand, G-.00, and their loyalties to the Congregation, on the other hand. For these reasons, pastor (s) have an option to request the Committee on Ministry to appoint a new moderator while the application for dismissal is pending. The property of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), of its councils and entities, and of its congregations, is a tool for the accomplishment of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. G-.00. The Presbytery and its commissions and committees are required to consider the economic interests of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) when considering the disposition of property of congregations seeking dismissal. Tom v. Presbytery of San Francisco, Permanent Judicial Commission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Remedial Case -0 (0). Specifically, due diligence requires an examination of the congregation s financial position and the value of the property at stake. Tom, at pp -. The Presbytery and its administrative commission have a fiduciary duty to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)--and not to the Congregation--when making its recommendations regarding the disposition of assets and liabilities pursuant to G-.00. Under the Trust Clause [G--00], a presbytery s discretionary authority to determine property rights, while broad, must be guided by the presbytery acting as a fiduciary for the benefit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the beneficiary of the Trust Clause. Tom, at p. In Presbytery of New York City v. McGee, et. al., Permanent Judicial Commission of the R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

20 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va The Administrative Commission s recommendation to dismiss the Congregation shall address the following issues: a. Does the denomination to which the Congregation wishes to be dismissed hold membership in the World Communion of Reformed Churches? b. The relationships of pastor(s) with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) following dismissal, if any. c. The terms of any transfer of assets to and any assumption of liabilities by the Congregation following dismissal, having due regard for G-.00 of the Book of Order, which states that property used in programs of the Congregation or retained for the production of income, regardless of legal title or ownership, is held in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 0 d. A concise rationale for the recommendation, including a listing of considerations used to value the transfer of assets and assumption of liabilities.. The Administrative Commission shall act as a committee with respect to its recommendation regarding dismissal, but in all other matters shall have and exercise the full powers of the Presbytery, including conducting its own independent investigations, employing professional assistance, obtaining independent appraisals and valuations of property and dismissing the session and assuming original jurisdiction. Actions of Presbytery. The Presbytery shall receive the recommendation(s) of the Administrative Commission at a stated or called meeting where both the Administrative Commission and the Session, on behalf of the Congregation, may present statements and other information. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Remedial Case -0 (May, 0), the Commission expanded on this principle: The Trust Clause creates an express trust in favor of the PC(U.S.A.) as a whole and not for the presbytery, the congregation, or any other body. Therefore, the presbytery, acting in the role of trustee, must exercise due diligence such that its determination is both reasonable and evident in the record. While presbytery is entitled to deference in making the fiduciary decisions under the Trust Clause, such deference is limited by the fiduciary obligations owed to the whole church. PNYC, at p.. The Tom decision, at p., provides the rationale: The Trust Clause [G-.00] reflects our understanding of the church as a communion of saints across time, with responsibilities both to those who came before and those who will follow. When a congregation seeks to leave the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), it is breaking what is often a significant historic relationship; it is also departing from a fellowship in which its officers have participated, by whose polity they have pledged to be governed, and with which many members may feel bonds of affection. 0 PNYC, at p., concluded that a presbytery, in exercising its authority to perform due diligence under the fiduciary duties required by the Trust Clause, is required to make an appropriately timed, individual, unique determination of the circumstances applicable to any church requesting dismissal. In accountability to the PC(U.S.A.) as the beneficiary under the Trust Clause, such determination must be reasonable and based on documented facts. See footnote and G-.00(e) of the Book of Order. R E P O R T S -- 0 R E P O R T S

21 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va. 0. Proposed amendments to such recommendations, to be made in writing, shall be received at such meeting. However, no vote on the recommendation or any proposed amendments shall be taken at such meeting.. Voting on the recommendation and any proposed amendments shall be taken at a subsequent stated meeting of Presbytery. If the Presbytery votes to dismiss the Congregation at a subsequent stated meeting, the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery shall be empowered to carry out the decisions of Presbytery. This action is intended full understanding of the amendment and the proposal prior to a vote. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

22 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

23 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va REPORT OF THE LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS TEAM Presbytery of the James October, 0 The Team Reports this Information: The LCT continues to refine its role and further define its relationship with its Purpose Groups. However, the importance of groups that help develop leadership in the Presbytery of the James remains a significant focus. If you are interested in forming a Purpose Group that supports leadership development, please contact Tim Williams, the Team moderator, or a team member. We will be happy to walk with you through the process. Look for information about these and other Purpose Groups on the POJ Website: Team Member Role: Develop a strong working relationship with the purpose group. Serve as a resource / consultant to the purpose group leaders. Shape the thinking of the purpose group to have a plan to grow. Assist the group in defining ways to measure success. Tim Williams Leadership Connections Team Moderator The Leadership Connections Team Reports Activities for the Following Purpose Groups: REPORT OF THE SMALL CHURCH MINISTRY PURPOSE GROUP: The purpose group has been very busy over the summer! We ve continued to gather together over lunch with pastors of smaller-membership congregations in different regions of the presbytery to learn more about how the purpose group can be a better resource and support to one another. From these intentional conversations, focused on listening, we are beginning to envision a direction for the future and to be able to discern what types of programs, events, and services we will offer in the future. We are learning so much from all that has been shared with us! We have more regional lunches to be scheduled, so when one of these lunches is offered in your region, we hope that you ll attend. We look forward to hearing from you, so watch your for an invite! We re also in the preliminary stage of planning three exciting opportunities for 0!. First, we will again be offering a Small-Church Pastor s Retreat at the Roslyn Retreat and Conference Center in Richmond, VA (April -, 0). The purpose group will fund a large portion of the cost, so participants need pay just $ The theme for the Retreat will be: Exploring the Complete Life of the Small-Church Pastor.. Second, we are planning an International Mission Trip for members of Small POJ congregations, compliments of the generous grant that was awarded to our purpose group three years ago. Details are just beginning to be ironed out. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

24 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va Third, we will offer an event in the fall of 0 entitled: Stewardship in the Small Church, to which we will invite ruling elders and pastors from congregations who have had periods of success in this area to come and tell their story. Please take note of these events and watch for more information to come over the next year. If you have a comment, concern, or want to join with us in our purpose, please don t hesitate to reach out by phone or . Again, we d love to hear from you, for it is the purpose of our existence to ENCOURAGE, STRENGTHEN, and CELEBRATE our smaller-membership congregations!! REPORT OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE AREA PRESBYTERIANS (CAPS): The CAPS purpose group meets to learn, pray, and encourage one another in various areas of the life of the church, including worship, missions, and education. To support this endeavor, CAPS meets monthly and invites guest speakers to enliven our conversations. On September, CAPS kicked off the fall with a program entitled, An Overview of Human Trafficking and The Arbor presented by Tony Lin and Joanna Jennings. Recent research has shown that trafficking is present and on the rise in Virginia with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General acknowledging the presence of trafficking activity. Furthermore, law enforcement has confirmed cases of human trafficking within the Charlottesville/Albemarle area and indicated that services for this population are greatly needed. The Arbor is a nonprofit organization that provides long-term shelter and holistic aftercare services to adult, female, human-trafficking survivors in Virginia, so that they may establish a community of healing and reclaim wholeness, freedom, and life. Joanna Jennings is Executive Director of the Arbor. Her interest in the subject of human trafficking ultimately led her to study social work at Columbia University. During her graduate studies, she worked directly with foreign-born trafficking survivors at Restore NYC, which is one of the first long-term shelters in the northeast to provide aftercare services specific to trafficking survivors. Rev. Tony Lin is a minister-member-at-large of the Presbytery of the James. Tony is a research scholar at the Institute for the Advanced Studies in Culture at the University of Virginia and a board member of The Arbor. If you are serving a church in the Charlottesville area, CAPS invites you to join them on the third Wednesday of each month for lunch and conversation at First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville beginning at :0 p.m. REPORT OF THE CAMP HANOVER MINISTRIES BOARD PURPOSE GROUP:. THE PURPOSE GROUP REPORTS THE FOLLOWING FOR INFORMATION:. Met for regularly scheduled meeting at Camp Hanover on July, 0. a. Heard report from the Finance Committee that salaries and benefits have been impacted by the addition of a full time employee; however, other staff costs have been reduced. Summer camp averaged more campers per week than in prior years. Due to school calendar and July holiday, fewer weeks of camp were offered. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

25 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va b. Heard report from the Marketing Committee that committee members used numerous strategies to reach potential campers in the spring and early summer, including contacting churches, direct mail to households with high populations of school age children, blasts, and updated Facebook postings. The committee is working on a new camp website, production of 0 Summer Camp brochure in late fall 0, making on-line camp registration available earlier than in prior years and further developing a church outreach program. c. Heard report from the Property Committee that the climbing wall has been renovated using an undesignated gift to the Capital Campaign; the picnic pavilion has been rewired for lights, fans and outlets; the docks on the lake are in need of repair; the drain field for the Wise Lodge septic system has been replaced; bids for the water system are out and due back in August. The Committee is working with the Presbytery on the Camp s insurance coverage. d. Heard report from the Annual Giving Committee that Ann Zweckbronner is maintaining the donor database and reporting gifts to the committee. The committee averages 0 thank-you notes to donors per month. Plans are underway for a newsletter and other information to be sent to donors. e. Heard report from the Program Committee that the Common Chords Café held on the third Thursday of every month is well attended. A music festival may be added to the Camp s fall calendar. f. Heard report from the Capital Development Committee that the committee will be developing a list of Camp s capital needs and will bring a recommendation to the Purpose Group at its October meeting that the next goal focus on raising funds for particular needs. g. Heard report from the Personnel Committee that the Presbytery staff person associated with Youth Council will now report to camp s Program Director. Areas of focus for the position include coordination of the Youth Council, creation of a mission volunteer program and development of the environmental stewardship program.. Summer Camp The dedicated and passionate young adults who served as camp counselors were the hallmarks of a very successful and healthy summer. Led by Program Director Harry Zweckbronner in his inaugural summer, the camping ministry saw growth in existing programs including Pathfinders and the intergenerational You & Me Camp, and tremendous excitement for programs and activities added this year including Mystery Camp, Gone Fishin and Archery Camp. Throughout the summer, Middle School, High School and Pathfinder campers contributed a hefty amount of sweat equity travelling offsite for mission service with partner organizations including the Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Fund, the Historic Pole Green Church, Assisting Families of Inmates, and Project Homes. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

26 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va By the numbers, 0 campers participated in over weeks of camp sessions offered. Due to calendar constraints, fewer weeks of camp sessions were offered as compared to the previous year, and as expected, the total number of camp registrations declined. Comparing the same -week period of camp sessions, enrollment increased by %, with the average number of campers per week climbing from in 0 to in 0. Campers from fifty-two POJ congregations attended camp. The largest contingents of campers from congregations within the POJ attended from Richmond First ( campers), River Road ( campers), Fairfield Presbyterian and Greenwood Presbyterian ( campers each). Camperships amounting to $,0 were distributed by Camp Hanover making it possible for children to attend camp who wouldn t otherwise have been able to do so due to financial hardship. Camperships were also provided to additional campers by various partner organizations and congregations. One of the high points of the summer was without a doubt Traveling Day Camp. Under the leadership of Day Camp Director Erin Davidson, the program experienced the largest enrollment in its -year history: campers participated in the program, more than double the number of campers from the previous year. Traveling Day Camp expanded to include traveling staff teams and host church sites, including two congregations in National Capital Presbytery. Traveling Day Camp is on track to grow further in 0 with additional host sites in National Capital Presbytery, an intergenerational day camp at Covenant Woods, and a preschool day camp with Three Chopt Presbyterian already in development. Applications for congregations desiring to host Traveling Day Camp will be available October. Summer Camp would not have been a success without the efforts of those who served as Pastor-in-residence ministering to campers and staff. We are grateful for the time and talents of Rev. Kate Boswell, Rev. David Ensign, Rev. Nancy Summerlin, Tim Brendler, Rev. Steve Starzer, and Rev. Jason Cashing.. Family Camp Labor Day Weekend saw another successful year of Family Camp with participants (0 families, including a family from Northern Ireland!) in fellowship together. The Dennis Family (Rev. Patrick and Sara, Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church) served as hosts for the weekend, leading families in devotions and worship revolving around the theme of Get Real As a Family in Christ.. Upcoming Events Please see the list of upcoming events on the following page. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

27 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va. 0 II. THE PURPOSE GROUP REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: A. Authorized the property committee to choose contractors for construction of the water system and the Newell Cabin, and to present those contractors to Presbytery Trustees for approval. B. Authorized the property committee to develop a task force to research and determine the insurance needs of the Camp. R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

28 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va C. Gladly approved Tom Coye as a Purpose Group member and moderator of the Capital Campaign Committee REPORT OF THE STEWARDSHIP PURPOSE GROUP AND THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP: The Office of Financial Stewardship (OFS) is a resource offered by the Presbytery of the James to help pastors, sessions, and congregations with the stewardship ministry of a congregation which includes increased giving, planned giving, year-round stewardship, and strategic planning. WHAT DOES THE OFS DO? - Offers stewardship training for teaching elders, ruling elders, and other church stewardship leaders - Offers strategic planning workshops and retreats for churches wanting to focus on their ministry needs HOW CAN CHURCHES RECEIVE ASSISTANCE PLANNING AN ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN? - Receive assistance doing strategic planning for the coming year - Receive assistance organizing a capital or endowment campaign - Learn how to begin a planned-giving program in your church - Learn ways to increase giving in your congregation WHO STAFFS THE OFS? George Conway, teaching elder and member of the Presbytery, has served as Consultant to the Stewardship Purpose Group and Director of the Office of Financial Stewardship during the past sixteen months. George has been meeting with churches in the Presbytery conducting leadership retreats and strategic planning sessions and consulting with churches on capital campaigns and endowment campaigns. In addition, George is serving as the Mentor for a group of nine teaching elders who are part of a Presbytery of the James cohort of the Macedonian Ministry. Their focus is to create a support network, increase leadership skills, and develop ways to increase generosity in our churches. This ministry includes a pilgrimage to Israel in the coming year. George has recently resigned as Director of the OFS but plans to continue as the Mentor for the Macedonian Ministry cohort. The Stewardship Purpose Group will be staffing the other areas of the OFS and is willing to meet with your church to discuss your stewardship needs. We express our sincere appreciation to George Conway for his ministry to the OFS! R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

29 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va WHAT TYPES OF PRESBYTERY PROGRAMS ARE BEING PLANNED BY THE OFS? - Two roundtable events each year for teaching and ruling elders to share practical ideas to increase generosity in the church. Dates for 0 to be announced at a later time. - A one-half day seminar with outside professionals to help churches with stewardship campaigns and other types of campaigns. The next event is planned for Saturday, April, 0. WHAT OTHER RESOURCES DOES THE OFS PROVIDE? The Stewardship Purpose Group is compiling resources that can be utilized by Finance Committees, Stewardship Committees, and others involved in giving ministries in the church. Recently the Presbytery Office asked for the names of people who are serving in these roles and received a good response from churches. If you have someone in your church designated to handle these activities, please send their name, address, and to Carson Rhyne at the POJ Office at carsonrhyne@pbyjames.org. WHOM MAY I CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION? Joel Morgan, Moderator (jmorgan@wpcrichmond.org) Larry Chottiner (lchottiner@thesalisburychurch.org) Sarah Nave (revdrnave@gmail.com) Deborah Rexrode (dlrr@virginia.edu) Peter Williamson (peterwilliamson@gmail.com). REPORT OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PURPOSE GROUP: The Christian Education Purpose Group endeavors to meet every other month to discuss topics relevant to Christian Educators. We did not meet over the summer, but are in the process of planning our 0- year. The following dates and topics are tentative: September, 0 Christian Education in the Small Church Marilyn Johns November, 0 Meet at The Resource Center at VUU - Discussion of plans for the major event in January January, 0 Growing in Grace and Gratitude, new PCUSA curriculum; Clare Lewis from the PCUSA will introduce this new curriculum that will launch in 0 March, 0 Lunch and discussion following the Faith Formation in the st Century workshop by John Roberto at Union Presbyterian Seminary. For those who attended the workshop and those who wish they could have. May, 0 Discussion of issues facing educators by H. Carson Rhyne, certified Christian educator and GP of Presbytery of the James R E P O R T S -- R E P O R T S

30 Presbytery of the James eighty-eighth stated meeting October, 0 second Presbyterian church, Petersburg, va. Marilyn Johns and Leigh Anne Ring Co-Moderators Did you know? The Resource Center is home to more than,000 resources for church use. Our mission is to resource churches, schools, agencies and individuals for ministry in a diverse and ever-changing world. The Resource Center, as an ecumenical non-profit, serves many denominations, the three seminaries of the Richmond Theological Consortium, various churchrelated agencies and many individuals. The Presbytery of the James was one of its founding members in. The Resource Center is a lot more than just a media or curriculum collection. Our art and artifact collection, much of which can be borrowed by local congregations, provides a wonderful dialogue starter for a class or event. The Resource Center provides teaching resources for all areas of congregational life. The Resource Center also offers educational events: Annual VBS Curriculum Fair, Teachers Toolbox, Interesting Women dialogue, and an Annual Banquet Honoring Outstanding Leaders from your congregations. Watch for new events in the coming year such as a Colleague Forum for experienced teachers, Meet the Author events as new resources are released, etc. Each June, the Inclusion Concert brings together a diverse tapestry of people to share music and worship arts. Hours: noon - p.m. Monday through Friday Conveniently located at: 00 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 0 Phone 0..0 on the th floor of Kingsley Hall, School of Theology at Virginia Union University The Resource Center is a membership organization, and all congregation members may use our services, not just designated members or staff. We had several POJ churches join the Resource Center R E P O R T S -- 0 R E P O R T S