PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS REPORT PACKET. Presbyterian Response Teams and Administrative Commissions Report

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1 PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS REPORT PACKET Presbyterian Response Teams and Administrative Commissions Report Beale PRT: John Arehart (Lead), John Redding, and Rich Henderson The Session has failed to turn in the necessary documents to the PRT needed to complete the Gracious Dismissal Process before PRTs are dissolved on December 31, 2017 as approved at the August 19, 2017, meeting of Presbytery. Dublin PRT: Linda Dickerson (Lead), Nancy Alexander, Stuart Childress The second congregational meeting in the Gracious Dismissal Policy was held on Sunday, October 29, The congregation voted 27 yes and 1 no to request the session to request the Presbytery for dismissal to the ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians according to the terms agreed upon by the Session and the PRT. Those terms are being presented by the PRT to the Presbyter at this meeting. Covenant Lynchburg Administrative Commission (AC) AC: Suzy Edwards (chair), Richard Boswell, Beth Groover, Shirley Morris, Kim Steinhorst The AC has met regularly since it was appointed at the May 4, 2017, stated meeting of the Presbytery. They have met monthly with the session of Covenant to facilitate the dissolving of the congregation on December 31, The AC is making its initial report to the Presbytery at this meeting. Report and Recommendation from the Dublin Presbytery Response Team PROPOSED TERMS OF AGREEMENT OF GRACIOUS SEPARATION BETWEEN DUBLIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND THE PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS The Session of the Dublin Presbyterian Church, of Pulaski County, Virginia, established in 1873, is requesting dismissal from the Presbytery of the Peaks (POP) and its parent denomination, the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (PCUSA), said dismissal to include transfer of the congregation to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. 1

2 As of December 31, 2016, it is understood that the congregation has: 46 active members; an original church building with additions and quality improvements; a manse; and land with a total appraised value of $575,000; and approximately $167,531 in cash, investments, and savings assets, for a total of $742,531 in assets. Based on this information, and numerous discussions and meetings between the Session and Presbytery s representatives, as well as a meeting with the congregation for a straw poll, all relevant parties now agree to this dismissal and transfer with the following conditions: The Presbytery of the Peaks agrees to: 1) Dismiss and transfer the Dublin Presbyterian Church to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians if so requested by the Congregation by a two-thirds vote of active members present at its next meeting; 2) The proposed date of dismissal would be February 18, 2018, with a commissioning/dismissal service to be conducted by the Presbytery prior to dismissal; 3) Include in this transfer and dismissal all properties, facilities, financial and other assets, and membership; 4) Retain the name of Dublin Presbyterian Church with the understanding that the Presbytery of the Peaks may use this name for a future ministry presence in the area. Dublin Presbyterian Church, including Session, Trustees, and membership upon its request, agrees to: 1) Work with the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery to receive written confirmation from the East Central Presbytery of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians that the transfer is acceptable should the way be clear and all agreements are accepted in this document no later than October 29, 2017, prior to the meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks to which the agreement for dissolution is to be presented; 2) Pay to the Presbytery of the Peaks (POP) in recognition of the ministry and support provided to the church as a member of the Presbytery and its antecedent bodies the following: A. Based on the tax assessment of the building and property value and current financial assets as well as ongoing support of Presbytery Mission and Ministry an amount of Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000) to be paid over a ten-year period at annual amount of Seven Thousand Dollars ($7,000). C. If the session chooses to pay the total amount of Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000) by February 18, 2018, a Five Percent (5%) deduction will be applied making the total amount due Sixty-Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($66,500). 3) The total amount of Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000) will be paid over a Ten Year (10) period at an annual amount of Seven Thousand Dollars ($7,000) according to the following schedule: 2

3 Year Dates Payment Total $7, $7, $7, $7, $7, $7, $7, $7, $7, $7,000 4) The Presbytery of the Peaks shall not charge the Dublin Presbyterian Church interest on the unpaid balances due. The Dublin Presbyterian Church shall have the right of prepayment in part or in full without Presbytery asserting a penalty; 5) That by December 31, 2017, the Dublin Presbyterian Church agrees to elect and have registered in the county courthouse a board of trustees to serve as officers of the congregation in its new denomination; 6) Provide the Presbytery of the Peaks Stated Clerk with all original records of session and congregational minutes, membership rolls, and the like, as requested, to be maintained in perpetuity at the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia. Arrangements may be made through the Stated Clerk for micro-filming and digitizing records by the Presbyterian Historical Society if the Session would like originals to be returned. All costs for these services will be provided by the Session; 8) To assure that the congregation settles down in its new denominational home the Presbytery of the Peaks shall retain a right of reverter* for ten years upon the real property of the congregation, such right to be exercised should the congregation seek to leave its new home for another denomination or independency or should the congregation fail to fulfill all the agreed to obligations in this separation agreement; 9) That the Dublin Presbyterian Church agrees to reimburse the Presbytery of the Peaks all costs for the transfer of deed(s) by December 31, 2017, with the inclusion of the right of reverter. We, the undersigned, agree to these conditions: *Definition of the Right of Reverter: A right of reverter gives an organization the opportunity to resume ownership of property when that property is not being used in accordance with the requirements laid out upon the transfer of the title of that property. The Right of Reverter shall be retained and may be exercised with Dublin Presbyterian Church as stated above if the conditions of the agreed-to obligations in the mutual separation agreement are not met and/or if the Congregation decides to leave the Evangelical Covenant Order. 3

4 Stated Clerk Report Brothers and Sisters in faith, Minutes of the One hundred and thirteenth stated meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks on August 19, 2017 are available on the Presbytery website peakspresbytery.org. Minutes of The Presbytery of the Peaks for 2016 were approved by the Synod of the Mid Atlantic at their Assembly on September 12, Clerks of Session with have received the Clerks Reporting Form for 2017 and others will receive it by mail. This report is voluntary, but produces important information for PCUSA agencies and all Clerks are urged to submit it. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONS: An Administrative Commission appointed by Peaks Presbytery to ordain Susan Robin Robertson Williamson to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as a Chaplain at Carillion Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA met at West End Presbyterian Church on September 10, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION: MINISTERS OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry Ellen Anderson, Parish Associate, Second Presbyterian Church, Roanoke Kristin Reinhold, Green Ridge Presbyterian Church, Roanoke RULING ELDERS, CHURCH Tony Ward, Commissioned Pastor, West End Presbyterian Church Ginny Fedison, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Roanoke John Shoemaker, West End Presbyterian Church, Roanoke MINISTERS AND RULING ELDERS from other Presbyteries invited by the Presbytery of the Peaks to sit with the Commission: Tina Cox, HR Minister, Presbytery of the James John Williamson, Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA Presbytery of the James ATTENDING: RULING ELDERS Grace Martin, West End Presbyterian Church, Roanoke Brenda Perdue, West End Presbyterian, Roanoke Ed Gatewood, First Presbyterian, Charlottesville Elizabeth Gatewood, First Presbyterian, Charlottesville Irvin Cox, Westminster Presbyterian, Charlottesville MINISTERS OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Kristen Reinhold, Green Ridge, Roanoke M. Ellen Anderson, Second Presbyterian, Roanoke Nancy Meehan Yao, Shenandoah Presbytery James Yao, Geneva Presbytery James Bunch, Roanoke Memorial Hospital 4

5 THE ACT OF INSTALLATION Moderator Call to Order, Opening Prayer: Stephen Earl Clerk of the Commission: Ginny Fedison Sermon: Tony Ward, Feeding the Lord s Sheep from John 21:15-18 Propounding the Constitutional Questions To the Teaching Elder: Stephen Earl Prayer of Installation: Stephen Earl Charge to the Teaching Elder: M. Ellen Anderson Charge to the Congregation: Janet Chisom Benediction: Robin Williamson An Administrative Commission appointed by Peaks Presbytery to ordain Matthew Aldas to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and install him as Associate Pastor of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, VA met at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church o September 17, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION: MINISTERS OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Presbytery of the Peaks Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry Janet Chisom, Associate Pastor, Salem Presbyterian Church Andrew Whaley, Pastor, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church RULING ELDERS, CHURCH Presbytery of the Peaks Dick Boswell, First Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg Helen Dean, Second Presbyterian Church, Roanoke Bill Honeycutt, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, Roanoke MINISTERS from other Presbyteries invited by the Presbytery of the Peaks to sit with the Commission: Donna Hopkins Britt (Ordained Baptist, Member, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church) John Harrison, Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy ATTENDING MINISTERS OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Burton Newman, HR George Anderson, Second Presbyterian Roanoke Janet Chisom, Salem Elizabeth Link, Second Presbyterian Roanoke RULING ELDERS AND OTHERS Andrew and Rebecca Whaley, Raleigh Court Paula Mitchell Dave and Carol McFarland, Raleigh Court Sandra Whitt, Raleigh Court Lynne Fields, Raleigh Court Leslie Baldwin, Raleigh Court Susan Currie, Raleigh Court Harriet Vance, Raleigh Court Johnsey Cabaniss, Raleigh Court David Moorman, Raleigh Court Dennis Fisher, Raleigh Court 5

6 THE ACT OF INSTALLATION Moderator Call to Order, Opening Prayer: Stephen Earl Clerk of the Commission: Dick Boswell Sermon: John Harrison, The Joy Before You Propounding the Constitutional Questions To the Teaching Elder: Stephen Earl To the Congregation: Bill Honeycutt Prayer of Installation: Stephen Earl Charge to the Teaching Elder: Andrew Whaley Charge to the Congregation: Janet Chisom Benediction: Matthew Aldas An Administrative Commission appointed by Peaks Presbytery to ordain Jacob Robert Kave to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as a Chaplain at Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham, Virginia met at Chatham Presbyterian Church on October 1, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION: MINISTERS OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Presbytery of the Peaks Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry Mikel Pugh, Chatham Presbyterian Church Allen Thompson, First Presbyterian Church, Danville RULING ELDERS, CHURCH Presbytery of the Peaks Joe Rogers, Chatham Presbyterian Church Ron Coleman, Altavista Presbyterian Church Sue Bentley, Northside Presbyterian Church, Roanoke MINISTERS and RULING ELDERS from other Presbyteries invited by the Presbytery of the Peaks to sit with the Commission: John Leggett, Shenandoah Presbytery, Pastor, Massanutten Presbyterian Church Lisa Webb, Shenandoah Presbytery, Pastor, Woodstock Presbyterian Church John Howe, Ruling Elder, Presbytery of the James, The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg RULING ELDERS APPOINTED BY THEIR SESSIONS TO REPRESENT THEIR CONGREGATIONS John Leggett, Massanutten Lisa Webb, Woodstock John Howe, Northside, Fredericksburg ATTENDING MINISTERS OF WORD AND SACRAMENT John P. Leggett, Shenandoah Presbytery Lisa W. Martin, Shenandoah Presbytery Roy A. Martin, Shenandoah Presbytery Ed Soto, Altavista Betsy Soto, Berry Hill Ann Pettit, Shenandoah Presbytery Ed Edwards, Presbytery of New England RULING ELDERS John Farley, Chatham Beth Farley, Chatham Fred Bruning, Chatham Martha Bruning, Chatham Bob Burris, Chatham 6

7 THE ACT OF INSTALLATION Moderator Call to Order, Opening Prayer: Stephen Earl Clerk of the Commission: Sue Bentley Sermon: John Leggett, A Future with Hope from Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 1:12-13 Propounding the Constitutional Questions: Stephen Earl To the Teaching Elder: Mikel Pugh Prayer of Installation: Stephen Earl Charge to the Teaching Elder: Mikel Pugh Benediction: Jacob Kave Cabinet Report INFORMATION: The Cabinet met on Oct 19, 2017 at the Bedford Presbyterian Church at 9:30. The meeting was opened with devotions and prayer by Allison Unroe. Minutes for the July and Sept. meetings were approved with several minor clerical corrections. Committee reports were received and discussed. Next Cabinet Meeting: January 25,2018, 9:30 in Bedford VA ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. The November Meeting Docket was reviewed and approved with minor changes. 2. The Cabinet approved the recommendation of Carl Utley, Transitional GP, that educational times in 2018 at the Presbytery Meetings be devoted to Vision and Transitional issues. 3. The Cabinet approved a comprehensive Mission Study that will begin in early Members of the proposed Mission Study Planning Team will include: Melissa NcNair King, MWS, Pulaski, Moderator; J. Smith Chaney, RE, First, Martinsville; Will Robinson, MWS, Salem; Ron Coleman, RE, Altavista; and Helen Dean, RE, Second, Roanoke. 4. The Cabinet discussed proposed ministers for the 2018 Presbytery Meetings and included the following: February: Vernie Bolden, 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church, Roanoke May: Catherine Taylor, Blacksburg PC August: J.Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly November: Dick Boswell. Moderator and Missional CP 5. Cabinet member, Gary Scheidt, agreed to work with the host pastor of the church hosting the Presbytery meetings to do the Liturgy and Music Planning for RECOMMENDATION: 1. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: Approve the proposed 2018 and 2019 Presbytery Meeting Dates presented to the Cabinet Dates: Sat, February 17, Second, Roanoke (Snow date: Sat, March 3) Thurs, May 3 Sat, August 18 Thurs, November 15 7

8 2019 Dates: Sat, February 16, 2019 (Snow date Sat., March 2) Thurs, May 2 Sat, August 17 Thurs, November 16 Report of the Administrative Commission for Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, VA, to the 114 th (November 16, 2017) Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks Part I Introduction, History, and Commitment A. On May 4, 2017, Presbytery elected an Administrative Commission (AC) to work with the Session and Congregation of Covenant Presbyterian Church (CPC) in Lynchburg, VA, upon their request to be dissolved effective December 31, The recommendation to form the AC came from the Committee on Ministry after receiving a letter from CPC stating their desire to move toward the dissolution of the church. The AC began its work on June 12, 2017 B. With this action, the historical life of CPC was brought to light for the AC. The congregation began gathering for worship on September 17, 1961 and was chartered a few months later by Appomattox Presbytery (a predecessor body of the Presbytery of the Peaks) on December 3rd. The congregation of 43 charter members began meeting in Whitten Funeral Home under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Douglas Oldenburg. The name Covenant was chosen for its meaning of promise reflecting God s faithful and unconditional love. Groundbreaking for their new worshipping space was in December Their first worship service was held in the new sanctuary on September 20, 1964, with a dedication the following October. Throughout the years the church flourished and peaked in the early-mid 1990 s. Membership grew to well over 200 and remained that way until the late 1990 s. The church throughout the years, regardless of the membership numbers, has continued to have a strong emphasis on missions and outreach that reflects their chosen name. Covenant has continued to serve the Lord with gladness and abundance uninterrupted even until today. C. The thread that has brought Covenant full circle is their faithfulness, dedication, and love in serving God and God s people. The missions that are currently instrumental in serving the community include the Timberlake Emergency Assistance Ministry (T.E.A.M) Food Bank and the Mission Room which is an outreach supplying people with the necessities they need when starting from home burn out, fleeing domestic violence, or other type of displacement. A church that began with 43 charter members is now dissolving with just over forty members on the roll. Those numbers have a height and depth of ministry connected to them that cannot be counted but are reflected in the many faithful acts such as worship services held, seminary students supported, community outreach programs started, meals shared, Communion celebrated, births and baptisms conducted, weddings and funerals officiated - all held within the sacred space 8

9 located at 108 Melinda Drive, Lynchburg, VA, and with those whom God drew near. This mission and ministry is the way of Covenant and is the type of love for God that cannot be dissolved but will continue in the hearts and lives of its members in the new places of worship they will call home. D. The AC has had the humble pleasure to walk alongside the Session and Congregation of CPC as they mourn the loss of what was but in the same breath, praise God for what is yet to come. The AC has witnessed that the promise and ministry of CPC will continue and believes that the roots of faith that have been nurtured on this holy ground will grow and flourish where it is planted. Over the last few months the work of the AC has focused on the process of the dissolution of CPC. Moving forward we hold in trust the sacred ministry and life of CPC through the continued mission and ministry of the Presbytery of the Peaks. Thus: Part II Considerations A. Whereas Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, has served faithfully in ministry and mission since 1961; and, Whereas the members, elders, pastors, commissioned ruling elders, and other leaders of CPC, Lynchburg, over the last 56 years have used their gifts to proclaim the love and justice of Jesus Christ in their community, in the Presbytery of the Peaks and its predecessors, and in the world; and, Whereas the congregation has experienced over several years a decreasing and aging membership with health issues; and, Whereas after much prayer the Session and congregation of CPC, Lynchburg, have discerned that the most loving and faithful response to the call of Jesus Christ is to dissolve the congregation and transfer the remaining members to minister in other faith communities; and, Whereas the Session at a stated meeting on March 8, 2017, and the congregation at a called meeting on March 19, 2017, voted to request that Covenant Presbyterian Church, 108 Melinda Drive, Lynchburg, VA, be dissolved and that the property revert to the Presbytery of the Peaks as of December 31, 2017; and, Whereas the Session and congregation of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, further requested through the Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery of the Peaks that the Presbytery appoint an Administrative Commission to support and aid in such dissolution; and, Whereas the Presbytery on May 4, 2017, acting on the Committee on Ministry recommendation, elected an AC consisting of the following persons: 9

10 Richard Boswell Elder and Commissioned Pastor, First Lynchburg Suzy Edwards Certified Christian Educator, Quaker Memorial, Lynchburg, Chair Beth Groover Elder, Saint Andrew, Lynchburg Shirley Morris Elder, Covenant Lynchburg Kim Steinhorst Minister of the Word and Sacrament, Minister at Large along with appointing Steve Earl, Minister of the Word and Sacrament, Presbytery Staff, to guide and oversee the process of dissolving the congregation of CPC; and, B. Whereas the Presbytery at that same meeting granted the AC the following authorities: 1. To assist the Commissioned Lay Pastor and Session to bring to conclusion the affairs of the church including the transfer of remaining members and the planning of a worship service to honor the gifts, faithfulness, and memories of its members, giving thanks to God for the ministry of CPC, Lynchburg; 2. To receive and retain all congregational and Session minutes and records and deposit them with the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery who will forward them on to the Department of History, Office of the General Assembly, of the Presbyterian Church (USA); 3. In coordination with the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery, grant letters of dismissal to members whose names remain on the rolls of Presbytery for up to one year from the effective date of dismissal; 4. To take possession of all real and personal property, financial records, inventories of equipment, and all other assets, and arrange for the transfer of title to the Presbytery all accounts and real property known to be in the possession of Covenant Presbyterian Church (as appointed May 4, 2017, per the PCUSA Book of Order, Chapter IV, Section 02 (G and G ) 5. To consult with the Session regarding requests the congregation may have relating to the disposition of equipment and memorials and other property of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg. The Administrative Commission shall recommend to Presbytery at its stated meeting on November 19, 2017, the approval of the disposition of all property and assets including arrangements for their retention and storage for future use at the direction of the Presbytery; 6. In coordination with the Board of Trustees to assert the claim of the Presbytery to any property of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, not known at this time or property which may come to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, as the beneficiary of a will or trust not known at this time; and 7. Whereas the AC, in the interest of accomplishing its commissioned tasks and authorizations decently and in order and having completed many of those tasks and authorizations now brings an interim report to be presented to the November 16, 2017, stated meeting of Presbytery. Part III Recommendations Therefore, the AC makes the following recommendations: that, A. The Presbytery concur with the congregation s request and approve the dissolution of 10

11 CPC, Lynchburg, effective December 31, 2017; B. The Presbytery grant an extension to the AC for its remaining work with the congregation of CPC, Lynchburg into 2018 when: 1. A final determination of membership transfers and pastoral care needs of remaining members shall be made; 2. A closing worship service with the congregation and the Presbytery will be held on December 3, 2017 at 2:00 pm at CPC; 3. In coordination with the Trustees of CPC and of the Presbytery of the Peaks, the corporation shall be dissolved according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia; 4. The Administrative Commission gives the Trustees the authority to negotiate and execute short term building use agreements and maintain the physical property until a final decision has been made for the disposition of the property in coordination with the continued work of the AC in phase two; and 5. In consultation with the Church Development Committee and the Trustees, of the Presbytery, the AC shall recommend to Presbytery at its stated meeting in May 2018, the approval of the disposition of all property and assets including arrangements for their retention and storage for future use at the direction of the Presbytery; Part IV Rationale for Requesting an Extension of the Work of the Administrative Commission A. The members of this AC discussed at great length the various stages involved in dissolving CPC, Lynchburg and unanimously agreed that the process should be completed in two phases. The first phase has focused on assisting the congregation with the steps of this closure, such as assisting them in dealing with the grief of leaving their church home and in encouraging them to find new church homes. In addition, the AC has worked closely with the session to identify the specific steps that the session must complete so that when the church doors close on December 31, 2017, their responsibilities will be completed. The congregation has established many community outreach programs and has expressed concern about what might happen to these local ministries. The Commission is working with the church to identify which ministries they hope will continue and ways that other local churches and the Presbytery can be supportive in this process. B. In a second phase of this process, the AC will work in coordination with the Presbytery s Church Development Committee and Trustees to identify the best disposition and use of the Covenant property that will be in keeping with the Mission Strategy of the Presbytery. The goal of the AC is to present its final report to the Presbytery at its stated meeting in May

12 Part V With Thanks The AC for CPC, Lynchburg, gives thanks for the gracious cooperation of the Session, Congregation, and Commissioned Pastor of CPC as well as neighboring congregations and pastors of the Presbytery in assisting with the dissolution process and honoring the sacred trust named above. The AC also thanks the Presbytery, its Committees, Trustees, and Staff in providing guidance and support in this journey and look forward to continued cooperation in the months ahead as we celebrate the life of CPC, Lynchburg, and grieve the ending of its ministry and mission as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We give thanks to God for the faithfulness and commitment of this congregation as part of the Body of Christ. Committee on Ministry Report ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. Approved the request of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church to form a Pastor Nominating Committee. 2. Approved the request of Amherst Presbyterian Church to form a Pastor Nominating Committee. 3. Approved the request of Clarksville Presbyterian Church to form a Pastor Nominating Committee. 4. Approved the Interim Pastor contract between Robert J. (Skip) Hastings and Buchanan Presbyterian Church effective Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, Approved the Parish Associate relationship between Robin Williamson and West End Presbyterian Church effective November 1, 2017 to October 31, Approved the Parish Associate contract between David Dickerson and Second Presbyterian Church effective November 1, 2017 to October 31, Approved the Stated Supply contract renewal between Terry Blevins and Roanoke Valley Presbyterian Church effective Dec. 1, 2017 to Nov. 30, Approved the stated supply contract renewal between Virginia Presbyterian Church and David Mucha effective November 1, 2017 to October 31, Granted permission to Virginia Presbyterian Church to allow Roger Linkenhoker to serve Communion from November 1, 2017 to October 31, Appointed Shirley Larson as moderator for Pearisburg Presbyterian Church effective November 1, 2017 to January 31, Approved the Ordination Commission that ordained Susan Robin Robertson Williamson to a validated ministry as chaplain at Carillion Memorial Hospital on Sept. 10, Teaching Elders: Steve Earl, Moderator, Associate Presbyter for Ministry Ellen Anderson, To Charge the Pastor, Second PC, Roanoke Kristin Reinhold, Green Ridge Presbyterian Church Ruling Elders: Tony Ward, To Preach the Sermon, Commissioned Pastor, West End, PC Ginny Fedison, Covenant PC, Roanoke John Shoemaker, West End PC 12

13 To Sit with the Commission: Tina Cox, HR, Teaching Elder, Presbytery of the James John Williamson, Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, Presbytery of the James 12. Approved the Ordination and Installation Commission to ordain and install Matthew Aldas as Associate Pastor for Youth at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, Roanoke on Sept. 17, Teaching Elders: Steve Earl, Associate Presbyter for Ministry, Moderator Janet Chisom, Associate Pastor, Salem Presbyterian Church, Charge to the Congregation Andrew Whaley, Pastor, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, Charge to the Candidate Ruling Elders: Dick Boswell, Commissioned Missional Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, Vice- Moderator, POP Helen Dean, Second Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, Moderator, POP Presbyterian Women 2018 Bill Honeycutt, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, Questions to the Congregation To Sit with the Commission: Donna Hopkins Britt, Member of Raleigh Court, Chair of the PNC, Ordained in the Baptist Tradition John Harrison, Temporary Pastor, Affton Presbyterian Church, Affton, MO, Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, To Preach the Sermon RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. That Presbytery approve the 2018 Minimum Financial Terms of Call presented at the August 19, 2017, meeting of Presbytery for a first reading. 2. That the examination of Janice Fraser, member of Florida Presbytery, be sustained pending her signing of the Book of Obligations, and that she be received as a member in good standing to serve as Pastor at Appomattox CH and New Concord Presbyterian Churches effective Nov. 1, That Presbytery approve the following terms of call for Janice Fraser: Annual Cash Salary $40,000 SECA $4,005 TOTAL (Salary + SECA) $44,005 Manse Rental Value $12,351 Dental Insurance paid for by church $1,169 EFFECTIVE SALARY $53,520 Board of Pensions Major Medical (24.5% of Effective Salary) $13,112 Pension/Death & Disability (12% of Effective Salary) $6,422 POP Equity Escrow Plan $1,200 Continuing Education $1,500 Moving Expense Reimbursement Reimbursed 100% Auto Expense Reimbursement $1,500 Professional Expense Reimbursement $ Study Leave 2 Weeks Annually Vacation 4 Weeks Annually 13

14 Family Leave Sabbatical Leave According to Personnel Policy Presbytery Guidelines 3. That Presbytery allow COM to assign a commission to install Janice Fraser as Pastor of Appomattox CH and New Concord Presbyterian Churches on December 10, 2017, at 4:00 pm at Appomattox CH Presbyterian Church. 4. That the examination of Kyle Allen, member of New Hope Presbytery, be sustained pending his signing of the Book of Obligations, and that he be received as a member in good standing to serve as Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, effective September 5, That COM be allowed to assign an Installation Commission to install Kyle Allen to serve as Pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, on November 19, 2017, at 4:00 pm. 6. That Presbytery approve the following terms of call for Kyle Allen: Annual Cash Salary $40,606 SECA $5,822 TOTAL (Salary + SECA) $46,428 Housing Allowance $33,000 EFFECTIVE SALARY $73,606 Section 125 Flexible Spending Account $2,500 Board of Pensions Major Medical (24.5% of Effective Salary) $18,646 Pension/Death & Disability (12% of Effective Salary) $9,133 Insurance paid for by church (BOP dental ins., etc.) $2,500 Moving Expense Reimbursement $10,000 Professional Expense Reimbursement $5,000 Study Leave 2 Weeks Annually Vacation 4 Weeks Annually Family Leave According to Sabbatical Leave Presbytery Policy Janice Fraser, Statement of Faith I believe in the One Triune and Sovereign God, who in goodness and love is the creator and sustainer of all things. I believe that this wise and merciful God chose to walk among the people and reveal God s true, just, and loving heart in the fully human and fully divine man, Jesus. I believe we come to know God s good intentions for the world through the life, actions, and teachings of Jesus Christ. Like a loving father who cannot bear to see God s own children fall into and die in sin, Jesus the incarnate God died on the cross for humanity s sins. Through his death and resurrection, our broken relationship with God is mended. We are the beneficiaries of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, as we are made righteous in God s sight because of Jesus righteousness. In faith we are reconciled to the heart of God. In thankfulness for the grace and mercy shown to us through this sacrifice, we strive as individuals and in community to live as examples of God s love in a sinful and broken world. Before his death, Jesus promised that we would not be alone. Through the Father, the Son sent the Holy Spirit to show us the truth, to strengthen our faith, and enable us to continue the work and service of Jesus in order to advance 14

15 the Kingdom of God in the world. I believe witnesses to God s work in the world were divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit to testify and record these acts. This account is what we call the Holy Scriptures, the revealed word of God. Through study and meditation, the faithful in every age have used these writings to mature in their faith, for guidance, assurance, comfort and teaching. The Holy Spirit continues to interpret and guide the Church in our faith and work in the world, in ways that are specific to particular places and times in history. With Christ as the head of the Church God s visible instrument on earth - the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the faithful community of believers, the Church exhibits to the World a foretaste of God s kingdom. The sacrament of baptism assures us of membership in God s family, and signifies our fellowship within Christ s church. As Jesus died, so we die to the old life. Through grace, we are raised up into a new life in Christ. As Christ instructed the apostles to break bread and drink the cup in his remembrance, we continue to do so. The sacrament of the Lord s Supper signifies God s promise to us of God s infinite love and mercy. This sacrament also reminds us of God s covenant with us, sustains us in our faith through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Partaking of this meal, being raised up in Christ, joined with the great cloud of witnesses, and refreshed at the Table, we recommit ourselves to Christ and His ministry. Janice Fraser, Autobiography Though baptized in my mother s German Lutheran church, I was not raised in the church. I did however, have numerous conversations about religion with my father, who after serving in WWII, claimed to be an atheist. Our conversations were lively and made me curious and determined to find my own way. It was not until my mid-20 s that I began to attend a UCC church in Lakewood, Ohio. There I was introduced to a female minister but having no frame of reference to a minister s gender thought it was normal. I volunteered to work with the youngest Sunday school class and enjoyed being a part of that church. In my early 30 s I moved to Tampa, Florida and spent many lunch hours in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church located downtown and across the street from the law firm where I worked as a legal secretary. After my mother s death when I was 24, life became very confusing and difficult for me and the church sanctuary was a place where I felt a bit of peace. Unfamiliar with hymns I would spend my time leafing through the hymnal looking for words of encouragement or inspiration. I decided that at some point I would attend that church. It took a while, but I eventually joined that church, and became active in the life of the church. I was married in that church and my son was baptized there as well. Never able to use my Social Work degree and after working as a legal secretary for many years, I started to ask God what I needed to do. I wrestled with that conversation for months. I looked for other jobs, thought about moving, talked with friends, and spent time in counseling with my pastor. One day when I was sitting on the lanai, I once again asked God what I was supposed to do. And the answer was, You can be a minister. I said, No, I can t. And that was when I remembered the female minister at the UCC church. From that moment on I pursued that call. Now, I was talking in a more focused way with my pastor and friends, and spending more time in prayer. I visited what is now Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. I was accepted and by August of 1996 my family and I were headed to the state of Virginia. 15

16 I found seminary to be eye-opening and invigorating. My energy level for ministry was high and positive. After graduation, I was blessed to serve as interim associate pastor with a wonderful minister in Tennessee, who spent many hours encouraging me and sharing his ministry experiences with me. He has proven to be a great teacher and resource. I never thought I could be a solo pastor, but found my 13 years in West Virginia to be an excellent opportunity to become accustomed to leadership responsibilities, living with compromise, and developing a pastoral presence. I believe I have matured in my faith and in my identity as pastor. I believe that every church experience has afforded me the privilege to be invited into the sacred places of people s lives. I have learned from or been blessed in one way or another by every parishioner I have had the pleasure to serve. I believe that every time God calls us away and calls us to there is a plan and purpose for further blessings, and good work to be done in Jesus name. In all things I do believe that the power of the Holy Spirit blows where we don t know leading us to the people who we are supposed to serve at that time, and to the places where our gifts will be used bring glory to God. Kyle Allen, Statement of Faith I believe in God the Creator and in the Spirit of the Living God. The Book of Genesis in its opening chapter proclaims that in that time before time, in that space before anything was that now is, God filled the void by speaking the world into being. God said, Let there be, and behold, it was. Out of nothing became something. Out of darkness, light. Out of the void, a planet amid a vast universe, evolving over time. Life and energy, plants and animals, mountains and oceans, trees and stars all creatures great and small all marvelous gifts of God s sheer grace all animated and sustained by God s divine breath, God s divine wind, in Hebrew, the ruach, the Spirit of the Living God. In response to what God has done for us and all creation, our sacred calling, our divine destiny, our holy work as God s people is to fill the earth with God s love. The claim of the Christian Church is that we cannot fulfill our calling apart from God. That is why the pulsating power of the Holy Spirit is so important. As the Holy Spirit works within us its creative, life-giving power, we deepen our communion with God, our first Love. And from that strong, Spirit-filled center, we find the grace, poise and dignity to love God s world and all its inhabitants with Christ-like care, compassion and concern. I believe in God the Redeemer, the Reconciler of Humankind, present with God before the dawn of creation, and graciously revealed in Jesus the Christ, God Incarnate. Fully God and fully human, Jesus completes, clarifies and corrects all that we can know about God and about what it means for us to be the Church in this and every age. Serving in the roles of Prophet, Priest and King par excellent, Jesus embodies in his person and work a sinless life utterly devoted to loving God and loving neighbor. In his prophetic role, Jesus speaks truth to power, condemning selfrighteousness in all its varied forms and serving as a tireless Advocate for the poor, the hungry, 16

17 the sick, the disadvantaged and the isolated. In his priestly role, Jesus looks on humankind with compassion bearing our burdens, growing our faith, challenging our cherished assumptions, lifting us up in prayer and teaching us the ways of God ultimately dying for the forgiveness of all sins, and rising from death unto life everlasting. In his kingly role, Jesus is Lord and Savior. His kingdom is not that of castles and drawbridges, of royal palaces and court jesters, but one of lasting peace, noble justice, forgiving grace, tenderhearted gentleness and steadfast love. His subjects are not those who live under a tyrant, but all who serve as his disciples, as Luther says, little Christs in fulfillment of the great ends of the Church. I believe in the Holy Scriptures as God s inspired word captured in writing by women and men and handed down from generation to generation as our rule of faith and practice. While the Bible ends with the last verse of The Book of Revelation, I believe that each of us is part of God s ongoing story with humanity being lived out in real life today. As Presbyterians and people of the Word written and the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ, Christ serves as the final interpreter of Scripture, and that the sacred texts of testaments Old and New are not so much passages of scripture but scriptures of passage that help guide us along our Christian journey from life, to death, to life everlasting. I believe in the sacraments of Baptism and The Lord s Supper as instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I see them as means of grace that set upon our hearts and minds the seal of God s never-ending, covenant love. I believe in the Church, led by God as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, serves as a provisional demonstration of God s love and life let loose in the world, and I wholeheartedly endorse and celebrate the decency and orderliness by which our Presbyterian Church USA, grounded in the Reformed tradition, is governed. Kyle Allen, Autobiography I am a child of God, a child of the covenant. Born and reared in Eden, North Carolina, I was blessed to grow up in a Christian family. My mother was a dyed-in-the-wool Presbyterian. My father, a good southern Baptist. When they married and later, after my brother and I were born, it was their desire to raise us up in the Christian way by being actively involved in the First Presbyterian Church of Eden. We were one of those families that showed up first for anything that was happening at the church and always the last to leave. I give thanks for my parents and for the saints of that church who helped me see in multiple ways God s profound love for the world, for the church, for all human beings and for me personally. I also give thanks for the ways they inspired me to develop a living faith of my own a faith grounded in trust and born of God s unconditional love, calling forth from me a desire to love and serve the Lord for the upbuilding of the church and the salvation of humankind. Nurtured by such a supportive family and surrounded by such a beloved community of believers, I sensed a profound call to ministry in my junior year at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I remember exploring my call more deeply with my home pastor and with the UNC campus minister. Those conversations clearly revealed that God was tugging at my heart not to pursue a law degree as I had previously planned, but to pursue the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as pastor of a local congregation in the PCUSA. 17

18 After much prayer and discernment, I followed God s call to Union Seminary in Richmond, VA. There my faith grew under the tutelage of such professors as Dr. John Leith, Dr. Wellford Hobbie, Dr. Balmer Kelly and Dr. Bill Oglesby. Humbled by their knowledge and inspired by their devotion to Christ and the Church, I learned that part and parcel of being a pastor includes serving as a congregation s resident theologian, as an able preacher, as a sound teacher of God s Word in Christ and Holy Scripture, and as a caring pastoral presence to any in need. I am indebted to their witness and to the lasting impact they have had on my practice of ministry. Over the years, it has been my joy to serve Presbyterian congregations in Columbia, SC, Waynesboro, VA, Greer, SC and Cary, NC. Each one has called forth the best of my energy, intelligence, imagination and love, and each has taught me much God and the church s calling to do what it does best, which is be the church. Now, if the way be clear, I look forward to joining God s faithful people in mission at Covenant, in Peaks Presbytery and around the world. I also give thanks to God for the influence my wife Beth has had on me. Her servant heart lies at the core of her being, and her gentle, caring spirit has taught me much about how to live the Christian life. Our oldest daughter Courtney and her husband Jeffery are devoted members of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Our middle daughter Elizabeth is differently abled with Down syndrome. She loves her life! She loves our Lord. She ushers every second Sunday of the month, is in two different women s circles and loves to glorify God through liturgical dance. Mark, our youngest, is a rising senior at Texas Tech majoring in plant/soil science. He has a servant s heart, too, particularly for the hungry, the homeless and the underprivileged. I am so blessed by my family, and I praise God for their being such a vital part of my faith journey. Committee on Preparation for Ministry Report INFORMATION: Next meeting is January 10, 2018, Location TBD. ACTIONS: Approved Jennifer Brothers, member of Second Presbyterian Church, Roanoke to enter into the process of Inquirer. Approved distribution of scholarship fund equally among members under care. RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend that Jude Swanson become a Candidate in the ordination process pending presbytery examination on November 16,

19 Committee on Administration Report INFORMATION: The Committee on Administration met on October 11, 2017 in the Presbytery office. ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. Approved the 2016 Annual Audit Report: 2. Approved the 2019 Presbytery budget will use only $250,000 from designated funding. 3. Requested that Cabinet: Review Priorities of the Presbytery Budget built for 2019 to support the priorities Staffing model for 2019 to support the priorities Reallocation of designated funds to support the priorities 4. Requested COM Small Church Residency Program WG approve plan for funding the program including criteria for inclusion in the program and that plan be reported at the November Presbytery meeting for funds to be disbursed by November 30, Received reports from the Personnel and Relations Workgroups. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Request the transfer of $200,000 from the New Church Development designated account to the Presbytery designated account in order to fund the 2018 proposed budget. 2. Approve the 2018 Proposed Budget as presented for 1 st reading. 19

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26 Committee on Leadership Report INFORMATION: There was one change/correction to the minutes of the previous meeting: Commissioned Ruling Elders will now be called Commissioned Pastors (CP). Small Church Residency o There is funding in the pipeline for this program, churches just need to ask for it. o Where is administrative oversight for this program? Right now under COM and Leadership - COM feels strong ownership. o CP is also under Leadership but will eventually go under COM. o Leadership Development will be left under Leadership. Trent Colloquy o Next meeting will be October 25 and 26. Commissioned Pastors (CP) Work Group o CP Leadership Event agenda was given to members. o Looking at Bedford Presbyterian Church as the location since it is centrally located. The date is March 10, Lunch will be box lunches. Members of the work group will be confirming location and caterer for the event. o There was discussion on getting publicity out on both this event and on just getting general information out to churches about the CP program. New Business: o African American Leadership It was suggested that we ought to pursue whether a leadership event or opportunity could be made to pastors in some of the six predominantly African American congregations in our presbytery we ought to reach out to these leaders to see if there is a way we can facilitate or foster opportunities for their connection and leadership development. o Learning Communities There was discussion on offering a type of Learning Community in POP, not unlike past Rehoboth groups. There have been Rehoboth groups active in POP in the past - members of committee will be looking into this and other opportunities over the next three months and will bring back what we have learned to next meet. Next Meeting: Nov 1, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Quaker Memorial PC in Lynchburg. ACTIONS REPORTED Members will continue their work on the CP leadership event for March 10, Members will consider ways we may be a resource to learning communities for members in our presbytery. At our November meeting, members will share what information has been gleaned from other groups/presbyteries who have similar programs (specifically re. budget, oversight, etc.). 26

27 RECOMMENDATIONS: None. Mission Committee Report INFORMATION: The Committee met on October 9. In September, we held two dinners one in Roanoke and one in Lynchburg. These dinners were for people to come and share what their churches were doing in mission. We learned about all of the ways in which some of our churches are involved in mission. With great energy, people shared about how they are involved in sharing God s love in the world. We hope to have more of these dinners in the future and are working on how to share all of the information that was gleaned. The Partnership workgroup announced that there will be a trip to Guatemala next summer that will be intergenerational. The trip is being planned to include high school youth as well as adults. The final 2-Cents-a-Meal grant applications were due on October 24. The Committee is hoping to put together a Hurricane rebuilding trip to Texas, Florida or Puerto Rico in Look for more details soon. The August trip to Guatemala was a great success. Twelve people from our Presbytery participated along with 8 from the Presbytery of the James. We met with groups in different parts of the country that are working to help those affected by climate change. We saw first-hand all of the work that CEDEPCA is doing to empower people. We saw projects such as backyard gardens which are helping families to feed themselves. We spent two days planting trees to help with reforestation. And, most importantly, we built relationships with people. In 2018, we are looking forward to new people being on the Committee. We plan to have two face to face meetings and two by Skype or some other electronic means. ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. The Peacemaking Workgroup dispersed the following grants from the Peacemaking offering: - Presbytery Peacemaking speaker: Jimmy Hawkins, Director, PCUSA Washington Office of Public Witness - $500 - Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Int l Peacemaking project - $500 - Reconciliation Project in South Sudan through the PCUSA - $500 - Local project working on stopping the School to Prison Pipeline thru VA Organizing - $500 27

28 Trustees Report INFORMATION: The Trustees of the Presbytery of the Peaks met on September 13, 2017 via conference call and on October 11, 2017 in the Presbytery office. ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. Received a report from the Investment Committee regarding the performance of the investment portfolio. The cumulative rate of return was 7.4%. 2. The Trustees provided guidance to the Dublin PRT on terms for the gracious dismissal for the church. 3. Appointed a workgroup to review proposed capital projects at Cooper House/U-kirk VT. 4. Appointed a workgroup to assess needs for the Covenant, Lynchburg transfer of property. 5. Appointed a Nominating Committee to prepare the Trustees 2018 slate of officers. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. CONSENT AGENDA: Approve the 2016 Annual Audit Report as presented. 2. CONSENT AGENDA: Request Presbytery grant the Trustees permission to deal with the Matthews Memorial manse property in a way that best benefits the Presbytery, including the possible sale of the manse, should that be most prudent. 3. CONSENT AGENDA : Recommend Presbytery approve the Forest Presbyterian Church request to refinance its existing building loan with the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, allowing the church to reduce its current interest rate by.25% 4. CONSENT AGENDA : Recommend Presbytery approve the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church request to donate an empty plot of land to the Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity for the purpose of building low income townhomes. 28

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