Minutes of the 159 th Stated Session. of the PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH. August 24, Waynesboro, Virginia NEXT STATED SESSIONS

Transcription

1 Minutes of the 159 th Stated Session of the PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH August 24, 2013 First Presbyterian Church Waynesboro, Virginia NEXT STATED SESSIONS Tuesday, November 12, 2013 Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church Grottoes, Virginia Saturday, February 8, 2014 First Presbyterian Church Harrisonburg, Virginia Tuesday, May 13, 2014 TBA Saturday, August 23, 2014 TBA SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY IS A COVENANT BODY WHERE:» congregations are empowered to be centers for mission,» lay persons are equipped to be Disciples of Christ in a challenging world,» church leaders and members are nurtured and strengthened for service,» open communication and information are used constructively and creatively to keep us connected.

2 SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY DIRECTORY Teaching Elder Olivia Haney... Moderator 2013 Teaching Elder Betty Dax... Vice-Moderator 2013 Teaching Elder Randy Webb... Acting General Presbyter Ext 108 Teaching Elder David Witt...Stated Clerk Ext 110 Larry Holsinger... Treasurer Ext 111 Ruling Elder Doug Sensabaugh... Communications Coordinator/HAE Ext 106 Heather Carter... Office Coordinator/Bookkeeper Ext 100 Kimberly T. Stroupe... Assistant for Constitution Ext 107 EXECUTIVE EMERITUS: The Rev. Homer C. Phifer, Jr. 490 Burning Tree Road, Pinehurst, NC SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY OFFICE 1111 North Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA Telephone: Fax: SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY CORPORATION 1111 North Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA Current Officers Don Myers, President Philip H. Miller, Secretary B. Randolph Roller, Treasurer Advisory Members Brown, Edwards & Company, LLP CAMP PADDY RUN Address: 221 Camp Lane, Star Tannery, VA 22654; Telephone: i

3 CANDIDATES FOR MINISTRY OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT Marie Mainard O Connell Helen Punker Robertson Rebecca Siddle Home Church Covenant 638 W. Frederick St., Apt 2 Staunton, VA Home Church Goshen 471 Sunnybrook Rd. Fairfield, VA Home Church Waynesboro First 649 Chestnut Ave. Waynesboro, VA INQUIRERS FOR MINISTRY OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT John Craft Emily Peterson Gwen Carr Eric Gleason Kristy Ray Jacob Kave Home Church Tinkling Spring Home Church - Covenant Home Church Tinkling Spring Home Church - Warrenton Home Church Tinkling Spring Home Church New Monmouth ii

4 GOVERNING BODIES Synod of the Mid-Atlantic 3218 Chamberlayne Ave. Richmond, VA Office of the General Assembly 100 Witherspoon St. Louisville, KY iii

5 PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH MINUTES OF THE 159 th STATED MEETING The 159 th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Shenandoah was held at First Presbyterian Church, in Waynesboro, Virginia, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, The Moderator, Teaching Elder Olivia Haney, called the meeting to order with prayer. WORSHIP Worship was planned and arranged by the Worship Team from the Presbytery Planning Committee. Teaching Elder George Chapman of Buena Vista Church preached on the subject, Great Expectations based on Luke 4: QUORUM AND ENROLLMENT The Stated Clerk reported that a quorum was present. The final enrollment was as follows: Adm Administrator DYP Director, Youth Program OM Overseas Missionary Asst Assistant ED Educator P Pastor Assoc Associate GP General Presbyter Prof Professor Chap Chaplain Honorably Retired SS Stated Supply CM Campus Minister IA Interim Associate Stu Student COP Co-Pastors IN Inactive T Teacher Coun Counselor IP Interim Pastor TM Tent Making DP Designated Pastor ML Minister-at-Large WC Without Charge (Description code for attendance: P = present E = excused A = absent) E Allen, Donald R., Jr. P Arnold, Timothy P Sherando Walt Carter A Barner, Ann Elizabeth A Barner, Fred Thomas E Baxter, John A. P Bethard, John T. P Charles Town Absent P Biggs, Thomas T. E Boyer, Grace Jones E Brandon, Joseph C. E Bridgman, Larry Ann C. E Bridgman, Stewart G. A Bromhead, Jonathan ML P Brownlee, J. Malcolm A Bucy, Ralph D. P Bunker, Jonathan W. P Berryville Cathy Dickey P Burton, Rufus T., III P Martinsburg First Jerry Derflinger P Cardot, Guy Richard P Petersburg J. Bensenhaver E Carlsson, Charles M., Jr. A Carr, Phillips L. P Chapman, George W. P Buena Vista Absent E Coffman, Donna B. E Cole, William A., Jr. P Coleman, Glenn M. ML P Conrad, Scott A. ML A Corder, William Lee ML E Cornfield, Keith A. P New Providence Don Roll E Cornish, Homer T. P Cox, C. William P Cranford, April H. Assoc Tinkling Spring P Crumley, Rachel P Tuscarora Karen Thatcher E Cushman, James E. P Cushwa, John W. P Falling Waters Paula Tobin 75

6 P Dax, Betty G. IP Waynesboro First P Dent, William H., Jr. P Dietrich, Richard S. P Staunton First James Cooke A Dobyns, Sharyl A. ML A Donohoe, Patricia A. P Dorn, Constance A. P Broadway Betty Ann Sullivan P Douty, Horace D. /IP Oxford E Earl, John B., Sr. E Evans, Caroline B. Assoc Warrenton P Evans, George W. P Cooks Creek Anne Pauley E Everhart, William G. ML E Farthing, Stanley H. Supply Zetta P Fetterman, Amy Assoc Covenant E Field, Robert F. E Fisher, Merle L., Jr. E Fisher, Otis L. E Forbes, Richard A., Jr. P Foster, M. Kerry P Bridgewater Carla Enterline E Franklin, John S. E Garrison, John D. E Garriss, K. Braxton E Goodman, William R., Jr. E Goshorn, Robert D. P Habbersett, Bonnie D. E Hahn-Campanella Kitty Supply Highland-Memorial P Hand, Kevin L. P Franklin Rebecca Schlaegel Ruddle Absent P Haney, John H. P Goshen Absent Millboro Absent Rocky Spring Absent P Haney, M. Olivia Kincaid Supply Mt. Carmel E Harmon, Melissa L. P Beulah Mary Lou Cox Monterey William Ellenburg Pisgah James Stephenson E Harrison, L. Randolph P Hastings, John R. Skip P Collierstown Janet Scott E Hay, Thomas D. Adm E Hayter, J. T., Jr. P Heeringa, Jon E. P Harrisonburg First Ed Chappell Richard Johnson Judy von Seldeneck P Held, Ann Reed P Trinity Linda Bradley E Hellmuth, Barton L. A Hendy, Susanna ML E Hill, Robert S., Jr. P Hill, Sarah L. Assoc Lexington P Holbrook, Fred A. Adm E Holden, Thomas J., III E Holman, Glen A. ML P Hopkins, E. Reed P Loch Willow Lyal Hood P Howard, Carl D. SS Hedgesville & Little Falls P Howard, David D. P Strasburg Absent E Hunt, Patricia P Hunter, Tully J. P Tinkling Spring Randy Gregory Absent E Inglis, J. Leslie E Jackson, James R. E Jackson, Katherine C. P Moorefield Excused E Jaureguizar, Marcia W. 76

7 A Johns, Harry E. IP Staunton Second P Johnson, Barbara R. P Romney David Allen E Jones, Donald D. M. E Kennedy, J. Whitner E Key, Kyle W. Assoc Harrisonburg First P Klein, Deborah H. ML P Klein, William M. P Lexington Barbara Winfrey Absent E Lanaghan, Patrick R. P Burnt Absent E Langdon, J. Bradford ML A LaPrade, Lester N., Jr. /SS Bethany P LaRue, H. Donald P Finley Memorial Absent P Leggett, John P. P Massanutten Mark Strickler Bill Vance E Lewis, Elizabeth Chap Westminster-Canterbury E Lewis, Herbert T. E Lindsey, James E., Jr. E Long, Karen J. IP Keyser E Lowe, Emory G. E Macbeth, Bruce A. A McClintock, Lynn ML A McCoig, Dan M., Jr. Assoc Winchester First P McCrary, Elizabeth L. P Augusta Stone Jenny Foley-Zambrotta P McDonald, John L. P Waynesboro Second Jasper Strickler P McFarlin, Charles A. P Spring Hill Absent A McLean, Karen E. ML E Miles, Larry C. /SS Ben Salem P Moore, G. Carl P Fairfield Absent Timber Ridge Penelope Mohler E Moore, William L. OM E Muncy, Robert L. E Neel, Donald E. E Newman, Howard A. E Norville, Charles K. P O'Gorek, Paul A. Chaplain Sunnyside Community E Osborne, Robert S. P Berkeley Springs Glenn Ryburn P Owen, Jan G. /SS Mt. Olive P Painter, William L., Jr. E Pancake, Joseph S. E Perkins, P. Parker, Jr. E Peterson, John C. P Covenant Paige Bellamy Bill Woodland P Pettit, Ann R. Supply Massanutten E Pettit, Patrick S. IP Smyrna A Poland, Ernest L. Jr. ML A Pollock, Richard Adm A Potter, Ronald R. P Sunnyside Absent E Price, Norman G. P Pyles, Elizabeth P McDowell Beverly Thompson E Reed, Charles K. P Warm Springs Absent A Reifsnyder, Richard W. P Winchester First Sandra C. Susan Kagey Absent P Reller, Charles K. P Rhyne, C. Thomas P Front Royal Marta Steane A Robinson, John A., Jr. Adm P Robinson, Sally O. IP Mt. Horeb P Ross, Anne M. P Elkton Ray Burkart 77

8 E Schmahl, Carl P Warrenton Susanne Taylor Absent E Sefcik, Joseph T. P Sherman, H. Wray P Hermitage Joyce Gibson P Sherrard, Robert L. P Windy Cove Absent A Sieck, Philip L. E Slider, C. Richard II A Sloop, John F. P Smith, Nancy A. ML E Snelson, Andrew L. P Sommer, Philip W. /IP Bethel A Sonstegard-Spray, Maren Assoc Winchester First E Stanley, Arthur L. E Stephens, Millard M. P Stokes, Martin L. P New Monmouth Henry Schreiber E Swezey, Charles M. A Symons, Charles D., Jr. P Thomas, Aaron Lee P Olivet Philip Balsley E Thornton, Joel P. P Cedar Creek Absent Clear Brook Absent Ivanhoe Absent Middletown Absent Mt. Hope Maxine Caperton Second Opequon Charles Ruckman Wardensville Absent E Tremba, Randall W. P Shepherdstown Excused P Tutterow, Christina B. P Bethesda Copper Perry A Unger, Philip E. ML E Vernon, Joseph H. J. P von Oeyen, Jr., Robert E Watkins, John M. P Webb, Lisa M. P Woodstock Absent P Webb, Randall E. Supply Nineveh Acting General Presbyter E Whiteley, Nancy S. P Wilkers, Jack B. P Staunton Third Absent E Wilkinson, Donald S. P Wilson, Joan M. Supply Mt. Storm A Wilson, Stanton R. P Witt, David R. P Opequon William Heavner Stated Clerk Jean Steidel E Woodworth, Robert B. E Wyche, Frank P Hebron Hannah Bush E Young, Betty Jean A Young, James R. M. DP Westminster Kenneth Piller E Young, Philip H. A Young, Richard O., Sr. CHURCHES WITHOUT INSTALLED PASTORS Ben Salem Absent Bethany Absent Bethel Jill Webb Bloomery Excused Buckton Greg Stiles Buffalo Gap Absent Bunker Hill Vickana Norton Burlington John Huffman Circleville Mary Bland Craigsville Excused 78

9 VOTING RULING ELDERS: Commissioned Ruling Elders Elk Branch Gerrardstown Glen Kirk Halltown Hedgesville Highland Memorial Hot Springs Immanuel Kearneysville Keyser Little Falls McCutchen Mossy Creek Mount Carmel Mount Horeb Mount Joy Mount Olive Mount Storm Nineveh Oxford Piedmont Pines Chapel Seneca Rocks Slanesville Smyrna Springfield Staunton Second Tabler Tomahawk Union Waynesboro First Williamsville Zetta Absent Glen Sherrard Joyce Anderson Excused Prudence Wendel Absent Excused Mac McCray Absent Absent Rebecca Knipe Absent Charles Blair Rebecca Boyd John Bosserman Absent Excused Absent Sandra Ey Clinton Anderson Kermit Becker Virginia Painter Larry Harper Absent Richard Ryder Excused Mary Rainey Edward McLaughlin Garry Bock Jane Karicofe Betsy Ruehl Absent Homer Eutsler P William Barnett P James Boyette E Michele Elliott A Tom Forbes P Judy Hensley P Carol Miller P Isca Mitchell A William Moore P Alan Morrison E Linda Reece E Alvin Russell A Bobby Spurgeon E Ron Wilkes Voting Ruling Elders of Presbytery Staff or Presbytery Leadership Team (PLT): P Sue Hotinger, PLT P Doug Sensabaugh, Staff Ruling Elder P Sandi Ey, PLT (also commissioner from Nineveh) P Greg Trobaugh, PLT E Mike Robison, PLT P Jim Johnston, PLT P Mimi Moring, PLT NON-VOTING VISITORS: Visiting Ministers Steve Cathcart Helen Locklear Presbytery Staff Kim Stroupe 79

10 Visitors Ginny Biggs Browning Boggs Elliott Boyd Jonathan Brown Myra Chapman Paul Dana Dee Dunn Mary Ellenburg Norma Eutsler Lisa Hedrick Shirley Hoover Charlie Huppuch Debra Judy Betty King Virginia Leach Stephanie Lucus Ken McNulty Naomi Moran Carolyn Newman John Reed Marcus Sensabaugh Sandra Sherrard Mary Strickler Al Swicegood Pat Swicegood Pauline Sydnor Carole Thompson June Thompson Teaching Elders = 66 Voting Ruling Elders = 84 Additional Guests = 31 TOTAL = 181 WELCOME The Moderator welcomed all visitors and ruling elder commissioners were recognized for this being their first Presbytery meeting. Teaching elders Helen Locklear (Presbytery of Coastal Carolina) and Steve Cathcart (Presbytery of Charlotte) were welcomed and seated as corresponding members. APPOINTMENTS The Moderator appointed the following: Assistant Clerks - Ruling Elder Jenny Foley-Zambrotta of Augusta Stone Church, Ruling Elder Lyal Hood of Loch Willow Church and Commissioned Ruling Elder Carol Miller of Buffalo Gap Church MINUTES MAY 14, 2013 The Body approved the minutes of the stated session held May 14, 2013, as distributed. NEW BUSINESS The Supplemental Reports were accepted as new business. Written reports from the Committee on Representation, Sessional Records Committee, JMU Presbyterian Campus Ministry, Camp Paddy Run, and Committee on Preparation for Ministry were submitted as information. DOCKET A motion was made, seconded and defeated (82-39) to move the report of the Transitional Presbyter Search Committee to the morning. The docket was approved as distributed (see page 91). COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORT OF STATED CLERK The Rev. David R. Witt, Stated Clerk, presented the following report, which was approved: I. For Information: A. The stated clerks of the presbyteries in the Synod of Mid-Atlantic have reviewed presbytery minutes. Shenandoah s were found to be without exceptions. B. The new Book of Order ( ) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is now available at the Presbytery office. C. The new Presbyterian Hymnal, Glory to God, will be published in September. It will be featured in a workshop at Shenandoah Presbytery s Big Event on September 14. Visit or for more information and to order. D. The Administrative Commission for the Upper Tract Presbyterian Church led a worship service celebrating the life and ministry of Upper Tract Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 4:00 80

11 p.m. The sanctuary was full and a wonderful covered-dish supper on the grounds was enjoyed by all. The congregation was dissolved by Shenandoah Presbytery effective June 30, E. A workshop focusing on incorporation, Each Congregation Shall...Incorporate! Helping VA Churches Understand the Why and the How of Incorporation will be held at The Big Event on September 14. F. In order to follow-up on my report to the May presbytery meeting, the directors of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) made the following recent decisions: Traditional Program Medical Dues 2014: The current medical dues model will continue, with dues for the Traditional Program increasing from 21 percent of the member s effective salary in 2013 to 23 percent in Seminary student dues also will increase. 2015: A new medical dues model will take effect, with dues for the Traditional Program set at 24.5 percent for members with covered partners and/or dependent children and 23 percent for member-only coverage. (Member-only coverage would likely be used in situations where members are single or other coverage is available for covered partners and/or dependent children, such as when the covered partner has employer-sponsored coverage.) Employing organizations would have the ability to share with the member none, some, or all of the additional 1.5 percent dues charged for covered partners and/or dependent children. Deductible 2015: The annual medical deductible for covered services provided in network will increase from 1.25 percent of the member s effective salary to 1.5 percent in Members will have the opportunity to reduce their 2015 deductible to 1.0 percent by completing certain Call to Health actions in The deductible for covered services provided out of network will continue to be 2.5 percent of the member s effective salary through We are grateful that the Rev. Helen Locklear, Shenandoah Presbytery s regional representative from the Board of Pensions, will be sharing a report at our meeting today. G. In accordance with Book of Order D , a complaint filed with the Stated Clerk of Shenandoah Presbytery by the former session of the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro, Virginia against the Administrative Commission of Shenandoah Presbytery for the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro, Virginia was forwarded to the Permanent Judicial Commission of Shenandoah Presbytery. The complaint in Remedial Case # was received by the PJC and following a pre-trial conference with the complainants and respondents, the complaint was denied and therefore dismissed. The reason for the above action was that the PJC found the actions taken by the Administrative Commission/Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro were in order as the successor Session. II. Recommendations: A. Recommend that Shenandoah Presbytery elect the Rev. Fred Holbrook, teaching elder of Shenandoah Presbytery, as Acting Stated Clerk from October 22 through November 6, 2013 while I am out of the country on a partnership trip to Ethiopia. This would include signing any necessary documents on my behalf and responding to questions/interpretations that may not be delayed. No stated meetings of any councils or committees that I staff/resource are scheduled during this time. B. Recommend that Shenandoah Presbytery elect the following as ordination examination readers: Ruling Elder Susanne Taylor of Warrenton Church Teaching Elder Amy Fetterman of Covenant Church Teaching Elder Kevin Hand of Franklin and Ruddle churches Ruling Elder Mary Lou McMillin of Trinity Church Teaching Elder Tom Barner, honorably retired Ruling Elder Charles Robertson of Goshen Church 81

12 From the Stated Clerk: approved Alternates: Ruling Elder Emerson Deitz of Tinkling Spring Church and Teaching Elder Dan McCoig of Winchester First Church OMNIBUS MOTION A. Excuse from attendance from all or part of this stated meeting those ministers who submit such a request. B. Receive the minutes of the commission to install the Rev. Rachel Crumley as printed on page 92 REPORTS FOR INFORMATION The following committees/groups submitted written reports for information: Representation, Sessional Records, Campus Ministry, Camp Paddy Run, and Preparation for Ministry. See pages for reports PRESBYTERY STAFF REPORTS Teaching Elder Randy Webb, Acting General Presbyter, directed the Body to his written report as found on pages Ruling Elder Doug Sensabaugh provided information on the new presbytery web site. ANNOUNCEMENTS Teaching Elder Sarah Hill, chair of the Resource Committee, shared an announcement about The Big Event, Shenandoah Presbytery s annual education, mission, women s gathering, and leadership development event, upcoming on Saturday, September 14 at Massanetta Springs. Ruling Elder Erwin Berry of First Presbyterian Church welcomed commissioners and provided a glimpse into the history, mission and ministry of the church. CONVERSATION TIME AND SLIDE SHOW John Leggett introduced a conversation time for all present, and commissioners then gathered in small groups within the pews to discuss What Shenandoah Presbytery may celebrate with your church? A slide-show prepared by Doug Sensabaugh, with photographs by Zach Sensabaugh and dates of organization for all 108 churches, highlighted that Shenandoah Presbytery is not us, not them but all of us together. BOARD OF PENSIONS UPDATE Our regional representative from the Board of Pensions, the Rev. Helen Locklear, shared both a written and oral report, on recent Board of Pensions decisions and the current portfolio. (See pages 96-97) MOFFETT FOR MISSION Mary Lou Cox reported for Moffett for Mission and introduced Linda Bradley, a member of Trinity Church and the Bridges to Building Community house church at Trinity. Linda spoke on how Moffett grants in recent years have empowered the mission and ministry of this house church. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE Teaching Elder Christina Tutterow, Chair, reported for the Committee, which placed the following names in nomination: I. Recommend that Presbytery approve the following to serve: Committee on Preparation for Ministry Class of 2013 Rev. Jim Young, Westminster Church (to fill a vacancy) 82

13 Professional Development Class of 2015 Rev. Stan Farthing, Zetta Church (to fill a vacancy) Budget and Finance Class of 2015 Rev. John Haney, Parish of the Pastures (to fill a vacancy) Church Development Class of 2015 Ruling Elder Paul Dana of Tinkling Spring (to fill a vacancy) Resource Committee Class of 2014 Teaching Elder Carrie Evans (to fill a vacancy) Class of 2015 Teaching Elder Tim Arnold (to fill a vacancy) There were no nominations from the floor and the above were approved. II. Recommend that 7.4 in the Presbytery manual be changed to reflect the language of G.a. the change requested is noted below. The Presbytery shall elect a moderator and a vice-moderator for the coming year at the first fall meeting of Presbytery each year. BACKGROUND: The Nominations committee has noted a discrepancy between two sections of our Presbytery manual 7.4 and G. a. The discrepancy concerns during which Presbytery meeting moderators and vice-moderators are nominated and elected MODERATOR The Presbytery shall elect a moderator and a vice-moderator for the year at the first meeting of the Presbytery each year. The vice-moderator will serve as the moderator-in-nomination for the following year. Each name shall be placed before the Presbytery by the Committee on Nominations G. a. G. Unless unusual circumstances prevail, nominations should be made at the following meetings of Presbytery: a. Fall: (1) Chairpersons and personnel for Council, commissions, and committee vacancies. (2) Commissioners to the General Assembly, Moderator of Presbytery, and Vice-Moderator of Presbytery who shall be the Moderator-in- Nomination. APPROVED CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY The Office and Personnel Committee, Skip Hastings, chair, honored Lisa Hedrick for her nine years of service to the presbytery as Resource Coordinator. Kind words and parting gifts were shared with Lisa. WORLD WIDE MINISTRIES Four presentations were a part of the World Wide Ministries report, including the mission partnership between Haiti and the Windy Cove Church by Rob Sherrard, the ESL program in Ethiopia by Pat Burslem and Walter Carter, and the icare program in Gore, Ethiopia by Mimi Moring. RECESS The Body adjourned at 12:40 p.m. to enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by First Church. The Body reconvened at 1:30 p.m.. INTERCESSORY PRAYERS Teaching Elders April Cranford, Sarah Hill, and Ann Pettit led the body in prayer remembering the many persons and causes that members of Shenandoah Presbytery had called to our attention in written concerns during the morning. 83

14 TRANSITIONAL PRESBYTER SEARCH COMMITTEE Teaching Elder Jonathan Bunker presented the following report from the Committee: It is with the hope present in our common faith that God is in our midst and leading us that we, the Transitional Presbyter Search Committee, present the Reverend Doctor Roy A. Martin as candidate for the position of Transitional Presbyter for a period of three years beginning October 15, 2013 and ending October 14, 2016, renewable and/or transferrable to the position of General Presbyter. And so together we move that: 1. The Rev. Dr. Roy A. Martin be elected to the position of Transitional Presbyter 2. He be examined and installed at the next stated meeting of the Presbytery to be held on November 12 at the Mt. Horeb Church 3. He be given permission to move onto the field prior to that examination and installation 4. And that the terms of call presented for the meeting be approved (see below) Number 1 was approved by written ballot (101, 18, 7 abstain) and numbers 2-4 were approved by voice vote. TERMS OF CALL REV. DR. ROY A MARTIN Annual Cash Salary $71,000 (Of the above, $24,000 is designated as housing allowance) Medical Expense Reimbursement (HSA/FSA) 3,500 Annual IRA Contribution (payable to plan of TP's choosing) 500 SECA 5,432 Board of Pensions 24,880 Continued Enrollment in BOP Dental Plan 393 Travel & Professional Expenses (automobile provided) 8,000 Continuing Education 1,500 Books & Materials 500 Moving Expenses Four Weeks Annual Leave Two Weeks Annual Study Leave One Week Annual Leave for Service to the Denomination (GA) TOTAL PACKAGE $115,705 COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY Ruling Elder, Jim Johnston, Chair, gave the following report, which was approved: I. For Information: A. The Ministerial Relations Committee has been working with the session of Waynesboro Second and the Rev. John McDonald on changes in their terms of call due to financial conditions at the church. Noted that, although John s hours were reduced to hours per week, his compensation will remain the same, until July 31, 2013 or until the pastor receives a new call, whichever comes first. Since the financial aspects of the terms of call did not change, no action on the terms of call was required. B. Plans are beginning for a new commissioned ruling elder class. II. Actions Taken: A. Concurred with the request of the Hot Springs Church to dissolve their relationship with the Rev. Glenn Coleman effective April 21, B. Concurred with the request of the Waynesboro Second Church to dissolve their relationship with the Rev. John McDonald effective July 31,

15 C. Concurred with the request of the Warrenton Church to dissolve their relationship with the Rev. Carl Schmahl effective September 30, D. Concurred with the request of the Falling Waters Church to dissolve their relationship with the Rev. John Cushwa effective October 20, E. Approved renewing the contract between the Burlington Session and CRE Linda Reece for a period of one year beginning May 1, F. Appointed the following: Rev. Olivia Haney as moderator of the Craigsville Church Rev. Fred Holbrook as liaison to Glen Kirk Church Rev. Don LaRue as moderator to Mt. Joy Church Rev. John Haney as moderator to McCutchen Church G. Examined the Rev. Steve Cathcart and approved his serving as pulpit supply at the New Monmouth Church during the Rev. Martin Stokes sabbatical. H. Approved the Warrenton Ministry Information Form and authorized Kim Stroupe to input the information onto the Church Leadership Connection web site. I. Gave permission to Mt. Horeb Church to form a pastor nominating committee. J. Approved renewing the interim contract between the Mt. Horeb Session and the Rev. Sally Robinson from September 1, 2013 through August 31, K. Approved renewing the contract between the Union Session and commissioned ruling elder Judy Hensley from March 7, 2013 through March 6, L. Approved renewing the temporary supply pastor contract between the Bethany Session and the Rev. Les LaPrade from July 1, 2013 through June 30, M. Approved the Front Royal Church Information Form for a director of Christian education and authorized Kim Stroupe to input the information onto the Church Leadership Connection web site. N. The Examinations Committee examined the candidate for the transitional presbyter position and recommended the following to the COM: That the candidate be approved for presentation to the Presbytery of Shenandoah by the Transitional Presbyter Search Committee at the August 24, 2013, meeting. (The candidate will be presented to the November 12 meeting for examination and membership.) COM approved O. Reviewed, revised, and approved the terms of call for the transitional presbyter position beginning approximately October 15, P. Approved renewing the contract between the Pines Chapel Session and commissioned ruling elder Isca Mitchell for a period of one year beginning September 1, Q. Approved renewing the interim teaching elder contract between the Bethel Session and the Rev. Phil Sommer through April 14, R. Approved the Ministry Information Form from the Bethel Church and authorized Kim Stroupe to input the information onto the Church Leadership Connection web site. S. Approved the application for interim ministry for the Rev. Glenn Coleman and Rev. Ron Potter. T. Approved the Rev. Nancy Smith to moderate the session of Keyser Church during Rev. Karen Long s hospitalization. 85

16 U. WAYNESBORO FIRST CHURCH At a meeting on March 17, 2013, the congregation of Waynesboro First Church approved a request that the Committee on Ministry support the terms of dissolution including: six months continuation of salary, SECA, housing allowance, major medical, and pension benefits (April 1 through September 30, 2013). At a meeting on June 23, 2013, the congregation of Waynesboro First Church approved revising the terms of dissolution to include four months continuation of salary, SECA, housing allowance, major medical, and pension benefits (April 1 through July 31, 2013). The Ministerial Relations Committee received a request from the Rev. Glen Holman that it rescind the revision of the terms of dissolution approved on June 23, The Ministerial Relations Committee also heard the rationale presented by the congregation of Waynesboro First Church for their action on June 23, Being fully aware of the action of the congregational meeting held on March 17, 2013 and being guided by the spirit and action of the congregational meeting held on June 23, 2013, the Ministerial Relations Committee presented its findings and recommendations to the Committee on Ministry who concurred with the following: Approved the six month continuation of salary, SECA, housing allowance, major medical, and pension benefits for the Rev. Glen Holman with the first four (4) months being paid by Waynesboro First Church and the last two (2) months being paid by the Waynesboro Mission Church, a congregation of the Mid-Atlantic Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, many of whose members voted on March 17 to approve the original terms of dissolution. A letter was drafted by Jim Johnston, Sally Robinson, and Randy Webb reporting the final decision and emphasizing the moral and ethical obligations being borne by both congregations in meeting these terms of dissolution. Certified letters were sent to the moderator and clerk of session of Waynesboro First Church, to the Rev. Glen Holman, and to the persons who most recently served on the session at Waynesboro First Church and whose names now appear on the Facebook list of members of the Waynesboro Mission Church, 788 Cherry Avenue, Waynesboro, VA III. Recommendations: A. Concerning the Rev. Connie A. Dorn: 1. Sustain the examination of Ms. Dorn following the statement of her Christian experience and an opportunity for questions from the floor. (See pages 98-99) 2. Enroll her as a member of Presbytery (transferring from the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia) to be the part-time pastor of the Broadway Church following the examination and the signing of the Book of Obligations 3. That Presbytery approve the following part-time (30 hours per week) terms of call between the Broadway Church and the Rev. Connie Dorn beginning August 25, 2013: Annual Cash Salary 27,000 Of the above, $14,000 is designated as housing & utility allowance SECA 2,066 Board of Pensions 11,640 Travel reimbursement 2,150 Continuing education and books 500 Moving expenses to the field Four weeks annual paid vacation, including four Sundays Two weeks annual leave with pay, including two Sundays. Funds and leave time may be 86

17 accumulated up to and including three years with agreement of the session. Disability and death clause Sabbatical clause COMMISSION TO INSTALL AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 12 B. Concerning the Rev. Nancy A. Smith: 1. Sustain the examination of Ms. Smith following the statement of her Christian experience and an opportunity for questions from the floor. (See pages ) 2. Enroll her as a member of Presbytery (transferring from the Presbytery of Indian Nations) to be a member-at-large following the examination and the signing of the Book of Obligations. C. Concerning the Rev. Bonnie Habbersett: 1. Sustain the examination of Ms. Habbersett following the statement of her Christian experience and an opportunity for questions from the floor. (See pages ) 2. Enroll her as an honorably retired member of Presbytery (transferring from the Presbytery of Western Reserve) following the examination and the signing of the Book of Obligations. D. Recommend that the Rev. Carl R. Schmahl be granted the status of honorably retired effective September 30, (See page 104 for a celebration of ministry.) E. Recommend that the Rev. John W. Cushwa be granted the status of honorably retired effective October 20, (The celebration of ministry will take place at the November meeting of Presbytery.) F. Recommend the 2013 changes in terms of call of installed pastors as found on pages G. That Presbytery approve the following commission to install the Rev. Jon Heeringa as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Harrisonburg, Virginia, on Saturday, October 5, 2013, 10:30 a.m.: Teaching Elders Olivia Haney, Presbytery Moderator Kyle Key John Leggett Randy Webb Ruling Elders Lila Gardner, Harrisonburg First Bill von Seldeneck, Covenant Mike Robison, Finley Memorial In addition, Presbytery is requested to invite Kirk Sexton and Lou Nyiri, teaching elders from the Presbytery of Grand Canyon and Presbytery of Carlisle, to sit with the commission and share in this service by preaching and charging the congregation. Presbytery is requested to invite Carol Miller, commissioned ruling elder to the Buffalo Gap Church, to sit with the commission and share in this service. COM RESPONSE TO DIRECTIVE FROM THE PRESBYTERY The following directive was approved at the May 14 meeting of Presbytery: That the Presbytery Leadership Team be specifically tasked as a part of the visioning process to review the history and circumstances of the call of the Harrisonburg First co-pastor to ensure that this meeting debacle is avoided in the future. The Leadership Team (PLT) met July 16 and discussed the issue. They agreed that defining the root causes of the issues should be a Committee on Ministry (COM) action and asked that COM address the following: Clearly define the models/protocol and if any committee involved feels a deviation is taking place, this come to the floor of Presbytery. Jim Johnston, COM chair and member of the PLT, reported that the COM had discussed the process and although they had been working with First Church for almost two years, progress was not recorded in the reports to Presbytery unless an action 87

18 was approved or required Presbytery action. Although COM labored long on fairly modifying the model to be used in the case of the Harrisonburg First call, they did approve the process and the model was in compliance with the Book of Order and Presbytery procedures. There was a suggestion from the floor of the PLT that COM clearly define the models/protocol and if any committee involved feels a deviation is taking place, this come to the floor of Presbytery. The suggestion was on the agenda of the August 8 COM meeting. At the COM meeting August 8 Jim Johnston led a discussion of ideas and suggestions which included periodically informing the PLT and, if determined to be appropriate by the PLT, reporting to Presbytery deviations from norms and providing more background detail of actions reported to Presbytery. The COM also discussed the need for the Moderator of future Presbytery meetings to be sensitive to discussions and questions from the floor that may not be appropriate with visitors in the room. Finally, the COM will continue to develop protocol applicable to the business of the COM and present it to the PLT to be considered by other committees. The COM recognizes there are other aspects of this issue that need clarifying in the future and will continue to work with the PLT to do so. RULING ELDER COMMISSIONED Presbytery commissioned the following ruling elder for service in the specified field and the Moderator of the Presbytery commissioned him for service: Concerning Bill Barnett: 1. Mr. Barnett be commissioned as ruling elder of the Tomahawk Church through December 31, That Rev. Bob Osborne serve as mentor to Mr. Barnett. 3. That Mr. Barnett be authorized to perform the functions of the Book of Order G at the Tomahawk Church. POINT OF PRIVILEGE Commissioned Ruling Elder Judy Hensley asked the Moderator to pray for the Rev. Jan Owen who had to leave the meeting to attend to his knee that he hurt from a fall during the morning. The Moderator led the Body in prayer. PRESBYTERY LEADERSHIP TEAM Teaching Elder Martin Stokes, Vice-Chair, gave the following report, which was approved: I. For Information: May 21 the PLT met in a called meeting for the purpose of reviewing the responses to the five topics discussed at the Presbytery Meeting of May 14. We received, reviewed and considered over 1000 written responses to these 5 topics, responded to by approximately 200 presbyters, in 20 small groups at that meeting. All of the responses were reviewed, duplicates were noted and themes were developed. A list of 53 key items was discerned from the overall list. This information was distributed to pastors and all key communicators on June 4, by the presbytery s communication coordinator. All responses from the May 14 meeting have been put on so anyone interested may see and consider the entire list. On June 4, an announcement was sent to the Presbytery distribution group announcing the hear every voice initiative. An address, leadershipteam@shenpres.org, was created with an open invitation for all in the presbytery to ideas, particularly ideas to create revenue or decrease expenditure in the Presbytery. A short number of weeks later a document designed to be a bulletin insert was ed to all congregations giving the address as well as a postal address and an invitation to have your voice heard, by the PLT. June 18 PLT met in a Special Called Meeting primarily for the purpose of moving forward on the task given PLT in the May 14 meeting of Presbytery as follows: Presbytery directs the Presbytery Leadership Team to create a comprehensive plan addressing stewardship, the budget (including income and expenses), personnel issues, property, and asset management in written form to the presbytery on or before October 1, 2013, to the end of producing a balanced budget. The Chair and Vice Chair of PLT will take primary responsibility for assigning, organizing and drawing together the 88

19 Comprehensive plan. Committees and individuals will be given assignments. We intend to have the comprehensive plan completed on time with the best thinking and best information available to us at the time it is written. The plan will include a plan for a balanced Presbytery budget for We envision this report as being a summary and a collection of short reports with contact and reference information so interested parties can readily find where to go for more information on subjects covered. July 16 the PLT met in a Stated Meeting. The chair reported a positive response to the initial every voice heard initiative. A half dozen or more s were received from a variety of individuals. Each received was given a prompt response from a member of the PLT. The quality ideas and views received in this initiative were all considered well-conceived and are appreciated. The Transitional Presbyter Search Committee gave a written report to the PLT which was reviewed and two requests in the report were acted on as follows: Approved for the members of the Search Committee to be reimbursed at the IRS rate of.565 per mile when they drive for on-site candidate interviews, including all expenses incurred to-date. Approved to deny the request of the Search Committee to increase the salary range from $ to $ The chair of COM gave a verbal response to a request by the PTL, pursuant to the Presbytery action stated below, for COM to review their process and decisions relative to the directive from the May 14 presbytery meeting Review the history and circumstances of the call of the Harrisonburg First co-pastor to ensure that this meeting debacle is avoided in the future. This discussion within COM has started. Several items and recommendations are being considered. The PLT made specific recommendations to the chair of COM. Presbytery will receive a report when this matter has been more fully vetted. August 13, 2013 an emergency called meeting of the PLT The purpose of the emergency called meeting of the PLT on August 13 was to deal with a financial crisis within the 2013 presbytery budget (both revenues and expenditures) and all matters related to this financial emergency. On Thursday, August 8, the treasurer of Presbytery stated to the Budget and Finance Committee that this year's budget will need to be reduced by $60,100 to keep from going into reserves. Details will be available in the supplemental report. II. Recommendations: A. That the Presbytery Manual be amended as follows: 8.6 Financial Review of Presbytery s Accounts The accounts of the Presbytery shall be audited annually by a Certified Public Accounting firm or individual approved by the Presbytery Leadership Team. The findings of the audit shall be reported to the governing body. The audit shall be available for inspection by any governing body or member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) A full financial review of all financial books and records shall be conducted every year by a public accountant or committee of members versed in accounting procedures. Reviewers should not be related to the Treasurer(s). The findings of the financial review shall be reported to the Presbytery. The financial review shall be available for inspection by any council or member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). B. That Presbytery form, through the normal nominating procedures, a Financial Review Team of three members to annually review the presbytery financial records according to the Book of Order G C. That Presbytery approve the adjustments to the 2013 budget as found on pages BUDGET AND FINANCE Ruling Elder Greg Trobaugh, Chair, presented the 2014 budget for review. (See pages ) The 2014 budget will be recommended at the November 12 meeting of Presbytery. MODERATOR CHANGE Vice-Moderator Betty Dax moderated the remainder of the meeting. 89

20 FUNDS ADMINISTRATION Teaching Elder Wray Sherman, Chair, recommended editorial changes to the Strong Minister s Program Policy. A motion was made from the floor, seconded and approved to amend the proposed changes to keep in the policy the following statement: which shall be accountable to the Presbytery Leadership Team and to the Presbytery of Shenandoah through the Funds Administration Committee. See pages for all changes to the policy. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 3:37 p.m. with prayer led by the Vice-Moderator. Presbytery will meet in stated session on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at the Mt. Horeb Church in Grottoes, Virginia beginning at 9:30 a.m. M. Olivia Haney, Moderator David R. Witt, Stated Clerk Kimberly T. Stroupe, Recording Clerk 90

21 DOCKET (Members of Presbytery are urged to be registered and seated by 9:30 a.m. If not yet registered, please do so right after worship) 8:30 a.m. REGISTRATION BEGINS 8:45 a.m. First-time ruling elder orientation (Sanctuary) 9:30 a.m. Call to Order with prayer and Worship 10:30 a.m. Determining a Quorum Welcome and Introduction of Guests First time commissioners Seating corresponding members Appointments by the Moderator Correction and Approval of Minutes New Business Adoption of the Docket Communications and Report of the Stated Clerk Omnibus motion Presbytery Staff Reports Representative of host church 11:00 a.m. Conversation time with slide show 11:30 a.m. Board of Pensions, Helen Locklear 11:35 a.m. Moffett for Mission 11:45 a.m. Nominations, Christina Tutterow 11:50 a.m. Celebration of Ministry 12:20 p.m. World Wide Ministries, Carl Howard 12:35 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession 1:45 p.m. Nomination of a Transitional Presbyter, Transitional Presbyter Nominating Committee 2:15 p.m. Committee on Ministry, Jim Johnston 3:10 p.m. Presbytery Leadership Team Budget & Finance 3:20 p.m. Funds Administration, Wray Sherman 3:25 p.m. Anticipated adjournment Please note that there are small pieces of notepaper on the handout table. You are invited to list your prayer concerns on this paper and to leave them at the Stated Clerk s table before lunch. 91

22 MINUTES OF COMMISSION TO INSTALL THE REV. RACHEL CRUMLEY, as pastor of the Tuscarora Presbyterian Church of Martinsburg, West Virginia. In accordance with the appointment of the Presbytery of Shenandoah, the commission convened at the Tuscarora Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. Commission members present: Teaching Elders: Olivia Haney, David Witt, Lisa Webb, and Rufus Burton Ruling Elders: Joyce Ludwick of Tuscarora, Marta Steane of Front Royal, and Edgar Tufts of Opequon. Others invited by the presbytery to participate in the serve were: Aaron and Ayana Teter of Pittsburgh. A quorum was present. Dr. Rufus Burton, convener, called the commission to order and led in prayer. The Rev. Olivia Haney declared herself moderator and the commission elected Rufus Burton to be clerk. The congregation was called to worship. The Rev. David Witt preached the sermon on the subject "New Directions" from Acts 11:1-26. The Moderator asked the questions of the teaching elder. Ruling Elder Joyce Ludwick asked the questions of the congregation. These being answered in the affirmative and with prayer led by Rufus Burton, the commission installed Rachel Crumley as pastor of the Tuscarora Presbyterian Church. The members of the presbytery and others welcomed the newly installed pastor into their fellowship in the ministry of the Word and Sacrament. Rev. Lisa Webb delivered the charge to the congregation, and Ruling Elder Edgar Tufts delivered the charge to the pastor. At the conclusion of the service the newly installed teaching elder made a brief statement and pronounced the benediction. After the installation service the officers and members of the church came forward to their pastor and gave her an appropriate expression of cordial reception and affectionate regard. The commission then read and approved their minutes. The commission adjourned with prayer led by Rufus Burton. Olivia Haney., Moderator Rufus Burton, Clerk 92

23 PRESBYTERY OF SHENANDOAH A Community of Christ Worship Nurture Mission Report of the Acting General Presbyter Rev. Dr. Randy Webb Saturday, August 24, 2013 Dear Partners; This Report to the Presbytery appears on a page of our new presbytery letterhead. (It may not appear in full color, but you'll get the idea.) We were running out of old letterhead so it was a good time to replace it with a design that might help us remember our mission and our connection with each other. The new letterhead lifts up our vision statement of who we are, and whose we are: A COMMUNITY OF CIST. This is our all-important starting place: being in Christ, together; belonging to Him and to each other. An earlier version of this letterhead left out COMMUNITY and focused on what we are doing together: Worship, Nurture and Mission. That was not necessarily wrong, but it was incomplete and therefore not as helpful as it could be. Christ calls us first to a new way of being in relationship with Him and with others, then to live that out in all that we do. STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY It is essential to our mission to strengthen the relationships in our community. Our mission to witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ must be demonstrated in the quality of relationships we share with one another, not just by what we do together, but by how we are together. We believe that God has called us as Shenandoah Presbytery to be a "covenant body." The worship, nurture of church leaders and members, and mission that we undertake together gets its energy from who we are together in the body of Christ. Becoming the community we are called to be helps us fulfill our mission because it is the way we will live into the Sixth Great End of the Church, to be "an exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world." That exhibition will only be as genuine as the relationships we share North Main Street Harrisonburg, VA Phone: Fax: shenpres@shenpres.org Website:

24 express genuine kingdom living. The ways we relate to each other, care for each other, tolerate each other, forgive each other, and recognize the Christ in each other, are opportunities for us to demonstrate loving relationships that exhibit the Kingdom to the world. This kind of community does not just happen. It has to be intentionally built. It is the Spirit of God that does the building, but we have to be willing participants by making it a priority in our scheduling and planning, investing ourselves in the process, and encouraging each other not to give up. In our churches and in our presbytery the kind of welcoming community that is an "exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven in the world" has to be built prayerfully, in face to face relationships that are caring and respectful, and that reach beyond the membership of the church, into the communities where we serve. It also needs to become a top priority for all who are involved in presbytery leadership to foster these kinds of relationships with and among the churches in our presbytery. FACING ISSUES IN COMMUNITY Everyone has been concerned about our financial situation lately. What difference might it make in facing these issues together, if the relational bonds between us were stronger? The first thing we would need to acknowledge is that "one size does not fit all." We have a tremendous diversity of churches: different sizes, different histories, located in different communities with different socioeconomic realities. What is easy for some, may be very difficult for others. Our congregations also have different "personalities" and are experiencing varying degrees of "health and vitality" in their congregational life. A healthy community acknowledges and respects those differences while still encouraging each other. Our great diversity makes it difficult to identify what might be considered appropriate support for our common ministry from each of our churches. The amount a church is giving "per member" is one way of trying to evaluate how each of us is doing, but even that is not absolute. Size of membership is obviously a relevant factor but not the only factor in trying to analyze or request an equitable commitment of support for the ministries of the presbytery. The presbytery's current "financial crisis" can be attributed to one primary cause: lower than anticipated receipts from congregations. Of course this begs the question "Why has the giving from congregations dropped so drastically?" There are several answers to this question. First, we know that about 12 of our churches are in the midst of or still recovering from some significant turmoil such as a church fire, congregational conflict or division, and other similarly traumatic events. We understand why their giving is not what it might be, and we should be supporting these churches with prayer and in other ways as well. Second, it is important to note that giving to our common ministry has not diminished from every 94