Presbytery of Ohio Valley Minutes of the Stated Meeting, February 21, 2009 First Presbyterian Church - Bedford, Indiana

Transcription

1 Presbytery of Ohio Valley Minutes of the Stated Meeting, February 21, 2009 First Presbyterian Church - Bedford, Indiana CALL TO ORDER, OPENING PRAYER The Presbytery of Ohio Valley met Saturday, Feb. 21, The meeting, which was held at Firsts Presbyterian Church, Bedford, Ind,, began at 10:03 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Rev. Peggy Casteel, moderator, called the meeting to order, and opened proceedings with a prayer. She then announced the presence of a quorum. The Stated Clerk moved adoption of the docket. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM, SEATING OF CORRESPONDING MEMBERS The Moderator announced the presence of a quorum. Elder Jim Hill, Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, of the Whitewater Presbytery, was enrolled as a corresponding member. Hana Johnson, FPC-Bloomington, was given the privilege of the floor. FORMATION OF THE ROLL The roll was established by written registration. Minister members and Elder Commissioners were present (P), absent (A), or excused (E) as listed below. Churches Ministers Commissioners Bedford, First Mark McDaniel (P) Sue Clouse (P) Bloomfield, First Barbara Snyder (P) Ted Hawkins (P) Bloomington, First Benjamin Dorr (E) Ron Jensen (P) Rachel Pedersen (P) Bloomington, Korean NCD Sang Tae Lee (A) Bloomington, United David Bremer (P) Sarah Cochran (P) Boonville, Hemenway Moderator (A) Mary Medcalf (A) Brazil, First Gary Scroggins (A) Vanita Moore (A) Brownstown Brad Napier (P) Rich Swartwood (P) Canaan, Jefferson Candice Klein (A) Max Browning (A) Cayuga, United Grover Williams (A) Mike Morgan (P) Campbellsburg, Livonia Don Stokes (A) Johanna Lambert (A) Central, Valley City Carol Humphrey (A) Brenda Bliss (A) Charlestown, Community David Flucke (P) Tom Cook (P) Clarksville, Grace Charles Pye (P) Paul Troy (E) Clinton, United John Mattson (P) Jack Fenoglio (P) Columbus, Fairlawn Steve Geckeler (P) Eric Brunn (A) Barbara Stultz (A) Columbus, First Robert Craig (A) Vern Jorck (P) Peggy Casteel (P) Corydon Scott Hill (P) Charles Eckart (P) Cynthiana Kevin Morris (A) Richard Kitchen (A) Dale Martha Friz-Langer (P) Steven Rexing (P) Elizabeth, Church of Cov. Richard Goodwin (A) Teresa Campbell (A) Evansville, Eastminster Dennis Davenport (P) Barbara Barrett (P) Evansville, First Kevin Fleming (A) Helen Templeton (P) Evansville, First Avenue Gene Feagan (A) Ed Marlin (A) Evansville, Immanuel Wayne Perkins (A) Bea Clem (A) Evansville, Parke Memorial Moderator (A) Commissioner (A)

2 Churches Ministers Commissioners Evansville, Westminster Moderator (A) Doug Mikolasek (P) Farmersburg Dick Jones (A) John Wood (A) Fort Branch, First James Cramer (P) William Jackson (P) Grammer Mitch Coggin (P) Martha Jaquess (A) Greencastle Wes Kendall (P) Marilyn Lawrence (P) Hanover Moderator (A) Dick Conklin (P) Henryville, Community Dale Jackson (A) Neva Newlin (P) Henryville, Mt. Lebanon David Jewel (A) Marianna Dietrich (A) Jasonville, Howesville John Turner (A) Lorene Pell (A) Jasper, First Larry Langer (P) Betty Staff (P) Jeffersonville, First Don Summerfield (P) Lucy Lane (P) Laconia, Rehoboth Frank Hainer (P) Paula Hensley (A) Laconia, United Sharon Kutz-Mellem (P) Pat Biddle (A) Leavenworth Greg Gibson (P) John Stutzman (A) Lexington Moderator (A) George Hill (A) Madison, Jefferson Candice Klein (A) Max Browning (A) Madison Elisa Owen (P) Joyce Ashbrook (P) Madison, Smyrna-Monroe Candice Klein (A) Mary Hord (A) Martinsville, First Moderator (A) Mike Stiver (P) Mitchell Moderator (A) Oakleigh Westfall (P) Monroe City, New Covenant Jan Utt (A) Commissioner (A) Montezuma John Mattson (P) Ann Stanley (P) Mount Vernon, First Monica Gould (P) Bob Seitz (P) Nabb Mike Beaver (P) Roberta Bastian (A) Nashville, Brn Cty Fellowship Scott Seay (P) Jane Gore (P) New Albany, Mt Tabor Jack Cormack (A) Carol Traister (P) Andy Traister (P) New Albany, St. John United Allen Colwell (P) Jaci Owen (P) New Washington, Trinity Michelle Bartel (E) Ruby Taflinger (P) Newburgh Kathleen Fox (P) Bob Johnson (P) North Vernon, Graham Michael Bean (P) Joan Baker (A) Paoli, First Nancy Waters (A) Cynthia Webb (A) Patoka Veltri Taylor (E) Commissioner (A) Patoka, Union Bethel Ralph Walters (A) John Ford (A) Petersburg, Main St. Boyd Heldring (E) Charles Gray (P) Princeton, Fairview Tarrell Thompson (E) Jason McConnell (A) Princeton, First Eugene Gladney (P) Troy Davidson (P) Princeton, United Barry Wynveen (A) Jeff Potts (A) Roachdale Alan Small (A) John Boruff (A) Rockville, Memorial Boni Quandt (P) Carolyn Davis (P) Salem Sara Shields (A) Max Bedwell (P) Scipio, United Mitch Coggin (P) William Gerhard (P) Scottsburg, First Peter Barnes-Davies (P) David Bone, Jr. (P) Seymour, First Moderator (A) George Ernest (P) Spencer, Bethany Dick Poff (P) Robert Pedro (P) Spencer, Spencer Mary Jensen (A) Janet Poff (P) Sullivan, First Paul McGlasson (P) Judy Badger (P) Terre Haute, Central Lant Davis (A) Phillip Smith (P) Alan Harder (P) Terre Haute, Unity Linda Peters (P) Jayne Williams (P)

3 Churches Ministers Commissioners Vernon Moderator (A) Sandra Bussell (A) Vevay, Caledonia Moderator (A) Caren Griffith (A) Vincennes, Bethany John DeSanto (A) Donald Opell (A) Vincennes, First George Ford (A) Nadine Nichols (A) Vincennes, Indiana Cheryl Thorne (P) Pat Fankhouser (P) Vincennes, Royal Oak Jan Utt (A) Robert Dutton (A) Vincennes, Southside Moderator (A) Janice Doll (A) Vincennes, Upper Indiana George Ford (A) Brett Robling (A) Washington, Westminster Andrew Holmes (P) Pat Morrison (A) VALIDATED MINISTRY: Michelle Bartel (E) Dave Crittenden (P) Alan Finnan (A) Larry Jackman (P) Jo Ann Knight (E) Lorna Kuyk (P) Scott Paul Bonham (P) John VanderZee (P) Wendy VanderZee (P) MINISTER S AT LARGE and NON-PARISH CLERGY: Leah Akers-Bell (E) John Ballard (A) Robert Baum (A) David Brookman (P) Bob Coleman (A) Donald Crank (A) Katherine Cross (A) Eugene Gladney (A) Sonny Griffith (A) James Hudson (P) Jill Hudson (A) Mary Jensen (A) Gerald Larson (A) Wendy McCormick (A) Gregory Moore (E) Kim Olson (E) Amanda Peele (A) Robert Poland (A) Chris Roseland (A) William Rumsey (A) Alexa Smith (A) Sharon Smith (A) HONORABLY RETIRED: James Ackerman (A) Duane Aelick (P) Byron Bangert (P) Bill Benninger (E) Calvert Brand (A) James Brown (P) John Chironna (E) Alfred Drake (E) Robert Ellson (E) Eric Erickson (A) Norie Erickson (A) E. Dean Finley (P) Randall Frost (E) William Gorton (A) J Marshall Guthrie (A) Ann Haw (A) William Heilman (E) Bill Huber (E) Keith Hueftle (A) Tim Jessen (P) William Keeney (A) James Leggett (E) Ben Lenhart (E) Robert Lorimer (P) John McKune (P) Alfred Nead (E) Shane O Neill (A) Mark Porter (P) William Rasch (A) William Rogers (E) L.C. Rudolph (E) Thomas Sale (P) Irene Stuart (A) William Thompson (E) Paul Toth (A) Edmund Tratebus (E) Robert Turner (A) Ralph Walters (A) Robert White (P) Jim Yunker (E) ELDER MEMBERS DUE TO CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICE: Bob Bartlow (A) Jean Brown (P) Peggy Casteel (P) Mary Jean DeMarr (P) Karen Goodwell (P) Jane Gore (A) Karen Hahn (P) David Holt (P) Owen Johnson (P) Jo Lucas (P) David Matzen (A) Mary McClellan (P) Phil Newton (P) Art Riehl (A)

4 Visitors: The following persons were welcomed as visitors: (NAME & CHURCHES) Jim Hill, Indianapolis Second; Mike Clerkin, Commiskey Graham; Janet Clerkin, Commiskey Graham; Byrl Pedro, Bethany; Judy Summerville, Columbus First; Cheryl Davenport, Scottsburg; Julia Stumpff; Mike King, Scottsburg First; Larry Brown, Bloomington First; Norma Eisert, Salem; Beverly Johnspn, Newburgh; Frank Poole, North Vernon; Sarah Poole, North Vernon; Hana Johnson, Bloomington First; Debra FitzGerald, New Albany St. John; Dolores Aelick, Seymour; Lois Rifner, Bedford. INTRODUCTIONS First time Commissioners and new Ministers were welcomed. WELCOME BY HOST Rev. Mark McDaniel, Pastor of the host Church welcomed all members, commissioners, and guests to First Presbyterian Church, Bedford. Rev. Casteel reminded commissioners who had the right to participate, and that speakers should address the moderator. New business should be provided to the clerk by 11 a.m., in order to provide opportunity for necessary supporting material to be distributed, if necessary. She said a training session would be provided for facilitators of group discussions later in the morning. ACTION: The following docket was ADOPTED BY CONSENSUS with minor revisions (the Committee on Preparation for Ministry will use only five minutes, so the remainder of the time will be given over the commissioning a lay pastor. 10:00 a.m. Call to Order Opening Prayer, Declaration of a Quorum, Approval of Docket, Welcome. 10:05 a.m. Introduction of New Members, Corresponding Members and Delegates 10:15 a.m. Adoption of Consent Agenda Docket Approval, Minutes Approval, Report of the Stated Clerk, Committee on Ministry (Part 1), Trustees Report 10:20 a.m. Moderator s Report Rev. Peggy Casteel 10:25 a.m. Treasurer s Report Elder Jean Brown 10:32 a.m. Cluster Reports 10:42 a.m. Speak Out Session 10:55 a.m. Search Committee Update Rev. Rob Craig 11:00 a.m. Discussion of Amendment B 12:00 noon Lunch 1:00 p.m. Report Back from Group Discussions 1:10 p.m. Report of Bills and Overtures Committee

5 1:15 p.m. Action on Amendment B 2:10 p.m. Recognition of the Ministry of North Vernon and Jordan Village Rev Michael Bean and Elder Richard Poff, CLP 2:20 p.m. Worship and Celebration of Communion Rev. Peggy Casteel Rev. Dennis Davenport 3:05 p.m. Pyoca Elder Rich Swartwood 3:10 p.m. Recognition of Retirement of Byron Bangert Elder Phil Newton 3:20 p.m. Necrology of Rev David Roth Rev. James Brown 3:30 p.m. Prayers of the Presbytery Rev. Lorna Kuyk 3:50 p.m. Report of the Executive Presbyter Rev. Lorna Kuyk 4:00 p.m. Report of Council Elder David Holt 4:10 p.m. Committee on Preparation for Ministry Elder Mary Jean DeMarr 4:25 p.m. Lily Grant Update Rev. Charlie Pye 4:30 p.m. New Business 4:35 p.m. Adjourn MORNING BUSINESS SECTION ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA The Rev. Larry Jackman, the Stated Clerk, moved the adoption of the consent agenda, including the minutes from the Dec. 4, 2008 meeting, the report of the Stated Clerk, and the report of the Committee on Ministry (Part 1), and any action items included therein. APPROVED by consensus. Report of the Stated Clerk Suspension of Rules During the transitional period of movement to a new structure, it is necessary to suspend our bylaws and rules for each meeting until we have adopted new bylaws. It is recommended that the Assembly vote to suspend bylaws and rules that are not in agreement with the Structure adopted by the Assembly at our September 2008 meeting Meeting Dates for Assembly February 21 June 20 October 8 December 3 Bedford Church, Bedford Community Church, Charlestown Camp Pyoca, Brownstown Electronic Meeting Session Record Reviews are scheduled as follows for 2009: January 31 was in Terre Haute April 25 will be in Southeast

6 September 12 will be in Southwest November 14 will be in Bloomington Dissolution of Churches Task forces have worked with the sessions and congregations of both the North Vernon and the Jordan Village Churches. Both congregations have completed working toward dissolution. Both congregations have been dissolved at this date. Representational Balance of Ministers/Elders in Presbytery During 2008 the Presbytery had 83 churches. There were 114 ministers on the rolls. 11 of the ministers live significantly outside the bounds of presbytery. In addition another 11 ministers are retired and physically unable to attend meetings. The functional number of ministers potentially present to vote is 92. Each of the congregations has an elder delegate making 83. In addition there are 7 churches served by Commissioned Lay Pastors. Also 7 elders are members by reason of office. The functional number of elders potentially present to vote is 97. The experience in Assembly meetings is consistent with the above numbers. There is no significant imbalance either in potential or in actual practice. No change to representation is recommended for Committee on Ministry Report to Presbytery Assembly February 21, 2009 COM has met once in a face to face meeting since the last assembly; we met on January 10 th at the Paoli Presbyterian Church. We have also had one electronic vote for those items needing confirmation prior to our March 11 th meeting. We continue to work to support all churches in our Presbytery and call them to understand the transforming power that God has for them in all of their relationships, activities and tasks. Items for Action We have no items for approval or consideration for the Assembly at this time. Items for Information The following contracts and agreements have been approved by the Committee on Ministry. All amounts are annualized except when otherwise noted. The contracts meet the requirements as established by COM. All meet POV minimums standards for auto mileage reimbursement at current IRS rate, vacation one (1) month including four (4) Sundays, and study leave two (2) weeks including 2 Sundays, cumulative to three years, unless otherwise noted. Our Presbytery continues on a journey of transition. We must go through this transition as we strive for transformation. We have several churches that are looking for new pastoral leadership: Seymour, Lexington, and Bloomfield. Additionally we have some of our smaller congregations who are seeking interim or part time pastoral leadership. Please keep these churches and their congregations, sessions and PNC S in your prayers. Additionally, we have officially closed North Vernon and Jordan Village congregations in Please pray for the members of these churches as they seek new church homes. Contracts approved at the January 11 Meeting of Committee on Ministry A. Spencer Presbyterian Church of Spencer, Indiana and Rev. Mary Jensen serving as Temporary Supply Pastor. Duties include: 1. Make pastoral calls to shut-in congregants and those in the hospitals and nursing homes. 2. Participate and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. 3.

7 Lead Sunday Worship and all special services; present Sacraments. 4. Conduct funerals and weddings, as needed. 5. Moderate the Session. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 11/13/08 25 hrs 0 $12,500 Vch.IRS /mi. none 2 wks $200 qualifies to /wk annualized rate $0.585 incl 5/12/09 would be till 12/31/08 2 $25,000 and $0.55 beg Sundays 1/1/09 OK B. Covenant Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth and Richard A. Goodwin serving as Temporary Supply Commissioned Lay Pastor Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship. 2. Participate and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. 3. Complete preparation process and continuing education 16 hours annually as required by the COM Committee. 4. Hospital calling; visitation of shut-ins and others, leadership of youth group, counseling as requested. 5. Performing all ministerial duties as authorized by Presbyter. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 1/1/08 to 30 $15, Use of Vch.IRS 2 wks 1 month $700- Yes 12/31/08 Manse rte 2 Sundys 4 Sundys cum. 3yrs OK Also $9,000 for Personal utilities, supplies, etc. and also $13,800 for Health/pension plan (including dental). C. First Presbyterian Church of Vincennes, Indiana and George F. Ford serving as Temporary Supply Commissioned Lay Pastor. Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship. 2. Participate and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. 3. Complete mentoring and 16 hours continuing education annually as required by COM. 4. Funerals, weddings, Bible studies. 5. Minister to congregation. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 1/1/09 to 12/31/09 20 $30, $0.00 Vch.IRS rate OK 2 wks 2 Sundays 2 month 8 Sundays $2,000 with 3 year carry over This is a revision of contract approved at November 11, 2008 COM meeting in this contract salary increased from $28, This contract also pays all FICA. D. Scottsburg Presbyterian Church of Scottsburg, Indiana and Peter Barnes- Davies serving as Stated Supply. Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship for the congregation. 2. Provides pastoral care, conducts funerals, special services, and new member training as can???

8 be scheduled. 3. Moderate session and facilitate shared leadership development within the congregation with pastor. 4. Promote and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 2/1/09 to 1/31/10 20 $10,334 $9,850 Vch.IRS rte OK 2 wks 2 Sundys accum. up to 3 yrs. 1 month 4 Sundays $1,250 Qualifies Also an additional $800 for Reimbursable Business Expenses. Also 4 additional Sundays off preaching. E. First Presbyterian Church of Bloomfield, Indiana and Barbara Snyder serving as Temporary Supply Commissioned Lay Pastor. Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship for the congregation. 2. Promote and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. 3. Complete mentoring and 16 hours continuing education annually as required by COM. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 11/1/09 to $0.00 $165/wk Vch.IRS 2 wks 1 month $0 n/a 4/12/09 rate 2 4 Sundays Sundays OK F. First Presbyterian Church of Paoli and Rev. Nancy Waters serving as Stated Supply Pastor. Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship and facilitate an ongoing life of prayer in the congregation. 2. Provide pastoral care, visitation of sick and homebound, conducts funerals, weddings, baptisms, special services, new member training, and assists congregation in community utreach. 3. Moderate Session. 4. Facilitate leadership development within the congregation to enhance shared leadership with pastor. 5. Conduct elder/deacon training, as necessary. 5. Promote and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 3/15/08 to 20 $9,648 $10,500 Vch.IRS 2 wks 1 month $ 400- Est: 3/14/09 rte 2 Sundys 4 Sundys cum. 3yrs $8,000 Est: $5,500 OK Session approved mileage from her home-office. G. St. John United Presbyterian Church of New Albany, Indiana and Rev. C. Allen Colwell serving as Called Pastor. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension

9 Beginning 1/25/09 Full time $31,000 $13,000 Vch.IRS rate 2 wks 2 Sundays cumm to 3 years 1 month 4 Sundays $2,500 3 year carry over qualifies OK Also $1,000 deferred income (403(b) --and will match 50% of Pastors contributions up to additional $2,000. Also SECA Supplementsl (up to 50%) $3,375. Also moving expenses. H. Rehoboth Presbyterian Church of Laconia, Indiana and Rev. Frank Hainer serving as Stated Supply Pastor. Duties include: 1. Sunday morning service: preparation, children s message, and lay helpers. 2. Moderate session: training, planning, & evaluation. 3. Pastoral Care: counseling, calling, education, weddings & funerals. 4. Office: bulletin, Hummingbird, Hainer s lists. 5. Special Church events: planning, attending. 6. Presbytery: committee work, presbytery assembly, encouraging congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery, the Care Web, and the South Central Cluster. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 1/1/09 to 12/31/09 4 segmnts /wk i.e $7,004 $3,336 $1,200 Vch.IRS rte OK 2 wks 2 Sundys 5 weeks 5 Sundys $200 plus $500 books I. Livonia United Presbyterian Church and Rev. Donald T. Stokes serving as Stated Supply Pastor. Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship. 2. Administer Sacraments. 3. Moderate session. 4. Funerals & Weddings as called. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 1/1/09 to 20 $9,152 $3,620 2 wks 1 month $0 $7,681 12/31/09 Vch.IRS 2 Sundys 4 Sundys & rte Medical OK While below compensation standard, this is a $1,200 increase over last year and what they can afford at this time. Session continues to move in right direction. J. Bethany Presbyterian Church of Spencer, Indiana and Richard E. Poff serving as Temporary Supply Commissioned Lay Pastor. Duties include: 1. Conduct weekly services of worship. 2. Participate and encourage congregational participation in the life of the Presbytery. 3. Complete mentoring and continuing education annually as required by COM. 4. Visit the sick. 5. Conduct funerals and weddings as needed. 6. Moderate Session and congregational meetings. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 1/1/09 to 10 $150 $0 Vch.IRS 1 wks 1 week $250 n/a 12/31/09 /wk rate 1 1 Sundays Sundays n/a

10 OK I 1. COM interviewed Elder Dick Poff to be a CLP for the Spencer-Bethany congregation. After the interview, the committee approved this request by consensus. Rev. Frank Hainer led a Commissioning Service where Dick was commissioned to lead the Spencer-Bethany congregation. I 2. COM approved by electronic vote the terms of Dissolution Covenant between Memorial Presbyterian Church and the Reverend Bonita Clark Quandt. Effective date for this dissolution is February 28, I 3. COM appointed Rev. Gary Scroggins as mentor for Rev. Wes Kendall, newly installed pastor for the Greencastle Presbyterian Church. I 4. COM approved Elder Russ Yonkers (CLP without commission) to be on the list for pulpit supply. I 5. COM approved the request of Rev. Beverly Brock to labor within our bounds. A committee will be formed to interview her for transfer of membership to POV. I 6. COM approved by electronic vote the appointment of Rev. Mark McDaniel as Moderator for the Mitchell Presbyterian Church. I 7. COM approved by electronic vote the appointment of Elder Harold Medsker, member of Committee on Ministry, to serve as moderator for the Rockville Memorial Presbyterian Church. I 8. COM was informed by our BOP liaison representative, Rev. Larry Langer, about the Seminary Debt Assistance program sponsored by the BOP. A called and installed pastor serving in a his/her first seven years of an ordained call can receive a grant of up to $2, per year for four years serving a church of less than 250 members and less than a $250, annual budget. Respectively submitted, Philip Newton Moderator, COM Ohio Valley Presbytery The Moderator of Presbytery then gave the following report: What a privilege it is to be asked to be the Moderator of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley for I look forward to this being a wonderful year on all sorts of fronts. Firsts, we are a Presbytery that are welcoming new clergy including Rev. Rachel Pedersen installed as Associate Pastor for First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington on January 25; Rev. Wesley Kendall installed as Pastor for Greencastle Presbyterian Church, on February 8; Rev. Allen Colwell to be installed as Pastor for St. John s Presbyterian Church, New Albany, Indiana on Sunday, March 1, and we look forward to the installation of Rev. Barry Wynveen as Called Pastor to the United Presbyterian Church of Princeton, Indiana. You will be enjoying seeing two of these new faces during our worship time today. As Moderator I also have the opportunity to choose a focus for my year. The focus I have chosen for 2009 is the importance and priority of clergy care. My concern is four fold including: the physical, spiritual and mental health of clergy as well as the financial care of our clergy. Soon both clergy and sessions will be receiving letters from me introducing both opportunity and ideas for clergy care. Part of this has been made possible through a Lilly grant in which our colleague and friend Charlie Pye will be sharing later in the day another reason to remain at assembly. This is news you will not want to miss. My hope is that we will make sure that our clergy know about and have lots of opportunity to take advantage of education, nutrition, the opportunity to work with a spiritual director, gym memberships, healthy lifestyle for clergy workshops, financial counseling and

11 more. Your sessions will be encouraged to encourage you with a reminder of their promises when we are installed to provide for our welfare, stand by us in trouble and share in our joys. Hopefully you will be receiving these letters soon. If you have any questions or ideas about things that you need, please be willing to share those ideas with me. Chances are you are not alone and others would benefit from your ideas as well. Once again, thank you for this opportunity to serve this Presbytery. I can think of no other Presbytery where I would rather be called to serve. Treasurer s Report Condensed Statement of Revenues & Expenses (Actual and Budget) January 1, December 31, Actual Annual Budget Revenue Per Capita $ 194,912 $ 199,236 Shared Mission Giving 135, ,000 Contributions 13,443 15,000 Unrestricted Inv. Income & Transfers 21,000 21,000 Miscellaneous Income Total Revenue 365, ,236 Expense Staff Expense 173, ,941 Ecclesial Expense 81,311 81,858 Meeting Expense 16,626 20,500 Administration & Office Expense 33,653 49,000 Program Expense 27,698 33,003 Total Expense 332, ,302 Selected Fund Balances As of December 31, 2008 Net Surplus (Deficit) $ 32,873 $ (20,066) Selected Funds Church Legacy Funds $ 631,892 Outdoor Education Fund 97,000 Brown Trust 198,005 Special Designations - Ezekiel, Peacemaking, Flood Relief, etc. 173,425 Undesignated Net Assets 540,162 Total $ 1,640,484 Notes: (1) 2008 investment losses totaled $447,556. (2) On 01/22/2009, Council distributed the Outdoor Ed Fund to Camp Pyoca If you would like a detailed statement or any other additional information,

12 please contact Jean Brown at (812) or at Jean Brown, the new treasurer, summarized the above report. She stressed that for 2008 the Presbytery was well within budget. Some changes have been made. The outdoor education fund has been transferred to Camp Pyoca (see Council report). In the area of special designations, $25,000 used for flood relief, but assistance is still needed, so churches are encouraged to contribute. Cluster Reports Rev. Larry Langer, Jasper, reported for the SW Cluster that a couple of weeks ago what he called a properly Presbyterian discussion of Amendment 8-B took place, hosted by the First Presbyterian Church, Evansville. Rev. Scott Hill, Corydon, speaking for the SC Cluster, reported it had had constructive discussion of the amendment. The cluster is planning a mission trip to New Orleans, with at least six churches participating. A youth event, Apr. 4 Rev. Linda Peters, Terre Haute-Unity, said the NW Cluster held a leadership workshop for 11 churches Rev. Brad Napier, Brownstown, told commissioners that the NC Cluster met at First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, and held a fruitful and positive discussion of Amendment 8- B. The clusterites said goodbye to Rev. Kimberly Olson, who was ending her time in Martinsville. A couple of the churches in the cluster are going to the mission project in Buckhorn, Ky. Rev. Mike Beaver, Nabb, said the SE Cluster at its last meeting began to work on how to develop thriving small churches. They are looking at programs and a process for each church. Elder Karen Goodwell, the Vice-Moderator, will be working with cluster leaders. Speak Out Session Elder Jo Lucas, First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Chair of the Mission and Social Justice Committee, reminded commissioners of the Presbytery s Nov 2-11 trip to Bethlehem, led by Rev. Casteel. Pilgrims will stay at the International Center in Bethlehem. Registrations are due by Apr 15, She said service to flood-hit areas of the presbytery is still needed. Rev. Alan Harder, Terre Haute Central, and a member of the Disaster Planning and Response team, went to Blackhawk, where Presbyterian Disaster Assistance led three sessions with Pyoca s Rich Swartwood and Oakleigh Westfall. A three-pronged project is being planned, with a quick-start guide for churches to respond. Included is a comprehensive guide to contact local agencies. A detailed report is planned for the October Presbytery Assembly. Executive Presbyter Lorna Kuyk apologized for problems with the new commissioner orientation, originally scheduled for before the day s assembly. She promised to make it up at lunch. Kuyk called attention to two things: coaching skills for leadership and ministry. A new group will start in April. Participants will receive $50 off if they register by Mar. 1. The registration deadline is Mar. 25. She stressed that the program helps produce healthy pastors and healthy congregations. She also mentioned the Big Tent conference in Atlanta for leaders in the Presbyterian Church with a broad agenda. Money is available to send two or three people from each cluster to the conference. The Presbytery can send a bus. Rev. John Mattson, Montezuma and Clinton churches, celebrated the joy of his Clinton church celebrating its 175 th anniversary. Steve Rexing, Dale Presbyterian Church, reported that the church two weeks ago opened a Thursday night meal for anyone in community, Community Table.

13 Rev. Scott Hill, Corydon, reported an exciting day Thursday in Indianapolis to get training in mission insight. It s a great way to find out things about your community, he said. Dave Crittendon, Co-Executive of the Synod of Lincoln Trails, is responsible for it Janet Clerkin, moderator for the Presbytery s Presbyterian Woman, reported the women s spring gathering will be held, Apr. 18, a Hats and Pearls spring tea. Judith Lovejoy, will be speaker. A family will be singing. A woman with 12 adopted special-needs children [[??]] Rev. Peter Barnes-Davies, First Presbyterian Church, Scottsburg, mentioned the Presbyterians for Restoring Creation, a grassroots national organization interested in faith and environmental sustainability, will be holding a conference at the national Montreat Center, July 7-11, embracing God s call to be green. Rev. Charlie Pye, Clarksville-Grace, described how his church sold its sanctuary five years ago. Elders recently came to the conclusion that the church is not growing. The church has decided to hire a full-time pastor, Pye will continue for a while at 10-15% appointment. Grace will be building a new church. Rev. Duane Daly, Honorably Retired and a long-time member of Presbytery, described an exciting at Lexington Presbyterian Church, where he preaches on Sunday. It now has six kids in the communicants class, an impressive number, given the small size of the congregation. Rev. Mark McDaniel, Bedford, is providing help. The Assembly moderator said she was happy to see how churches are living out their faith. Rev. Pye came forward to talk about the grant that the presbytery has received a three-part grant from the Lilly Foundation. The first part provides financial counseling for pastors, which Pye is conducting. The second part offers potential grants for pastors to address specific economic issues. The third part of the grant supports coaching with churches. If the presbytery is working with pastors to reduce their financial stress, he explained, it should also coach Sessions or committees on caring for their pastors physically and emotionally. The Lilly Endowment is providing support for such activity to 16 judicatories from a variety of denominations. Pye said he believes this project can really affect this presbytery. By reducing economic and other stresses, they can be freed to lead and build better congregations. If we re better congregations, he concluded, we are better in serving and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Peggy Casteel said this grant was made possible by the work of a grant writers committee (Scott Hill, Mary McClellan and Brad Napier) and three advisers (Pye, Mitch Coggin, and Lorna Kuyk). The committee approves the grants. Pye can omit details of proposals he presents to the committee. Recognition of the Ministry of the North Vernon Presbyterian Church Rev. Larry Jackman presented the following history of the church: In 1870 there were a variety of congregations in the town of North Vernon. Methodists, Baptist, Universalist, Lutheran and Catholic. However, no congregation embodied the Presbyterian tradition. Folk in North Vernon needed to travel the 3 miles or so to Vernon in order to have worship. Hence the Presbyterians of North Vernon petitioned the Presbytery of New Albany to consider starting a congregation. A committee of Presbytery met with the interested folks and approved the start of a Presbyterian Congregation. That initial meeting was held in the Methodist Church. Six months later the Presbyterians were sharing space and a preacher with the Lutherans. Shortly thereafter, the pastor began a revival. The one-week event turned into a three-week meeting. During the revival the commitment of the congregation was stirred and it selected a site on which to construct a building. The community helped to fund and support the new congregation. By May 1871 there were enough pledges and funds to initiate a building on East Chestnut St. The cornerstone was

14 laid in July 10 months from the time that the members first met with the Presbytery to gain approval. The building was a labor of love by the members themselves. They laid brick, built the foundation and put together the building, which is now the longest standing church in the community in continual use. Membership of the congregation grew to over 100 and stayed there for several decades. During the depression the congregation was strong enough to assist the sister church at Graham. The congregation has a rich history of work in its community. In the mid 1960 s there was a spurt of growth and the congregation swelled to 210 members. However, the overall trend of the church has been to decline in size. The mission of the church has often been to raise leaders. Teachers, student pastors, and members have all grown in the nurturing environment. Several pastors in the presbytery served North Vernon in the past. Most recently Rev. Michael Bean has led the congregation. During 2008 the congregation elected to move on. The burden of finance and small numbers in the congregation simply took their toll. We celebrate the life of North Vernon Church, all 129 years of it. Rev. Michael Bean, the church s last pastor, shared his thoughts on the historic occasion of the church s dissolution. He brought greetings from the church and asked for prayers for faithful members past and present. The charter will be officially dissolved at this meeting. Elder Sarah Pool, clerk of Session, was introduced. Until final service, it was oldest church in North Vernon still continuing services in the original church, which it did for 139 years. A church is more than a building, Rev. Bean said. The church is people. The building will be used in the future by Rev. John Perry and the Chestnut Street Christian Church. Until 1944, Vernon and North Vernon shared a pastor. The church provided financial support to another church when fire destroyed its building. In 1950s, the church opened to all creeds. It hosted presbytery meetings in 1925 and Bean came as stated supply for North Vernon and Graham. Some of its final members represented the sixth generation of their families to be involved in the life of the church. Rev. Bean recalled the death of Moses, and how his followers had crossed the Jordan. Churches in Graham, Scipio and elsewhere have received the last North Vernon members. Rev. Bean embraced Stated Clerk Larry Jackman and Executive Presbyter Lorna Kuyk, and the audience rose in applause in honor and memory of the 139-year life of the congregation. Nominating Committee Update Elder Hana D. Johnson, First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington substituted for Rev. Rob Craig in presenting the committee s report. The committee has conducted four meetings. It is working with Carol McDonald of the Synod of Lincoln Trails. Michelle Bartel has been welcomed to the committee as a member of the presbytery s Leadership Transition Team. She was asked to join to assist continuity. Members have spent most of the meeting time seeking greater understanding of what the presbytery is looking for and putting the job description in CIF form. The CIF went online at the end of January. It is also online at the Synod website. Advertisements were placed in Christian Century and Presbyterian Outlook (online and in print) magazines, to all synod executives, and to the office of Middle Government Relationships. Seventeen PIFs were received through the matching process, and there have been six selfreferrals. Supplemental questions are being sent to these people. The deadline for applications is Apr 15. The committee hopes to do interviews at the end of May or the beginning of June. It hopes to be able to present a candidate at the June 20 Presbytery Assembly. The title Missional Presbyter has been changed to Presbyter for Common Life, following much discussion. Missional had too many different meanings. This new title reflects the connectional nature of the job, although the title also needs explanation. A variety of titles are used for head presbyters across the country. The committee is looking to the new person to help fill out and define what the job stands for.

15 Rev. Frank Hainer, Rehoboth Presbyterian Church-Laconia, wondered how the name change reflected a change in responsibilities. Peggy Casteel replied that the Council has approved the title. Rev. Andy Holmes, Washington-Westminster, a member of the transition team, suggested looking at the job description. Rev. Robert White, an Honorably Retired Synod Executive, said he was concerned not only about the title, but with who determined the nature of the title and the position description. He also was concerned with the role the presbytery will play in defining the nature of the position. Larry Jackman said this discussion would be taken up at the time of the report of the Council. The Assembly then divided into small groups for discussion of Amendment 8-B. They addressed three questions: 1. What is your initial response to 1) the current wording and 2) the proposed wording? 2. Where and how do you see God in each? How do you see faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ expressed in each? 3. What frightens you if the proposed language fails and if the proposed language passes? The assembly recessed until 1 p.m. AFTERNOON BUSINESS SECTION The Assembly was reconvened to meeting at 1:03 p.m. Karen Goodwell, the Vice- Moderator was invited to share with the assembly comments from the various discussion groups. Three consensus comments emerged: 1. Fear is not an appropriate motivation to determine any course of action in the Church guided by the spirit. 2. Concern that this issue will never be satisfactorily resolved. We need to focus less on this issue and more on what God is calling us to do to pursue the Gospel of Christ. 3. God s name be praised. Rev. Casteel then asked the Assembly to pray, after which she called attention to the recommendation of the Committee on Bills and Overtures. Bills and Overtures Report by Andy Traister, Scott Paul-Bonham, Martha FrizLanger, and Jayne Williams Proposed Amendment 08-B to the Book of Order, to change the current text of G b and G and G Recommendations from Committee: "Not Concur" We do not concur with Amendment 08-B. Rationale: (1) As a committee, we do not support this amendment as presented. a. The amendment proposed is vague regarding ordination standards. b. The amendment lifts the gospels above the rest of scripture. (2) However, we do not affirm the present text of G b, G and G In our opinion, the current standard lifts one aspect of human life "as a sin" above all others. (3) The committee discussed our own lack of certainty that "homosexuality is a sin." We discussed the issue of the restrictiveness of the current language. We discussed excluding a whole group of persons from participation and leadership in individual churches. We discussed

16 issues of authority and interpretation of Scripture. Rev. Casteel asked for a consensus that each individual be limited to speaking for two minutes. APPROVED The moderator said she would recognize people in alternating order, that is, one in favor, and then one opposed. Rev. Martha FrizLanger asked what would happen when speakers for one side ran out. ACTION: She moved that when no longer anyone speaking to a position, no more than a couple more would speak for the other position. APPROVED Rev. Mark Porter, Honorably Retired, asked for what precisely would be voted on. For technical reasons, Rev. Larry Jackman ruled that the Assembly vote would be on whether to concur with Amendment 08-B. He said the purpose of his ruling was to maintain clarity of debate. Rev. Friz-Langer and Elder Jayne Williams, Terre Haute-Unity, drawing from the committee s report, explained the thinking of the Committee on Bills and Overtures. Elder Philip Smith, Terre Haute-Central, asked whether this will end the debate. Friz-Langer explained the PCUSA s procedures for handling overtures. The debate then commenced. Elder Helen Templeton, Evansville-First, responding to the committee report, said the wording is not vague. It should emphasize the Gospels. Greg Gibson, CLP, Community-Leavenworth, said the Assembly could debate this and has debated it before. He said he thinks people s minds are already made up. He thinks the amendment will eventually pass because it is a debate about politics. Rev. John VanderZee, Bloomington Hospital, said the amendment restores the historic polity by leaving decisions to be made at the appropriate level. Current rulings are ignored, he said. The new amendment restores a broad range of standards. It removes a hierarchy of sins and return honesty and sincerity to the front. Rev. James Cramer, FPC-Ft. Branch, said the issue is about sin. Rev. Cheryl Thorne, Indiana Presbyterian Church, Vincennes, said she would vote for the amendment. She believes that the wording being proposed is inclusive of all sins. She thinks some in the public misunderstand what this debate is about. It s not about marrying homosexuals. Paul McGlasson, FPC-Sullivan, said he opposes the amendment for theological reasons. John Calvin did not set Jesus against the Scriptures. Historically, the PUP report kept the original Amendment B, but allowed discretion. He argued that that would be lost if amendment 8-B were put in place. He said he struggles with three words in the amendment: pledge, striving, and sincere. He says we re all sinners. Vernon North, FPC-Columbus, read a message from Rev. Rob Craig. Craig said he s old-fashioned, that the language is the time-tested language of our denomination. Language maintains unity by maintaining freedom of conscience. Rev. Larry Langer, Jasper, referred to historical principles. He mentioned the Westminster Profession, which raises scripture above all else. The old amendment stresses obedience, but he said he wished that the one sin were not singled out. He said he hoped the job description for the Presbyter for Common Life would say that it should be a person of high moral standards. Mike Steinberg, Elder FPC-Martinsville, presented the thoughts of Rev. Cal Brand, Honorably Retired. The current rule is not about purity, Brand wrote, but about the disenfranchisement of people in a relationship outside marriage. This amendment is also about trust, he concluded. The discussion ended. Ballots were distributed. During the counting of the ballots, commissioners listened to music.

17 The moderator asked that the result of the ballot be received in silence. She then announced the result of the balloting: 57 concurred with Amendment 8-B, 44 did not concur, and 2 abstained. The motion was therefore APPROVED. Phil Newton then led the assembly in prayer. Recognition of the Ministry of the Poland Village Presbyterian Church Rev. Larry Jackman presented the following history of the church: Jordan is a village in Owen County and has a population of approximately 75 people. It is northwest of Spencer. In 1878 Olive Hill Presbyterian Church was formed by the Presbytery of Vincennes. The charter listed 34 members. By 1917 plans were set in place to relocate the church. The church was moved to its present location to make it close to more population and to a railhead. A building was constructed through the monies, labor and materials available in the congregation and through a loan of $2,000 from the Presbytery. The building was dedicated in the early fall of The congregation always lived a financial life by faith. In 1928 half of the original loan was converted to a grant and half was paid down completely. At that time the bank account had a balance of 45 cents. It took another 30 years almost (till 1960) for the congregation to pay off the grant loan. Beginning in the 1930 s a larger parish was formed of the Jordan, Spencer Bethany and Mt Moriah Churches. A union Sunday School was housed at the Jordan Village place of worship. After 30 years, in 1963, the larger parish was dissolved and the individual churches again became stand-alone congregations. The congregation was driven by its mission of being a congregation in their community. During the 1960 s the church called its first permanent full time minister. That service demonstrated significant outreach growth for the congregation. However, for one period of nearly a decade the congregation served without any formal pastoral services. Over recent years, the congregation has dwindled in size. The officers and lay members of the church continued to provide program and service to their own congregation and to the community. The congregation elected in 2008 to request dissolution. The most recent pastoral services to the congregation were through Richard Poff, CLP. We celebrate the life and ministry of Jordan Village Church all 121 years of it. Dick Poff, CLP, the church s last pastor, then spoke about Jordan Village church. Poland is a little village in NW Owen County. For many years Poland hasn t been even a school. He recalled that former POV staff member Gayle Burns had preceded him it would close down. He always knew it was a matter not of if the church would close, but of when. The congregants were all elderly, people who had spent their lives in the church. One member s grandfather had helped build the church. For some time, tension existed between hanging on and letting go. The reality was that not much money was coming in, that the church was spending more than taking in. A booklet is needed for helping churches close, he suggested. He himself has gone back to serving Bethany Presbyterian Church-Spencer. Closing a church is like losing a loved one, he observed. Yet we can still celebrate the years of ministry and service. Barb Snyder came forward to say that she was working on the project to help churches that determine that they must close. The members of the assembly then engaged in a worship service. Rev. Dennis Davenport, Eastminster, delivered the message. Rev. Mark McDaniel, Bedford, and Rev. Wesley Kendall, Greencastle celebrated communion.

18 Camp Pyoca Rich Swartwood, Executive Director, reported the capital campaign was going well. So far $937,000 has been raised. Construction has been started on a yurt, the welcome center, and lodge renovations. The parking lot size has increased. Hoping that churches will make good. $390,000 is already in hand. Reprioritized. The next project will be the dam project. The last project is a 12-room conference center and hotel rooms. Enough staff has already been hired for the summer, but the camp still would welcome aid from college-age youth. Camp registrations are starting to come in. Because of the economic situation, the camp is expecting more applications for scholarships. A confirmation retreat will be held, Mar 13-15, and a quilting retreat, Mar An Open House, usually held on Palm Sunday, will be held this year on May 3, at 2 p.m. The Site Manager is Brad Benton, and the Program Director is Sean Kelly. Council Report David Holt, Moderator, presented the report: Council met at Bloomington United Presbyterian Church on January 22, 2009, also by a telephone conference call on January 27, There are no recommendations requiring action by the Assembly. The following items are submitted for your information: I-1. Council discussed the job description and the title for Lorna s successor who will be called the Presbyter for Common Life. They were approved. The job description is attached to this report. I-2. Council approved the following job description for the Principal of the Leadership Institute: The Principal of the Leadership Institute is an advocate for the educational growth and theological development of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley. The Principal will assist churches seeking resources for the development of their governmental bodies and congregations; encourage clusters to identify educational needs and to assist them as they seek to address these areas; and seek to challenge the POV to respond to God's invitation to transform this world. The Principal will seek to accomplish these goals by using the POV website to post resources; encouraging clusters to share with each other their success stories; and scheduling events to bring POV members together for study, fellowship, and worship. The Principal would be expected to be either a Minister of Word and Sacrament or a person eligible for commissioning as a Commissioned Lay Pastor so that person would be able to administer the sacrament at educational events. I-3. Council reaffirmed the selection of Mary McClellan as the choice for Principal of the Leadership Institute, subject to the appropriate concurrence from COM. I-4. Council discussed and determined that it was inappropriate for the Office of the Presbytery to grant requests of individuals to distribute information advocating or supporting certain positions. Rather, those individuals already having access to POV directories of ministers or churches may use such directories to distribute information. I-5. Brad Napier was appointed to the Lilly Grant Committee, replacing Fred Barnes who has moved from our Presbytery. I-6. Council approved $3, being made available so that the six clusters may provide scholarships of $ per cluster to assist individuals from the cluster to attend the 2009 Stewardship Kaleidoscope in Kansas City, Missouri, from March 9 to 11, 2009.