Presbytery of Ohio Valley Docket for Assembly First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, Indiana June 5, 2010

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1 Presbytery of Ohio Valley Docket for Assembly First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, Indiana June 5, :00 a.m. Call to Order and Call to Worship Elder Karen Goodwell PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD Peace, Love and Jesus The Puppeteers of Spencer Church Commissioning of Youth Triennium Participants 10:45 a.m. Welcome from Host Pastor Rev. Eric Erickson Consent Agenda Rev. Lawrence Jackman Clerk s Report, Treasurer s Report, Trustees, COM Pt 1, Minutes 10:50 a.m. Introduction of New Commissioners, Members, Guests and Seating of Corresponding Members. 10:55 a.m. Update on Olivet Church Rev. Charlie Pye 11:00 a.m. Report of Council Rev. Susan McGhee 11:40 a.m. Pyoca Elder Rich Swartwood 11:45 a.m. Prayers of the Presbytery Rev. Susan McGhee 12:00 noon Lunch 1:00 p.m. Speak Out Session and Reporting 1:15 p.m. Report of the Moderator Elder Karen Goodwell 1:20 p.m. Committee on Preparation for Ministry Elder Mary Jean DeMarr Candidacy of Aaron Flucke 1:35 p.m. Personnel Rev. Rob Craig 1:40 p.m. Mission Partnership Elder Jo Lucas 1:45 p.m. Update on Changes in Ordination Exam Process Rev. Michelle Bartel 1:50 p.m. Statistical Highlights Rev. Lawrence Jackman 1:55 p.m. Leadership Institute October Event Elder Mary McClellan

2 2:00 p.m. Theological Education Fund Rev. Linda Peters Recognition of Mt. Vernon Church 2:05 p.m. Stewardship Rev. Andy Holmes 2:10 p.m. Committee on Ministry Elder Joe Kimmel 2:15 p.m. Lay Pastor Committee Elder Barb Snyder 2:20 p.m. Presbyter for Common Life Rev. Susan McGhee 2:30 p.m. Celebration of the Sacrament of Communion Commissioning of Commissioners to General Assembly 3:00 p.m. Adjourn

3 Presbytery of Ohio Valley What You May Expect at Assembly June 5, 2010 Business in the Context of Worship Last Assembly we began to switch our paradigm about business and worship. Worship was an element of our meeting always. We began to try to change that so we worship first, last and in between. During that time and atmosphere of worship we look to also respond by doing our worshipful business. We will continue to do that model. Puppeteers The Proclamation of the Word will be through the puppet ministry of the youth of the Spencer Church. Included in this period will be a commissioning of the participants in the Youth Triennium. Opportunity to Support Youth The participants in Youth Triennium will be running a car wash fund raiser during the Assembly meeting time. Leave the meeting to a freshly detailed car. Olivet Church The legal action with Olivet Church in Evansville has moved through initial phases. We will receive an update on this from the Task Force and will take action to transform the Task Force approach into an Administrative Commission with the ability to be authorized with powers to carry this matter forward. Commissioning of Commissioners to General Assembly The General Assembly of the PCUSA will convene in Minneapolis on July 2. Rev. Cheryl Thorne and Elder Karen Hahn are our delegates. They will be commissioned and dispatched to this task with the prayers of our Assembly. Inquirer to Candidate Aaron Flucke is an Inquirer who has been exploring his sense of call to ministry with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. He has requested to become a Candidate. This transition marks his own personal dedication to the vocation of Minister of Word and Sacrament. It is also the point at which the Committee on Preparation for Ministry joins with him in affirming that it, too, affirms his call and the readiness to move toward the goal of ordained ministry of Word and Sacrament. We have opportunity to celebrate with Aaron and the CPM this transition. Maintenance Reports and Functions As always there are items of business which maintain the structure in which we all work and minister. Committee Reports and Informative Items Again, as always, we will hear a number of reports that simply bring us up to date with the work of our Task Groups and Committees. Lawrence Jackman Stated Clerk

4 Presbytery of Ohio Valley Driving Directions Bloomington, First Presbyterian Church 221 E Sixth St, Bloomington, IN (812) Maps from Google Maps

5 First Presbyterian Church is located in downtown Bloomington, Indiana, on Lincoln Street, between Sixth and Seventh, northwest of the Monroe County Public Library, two blocks northeast of the Monroe County Courthouse. Limited parking is available in the church parking lot on the north side of the church, accessible from Seventh Street. Street parking is available. Additional parking is also available in a municipal lot at the corner of Sixth and Lincoln (Please note: several spaces are permanently reserved for the library), and at a pay parking garage at the corner of Fourth and Walnut (accessible from Fourth). From the North: Take State Road 37 South to the State Road 45 North/46 East exit. Turn right (south) onto College Avenue. Turn left (east) onto Sixth Street. From the South: Take State Road 37 North to the State Road 45 North/46 East exit. Turn right (south) onto College Avenue. Turn left (east) onto Sixth Street. From the East: Take State Road 46 West. State Road 46 turns into Third Street. Turn right (north) onto Lincoln Street. Take Lincoln to Sixth Street. From the Northwest: Take State Road 46 East. Turn right (south) onto College Avenue. Turn left (east) onto Sixth Street. From the Southwest: Take State Road 45 North. State Road 45 becomes Bloomfield Road. Stay on Bloomfield Road when State Road 45 joins State Road 37. Bloomfield Road will become Second Street. Turn left (north) onto Walnut Street. Turn right (east) onto Sixth Street.

6 Stated Clerk s Report Rev. Lawrence Jackman Overtures to General Assembly. Of the 122 Overtures to the GA for this summer s meeting, many offer the probability of confusing media interpretation. Most every subject has opposing sides represented in one Overture or another. Issues to be discussed will include: Marriage interpretations and definitions FOG The proposed Form of Government can be viewed at the following URL. Caterpillar Inc. The role of the company in the conflicts in Israel is under discussion and possible actions. Christian/Muslim Relationship Issues Synod The future of Synods is under discussion. CLP status as an office apart from commission is under discussion. Belhar Confession s place in the confessional standards is being considered. Moratorium from discussions and actions on b is being requested. HIV Status Issue An overture where our Presbytery has concurred is the one which requests church leaders to be tested and know their HIV status. Members of Presbytery are reminded that discussion of issues is not an action by itself. This distinction of is often omitted in media reporting. Minutes of Presbytery for 2009 were read and approved by the Synod of Lincoln Trails on April 28, Resignation of Chris Gwaltney from the Lay Academy Committee. Change of Membership (Late inclusion of information due to late notification) Rev. Lorna Kuyk has transferred membership to Whitewater Valley Presbytery 11/01/2009 Rev. Amy Camille Ramirez-Spears was received from Heartland Presbytery 3/15/2010 Rev. Kim Olson has transferred membership to Whitewater Valley Presbytery 4/5/2009

7 Treasurer s Report Elder Jean Brown Treasurer's Report Assembly - June 5, 2010 Condensed Statement of Revenues & Expenses (Actual and Budget) January 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 Jan - Apr Jan - Apr Over/(Under) Actual Budget Budget Revenue Per Capita $ 137,722 $ 114,000 $ 23,722 Shared Giving (Unified Mission) 40,930 43,000 (2,070) Contributions 1,741 4,250 (2,509) Unrestricted Invest Inc & Trans 9,000 9,000 - Total Revenue 189, ,250 19,143 Expense Staff Expense 62,462 66,308 (3,846) Ecclesial Expense 41,246 43,612 (2,366) Meeting Expense 2,413 3,592 (1,179) Administration & Office Expense 8,807 14,333 (5,526) Program Expense 10,003 11,078 (1,075) Cluster Expense 719 2,000 (1,281) Task Force Funding - 2,000 (2,000) Total Expense 125, ,923 (17,273) Net Surplus (Deficit) $ 63,742 $ 27,327 $ 36,416 Fund Balances As of April 30, 2010 Church Legacy Funds $ 631,892 Brown Trust 298,005 Special Designations - Ezekiel, peacemaking 26,147 Flood Relief 802 Undesignated Net Assets 1,012,853 $ 1,969,699 If you would like a detailed statement or any other additional information, please contact Jean Brown at (866) or at accounting@povpc.org

8 Presbytery of Ohio Valley 1701 East Second Street, Suite 100 Bloomington, Indiana May 25, 2010 Sisters and Brothers, As many of you are aware, the Presbytery of Ohio Valley has been engaged in a process to determine the extent to which the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) governs the property held in trust by particular churches on behalf of our denomination (Book of Order G ). This action was precipitated by the request of the Olivet Church, in Evansville, Indiana to disaffiliate from the PC (USA) to then join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. On March 09, 2010 the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court rendered an opinion regarding the Presbytery of Ohio Valley s request for clarification in the property issues surrounding the departure of the Olivet congregation. In this trial court ruling, centuries of Presbyterian polity was cast aside. It is our belief that this departure from established Supreme Court decisions, the Indiana Trust Code and the constitutional/polity provisions of the PC (USA) warrants an appeal. Therefore, the Olivet task force has petitioned the Appellate Court of the State of Indiana to review the findings of the trial court to assure that everything has been done in compliance with the applicable state and federal statutes and the Book of Order. This continuing legal action is an attempt to clarify the position of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley of the PC (USA) in regard to the stewardship of church property and the role of the Book of Order in our various deliberations. Thus, the appeal process is a natural progression to assure that everything has been accomplished in a decent and orderly manner, leaving nothing open to second guesses. However difficult this process has been, there is precedent within this presbytery to continue in such a fashion to assure the most accurate ruling can be accomplished. As a matter of process, if the lower court ruling is upheld then the matter is settled unless an appeal is made to the Supreme Court of Indiana. If the lower court ruling is overturned and our position prevails, we fully expect that Olivet will then proceed to the Indiana Supreme Court, who will in like fashion review the findings of the lower courts and make the ultimate ruling. The time line for the appeal process will take approximately 6 8 months (or longer) following the initial briefing. You may be asking what we hope to accomplish in the continuation of the process. In short, we hope to determine, both for the POV and the other presbyteries who call Indiana home, the issue of property ownership as stated in our denominational constitution. If church property is not held in trust, then the matter is settled. If the property is indeed superintended by the Presbytery, then the commissioners of each Presbytery will best decide how to assist congregations who desire to transfer to another denomination in a way that brings glory to God through a process that brings closure to both parties without the need to revisit each and every case in the civil courts. The members of the Olivet task force continue to solicit your prayers for all the concerned parties as we move forward to meet the future that God has prepared for the Church. On behalf of the Olivet task force, Rob Allen, Lant Davis & Charles Pye The Reverend Susan C. McGhee, Presbyter for Common Life The Reverend Lawrence Jackman, Stated Clerk Elder M. Jean Brown, Treasurer Phone: Fax: info@povpc.org Website :

9 Committee on Preparation for Ministry Report Elder Mary Jean DeMarr Action item: At its meeting of March 10, 2010, and after lengthy discussion and examination of Aaron Flucke s preparation thus far and fitness for the ministry of word and sacrament, the Committee voted unanimously to recommend that he be enrolled as a Candidate. The Committee ascertained that he has fulfilled the requirements of Inquiry and is ready for this step. Because of a policy approved by the Presbytery, if he is approved by this current Assembly, the date of the beginning of his year of Candidacy will be considered to be the date of this action by CPM, thus March 10, Mission Partnership Report Elder Jo Lucas Mission Partnership Group voted on wording for the work of this group, under the changed organization of the presbytery. Bob Ivie provides leadership is this work. Our purpose is to promote and actively engage the work of mission by churches in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley. We aim to serve as a channel of information about mission opportunities to churches and church clusters and to encourage partnerships in the pursuit of peace and social justice. We stand with Christians and all others who seek a peaceable kingdom of compassion and equality, a world of dignity and justice, and an abiding commitment to the values of stewardship, sustainability, and social and economic well being. Inspired by the Presbyterian Social Creed for the 21 st Century, we commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that embraces nonviolence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner growth with outward action. Katie Holmes, Environmental Ministries staff person from PCUSA met with Mission Partnerships, sharing vision and resources available to us. We are working at being a resource for congregations/clusters, providing a map for action. David Brookman provides leadership in this work. Partnership report from International Center of Bethlehem and POV. David Dietrich will serve as the representative at the national gathering of the Churches for Middle East Peace, Washington, D.C. in June. Support for this work is one of the tenets of the partnership we share. Churches for Middle East Peace is a gathering of 23 public policy offices of protestant, catholic and orthodox churches and Warren Clark directs the work. It is the season for gathering Hearing Aids for the Audiology Clinic of the Health and Wellness Clinic of the International center of Bethlehem. Bring them to POV in June and give them to Jo Lucas, or send them to 530 Shoreline Drive, Columbus, Indiana We have sent six batches to Bethlehem and another send date is approaching. Funds to complete the Dar Al-Kalima College building in Bethlehem are being sought. The POV contributed $10,000. Individuals and congregations have contributed $25, to this once in a lifetime opportunity for making good news in Bethlehem, as Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb said. Money may be sent to Bright star of Bethlehem, 6957 Olde Creek Road, Su2300, Rockford, Illinois, Please note the need for funds by August 1, Information has been sent to all POV congregations. Hanover Presbyterian hosted an educational event, Peggy Casteel, Pastor and Jo and Jim Lucas told of their recent trip and discoveries in Bethlehem and surrounding areas.

10 PRESBYTERY PRAYER PARTNERS July through September 2010 The Presbytery of Ohio Valley encourages all our congregations to pray for each other throughout the year. Over a two-year period, a week will be designated for each of our churches and other organizations. Each church is invited to tell us a little about itself and to share specific joys and concerns. Those listed below have been sent to us from the churches and organizations on our prayer list for the weeks shown. Sharing prayers with each other works! Note: The person who prepares your worship bulletins and/or church newsletters may request this information in a Word document from bbsnyder@bestonline.net. Cluster Codes: NC = North Central, NW = North West, SC = South Central SE = South East, SW = South West, WC = West Central Week of July 4 Church of the Covenant, Elizabeth (SC) Dick Goodwin, CLP Everything is going well here at the Church of the Covenant. Please pray for our Vacation Bible School this summer. Also, please pray for the PCUSA, as they are losing membership every year, cutting more jobs, and undergoing financial strain. Week of July 11 Synod of Lincoln Trails Please remember in prayer the Synod of Lincoln Trails as it ponders future strategies for mission, ministry, and staffing. Important conversations are taking place and prayers would be appreciated. The full-time Synod staff are: Dave Crittenden and Carol McDonald, Co-Executives; Judy Lucas and Kristi Miller, Executive Assistants. The Stated Clerk is Kim Leech. Independent Contractors are Marta Kramer and Bill Lawser. Week of July 18 Eastminster, Evansville (SW) Rev. Dennis Davenport Eastminster Presbyterian Church is located on the east side of Evansville. It is the result of a 1999 merger between the former Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church and the former Eastminster Presbyterian Church. For the past several years the church has coordinated Operation Inasmuch - a one-day mission blitz that provides an opportunity for virtually everyone in the congregation to participate in a service activity of some kind that will proclaim Christ s love to someone in need. Since its inception, several other churches have come on board to make it a community-wide ecumenical event. This year, in conjunction with the program, the creator of the national Operation Inasmuch program will be conducting a seminar at Eastminster. Week of July 25 First, Evansville (SW) Rev. Kevin Fleming Please pray for the implementation of our new 10-year strategic vision plan, for the continued growth of the congregation, and for our continued mission locally, nationally, and around the world.

11 Week of August 1 First Avenue, Evansville (SW) Rev. Gene Feagan First Avenue Presbyterian is located north of the Lloyd expressway on the corner of 1st Ave. and Virginia. The congregation is approximately 142 yrs. old. We on average have between participants per Sunday. We are slowly recovering our sense of greater body life and ministry capacity. The neighborhood has over the past 30 yearrs deteriorated badly. Much of the housing is dilapidated and the people are very poor and lost. We are within 1 mile of 2 homeless shelters and support the Evansville Rescue Mission monetarily and spiritually. Most of the congregants live outside of this neighborhood area. God is sovereign! He has made it possible for this small church to pay for a nearly full time pastor. (a miracle) This is a great joy. We have seen direct answers to prayer for healing and restoration and growth of the size of the congregation. God is making us more and more alive. The congregation is a Biblically sound and doctrinally fundamental believing congregation to the core. We believe what we say and say what we believe. We believe that God has a plan for this area and congregation. If we believe what God is speaking then nothing can stop us. "If God be for us, then who can be against us?" We have these prayer requests: 1. The health of the congregation, for we are aged. 2. The desire to continue to serve and not give up. 3. The hope for a growing congregation, which we are seeing God do. Jesus said," If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to my self." 4. The perseverance of the Saints as we move past our comfort and minister to the community as God would reclaim it. 5. The blessing of God, so we can continue to be a beacon of blessing to the deteriorating community around us. 6. The vision for ministry as God would have us as we wade through the stream of life. 7. The unleashing of the Holy Spirit as by HIS prevenient grace HE goes before to stir the hearts to come back to the ONE who loves them that are lost. 8. Our patience to spend the time with those who hurt and to discern the real from the scammers. 9. Our own personal Holiness and Biblical soundness. 10. God's continued financial blessing, and He is. 11. Our Session, Pastor Gene and Clerk Ed. Week of August 8 Immanuel, Evansville (SW) Rev. Wayne Perkins We give praise that we have young children and some young families that we re beginning to add to our congregation. Please pray that this trend will continue. Also, please pray we will be successful in raising the funds to repair our church roof. Week of August 15 Parke Memorial, Evansville (SW) Dr. Ray Parker Parke Memorial invited another congregation that was mostly Presbyterian to join us. We have more than tripled our congregation as we see how this will work out for all of us. We have started up a choir and are working on starting a young adult class. We are prayerful and hopeful that we will continue to grow. Week of August 22 Westminster, Evansville (SW) Rev. Gene Feagan

12 Please join us in thankful prayers for the call of our new minister, Pastor Gene Feagan, and that his word will reach those in need and bring growth in numbers to our Church. Also, we would appreciate your prayers for our continued ministry with our Preschool and Daycare Mission. Our Program has been very successful for the past 26 years. Pray that families will seek Christian Education for their children, that they might learn the wonders of God. Week of August 29 Presbytery of Ohio Valley Staff Administrative Associate for Office Support: Rhonda Seymour lives in Bloomington with her husband, Ken, and their two sons. She would appreciate your prayers for patience and strength of will to stay on track as she and Stephanie reorganize the office files - digital and physical - and bring the procedural manuals up to date during the summer! Administrative Assistant for IT Support: Stephanie Worden lives near Ellettsville with her husband, Bill, children, Logan and Rachael, and two dogs. She asks for your prayers as they settle into their new home and as her husband works on his PhD. Treasurer: Jean Brown and husband, Larry, live in Bloomington. They have two grown sons and one grandson. She asks for prayers for her nephew and his family, as they cope and live with a diagnosis of Fragile X syndrome for their 2-year old son, Matthew. Stated Clerk: Larry Jackman and his wife, Deb, live in the countryside near Columbus. Grandchildren are in both Columbus and in Muncie. Larry cherishes your prayers always for well being and for life filled with the joys of family, church and other good causes. Presbyter for Common Life: Susan McGhee lives in Bloomington with her Calico sisters, Kate and Allie, and she enjoys spending more time with members of her Hoosier family. She asks for your prayers as she continues to make new friends and contacts in her new hometown. Week of September 5 First, Farmersburg (NW) Dick Jones, CLP Our congregation has had a busy spring. Not only did we have a beautiful Maundy Thursday service and our traditional Easter breakfast, but during the Easter service a number of members of the congregation shared their favorite Easter memories. Mothers Day was celebrated with flowers for all the women present, followed by a salad dinner after church. On Father s Day we are planning an outdoor service at the town park with a carry-in dinner, both events open to everyone in the community. Please pray that we may continue to serve God in this community and to prosper in faith in God s service. Also, we have several members who are suffering from major illnesses and would appreciate your prayers. Week of September 12 First, Fort Branch (WC) Rev. Jim Cramer F.P.C. Fort Branch keeps on keeping on! We re at least able to proclaim that due to God s grace in Jesus Christ, we re still here. About 75 members strong, we re too small to carry some of the popular church programs like a single s group, praise band, or power-point projections. Still, God gathers us each Sunday for very traditional worship, including the Lord s Supper on 1st Sundays. On Wednesdays we have morning and evening hours for intercessory prayer and (nothing but the) Bible study, (10 a.m. & 6 p.m.). But, for the meantime we re O.K. at 10 a.m., after our 3 class Sunday School, (adult, jr/sr HS, & elementary).

13 Our local mission efforts include the Lord s Pantry food distribution ministry, begun by F.P.C. and now shared with other congregations in Fort Branch, our own Winter Clothes Distribution Ministry from November to March (serving over 300 people in ), preparations to become a emergency shelter for Gibson County Red Cross, and support of the Gibson County Habitat for Humanity Chapter. We are a small family of families in faith, eager to adopt anyone who comes within reach of the love of Jesus Christ, with which we are gifted. Come visit us and even stay a while! God has especially blessed us with endurance and good humor. Besides, in Christ, we love you! Week of September 19 Grammer (NC) Rev. Mitch Coggin "God love you and not let you out of His sight. God keep and protect you by day and by night. Till we meet again, may His love follow you. Where 'ere you go and what 'ere you do." Every Sunday following worship at Grammer Presbyterian, those gathered in worship circle the sanctuary, hold hands and sing this warm song of fellowship and embrace. Grammer is located in southern Bartholomew County, just south of Columbus. We celebrated our 100th anniversary in While the town of Grammer lost its stores and school over a decade ago, the church continues to provide a spiritual presence there. While our membership now hovers at 25, most of those members are the 2nd generation Grammer folk under 60 years of age. Pastor Mitch is beginning his 9th year as pastor of Grammer and Scipio, the nearest Presbyterian congregation some 5 miles away in Jennings County. While our numbers are small, we continue to provide a spiritual presence in a transitional community nestled between the farms of Bartholomew County. Pray that we will continue to be faithful to God's call as disciples. Week of September 26 Greencastle (NW) Rev. Wesley Kendall The Greencastle Presbyterian Church was established in 1825 by the Rev. Isaac Reed. After several buildings and a devastating fire 20 years ago, the building is now located on the east edge of Greencastle. Our church has been rejuvenated in the past year with a new pastor, young families and DePauw students. We are blessed with several DePauw University students who share their musical talents with us during Worship. Our church is also the home of Round Barn Daycare, which ministers to 35 children and their families. With the influx of youth, we are met with the need to share the riches of our faith and minister to them. We are in the process of evaluating our space and programs to meet our increasing needs. We ask for prayers to realize our potential in this community with youth and young children to become a welcoming family of believers pursuing a closer walk with God.