Call to Order and to Worship and Proclamation of the Word Elder Judy Holy called us to Order and Worship at 10:00.

Transcription

1 The Presbytery of Ohio Valley Meeting in Assembly on September 13, 2014 At the Dale Presbyterian Church - Dale, Indiana Elder Judy Holy, Moderator Rev. Lawrence Jackman, Stated Clerk Call to Order and to Worship and Proclamation of the Word Elder Judy Holy called us to Order and Worship at 10:00. The pastor of the Dale Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. Martha FrizLanger introduced the children from David Turnam Learning Center in Dale who opened the Worship with song. Susan offered that Rev. Gradye Parsons and Rev. Brian McFarland have privilege of the floor to participate in worship by preaching and leading in music, respectively. The Assembly agreed. Rev. Parsons preached with a sermon entitled Signs. Dedication of the Micah Center Rev. FrizLanger made a statement of introduction as to how the Micah Center idea began: A young girl said, Our Father in heaven, how will I be your name. Over the months, this has been the question the church has been asking and answering. It has been the basis of all the church has done. A video presentation produced by Elder Steve Rexing of the church was shown. Of the many pictures were shots of 2x4 s on which scripture verses had been written by church members and others. Thus, the Micah Center building is cloaked in the Word, especially Micah 6:8. Rev. Susan McGhee led the Prayer of Dedication, and Rev Bryan McFarland led the congregation is the sung response entitled Love Each Other. Declaration of a Quorum, Seating of Corresponding Members, Introductions The Stated Clerk affirmed that a quorum was present, as indicated by the roll, as follows: 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. Ministers Church Ackerman, Jim (E) Honorably Retired Aelick, E. Duane (E) Honorably Retired Ballard, John (A) Member-at-Large Bangert, Byron (E) Honorably Retired Barrett, Bill (P) Member-at-Large Barrett, Carol (P) Member-at-Large Bartel, Michelle (E) Member-at-Large Bean, Michael (E) North Vernon, Graham Brand, D. Calvert (E) Honorably Retired Bremer, David (E) Honorably Retired

2 Ministers Church Brookman, David (E) Honorably Retired Chironna, John (E) Honorably Retired Cochran, Sarah (P) Member-at-Large Coggin, Mitch (E) Bloomington, United Colwell, Allen (A) New Albany, St John United Cormack, Jack (P) New Albany, Mount Tabor Cramer, James (E) Honorably Retired Crittenden, David (E) Synod of Lake & Prairies Davenport, Dennis (P) Evansville, Eastminster Davies, Peter (P) Scottsburg, First Davis, Lant (P) Terre Haute, Central Elliott, Hana (A) Member-at-Large Erickson, Eric (P) Honorably Retired Erickson, John (A) Seymour, First Erickson, Norie (P) Honorably Retired Finley, E. Dean (E) Honorably Retired Finnan, Alan (P) Vincennes, Upper Indiana Fisher, Carol (P) Martinsville, First Fleming, Kevin (P) Evansville, First Flucke, Aaron (E) Lexington, Lexington Fortel, Deborah (P) Honorably Retired Fox, Kathleen (P) Newburgh, Newburgh FrizLanger, Martha (P) Dale, Dale Frost, Randall (E) Honorably Retired Gladney, Eugene (E) Member-at-Large Gorton, William (E) Honorably Retired Hainer, Frank (E) Laconia, Rehoboth Haw, Ann (E) Honorably Retired Heilman, William (E) Honorably Retired Heldring, Boyd (P) Petersburg, Main Street Hill, Scott (E) Columbus, First Hookey, Scott (P) Madison, Madison Hudson, Jay (P) GA/PILP Hudson, Jill (E) Honorably Retired Hueftle, Keith (E) Honorably Retired Jackman, Lawrence (P) Presbytery of Ohio Valley Jensen, Mary (A) Bloomington, Hospice of Bloomington Hospital Jessen, Timothy (P) Member-at-Large Keeney, William (E) Honorably Retired Kendall, Wes (P) Greencastle, Greencastle Kim-Kort, Mihee (A) Bloomington, IUKirk

3 Ministers Church King, Rick (E) Charlestown, Community Knight, Jo Ann (E) Fort Bliss, U.S. Army Kort, Andy (A) Bloomington, First Langer, Larry (P) Vincennes, Indiana Lasher, Martha (E) Vernon, Vernon Lee, David (P) Spencer, Spencer Lee, Sang Tae (A) Bloomington, Korean Lenhart, Benjamin (E) Honorably Retired Lorimer, Robert (E) Honorably Retired Marshall, Anne (P) Columbus, Fairlawn McCormick, Wendy (P) Evansville, Center for Congregations Southwest McDaniel, Mark (P) Corydon, Corydon McGhee, Susan (P) Presbytery of Ohio Valley McGlasson, Paul (A) Sullivan, First McKune, Debra (P) Scipio, United/Grammer McKune, John (E) Honorably Retired Moore, Gregory (E) Member-at-Large Olson, Mark (E) Trinity Parish Olson, Wendy (P) Trinity Parish O'Neill, Shane (E) Honorably Retired Paul-Bonham, Scott (E) Terre Haute, Fed Bureau of Prisons Pekich-Bundy, Katrina (P) Hanover, Hanover Peters, Linda (E) Honorably Retired Porter, Mark (E) Honorably Retired Pye, Charlie (A) Clarksville, Grace Railing, Deanna (E) Member-at-Large Ramirez-Spears, Amy (E) Member-at-Large Robinson, Mark (A) Member-at-Large Roseland, Chris (A) GA/Mission Council Rosen, David (E) Member-at-Large Rumsey, William (E) Honorably Retired Scroggins, Gary (A) Brazil, First Seay, Scott (P) Nashville, Brown County Fellowship Smith, Alexa (A) Member-at-Large Smith, Sharon (A) Member-at-Large Stokes, Donald (A) Livonia, Livonia United Stuart, Irene (E) Honorably Retired Summerfield, Don (P) Jeffersonville, First Taylor, Veltri (A) Evansville, Asera Care Hospice Thompson, Murray (E) Honorably Retired Thorne, Cheryl (E) Washington, Westminster

4 Ministers Church Tracy, Doug (E) Honorably Retired Turner, Robert (E) Honorably Retired VanderZee, John (E) Honorably Retired VanderZee, Wendy (E) Bloomington, Hospice of Bloomington Hospital Walden-Fisher, Beth (P) Salem, Salem Walker Noyes, Jenni (E) Terre Haute, Unity Walters, Ralph (E) Honorably Retired Waters, Nancy (P) Paoli, First Watson, Daniel (P) Bedford, First White, Robert (E) Honorably Retired Williams-Hanrattie, Sharon (A) Member-at-Large Youman, Mary (E) Honorably Retired Ministers, Other Denomination Church Atkins, Corey (A) Fort Branch, First Feagan, Gene (A) Evansville, First Avenue Morris, William (A) Patoka, Patoka Perkins, R. Wayne (A) Evansville, Immanuel Shields, Sara (A) Mitchell, Mitchell Commissioned Ruling Elders Church Finch, Mick (P) Leavenworth, Community Hines, Wallace (A) Madison, Jefferson/Smyrna- Monroe Kutz-Mellem, Sharon (P) Laconia, United/Central, Valley City Poff, Dick (P) Spencer, Bethany Snyder, Barbara (P) Traister, Andy (P) New Albany, Mount Tabor Turner, John (A) Farmersburg, First Church Commissioner Bedford, First Ed Voris (P) Bloomfield, First Ted Hawkins (A) Bloomington, First Karen Hahn (A) Bloomington, United Commissioner (A) Boonville, Hemenway Memorial Glenn Rudolph (A) Brazil, First Vanita Moore (A) Brownstown, First Commissioner (A) Cayuga, Cayuga (United) Mike Morgan (A)

5 Church Commissioner Central, Valley City Brenda Bliss (A) Charlestown, Community Commissioner (A) Clarksville, Grace John Trueblood (A) Clinton, United Jack Fenoglio (P) Columbus, Fairlawn Phil Newton (A) Columbus, First Jo Lucas (P) Corydon, Corydon Charles Eckart (P) Dale, Dale Steven Rexing (P) Elizabeth, Church of the Covenant Connie Tuell (A) Evansville, Eastminster Barb Ferguson (P) Evansville, First Commissioner (A) Evansville, First Avenue Ed Marlin (A) Evansville, Immanuel Bea Clem (A) Evansville, Parke Memorial Commissioner (A) Evansville, Westminster Doug Mikolasek (A) Farmersburg, First John Wood (A) Fort Branch, First Bill Jackson (A) Grammer, Grammer Jacque Denny (A) Greencastle, Greencastle Andy Lorimer (P) Hanover, Hanover Janet Lowry (P) Henryville, Community Reva Dietrich (P) Henryville, Mount Lebanon Marianna Dietrich (P) Jasonville, Howesville Commissioner (A) Jasper, First Randall Petry (A) Jeffersonville, First Virgil Hertling (A) Laconia, Rehoboth Paula Hensley (A) Laconia, United Judy Beckort (A) Leavenworth, Community John Stutzman (A) Lexington, Lexington George Hill (A) Livonia, Livonia United Kathy McCracken (A) Madison, Jefferson Commissioner (A) Madison, Madison Jennifer Saroka (A) Madison, Smyrna-Monroe Kenneth Hord (A) Martinsville, First Mike Stiver (P) Mitchell, Mitchell Oakleigh Westfall (A) Montezuma, First Ann Stanley (P) Mount Vernon, First Bill Henderson (P) Nabb, Nabb Roberta Bastian (P) Nashville, Brown County FellowshipBill Boyle (A) New Albany, Mount Tabor Judy VanHoff (A) New Albany, St John United John Sumner (A)

6 Church Commissioner New Washington, Trinity United Ruby Taflinger (A) Newburgh, Newburgh Jim Gulick (P) North Vernon, Graham Steve Graham (P) Paoli, First Becky Phelps (A) Patoka, Patoka Jo Ellen Bingham (A) Patoka, Union Bethel Gerald Bane (A) Petersburg, Main Street Lisa Clark (P) Princeton, Fairview Commissioner (A) Princeton, First Troy Davidson (A) Princeton, United Bill Pauley (A) Roachdale, Roachdale John Boruff (A) Rockville, Memorial Jim Rohe (P) Salem, Salem Commissioner (A) Scipio, United Bill Gerhard (P) Scottsburg, First Cheryl Davenport (P) Seymour, First George Ernest (A) Spencer, Bethany Robert Pedro (A) Spencer, Spencer Carol Miller (A) Sullivan, First Bob Tomey (A) Terre Haute, Central Don Lowder (P) Terre Haute, Unity Jan Buffington (P) Vernon, Vernon Commissioner (A) Vevay, Caledonia Caren Griffith (A) Vincennes, Bethany Donald Opell (P) Vincennes, Indiana Alanna Charlton (P) Vincennes, Royal Oak Robert Dutton (A) Vincennes, South Side Janice Doll (A) Vincennes, Upper Indiana Bob Slayton (P) Washington, Westminster Steve Foddrill (A) Elder Members by Reason of Office Jean Brown (P) Paul Kelleher (A) Rob Peters (P) Jane Gore (P) Mary McClellan (A) Warren Ward (A) Judy Holy (P) Carol Miller (P) Corresponding Members Gradye Parsons Holston Presbytery Bryan McFarland Salem Presbytery Visitors Trudy Vanderbeck Vincennes, Indiana Joe Kimmel Paoli, First

7 John Vanderbeck Vincennes, Indiana Ed Hitchcock Bloomington, United Lucy Cowles Vincennes, Bethany Dave Dahline Corydon, Corydon Cheri Harper Elizabeth, IN It was agreed by consensus (Holy) that Rev. Bryan McFarland from Salem Presbytery and Rev. Gradye Parsons, the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), be seated as corresponding members. Welcome from the Host Pastor Rev. Martha FrizLanger spoke of the logistics of the Dale Presbyterian Church and the new Micah Center, and welcomed the Presbytery to the church. Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes of June Meeting, Docket, Report of the Stated Clerk, Treasurer s Report Moderator Holy entertained a motion to approve the consent agenda (Approved), as follows: Minutes of the June Meeting Docket The Presbytery of Ohio Valley Docket for Assembly: September 13, 2014 Dale Presbyterian Church - Dale, Indiana Elder Judy Holy, Moderator Rev. Lawrence Jackman, Stated Clerk Call to Order and to Worship and Proclamation of the Word Dedication of the Micah Center Declaration of a Quorum, Seating of Corresponding Members, introductions Welcome from the Host Pastor Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes of June Meeting, Docket, Report of the Stated Clerk, Treasurer s Report Report of Commissioners to General Assembly Report of the Administrative Commissions (10 minutes) Lunch Speak Out Session Committee on Ministry POV Academy Committee Report of Mission Partnerships Work Group Report of the Stewardship Work Group Mission Council Report of the Stated Clerk Report of the Executive Presbyter New Business

8 Prayers of the Presbytery Offering Celebration of the Lord's Supper Clerk s Report - The Rev. Lawrence Jackman Rev. James H. Jim Brown died on June 26, Jim is fondly remembered as a long-time member of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley. He was pastor emeritus of the Jeffersonville church. He was 86 years old. Jim served in ministry in KY, IN, MO, D.C., and OH. His last pastorate was in Jeffersonville, IN. During his pastorate he mentored numerous student pastors, a role he loved. Later he mentored students training as lay pastors. Wherever he was, he was active in churches and civic boards, and he had a special passion for ecumenical, interfaith, and interracial work. Among numerous awards, he holds the N.A.A.C.P. Heritage Award, one from the 200 Jeffersonville Bicentennial Best, a Citation in Recognition of Outstanding Service to the WHAS Crusade for Children, on whose board he served over 30 years. He was on The Moral Side of the News, and a Distinguished Alumnus of the Louisville Seminary. Even Jim s vocal tones spoke of a soft and genteel southern gentleman with a passion for all people. His commitment to justice and all humanity was strong and was never subordinated. Rev. J. Marshall Guthrie died at his home in rural Jefferson County on July 17, Marshall served as pastor of the Charlestown Community Church from 1975 till He returned to the presbytery in retirement in 1989 and served the Graham Church for four years. That tenure completed his pastoral ministry and he, along with his wife Lillian, spent the recent years in the area near Jefferson Church where Marshall was a long time Moderator of Session. He was 90 years old in June of this year. Marshall was a missionary in Brazil for some time. He and his brother Franc were the lesser known clergy brothers from Wright City, Missouri. The more famous ones were the Niebuhr brothers Richard and Reinhold. Services will be held at the Jefferson Church on August 30. His burial will be overlooking the church in which he was ordained Old Auxvasse Presbyterian Church near Kingdom City, Missouri. Resignations Monica Gould Rachel Pedersen Michelle Bartel Murray Thompson Resigned from Council, COM and the Charlestown Administrative Commission. Monica is being dismissed to the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia. Resigned from Council, Youth Ministry, and the Charlestown AC. Rachel is being dismissed to the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Resigned from Council. Resigned as Commissioner to Synod due to his retirement move.

9 Overtures from GA 221 The 221 st General Assembly in Detroit has sent to the Presbyteries a shorter than normal list of potential changes to the Book of Order. There is one proposed change to the Book of Confessions which is adding the Confession of Belhar to the book. This will require a 2/3 vote of the presbyteries to make the addition. Six overtures will require a majority of the presbyteries to be enacted. Those are: Item G Renunciation of Jurisdiction Item G Minimum of Operating Sessions and Teaching Elders in Pby Item G and G , Preparation for Ministry Process Item (2) G , Interreligious Stance Item G , PCUSA to Adopt a Child/Youth Protection Policy Item W , Marriage Full text of the overtures is found and can be downloaded by going to the following: Statistical Report Reflections -- For purposes of this report our congregations have been divided into three groups each representing a range of membership. The report features a single congregation in the median range of each group. Spencer Bethany - Richard Poff, Commissioned Ruling Elder, Pastor 20 members. 60 to 70% of the members are in worship each Sunday. The program of the church is primarily worship. There is an active ministry serving the hunger issues in their county. The church is served by a Commissioned Ruling Elder. The building is in open country. No particular gains of losses were recorded by this congregation. It is a stable group that fits in with Amish neighbors in many ways. Washington Westminster -Cheryl Thorne, Teaching Elder, Pastor 52 members. Westminster Church has 67% of its membership present on any given Sunday. The program of the church has much to do with worship. There are very serious efforts underway to intensify this strong element by modernizing and improvement in technology. There is a radical redesign underway that move toward the community in multiple ways. An interesting feature is that, if anything, the church is older than some in membership. Yet those older persons are ready to move church into the present. Per capita income for the church is quite high in this congregation. The church is stable in income, worship attendance and membership. Newburg -Kathleen Fox, Teaching Elder, Pastor 126 members. 56% of the members are in worship each Sunday. The congregation is mission focused. The Strawberry Festival every year contributes to mission fundraising. Christian Education is a point of pride for the congregation. They are involved in mission by sponsoring a child from Haiti, shallow wells program, medical missions. A special choir supporting and featuring impoverished children as singers. Members founded the start of the County Habitat. The church supports a rescue mission. VBS serves both the church and the community. The building is perhaps the most beautiful settings in our Presbytery. It overlooks the Ohio River in Newburg. The church show very slight membership loss during the past year. (One and a half percent)

10 Dismissal of Monroe City Administrative Commission The Administrative Commission assigned to the task of assisting the Monroe City New Covenant Church as it formally dissolved and transformed into a community based ministry of social and spiritual witness has completed its task. The AC is dismissed with the appreciation of the Presbytery for faithful pastoral work. Treasurer s Report -Elder Jean Brown Presbytery of Ohio Valley, Inc. Condensed Statement of Revenues and Expenses (Actual vs Budget) January 1 through July 31, 2014 Jan July 2014 Annual Actual Budget Revenue Per Capita $ 134,766 $ 192,170 Shared Giving (Unified Mission) 40, ,000 Contributions 1,849 7,000 Unrestricted Invest Inc & Trans 41,500 83, , ,170 Expense Staff Expense 128, ,165 Ecclesial Expense 54,787 81,132 Meeting Expense 5,406 13,300 Administration & Office Expense 19,317 34,000 Program Expense 21,644 35,536 Geographic Region Expense 1,982 4,000 Task Force Funding 628 5,000 Total Expense 232, ,133 Net Surplus/(Deficit) $ (13,899) $ 37 Fund Balances As of April 30, 2014 Church Legacy Funds $ 661,744 Monroe City Fund $ 139,181 Brown Trust 277,557 Restricted Funds (Specific Use) 27,103 Undesignated Net Assets 1,081,115 $ 2,186,700

11 2014 Per Capita Received 2014 as of % Members Per Capita 9/3/2014 Paid Bedford First 123 $ 3, $ 3, % Bloomfield First 74 2, , % Bloomington First , , % Bloomington United 74 2, , % Boonville Hemenway Memorial 111 3, , % Brazil First 304 8, , % Brownstown Brownstown 90 2, % Canaan Jefferson % Cayuga Cayuga 43 1, , % Central Valley City % Charlestown Community 85 2, % Clarksville Grace % Clinton United 54 1, % Columbus Fairlawn 168 4, , % Columbus First , , % Corydon Corydon 150 4, , % Dale Dale 57 1, , % Elizabeth Church of the Covenant 45 1, , % Evansville Eastminster , , % Evansville First 294 8, , % Evansville First Avenue % Evansville Immanuel % Evansville Parke Memorial % Evansville Westminster % Farmersburg First % Fort Branch First 72 2, % Grammer Grammer % Greencastle Greencastle 103 3, , % Hanover Hanover 76 2, , % Henryville Community 42 1, , % Henryville Mount Lebanon % Jasonville Howesville % Jasper First % Jeffersonville First 234 6, , % Laconia Rehoboth 47 1, , % Laconia United % Leavenworth Community 72 2, % Lexington Lexington % Livonia United 53 1, , % Madison Madison 124 3, , % Madison Smyrna-Monroe % Martinsville First 127 3, % Mitchell Mitchell 94 2, , % Montezuma First % Mount Vernon First 65 1, , % Nabb Nabb %

12 Nashville Brn County Fellowship 39 1, , % New Albany Mount Tabor 109 3, , % New Albany St. John United 162 4, , % New Washington Trinity United 42 1, , % Newburgh Newburgh 126 3, % North Vernon Graham % Paoli First 41 1, % Patoka Patoka % Patoka Union Bethel % Petersburg Main Street 66 1, , % Princeton Fairview 60 1, , % Princeton First 70 2, % Princeton United 49 1, , % Roachdale Roachdale 44 1, , % Rockville Memorial 49 1, , % Salem Salem 79 2, , % Scipio United 75 2, , % Scottsburg First 60 1, % Seymour First 141 4, , % Spencer Bethany % Spencer Spencer 86 2, , % Sullivan First 114 3, , % Terre Haute Central 232 6, , % Terre Haute Unity 117 3, , % Vernon Vernon % Vevay Caledonia % Vincennes Bethany % Vincennes Indiana 123 3, % Vincennes Royal Oak % Vincennes Southside % Vincennes Upper Indiana 109 3, , % Washington Westminster 52 1, % POV Shared Mission $192, $143, % Received as of Pledged 9/3/2014 Bedford First Bloomfield First Bloomington First 8,738 Bloomington United Boonville Hemenway Memorial 50 Brazil First 625 Brownstown Brownstown Canaan Jefferson Cayuga Cayuga Central Valley City Charlestown Community

13 POV Shared Mission 2014 Received as of Pledged 9/3/2014 Clarksville Grace 1,120 Clinton United 375 Columbus Fairlawn 3,150 1,181 Columbus First 13,887 Corydon Corydon 1,750 Dale Dale Elizabeth Church of the Covenant Evansville Eastminster 2,625 Evansville First 5,000 Evansville First Avenue Evansville Immanuel 180 Evansville Parke Memorial Evansville Westminster Farmersburg First Fort Branch First 750 Grammer Grammer 375 Greencastle Greencastle Hanover Hanover 1,500 Henryville Community Henryville Mount Lebanon Jasonville Howesville Jasper First Jeffersonville First 1,250 Laconia Rehoboth Laconia United Leavenworth Community Lexington Lexington Livonia United Madison Madison Madison Smyrna-Monroe Martinsville First Mitchell Mitchell Montezuma First 250 Mount Vernon First 1,425 Nabb Nabb 250 Nashville Brn County Fellowship New Albany Mount Tabor New Albany St. John United New Washington Trinity United Newburgh Newburgh North Vernon Graham Paoli First Patoka Patoka Patoka Union Bethel Petersburg Main Street 2,250

14 POV Shared Mission 2014 Received as of Pledged 9/3/2014 Princeton Fairview Princeton First Princeton United 678 Roachdale Roachdale Rockville Memorial Salem Salem Scipio United 399 Scottsburg First 1,288 Seymour First Spencer Bethany Spencer Spencer Sullivan First Terre Haute Central 6,667 Terre Haute Unity Vernon Vernon Vevay Caledonia Vincennes Bethany Vincennes Indiana Vincennes Royal Oak 100 Vincennes Southside Vincennes Upper Indiana Washington Westminster 2,400 3,650 55,362 Report of Commissioners to General Assembly Rev. Alan Finnan was introduced and presented his report on his attendance at the 221 st General Assembly. It was m/s/c to include a written copy of his report in these minutes. It is as follows: General Assembly 2014 I begin by thanking you for the privilege it has been to have served our Presbytery and you as a commissioner to the 221 st General Assembly in Detroit. I now have one simple request. Please don t let me hear anyone refer to the decisions of our General Assembly as decisions they made. As members of PCUSA, there is no they in the General Assembly. It s we, not they! We re in this together and have had and will have opportunity to speak our mind and share our opinions on nearly all matters from the mundane to the controversial. I served on the General Assembly Procedures Committee. We dealt with everything from recommendations regarding childcare at future General Assemblies to setting the Per Capita figure for the next two years. On the positive side, it wasn t as boring as it may sound. We engaged in many lively discussions and worked hard as a team to get through all of the items assigned to our committee. Respect and professionalism ruled the day. As I considered going to General Assembly as a Commissioner, I wasn t sure what to expect. What I encountered, was an incredible gathering of Christians from every point of view across the full spectrum of the Christian faith. I can safely say that I talked, prayed, argued, agreed, discussed, disagreed, and worshipped with a wide range of Christians who held many differing theological, political, and sociological perspectives than mine.

15 If I were to use the left-right analogy, to describe some of the people I met, I would say, I met some who were so far theologically to the right that they touched the left, and others who were so far left that they touched the right, and still others who represented every other possible perspective in between. If you re listening carefully you ll recognize, what I have just described is not a line the poles of which get further and further apart, but rather a circle. I would enhance that image, and ask you to imagine a wide circle around an empty tomb with each of us looking into the place where Jesus once lay and asking ourselves two questions: What does this mean? and What should I do about it? We re individuals within a great denomination. Admittedly, we re not always on the same page as we answer those two questions, but if we ll listen to each other it s surprising what we might learn. For me the General Assembly was a fertile ground for listening. Last week a friend said to me, I just wish I wasn t embarrassed to tell people I m a Presbyterian. This soulful confession broke my heart and caused me to bristle at the same time. My observation is that we ve often let other people define us, and some of us have even begun to believe what they re saying. I encouraged my friend to take a look at our constitution and read Part 1: The Book of Confessions to answer the question of Who are we? and Part 2: The Book of Order to see How do we do business? The Book of Confessions documents the changing landscape of theological perspectives throughout the history of the church as we struggle with the challenge of remaining true to the Gospel and relevant in its proclamation from one generation to the next. Our confessions demonstrate that theology is not a stagnant discipline. The Book of Order, on the other hand, is a pragmatic work dedicated to maintaining a delicate balance between our various faith commitments and legal requirements placed upon an organization such as our denomination from within and without. The Book of Order, Part 2 of our constitution gives us the framework with which we are able to conduct our business at every level decently and in order. Facing the questions of identity and practice are not new to us. I am reminded of Jesus response when asked, What s the greatest commandment of all? Jesus reply was a short two part answer. Part 1, Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. That pretty well defines who we are. Part 2, Love your neighbor as yourself. That pretty well tells us how we are to do business. As members of the PCUSA, we are above all, a deeply committed diverse group of Christians. In Detroit, I broke bread with people who take seriously the Lordship of Jesus the Christ, the teachings of scripture and role of the Holy Spirit as interpreter, comforter, and guide. Over and over again, we encouraged one another to seek the leading of the Spirit. That seeking was encouraged in every decision made and every vote cast. Today I stand before a group no less diverse. Our diversity and commitment to the Risen Christ is our strength and really defines us. I have the utmost confidence in any group of people that are courageous enough to allow the Holy Spirit to have its way. Many years ago, the Reformation burst onto the scene with a commitment to conscience informed by scripture and led by the Holy Spirit as a foundational/core value. Within PCUSA, that commitment continues today and that being so, I acknowledge the possibility that the Holy Spirit can lead individuals in one direction and the overall body in another. When led by the Holy Spirit, such diversity encourages healthy debate, vitality and growth that keeps us relevant as individuals, churches, and larger bodies within the PCUSA framework. As a commissioner, I understood that it was my responsibility to vote my conscience as informed by my understanding of scripture and led by the Holy Spirit. As God is my witness, that s exactly what I did. I m confident, even though there were many times my vote did not fall within the majority, that the votes cast represented God s will for the larger body of our denomination for our time. Please don t hear me encouraging that we docilely rubberstamp every decision made at the General Assembly. Actually, I m saying quite the opposite. Personally, I would encourage

16 spirited, Spirit filled debate as we search in our local churches, Presbytery, Synod, and ultimately PCUSA itself for God s leading for us today. Without apology, here are my reflections and observations from the 221 st General Assembly: We (PCUSA) are a diverse group united in our love for Jesus Christ. We know how to worship (Diversity again is evident). There is a wide range of scriptural approaches and understanding among our membership. We are not easily described as conservative or liberal, we are both, often at the same time. There is a greater political element to the process than I realized (Both from the perspective of the Denomination as well as on the World Stage). Occasionally, we appear to spend (perhaps even waste) an amazing amount of time discussing things that don t matter to me, but they re obviously important to some of our members, so I respect that and expect that others would do the same for me. There are other times that we spend an inordinate amount of time on issues or questions the answers to which seem obvious to me. I come away with a deep sense that we (PCUSA) are a diverse committed (committed/not perfect) Christian people seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit in a world where black and white issues are fewer every day. I m saddened to think that in many peoples mind, the 221 st General Assembly will be defined solely by the definition of Marriage/Civil Union issue, Gun Rights questions, and/or the divestment of church funds from three American companies cited for profiting from the oppression of Palestinians within Israel s occupied territories. So much more went on than what was captured in the news headlines, stories and reports. My hope and prayer for us moving forward, is that we as a Presbytery will continue with all of the spirited, Spirit led debates we can handle while remembering, understanding and emphasizing the reality that what we have in common is greater than all our differences. In the silence and quietness between our discussions we need to listen for the still small voice of God. In these moments of silence God is often speaking the loudest. Let s covenant together to listen as well as speak. Again I thank you for the privilege it has been to have served as your Commissioner to the 221 st General Assembly. Peace Alan Finnan Elder Phil Newton submitted the following written report: Report to Presbytery on GA221 This report will attempt to capture the highlights of my experience at GA221. As I reflect on my eight days spent with hundreds of commissioners and Youth Delegates from across the country and the world, all with various backgrounds and beliefs, I can say this was an experience that I could not have even imagined prior to attending this event. During our time together in the assembly and in the individual committees we were assigned, it was evident that there were many strong opinions on some of the key issues along with some strong emotional feelings. However, there was a sense of purpose and a respect that I was not sure I would see with regards to some of the major social issues that were being debated. The first order of business was to elect a new Moderator and Vice Moderator. There were six candidates total for Moderator and Vice Moderator; these candidates had an opportunity on

17 Saturday to present themselves in an open forum to the commissioners and visitors to the General Assembly. On Saturday night the GA commissioners and Youth Advocate Delegates had an opportunity to hear the candidates again and then the vote was taken. It was interesting to me that the Youth Advocates hand vote showed strong support for Elder Heath Rada and Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia. These two candidates definitely had a strong connection with the young people of our denomination and when the Assembly voted, the opinion of the commissioners was the same. There was overwhelming support for Elder Heath Rada for Moderator and Reverend Larissa Kwong Abazia for Vice Moderator from the commissioners and they were elected on the first ballot. Mr. Rada won on the first ballot earning 331 votes (52 percent) compared to 157 votes (25 percent) to the next highest vote obtainer, Rev. John Wilkinson. On Sunday, one of the highlights for me was to worship with an African American church in the inner city of Detroit. I am not sure why God led me to select this church to worship with however, I must say it was an experience that I will remember for many years to come. This was a small congregation, not dissimilar from many of our congregations in this presbytery. But like our smaller congregations, there was a feeling of purpose and commitment to serving those in their neighborhood exuding from this congregation. You could feel the Holy Spirit at work in this congregation and their willingness to share with us and eat with us was a time enjoyed by all. The first thing we did as we arrived and departed from the bus was to walk the neighborhood. We were greeted by some of those who were working in their yards and also by a Congregational Community Church who came out of their church to greet us. When we arrived back at the church, we were greeted by the Catholic Priest in the church pulpit; he and the other two ministers in this area walk the neighborhood every Tuesday, rain or shine, to talk with people and offer hope and prayer for the people. I served on the Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee and I felt this was going to be a real troublesome time for me personally and one filled with a lot of drama and wrangling. There was some of both however the moderator, Rev. Jeff Bridgeman and Vice Moderator, Rebecca Tollesfson, were excellent leaders who kept the group on task and focused on doing the work we had been called to accomplish. The time allotted for this process was two days and I felt the last day would be long into the night; by noon on the second day we still had a lot of ground to cover and I felt we would be meeting late into the night we actually finished by 4:30 p.m. on the second day. Remarkable! This was due to the great leadership on the part of the Moderator and Vice Moderator to keep this moving forward. One of my committee members shared with me there was a twitter remark from an observer in the audience that felt they must be experiencing a story from Lake Woebegone Garrison Keillor s fictional home, where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average! Yes, there were strong opinions voiced by both sides of the discussion, but there was respect and understanding shown by all there was an understanding that we had been called to do the work of this committee and we needed to accomplish that task.

18 During the time of the GA, we as a body gathered to pray, worship, discuss key issues, agree and disagree and then vote. During this time you see many emotions laughter, heated discussions and weeping, but at the end, it all seems to work out. Did everyone leave happy no I am sure they weren t but there was a sense of accomplishment felt by all; possibly all for the sake of some perceived greater good. In my reflections back to those eight days in June, I was taken back at how political this event was. We are not easily described as conservative or liberal; we are both, often at the same time. However, far more progressive than I ever realized; this was evident to me by how much time we spent discussing the social issues that are prevalent in our society today. For me, it seems we have embraced the standards and norms of society at large, specifically the practice of politics. At times it appeared to me that we spent an amazing amount of time discussing things that don t matter to me, but they re obviously important to some of our people, so you listen to see if you can bring anything out of these discussions that would impact your decisions. One of the disappointing issues for me was to learn from some of the other delegates, especially from one of the Youth Advocate Delegates I spoke with, that in some of their committees discussions there was a definite agenda and if you questioned that agenda you were pretty much shut down. I did not find this in the committee I served on but I did hear it coming from people who worked on the divestment issue regarding Israel and Palestine. Another matter that I am still reflecting on and studying deals with the Authoritative Interpretation on the Civil Union AI which was noted as being in conflict with the constitution. During the debate on the floor of the AI, a point of order was raised when the AI was moved for approval at the General Assembly. The point of order was that the proposed AI violated Robert s Rules of Order because it violated our constitution and therefore could not be considered. The Stated Clerk called on the ACC for clarity and the ACC stated that an AI could be in conflict with the constitution, meaning it was O.K. to proceed with the vote. In our committee discussions, this was also brought out and some referred to the AI that allowed women to become ordained ministers as also being in conflict with the constitution therefore it was their opinion, that precedence had already been established. Whether one stands for or against same-sex marriage, this matter seems to raise serious concern that affects the fundamental health and future of our denomination. It seems to me in matters such as this, the emphasis in preparing, advocating and presenting matters has shifted from seeking the will of God to winning. The fallout is that the in-depth and thorough discussion of the questions such as this is bypassed by the use of parliamentary, judicial and processes to win. This is the reason I supported the Minority Opinion coming out of our committee. I felt there needed to be more time spent with a diverse group by appointing a task force to study this matter for two years. The will of the people voted 372 to 237 against this Minority Opinion. What concerns me as a Presbyterian and one who has worked on committees in our Presbytery and the local church, when we depart from the procedures that are designed to ensure transparency and fairness, procedures to allow full and comprehensive discussion and debate, are we leaving our heritage and moving towards decisions based on the worlds views versus what

19 God has shared to us through his written word and our Book of Order and the Constitution. It would seem to me this process has worked well over the years and that procedures work when people are open to hearing the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit whispered in the midst of discussion and debate. The Assembly like its Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues, was careful to protect the consciences of pastor s on both sides of each of the major issues before the Assembly. In addition to the protective language at the conclusion of the authoritative interpretation, the Assembly included a clause in the proposed amendment stating: Nothing herein shall compel a teaching elder to perform nor compel a session to authorize the use of church property for a marriage service that the teaching elder or the session believes is contrary to the T.E or session s discernment of the Holy Spirit and their understanding of the Word of God. So where do we go now that GA221 is over and in the books. A plurality vote in a General Assembly does not mean a plurality enthusiasm back in the local church. So, there is still a lot of time for reflection and prayer that needs to take place over the next few months prior to the vote in our Presbytery on the Amendment to the Book of Order to come sometime after the first of the year. During a time when we see many of our churches in this denomination leaving for various reasons at an alarming rate, we need to reflect on what is God s purpose for us as believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Are we spending too much time on dealing with the worldly issues and not enough emphasis being put on bringing the Good News of God s saving grace through his son Jesus Christ to the lost souls in our communities? Throughout the Bible, we have seen man struggling with God over issues that were pertinent to them during their time; Jacob wrestled with God prior to meeting up with his brother Esau, because of his fear of what Esau was going to do to him. So as I continue to reflect and struggle with some of the decisions coming from GA221, I look to the prayer in which Martin Luther made it very clear that it is our responsibility to defend that which the world is explicitly rejecting when he prayed, I cannot choose but adhere to the word of God, which has possession of my conscience; nor can I possibly, nor will I ever make any recantation, since it is neither safe nor honest to act contrary to conscience! Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God! Amen. Respectfully submitted, Philip S. Newton Presbytery Commissioner Representative of Fairlawn Presbyterian Church And Commissioner to GA 221 Report of the Administrative Commissions The Olivet Church Administrative Commission Rev. Lant Davis, Moderator

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23 The Charlestown Community Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission Rev. Eric Erickson, Moderator September 13, Our numbers are reduced by the resignations of Rachel Pedersen and Monica Gould, whom we will miss and whose service we have valued greatly. Remaining members of the Commission are Mike Beaver, Paul Kelleher, Joe Kimmel, and Eric Erickson, with the great staff aid of Susan McGhee and Larry Jackman. 2. The work in Charlestown continues to go well. Those who have withdrawn have done so peaceably, and those who remain are carrying on admirably, and have added a few new members and folks who are returning from lengthy periods of inactivity. 3. Since I last reported to you we have approved and completed the re-roofing of the building. The project cost a little over $20,000, $15,000 of which was funded by the Smock Foundation with money previously approved for a roof/cover for the church s main entrance. 4. The church has begun a diaper ministry and has had several intramural activities that were well attended and successful. In addition, the congregation has chosen members to consult with appropriate Presbytery persons on options for the future. 5. We have made decisions on insurance, phone/digital service, etc., which will result in considerable savings to the church. Decisions lie ahead regarding the church van, electrical work on the building, office coverage, etc. Lunch The Assembly enjoyed a tasty country lunch and wonderful fellowship in the new Micah Center. Speak Out Session Susan McGhee Presented a table of peanut butter and jelly as her Merry Christmas 2014 Jo Lucas Advent brochures, Israel things available Anne Marshall Presenting a teaching on Reformed Worship at the Lay Academy Wendy McCormick Center for Congregations and programs and grants available Beth Walden-Fisher Grants for her church from the Center for Congregations Larry Langer Presentation during lunch of a piece of art created from a part of the Monroe City Church by Michael, an artist from the Dale Church Martha FrizLanger Grants and Renewal Grants and how to obtain them Tim Jessen The new Hymnal, Glory to God, and how funding a hymnal is easy Barbara Snyder The Washington Westminster church and their 200 th celebration Committee on Ministry Report - The Rev. Deborah Fortel, Moderator Summary of COM Actions, May 18, 2014 through August 9, 2014: FOR INFORMATION: At the August 9, 2014 meeting, the Committee on Ministry took the following actions: 1. Approved the minutes of the May 17, 2014 stated COM meeting. 2. Confirmed E-Votes since the last COM meeting 3. Contract Report:

24 A. Trinity Presbyterian Church of New Washington and Tammy Schmidt serving as Extended Pulpit Supply. Duties include: 1. Lead worship and preach 8 Sundays. 2. Provide an order of worship in a timely manner to church member or secretary who prepares the bulletin. 3. Pray for the Church. 4. Other Pastoral duties. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 6/8/14 Thru 8/17/14 Sunday Services $100/wk $30 /hr pastoral serv. n/a Vch.IRS rate n/a n/a n/a n/a OK B. Grace Presbyterian Church of Clarksville and Rev. Charlie Pye serving as Stated Supply Pastor. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 1/1/14 to 1/8 time $6,000 n/a Vch.IRS n/a n/a $400 n/a OK 12/31/14 5 hrs/wk annually rate BOP dues shared with a second call as calculated by the BOP. C. Community Presbytery Church of Charlestown and Rev. Richard King serving as Extended Pulpit Supply. Duties include: 1. Lead Sunday worship weekly. 2. Provide sacraments. 3. Other Pastoral duties. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 7/6/14 to 12/31/14 Sunday Services $100/wk $30 /hr pastoral serv. n/a Vch.IRS rate n/a n/a n/a n/a OK D. Brown County Presbytery Church of Nashville and Rev. Dr. Scott Seay serving as Ecumenical Supply. Duties include: 1. Lead Sunday worship weekly. 2. Provide sacraments. 3. Other Pastoral duties. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 5/15/14 to 5/14/ hrs/wk $24, n/a Vch.IRS rate Budgeted for $5,100 2 Weeks incl. 2 Sundays 1 month incl. 4 Sundays Pastor has retirement through his full-time employment at Christian Theological Seminary. $800 n/a OK E. Mt. Lebanon and Henryville Community and Rev. Alex Becker serving as Stated Supply Pastor. Period Hrs./wk Salary Housing Auto Mi. Study L Pd.Vac Cont.Ed. Pension 7/1/14 to 20 $2, n/a Vch.IRS n/a n/a $135 Qualifies 8/18/14 hrs/wk rate for BOP Also includes $227 Social Security Offset. (NOTE: Rev Becker has accepted a call as pastor of a congregation in Pennsylvania. OK 4. The Committee heard the report of the Sustainability Task Force and agreed to use the forms developed by the Task Force when congregations are seeking a new pastoral leader, when a congregation seeks a waiver from minimum compensation standards, and

25 at other times when a more careful analysis of the congregation s ministry is likely to be helpful. 5. Voted to a. dissolve the pastoral relationship between Rev. Monica Gould and First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Vernon, effective August 10, 2014, and to dismiss Rev. Gould to the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia b. dissolve the associate pastoral relationship between Rev. Rachel Pedersen and First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, effective August 10, 2014 and to dismiss Rev. Pederson to the Philadelphia Presbytery c. approve the completion of Rev. Alex Becker s contract with the Mt. Lebanon and Henryville Community churches effective August 19, 2014, and dismiss him to the Presbytery of Lackawanna. d. dissolve the commission of Ruling Elder Mike Beaver to pastoral service in and for the Nabb Presbyterian Church because of his retirement. e. dissolve the pastoral relationship between Rev. Murray Thompson and the First Presbyterian Church, Bloomfield, effective September 1, Prayed for the following congregations and their pastoral leaders and for the following teaching elders: Hemenway Memorial and Moderator Rev. Dennis Davenport; First in Seymour and Rev. John Erickson; Mt. Lebanon and Rev. Alex Becker; Howesville and Clerk of Session Elder Lorene Pell; Jasper and Moderator Rev. Kevin Fleming; First in Jeffersonville and Rev. Don Summerfield; Rev. Eric Erickson; Rev. Norie Erickson; Rev. Dean Finley; Rev. Deborah Fortel; and, Rev. Randall Frost FOR ACTION: 7. The Committee on Ministry recommends that the Presbytery of Ohio Valley confer upon the Rev. Murray Thompson the designation Honorably Retired, effective September 1, The motion carried. POV Academy Committee Elder Barbara Synder At the POVAC meeting held at the Mitchell church on July 10, plans were made for completing the certification process for potential Commission Ruling Elders as students complete their studies. We also continued planning for the POV Academy, and the following details have been finalized. Worship in the Reformed Tradition Instructor Rev. Anne Marshall January Camp Pyoca Registration forms available now at assembly and on POV website Spiritual Formation Retreat Rev. Dr. Martha FrizLanger and Rev. Wes Kendall March St. Meinrad Archabbey and Retreat Center This will be an experiential time of worship and also a time of learning about how we can support the spiritual formation of our congregants. This retreat will not only be about