July 26-16 - Beaver

Transcription

July 26-16 - Beaver

REPORTS
TO
BEAVER-BUTLER
PRESBYTERY
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
North Sewickley Presbyterian Church
106 Chapel Drive
Ellwood City, PA 16117
Interim Pastor: Rev. Dr. Judy Angleberger
Business Meeting
6:00 PM
OFFICERS OF THE PRESBYTERY
Moderator: …………………...….
Vice Moderator: …………………
Coordinating Team Chair: …….
Stated Clerk: …………………….
Treasurer: ………………………..
Asst. Stated Clerk: ……………..
Rev. Dr. Mary Kitchen
Elder Tom McMeekin
Rev. Randall Clow
Rev. David D. Byers
Elder James Gray
Rev. Dennis Burnett
Directions to: North Sewickley Presbyterian Church
106 Chapel Drive (located at the intersection of Route 65 and Chapel Dr.)
Ellwood City, PA 16117
(724) 752-1272
From Beaver: Follow Route 65 north approximately 4 miles out of New Brighton to the junction of
Route 588 and Route 65 (traffic light in North Sewickley Twp.). Continue on Route 65 north for 3.4 miles.
Turn right onto Chapel Drive and North Sewickley Presbyterian Church is immediately on your right.
From Butler and Zelienople: Follow Route 68 to Route 19. Turn Left onto Route 19 south into
Zelienople. Turn right at the first light on to Route 288 west. Follow .8 mile. Bear Left onto Route 588
West. Follow 4 miles. Stay straight onto Chapel Drive (Lake Forest Nursery). Follow Chapel Drive 3.7
miles to North Sewickley Presbyterian Church.
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“A Caring and Growing Church Family”
On August 6, 1846 a group of men and women met under an old oak tree located near
the North Sewickley Cemetery on Chapel Drive, and officially organized the North
Sewickley Presbyterian Church.
Native timber for the building was felled and cut into finished lumber at a local saw mill.
Workers hand planed the flooring and finish boards, one-piece beams made the building
support.
In May of 1934, to increase building space, the men of the church used teams of horses,
tractors, scoops and shovels to remove dirt from under the church to create a basement.
A belfry was added to the building, and the bell was joyously rung for the first time in
1938.
Continuing to outgrow the facility, a committee was formed in the fifties to consider the
options of enlarging the existing building. The committee advised against modifying the
original structure, and instead recommended purchasing property and moving to
another site. This resulted in the purchase of slightly over eight acres from the
Connoquenessing Country Club, and on March 11, 1961, ground was broken for the
present worship location of the North Sewickley Presbyterian Church family.
September 25, 1961 marks the date that the cornerstone was laid, and on November 4,
1962 the congregation celebrated their first worship at the new location. The building
was dedicated in March 1963, and remarkably, the mortgage was burned only eleven
years later in November of 1974.
Ground was broken in 1977 for the current manse, 131 years to the day of the signing of
the original church charter. Within a year, the congregation’s Pastor and his family
moved into the new manse.
The authentic bell from the first building was installed on the present church grounds in
August 1988. In 1993, a picnic pavilion was erected in the woods of the church property,
and many fine experiences have been shared in a pavilion whose roots sprouted from a
faithful few of Christ’s followers under an old oak tree.
During the 2000s several projects led to a gabled roof over the Christian Ed building,
new windows, accessible bathrooms and re configured office space. The sanctuary and
offices were air-conditioned. Our parking lot was paved and lined to add convenience.
Our latest capital campaign and building project started in 2014. It involves a new
entryway and reception/gathering area. A completely accessible entrance was added
below with a full size elevator. A new kitchen is in the works.
This history of our building is interesting but the Lord has used the folks who worship
here for a lot more. We support each other, and our community. Once a month we
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have “food Sunday” where we supply groceries to needy families. We help the Pine
Valley camp, down the road that ministers to inner city children from the Pittsburgh
area. Each year there is a large rummage sale to raise funds for local causes. Members
give their time and money to various other community organizations.
North Sewickley not only supports mission through our Presbytery and PCUSA, we
partner with Christians in Miraj, India, and South Africa. Members have gone on
mission trips (14+) to these locations, as well as PDA missions in the USA. Several of
our members have created a non profit group that does building work in Africa for
different missions there. They are always looking for projects and volunteers.
NSPC is currently led by our interim Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Judy Angleberger. She has
been with us for over a year as we go through another transition in our life. In addition
to the regular interim responsibilities, she has been extremely helpful in the building
process this last year. A PNC is working to find our next full time pastor.
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The Reverend Dr. Judy A. Angleberger
The Reverend Dr. Judy A. Angleberger, H.R. is interim pastor of the North Sewickley
Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City, PA. She served as the pastor of the Steffin Hill
Presbyterian Church for 15 ½ years prior to retirement. She is a graduate of Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary where she worked following graduation as the Director for
Planned Giving and the Associate Director for Development. Judy also has a Master’s in
early and Middle Childhood Education from Ohio State University. She completed a
Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, in
cooperation with McCormick Theological Seminary.
Judy has been active in the Presbyterian Church, serving at all governing body levels.
She has served Beaver-Butler Presbytery twice as Moderator and as a member of the
Committee on Ministry and the Coordinating Team. She is currently a commissioner
from Beaver-Butler Presbytery to the Synod of the Trinity. She served on PC(USA)
General Assembly Council (now PMA) and served on the Committee on Ecumenical and
Interfaith Relations and she has chaired the International Ministries of the PC(USA).
She was elected on the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches and served
on the Public Issues Committee.
Rev. Dr. Angleberger lives in Beaver, PA with her husband, Rev. Dr. A. Gary
Angleberger, H.R. They have four children and eleven grandchildren. Judy and Gary
have restored a home built in the mid 1800’s. Judy enjoys her family, the theater,
travel, antiques, and gardening.
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BEAVER-BUTLER PRESBYTERY
Regular Meeting for Worship and Work
NORTH SEWICKLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
ELLWOOD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA
July 26, 2016
Prelude, Welcome, and Announcements:
Welcome from Presbytery and Host Church
Welcome for New Elders and Corresponding Members
Announcements
Ministry Partnership Unit
Youth Coordinator and Resource Center Director
Synod Commissioners
Items of Good News
Recognition of the GA commissioners and YAAD
Clerk’s announcement
pg. 1-4
pg. 21-29
“OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME…”
Seeking God in Prayer
Centering Prayer & Prayer of Blessing
Gathering Hymn
“There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit”
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PH-398 and C-391
“THY KINGDOM COME…”
Seeking God’s Kingdom Together:
Minute for Mission: PCUSA Mission Co-Worker Rev. Dr. Sharon Bryant
Scripture Reading
Psalm 46
Musical Reflection
“Blessed Assurance” (chorus PH-341 and C-572)
Presbytery Reflection & Discussions:
What did you hear from God in the Scripture and reflection?
Pastoral Prayer
Time of Fellowship
“THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN…”
Seeking as One to Discern and Do God’s Will:
Considerations & Matters:
Stated Clerk Considerations & Matters
Executive Presbyter Considerations & Matters
Coordinating Team Considerations & Matters
Omnibus receptions and approvals (Consent Agenda)
Receive the Recent Reports of the Coordinating Team, the Stated Clerk, the Treasurer, the Executive
Presbyter, and the Presbytery Moderators
pg. 30-33
Receive the minutes of the July 13, 2016 Coordinating Team meeting.
pg. 34-37
Receive the Minutes of the previous Presbytery meeting: May 24, 2016
pg. 38-48
Act upon the consent agenda motions of the Committee on Ministry
When the way be clear, to dismiss the Rev. Jennifer Haddox to ECO at her request.
To grant the Rev. Dan Callahan the status of honorably retired, effective August 31, 2016; and to transfer
his membership to Muskingum Valley Presbytery, effective September 10, 2016.
To change the Rev. Donna Yanosy’s contract as Designated Pastor for the Friendship Parish to become the
Designated Pastor of the Friendship Church, effective July 26, 2016, contingent upon the merger of the Wolf
Creek and Bethel Churches into the Friendship Church.
To approve the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between the Rev. Chris Noyes and First Church,
Beaver Falls, effective June 19, 2016.
To grant a waiver of rotation for Buffalo Presbyterian Church, to allow elder Virginia Shirey to serve an
additional three year term.
Confirm Leaders asked by CT to serve our Committees and Units
Granting voice to participating visitors
Resolution of Thanks to Host Church
Taizé Chant: Spirit of the Living God
Prayerful Discernment of Presbytery Matters
Actions from the Coordinating Team:
Accept the Offer Sheet for dismissal of the Meridian Church, Butler, if the way be clear
pg. 8-9
Act on recommendation of the Presbytery Meeting Task Force encouraging churches to elect elder
commissioners for 1-year terms beginning in September
pg. 10-11
Actions of the Committee on Ministry:
Examination of Rev. James Salyers for pastoral call and Presbytery membership
pg. 12-19
Setting Minimum Terms of Call for Certified Christian Educators
pg. 20
Actions of the Nominating and Representation Committee
Other matters of the Presbytery…?
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“GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS. LEAD US NOT
INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL…”
Responding to God’s Grace Together:
The Sacrament of Communion
Communion Anthem:
“At the Table”
“FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER. AMEN.”
Going in God’s Grace
Thank You to the Host Church
Sending Litany
Leader: Our Father, who art in heaven,
People: You have gathered us at this time and place to seek and to do Christ’s will.
Leader: We pray that we have hallowed Your name in our discussions and discernments.
People: More than our will, we ask that Thy will be done, here on earth just like it is in heaven.
Leader: Through the Holy Spirit, You have fed us with the bread of life and forgiven us of our sins.
People: And as we go from this place, may the kingdom and the power and the glory be Yours and
Yours alone, now and forever.
Leader: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be
with you all. All: Amen.
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TO: The Beaver Butler Coordinating Team and Presbytery
FROM: The Presbytery Meeting Task Force
DATE: June 18, 2016
RE: Encouraging churches to appoint ruling elders from their church to serve one-year terms
as commissioners to presbytery meetings.
Proposal:
•
That the presbytery adopt a policy encouraging churches to appoint ruling elder
commissioners from their church (whether active or inactive on their respective
sessions) to a one-year term to serve as “Presbytery Commissioner;” and that the terms
be from September of one year through July of the following year.
Reasoning:
•
•
•
•
•
This was suggested, but not officially proposed, as part of the previous Presbytery
Meeting Task Force’s 2014 proposal to change how presbytery meetings are conducted
to allow for a more prayerful and discerning way of meeting.
Both the original task force and the present task force recognize that the adoption of a
more discerning approach to meetings is a vast improvement over previous ways of
structuring meetings. Still a significant problem remains, which is that with ruling
elder commissioners often changing from meeting to meeting, new commissioners
often lack understanding of why the meetings are structured the way they are, why
issues are deliberated the way they are, and what the issues actually are. This lack of
consistency actually diminishes the ability of commissioners to take a more discerning
approach personally, and to benefit from the collective discernment by the entire body.
Generally, commissioners receive little to no training prior to meetings about the
processes and issues of the meeting, depending on what the church pastors offer in
preparing elder commissioners for presbytery meetings. Having elders serve a one-year
term would allow the presbytery to offer training prior to a term, helping ruling elders
understand the structure of the meetings, the emphasis on discerning prayer prior to
votes, and certain parliamentary procedures.
The way elders are chosen for meetings by their respective churches, where a different
elder can represent a church at each presbytery meeting, is the equivalent of sending
different ruling elders for each day of our bi-annual General Assembly meetings. We
send commissioners for a whole week so that they can thoroughly understand the
procedures and issues, but in presbyteries it’s often only the teaching elders who have
that consistent understanding.
Having the terms be from September of one year through July of the following year,
reflects the fact that issues often build through this time period. Serving one-year terms
would allow ruling elder commissioners to actually gain a greater understanding of the
issues being debated and voted upon, as well as allowing for more continuity between
meetings. When commissioners change with each meeting, they often are either not
available for first readings, or cannot follow up with votes on second readings. Thus, it
has generally been up to the pastors from their churches to update them, which can
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•
•
compromise their ability to vote on their own discernments rather than on a pastor’s
suggestions. One-year terms for commissioners would create continuity.
Each church could also choose an “alternate” Presbytery Commissioner for those times
when the regular Presbytery Commissioner would not be available. This would also
allow the alternate to receive training, and to have the regular Presbytery
Commissioner consistently update the alternate.
This proposal would also allow the presbytery to offer yearly training for new
commissioners in September, prior to the scheduled meeting, focusing on the purpose
of meetings, training for discernment, distributing a written “Meeting Guide,” and
address other issues that might be helpful for elder commissioners.
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Church Leadership Connection
The Call System for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Detailed Info for PIF #: 100025709.1
Professional ID:
100025709
Name:
James E Salyers
Phone:
(724)448-7324
Alternate Phone:
Fax:
E-Mail:
[email protected]
Address:
4901 Regent Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
Actively Seeking?:
Yes, Actively Seeking
Ecclesiastical Status:
Teaching Elder
Membership Presbytery: JAMES PRESBYTERY
Ordination Date:
11/3/2013
Formal Education:
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Pittsburgh, PA
Masters of Sacred Theology (STM)
September, 2012 – May, 2013
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Master of Divinity (M. Div.)
September, 2009 – May, 2012
Liberty Theological Seminary,
Lynchburgh, VA
Master of Divinity (M. Div.)
October, 2008 – May, 2009 (Transferred to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary)
Penn State University
New Kensington and Erie, PA
B. S. Buisness: Marketing and Management
September, 2000 – December, 2006
Continuing Education:
Clinical Pastoral Education
Shadyside Hospital UPMC
Certificate of Clinical Pastoral Education
September, 2012 – April, 201
Employment Type:
Full-time
Minimum Effective
Salary:
$45,000 / Year
Position Types and
Experience Level
Solo Pastor
0 to 2 Years
Head of Staff (Multi-Staff Pastor, who supervised
two or more teaching elders and other staff)
No Experience
Head of Staff (who supervised one teaching elder
and other staff)
No Experience
Associate Pastor (Other)
No Experience
Pastor (Transformation/Redevelopment)
No Experience
Co- Pastor
No Experience
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1/17/2016 7:53:39 PM
Campus Ministry
No Experience
Geographic Choices:
District of Columbia
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Geographically Limited to miles of
Languages:
English
Leadership
Competencies:
Preaching and Worship Leadership
Public Communicator
Advisor
Decision Making
Organizational Agility
Strategy and Vision
Collaboration
Interpersonal Engagement
Personal Resilience
Flexibility
Training / Certification:
Clinical Pastoral Education Training
Other Training:
Clergy Couple?
False
Past Experience:
Solo Pastor
Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church
Mechanicsville, VA
Mid size 143-154
Suburban
November, 2013 - Present
Chaplain Intern
Shadyside Presbyterian Hospital University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, PA
September, 2012 – April, 2013
Student Assistant Pastor (Intern)
Bull Creek United Presbyterian Church
Tarentum, PA
Mid Size, 200-220
Rural/Suburban
June, 2010 – June, 2012
Other Services:
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Nominations Committee
Presbytery of the James
2015
Mission Team to Israel/Palestinian Territories
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Shadyside Presbyterian Church
2012
Vice President Evangelical Student Fellowship
Pittsburgh, PA
2011-2012
Mission Team to China
Presbyterian Outreach Foundation
2010
Secretary Evangelical Student Fellowship
Pittsburgh, PA
2009-11
Cofounder of the Group Investigating God (G.I.G.) Club
Penn State University
New Kensington, PA
2004-2006
Ruling Elder
Pine Run Presbyterian Church
Apollo, PA
Installed from 2000-2006
Describe a moment in your recent ministry that you recognize as one of success and fulfillment.
I take the idea that homebound members and those no longer able to be fully active are still an important part of the
church very seriously. Many such members are still greatly involved through phone calls, sending cards, letters and (most
importantly) prayer. When I was a ruling elder I believed they deserved and needed attention as much if not more so than
those who are able to participate in the daily activities of the church. I would take time from work and activities to minister
to them. As pastor I have sought to involve the whole church in their lives.
With prayer I have helped lead the session, deacons and others into playing a greater part in the lives of our homebound
members and those who are sick, injured or recovering. Some other aspects of this ministry are: monthly communion,
monthly meals, visitation from all age groups inclusion in church discussions about various issues and proposals. Another
aspect of this ministry that is just beginning is doing small jobs around the home to help with things like changing light
bulbs, dusting, fixing a loose hinge and other small cleaning or repair tasks.
This brings comfort to our homebound members and helps them know they are part of the church. It also builds
connections across the age groups as the whole church gets involved providing for the older members who need help
and building up the younger members who are growing in their faith.
Describe the ministry setting to which you believe God is calling you.
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Holy God, I pray you would lead me to a people who desire to honor you the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May they seek
to further their own spiritual walk in faith guided by the Holy Spirit and your holy Word as they learn to love others as
Jesus Christ has loved them. In my service to you and them, I pray we will find the commonality of sisters and brothers of
Jesus while having open hearts and open arms to love the unloved and heal wounds of the world around us. Together
may we grow to be more like your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus each and every day. Amen
Such a church as I pray to find would be active or desiring to be active in worship, education, pastoral care/nurture and
mission/outreach. This church would understand that nurturing the church and reaching out to others with the Gospel are
both important activities of the Church. While a balance should be sought between the ministry to the church and the
ministry to the community, the ultimate goal should be to do all things in a way that captures the love of Jesus Christ and
glorifies God.
In such a place I would hope to find people open to new ideas and leadership while also having a willingness to be active
and serve alongside one another. Church is not a one person show but should be like a family as different people play
different roles and we all work together filled by the Spirit in the love of Jesus and mercy of the Father. In the end we
should ask God to grow our faith and help others come to know God.
What areas of growth have you identified in yourself?
My growth has been in a few specific areas. Perhaps the most obvious to others is my growth in preaching. In my current
call I have found the opportunity to explore a wide range of methods of preaching and types of sermons. This includes
scripture reading done in a more dramatic manner as well as using what I have learned in the course of years of theater
to make the sermon more engaging. This is not only for the regular sermon but for the children’s sermon as well where I
have used some of the same methods to get involvement and excitement from the children.
A less obvious area of growth is in my sense of who I am as a pastor in relationship to a congregation. Beyond the normal
understanding of being a guide, leader, comforter, friend, servant or a representative of the Church and God, I have
learned more about being a brother in Christ as a pastor. This has come through walking hand-in-hand with my
congregation through their lives. While I am all the things listed above, to be truly Christ-like and able to speak and act
with love and truth (even difficult truths) it has meant that I am to be a brother to them more often than not. I have been a
brother-leader, a brother in grief, a brother-servant, a brother of Christ reaching out to my sisters and brothers of Christ.
Whether I act as one who has authority or as a companion, I act as one who has been adopted by God through the death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Describe a time when you have led change.
The church I am serving has contemporary and traditional services. They had held both services in the summer causing a
sense of burnout in many musicians, vocalists and lay leaders as they participated in both services. After much prayer
and conversation the session and I felt led to unite the two services for the summer.
The challenge was balancing the important aspects of each service in a way that honored the two styles as well as the
people who attended each service.I insisted on input from both groups so that neither would feel they were being forced
into something but would know they were helping to create change that would meet their needs and ultimately honor
God.In addition I was careful to ensure that the contemporary music’s volume was adjusted to make sure that it would not
be a problem for our members with hearing issues while still keeping the style and feel that attracted the younger crowd.
I also felt called to use this time of blended worship to help the two congregations get to know one another because they
had been apart for so long that some people were complete strangers to one another. The blended service is now a well
liked service and people from both styles want more of it. It has also helped members build bridges across barriers
especially in terms of generations so that the congregation is more prepared to work together.
Optional Links:
Statement of Faith:
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James E. Salyers’ Statement of Faith
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I believe in Jesus Christ, who is fully both human and divine. He is the Son of the
Father, eternally begotten but not created, and equal with the Father and Spirit in every
way except he is the Son. Through his incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension, we
see and have the only true promise of salvation and reconciliation with God and others. In
the incarnation, God took on humanity and through humanity all of creation so that our
rebellion against God’s will might be overcome. Because of Jesus’ perfect sinlessness, a
full atonement was made so that, believing in him, we have eternal life due to the grace
and mercy of God. In his ascension, we see creation and creator reconciled as the fully
human and fully divine Christ is taken into heaven and given all authority as he is given
the name of the Lord assuring us of our forgiveness.
I believe in the Holy Spirit. Eternally breathed by the Father and sent by the Son,
the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and Son in every way except he is the Spirit. He is
sent that we may be filled, sustained and kept in Christ during his physical absence. The
Spirit brings understanding, encouragement, unity and correction to sustain us. The Spirit
also creates the unity of the Church with God and within the Church – a unity embodied
in the sacraments.
I believe in God the Father who is the creator of all that was, is and will be, equal
in every way with the Son and Spirit except he is the Father. It is to the Father that Jesus
ascended. It is the Father who has glorified the Son. Only through the Son are we able to
know the Father and only by knowing the Father through the Son are we offered
salvation, united in the Spirit and shown the grace and mercy of God even as we still sin
by rebelling against God’s will.
We who the Spirit calls into the Church become part of Christ’s body through
baptism and and are refreshed in that union through communion all by the power of God
and according to his grace and mercy. In both acts, our union with Christ and each other
is declared as is the salvation offered through Christ. It is only through God’s unmerited
favor that we who are fallen are saved from our rebellion against God’s will. It is only by
God’s power we are able to participate in both baptism and communion. None of our
efforts, institutions or philosophies can save us as they come from within the brokenness
of humanity. In baptism we are cleansed of our sins as we are united by the Holy Spirit to
Jesus and the Father, and also to each other as one community, one body, in Jesus. In
communion the Spirit connects us and renews our life in Christ. In communion we also
see that the Spirit deeply connects us to one another using the shared action of partaking
of the elements. In our sacraments, we experience the grace of God as we who still
struggle with sin, who resist God’s will, are united both to one another and to God. Even
as we wrestle with our shortcomings, we are made into the body of Christ – the
sacraments are acts of love, grace and mercy which reassure us that our salvation does
not rest on our actions but on the actions of God.
As Christ’s body, we are to preach the Gospel throughout the world in word and
deed. It is important that we give attention to both incarnational and spiritual preaching
because, just as Jesus was resurrected and ascended in his physical body, so will we be
resurrected in our physical bodies. Therefore, our response to the forgiveness of sins and
the promise of eternal life should care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of
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ourselves and others just as God, through Christ, cares for even the smallest of our
problems.
I believe that scripture is the authoritative Word of God. As such it is our
ultimate authority in all matters and we should strive to be in accord with it in all ways:
by what we say, think, write and do. In scripture we find the entirety of God’s revelation
and instruction for us. There is no other source of truth available. Only scripture has
been provided for our edification that we may understand God’s plan for our salvation as
well as explaining the principles by which we should live our lives. By the power of the
Holy Spirit was the revelation of scripture given to us through the biblical authors and by
the power of Holy Spirit is the meaning of the scripture fully understood. Nothing needs
to be added or subtracted to scripture and nothing is of greater authority or more useful
for our instruction, correction and guidance in all things and at all times.
I believe that the church is called to study the Word of God, to preach the Gospel
and to baptize those who God calls unto himself so that his love, grace and mercy may be
shown and shared with everyone regardless of their situation in life. While we are called
to be his agents in healing this world, we should recognize that only through God’s power
is healing and reconciliation accomplished. Only by the love of the Father, the mercy of
Jesus Christ and the communion of the Holy Spirit may we be saved by his grace from
our rebellion that we might all work for the glory of God. Amen.
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Questions for Clergy Desiring to Become Members of Beaver-Butler Presbytery in
Order to Serve a Church
Please use one or two pages to answer the following questions
1. What events/ persons have significantly affected your ministry?
My father’s death is one of the most important moments in my life and
consequently for my ministry. Watching his decline over two years followed by his
death drove me towards God and the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even
discovering at that time that we did not do a “funeral service” but a “Service in Witness
of the Resurrection” was powerful. I hold firmly to the promise of salvation which
comes from faith in the atoning death of Jesus on the cross because of this event. I would
also credit my Sunday School teachers from second grade on for striving to teach me
what the bible contains. Through them the Holy Spirit created a curiosity and devotion
which has grown throughout my life. This causes me to desire and wrestle to align my
life (ministry and all) with the will of God as set forth in scripture rather than my own
desires.
2. What Theological beliefs have emerged as critical to your practice of ministry?
I consistently see the belief that we are called to “make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19, 20) as central
my ministry. In fulfilling this belief, I lean heavily on the centrality of Jesus Christ, His
existence as wholly God and wholly man, the Trinitarian nature of God and the love
which is inherent in His nature, the atoning sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross, Jesus’
resurrection, Jesus’ ascension, our participation through the Holy Spirit in the death,
resurrection and ascension, and the hope and love which we find when we become
children of the Father through our faith filled confession in the Son and the power of the
Spirit to name a few themes. The reason why all these topics come up is because I view
the Matthew text as being not only missional but continuous. We shouldn’t stop
disciplining and teaching after baptism. Consequently all those subjects I rely upon
become important if our desire is to help people become well rounded, informed and
committed members of the body of Christ. I pray God will always use me to both reach
out to the community to bring people into the church and to help people grow in their
faith.
3. What experiences have challenged of affirmed your faith?
The biggest challenge leads to the greatest affirmation. Being a pastor exposes
you to the difficulties, struggles, challenges and sins of a congregation and when you take
a vow to love that congregation you these things become matters of great weight in your
heart. It can be easy to have the accumulation of all their problems create what seems
like a wall of insurmountable pain. A shadow of hopelessness looms large in these times.
But then I find myself always led back to the scriptures, to prayer or to something that
reminds me of who it is all of us in the church serve. I am reminded once more that it is
Page 18 of 50
not up to me to save these people. I am not the one who bears their burdens but that
Jesus bore them to the cross already. This realization affirms my faith as I feel the weight
disappear from my heart. I realize anew that while I am called to bear with the
congregation in love, I am not called to bear their burdens. I walk with them, sometimes
leading, sometimes support and sometimes pushing them to look to Jesus just as we all
need to be led, supported or pushed from time to time.
4. What is your view of the sacraments in light of your practice of ministry?
It can be stated simply though I do not feel it is simple. In baptism we are washed
clean of our sin and the righteousness of Christ is given to us in the place of sin. It really
is the moment when a person publicly becomes a member of the church. Communion is
like a refreshing of our baptism. Not that we are washed clean again or that the
righteousness of Christ is given a second time; rather, communion is a moment where we
publicly seek to remember to whom we belong. Both of the sacraments, however, are
only effective because of the power of the Spirit not because of anything I or someone
else does. Also, I think that the sacraments are a time of tying the church members
together. Not only is a person connected to God through the power of the Spirit, but we
are connected to each other as well. This even extends to helping the people find their
spot in the historical church or feeling connected to loved ones who have died as I have
witnessed a number of times. The sacraments should not become just a ritual that we
perform but should serve as moments filled by the Holy Spirit when the church comes
together to confess their faith, remember what has been done for them and experience the
love, mercy, hope and power of God.
5. What is your view of the government of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in light of
your ministry?
I consider this in two ways. First, there is the way the government is organized.
By recognizing in our Book of Order that no council is without error, that any authority
we have is derived from God and that the bible is our ultimate guide as it is the revelation
given to us by God, we start by acknowledging that Jesus is Lord and that we are called
to participate in His ministry. This does not remove responsibility from us. It does
remind us that the Gospel we preach is one of salvation of faith in God and His efforts
not salvation because of our works. In ministry we must remember who is in charge and
who serves whom. Secondly, our government is set up so that we should bear with one
another in love remembering that we are not alone and that the whole body of Christ
should work together. None of us lives in a vacuum and all people and levels of the
government should work together nor for any one individual’s good but for the glory of
God and the benefit of our neighbors. This is perhaps why remembering that all
decisions, actions, confessions and documents (including the Book of Order) should be in
agreement with Scripture which is the ultimate authority for the Church (F-3.0107).
Though we will make mistakes we should strive to serve God by preaching the Gospel of
Jesus Christ by using the scriptures. The government is set up so that if it is working
perfectly the focus will be on God’s will and preaching the Gospel while bearing with
one another and loving our neighbors.
COM Oct 2006
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2016 Minimum Terms of Call for Certified Christian Educators
Beaver-Butler Presbytery
In order to insure fair and equitable compensation for all certified educators employed by
congregations of Beaver-Butler Presbytery, the following are to be observed for all new calls and
existing contracts to Certified Christian Educators upon adoption.
A Certified Christian Educator is one who has:
A Master's degree in Christian Education or an M. Div. from an accredited theological school,
and one year's full-time experience or its equivalent as a professional Christian Educator in a
PC(USA) church, governing body or agency, with the year dating from the completion of the
degree requirement; or prior certification as a Certified Associate Christian Educator and two
years' full-time experience or its equivalent as a professional Christian Educator in a PC(USA)
church, governing body or agency, with the years dating from the date of certification as an
Associate;
Completion of graduate courses (at least 3 semester hours) in each of the Book of Order
specified courses:
Completion of the Educator Certification Council exam;
Completion of the Reference Group Process.
MinimumTerms Effective 01/01/16
Effective Salary: $40,360.00
Benefits:
Pension, Medical coverage and Continuing Education Allowance ($1000 minimum,
cumulative for 3 years to $3000)
Continuing Education Leave
2 weeks (14 days including 2 Sundays) annually, cumulative to 6 weeks.
Vacation - 30 days including 4 Sundays
Travel Allowance - Current IRS Rate
We require congregations to give their Certified Christian Educator one day per quarter
for spiritual development and renewal (not including a Sunday).
Recommended terms for Certified Associate Christian Educators are the same as for Certified
Christian Educators except that the minimum effective salary is $36,723.00.
Future increases in these Minimum Terms of Call will be indexed according to the percentage
increases in the minimum terms for pastors serving in Beaver-Butler Presbytery.
Page 20 of 50
GA Commissioner Report - Mark Boyd
This was my third time participating in the General Assembly of our denomination, but first
as Commissioner. For the most part, things went par for the course in comparison to the
previous two GA’s, which for me echoed Karr’s “the more things change the more they
remain the same.”
I was assigned to the Polity and Ordered Ministry and we handled three main overtures.
The first dealt primarily with ordaining Ruling Elders to position rather than to Session.
The advocates were rather brash in their approach and attempted to connect this overture
to racial and gender equality, which made zero sense whatsoever. The committee was
hoodwinked and voted to support the overture, but the Assembly saw it for what it was,
and voted it to the negative, taking the advice of the Advisory Committee on the
Constitution and recognizing that Ruling Elders fall under the jurisdiction of the particular
Session and cannot nor should not be ordained to positions at the Presbytery or Synod
levels without having been trained by their local body and serve locally first.
The second overture, which drew a great deal of time and attention in committee was
really a consortium of several overtures dealing with the same idea; what happens when a
Minister of Word and Sacrament or Elder renounces jurisdiction of PCUSA when charges
have been brought against that person. For the most part, the whole of the argument
centered on sexual misconduct, however other offenses were discussed because they had a
five-year statute of limitations (sexual misconduct offenses have no limitations). I would
encourage each of you to look at PCBIZ.org at how the Assembly voted, but also to see how
similarly worded the overtures were. Ultimately, the Assembly approved 06-10 which
means any MoW&S who renounces jurisdiction in the midst of a disciplinary hearing, must
pick up the disciplinary process where it left off, rather than waiting five years for the timelimit to expire.
Lastly, our committee overwhelming approved ridding ourselves of the bizarre
terminology “Teaching Elder” and returned to the far more ecumenical and frankly
accurate terminology “Minister of Word and Sacrament.”
I also found two other items significantly important. The action taken on item 03-01 as an
overture from the Central Florida Presbytery has gotten very little press, but is a significant
benchmark for how assemblies will be conducted going forward. I encourage each of you
to look at the text of that overture, but more importantly the advice given from ACSWP and
COGA. Essentially, the overture was a change in standing rules to allow for equality in
debate and in having expert’s from both sides of an overture rather than just experts
assigned by COGA, PMA, or ACSWP. Neither COGA nor ACSWP wanted that, and instead
only want their “side” of an argument to be presented. It felt strangely similar to “pay no
attention to the man behind the curtain” or a beverage cart serving Jim Jones’ variety of
Kool Aid. Rather than be in favor of spirited debate of equality, they took the low road and
made a preposterous connection stating this would allow for people advocating illegal
actions have fair time (human trafficking in particular). It is quite a scary day when people
of the Reformed faith are afraid to have “the other side” share expert testimony, especially
when it goes against what the powers that be in Louisville do not want to happen. This of
course goes against not only our Book of Order, but also of our Confessional Standards.
Rev. Mark Boyd
July 13, 2016
Page 21 of 50
Page 1 of 2
GA Commissioner Report - Mark Boyd
The Confession of 1967 (9.13) states quite clearly that all positions and opinions are
“infected by self-interest and hostility” and there is never one-side of a debate which is
always right. It should frighten all of us—liberal, progressive, moderate, evangelical, and
conservative—that we are to only hear the advice of Louisville committees and no one else
when it comes to making decisions about what is best for our future. Interestingly enough,
the PMA comment originally given to the committee for consideration was removed. It
lobbied that this overture should not pass because someone could speak a mistruth and
pass it off as fact. I won’t write what words I uttered, but suffice it to say the phrase began
with “no.”
Lastly, the debate on Israel-Palestine was more civil than it has been in years. The main
overtures to GA this year offered more of the same Boycott, Divest, and Sanction motions
brought at many of the previous General Assemblies, but this time asking specifically for
PCUSA to join the BDS movement. That was defeated quite soundly. Additionally, the
ACSWP paper was found to have clear bias and factual errors. Therefore, the assembly
added a key preamble to the whole document, which is a powerful statement on fairness
and balance. It reads, “As disciples of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace, of the people of
Abraham and the lineage of David, we stand with the people of Israel, affirming their
right to exist as a sovereign nation, and we stand with the Palestinian people,
affirming their rights to exist as a sovereign nation. Therefore, the 222nd General
Assembly (2016) affirms Footnote 8, which emphasizes a preference for a two-state
solution. The assembly also affirms our desire to stay in conversation with our
partners in Israel who work for peace. Finally, the assembly expresses its opposition to
any efforts to deny or undermine the rights of the Palestinian people or the Jewish
people to self-determination.”
Furthermore, an effort to have a denomination-wide study of the Palestinian BDS
movement was altered to include anti-BDS materials and to encourage congregations to
engage in study in partnership with their Jewish and Muslim community neighbors. This
will result in a true educational project rather than one which, in essence, would explain
only the pro-BDS position.
It was difficult to come away from GA with high hopes of our significance in the Christian
realm, much less in the world as a whole. We’re simply just not that relevant any longer.
But that doesn’t mean we are not part of Christendom, and I returned with an inspired
vigor to continue the work of our Lord where it means the most…the local parish. That
being said, I also will serve the next four years as a member of the Committee on the Office
of General Assembly (COGA) with the hope that I won’t simply be rearranging deck chairs
on the Titanic. Thank you for sending me to General Assembly in Portland, and thank you
for your prayers for our denomination. Let’s all try to keep our sticks on the ice and move
this puppy forward through the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Pax,
Mark Boyd
Rev. Mark Boyd
July 13, 2016
Page 22 of 50
Page 2 of 2
GA Commissioner Report - Elder Allen Kitchen
As a Ruling Elder Commissioner to the 222nd General Assembly, I was randomly preassigned to the Mission Coordination committee. The convener of that committee
contacted members well before the GA began, soliciting help with worship and perhaps
music during the committee meetings. As you might guess, I volunteered to help in
whatever way the leadership team requested.
For the benefit of those unfamiliar with the GA process: as you doubtless know, there are
dozens and dozens of prospective pieces of business to be considered by the Assembly –
ranging from relatively small issues with minimal impact all the way to overtures which, if
adopted, would significantly change the course of the Church. Each overture is assigned by
topic to one of several committees; the overtures that each committee receives are
therefore at least loosely thematically connected. Each overture or resolution is considered
singly by the committee to which it is assigned; the fifty-to-eighty members of each
committee debate and either approve, modify/amend, or disapprove each item. (In case of
contentious issues where a minority disagrees sufficiently from the committee’s approved
action, a minority report is also prepared on that item.)
The issues then come before the plenary session of the entire GA. Some items are deemed
sufficiently non-contentious to be placed as part of a consent agenda – a process that we’re
all familiar with – and may then be acted on with great dispatch. In this GA, the initial
consent agenda cleared nearly two dozen items of business with one quick vote. Other
items are then brought to the floor in a relatively orderly process by each committee, and
debated, perhaps amended, and disposed of either by approval or disapproval. In these
cases, the committee’s action functions somewhat as an advisory action to the plenary. By
the time all is said and done, all items of business have been dealt with both in committee
and then at the plenary.
The above describes the “bare bones” of the process, which is handled entirely in
agreement with parliamentary procedures as set forth In Robert’s Rules (newly revised) –
which means that the processes vary from quite straightforward to interestingly arcane.
But it all gets done.
In addition to those “bare bones” elements, the plenary sessions also involve music,
worship, communion, and a degree of pageantry. Ecumenical guests are welcomed, and
they address the plenary; presentations regarding special interest items are frequent, often
heralding a celebration of diversity, of acts of mercy and compassion, of prayerful unity.
And underlying the structure of the plenary is the administrative structure of the General
Assembly itself. Each GA is moderated by a new Moderator, elected very near the beginning
of the period of the assembly.
In this case, for the first time, a team of CO-MODERATORS was elected. Two separate teams
of co-moderators stood for election, and the GA made a historic choice to elect a diverse
pair of women, one black, one white, both very gifted, as our first co-moderator team.
Sharing the moderatorial duties for the remainder of the plenary much as if they were a
“typical” moderator / vice-moderator team, both co-moderators T. Denise Anderson and
Elder Allen Kitchen
July 13, 2016
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Jan Edmiston brought structure, grace, and occasional gentle humor to the plenary
meetings. (It is perhaps notable that the unprecedented election of two women for the
moderatorial leadership of our church comes on the 60th anniversary of the approval of our
denomination’s ordination of women.)
Speaking of the significant challenges that face our church, one of the candidates (Rev.
Edmiston) said that she was told that this is “a terrible time” to stand for this leadership
position. But, she said, “God works best in times of transition, [...] chaos and anxiety. [...] It is
in times like these that the Spirit shows us what God can do, which we cannot do
ourselves.” And, speaking of those who decide to leave our denomination, Rev. Anderson
said “The most important thing is that Christ gets the glory. I want you to stay, but church
will still go on, and Christ will still be its head.”
The moderatorial team is assisted by our denomination’s Stated Clerk. For some time,
Gradye Parsons has filled that position. Upon his decision to retire from the position this
year, candidates for Stated Clerk were sought. The nominating committee recommended
the election of the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson as Stated Clerk, and the plenary agreed by a
vote of 447 to 112. This is also historic: for the first time, our Stated Clerk is a person of
color.
Racial reconciliation happened to be a significant emphasis of this GA. Several overtures
which are designed to open our church further to racial minorities or to stand with those
who are marginalized due to racism have passed the plenary and are poised to become part
of our church’s always-reforming essence. In particular, our adoption of the Confession of
Belhar is linked deeply with a spirit of racial inclusion, perhaps paving the way for our
Church to become more credible in our outreach to marginalized urban populations.
It seems that each GA attempts to undo something done in previous GAs. This was no
exception; for example, a few overtures dealt with attempts to rigorously define marriage
as exclusively heterosexual. And each GA tries to go further in a direction previously taken;
for example, a resolution sought to have the Church apologize to homosexuals for the
offenses of disinclusion they have suffered. Neither succeeded. In regard to the “apology”
issue, the original resolution was felt to be exclusionary to those Presbyterians who are still
committed to what they consider a scriptural (traditional) interpretation of marriage and
sexuality, and a middle ground was sought: the approved resolution expressed deep regret
for ways that minorities of God’s beloved children have felt excluded from God’s grace by
the Church’s prior policies – but it expressed this regret for ALL the ways that minorities
(racial, social, sexual) have been marginalized. AND it expressed sorrow in solidarity with
all those who have left the church, as well as appreciation for those who have remained
despite significant disagreement, all across the spectrum of our understanding of theology.
The resulting resolution was approved by 463-51.
A few of the “undo” attempts were more successful. The 221st GA took action in 2014 to
reconfigure and reduce the number of Synods, citing declining membership and numbers
of congregations. However, in the two years since then, Synods have found intractable
challenges in trying to accomplish any reasonable reconfigurations. Perhaps satisfied that
Elder Allen Kitchen
July 13, 2016
Page 24 of 50
Page 2 of 4
Synods gave things a “good try” – and that the Synods themselves knew better than the GA
how to manage themselves – the action of the 221st was reversed by a 421-158 vote. Also,
the 220th assembly (2012) had adopted a less-hierarchical standard for titles of church
leadership, speaking of Ruling Elders, Teaching Elders, and Commissioned Ruling Elders.
There were many voices (largely Teaching Elders) who seemed to feel that no longer being
officially called “Ministers of Word and Sacrament” as a primary title (though the 2012
ruling had indeed left that in place as an optional title) was potentially confusing to
laypersons, to colleagues in different denominations, and to organizations such as hospitals
or civil agencies who might not understand that a “Teaching Elder” is actually a pastor by
another name. By a narrower vote (320-218) the GA agreed to return to the pre-2012 titles.
Another “undo” attempt led off in yet another direction, when all was said and done. The
earlier (2014) resolution to divest from holdings in Motorola, Caterpillar, and HewlettPackard – based on Israel’s use of products marketed by these companies in what can be
perceived as a pattern of oppressing Palestinians – has been controversial, and attempts
both to repudiate the earlier decision and to extend it by recommending a boycott rather
than simple divestment each failed. This is perhaps the single most contentious current
issue in our Church: there are those who feel that any pointed criticism of Israel is in effect
a curse of Israel, and opens our Church to the retributive imprecation of the second phrase
of Genesis 12:3. There are others who feel that God spoke clearly and in some cases sternly
to Israel through the prophets, and a prophetic voice is appropriate today in calling Israel
to humane treatment of a people that Israel now can be said to be oppressing. And feelings
can run high on both sides.
This issue is complex. Jewish spokespeople have made it clear that support for a two-state
solution is very important to them; they feel – and quite reasonably so – that a single-state
democratic solution would lead to Jewish and Israeli voices and positions being
overwhelmed by significantly larger numbers of Palestinian voters. There are also a
number of voices within our Church who seem to feel that Israel, especially under its
current administration, deserves no favors and at best minimal consideration, given the
deplorable conditions under which they feel Palestinians are oppressed; these people
generally seem to feel that if democracy is a good thing, then it would be a good thing for
the entire area to be one democratic state. Of course, this positon ignores the concept of
“tyranny of the majority” just as the other position tends to downplay the demonstrable
level of oppression of Palestinians – especially children. In the end, the 222nd GA approved
two amendments to the committee-passed resolution, aimed at affirming a preference for a
two-state solution and “a desire to stay in conversation with partners in Israel who are
working for peace.”
If the same-sex marriage question is cooling off, and the Israel-Palestine relations question
is still simmering, perhaps the question that will be rising to clamor before the next
Assembly is that of the Church’s best response to anthropogenic climate change. By a vote
of 31-25, the Environmental Issues committee had approved an overture calling for utter
divestment from fossil-fuel firms. However, a minority report emphasized the
recommendation of MRTI ( Mission Responsibility Through Investment) to stay engaged as
stockholders of fossil fuel companies in order to have a voice at their tables – and also
Elder Allen Kitchen
July 13, 2016
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noted that “divestment would be perceived as vilifying people who have worked hard in
the energy sector” – which, I would add, might include people in Beaver-Butler’s bounds
who have profited from fossil fuel extraction in one manner or another. While supporters
of divestment insisted that immediate action is required, the GA approved substitute
language shaping a more moderate course by a vote of 460-91. Candidly, I expect that this
will be a “hot topic” (yes, I acknowledge the pun) in the next few years.
Personally, I found the experience of being a Commissioner to be invigorating and
exhilarating. I loved it! I loved meeting new people, each and every one working to express
God’s call to them as they understood it; I loved worshiping in song and praise; I loved the
lively debates, especially because they generally stayed very respectful; I loved a glimpse at
the behind-the-scenes work of advocates for their respective positions, as that work
showed a decisive commitment to bringing about what they perceived as the best
outcomes. I loved the meals, and I loved the fact that I lost over ten pounds during that
week. I loved the music, and the enthusiasm in my committee for the music I was given the
chance to lead. I loved watching the technology – imperfect at times but masterfully
assembled and competently operated. I loved that I could engage with the people designing
and operating the technology as a respected partner, rather than as just some guy off the
street, as can so often be the case in large-venue events; the people with whom I discussed
their technological roles actually seemed to engage me as a peer rather than a mere
consumer, and I found that immensely refreshing; it speaks volumes about the attitudes
fostered at the higher levels of the Church’s administration.
Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this – and thanks for your attention to this
LLLOOOONNNNGGG “synopsis”.
Blessings..
..Allen
Elder Allen Kitchen
July 13, 2016
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Page 4 of 4
GA Commissioner Report - Rev. Dena Roy
General Assembly is something that must be experienced to be understood. It was a whirlwind
week that was at one time both very quick, and very slow. The days were quite long starting at
8:30am and going until 9:00pm, and sometimes even past 11:00 at night, which was particularly
rough for those of us on east-coast time! But it was good, and actually even a little exciting (in
a nerdy-Presbyterian kind of way.) If you ever have the opportunity to participate in a GA, I
encourage you to take it. It is hard work, but it is so interesting to see how the church functions
at the national level.
There were a number of historical moments during the 222nd General Assembly. First, we
elected Co-Moderators. Our church has always operated on a moderator/vice-moderator
model, but in 2014 there was a vote to allow for this change. It is also historic because this is
the first time two women have occupied these offices. There have been many women
moderators and vice-moderators, but they have always been accompanied by a male
counterpart. Also of note is the fact that the Rev. T. Denise Anderson is the youngest person
ever hold the office of moderator or vice-moderator. Many believe it important for a church
who is asking “Where are all the young people?” to have a (relatively) young person in one of
its most public roles. (I can say relatively because she is very close to my age!) History was
made, again, at the end of the week as we elected the first African-American to the office of
Stated Clerk – the highest office in the PC(USA). This is significant and a good reminder that
our church is more diverse than what we may experience in our own churches and presbytery.
Also history-making was the passing of the Confession of Belhar, which takes a strong stand
against racism by affirming that all of human kind is created by God rejects any doctrine that
advocates the” forced separation of people on the grounds of race and color and thereby in
advance obstructs and weakens the ministry and experience of reconciliation in Christ.” It is
the first Confession we have adopted from the global south, and it is the first addition to the
Book of Confessions since 1967 (which was the first addition in 3 centuries!). While one may
claim that our adoption of the is confession is about 30 years too late to address apartheid –
the situation to which it was written – it speaks powerfully the problems of racism that still
exist in the world. These historical moments were some of the most significant actions of the
General Assembly.
Our time from Sunday evening until Tuesday before dinner consisted of dealing with the
business assigned to our committees. I was assigned to committee #5, Mid-Councils. My
committee discussed recommendations for language-based non geographic presbyteries,
dependent care and child and youth protection policies, and the Mid-Council II report that
recommended consolidating the synod structure of our denomination. It was interesting work
with people feeling passionate on all sides of the issues. There were 13 other committees
meeting at the same time with equally as interesting and passion-generating issues.
But, as you know, the committees do not act definitively, but instead recommended to the
General Assembly (all the commissioners together) how they should act on each item of
business. The committee’s work was only a recommendation, and the Assembly could do
Rev. Dena Roy
July 13, 2016
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whatever it wanted with the recommendation when each item came to the floor. So on
Wednesday we came back together for Plenary.
Days in Plenary at the Assembly were long and tedious, but also hopeful and exciting. I believe
there are many decisions that we got “right.” It was, of course, exciting to pass the Confession
of Belhar, and it was thought provoking to think of how the church could be an example in
apologizing to people groups that have been harmed by our actions. I even thought that the
very controversial apology to the LBGTQ/Q community was gracious and appropriate. It
acknowledged that we are all children of God, and all covered by God’s grace, and it also
acknowledged that there are still many challenges inherent in dealing with this issue (on both
sides of the spectrum of belief). The statement calls us all into deeper conversations and
understanding of Scripture, “recognizing that our relationships as God’s children are not
ultimately dependent upon agreement.” While some contested that the statement did not go
far enough to repair relationships, and others believed that no apology should be offered at all,
I believe it was fair and balanced and made room at the table for a multitude of perspectives,
which I see as critical for our church on this issue, and many others if we intend to move
forward and thrive. This statement passed through the assembly with a vote of 463-51.
However, I also believe that there are some areas where the General Assembly “missed the
boat.” I am disappointed that we did not consider dependent care policies and guaranteed
dependent care leave as worthy of our time, effort, and resources. So often churches ask
pastors, staff, and leaders to put the church ahead of their family’s needs. I would have liked to
see the church work so that those same people could put their families first when adding a new
family member or significant care needs for a family member emerged.
And there are many decisions that the General Assembly made that I’m still not sure about –
and some votes of my own that I might change if given the opportunity to choose again. There
were even a few instances where I genuinely didn’t know which option would be most pleasing
to God. I think the biggest frustration to me was that I simply could not be an expert on
everything. Between Middle East issues and environmental issues and issues about the way
our church is organized and governed it was simply impossible to be on top of it all. However, in
the mist of those feelings of inadequacy is where trust comes in. In those moments I chose to
trust that God was somehow in the midst of the decision, and that even if things didn’t go the
way I thought they should, or hoped they would, that God would still be at work.
It is no secret that our denomination is quite liberal, perhaps more liberal than some in our
Presbytery would like. However, I kept hearing over and over that we are a “Big Tent” and we
want everyone to have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. I think we have a
way to go in actually achieving this idea as in many ways there were subtle undertones of “We
want everyone’s voice to be heard…as long as you agree with us.” especially in the social media
elements of the General Assembly and the “Presbytery of Twitter.” Still, it is good to know that
there is still a place for a variety of different viewpoints. I hope that we as a denomination will
continue to work towards that ideal, both in our public image and in our practice. It was a good
reminder to me, and I hope to others of every perspective that we are truly called to listen and
Rev. Dena Roy
July 13, 2016
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hear those who disagree with us in an effort to have conversation and understanding, even if
we don’t have agreement.
Overall I found it incredibly hopeful that there are so many people in the PC(USA) who care so
deeply about the social and ecclesiastical issues facing our church. Whether they were issues
related to church structure, or issues related to the PC(USA)’s position on any number of
theological and social justice topics, so many are so passionate for their cause. Through the
week I came to realize that all of us were there debating, making motions, amending, learning,
and voting because we fiercely love Jesus. We may not always agree on how to live out that
love. We may not all agree on what that love even means. But in spite of our finite, broken
humanity, and in spite of our disagreements, we are all working so that God will be glorified
and so that others will hear the Good News of God’s love for us through Jesus. I find that
exciting, and reassuring as we continue to be the Church.
Despite the length of this report there really is so much more I could say about my experience
at General Assembly, and the Assembly’s actions. We were challenged in worship, reminded of
where we’ve come from, and reminded that we still have so far to go. It was an incredible
experience, and I am thankful to have been a part of it.
Rev. Dena Roy
July 13, 2016
Page 3 of 3
Page 29 of 50
Clerk’s Report
May 1, 2016- June 22, 2016
1. 5/2/16 attended the Committee on Ministry meeting.
2. 5/4/16 attended the Coordinating Team meeting.
3. 5/9/16 facilitated the Session Record and Minute Review.
4. 5/24/16 attended the Presbytery Meeting at Westminster, Evans City
5. 5/26/16:
-Received the Rev. John Silbert from the Presbytery of Pittsburgh
-Informed the OGA, Synod and the Board of Pensions that the Rev. Kelley
Angleberger is in a Temporary Pastoral Relationship with Clinton Church,
Saxonburg
-Informed the OGA, Synod and the Board of Pensions that Rev. Tom Clyde is in a
Temporary Pastoral Relationship with the Concord Church, Hooker and the
North Washington Church, North Washington
-Informed the OGA, Synod and the Board of Pensions that Rev. John Porter is the
Interim Pastor of the Westminster Church, Saxonburg
-Informed the OGA, Synod and the Board of Pensions that the First Church
Freedom was dissolved June 11, 2016
6. 5/16/16 was informed by the Synod of the Trinity that the Synod per capita for 2017 will
remain the same at $2.30 per member.
7. 5/22/16 verified with the Board of Pensions the Annual Verification of Post-Retirement
Service for the Revs. Curtis, Stoops, and Jackson.
8. 6/1/16 attended the Coordinating Team meeting.
9. 6/5/16 facilitated the make-up session of the Session Minute and Record Review.
10. 6/8/16 met with the Personnel Committee for the annual staff review.
Stated Clerk Report
May 1, 2016 to June 22, 2016
Page 1 of 1
Page 30 of 50
9:23 AM
07/11/16
Cash Basis
Balance Sheet
As of May 31, 2016
May 31, 16
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
10000 · Cash
10107 · ESB Bank
332,692.33
10108 · Northwest Savings Bank
80,408.25
10109 · Northwest Savings Market Fund
50,067.63
10115 · Petty Cash
100.00
Total 10000 · Cash
463,268.21
10300 · Investments
10511 · Presbyterian Investment & Loan
294,715.05
10512 · PILP Fixed Term Note
100,302.76
Total 10300 · Investments
395,017.81
Total Checking/Savings
858,286.02
Accounts Receivable
12125 · A/R Faith to Faith
4,059.24
Total Accounts Receivable
4,059.24
Total Current Assets
862,345.26
TOTAL ASSETS
862,345.26
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities
21000 · Payroll Liabilities
2,617.99
22196 · A/P Fidelity Investments
1,361.34
22197 · A/P Adams Federal Tax
2,200.00
Total Other Current Liabilities
6,179.33
Total Current Liabilities
6,179.33
Long Term Liabilities
28001 · Deferred Mortgage Income
4,078.13
Total Long Term Liabilities
4,078.13
Total Liabilities
10,257.46
Equity
29000 · Restricted Funds
29100 · Temporarily Restricted
29105 · Peacemaking Fund
7,126.57
29120 · Capital Improvement Fund
20,000.00
29125 · New Church Development Fund
757,637.69
29135 · Technological Advancement Fund
8.33
29145 · Leadership Training Fund
20,000.00
29160 · NWV Seed Grant
36,223.68
Total 29100 · Temporarily Restricted
840,996.27
29200 · Permanently Restricted
29205 · Endowment Fund
29210 · Lyndora Scholarship Fund
2,575.09
20,003.58
Page 31 of 50
Page 1 of 2
9:23 AM
07/11/16
Cash Basis
Balance Sheet
As of May 31, 2016
May 31, 16
Total 29200 · Permanently Restricted
Total 29000 · Restricted Funds
22,578.67
863,574.94
39000 · Retained Earnings
-7,858.45
Net Income
-3,628.69
Total Equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY
852,087.80
862,345.26
Page 32 of 50
Page 2 of 2
9:24 AM
07/11/16
Cash Basis
Profit & Loss by Class
January through May 2016
Administrative
Mission
TOTAL
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
51102 · Per Capita Apportionment
52105 · Rev.Mission Causes-Budget
95,493.21
0.00
95,493.21
0.00
74,062.96
74,062.96
53112 · Tinker Trust - PNC Bank
72.99
0.00
72.99
53113 · ESB Checking Interest
14.60
0.00
14.60
53114 · Northwest Interest
11.14
0.00
11.14
53305 · Savings NexTier 6472-A
0.07
0.00
0.07
53310 · Savings NexTier 6566-C
0.08
0.00
0.08
53816 · Presby. Invest and Loan Income
405.22
0.00
405.22
55195 · Interest Note Rec.-Other
102.07
0.00
102.07
56105 · Rent KASH
3,600.00
0.00
3,600.00
56110 · Rent Complete Travel
3,973.80
0.00
3,973.80
630.00
0.00
630.00
56115 · Rent Excel
57105 · Miscellaneous Income
2,505.79
0.00
2,505.79
57106 · Bulk Order Receipts
680.00
0.00
680.00
57107 · BOP Pastor Training
580.00
0.00
580.00
108,068.97
74,062.96
182,131.93
71105 · Per Capita Expense GA
5,797.30
0.00
5,797.30
71110 · Per Capita Expense Synod
2,863.45
0.00
2,863.45
0.00
45,976.52
45,976.52
68,670.34
1,310.43
69,980.77
Total Income
Expense
72105 · Mission Causes Exp- Synod/GA
73000 · Salary/Wage/Benefits
74000 · Units/Officers
7,212.96
20,308.35
27,521.31
75100 · Cost of Space
9,885.91
0.00
9,885.91
75200 · Communications
2,650.95
0.00
2,650.95
75300 · Furniture and Equipment
2,352.55
0.00
2,352.55
-9.55
0.00
-9.55
75400 · Office Expense
75500 · Training and Professional
1,000.00
0.00
1,000.00
75600 · Travel Expense
1,084.34
27.00
1,111.34
56.00
0.00
56.00
75700 · Conferences/Meetings
75900 · Miscellaneous Expense
75909 · West Liberty Church
75910 · Wash
0.00
276.98
0.00
2,214.90
973.51
0.00
973.51
75911 · Knox Church
1,519.30
0.00
1,519.30
75912 · Fountain Park
11,589.38
0.00
11,589.38
118,138.32
67,622.30
185,760.62
-10,069.35
6,440.66
-3,628.69
-10,069.35
6,440.66
-3,628.69
Total Expense
Net Ordinary Income
Net Income
276.98
2,214.90
Page 33 of 50
Page 1 of 1
Coordinating Team
Business Minutes-July 13, 2016
8:00 PM – Business Meeting
The Coordinating Team met on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, in the home of Alan and Carla Adams.
The meeting for regular business began at 8:00 p.m. after supper together and a visioning time,
with prayer offered by Alan Adams. The Rev. Randall Clow, CT Moderator, led the meeting.
Present: Randall Clow (CT Moderator), Mary Kitchen (Presb. Moderator), Tom McMeekin (Presb.
V. Moderator), Jim Gray (Treasurer), Dan Callahan, Tom Harmon, Cindy Kennedy, Frank Aloi,
Connie Frierson
Ex-Officio: Alan Adams (Executive Presbyter), Dennis Burnett (Assistant Stated Clerk)
Excused: David Byers (Stated Clerk/vacation)
Absent: Ralph Miller, Debra McCowin
1. Approval of the Coordinating Team Minutes:
M/S/P that the CT Minutes of May 4, 2016 be approved as presented.
2. Review of Presbytery Minutes:
The Minutes of the Presbytery for May 24, 2016 were received and will be submitted to the
Presbytery for approval in the consent agenda.
3. Report of the Stated Clerk: David Byers
Received the Report dated 5.1.16- 6.22.16.
4. Report of the Executive Presbyter: Alan Adams
Received the written report.
- The Presbytery now has insurance on all properties of former dissolved congregations.
- Fountain Park: A 3 year lease agreement with an option to buy, and options for two 1-year
extensions of the lease, has been presented to a potential lessee/buyer (a Methodist church).
This is a Triple Net Lease with all but structural issues the responsibility of the lessee. Lease
is for $6,864/month, with $1,500/month credited toward the down payment upon purchase
(accruing to up to $90,000). Sale price is $610,000. Our current mortgage with PILP is about
$3,850/month, with a balance of about $345,000. If allowed by Cranberry Twp., the lessee
plans to expand parking, increasing the likelihood they will exercise the option to buy
- West Liberty/Slippery Rock: Camp Crestfield is still interested in using the property for a
youth outreach center. A lease is in the works for $1.00/month plus use of the camp for a
presbytery meeting each year.
- Knox/Ellwood City: The property is under Real Estate Contract with ReMax, agent Mindy
McKee. It can be seen on Zillow and is listed for $182,000 (allowing room to lower the price).
Leasing the property is not a good option due to the plan to share sale proceeds with
Shenango Presbytery/Christ Presbyterian Church. There are currently two parties showing
interest in purchasing the property.
- First/Freedom: The property is now covered by liability insurance only. Getting coverage
required commitment to weekly visits to the property. A demolition company has advised that
Coordinating Team Minutes
July 13, 2016
Pg. 1 of 2
Page 34 of 50
this will be a 3-step process: (1) An environmental survey at a cost of $2,500, (2) Removal of
hazardous materials at a cost to be determined by outcome of the environmental survey, and (3)
demolition at an estimated cost of $75,000.
- Cemetery Plots: Mars UP Church is offering to give two cemetery plots to the Presbytery.
M/S/P to graciously decline this offer.
5. Report of the Coordinating Team Moderator: Rev. Randall Clow
- Gary and Judy Angleberger have requested that PCUSA mission co-worker Rev. Dr. Sharon
Brant (serving in Thailand) be scheduled to bring greetings and interpret her work at the
July 26th Presbytery meeting. M/S/P that she be docketed to present a “Minute for Mission”
during worship on July 26th.
- Meridian Offer Sheet: The offer sheet is in order, except that an outstanding old PILP loan
balance of $2,000 has turned up. Documentation is needed from PILP that the loan balance
is settled before Meridian’s Offer Sheet can be accepted. M/S/P that the Offer Sheet be
presented to Presbytery on July 26 for acceptance “if the way be clear.”
- PRT Report: The Saxonburg Memorial Church is not in active consideration of next steps, as
their new pastorate is just beginning.
A motion prevailed to move into Executive Session.
A motion prevailed to move out of Executive Session.
- Report of the Administrative Commission for First/Freedom was shared.
- Report of the Administrative Commission on the process of merging the Wolf Creek and
Bethel churches into the Friendship Presbyterian Church was shared. Merger matters,
including incorporation and new by-laws, have been largely accomplished or are in process.
On July 26th COM will bring action updating Rev. Donna Yanosy’s status as Designated
Pastor of the Friendship church. The Commission is asking to be dissolved. Since there may
be a few remaining pieces to come together, M/S/P that the Commission’s dissolution be
presented at the September 27th Presbytery meeting.
- Report of the Presbytery Meeting Task Force: The task force recommends encouraging
churches to elect elder commissioners for 1-year terms beginning in September. This will
increase orientation, experience and participation. M/S/P to so recommend to the
Presbytery on July 26th.
- The revised 2016 Presbytery Meeting schedule was presented. Changes: The July 26th
meeting will be at the North Sewickley church, Ellwood City, and the September 27th
meeting will be held jointly with Shenango Presbytery at Camp Crestfield, beginning at 5:00
p.m. Approved by consent.
- The reports of the GA Commissioners and YAAD will be included in the meeting packet.
They will be recognized and thanked at the July meeting by the Moderator.
6. Report of the Presbytery Moderator: Rev. Dr. Mary Kitchen
No report.
7. Report of the Vice Moderator: Ruling Elder Tom McMeekin
The installation service of Rev. Douglas Dorsey as the new pastor of the Saxonburg
Memorial Church will be on Sunday, July 17th at 3:00 p.m.
July 13, 2016
Page 35 of 50
Pg. 2 of 2
8. Report of the Treasurer, Jim Gray/Frank Aloi
Received the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement as of May 2016.
The P&L would be positive for the year, were it not for expenses related to closed churches.
The financial review (not a full audit) report has been received, with no issues raised.
9. Review Items Referred from Presbytery Meeting: None.
10. Review of Trustee Issues:
None (other than the property matters identified in the Executive Presbyter’s report).
11. Report of the Synod Commissioners:
The Commissioners are requesting time to report on July 26th. 5 minutes will be scheduled.
12. Reports of Committees:
- Financial Planning Committee (Frank Aloi): Received the written report/presentation with
draft proposals and policies for using accumulated funds to establish a “Church Growth
Fund” (grants) and a “Church Assistance Fund” (loans). After discussion, the Coordinating
Team asked the FPC to further develop the criteria for using these funds, with a preference
that plans be ready to share with Presbytery in September.
- Personnel Committee: No report.
- Committee on Ministry: An email “meeting” is in process so items for July 26th are not
finalized. However, at a minimum there will be a floor examination for a pastoral
call/membership, action on proposed minimum terms for Certified Christian Educators, and
about five consent agenda items dealing with pastoral comings and goings.
- Committee on Preparation: Received the written report. No items for action.
- Committee on Representation: No report.
- Nominating Committee: No report.
13. Reports of Presbytery Units:
- Ministry Partnership Unit (Paul Merrill): Received the written report. No items for action.
Request time for Youth Coordinator and Resource Center Director.
- Congregational Development and Leadership Unit (Derek Marotta): Received the written
report.
- Congregational Mission Unit (Dave Householder): Received the written report. The
Peacemaking Committee (Denee Stevenson) requests an International Peacemaker be
scheduled to speak or have some role (even help serve communion?) during the September
meeting.
- Presbytery Administrative and Engagement Unit: No report.
- Refreshing Springs Task Force (CF Hoffman): No report.
14. Requests for Display Space/Video:
S.E.R.R.V.
15. Formation and Approval of the Docket:
M/S/P that the Presbytery Meeting Task Force be granted authority to formulate the
docket.
July 13, 2016
Pg. 3 of 2
Page 36 of 50
16. Old Business: None.
17. New Business:
M/S/P to thank Alan and Carla Adams for hosting the meeting.
Adjournment:
M/S/P to adjourn at 9:50 PM. After recognizing the service and ministry of Rev.
Dan Callahan (who will soon retire and change presbyteries), adjournment took
place with prayer led by Rev. Randall Clow.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis D. Burnett
Assistant Stated Clerk
Legal Actions: Floor
• The Coordinating Team recommends that Presbytery accept the Offer Sheet for dismissal of the Meridian
Church, Butler, if the way be clear.
•
The Coordinating Team recommends that the Presbytery approve the recommendation of the Presbytery
Meeting Task Force encouraging churches to elect elder commissioners for 1-year terms beginning in
September.
July 13, 2016
Pg. 4 of 2
Page 37 of 50
Minutes
May 24, 2016
The Beaver-Butler Presbytery held a stated meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24,
2016, in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Evans City, where the Rev. Thomas
Harmon serves as Pastor.
The meeting was preceded by a 5:00 p.m. orientation and discussion of the proposed new
committee and unit structure of the Presbytery led by our Executive Presbyter, the Rev.
Alan Adams. Approximately 25 presbyters attended. The new structure was docketed
for its Second Reading and action during the regular Presbytery meeting which
immediately followed.
WELCOME:
At 6:00 p.m. the praise band of our host church provided rousing gathering music. Our
Moderator, Teaching Elder Dr. Mary Kitchen, then welcomed the presbyters, noted the
worshipful nature of our Presbytery meetings, and offered an opening prayer.
The presbyters were welcomed by a representative of our host church, Ruling Elder
Ruthie Pickett, who provided essential information.
Teaching and Ruling Elders attending a Presbytery meeting for the first time were
introduced. The following corresponding members were welcomed and seated:
• The Rev. John Silbert, a member of Pittsburgh Presbytery, to be examined for
membership in Beaver-Butler Presbytery, if the way be clear.
• The Rev. Carl Baughman, Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center, a member of
the Church of the Brethren.
• The Rev. Jane Duffield, a member of National Capital Presbytery.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Ministry Partnership Unit:
The Rev. Paul Merrill, chair of the Unit, introduced representatives of the Mars Home for
Youth and Family Services (MHY): Lisa Schiller, Executive Director, and Amy Smith,
Director of Development. They highlighted more than a century of partnership between
the area Presbyterian churches and MHY. They stressed how essential it is that they
honor and use connections with the faith community. As evidence of this, the chaplaincy
ministry has been revitalized. They noted the many volunteers who help with special
programs, including some who were present at this Presbytery meeting.
Diana Mermon, Presbytery Youth Coordinator, announced the following youth activities:
• Faith Night Tailgate at the Pirates game in Pittsburgh, July 20th starting at 4:30 p.m.
• An alternative Faith Night Tailgate at the Wild Things game in Washington PA, July
17th starting at 3:30 p.m.
• An afternoon Scavenger Hunt on September 25th, gathering at First Presbyterian
Church, Pittsburgh at 2:00 p.m.
Beaver-Butler Presbytery Meeting
May 24, 2016
Pg. 1 of 11
Page 38 of 50
Sidney Fisher, Resource Center Director, noted the drawing for Feasting on the Word
resources. She also called attention to the handout distributed at this meeting, Being
More Together, which explains opportunities for congregations to engage with the Synod
of the Trinity.
Financial Planning Committee:
Ruling Elder Frank Aloi, chair of the Financial Planning Committee, noted that the
Committee is in the process of developing policies for use of the accumulated Departing
Churches Fund to create mission and ministry options and opportunities for our
congregations. One option might be interest-free loans for facilities improvements.
Another might be contingency funds to cover periods of pastoral disability (such as
prolonged recovery from serious surgery) to maintain pastoral relationships while also
providing for current pastoral needs.
Refreshing Spring Ministry Task Force:
The Rev. C.F. Hoffman, chair of the Task Force, promoted the launching the Seeds of
Hope community gardening project on Saturday, May 28th at 9:00 a.m. at the ministry’s
property at 900-906 Davis Street, Aliquippa.
ITEMS OF GOOD NEWS:
An opportunity was provided for ruling elders of congregations to present stories of the
good news within their congregational life. Several did so.
• It was announced that the Rev. Thomas Harmon will be conferred his D. Min. degree
at Pittsburgh Seminary on June 3rd.
• Five youth participated in a 30 Hours of Hunger project at the Mt. Nebo Church and
raised $1,500.
• The Westminster Church in Evans City has organized a Butterfly Release at the
Evans City cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on June 5th.
• The Highland Church, Slippery Rock, is rejoicing and praising God that the
congregation is now debt free.
CLERK’S ANNOUNCEMENT:
Our Stated Clerk, the Rev. David Byers, announced that anyone wishing to introduce an
item of new business or to ask that any item be removed from the omnibus motion should
come to the Clerk’s table before the Time of Fellowship.
He also announced that the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the International
Association of Women Ministers has announced the presentation of the Outstanding
Women in Ministry Award to:
• Ms. Agnes Peebles, Christian Educator
• Rev. Tega Swann, Church Planter.
The above preliminary matters having been addressed, the formal stated meeting began at
6:35 p.m.
Our Moderator, Teaching Elder Dr. Mary Kitchen, now presiding.
May 24, 2016
Pg. 2 of 11
Page 39 of 50
“OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME…”
MEETING PART ONE: OPENING PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Moderator led the presbyters in offering a Centering Prayer and praying The Lord’s
Prayer together. A gathering song, How Great Is Our God, was offered by the
Westminster Praise Team.
“THY KINGDOM COME…”
MEETING PART TWO: SEEKING GOD’S KINGDOM TOGETHER
Our Moderator read Acts 2:1-14. A stirring medley of musical reflection, Hallelujah, By
and By, was offered by the choir of the Westminster church. Our Moderator then read,
for reflection, an excerpt from The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard.
A time for silent reflection was provided, and the presbyters were given a brief
opportunity to discuss in small groups what they heard from God in the Scripture and
reflection.
A pastoral prayer was led by our Moderator, with presbyters encouraged to speak praises
and intercessions.
Moderator Rev. Dr. Mary Kitchen presided as our elected Commissioners to the General
Assembly were commissioned by the Presbytery. Commissioners Rev. Mark Boyd, Rev.
Nadine “Dena” Roy, Ruling Elder Allen Kitchen, Ruling Elder Glenn Wooley, and
Young Adult Advisory Delegate Hunter Paff, will participate in the Assembly to be held
June 18-25 in Portland, Oregon.
TIME OF FELLOWSHIP:
At 7:07 p.m. the meeting was recessed so that the presbyters could share in a time of
fellowship, while enjoying a variety of refreshments provided by our host church.
At 7:40 p.m. the meeting was called back to order by our Vice Moderator, Ruling Elder
Tom McMeekin. An a cappella selection was sung by a group of members of the
Westminster Church. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Tega Swann.
“THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN…”
MEETING PART THREE: SEEKING AS ONE TO DISCERN AND DO GOD’S WILL
STATED CLERK CONSIDERATIONS:
Our Stated Clerk, the Rev. David D. Byers, attested to the presence of a quorum. A full
record of attendance at this meeting may be found at Attachment A.
Rev. Byers reported that the Minutes of Beaver-Butler Presbytery for 2015 have been
reviewed and were approved by the Synod of the Trinity Report at the review of the
Presbytery’s records by the Synod of the Trinity on April 27, 2016. There were no
delinquencies. There was one exception: the Presbytery has not set minimum terms of
call for Certified Christian Educators, which is a Book of Order mandate. He thanked our
Assistant Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dennis Burnett, for his diligence and attention to detail.
May 24, 2016
Pg. 3 of 11
Page 40 of 50
Our Stated Clerk also caused the Presbytery’s Statistical Report for 2015 to be entered
into the record as Attachment B.
COORDINATING TEAM CONSIDERATIONS:
The Rev. Randall Clow, chair of the Coordinating Team, brought the presbyters up to
date regarding congregations of the Presbytery that are considering departure from the
PC(USA), as follows:
• The Mill Creek Church is presently seeking membership in another Reformed body.
• The Saxonburg Memorial Church has asked for additional time to consider.
• The Meridian Church is nearing a decision. It may be reported at the next Presbytery
meeting.
• The straw vote of the Glade Run Church did not quite reach the threshold to proceed.
Presbyters are asked to pray for their pastor and the fractured congregation.
RECEPTION AND APPROVAL OF THE OMNIBUS MOTION (CONSENT AGENDA):
The Moderator provided an opportunity to request removal of items from the consent
agenda. There were none. A motion was made and seconded to approve the following
matters by common consent:
1. Receive the Report of the Coordinating Team in the form of the minutes of its May 4,
2016 business meeting (Attachment C).
2. Receive the Report of the Stated Clerk for the period February 24, 2016 through April
30, 2016 (Attachment D).
3. Receive the Report of the Treasurer in the form of the Profit and Loss Statement by
Class for January through March 31, 2016 and the Balance Sheet as of March 31,
2016 (Attachment E).
4. Receive the Reports of the Executive Presbyter and the Presbytery Moderator.
5. Approve the Minutes of the March 29, 2016 stated Presbytery meeting.
6. Grant voice to participating visitors.
7. Approve the following recommendation of the Committee on Ministry:
a. To approve the interim pastor contract between the Rev. Jim Steiner and the
Hill Church, Butler, effective May 1, 2016, and to appoint the Rev. Steiner as
Moderator of the Hill Church.
b. If the way be clear, to appoint the Rev. John Porter as Interim Pastor and
Moderator of the Westminster Church, Saxonburg, and to authorize the
Committee on Ministry Chair to approve the Interim Contract.
c. If the way be clear, to appoint the Rev. Tom Clyde to a Temporary Pastoral
Relationship and as Moderator of the Concord, Hooker and North
Washington Churches.
d. If the way be clear, to appoint the Rev. Kelly Angleberger as Moderator and to
a part time Temporary Pastoral Relationship with the Clinton Church,
Saxonburg, and to authorize the COM Chair to approve the Temporary
Pastoral Relationship Contract.
e. If the way be clear, to appoint the Rev. Nick Marlatt as Moderator of the
Bethlehem Church, Shippingport.
May 24, 2016
Pg. 4 of 11
Page 41 of 50
f. When the way be clear, to appoint the Rev. Doug Turner as Stated Supply of
the Highland Church, Slippery Rock, upon completion of polity training
provided by Assistant Stated Clerk, Dennis Burnett.
g. To concur with the congregation of the White Oak Springs Church,
Connoquenessing, to change the terms of call for the Rev. W. Lee Dreyer, to
half time effective July 1, 2016.
The consent agenda was approved.
The presbyters joined together in singing a Taize chant, Spirit of the Living God.
PRAYERFUL DISCERNMENT OF PRESBYTERY MATTERS:
Our Vice Moderator, Ruling Elder Tom McMeekin, now presiding.
ACTIONS FROM THE COORDINATING TEAM:
The Rev. Randall Clow, Chair of the Coordinating Team, moved, on behalf of the
Coordinating Team, that the Presbytery approve the grant request from the Trinity
Church, Butler, for $15,000 from the Departing Churches Fund. The grant will be
used to increase the new pastor’s hours from 15 to 25 hours per week for the rest of
2016 and all of 2017 in order to maintain the momentum created by the 2-year church
redevelopment partnership of the Calvin Church, Zelienople, and the Presbytery with
the Trinity Church.
The motion was approved.
Rev. Clow then presented the proposed new Committee and Unit Structure for the
Presbytery for its Second Reading, and moved, on behalf of the Coordinating Team,
that the Presbytery Plan for Reorganizing be approved for implementation.
Our Executive Presbyter, the Rev. Alan Adams, provided a brief explanation of the
proposed structure.
The motion was approved. A chart depicting the new organizational structure is
provided at Attachment E.
Rev. Clow then moved, on behalf of the Coordinating Team, that the Presbytery
concur with the request of the Session of the First Church, Freedom, to close effective
June 11, 2016. Representatives of the First Church, Freedom, were invited forward
for prayer, thanking God for the ministry and faithfulness of the congregation
throughout all its seasons. The motion was approved.
Rev. Clow then moved, on behalf of the Coordinating Team, that the Presbytery
empower the Coordinating Team to appoint an Administrative Commission for the
closure of the First Church, Freedom.
ACTIONS FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY:
The Rev. Dr. Peter de Vries, chairperson of the Committee on Ministry, moved, on
behalf of the Committee, that the Presbytery approve and adopt the revised Ethical
May 24, 2016
Pg. 5 of 11
Page 42 of 50
Standards of the Presbytery. The Ethical Standards adopted in November 2005 have
been updated to reflect changes in the Book of Order, update titles and terminology,
and to add an Appendix pertaining to use of social media.
A motion was made to amend wording referencing the “Committee on Ministry” to
“Ministry and Vocation Committee” in keeping with the Presbytery’s new
organizational structure. The amendment was seconded and approved.
The revised Ethical Standards, as amended, were approved, effective May 24, 2016.
The full text of the Ethical Standards is on file at the Presbytery Office, and is
available upon request.
Rev. de Vries then moved, on behalf of the Committee, that the Presbytery elect
Committee on Ministry members Ruling Elder Tom McMeekin as Area 2 Chair, and
Teaching Elder Deborah Huffmyer as Area 3 Chair, both for the Class of 2018.
The Moderator provided an opportunity for nominations from the floor. There were
none. Ruling Elder Tom McMeekin and the Rev. Deborah Huffmyer were then
elected for service as indicated.
Rev. de Vries then introduced the Rev. John Silbert, a member of Pittsburgh
Presbytery, and moved, on behalf of the Committee on Ministry, that he be examined
for membership in Beaver-Butler Presbytery in order that the way might be clear for
him to serve in a Temporary Pastoral Relationship in our Presbytery.
Rev. John Silbert was examined by the Presbytery. A motion was made and
seconded to suspend the examination. The motion was approved. A motion was
made and seconded to sustain the examination. The motion was approved.
The Rev. de Vries then moved, on behalf of the Committee on Ministry, that the
Presbytery concur with the Committee on Ministry to appoint the Rev. John Silbert to
a Temporary Pastoral Relationship and as Moderator with the Trinity Church, Butler,
and that the Presbytery concur with the Temporary Pastoral Relationship Contract,
effective June 1, 2016. The motion was approved.
The Rev. Dr. Graham Standish and the Rev. Connie Frierson, who were instrumental
in the previous redevelopment project, offered prayer for God’s active blessings in
the Rev. Silbert’s work together with the Trinity congregation.
ACTIONS FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY:
Nothing was presented for action during the meeting. However, through the printed
materials for this meeting, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry reported that it
had taken the following action on behalf of the Presbytery:
Interviewed Kerry Hornyak, a member of the East Butler Church, after
receiving endorsement by the Session of East Butler and receiving her
paperwork; and enrolled Ms. Hornyak as an Inquirer under the care of BeaverButler Presbytery, as of March 8, 2016.
May 24, 2016
Pg. 6 of 11
Page 43 of 50
OTHER MATTERS OF THE PRESBYTERY:
There was no old business.
There was no new business.
Our Moderator, Teaching Elder Dr. Mary Kitchen, now presiding.
“GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS
AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL”
MEETING PART FOUR: RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACE TOGETHER
The presbyters shared together in Communion, served to the presbyters in the pews. The
Rev. Tom Harmon presided at the Lord’s Table. The hymn, Breathe on Me, Breath of
God, was then sung.
“FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY
FOREVER. AMEN.”
MEETING PART FIVE: GOING IN GOD’S GRACE:
Attendance at this Presbytery meeting was as follows:
42 Ruling Elder Commissioners representing 35 churches
5 Officers, Coordinating Team members, or Unit chairpersons
42 Teaching Elders (Ministers of Word and Sacrament)
3 Corresponding Members
16 Visitors
108 Total Attendance at this meeting
A motion was made, seconded and approved to express the presbyters’ appreciation to
the people and pastor of the Westminster Church, Evans City, for hosting this meeting.
A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed.
The presbyters shared in a Sending Litany based upon the Lord’s Prayer.
Adjournment took place at 9:05 p.m.
The next stated meeting of Beaver-Butler Presbytery will be at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
July 26, 2016 at Camp Crestfield, near Slippery Rock.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis D. Burnett, Assistant Stated Clerk
May 24, 2016
David D. Byers, Stated Clerk
Pg. 7 of 11
Page 44 of 50
TABLE OF ATTACHMENTS TO MINUTES OF MAY 24, 2016 PRESBYTERY MEETING:
A Record of Attendance on May 24, 2016
B Statistical Report of Beaver-Butler Presbytery for 2015
C Report of the Coordinating Team (Minutes of its May 4, 2016 meeting)
D Report of the Stated Clerk for February 25, 2016 through April 30, 2016
E Report of the Treasurer (Profit & Loss Statement by Class for January through March
2016 and Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2016)
F Chart portraying the revised Organizational Structure of Beaver-Butler Presbytery, as
adopted
May 24, 2016
Pg. 8 of 11
Page 45 of 50
ATTENDANCE
ATTACHMENT A
Teaching Elders
Adams, Alan
Angleberger, A. Gary
H.R.
Angleberger, Judy A.
H.R.
Angleberger, Kelley
Anschutz, Richard David
Aull, Donald
Barr, CRE Eva-Maria
Bittner, Lee
Black, Keith
Boos, James
H.R.
Boyd, Mark
Brewer, David R.
H.R.
Burnett, Dennis D.
Byers, David D.
Callahan, Daniel
Campbell, James W.
H.R.
Churchill, Frank R.
H.R.
*Cline, Charles
Clow, Randall
Clyde, Tom
H. R.
Cort, Steven
Crusan, Deborah
Curtis, Jeffrey A.
H.R.
de Vries, Peter C.
Dorsey, Douglas
Dreyer, W. Lee
Duffy, Carol
Dunn, Connie
Erwin, Kirk
H.R.
Franklin, Stephen
Frierson, Connie
Goossen, Robert
Haddox, Jennifer
Harmon, Tom
Heller, F. Edwin
H.R.
Hoffman, C. F.
Holland, Paul L.
H.R.
Horstman, Katherine A. L.
Huffmyer, Deborah E.
Jackson, Bill
H.R.
Jamieson, William A.
H. R.
Kennedy, Robert W.
H.R.
Kennedy, Vicki
Kirk, Jim
Kitchen, Mary (Sickels)
Kummer, Rosalyn S.
H. R.
Lang, Jeffrey
Lavender, Deane F.
H. R.
Marlatt, Nicholas
Marotta, Derek
*Marquis, Jeff
Mathias, Robert V.
H.R.
Meloy, Merry
Merrill, Paul
May 24, 2016
P
P
P
P
A
EXC
A
A
A
P
P
EXC
P
P
P
EXC
EXC
A
P
P
P
EXC
EXC
P
P
P
EXC
P
EXC
A
P
P
A
P
EXC
A
EXC
A
P
EXC
P
EXC
A
P
P
EXC
EXC
EXC
P
P
A
EXC
P
P
Moran, James M.
Mumaw, William
Noyes, Chris
Parker, Howard O.
Peterson, John C.
Porter, John W.
*Prosser, Tom
Rimmer, Jordan
Rowe, Richard F.
Roy, Dena
*Saul, Robert Paul
Sawyer, Clark T.
*Schaefer, Paul
Severance, T. Neil
Shaffer, Andrew C.
Shettel, John
Shullo, Carmen
Smith, Jean
Snyder, Donald F.
Standish, N. Graham
Steiner, Jim
Stoops, Leland (Terry) R.
Swanson, James
Swann, Tega
Tuft, John T.
Tuft, Thomas D.
Turner, Doug
West, Jonathan
Weston, Gary L.
Wiebe, John M.
Wiens, Tammy
Wierman, Beth
Wierman, Paul D.
Wiest, Gregory
Winship, Michael
Yanosy, Donna
H. R.
H. R.
H.R.
H.R.
H.R.
H.R.
H. R.
H.R.
H. R.
H.R.
EXC
P
P
EXC
EXC
P
A
P
A
P
A
EXC
A
EXC
P
EXC
A
P
P
P
P
EXC
P
P
A
EXC
P
P
EXC
P
A
A
EXC
A
EXC
EXC
Ruling Elders
Aliquippa
New Bethlehem
(2 votes)
Ohio
(2 votes)
Raccoon
Service
Ambridge
Ambridge U.P.
Baden
Concord
Beaver
Park
(2 votes)
Ed Helms
Diana Mermon
Linda Duganich
Patti Strominger
Cathy Riddle
Gretchen Meyer
Mathew Meyer
Pg. 9 of 11
Page 46 of 50
Beaver Falls
Calvary
First
Shelby Black-Ceuch
(2 votes)
Wendy VanWyhe
Steffin Hill
Shirley A. Cox
Butler
Covenant
Faith
Kathy McClaine
Meridian
(2 votes)
Mt Chestnut
Ken Laughlin
(2 votes)
Saint Andrews Bob Eamich
The Hill
Anne Miller
(2 votes)
Carolyn Street
Trinity
Ronald A. Champ
Callery
Crestview
ChrisAnn Goossen
Cherry Valley
E. Unity
Chicora
North Butler
Allen Kitchen
Clintonville
Union
Connoquenessing
White Oak Springs
Conway
Conway
Cranberry
Cranberry Community
(2 votes)
Plains
John Ivancik
Darlington
First
Kevin Vosler
Mt. Pleasant
East Butler
East Butler
Eau Claire
Eau Claire
Ellwood City
North Sewickley David Householder
Evans City
Westminster
Betty J. Foster
(2 votes)
Frank Morgan
Frankfort Springs
Frankfort
Freedom
First
Robert L. Reich
Harmony
Camp Run
Hooker
Concord
Doris Farren
Hookstown
Mill Creek
Mars
Mars United
May 24, 2016
(2 votes)
Old Union
(2 votes)
Jim Charles
Lorene Winner
Midland
First
New Salem
Monaca
First
Becky Humbert
North Branch
David Fletcher
New Brighton
First
Lauren Cesnales
Westminster
New Galilee
Galilean
N. Washington
N. Washington
Parker
First
Prospect
Mt Nebo
Diana Peters
P. C. Prospect
Leslie Raisley
Rochester
First Presb.
New Sewickley Imogene Stuk
Sarver
Buffalo
Paul G. Smith
Saxonburg
Clinton
Jim Powers
Jefferson Center
Saxonburg Memorial
(2 votes)
Westminster
Alfred W. Wilson
Shippingport
Bethlehem
Slippery Rock
Center
Friendship
Michele M. Lagnese
Highland
Valencia
Glade Run
(2 votes)
Valencia
Annemarie Kline
Vanport
Vanport
West Sunbury
West Sunbury
Rebecca S. Hunt
(2 votes)
Suzanne Reese
Zelienople
Calvin
Lauren Laird
(2 votes)
Kay Tilton
Park
Jack McMichael
Pg. 10 of 11
Page 47 of 50
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS
VISITORS
Name
Presbytery/Affiliation
Carl Baughman Samaritan Counseling
John Silbert
Pittsburgh Presbytery
Name
Church
Carla Adams
Park, Zelienople
Annamary McMullen Valencia, Valencia
Carolyn Paulsen Buffalo, Sarver
Chrissy Shelby Park, Zelienople
Lynn Smith
Ohio, Aliquippa
Maryann Miller Trinity, Butler
Charles Cox
S.H.PC ??
Ella Mae Smith W.E.C. ??
Gerri Charles
Old Union, Mars
Jim Ihlenfeld
Hill, Butler
Lisa Crider
WUP ??
Joyce Boos
Wynne HromanikFirst, Freedom
Glenn Wooly
Steffin Hill, Beaver Falls
Jim Paff
North Sewickley Ellwood City
Jane Duffield
St. Johns UCC, Evans City
ELDER MEMBERS WHO ARE:
OFFICER, COORDINATING TEAM,
OR UNIT CHAIR
Name
Jim Gray
Ralph M. Miller
Cindy Kennedy
Tom McMeekin
Frank Aloi
Presbytery/Affiliation
Treasurer
Jefferson Center, Saxonburg
Jefferson Center, Saxonburg
Vice-Moderator
Finance Chair
May 24, 2016
Pg. 11 of 11
Page 48 of 50
P.O. BOX 106  EAST SUNBURY, PA 16061
(724) 738-0058  CAPNWP.ORG
July 17, 2016
Re: Cancellation of Remaining Programs at Camp Lambec
Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ,
I am writing on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Camping Association of the Presbyteries
of Northwest Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) to inform you about the serious issues at Camp Lambec.
Camp Lambec is closed and all remaining programs for this summer are cancelled. The
following programs will be affected by the closure: Family Camps A, B, C, and Owl Patrol.
This action is necessary because the PA Department of Environmental Protection has notified us
of the presence of cryptosporidium in the water. Cryptosporidium is a common parasite that
could cause stomach illness; the elderly and very young are more susceptible. While no one has
become sick, we do not feel that we can safely operate under these conditions.
Please know that this decision pains us very deeply and that we prayerfully considered all
possible alternatives. Again, we feel that this is the safest way to proceed. It is our intention to
evaluate the requirements of the DEP and the needs of the camp and focus our attention on
correcting the problems during the off-season. We are confident, that with the water problem
solved, we’ll enjoy a fruitful camping season in the summer of 2017. We covet your prayers
during this difficult and challenging time.
In Christ,
Rev. Randall K. Clow
Volunteer Board Member and
Vice President of Camp Lambec Ministries
Page 49 of 50
BEAVER-BUTLER PRESBYTERY
2017 Presbytery Meetings
The Office Will Close Early On These Dates
Saturday, January 28
Tuesday, March 28
Tuesday, May 23
Tuesday, July 18
Tuesday, September 26
Tuesday, November 14
10:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
2017 Holiday Schedule
The Office Will Be Closed
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President’s Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas - New Years
Revised 07-19-16
January 1
(Sunday)
January 16
(Monday)
February 20
(Monday)
April 14
(Friday)
May 29
(Monday)
July 4
(Tuesday)
September 4
(Monday)
November 11
(Saturday)
November 23
(Thursday)
November 24
(Friday)
December 24 – Jan 1

July 26-16 - Beaver

Transcription

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