churches - Central Florida Presbytery

Transcription

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CHURCHES: PLEASE
COPY THIS PACKET FOR
ALL PASTORS AND
ELDER COMMISSIONERS
Date:
To:
February 24, 2015
Ministers; Elder Commissioners; Certified Educators, Business Administrators, & Musicians; Council
Members; Team Leaders; Sub-team Leaders; Committee Chairpersons; and Others
The Winter Stated Meeting of Central Florida Presbytery will convene at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at
Merritt Island Presbyterian Church, Merritt Island, FL. The meeting is being co-hosted by the Rockledge Presbyterian
Church. A map showing the location of the meeting follows this letter. Lunch will be served by the host church for
$10.00. Tickets may be purchased during registration. Please make note of the following special notices:
Registration
 At the registration tables you will find lists for you to sign in. Please find the appropriate list, print your name,
and sign.
 All ministers who are serving a church 1) in a called position 2) a temporary pastoral relationship or 3) are
Moderators of a church Session are expected to attend every Stated Meeting as able.
 Those not able to attend please fill out the Request for Excuse form included in the packet. If you can only
attend a portion of the meeting an excuse should be filled out for the portion you cannot attend. These
forms will be available at the registration desk for those who leave early.
Displays
 Please take a few moments during the day to visit the displays. These agencies and institutions of the church
are here to provide you with valuable information that can be helpful to your church and its ministry.
First Time Elder Commissioner Orientation
 Ruling Elder Commissioners representing their church at a Presbytery meeting for the first time are asked to
be there early for an orientation session which will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. A room will be set aside for
this purpose, so please watch for the signs or inquire at Registration.
Meeting Items
 This meeting is being recorded to assist in the preparation of minutes and to ensure decisions are accurately
recorded.
 Please read this packet in advance as the reports will not be read aloud during the meeting.
 The offering taken at this meeting is designated for Cudas Unhooked, which helps homeless high school
students graduate from New Smyrna Beach High School.
 Any motions you wish to make (if not printed in the packet) should be written and placed in the Clerk’s hands
at the meeting. Forms are available at the Clerks’ table and in your meeting packet.
 Copies of the Minutes of the December 2, 2014 Stated Meeting of Presbytery will be available at the Clerk’s
table.
 If you need childcare, please notify Jody at the Presbytery office by Friday, February 27, 2015.
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 The proposed amendments referred from the 221 General Assembly (2014) will be voted on by ballot during
the meeting. Please bring the proposed amendments booklet with you to the meeting. The booklet may be
downloaded at http://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/oga/pdf/2014-proposed-boa-electronicversion[1].pdf.
Thank you, in advance, for your attention to this notice and for your cooperation.
Dan Williams, Executive Presbyter/ Stated Clerk
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DIRECTIONS TO MERRITT ISLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Address: 600 South Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Office: (321) 453-1640
TO GET TO MERRITT ISLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TAKE YOUR BEST ROUTE TO I-95, EXIT 205 (Rte.
528/Beachline Expressway) or EXIT 201 (Rte. 520).
 Osceola County, Orlando, and points west/north: Take your best route to Rte. 528, the
Beachline (Beeline) Expressway. Follow Rte 528 to Exit 45, US Rte. 1. Follow Rte 1 south to Rte.
520; turn left. After crossing the causeway, rturn right onto S. Tropical Trail and follow it to the
church. Alternate route: Exit Rte. 528 at Rte 520 (Exit 31), and follow 520 through Cocoa to
Merritt Island. For the very brave, take Rte. 50 (Colonial Drive) east to Rte 520, between Bithlo
and Christmas.
 Melbourne, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, and Sebring: Take your best route to I-95, and head
north to Exit 201, Rte 520. Follow Rte 520 through Cocoa across the causeway, and turn right
onto S. Tropical Trail. Alternate route: take US Rte. 1 north to Rte 520 in Cocoa, and turn right.
 Daytona Beach area: Take your best route to I-95 south. Exit at Rte 528 (Exit 205) and follow
the Orlando directions, or exit at Route 520 (Exit 201), and follow the Melbourne/Vero Beach
directions.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA PRESBYTERY
STANDING RULES FOR MEETINGS
A.
Speakers at meetings shall give their names, their churches and, if pertinent, committee
assignments.
B.
Speeches on debatable matters shall be limited to 2 minutes per speaker unless
extended by action of Presbytery.
C.
Matters of debate and decorum shall follow the latest edition of ROBERTS’S RULES OF
ORDER, NEWLY REVISED.
D.
The docket shall include a mid-morning recess to provide time for informal fellowship,
exercise and/or rest.
E.
Certified lay personnel employed by the Presbytery or any of its congregations,
including educators, administrative personnel, musicians and business administrators
shall be seated, with privileges of the floor, at all meetings of Presbytery. Floor privilege
does not include the right to vote or to make motions. Visitors may be accorded the
privilege of the floor when Presbytery so desires. In all other matters meetings of the
Presbytery shall be governed by the current ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER, NEWLY
REVISED, except in those cases where the BOOK OF ORDER provides otherwise.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA PRESBYTERY – PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
SYNOD OF SOUTH ATLANTIC
Proposed Docket
SPRING STATED MEETING
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Merritt Island Presbyterian Church, Merritt Island, FL
* PLEASE PUT ALL PAGERS AND CELLULAR PHONES ON SILENT RING OR TURN THEM OFF.
* NOTHING PRINTED IN THE PACKET IS TO BE READ ALOUD ON THE FLOOR OF PRESBYTERY.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Meeting Registration/Visit Displays/Fellowship
Orientation for First Time Elder Commissioners
TIME
*9:30 am
ITEM .......................................................................................................................................... PAGE #
CALL TO ORDER/QUORUM – Carmelo Mercado, Moderator
Adoption of the Docket
Appointment of Tellers
Welcome by Host Churches: Merritt Island and Rockledge
Good News First: Barnabas Leadership Program – Mike Foley
Introduction of Special Guests, Visitors, and first-time Ruling Elder Commissioners
Worship
o The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
o Offering: for Cudas Unhooked.
Break
Recognition of 2014 Moderator
Jim Rissler, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program
Committee on Ministry – Bill Anderson ..................................................................................................... 6
Nominating Committee – Connie Herr .................................................................................................... 21
Announcements
Lunch
Presbytery reconvenes
BOM – Bob Anderson .............................................................................................................................. 22
o Vote on Belhar Confession / amendments to Book of Order
nd
o College Park proposed overture to 222 GA
Council – John Dalles ............................................................................................................................... 31
o Finance Committee – Hugh Lackey ........................................................................................... 34
o Leadership Development Committee – Laurie Farquharson..................................................... 40
o Church Development Committee – George Wilcox
o Mission Development Committee – Debra Cox
Committee on Preparation for Ministry – Helen DeBevoise ................................................................... 43
Stated Clerk – Dan Williams ..........................................................................................Addendum Reports
New Business
Resolution of Thanks
Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 9:30 am – Port Orange Presbyterian Church
Adjournment and Closing Prayer
*12:15 pm
1:15 pm
*1:15 pm
* = Order of the Day
Form for requests to be excused: Page
Form for motions/amendments from the floor: Page.
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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT
March 7, 2015
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee on Ministry recommends the following to the presbytery:
1. Rev. Michael York. That the call of the First Presbyterian Church, Vero Beach, to the Rev.
Michael York as Associate Pastor be approved effective March 8, 2015.
a. Examination. That presbytery examine Rev. York for membership, and that if the
examination is sustained, he be received by transfer from Providence Presbytery. His
biographical and faith statements follow this report.
b. Terms of Call. That presbytery approve the terms of call:
Michael York, First Pres. Vero Beach
COMPENSATION
Cash Salary
Housing
Effective Salary
Pastor Pension/Death Benefit Dues
Pastor Medical Dues
Family Medical Dues
Employer’s portion of SECA
Total Compensation
REIMBURSED EXPENSES/ALLOWANCES
Auto/Travel
Continuing Education
Books
Other (moving expense)
Other (misc)
Total Reimbursed
GRAND TOTAL Compensation and Expenses
Vacation
Study Leave
2015 Terms
30000
30000
60000
7200
13800
1900
4590
86490
3000
750
300
3000
500
7550
123649
1 month
2 weeks
c. Installation. Installation plans will be approved by the Committee on Ministry and
reported to the next stated meeting of presbytery.
2. Rev. Joel Kelly. That presbytery receive the Rev. Joel Kelly as a Member-at-Large by transfer
from Trinity Presbytery, pending his examination being sustained. His biographical and faith
statements follow this report.
3. First Presbyterian Church of DeBary. That presbytery form an Administrative Commission
with full constitutional authority (G-3.0109b(5), G-3.0303e) to work with the session of the
First Presbyterian Church, DeBary, to reach an agreement on the proposed dismissal of the
congregation to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
a. The commission will only be used if the negotiations between the Resolution Team and
Session reach an impasse, or the session reiterates its request “to arrange for a meeting
between decision makers to try to bring this matter to a conclusion.”
b. The AC must bring any recommended dismissal agreement to the presbytery.
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c. If an agreement cannot be reached, that the AC advise presbytery as to other options to
conclude this matter.
Commission: 5 members (Addendum Report).
4. First Presbyterian Church of Sanford. That an Administrative Commission with full
constitutional authority (G-3.0109b(5), G-3.0303e) be formed to determine the future of
the congregation of First Sanford. Commission: five members (Addendum Report).
5. St. John’s Presbyterian Church That an Administrative Commission with full constitutional
authority (G-3.0109b(5), G-3.0303e) be formed to determine the future of the congregation
of St. John’s. Commission members: Jack Shirek, Dawn Neff, Jason Micheli.
6. Terms of Call. COM recommends approval of the following Terms of Call:
Bill Anderson, First Daytona Beach
COMPENSATION
Cash Salary
Housing
Utilities
SECA (SS) > 7.65% (opt.)
Allowance in lieu of SECA (opt.)
Other (Dental)
Other (Term Life)
Sub-Total
Tax-deferred plan contributions
Effective Salary
Pastor Medical Dues
Family Medical Dues
Optional pretax reduction: dues sharing
Optional pretax reduction: health FSA
Optional pretax reduction: dependent care FSA
Other Deferred Income
Total Compensation
Auto/Travel
Books
Group Medical and Insurance
Other (professional expenses, cell phone, etc.)
Total Reimbursed
Vacation
Study Leave
2014 Terms
30368
30000
2015 Terms
30368
30000
854
1032
62202
905
1032
62305
62202
7464
14307
62305
7476
14330
935
4758
4766
88731
89812
4500
1200
1800
4500
1200
1800
7500
96231
38 days
14 days
7500
97312
38 days
14 days
Mike Andrews, Palmdale (PT, HR)
COMPENSATION
2014 Terms
2015 Terms
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Cash Salary
Housing
Utilities
SECA (SS) > 7.65% (opt.)
Other (Medical, Dental)
Other
Sub-Total
Effective Salary
Pastor Medical Dues
Family Medical Dues
Total Compensation
Auto/Travel
Books
Other (cell phone)
Total Reimbursed
Vacation
Study Leave
30000
29500
3000
3000
33000
32500
33000
3960
14307
32500
3900
14330
935
2525
2486
39485
38886
1700
100
100
1711
100
100
1320
3220
42705
8 weeks
1320
3220
42106
12 weeks
Les Koerselman, Westminster Vero Beach
COMPENSATION
Cash Salary
Housing
Utilities
SECA (SS) > 7.65% (opt.)
Other
Other
Sub-Total
Effective Salary
Pastor Medical Dues
Family Medical Dues
2014 Terms
26370
15650
6500
2015 Terms
26370
15650
6500
48520
4800
53320
6398
12264
48520
4800
53320
6398
12264
800
9
Total Compensation
Auto/Travel
Books
Other
Other
Total Reimbursed
Vacation
Study Leave
3712
3712
76494
4206
1800
300
1000
4906
1800
300
1500
7306
83000
8506
85000
2014 Terms
25487
14000
2015 Terms
27032
14000
1032
20893
61412
792
21000
62824
61412
62824
7539
14450
942
82906
85755
3400
650
300
3400
650
300
David Lindemer, Pineda
COMPENSATION
Cash Salary
Housing
Utilities
SECA (SS) > 7.65% (opt.)
Other (Optional Death Benefit)
Other (403b)
Sub-Total
Effective Salary
Pastor Medical Dues
Family Medical Dues
Total Compensation
Auto/Travel
Books
Other (Health Reimbursement Account)
Other
Total Reimbursed
1200
4350
5550
10
Vacation
Study Leave
87256
5 weeks
2 weeks
91305
5 weeks
2 weeks
2014 Terms
28000
19760
2015 Terms
28000
19760
300
300
48060
48060
48060
5767
48060
5767
11054
3677
82906
3677
1200
69758
4415
650
300
4415
650
300
1200
6565
76323
1200
644
7209
76967
2014 Terms
24724
52000
2015 Terms
26507
52000
1032
1032
77756
79539
Mary Sample, First Titusville
COMPENSATION
Cash Salary
Housing
Utilities
SECA (SS) > 7.65% (opt.)
Other
Other
Sub-Total
Effective Salary
Pastor Medical Dues
Family Medical Dues
Total Compensation
Auto/Travel
Books
Other (Professional Expense)
Other (Flex Spending)
Total Reimbursed
Vacation
Study Leave
Dan Williams, CFP
COMPENSATION
Cash Salary
Housing
Utilities
SECA (SS) > 7.65% (opt.)
Other (Life Insurance)
Other
Sub-Total
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Effective Salary
Pastor Medical Dues
Family Medical Dues
Total Compensation
Auto/Travel
Books
Other
Other
Total Reimbursed
Vacation
Study Leave
77756
27215
79539
9545
18294
1193
5871
110842
6085
1200
114656
6000
1500
300
1240
6000
1500
300
1196
9040
119882
8993
123649
Tim Womack, First Vero Beach
COMPENSATION
Cash Salary
Housing
Utilities
SECA (SS) > 7.65% (opt.)
Other
Other
Sub-Total
Effective Salary
Pastor Medical Dues
Family Medical Dues
Total Compensation
Auto/Travel
2014 Terms
45329
49496
2015 Terms
47595
49496
94825
97091
94825
11379
21810
97091
11826
22666
7257
7428
135271
139957
6500
6500
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Books
Other (Unreimbursed medical)
Other (Reimbursable expenses)
Total Reimbursed
Vacation
Study Leave
750
300
750
300
1000
1000
9550
144821
1000
1000
9550
149507
ACTIONS TAKEN
The Committee on Ministry took the following actions:
1. Temporary Pastoral Relationships. COM approved the following relationships:
a. Rev. Mary McKee and First Presbyterian Church, Wildwood (one year)
b. Rev. Joseph Gasper, Westminster DeLand – renewed stated supply agreement through
June 28, 2015
c. Linda Jaberg and Community Howey in the Hills TPR – stated supply agreement for three
months, beginning March 1, 2015.
2. Pastoral Nominating Committees. COM approved the following:
a. First Pres. of Apopka to form a Pastor Nominating Committee
b. Ormond Beach Pres. to establish a part-time Associate Pastor position and to form an
Associate Pastor Nominating Committee
c. Lake Square Pres. to form a PNC with a recommendation to the session to hold a retreat
to address the issues that an interim pastor would normally help a church to work through
d. First PC of Eustis to form an APNC
3. Dissolutions.
a. St. Cloud. The pastoral relationship between St. Cloud Presbyterian Church and Rev.
Steve Graves was dissolved, effective February 14, 2015. Rev. Graves was dismissed to
Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery.
b. First Daytona Beach. The associate pastoral relationship between First Presbyterian
Church of Daytona Beach and Emese Asztalos was dissolved. The position of Associate
Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Daytona Beach, was eliminated. Rev. Asztalos
continues to serve the Putnam Memorial (Hungarian) New Church Development as
organizing pastor, under the oversight of Central Florida Presbytery.
4. Monia Yust. The commission of Ruling Elder Monia Yust was approved to include
moderating the session and congregation of Palm Bay Presbyterian Church.
5. Dismissals. COM dismissed John Cole to Providence Presbytery and Jeanne Miller-Clark to
Western North Carolina Presbytery. COM corrected Jay Losher’s dismissal from National
Capital to Hudson River Presbytery.
6. Ministry Information Forms. Ministry Information Forms for North Lake, Merritt Island, and
Winter Park Presbyterian Churches were approved.
7. Luis Quinones. COM approved Luis Quinones (Nacion Santa NCD) to cancel his insurance
coverage through the Board of Pensions since he has coverage through his spouse.
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8. Jonathas Moreira. Jonathas Moreira has been restored to the roll of members of Central
Florida Presbytery as an honorably retired member as the Evangelical Presbyterian Church
declined to receive him as a retired minister.
9. Pulpit Supply List. Jennifer McGee was added to the approved pulpit supply list.
10. Retirements. COM granted Honorably Retired status to the following teaching elders:
a. Bev Richardson (effective immediately)
b. Steve Hulsey (effective 12-31-15)
c. Dan Robinson (effective 8-1-15)
11. Rick Brown. COM validated the ministry of Rick Brown as a pastoral counselor.
INFORMATION
1. Terms of Call Information COM approved an update to the Terms of Call form to reflect a
minimum effective salary instead of a minimum for salary and housing
2. First Palm Bay Resolution Team. First Presbyterian Church, Palm Bay, has requested the
initiation of the Gracious Witness process. A Resolution Team is in the process of being
formed, and once trained, will begin the process with the session and congregation.
3. St. John’s Stated Supply. The Rev. Bruce Urich informed COM that he was ending his stated
supply relationship with St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Orlando effective December 31,
2014. (See above the recommendation for an administrative commission for St. John’s.)
4. Pastoral Care Team. See the updated list of regions and pastors following this report.
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Biographical Sketch
Rev. Joel L. Kelly
I was born in 1957 in Temple, Texas, where my family belonged to the First Methodist
Church. I’ve been a Christian all my life. I was baptized and confirmed in that church on Palm
Sunday in 1969.
In Junior High school, I became involved in a student group called Christian Daily Living,
and I really began my faith journey that is still going on today. That was when I started reading
the Bible regularly, and for the last thirty plus years, I have read at least a chapter in the Bible
every night. For the last 15 years or so, I have been following a program where I read through
the entire Bible in a year, reading a different translation each year.
In high school, I was involved in the Methodist church’s youth program, and continued
my private Bible study and reading. After High School, I went on to college at Texas A&M
University in pursuit of a degree in Mathematics. During that time, I met my future wife,
Pamela Jan Behne. I got my degree in Math in 1979 and she graduated with a degree in Marine
Science in 1980. Shortly after her college graduation, we were married, and we have remained
married to the present day.
After college, I took a job as a programmer with Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX and
worked there for a year and a half. During that time, Pam attended the First Presbyterian
Church in Richardson, TX. We were ready to join in February of 1982 when I got a job offer from
Harris Corp. in Melbourne, Florida. I accepted the new job, and moved to Melbourne, FL.
In my job as a software engineer, I was sent on a short-term assignment Atlantic City,
NJ, where we joined the Presbyterian Church in Absecon, NJ. While we were there, we both
became involved in the 34-week, intensive Bible study the church was running called
“Becoming Disciples through Bible Study” or “Disciple” for short that led to a deepening of our
commitment to serve Christ. After we had been members at Absecon for about two years, I was
elected to serve on session.
I returned to Florida in 1997, where we joined the Palmdale Presbyterian Church. A few
months after we returned to Florida, the Central Florida Presbytery began a Commissioned Lay
Pastor Academy open to any ordained elders who were interested in becoming Lay Pastors, and
I enrolled. The program was a two and a half year course of study, meeting for weekend
seminars each quarter and assigning outside reading and papers between sessions. After being
back in Florida for a year and a half, my company again sent me to Absecon, and I was almost
immediately drafted to serve on session. During this time, I completed the Lay Pastor course by
commuting to Florida for the quarterly classes, and I was certified as eligible to serve as a Lay
Pastor by the Central Florida Presbytery in June of 2001. Because I was in the West Jersey
Presbytery, however I was not commissioned at that time.
At Absecon, I served in numerous capacities in the local church and at Presbytery level. I
was our church’s commissioner to Presbytery, representative to the Atlantic City Presbyterian
Mission Council and a member of the board of trustees of the Friends of Jean Webster, a 501
(c) 3 corporation whose mission is to feed the homeless and low income people in Atlantic City.
In my second year on the board of the Mission Council, I was elected to the position of
moderator, a position I held until I left to begin seminary. I also served the West Jersey
Presbytery as a member of the Presbytery nominating committee and the session records
review committee and elder commissioner to the 216th General Assembly.
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In November of 2002, the minister of the Leeds Point Community Church, a small church
about 10 miles north of Absecon, approached the Absecon Presbyterian Church session with a
request for someone to serve as pulpit supply. Our session agreed to help them, and I became
their pulpit supply for the interim until we could redevelop their congregation and they could
call a permanent pastor. I preached there each Sunday for about nine months, maintaining a
legitimate Leeds Point Community Church presence until they called a permanent pastor.
In November of 2003, I applied to Princeton Seminary and was accepted in February 2004. As
part of my seminary education, I served in field education postings at the Millstone United
Presbyterian Church in Perrineville, NJ during the 2005/2006 school year and as a hospital
chaplain CPE intern at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, TX during the summer of
2006. I graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in May of
2007 and was ordained and installed as solo pastor of the Hodges Presbyterian Church in
Hodges, SC in September of 2009 until March of 2014 when budget concerns made it no longer
feasible for the congregation to support a full time pastor. I am currently seeking a new call.
Statement of Faith
Rev. Joel L. Kelly
I believe in God in Three Persons, co-equal, co-eternal, deserving of all worship and
praise, three distinct and individual Persons but one in substance and being: three in one.
I believe in God, the Father, the Source of all creation, demanding righteousness and
justice, yet at the same time loving, compassionate and merciful. It is the Father who has
continued the work of creation throughout the ages and whose providence sustains that
creation with love until that last day when both God’s justice and God’s mercy will be made
manifest at the final judgment. In God’s mercy and for the sake of God’s Son, the Father pours
out grace upon us and showers us with steadfast love from which we can never be separated.
I believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, the only begotten Son of the Father, one in substance
with the Father, sharing all of the Father’s characteristics, yet at the same time fully human,
sharing and overcoming all of our own weaknesses. Through our union with Christ in our
baptism into Christ’s bride, the church, we gain a connection not only to the human side of
Christ but to Christ’s divinity and through his divinity, to the Father as well. As the incarnate
Deity, Jesus brings a representation of God to a humanity separated from God by our own sinful
actions. As a sinless human merged with God’s own divine nature, Christ serves in his death on
the cross, as the “lamb without blemish,” a representative of humanity to God, taking the part
of a perfect and holy sacrifice for the remission of sins for all who trust in Christ. On the third
day, Christ returned to life and rose from the dead. Later, he ascended into heaven, and he
promises to come again, assuring us that we shall share in Christ’s conquest of death and in
eternal life.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, our comforter, our helper, the
presence of God in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit who, working in our lives, brings us into the
fullness of our relationship with the Triune God. The Holy Spirit calls us to membership in the
body of Christ, brings to us the unearned favor that is the grace of God, empowers us to serve
and please God and inspires us to act out God’s will of justice and mercy, compassion,
righteousness, and healing. Through the Holy Spirit, all Christians are joined together as
members of the Body of Christ in the one united and universal Church.
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I believe that God gave us the Holy Scriptures as a written testimony to God’s love,
containing information, sufficient in itself, through the interpretation supplied by the Holy
Spirit, to lead us to salvation. The Bible is the standard against which all issues of faith must be
measured. I believe that our calling is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to the meaning of the
Scriptures for our own lives. While we are not limited to those beliefs and practices that are
spelled out in the Bible, all other religious beliefs, tradition and practice must be compatible
with the revelation of God and of God’s will that is given in Scripture. As Presbyterians, we are
also instructed in our understanding of Scripture by the historic confessions of the Church and
in particular the Presbyterian Book of Confessions and Book of Order.
I believe in the sacraments instituted by Christ and practiced by the Church through the
ages. The sacraments are an outward sign and seal of the action of the Holy Spirit working in
the lives of the believers. Through baptism, we publicly proclaim and confirm our membership
in Christ’s church and the joining of our spirit with the Spirit of God through a unique and
indelible mark on our soul. In our baptism, we become participants in Christ’s life, death and
resurrection, and in joining our being with Christ’s, we receive remission of sins and truly
become born from above of his Spirit, a new creation in Christ. Through participation in the
Lord’s Supper, we recall the death and resurrection of our Lord. In receiving the elements of
bread and wine, symbolizing his body and blood, we renew our connection to Christ through
our communion with Christ’s holy presence. At the same time, we renew our connection to
each other through our mutual sharing in Christ’s body and blood.
Statement of Biographical Journey
Rev. Michael York
I was born, baptized, and grew up in the church. Many of my fondest childhood memories are
of enjoying church picnics, attending worship services, and sitting in the corner of a choir room
waiting for my mom on a Wednesday night. By third grade I was searching through the hymnal
(during the sermon) and making a list of songs I wanted to sing for the next hymn-fest. By fifth
grade I was singing in the adult choir…I guess that was less distracting to the preacher.
In middle school I attended church camp and began to discover who God was and who
God was calling me to be. One year at camp I was asked to read Matthew 5 to the whole camp
for the morning devotions. At that moment, I realized Scripture has a mysterious power. Later,
Matthew 5 was the foundation for a sermon I preached on “Youth” Sunday at my home church
when I was a senior in high school. When I preached that sermon, I realized that God might be
calling me to some sort of work in the church.
Over the next several years, I would try to balance my love of music and my love of the
church. I majored in Music Education at Presbyterian College and was part of Celtic Cross, a
church leadership program for the PCUSA. After college, I taught high school chorus and drama
and was the part-time youth director for 1st Presbyterian Church in Hartsville, SC. After my first
year of teaching, I realized that working with the youth in the school system was great, but I
missed the opportunity to talk to them about faith. At that point, with the encouragement of
my pastor/mentor and church family, I decided to answer the call to seminary.
While in seminary I completed several internships that strengthened my call to ministry.
I have had the privilege of serving as an Associate Pastor for Youth at a suburban Atlanta
17
congregation and a Solo Pastor at a smaller rural church in South Carolina. I feel God has called
me, and by the Holy Spirit I am strengthened and encouraged to work in Christ’s church. I give
thanks to God for his presence in my life and for his many blessings, especially my wife Erin, and
our two beautiful girls Vera and Hattie.
Faith Statement
Rev. Michael York
I believe in one triune God, whom I am called to glorify and enjoy forever.
I believe in God, who created the entire world—from the nature around me to the people I
love, and even the people I struggle to love. I believe I belong to God through grace, the “free
gift” God gives me. Through the waters of Baptism, God has called me into relationship and
marked me as his own. Just as God called the mothers and fathers of Israel, and called Israel
into relationship, God calls me. Like Israel, I know that I fall short of the calling God has on my
life because I am a sinner, but God reacts to me with justice and mercy.
I believe Jesus Christ was God-with-us. Jesus experienced the joys and pains of being fully
human, yet he was without sin. He loved, rejoiced, and wept with those around him. Jesus
overcame the quagmire of sin because he was also fully God. I believe that Jesus suffered death
on a cross for my sins, and I believe that he overcame death giving us eternal life. God has
continually called God’s people into covenant relationship, but we have done everything in our
power to break that covenant. In the Eucharist we are reminded that Christ did everything in
his power to promise us a new covenant—a new way to be in relationship with God.
I believe in God the Holy Spirit, who empowers me to serve Christ and others in all that I do,
and moves through me to give me strength to live out my calling. The Spirit moves in and
through God’s people to call the Church to be witnesses and partners for God’s work in the
world. By the Spirit, the Church is able to hear the Word of God proclaimed in Scripture, gains
courage to live out the Word of God, and answer the call to be God’s presence in a not-nearperfect world.
I believe that God was, is, and will always be. There is nothing we can do that will make God go
away, nor is there anything we can do that will make God turn away from us. The triune God
frees us and calls us into relationship. In gratitude may we glorify God and enjoy God forever.
18
BREVARD NORTH
CONGREGATION
St. Luke’s
Cocoa
Riverside
Merritt Island
Rockledge
First Titusville
PASTOR(S)
Jody Noble
Lucas Pina
Dan Robinson
Shepp Lawrence (SS)
George Wilcox
Mary Sample
REGIONAL PASTOR
Sandy Hill
cell 321-452-5689
home 321-453-4311
[email protected]
1220 Shady Lane
Merritt Island 32952
BREVARD SOUTH
CONGREGATION
PASTOR(S)
Pineda
David Lindemer
Palmdale
Good Shepherd
First Palm Bay
Eastminster
New Light Korean (FG)
Mike Andrews (INT)
Scott Worth
Debra Cox
Tim Rogers-Martin (DP)
Seongsik Yoon
REGIONAL PASTOR
Jane Wesson
Cell 321-431-5516
home 321-784-2563
[email protected]
3400 Ocean Beach Blvd #412
Cocoa Beach 32931
Ellie Lea co-leader
Home 772-589-0346
SOUTH
CONGREGATION
PASTOR(S)
First Vero Beach
Tim Womack
First Sebastian
Westminster, Vero Beach
Okeechobee
Spring Lake
Jeff Wood
Les Koerselman
Loy Mershimer
John & Harriet Davis (CRE’s)
REGIONAL PASTOR
Desmond Walker
Cell 863-214-5799
home 863-471-3312
[email protected]
5221 Belmar Dr. Sebring 33872
LAKE & SUMTER
CONGREGATION
First Wildwood
North Lake
New Life
First Leesburg
Lake Square
Community, Howey-In-TheHills
First Eustis
First Umatilla
First Mount Dora
Bushnell
PASTOR(S)
Mary McKey (INT)
Denny Dennison
Mike Smith (AP)
James Keegan
Roy Sharpe (INT)
Steve Hulsey
Linda Jaberg (INT)
Leon Bloder
Omar Gonzalez (SS)
Tom Biery
Cynthia DeVos CRE
Wayne & Nancy Hood (CRE’s)
REGIONAL PASTOR
Bill Kramp
home 352-430-2600
[email protected]
820 Westwind Way
The Villages 32162
19
NORTH ORANGE/OVIEDO
CONGREGATION
PASTOR(S)
Winter Park
St. Marks
Maitland
Tuskawilla
Oviedo
El Redentor
Jason Micheli
David Judd; Sara Varnado (PA)
Westminster, Casselberry
John Pope (SS)
Melanie Ruta (INT)
Paul Ogne
Carmelo Mercado
REGIONAL PASTOR
Greg Limongi
cell 321-356-5336
[email protected]
390 Golfbrook Circle #200
Longwood 32779
ST. JOHNS
CONGREGATION
First Deland
PASTOR(S)
Westminster, Deland
Patrick Wrisley
Michael Bodger (AP)
Joe Gasper (SS)
Glenwood
Larry Cuthill (INT)
Deltona
John McLaurin (CRE)
First DeBary
Joe Evers (INT)
First Sanford
Upsala
Hugh Lackey (CRE)
Wendell Colson (SS)
Markham Woods
Joe Wendorph
Karen Greenawalt (AP)
Hugh Lackey (CRE)
First Lake Mary
Wekiva
REGIONAL PASTOR
John Dalles
Paul Anderson (AP)
ORLANDO
CONGREGATION
PASTOR(S)
Park Lake
Dan & Helen DeBevoise (COs)
Grace Covenant
College Park
Washington Shores
Orlando
St John’s
New Hope
Maynard Pittendreigh
Brenda Loyal (INT)
Erika Rembert-Smith
David Jones
Restauracion Y Esperanza @
Grace Covenant
Amadeo Torres
REGIONAL PASTOR
Erika Rembert-Smith
cell 407-697-0761
[email protected]
5067 Wellington Park Cir Apt C66
Orlando 32839
Wesley Porto
OSCEOLA
CONGREGATION
PASTOR(S)
REGIONAL PASTOR
Community, Celebration
First, Kissimmee
William Lewis
Frank Allen
Hal Thornton
home 407-507-4430
Philadelphia (WG @ First
Kissimmee)
Hope, Lake Nona
Nacion Santa, Haines City
Helio Pacheco (CRE)
cell 201-739-9614
Nancy Graham Ogne
Luis Quinones
[email protected]
4984 Park Forrest
20
El Buen Vecino
St. Cloud
Jorge Texidor
Kissimmee 34746
WEST ORANGE/SOUTH LAKE
CONGREGATION
PASTOR(S)
First Apopka
Monte Sinai
St. Andrews
South Lake
Armando Narvaez (CRE)
Ron Potter (SS)
Drew Marshal
Korean P.C. of Orlando
Fuente de Sanidad (WG)
St. Paul’s
Oakland
Church of the Lakes
Inki Kim, David Kim (AP)
Juan Alvarado
Bryan Stamper
Bob Hines
Ferdi Brits
REGIONAL PASTOR
Bryan Stamper
Church 407-293-3696 (St. Paul’s)
home 407-877-4730
[email protected]
1 Edenton Ct, Ocoee 34761
Bob Hines
church 407-656-4452 (Oakland)
home 407-656-8933
[email protected]
P.O. Box 165, Oakland 34760
VOLUSIA COAST
CONGREGATION
PASTOR(S)
Ormond Beach
Christ
Mike Foley
Chris Chandler
First, Daytona Beach
United
Westminster By-The-Sea
Port Orange
First, New Smyrna Beach
Putnam Memorial,
Hungarian
Daytona Korean
Bill Anderson
Bob Anderson
Jeff Sumner; Cara Gee (AP)
Calvin Gittner
Updated February 24, 2015
Eme Asztalos
Youn Yul Kim
REGIONAL PASTOR
Bev Richardson
cell 386-848-3440
home 386-427-0120
[email protected]
808 E. 2nd Ave
New Smyrna Beach, 32169
21
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2015
The Nominating Committee nominates the following candidates for election:
Committee Members nominated for the Class of 2015:
At-Large Council
Rick Miller (Leesburg, MRE)
Leadership Development
Cathy Campbell (DeLand, FRE)
Budget
Mary McKinney(Wash Shores FRE)
Church Development
Rev. Jody Noble (St.Luke’s,Titusville FTE)
Committee On Ministry
Rev. Harriet Davis(Sebring FRE)
Endowment
Guy Neff (First, Maitland MRE)
Tim Turner(St.Cloud MRE)
Gail Fisher(Altamonte Springs FRE)
Mission Development
Cynthia deVos (Mt.Dora FRE)
Preparation for Ministry
Rev. Mike Smith (North Lake MTE)
Office & Personnel
Ginny Gowell(First, Vero Beach FRE)
John Womack (Orlando MRE)
Sexual Misconduct Response
John Tracy (Orlando MRE )
Stewardship
Rev. Dr. William Lewis (Community MTE)
Permanent Judicial Committee
Milt Kirby (North Lake MRE)
Mike Woods (Orlando MRE)
Jane D. Callahan (Park Lake FRE)
PLEASE MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO GIVE US THE NAMES OF
MEMBERS FROM YOUR CONGREGATION WHO MIGHT BE WILLING TO
SERVE CENTRAL FLORIDA PRESBYTERY. REMEMBER, YOU KNOW
YOUR CHURCH FAMILY AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO STAFF OUR
COMMITTEES
Respectfully submitted by
Connie Herr, Chair
Nominating Committee members are Candy VanderWeide, Ralphetta Aker, Rev. Bev
Richardson, Rev. Johanna Lee, Randy Simpson and Connie Herr
22
BILLS, OVERTURES, AND MINUTES COMMITTEE
March 7, 2015
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Pending Amendments. The BOM Committee gives the following advice of amendments referred to
the presbyteries by the 221st General Assembly (2014):
AMENDMENT SECTION AMENDED
14-1
14-A
14-B.1
14-B.2
14-C
14-D
14-E
14-F
Confession of Belhar – amending the Book of
Confessions
Renunciation of Jurisdiction – on amending G2.0509
Final Assessment – on amending G-2.0607
Accommodations – on amending G-2.0610
Child Protection Policy – on amending G-3.0106
Minimum Composition of a Presbytery – on
amending G-3.0301
Interreligious Stance – on amending G-5.0102
Marriage – on amending W-4.9000
BOOKLET
PAGE
1
COMMITTEE
ADVICE
No
6
No
8
9
11
13
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
15
16
No
<no advice>
Please see the analysis of the pending amendments prepared by the Association of Stated Clerks,
attached to this report.
2. College Park Overture. BOM finds that the overture submitted by the session of the College Park
Presbyterian Church is in proper form, and may be considered and acted upon by the presbytery.
The overture is attached to this report.
23
ASSOCIATION OF STATED CLERKS
Analysis of Amendments to the Constitution
Proposed by the 221st General Assembly (2014)
INTRODUCTION
As in prior years, the Association of Stated Clerks is publishing this Analysis of Amendments to the
Constitution to assist presbyteries in studying and acting on the amendments proposed by this year’s
General Assembly (2014). The analysis includes a Brief Description of the amendment, the committee
and Assembly Action, Arguments Supporting an Affirmative Vote, and Arguments Supporting a
Negative Vote. In some instances you will note that there were no specific arguments made either in
favor or against some of the proposed changes. You will also note that some of the proposed
amendments were approved by a hand or voice vote on the floor of the assembly.
Our purpose has been to present arguments made in favor of and against each amendment both in
meetings of the assembly committee that considered the overture leading to the amendment and on the
floor of the General Assembly. It is not the role of the Association to make a recommendation either in
support of or against any amendment. This analysis is best used in conjunction with the Proposed
Amendments to the Constitution published by Office of the General Assembly.
Many presbyteries provide copies of this analysis to their committees responsible for making a
recommendation on presbytery action, and we understand that this has assisted those committees as they
have done their work. We are glad that these materials are used in that way. Please note that you are
free to use them as you wish. We assert no copyright and do not require advance approval of their use.
Please note there are lengthy materials with the Confession of Belhar in the booklet, including Biblical
citations and an Accompanying Letter to the Confession of Belhar. The booklet also contains a Note
from the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Gradye Parsons. The Stated Clerk points out that
additional background information on the proposed changes can be found at http://www.pc-biz.org.
Thank you to the ASC members who diligently attended committee meetings and provided information
about what the pros and cons were for each amendment and to the Office of Constitutional Services for
their assistance.
Michael R. Lochow
Stated Clerk
Presbytery of the Northern Plains
24
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
14-1 Confession of Belhar
Shall the Confession of Belhar be included in the Book of Confessions?
Brief Description
You are referred to the complete text of the Confession of Belhar and the accompanying Biblical
citations found in the booklet containing all of the proposed amendments to the constitution published
by the Office of General Assembly. A synopsis of the background and rationale regarding the
Confession of Belhar is found in that booklet as well.
Assembly Action
The vote of the Assembly Committee on Theological Issues and Institutions and CE (13) to approve the
proposed amendment was 46/6/0. The 221st General Assembly (2014) approved the committee’s
recommendation 551/87/0.
Arguments Supporting an Affirmative Vote
• We need to have a confession which addresses reconciliation and racism
• We need a confession from the Global South
Arguments Supporting a Negative Vote
• Why do we need another confession?
Amendment 14-A.
Renunciation of Jurisdiction
On Amending G-2.0509 (Item 06-05)
Brief Description
The amendment seeks to prevent a teaching elder who is in the midst of a formal judicial process from
renouncing jurisdiction and then continuing to work or volunteer in the church. There was concern that
the church may remain vulnerable due to a lack of information regarding the circumstances and facts of
the case.
Assembly Action
The vote of the Assembly Committee on Church Polity and Order Ministry (06) on the proposed
amendment was 48/7/2.
The 221st General Assembly (2014) approved the committee’s
recommendation by a vote of 309/297/0.
• When a teaching elder avoids the disciplinary process by renouncing jurisdiction and then is
allowed to serve the church, what does that say to his or her victim? Where is the justice, the
opportunity for the victim to heal? The church has an obligation to help the victim to heal.
•
The disciplinary process is designed to protect all parties involved as it seeks to serve justice and
bring the body of Christ back to health. When the accused leaves the process by renouncing
jurisdiction, the process cannot work.
25
•
Renunciation is the abandonment of the church. Someone who has abandoned the church should
not be able to work for it.
Arguments Supporting a Negative Vote
• When a teaching elder renounces jurisdiction, he or she is no longer a member of the PC(USA)
and therefore is not under its jurisdiction. The proposed amendment attempts to extend the
church’s jurisdiction over someone who is not under its jurisdiction.
• The proposed amendment would inappropriately place a provision of the disciplinary process in
the Form of Government instead of the Rules of Discipline where it would more appropriately
belong.
• There are times when the accused renounces jurisdiction not because he or she is guilty but
because he or she does not want to subject himself, herself, or others to a trial. This proposed
amendment has the potential for punishing someone who is not guilty.
• If would be difficult to enforce the proposed amendment, particularly if the former teaching elder
relocates.
• The church’s Constitution is about the “what” not the “who” or the “how” of process. Policies
such as the one described in this proposed amendment should be in a council’s manual of
operation or personnel policies, not in the church’s constitution.
• Councils already have the authority to act as this proposed amendment suggests. Indeed they
have the responsibility to take due diligence through background checks of those who work for
the congregation whether paid or not.
• The basis for this proposed amendment assumes that the accused is likely to repeat the alleged
misbehavior. It may have been a one-time offence.
• The action committed by the accused may after a period of time no longer be contrary to the
Constitution.
• This proposed amendment too narrowly and unfairly focuses on teaching elders. What about
ruling elders or deacons who renounce jurisdiction during the disciplinary process?
Amendment 14-B
Special Committee to Review the Preparation for Ministry Process
And Standard Ordination Exams (Item 06-12)
Brief Description
The 220th (2012) General Assembly referral: On Reevaluating the Process by Which Ordination Exams
Are Written, Administered, and Graded, resulted in the formation of a Special Committee. From that
Special Committee came these two proposed amendments (Item 06-12, recommendations 11 and 12).
Recommendation 11 seeks to distinguish the standard ordination examinations from examination by
presbyteries for ordination as well making it clear that candidates are accountable to their presbytery of
care. It also makes clear that standard exams are evaluated by written comments but are not graded.
Recommendation 12 changes the title of the paragraph to address the perception of some that being an
exception is prejudicial in and of itself. The changes intend to clarify that presbytery minutes should
include reasons for both waivers and for alternate means of assessment.
14-B.1. Final Assessment
On Amending G-2.0607 (Item 06-12, Recommendation 11)
Assembly Action
26
The vote of the Assembly Committee on Church Polity and Ordered Ministry (06) on the proposed
recommendation 578/41/0.
Arguments in Support of an Affirmative Vote
• This proposal eliminates any specific reference to seminary grades as a consideration for a
Committee for the Preparation for Ministry to certify a candidate ready to receive a call.
• It also clarifies that the presbytery approving a candidate’s readiness must be the presbytery of
care, not the calling presbytery or some other presbytery.
Arguments in Support of a Negative Vote
• None were noted.
14-B.2.
Accommodations
Assembly Action
The vote of the Assembly Committee on Church Polity (06) on the proposed amendment was 42/0/0.
The 221st General Assembly (2014) approved the committee’s recommendation by voice vote.
• The reporter commented that this proposal, as tweaked by the committee, is mostly wordsmithing.
• None
Amendment 14-C.
Child Protection Policy
Brief Description
The proposed amendment originated from the Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns and would
require that all councils of the church adopt and implement a child protection policy.
Assembly Action
The vote of the Assembly Committee on Mission Coordination (08) on the proposed amendment was
69/0/0. The 221st General Assembly (2014) approved the committee’s recommendation by a vote of
554/18/0.
• There was an impassioned speech by an overture advocate and then a sharing by one of the
committee members of his own sexual abuse.
27
• None
Amendment 14-D.
Minimum Composition of a Presbytery
Brief Description
The amendment would allow presbyteries comprised of less than ten duly constituted sessions and ten
teaching elders to continue to exist upon approval by their synod and the General Assembly. The
background and rationale provided by the Presbytery of Eastern Oregon emphasized that the PCUSA is
a denomination of small churches which continue to do good work within their respective communities
despite their size. Mission is not dependent upon size.
Assembly Action
The vote of the Assembly Committee on Church Polity and Ordered Ministry (06) on the proposed
amendment was 57/0/2. The 221st General Assembly (2014) approved the committee’s
• There are places in the United States where there are few PCUSA congregations in a
large geographic area (e.g., Alaska, Eastern Oregon, Idaho). Distances and remoteness
present such a challenge that attempting to configure presbyteries with ten or more
sessions and ten or more teaching elders is unrealistic.
• Even in those places where there are more than ten sessions, it is often difficult for there
to be ten teaching elders.
• Once the original recommendation was amended to include the phrase “giving consideration to
the responsibilities assigned to presbyteries in G-3.01 and G-3.03”, no arguments against the
proposed amendment were voiced.
Amendment 14-E.
Interreligious Stance
Brief Description
The proposed amendment originated from The General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and
Interreligious Relations as part of their recommendation to approve the policy statement, The
Interreligious Stance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The amendment updates the language in the
current section and adds a sentence regarding the interreligious stance of the PC (USA).
Assembly Action
The vote of the Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Faith Relations on the proposed amendment
28
was 59/4/0. The 221st General Assembly (2014) approved the committee’s recommendation by a hand
vote.
• A well known quote of PCUSA: “To be Presbyterian is to be ecumenical
• The PCUSA and its antecedent churches have been at the forefront of local, regional, national,
and global ecumenism.
• This is a new statement for the PCUSA – updating statements from prior ecumenical
consultations in the UPCUSA (1981) and the PCUS (1975)
• The statement offers “guidance for how we relate to people of other religious traditions.”
• None
Amendment 14-F.
Marriage
On Amending W-4.9000 (Item 10-02)
Brief Description
This overture came from the Presbytery of the Cascades with sixteen other presbyteries concurring. The
proposed changes to W-4.9000 sets forth the circumstances and conditions under which a teaching elder
in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) would be authorized, though not required, to act as an agent of the
civil jurisdiction in recording of the marriage contract if the couple wishing to marry meet the
requirements of the civil jurisdiction. The session has the authority to permit or deny the use of the
church property for a marriage service.
Assembly Action
The vote of the Assembly Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues (10) on the proposed
• The rationale provided by the Presbytery of the Cascades was reiterated in committee
• The current non-discrimination stance in the Book of Order is not in line with the current policy
on marriage
• Young people are accepting
• It gives presbyteries and churches options
• Members of the church are not full members by denying the right to marry
• The state does what it does; the church only what God blesses
• Scripture above all is firm on marriage between a man and a woman
• In favor, but not sure the time is right to amend the Book of Order
• The change will cause major crisis
29
PROPOSED OVERTURE TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM
To:
From:
Date:
Re:
Rev. Dr. Dan Williams, Stated Clerk, Central Florida Presbytery
Donald Erwin, Jr., Clerk, Session of the College Park Presbyterian Church
10/11/2014
Proposed Overture to the 222ND General Assembly Presbyterian church
(USA) re: Authoritative Interpretation of Book of Order W‐4.9000,
Marriage
At the Session’s Stated Meeting of 9/27/2014, the following motion was approved. In
approving this motion, the Session also requested that the Clerk forward this proposed
overture to the Stated Clerk of the Central Florida Presbytery for consideration as an item of
business by the Central Florida Presbytery at its next stated meeting in December 2014.
The following motion was approved by the Session of the College Park Presbyterian Church
9/27/2014:
It is moved that the Session adopt and send to Central Florida Presbytery for action the
following overture to the 222nd General Assembly:
Proposed Overture
The Presbytery of Central Florida overtures the 222nd General Assembly (2016) to issue the
following authoritative interpretation of the Book of Order, W‐4.9000:
• The definition of marriage within the Presbyterian Church (USA) is established by its
Constitution in W‐4.9000, and can only be changed by the process for amending the
Book of Order listed in G‐6.04. Persons in ordered ministries have vowed to be governed
by our church’s polity and abide by its discipline (W‐4.4003e), and therefore must abide
by that definition, despite what the definition of marriage by the civil authorities where
they live may be.
• Freedom of conscience for persons in ordered ministry is exercised within certain
bounds (G2.0105). The exercise of freedom of conscience in and of itself is not
necessarily a violation of polity or an obstruction of constitutional governance. Such
freedom of conscience, however, is not freedom of action. All persons in ordered
ministry have a duty to fulfill constitutionally mandated responsibilities.
• This authoritative interpretation reverses the interpretation of W‐4.9000 enacted by the
221st General Assembly (2014). The authoritative interpretations of this section by the
203rd General Assembly (1991) (Minutes, 1991, Part I, p. 395, paragraphs 21.124–128),
and the subsequent authoritative interpretations of the General Assembly Permanent
Judicial Commission relying upon it, are restored with this authoritative interpretation.
Rationale
30
•
G‐6.02 empowers the General Assembly to issue authoritative interpretations of the
Book of Order. These interpretations cannot contradict the clear and unambiguous
language of an existing section of the Book of Order. To do so is to effectively amend the
Constitution without the required participation of the presbyteries in the amendment
process.
•
F‐3.03 requires of councils that “[w]here there are tensions and ambiguities between
provisions, it is the task of councils and judicial commissions to resolve them in such a
way as to give effect to all provisions” within the Constitution of the church.
•
The 2014 AI does more than create tensions and ambiguities. It allows for marriages to
be performed by teaching elders and/or within Presbyterian congregations that
contradict the Constitutional requirement that marriage be between “a woman and a
man.” (W‐4.9001).
•
The 221st GA (2014) provided no rationale as to how it resolved this issue in a way that
gives effect to all Constitutional provisions.
•
Freedom of conscience for persons who serve in the ordered ministries of the church is
exercised within certain bounds. Freedom of conscience is to be maintained with
respect to the interpretation of Scripture, but this freedom of conscience does not
extend to actions which are contrary to the expressed provisions of the Constitution.
•
Should the result of the votes by the presbyteries on the proposed constitutional
amendment result in a change to the definition of marriage, the issue addressed by this
overture will be moot, and the overture will be withdrawn. (The AI enacted by the 221st
GA (2014) will also be moot, being superseded by clear and unambiguous language that
defines marriage within the PC (USA).)
31
COUNCIL REPORT
March 7, 2015
RECOMMENDATIONS
Council recommendations to presbytery:
1. Nominations Chairperson. Council approved a recommend to presbytery that Connie Herr be
elected as Chairperson of the Nominating Committee for 2015.
2. Nominating Committee. Council nominates the following to serve on the Nominating Committee,
Class of 2017: see Addendum Reports.
ACTIONS
Council took the following actions:
1. Table Displays and Agenda. Action on these items will be taken at the February Council meeting.
2. March 7 Stated Meeting
a. Sermon: John McLaurin (2014 Moderator). Worship liturgy coordinated by moderator with host
churches. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated.
b. Good News First. Report on the Barnabas Leadership Group.
c. Offering: Cudas Unhooked, which helps homeless high school students graduate from New
Smyrna Beach High School. (approved in November 2014)
d. Amendments. The amendments referred to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative
votes will be handled at this stated meeting.
3. June stated meeting. Council approved the request of the Cuba Partnership Network to invite two
visitors from El Centro Presbytery in Cuba to visit the presbytery in early June, and that these visitors
be given time during the stated meeting to address and interact with presbytery. Included in this is
the possibility of one or both delivering the sermon.
4. Scholarships policy. Council approved the following recommendation from the Leadership
Development Committee: that Presbytery camp and conference scholarship may be awarded to
individuals who are members of CFP churches which actively support the Presbytery. Churches
demonstrate support in any of the following ways: 1) active service by their members on Presbytery
committees; 2) financial support for the shared mission and work of the Presbytery; and 3) active
participation in Presbytery youth activities.
5. Stated Meetings. Council discussed different ways to structure stated meetings to provide more
than just action on reports. Church Development Committee has begun a discussion on this issue,
and will bring their recommendations to a future meeting of Council. Ideas about possible options
should be sent to Church Development.
INFORMATION
1. Small Church Task Force. The SCTF continues to meet to familiarize itself with options for assisting
smaller congregations to assess their ministry and consider future possibilities. Among the
programs reviewed are the Small Church Residency Program that pairs candidates with smaller
congregations, and the New Beginnings congregational assessment program. The Task Force is
requesting clarification from Council as to their responsibilities, as to whether it includes
implementation of strategies with smaller congregations. This will be discussed at the April 14
meeting of Council.
2. Theology and Worship Committee. Council is considering reestablishing its Theology and Worship
Committee. Please see the attached working document of committee responsibilities. Comments
and suggestions are welcome.
32
THEOLOGY AND WORSHIP COMMITTEE
COMPOSITION
This committee shall be a committee of Presbytery Council, and shall be made up of at least six
members, serving three year terms, one member in each class year. The Executive Presbyter
and Leadership and Resource Coordinator shall be ex officio members of the committee. The
committee may invite additional persons to sit with it during meetings.
MEETINGS
The Committee shall meet at least quarterly, including meeting prior to the Council meeting
immediately preceding the quarterly stated meeting of presbytery.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Worship during presbytery meetings is an essential and central component. The committee will
help presbytery explore and experience a variety of worship styles. The entire meeting of
presbytery shall spring forth from this worship experience. To this end, the committee is
responsible for:
1. To oversee the preparation of worship services at presbytery meetings, including recommending
when the service will be scheduled during the meeting.
2. To invite preachers and speakers for meetings of presbytery. The outgoing moderator of presbytery
shall preach the sermon at the December stated meeting. Guests may also be asked to participate
in other parts of the meeting, such as a presentation during a split lunch or other time.
3. To assure that the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at least annually.
4. To encourage worship that is inclusive of all persons in language, styles, and liturgy.
5. To present opportunities during meetings to deepen theological inquiry and discussion, and to
provide advice on items that have theological implications, such as amendments referred to the
presbytery from the General Assembly
33
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
March 7, 2015
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. 2015 Nominations.
The following nominations for officers of the Board were
recommended to Presbytery: John McLaurin, President, Debra Cox, Vice President, Dan
Williams, secretary, Grover Crawford, treasurer.
INFORMATION
1. Hungarian NCD. The Board of Directors voted to approve that Putnam Memorial NCD (Hungarian
Community) be permitted to use the presbytery’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a
checking account at Sun Trust Bank.
2. Washington Shores Loan. The Board approved the loan document for Washington Shores to help
the session cover past income taxes not paid over a seven year period.
3. Property issues. The Sorrento church property and Clermont (Crosspointe) land have been listed
with Coldwell Banker Camelot in Mt. Dora. Bryan Biery is our agent for these listings.
4. Monte Sinai. An update was given on the possibility of using the Monte Sinai property for The
Lifeboat Project. That ministry plans to start a New Worshiping Community, which will be necessary
to comply with PILP’s stipulations for the use of the building, according to the mortgage.
5. New Hope loan. This loan was approved over a year ago. The congregation recently informed
Presbytery that they are prepared to proceed with the project, which primarily involves doubling the
size of the Fellowship Hall and constructing new office space. On recommendation of the contractor
that congregation make plans for possible cost overruns, New Hope asked that Presbytery approve a
contingency loan of up to $50,000, to be drawn upon only if needed. The Board of Directors
approved this request.
6. Everett Perry estate. The existence of this bequest has been made known to the Volusia Cluster,
with a request for suggestions of the use of this fund. It is restricted for programs and efforts that
improve the lives of African American Presbyterians in Volusia County.
34
The following is a summary of the detailed statements, provided by Karen Daniel, and included in your
packet.
Income Statement – Year end 2014
Income through December was $694,651.
†
Income was $31,741 less than budgeted.
Expenses through September were $693,851.
†
This is $32,541 less than the budget.
Income exceeded expenses for the year by $800.
†
†
†
†
†
†
The income includes money transferred from other funds to cover expenses related to Hope
Presbyterian Church and to cover, in part, the costs related to the Acts 16:5 transformation events.
Mission support and per capita contributions were about $39,000 less than 2013!
Other notable financial transactions in 2014 (see attached documents for details).
Congregational Support / or lack thereof:
23 congregations (32% of the presbytery family) pledged and gave NOTHING to Shared Support.
2 congregations paid nothing toward their Per Capita Assessment, which amounted to $6,690.
Other congregations paid only part of their Per Capita Assessment, causing a short fall of
$15,410.
Endowment Report (Year -End 2014)
Funds as of December 31, 2014
$4,593,379
† This reflects a net gain amounting to $100,929.
† The portfolio’s return in the fourth quarter, net of fees, realized a loss of 2.19%
† Year to date the fund realized an 8.96% net return.
The Sub-Committee remains confident in the current investment strategies.
Income Statement 2015
The Presbytery’s budgeted income is $991,737
Distribution of that income will be (see income statement for details):
General Assembly
$225,024
Synod
$ 32,630
CF Presbytery
$734,083
$ 37,900
Church Development
$252,200
Mission Development
$ 15,450
Admin. /Personnel
$413,688
Other categories
$ 14,845
To date only a small number of congregations have given Presbytery information regarding their 2015
Shared Ministry Support. We need this information to plan properly. Please call or email Karen Daniel
[email protected], with your commitment.
Hugh Lackey, Finance Chair
(On behalf of committee members and the dedicated service of Karen Daniel)
Central Florida Presbytery
Operating Income Statement
January 1- December 31, 2014
35
Income
Shared Mission Support
Per Capita Apportionment
Investment Income
Endowment Income
Young Estate-Bequest (NCD)
Young Estate-Net Appreciation
Other (NCD)
Miscellaneous
Lake Nona NCD
Capital Obligation
Redevelopment Grant (Transformation)
Total Income
Annual Budget
$
$
Expense
Council
Youth Ministries
Collegiate Ministries
Resourcing
Adult Ministries
Church Development
Evangelism
Actual
406,850
119,369
2,700
400
3,500
30,000
521
130,000
21,452
11,600
$
726,392
$
401,488
123,631
6,675
297
3,164
(2,553)
22,201
(1,852)
130,000
11,600
694,651
3,220
3,361
12,876
11,000
3,000
5,000
1,800
7,335
6,561
609
4,977
217
2,500
-
11,600
18,529
248,700
240,716
Mission Development
14,200
13,046
Committee on Ministry
4,250
840
Committee on Preparation for Ministry
6,100
3,064
Nominating
300
264
Bills, Overtures & Minutes
Administration
Administration & Personnel
Property
Finance
Budget
Stewardship
100
-
400,971
100
394,332
-
75
600
-
Church Transformation
Supervision of NCD Ministries
Total Expense
Excess of income over expense
$
726,392
$
693,851
-
$
800
Presbyterian Mission Remittance Report
Thru December 31, 2014
36
Altamonte Springs, St. Mark's
Apopka, First
Apopka, Monte Sinai
Apopka, St. Andrews
Bushnell, Bushnell
Casselberry, Westminster
Celebration, Community
Clermont, Crosspoint
Clermont, South Lake
Cocoa, Cocoa
Cocoa Beach, Riverside
Daytona Beach, First
Daytona Beach, Korean
Daytona Beach, United
Daytona Beach, Westminster--Sea
Debary, First
Deland, First
Deland, Westminster
Deltona, Deltona
Eustis, First
Fruitland Park, New Life
Glenwood, Glenwood
Howey-in-the-Hills, Community
Indialantic, Eastminster
Kissimmee, El Buen Vecino
Kissimmee, First
Kissimmee, Nacion Santa
Lady Lake, North Lake
Lake Mary, First
Lake Mary, Markham Woods
Lake Nona, Hope
Leesburg, First
Leesburg, Lake Square
Longwood, Wekiva
Maitland, Maitland
Melbourne, Good Shepherd
Melbourne, New Light
Melbourne, Palmdale
Melbourne, Pineda
Merritt Island, Merritt Island
16,696
650
12,000
405
38,000
5,500
15,000
6,180
3,000
12,500
2,000
0
12,000
22,500
5,000
7,500
500
2,500
16,696
600
650
12,000
390
38,000
5,500
15,000
25,000
6,180
3,000
1,000
313
14,711
2,600
6,987
27,055
3,000
23,500
6,200
17,400
880
2,500
3,200
16,696
600
650
12,000
390
38,000
4,500
1,000
15,000
25,000
6,180
3,000
1,000
313
14,578
133
2,000
5,000
26,275
3,000
22,500
5,000
7,500
500
600
1,987
780
2,500
3,200
1,000
1,200
9,900
380
2,160
1,560
1,170
1,485
645
495
9,060
585
2,370
2,565
4,590
2,970
1,545
10,755
3,090
8,370
495
2,565
9,645
4,800
1,935
720
9,225
1,110
5,370
23,550
1,395
7,575
2,550
9,855
13,140
10,950
2,835
1,650
2,265
4,335
2,160
1,560
4,476
753
1,485
637
495
8,915
470
60
1,983
2,368
1,785
4,590
2,970
2,567
2,473
5,707
702
1,663
10,755
1,000
8,370
495
2,922
9,645
4,305
1,935
720
9,225
1,110
6,252
1,108
4,285
1,683
7,219
7,008
1,395
7,575
2,550
9,855
13,140
10,950
2,835
1,003
1,159
4,841
1,305
3,306
3,111
13,175
11,708
3,872
1,650
2,265
4,335
2,657
5,527
2,254
125
2,809
334
1,000
3,692
6,704
69
1,788
4,280
1,588
9,874
-
-
21,191
40
2,936
30
199
2,644
2,000
10,447
Presbyterian Mission Remittance Report
Thru December 31, 2014
37
Mount Dora, First
New Smyrna Beach, First
Oakland, Oakland
Ocoee, St. Pauls
Okeechobee, Okeechobee
Orlando, Church of the Lakes
Orlando, College Park
Orlando, Grace Covenant
Orlando, Korean
Orlando, New Hope
Orlando, Orlando
Orlando, Park Lake
Orlando, St. Johns
Orlando, St. Stephen
Orlando, Washington Shores
Orlando, Woodbury
Ormond Beach, Christ
Ormond Beach, Ormond Beach
Oviedo, El Redentor
Oviedo, Oviedo
Oviedo, Tuskawilla
Palm Bay, First
Port Orange, Port Orange
Rockledge, Rockledge
Sanford, First
Sanford, Upsala
Sebastian, First
Sebring, Spring Lake
St. Cloud, St. Cloud
Titusville, First
Titusville, St. Luke's
Umatilla, First
Vero Beach, First
Vero Beach, Westminster
Wildwood, First
Winter Park, Winter Park
Individuals
Totals
14,000
15,000
432
5,000
46,350
5,000
3,000
33,820
3,060
0
4,568
10,000
7,000
5,555
2,900
1,848
4,000
1,800
10,000
5,000
4,800
39,000
23,300
$ 407,364
14,000
6,000
17,000
600
5,173
46,350
1,305
5,000
21,625
1,050
5,000
33,120
2,805
4,568
10,360
7,000
5,555
2,900
1,848
4,270
1,800
5,000
4,800
39,000
2,000
22,978
3,740
$ 507,207
14,000
6,000
15,000
450
5,173
46,350
1,305
5,000
17,968
1,050
3,000
25,420
2,805
4,568
8,800
7,000
5,555
2,900
1,848
3,336
1,800
7,651
7,260
3,780
6,255
8,565
990
3,345
2,400
9,270
3,900
2,295
615
7,155
375
1,485
1,830
2,040
7,245
4,395
7,440
1,245
4,935
2,325
7,470
5,070
465
675
2,415
1,155
3,000
1,785
1,980
1,215
10,755
2,445
1,785
7,920
$ 48,631
$ 306,660
2,000
150
3,656
2,000
7,700
1,560
934
5,000
4,800
36,000
2,000
15,327
3,740
$ 458,577
3,000
7,260
946
6,255
8,565
930
3,345
2,400
9,270
4,000
2,295
615
7,155
375
3,517
1,830
5,116
8,189
4,395
7,440
1,245
2,325
7,600
5,070
465
675
2,180
1,155
3,000
1,785
1,980
1,215
10,755
2,535
1,785
7,973
$ 284,560
8,838
1,436
2,125
1,468
169
150
7,348
765
8,435
78
3,358
2,015
6,883
316
-
4,340
2,659
10,710
3,178
904
596
5,829
1,644
-
50
4,553
-
11,472
2,400
2,400
4,095
1,751
2,528
11,118
2,826
3,717
7,122
2,879
$ 212,956
$
37,068
25
$
2,090
41,398
Notes to Commitment Report
38
Commitment
Made by individual churches for Basic Mission Support
20%-General Assembly
1%-Synod of South Atlantic
79%-Central Florida Presbytery
Shared Mission
Directed
Total
Undesignated for budgets of GA, Synod and Presbytery
Specific items within the budgets of GA, Synod and Presbytery
Distributed as approved by Presbytery (above percentages
unless directed by indvidual church)
Per capita assessed
Per member assessment-$15.00
General Assembly
7.02
Synod
1.45
Presbytery
6.53
Per capita received
Amount received
Special Offerings
One Great Hour of Sharing
Christmas Offering
1% Fund for Theological Education
Pentecost Offering
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Peacemaking
Extra commitment opportunities
Thornwell Home
New Church Development
$20 Per member
World Hunger
Scholarship Fund for Church Vocations
Two Cents Per Meal
Media Resources
Caring for Generations
46,429
42,404
12,493
5,024
14,840
7,363
7,391
3,733
430
770
1,200
2,314
65,865
100
2,599
Outreach Foundation
Duvall Home
Villa International
Special Gathering
25,091
5,354
40
6,583
Heifer Project International
Church World Service
Habitat for Humanity
Other
10,129
4,150
3,245
23,873
Presbyterian Causes
Other Giving
Other Notable Financial Transactions
2014
39
A Outreach Fund
Grant to New Hope Presbyterian Church-taken from John Calvin sale proceeds
$ 175,000
Sold Center Hill Church Property
Lawyer fees
Net proceeds of sale
$
$
5,000
(1,500)
3,500
Monte Sinai property insurance
$
2,045
B
Barnabas Project
Received $10,000 contribution to help underwrite the project (beginning 2015)
C
St. Stephen Presbyterian Church dismissal consideration
Received
$ 95,041
Designated per capita
(3,517)
Use to be determined
$ 91,524
D
Everett L. Perry Estate
E
Woodbury Presbyterian Church dismissal consideration
Total consideration
$ 125,899
Received first installment
Legal expenses
Per capita
Use to be determined
F
$ 25,000
$ 30,617
(614)
(5,116)
$ 24,887
Howey-in-the-Hills property loan
Loan amount payoff
$ 255,191
Received from Community, Howey
(57,910)
Presbytery
$ (197,281)
Presbytery's portion was taken from proceeds from the sale of the Ecumenical Center
office building
40
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Report to Presbytery
March 7, 2015
COLE: Sat. Jan. 31, 2015 at Grace Covenant, Orlando
Attendance at the event was 141 (a new record—nearly 20 more people than last year and
twice as many as participated in 2013). Evaluations show mostly very positive evaluations (4s &
5s) of the event in general and of the workshops/presenters. There were also some very
positive specific remarks about the networking break (CFP trivia game & sharing of “best
practices” around tables). LDC will fine tune some details re check-in process and possibly
tweak the schedule a bit before planning FISH but we’re celebrating a most successful COLE.
FISH: Saturday, August 29th. Location TBD.Mark your calendars for this annual education event
for church educators—lay and professional; CRE’s; Teaching Elders; Youth Ministry workers—
lay and professional; and anyone involved in the educational ministry of their local church.
PRESBYTERY YOUTH COUNCIL:
Lead On! V. 2.0 Jam Packed Weekend Feb. 20-21 had37 youth and adults attend the Orlando
Magic basketball game/Christian concert on Friday night. A lock-in followed at Grace Covenant
Church. Thirty-two youth and adults participated in the Lead On! v. 2.0 event on Saturday, at
Nemours Children’s Hospital. Jim DeGrado, Chaplain at Nemours, led the group through
exercises on Listening, Cultural Competency and Self-Identity. The PYC lead worship around the
theme of Healing Hands and utilized the Service for Wholeness for their order of worship.
Participating churches were: Community, Celebration; Deltona; Grace Covenant, Orlando;
Orlando; Park Lake, Orlando; Rockledge; and Westminster by the Sea, Daytona Beach
Upcoming PYC Events:
Beach Retreat at Westminster by the Sea, April 10-11. Registration Packets available at the
Presbytery meeting.
Ichetucknee River Camping and Tubing Retreat date has been changed to June 19-21, 2015.
YOUTH LEADERS NETWORK:
February 28that Credo Coffee Shop, Orlando. The topic was Confirmation and Rev. David Jones,
pastor of Orlando Presbyterian, was the presenter.
Next network gathering: Saturday, May 2nd at Wekiva Presbyterian in conjunction with the
Curriculum Fair. All adults working with youth in churches—youth ministry volunteer leaders,
Sunday School teachers, etc., as well as youth ministry professionals are encouraged to attend
these quarterly events. This ministry is coordinated by Jimmy Steele of Grace Covenant
Presbyterian and Rev. Cara Gee of Westminster by the Sea Presbyterian.
COLLEGIATE MINISTRIES: CFP Collegiate Ministries Coordinator Darice Dawson led a COLE
workshop & brought several college students to COLE. She has posted the UKirkUWorship
College Spring Lectionary on the YAC (Young Adult Council) Facebook page and set up an official
41
Young Adult Blog. She’s also emailed CFP clergy/churches asking for contact info on Senior
Highs so that she can target soon-to-be graduating seniors to begin getting involved in YAC in
order to bridge the transition from youth group involvement to YAC. The next YAC activity, on
March 28, 2015, is working a sale for One Heart for Women & Children (sorting, selling, packing
clothes for those in need).
30 SOMETHING MINISTRIES: Information packets will be distributed at CFP meeting in March
to promote this new group for those “between the ages of 27-43 who are seeking to be in
relationship with Jesus Christ”. The 30 Something Club is to deliver “thought-provoking, eyeopening and inspiring social gatherings designed to help members awaken to their best selves
and discover a deeper connection to the world around them and to God”. The first meeting, a
“meet and greet” will be held at the end of April, 2015. Quarterly activities of a variety of types
(book discussions, retreats-- some primarily for active fellowship and others primarily for
spiritual enrichment, dinners, etc.) will be scheduled after the initial meeting. The hope is that
the first retreat might be to attend the Young Adult Conference at Montreat in 2016. Manda
Wright of Deltona Presbyterian is the coordinator of this ministry, and is also working to
develop a website for the group.
OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES:CFP Older Adult Ministry Project Coordinator Anne Adams of First
Presbyterian, Vero Beach, reports that churches participating in the first year of the CFP OAM
Network have 1) studied their demographics as they relate to the membership of the church, 2)
developed budgets and learned about working with Sessions to promote a standing committee,
3) worked on OAM events to cover the 5 generations in OAM. 4) developed community
relationships to help attract people interested in topical seminars 5) discussed how Reformed
Theology and Creeds can be translated into service and spiritual programs at church. On April
25 they will discuss Caregiver resources and the importance of “fourth quarter relationships”,
i.e., life lessons that can be passed down to grandchildren.
CURRICULUM FAIR: May 2nd, 9:00 a.m. - Noon at Wekiva Presbyterian.
The new PCUSA curriculum “Growing in Grace and Gratitude”, a curriculum for preschool
through 5thgraders will be introduced by Candace Hill from PCUSA Educational
Ministries/Congregational Ministries Publishing in Louisville. Curriculum resources for all ages
will also be available for review at the event.
42
PWCFP
Presbyterian Women in Central Florida Presbytery
Karen Hamilton, Moderator
The 27th Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Central Florida Presbytery was held
January 24th at Wekiva Presbyterian Church. “Living the PW Purpose” was the theme for the
event which was attended by 82 women and 2 men from 20 of our Central Florida churches and
1 from Tampa Bay Presbytery.
The PWCFP coordinating team thanks Rev. Dr. John Dallas for sharing his call and “White
Elephant” story, and the men and women of Wekiva Presbyterian Church for their outstanding
preparation for the gathering and welcoming us into their church family for the day.
Many thanks also go to the representatives from Cocoa, DeLand, El Redentor, Lake Mary,
Maitland, Mt. Dora, North Lake, Orlando, Oviedo, Park Lake, Port Orange, Sebastian, South
Lake, St. Andrews, St. Mark’s, Titusville, Tuskawilla, Vero Beach, Wekiva, and Westminster-bythe-Sea.
Our day began with a worship service including communion which led into the business
meeting. The bylaws were amended to include students under the care of Central Florida
Presbytery Committee on Preparation for Ministry and attending a NON-PCUSA seminary a one
time scholarship and individuals preparing to become Certified Christian Educators eligible for
scholarship.
Mary Bell Streetman installed the 2015 officers for PWCFP Coordinating Team.
Yellow roses were given to 36 present and past Moderators of PW at the church, presbytery,
and/or synod level that were in attendance.
Sue McClew, Moderator of Presbyterian Women, Presbytery of Tampa Bay, shared her Global
Exchange experience titled “One Heart, One Love, One Community” which focused on issues of
human trafficking, violence against women and children and declining church membership in
Jamaica, Dominion Republic, Guyana and Curacao.
Help sessions for Moderator, Circle Leader, Secretary, and Treasurer positions were offered
during lunch. Participants were encourage to attend 2 of 4 break out sessions offered: Nurture
our Faith/Gayle Schmidt; Mission of the Church/Barbara Joyce; Justice & Peace/Abbie
VanDenBerg; Building a Community of Women/Jennifer Jonas. May you be blessed and
inspired to share the message.
43
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
March 7, 2015
INFORMATION:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Annual Consultation Seminar with Inquirers and Candidates has been scheduled for
May 30, 2015 at Park Lake Presbyterian. In addition, to the committee holding annual
consultations with each person under care, worship, a workshop, lunch and a keynote
will be provided. The event gives Inquirers and Candidates a chance to fellowship with
one another and the CPM members. The keynote and workshops are designed to
provide valuable information about such topics as preparation for and taking of
ordination exams; the procedure for preparing and posting a Ministry Information Form
(MIF); and expectations of ministry after ordination.
Katy Steinberg has been nominated by the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
for the David H.C. Read Preacher Scholar Award. The top prize for this national award is
$20,000 and preaching at Madison Presbyterian Church in New York City. Selections are
made in April.
Ed Sacket has been invited to participate in the NEXT CHURCH conference in Chicago on
March 16-18. NEXT Church is a network of leaders across the Presbyterian Church (USA)
who believe the church of the future will be more relational, more diverse, more
collaborative, more hopeful and more agile. We provide hopeful space for robust
conversations about the theology, culture, and the practice of ministry, to serve as a
catalyst for new mission callings, and to support strong leadership in a time of adaptive
change.
http://nextchurch.net/2015-national-gathering/#.VOuS-Z0o674
Monetary Christmas gifts of $250 were provided from the Presbytery’s
Vocational Fund for the six Inquirers and Candidates in seminary.
Persons Seeking a Call:
The Committee always wishes to remind pastors and elders that the Chairperson of the
Committee should be contacted when a church member begins to think seriously about
exploring a call to the ministry and making plans to attend seminary. The CPM wants to consult
with the person before they make a decision about seminary.
Church Sessions:
A member of the CPM would be pleased to meet with the session before it interviews the
person and considers endorsement. It is hoped that people considering the Ministry of Word
and Sacrament as a Teaching Elder will have given significant service to and had leadership
roles in their churches before they consider becoming inquirers and asking for session
endorsement. It is advisable to complete the required Career Counseling Program and become
an Inquirer before beginning seminary. In addition, several PC(USA) seminaries have significant
scholarships for outstanding students identified by their church and the Presbytery before they
begin seminary. For information on the process, please contact Cheryl Carson, CFP Staff
44
Support to CPM, at [email protected] or visit the CFP Equip website at
http://cfpequip.weebly.com/teaching-elder-ministry-process.html.
Supply Preachers:
Several inquirers and candidates live in Central Florida. As they move ahead and complete their
Preparation for Ministry process, some of them would be interested in getting experience in
preaching and leading worship. We encourage churches to invite them to preach.
The following is a list of the inquirers and candidates of Central Florida Presbytery as of
February 24, 2015:
Candidates
Name
Christina Greenawalt**
Church
St. Andrews, Apopka
Seminary
Reformed Theological Seminary grad.
Katy Steinberg
Christ, Ormond Beach
Dubuque Theological Seminary
Jody Mask**
Park Lake, Orlando
Dubuque Theological Seminary grad.
Laura Viau**
Oviedo
Dubuque Theological Seminary grad.
Inquirers
Name
Margaret Dickey
Church
First, Vero Beach
Seminary
Columbia Theological Seminary
Josue Raymond
First, Lake Mary
Asbury Theological Seminary
Holly Reimer
North Lake, Lady Lake
Columbia Theological Seminary
Ed Sackett
St. Cloud
Westminster-by-the-Sea,
Daytona Beach Shores
Austin Theological Seminary
Michelle Wildridge
Name
JoAnn Tennant
Princeton Theological Seminary
Educators Seeking Certification
Church
Community, Celebration
Status
Exam Phase
Helen DeBevoise, Chair
* Candidates on pulpit supply list.
**Candidates on pulpit supply list who are also Certified Ready to Be Examined for a Call, and Ruling
Elders with authorization by CPM to Preside over the Lord’s Supper when invited by a Session.
45
REQUEST FOR EXCUSE
Date of meeting to be excused from:
Spring Stated Meeting: March 7, 2015: MIPC
NAME _________________________________________________________________________
CHURCH _______________________________________________________________________
PLEASE EXCUSE ME FOR:
The entire meeting
For the hours from
Morning Session
to
Afternoon Session
.
I need to be excused because:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
SIGNED
RETURN FORM TO:
DATE
Dan Williams Stated Clerk ([email protected])
c/o Central Florida Presbytery
924 N. Magnolia Avenue - Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32803
407.422.7128 (fax)
46
MOTION and/or AMMENDMENT FORM
In order to expedite the flow of business, please write your motion or amendment on this form
before securing recognition from the Moderator to make the motion. Give this form to the
Associate Stated Clerk at the table in front as soon as motion has been approved.
Please print legibly
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Motion Made By: _________________________________________________________
Date: ______________________

churches - Central Florida Presbytery

Transcription

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