Contact Us
Newsletter
Calendar
Committees
Churches
Supply Ministers
Mission Communities
Resources
OlderAdultMin
Youth Council
Links
Archives
Presbytery Council Minutes
Click on date: 1/09 , 4/09 , 6/09 , 07/09 , 10/09 , 1/10
Presbytery Council Minutes
Click on date: 1/09 , 4/09 , 6/09 , 07/09 , 10/09 , 1/10
|
The Presbytery Council met on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Those present were: Lisa Webb, Council Chair Ann Held, Presbytery Moderator Mary Lou Cox, Presbytery Vice-Mod Jonathan Bunker, Vice-Mod 2010 Richard Johnson, Nominations Joel Thornton, Church Development Carl Howard, Budget & Finance Kerry Foster, Shenandoah 2010 Ron Potter, Office & Personnel Homer Cornish, World Wide Ministries Mimi Moring, PW Martin Stokes, Communications Phil Zirkle, Central Valley Ed Brown, Eastern Panhandle Pat Klumpp, Highland Augusta Howard Newman, Highland Augusta Sandi Ey, Mtn Valley Randy Webb, Mtn Valley STAFF Sally Hinchman, Interim Gen Presbyter Jan Owen, Stated Clerk Lucille Gohdes, Treasurer Doug Sensabaugh, Communications/Hunger Action Enabler Lisa Hedrick, Resource Coordinator Kim Stroupe, Asst for Constitution Lisa Webb opened the meeting with devotions and prayer. Instructions were given to mileage reimbursement, representation of mission communities, and an introduction of the Council was given. Reviewed the proposed agenda for the day. Approved the minutes from the October 13, 2009, meeting as distributed. TRAINING AND RELECTIONS Sally Hinchman led the group in a training session outlining the responsibilities of the Presbytery Council per Presbytery Manual section 4.2.1. Sally also reviewed the vision statement of the Presbytery as well as the principles of organization (Chapters II and III of the Manual). COMMITTEE REPORTS Constitutional Committees Nominations – Jill Webb will be nominated at the February 13, 2010, Presbytery to serve as the chair of Salary Committee as well as the class of 2012. It was noted that the Nominations Committee is “out of order” regarding their membership. They currently have two elders serving from the same church. Considering Dick Johnson originally obtained the second elder from Harrisonburg First, he was given permission to communicate with the elder. A motion was made, seconded and approved for the Council chair to communicate with the mission communities of Mountain Valley, Central Valley, and/or Eastern Panhandle to obtain a layman to serve on the Nominations Committee. Lisa will circulate the nomination via email to the Council for approval to recommend to the February 13, 2010, Presbytery meeting. A motion was made, seconded and approved for the Council to nominate at the February 13, Presbytery meeting, the Rev. Christina Tutterow to serve in the Class of 2011 on the Nominations Committee. Standing Committees Budget & Finance – Carl Howard, chair of Budget & Finance, submitted the revised 2010 budget noting the adjustment for the 2.5% salary increase for Presbytery staff salaries. Council will report to the February 13, 2010, Presbytery the $2,179 reduction. Church Development – Joel Thornton reported that if the Presbytery finds itself “in the red” financially for 2009, the Committee will not carryover its remaining funds for new church development. Communications Committee - Martin Stokes reported that the Committee purchased a new projector that includes a brighter bulb and wireless connection between computer and projector. The Committee plans on conducting a survey during the lunch time at the February 13 Presbytery meeting. A FrontPage workshop will be held March 6. Office & Personnel – Ron Potter reported that the Committee will be conducting staff evaluations on January 19, followed by time together for lunch. The following recommendations were approved:
Resource Committee – Lisa noted an increase of users during 2009. World Wide Ministries – Homer Cornish submitted a written report as well as a copy of an overture to the General Assembly from the Presbytery of Shenango. WWM recommends that the overture be adopted by Shenandoah Presbytery. A motion was made, seconded and approved to refer this item to the Bills and Overtures Committee. Other Reports Campus Ministry – Ann Held reported that upon the dissolving of the Lutheran-Presbyterian Campus Ministry program, campus ministry in the surrounding school is still functioning and will be soon hiring a part-time director, not necessarily a minister. Manual Revision – slowly receiving updates from committees. Presbyterian Women – Mimi Moring reported that the Coordinating Team will meet in February and new officers will begin serving in April. Dot Bowers will be the new Moderator. Shenandoah 2010 – Kerry Foster they have begun interviewing the “free-standing” committees. Presbytery Meeting Planning – the Committee reported that due to the overwhelmingly popularity of the leadership school and mission fair, it was felt that holding the two events outside the realm of a Presbytery meeting would better benefit the Presbytery. After much discussion the following motion was made, seconded and approved to combine the fall PW gathering, leadership school, and mission fair into one event to be held on September 11, 2010, at Massanetta Springs Conference Center. Possible coordinators for the event include Carol Miller, Joan VanBrundt, Lisa Hedrick, Sally Hinchman, Mary Lou Cox, and Howard Newman. Mary Lou Cox will convene the planning team. STAFF REPORTS Interim General Presbyter Sally Hinchman noted that the new Presbytery Directory is in process and if anyone knows of any changes, please contact the office soon. A communication from the Synod office was circulated regarding the Presbytery Initiatives Committee. It asks presbyteries to consider which programs and missions they may effectively accomplish on their own and which span geographical, cultural, denominational and other boundaries necessitating not only the combined spirit, energy and resources of two or more presbyteries but also those of the Synod. When such a need exists and requests action by the Synod Assembly, the PIC is charged with reviewing the scope and plan of the request. Sally will be attending the Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference in March in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sally reported she has been in conversation with Olivia Haney, chair of the task force Partners in Endowment (PIE). By common understanding the task force has disbanded however Tom Holden and Olivia will continue to serve as consultants to churches concerning endowments. Stated Clerk Jan Owen reported on the progress of the Administrative Commission to the Poplar Hill Church. The Commission is in conversation with the New Beginnings Church that is currently using the building for their services. The Commission will be offering to sell to New Beginnings Church the property for $100,000 on a 10-year agreement. The Church will also be asked to reaffirm their signatures made in a covenant agreement with the Commission two years ago. Jan noted the possibility of forming a Bills and Overture standing committee, but in the meantime asks the Presbytery to re-appoint the 2009 Task Force to serve through 2010, with the Task Force’s permission. Jan noted he will be in Peru March 4-11. Resource Coordinator Lisa Hedrick will be attending the Association of Presbytery Church Educators (APCE) in Nashville the last week of January. Communications Coordinator/Hunger Action Enabler Doug Sensabaugh reported on the Eco-Palm Project of the PCUSA, a fair trade initiative with local growers that provides palms for Palm Sunday worship at a reasonable cost. Doug reported that 30 of the 60 slots have been filled for the annual Baja mission trip July 25-31. Shenandoah Presbytery will be sending youth to two conferences in 2010: Triennium (July 19-14) and Montreat (July 18-24). Deadline for registering is February 15. Doug asked two churches present to report: Bethel Church held a benefit for missions which included a hand-made quilt that brought approximately $4,000 to go toward the upcoming Baja trip. Mt. Horeb Church reported that they planted a small community garden last summer that produced a bountiful harvest for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. MISSION COMMUNITIES Everyone was asked to be in prayer for the Potomac Highlands area and mission community, that God would raise up “workers in that vineyard” to serve on Presbytery Council. Mountain Valley reported that they held a crop walk October 8 with eight churches participating with 55 walkers and raising $4800. Held a successful officer training November 8. The 10th annual mission trip to Louisiana will be January 30-February 6. Next meeting will be January 14 at Woodstock Church. Maury River reported that they held a well-attended mission fair at New Monmouth that included a multi-church choir/silent auction to benefit the Living Waters Team. Will hold an educational event in late February with 10-12 workshops. Next meeting will be January 24 at Lexington Church. Highland Augusta reported that they have not met since the last Council meeting; next meeting scheduled for January 14 at Augusta Stone Church. The organizational meeting for Baja 2010 will be January 24 at 3:00 at Augusta Stone Church. Eastern Panhandle submitted a written report noting the churches have lots of activities in place from rape victim kits, to blood drives, to family fun nights, to Angel Food Ministries. The next meeting will be January 25 at Little Falls Church. Central Valley submitted a written report noting the Harrisonburg and Rockingham Thermal Shelter (HARTS) is extending its service for three more weeks in April. A newly formed organization, Home to Home Ministries, has become a huge success. Elder Jerry Miller began the program to collect new and gently used household items and clothing for persons in need. The next meeting will be March 4 at Mt. Olive Church. NEW BUSINESS Nominations was asked to obtain a new vice-chair of Council. The Rev. Jason Whitener has accepted a call in Atlanta, Georgia. Following action taken at the November 2009 Presbytery meeting, a motion was made, seconded and approved to form a task force to include a Nominations Committee representative, Interim General Presbyter, 2010 Presbytery Vice-Moderator, and the Presbytery Council chair to review Shenandoah Presbytery’s process of nominating commissioners to General Assembly. Received communication from the Rev. Charlie McFarlin, Spiritual Director for the Shenandoah Presbyterian Pilgrimage. A motion was made, seconded and approved to grant permission to celebrate the Lord’s Supper at Pilgrimage weekend gatherings and ultreyas gatherings during 2010. ("Ultreya" is a Spanish word, derived from the original Latin, meaning Onward! It was in common use by pilgrims to greet and to encourage one another along the way. This word is now used by the Pilgrimage/Cursillo community to signify the meeting which is held after a Pilgrimage/Cursillo experience) The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m. with prayer by Lisa Webb lifting up the many concerns mentioned throughout the day. Next meeting will be April 13, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Submitted by, Kim Stroupe |
|
The Presbytery Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Those present were: Charlotte Hott, Council Chair Ann Held, Presbytery Moderator Mary Lou Cox, Presbytery Vice-Mod Barb Johnson, Nomination Joel Thornton, Church Development Wray Sherman, Budget & Finance Kerry Foster, Shenandoah 2010 Ron Potter, Office & Personnel Homer Cornish, World Wide Ministry Mimi Moring, PW Martin Stokes, Communications Phil Zirkle, Central Valley Ed Brown, Eastern Panhandle Pat Klumpp, Highland Augusta Staff Sally Hinchman, Interim Gen Presbyter Lucille Gohdes, Treasurer Doug Sensabaugh, Communications Lisa Hedrick, Resource Coordinator Kim Stroupe, Asst for Constitution Charlotte Hott opened the meeting with devotions and prayer. Reviewed and approved the proposed agenda for the day. Approved the minutes from the July 14 meeting as distributed. MISSION COMMUNITIES Central Valley – submitted a written report noting Broadway, Massanutten, and Trinity churches are providing assistance to the HARTS (Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Thermal Shelter) program. Next meeting is November 5 at Trinity Church. Eastern Panhandle – submitted a written report noting Berkeley Springs Church celebrated their 135th Anniversary and Kearneysville Church has designated $5000 annual for mission support. Next meeting is November 17 Highland Augusta – submitted a written report noting that Doug Sensabaugh gave a presentation consisting of an educational piece of the work of each mission community and Mac Sterrett updated the group on the Baja project. A questionnaire was distributed to all churches to increase participation and make people aware of the work of the mission community. Maury River – reported that Malcolm Brownlee is the new coordinator. Attendance at the mission fair was good with 8-10 churches participating. Planning a 2010 educational event as well as a youth event. Mountain Valley – submitted a written report noting the group heard a presentation from Cliff Gilchrest regarding the iCare project which the group voted to help support financially; voted to support Randy Webb and another rep to attend the Urban Ministry Conference in 2010; voted to support the mission trip to Louisiana January 30, 2010; leading officer training November 8; next meeting November 12 at Winchester First 7:00 p.m. Potomac Highlands – submitted a written report noting the youth lock-in will be March 19-20; next meeting November 4 at Grace Lutheran at 11:30 a.m. with worship and communion. PRESBYTERY STAFF Interim General Presbyter – Sally reported that she has been to five of the six mission community meetings and is participating in officer training in Mountain Valley and Maury River. Treasurer - Lucille Gohdes reported that due to ever increasing fees with Wachovia bank, a new checking account will be established with BB&T as well as a money market account with the Presbytery Investment and Loan Program. Resource Coordinator – Lisa Hedrick reports that she continues to meet with mission communities and will be participating in elder training. Coordinating a Facebook page for educators and planning on attending APCE January 27-30 in Nashville, Tennessee. Communications/HAE – Doug Sensabaugh reported that he lead a workshop at the last PW gathering. The Disaster Response Team urges churches to work on a responses plan for the H1N1 virus and the Volunteer Farm has harvested more food this past year than the Blue Ridge Food Bank can store! There are still two acres of potatoes to harvest. Doug encouraged attendance at the Ethiopian Partnership banquet November 6 at Massanutten Church. SHENANDOAH PRESBYTERY CORPORATION Cindy Litten of Brown, Edwards, and Company, and Randy Roller, Treasurer of the Corporation, briefed the group on the suggestion to move from a full audit of the Corporation to a compilation statement. Upon the recommendation of the Shenandoah Presbytery Corporation, it was approved to recommend to the meeting of Presbytery that instead of a full audit of the Corporation, a compilation statement be prepared unless there are triggering factors. (Kim has contacted Randy Roller for a brief and simple rationale that will be taken to the November meeting of Presbytery.) COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance – Wray Sherman submitted the final draft of the 2010 budget which will be recommended to the November Presbytery meeting. One change will be made to the Communications line item. Campus Ministry – Ann Held reported that Kathleen Haines will be employed through the end of January. Currently have two student interns and working on restructuring once Kathleen’s time is complete. Church Development – Joel Thornton reported the Committee is planning to co-sponsor a summer internship program. CCD is promoting the 2010 Summer Collegium workshop held at the Virginia Theological Seminary June 23-July 1 entitled “Leadership in the Small Church”. For further info go to: www.vts.edu/education/collegium Communications Committee - Martin Stokes reported that Doug will be adding names of all Presbytery churches complete with photos, map locations to the Presbytery web site. Agreement was made to proceed with the Resources Committee to purchase a hi-lumen video projector and screen both optimized for high light, large room/auditorium situations. Cost not to exceed $3000. Training classes for 2010 will include advanced PowerPoint, Front Page (web sites), and well as social networking such as Facebook. Martin and Doug agreed to meet with the Presbytery Staff to discuss means to optimize distribution of and online access to the Presbytery directory. Manual Revision – struggling to gather all the information. Tremendous amount of editorial changes due to the Book of Order revision. The Committee is unsure how to proceed until Shenandoah 2010 completes their work. Nominations – submitted a written report listing all filled positions and vacancies for 2012. Also submitted the recommended names of commissioners to attend the 219th General Assembly. The committee noted that it would be ideal if a chair of a committee, who has one year left to serve, would step-down as chair and then mentor the new chair during their final year of service. Office & Personnel – Ron Potter reported the Committee will be meeting in November to review staff job descriptions. Paddy Run Outdoor Ministries – submitted a written report noting the success on the work day held September 12 and that they are accepting bids for landscaping around the front of the lodge. The fall retreat will be held November 6-8. Presbyterian Women – Mimi Moring submitted a written report noting that approximately 2,500 women attended the Churchwide Gathering this past summer. Shenandoah Presbytery was recognized by the Hunger Program as one of the top 10 givers to the Cents-ability offering in 2008. Mimi reported that Dot Bowers will be the new moderator beginning April 2010. Presbytery Planning – the Committee recommends that beginning in 2010 the vice-chair of Presbytery Council serve as chair of the Planning Committee. approved Professional Development – reminder of the Brian McLaren event November 1-3. Resource Center – Lisa noted that several vacancies need to be filled to broaden the committee and to continue to make the Resource Center representative of the entire Presbytery. Shenandoah 2010 – Kerry Foster reported they have begun their work of a “mission study” of the Presbytery. A link will soon be available on the shenpres web site. World Wide Ministries – Homer Cornish submitted a written report. The following recommendation was endorsed: To ask the Budget and Finance Committee to carryover $1600 of Ramsey Fund money to the 2010 budget designated for Randy Webb and Doug Sensabaugh’s trip to Ethiopia. OLD BUSINESS The Council will recommend to the November meeting of Presbytery the names of Rachel Sterrett (Class of 2011) and Pat Klumpp, Ann Grisdale, Dick Johnson and John McDonald (Class of 2012) to serve on the Nominating Committee. NEW BUSINESS Permission was given to serve communion at the November 6 Ethiopian Partnership banquet at Massanutten Church. 2010 MEETINGS (all at 10:00 a.m.: January 12, April 13, July 13, and October 12. The meeting was adjourned at 1:23 p.m. with prayer by Charlotte Hott. Submitted by, Kim Stroupe |
|
The Presbytery Council met on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Those present were: Charlotte Hott, Council Chair Lisa Webb, Council Vice-Chair Ann Held, Presbytery Moderator Richard Johnson, Nomination Joel Thornton, Church Development Wray Sherman, Budget & Finance Kerry Foster, Vision & Mission Ron Potter, Office & Personnel Kathleen Haines, Campus Ministry Homer Cornish, World Wide Ministry Martin Stokes, Communications John Sloop, Central Valley Phil Zirkle, Central Valley Sandi Ey, Mountain Valley Carolyn Bennett, Eastern Panhandle Pat Klumpp, Highland Augusta STAFF Sally Hinchman, Interim Gen Presbyter Jan Owen, Stated Clerk Lucille Gohdes, Treasurer Doug Sensabaugh, Communications Lisa Hedrick, Resource Coordinator Kim Stroupe, Asst for Constitution Charlotte Hott opened the meeting with devotions to God. Reviewed and approved the proposed agenda for the day. Approved the minutes from the April 14 meeting and June 5 conference call as distributed. Ron Potter, Chair of Office and Personnel, introduced the new Interim General Presbyter, Elder Sally Hinchman. MISSION COMMUNITIES Central Valley – submitted a written report noting a successful pulpit exchange was held April 26; reworking Camp Massanetta workday; hosted Rev. Yonas Yigezu during the May meeting; annual picnic held June 6; and the next meeting will be September 3 at Elkton Church. Eastern Panhandle – submitted a written report noting they held a Vespers in the Park service on July 12 at War Memorial Park in Martinsburg, West Virginia; planning a music festival September 27 at Tomahawk Church; and the next meeting will be held September 28. Highland Augusta – submitted a written report noting planning of worship for the November Presbytery Meeting at Tinkling Spring Church; heard from Rev. Yonas Yigezu at the April 30 meeting; and the next meeting will be September 17 at either First Staunton or First Waynesboro. Maury River – reported that a Mission Fair will be held at New Monmouth Church on October 4. Mountain Valley – reported they are sponsoring the Northern Shenandoah Valley Crop Walk on October 4 and planning late fall Gulf mission trip. The next meeting will be September 10 at Burnt Church. Potomac Highlands – no report PRESBYTERY STAFF General Presbyter - Heard a brief word from Sally Hinchman. Stated Clerk - Jan Owen reported on the progress of the History Committee on the work of the written history of Shenandoah Presbytery. Question arose from the Nominations Committee regarding waiving the restriction of member service to complete the huge project from the History Committee. Treasurer - Lucille Gohdes received a communication from Shenandoah Presbytery Corporation regarding the possibility of moving from a full audit to a compilation. After much discussion regarding the differences between a full audit and a compilation (a full audit comes with a guarantee of no problems) a motion was made, seconded and approved to continue to require a full audit of the Shenandoah Presbytery Corporation. Resource Coordinator – Lisa Hedrick reports that she continues to weed outdated resources and plans on seeding with suggestions for replacements. Communications/HAE – Doug Sensabaugh reported that the last quarter 4 cents a meal giving is down. A bulletin insert was circulated to encourage giving to the 4 Cents A Meal Program. PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE Viewed a video presentation developed by PDA entitled “Three Years Since Katrina.” COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance – Wray Sherman reported for the Committee. The First Reading of the 2010 Budget was presented and the committee recommends bringing this for information to the August 22 Presbytery meeting. Approved The following two recommendations were approved: 1. That all $15,500 the Presbytery paid to the Virginia Westminster Foundation be allocated for the campus ministry serving James Madison University and other university students in the area. (Explanation: our Lutheran partners are terminating their role at the end of 2009, and additional funding will be needed for the 2010 transitional year. Presbytery funding for campus ministry will remain at $15,750 in 2010. 2. Approve the request from COM that the COM be allowed to create an escrow fund for sabbatical assistance for small churches, not to exceed $5000 at any time, from unused funds from the Pastoral Care and Wellness budget. Campus Ministry – Kathleen Haines submitted a written report noting the new school year at James Madison will begin with two separate ministries serving students in different contexts. Presbyterian Campus Ministry will continue to serve students in the campus-based model Shenandoah has supported for many years. The next year will be a period of discernment as they decide how best to serve students with extremely limited resources. Kathleen reported she will continue to serve the new Presbyterian Campus Ministry while seeking a different call. She will work with student interns to transition them to a model of ministry that is staffed by interns, not an ordained minister. Church Development – Joel Thornton reported for the Committee regarding the newly formed Barnabas Fund for emergency capital expenses. The Committee recommends that an offering be taken during the November Presbytery Meeting for the Barnabas Fund. This recommendation was defeated however Council encourages promotion of the Fund by perhaps creating a display for all Presbytery meetings. Communications Committee - Martin Stokes reported that the Committee is planning their workshop for the August 22 Presbytery meeting. The next meeting will be held October 10, 2009, 10:00 a.m. at presbytery office. Manual Revision – Jan Owen reported they have met twice and have contacted all entities included in the Manual for any changes to be made. Accepted resignation of Ed Brown due to health reasons therefore a replacement is needed. The Eastern Panhandle community will be approached for a replacement. It was noted that the addition of the newly formed sub-committee of Committee on Ministry, Pastoral Care and Wellness, will need approval at the August 22 Presbytery meeting to be immediately added to the Manual. Nominations – Richard Johnson reported that numerous vacancies will exist for the class of 2012 on all committees. A motion was made, seconded and approved to authorize Council representatives from the Eastern Panhandle and Mountain Valley communities to suggest names of male elders to serve in the Class of 2011 on the Nominations Committee, bringing these suggestions to the floor of the August 22 Presbytery Meeting. Office & Personnel – Ron Potter expressed gratitude to Jim Cushman for serving as Acting General Presbyter. Working on adjusting personnel policies and updating staff job descriptions. A motion was made, seconded and approved to authorize the Chair of Council and Presbytery Moderator to arrange a special thank you gift for Jim Cushman. Presbytery Planning – discussed the upcoming August 22 meeting regarding suggested workshops for the Leadership School. Paddy Run Outdoor Ministries – submitted a written report noting that the kickball tournament was a huge success! The Parish Day Camp received record attendance for a third straight year with over 120 participating. Vision & Mission – Kerry Foster is serving as the new chair. Planning a meeting with the new Interim General Presbyter, Sally Hinchman. Discussed the plan of SHENANDOAH 2010 to serve as a mission study for the Presbytery before calling a new General Presbyter. World Wide Ministries – Homer Cornish submitted a written report noting the 20 year anniversary of the partnership with the Illubabor Bethel Synod (IBS) and the 10 year anniversary with the Gore Hostel. Rev Yadetta Kirita, President of IBS and Rev. Ayana Hedu, Gore Director, will spend November in Shenandoah Presbytery. The total to-date from the $2 mission offering is $2,620.21 from 17 churches. (Goal of $32,000 from 90% of the churches giving) Ramsey Funds were distributed to Lexington Church, Partnership Committee, and to the Highland Augusta Community. Working on a mission fair separate from the Presbytery meeting. OLD BUSINESS A motion was made, seconded and approved to empower chair of Council to form the newly elected Stewardship Education Resource Team consisting of six elders and ministers. It was noted that Stan Farthing has agreed to be Shenandoah Presbytery’s representative to the Board of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. NEXT MEETING: October 13, 2009 – 10:00 a.m. Submitted by, Kim Stroupe |
|
MINUTES OF THE
PRESBYTERY COUNCIL CONFERENCE CALL June 5, 2009 - 11:30 a.m. Download Minutes - Adobe File The following Council members participated in the conference call: Charlotte Hott, Council Chair Ann Held, Presbytery Moderator Barbara Johnson, Nominations Chair Mary Lou Cox, Presbytery Vice-Moderator Kathleen Haines, Campus Ministry Homer Cornish, World Wide Ministries Chair Ron Potter, Office & Personnel Chair Pat Klumpp, Highland-Augusta Rep Staff: Jim Cushman, Acting General Presbyter Doug Sensabaugh, Communications Kim Stroupe, Asst for Constitution Kerri Foster, John Sloop, and Mimi Moring, although could not be available for the call, reviewed the material and gave their approval. Jim Cushman opened the meeting with prayer. The purpose of the call was stated as hearing a report from the Office & Personnel Committee regarding their nomination for Interim General Presbyter. (The Council received a written resume prior to the conference call.) Ron Potter reported that the Committee received 40 personal information forms that were eventually narrowed down to three face-to-face interviews. The Committee presents to the Council Elder Sally Hinchman as their nominee for the position of Interim General Presbyter. After Ron gave verbal background, questions were asked. The following recommendation was approved: The Office and Personnel Committee present the following terms of call for the position of Interim General Presbyter: $70,000 Salary and housing $5,355 FICA $22,050 Board of Pensions $7,350 Travel (in addition to provided vehicle) $1,500 continuing education Moving expenses to the field Four weeks annual paid vacation Two weeks annual study-leave The following recommendation was approved: The Office and Personnel Committee nominates Elder Sally Hinchman for the position of Interim General Presbyter for a period of one year, subject to renewal, beginning July 13, 2009. Ron Potter closed the call with prayer at 11:50 a.m. Submitted by, Kim Stroupe |
|
The Presbytery Council met on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at the Presbytery Office beginning at 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: Charlotte Hott, Council Chair Lisa Webb, Council Vice-Chair Ann Held, Presbytery Moderator Mary Lou Cox, Presbytery Vice-Moderator Homer Cornish, World Wide Ministries Kathleen Haines, Campus Ministry Barbara Johnson, Nominations Wray Sherman, Budget & Finance Karen Thatcher, Vision & Mission Martin Stokes, Communications Ron Potter, Office & Personnel Ed Brown, Eastern Panhandle MC Sandi Ey, Mountain Valley MC Pat Klumpp, Highland-Augusta MC Howard Newman, Highland-Augusta MC Betty Dax, Maury River MC Staff: Jim Cushman, Acting General Presbyter Jan Owen, Stated Clerk Lucille Gohdes, Treasurer Doug Sensabaugh, Communications/HAE Lisa Hedrick, Resource Coordinator Kim Stroupe, Asst for Constitution Ed Brown led the group in devotions and prayer. The agenda was reviewed and accepted. The minutes of January 13 were approved as distributed. MISSION COMMUNITY REPORTS Central Valley will have their annual pulpit exchange Sunday, April 26. Planning a presbytery-wide picnic at Massanutten Church on June 6 with Martha Lee Bone as guest speaker. Rev. Anne Ross is the new mission community convener. Eastern Panhandle submitted a written report noting the meeting dates for 2009, Vespers in the Park on July 12 at War Memorial Park, and music festival at Tomahawk Church on September 27. Highland Augusta noted they are working to encourage broader participation in the mission community. Maury River continues their support of the Living Waters for the World. They have challenged their local churches to support the mission with approximately $2.70 per member over the next three years. (90 cents per year per member) The annual Maury River Mission Community Great American Pulpit Swap will take place April 26. The Rev. Betty Dax is the new mission community convener. Planning a Mission Fair and Worship Service for early October. Possible location is New Monmouth Church Other plans include officer training and a youth rally. Next meeting will be April 26, 2009 at New Providence Church. Mountain Valley submitted a written report highlighting a mission trip to Houma, Louisiana and that the Blue Ridge Food Bank is in desperate need of donations of any kind. Future meetings are May 14 at Buckton, September 10 at Burnt, November 12 at Winchester First, January 14, 2010 at Woodstock, March 11, 2010 at Warrenton, and May 13, 2010 at Middletown. Potomac Highlands meet with the Lutherans monthly. A Youth Lock-in held at Moorefield Church was successful. The Angel Food Ministry project is going extremely well. Next meeting will be May 6. STAFF REPORTS Acting General Presbyter Jim Cushman is working with the Manual revision task force, the Vision & Missions Committee, and with Office & Personnel on obtaining an interim general presbyter. Stated Clerk – Jan Owen reported the History Committee is busy working on the Shenandoah Presbytery History. Jan is working with Hugh Springs, Stated Clerk in Peaks Presbytery, planning a workshop on October 20 for leaders within Abingdon, Peaks, and Shenandoah presbyteries. Manual revision task force has met with Philip Sieck serving as convener/moderator. Treasurer – Lucille Gohdes reported that each mission community has $1000 annually from the Blue Fund, already included in their budget figure, to be used for youth activities. Quarterly reports are being sent to all committee chairs currently being mailed by the postal service. It was decided to send the report via email. Annual reports are currently on the shenpres web site. Resource Coordinator – Lisa Hedrick reported that things are going very well in the Center with a sudden influx of lay users. Communications/HAE – Doug Sensabaugh reported that the PayDay Lending Task Force will give their third and final report at the May 12 Presbytery Meeting, with a 45 minute presentation to provide training and education with a take-home packet for each congregation. Mission Community conveners received via email the itinerary for Yonas Yigezu April 28-May 13 including a report at the May 12 Presbytery Meeting. If anyone can host Yonas, please contact Doug. COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance – Wray Sherman submitted a written report with a recommendation to use the 2008 budget surplus of $17,234 to correct a mistake to the 2009 Communications Committee from $6500 to $7500 and to use $9500 from the surplus to send to the Illubabor Bethel Synod (the amount pledged to them in 2008 was not sent). Approved Recommendation to authorize the Funds Administration Committee to distribute the following 2009 budget item: $3000 in camp scholarships and $694 in youth funds from a temporarily restricted fund. Approved Information: The Committee estimates a $70,000 shortfall in the 2009 budget based on projected pledges and giving from congregations. (Note: in the short-term, this shortfall will be offset, to a degree, by the staff vacancy of the General Presbyter.) However, assuming that this vacancy is filled in 2009, the budget for 2010 will assume the same shortfall. The Budget and Finance Committee will seek a 6-8% reduction in the 2010 budget. A motion was made, seconded and approved that the Stewardship Education Resource Team be reconstituted and work with the Budget & Finance Committee to personally contact churches that have drastically reduced their giving for 2009 and those churches that have not responded with a commitment. Wray Sherman will contact John Peterson to contact the former SERT members to see if they can meet with the Budget & Finance Committee on May 19. ALL COMMITTEE CHAIRS NEED TO MAKE REQUESTS FOR APPROPRIATIONS THAT ARE IN THEIR BUDGETS. Campus Ministry – Kathleen Haines submitted a written report noting that the Westminster Foundation is currently $7,000 in the negative on their receipts from presbyteries and individuals. Also, the Lutheran Presbyterian Campus Ministry is in the process of dissolving its ecumenical status and becoming two separate denominational campus ministries. The Presbyterian half of the ministry has formed a group (consisting of the six local churches that are currently funding the ministry) to explore what options exist for providing ministry to students on campus. Church Development – no report Communications – Martin Stokes reported that their next report to presbytery would consist of a presentation entitled “Top Ten Things a Pastor Should Look for on His/Her Church’s Website.” Discussion was held regarding an on-line directory for presbytery. They plan to video portions of the May 12 presbytery meeting as a test project. The end result will be to have these clips on the website. Funds Administration – the current Manual does not list a representative from Funds Administration to Council. This will be addressed by the Manual Revision Task Force. Nomination Committee – Barb Johnson reported that the Committee has been working for two years to recruit a Virginian to serve on the Westminster Foundation. Barb noted that applications will be sent later this year for the 2010 General Assembly to be held in Minnesota. Office & Personnel – Ron Potter reported that 35 applications have been received for the interim general presbyter position. The Committee will meet April 15 to narrow down the list. The top five or six persons will be sent written supplemental questions. Presbytery Planning Team – Ann Held noted that this is the 500th birthday of John Calvin. General Assembly has urged all presbyteries to recognize him at a presbytery meeting this year. The planning team will work on something for the May 12 meeting. Professional Development – Charlotte Hott, Council chair, will contact the chair, Maren Sonstegard-Spray, to ask that a written report be sent for Council meetings. Paddy Run Outdoor Ministries – no report Resource Committee – Lisa Hedrick reported the Committee is in need of a chair. Vision & Mission – Karen Thatcher submitted a written outline of their self study process. The Committee is in need of a member from the Maury River Community. World Wide Ministry – Homer Cornish submitted a written report A bulletin insert was circulated regarding the New Wilmington Mission Conference. World Mission Challenge is September 25-October 18, 2009. Recommendation that the treasurer hold the $2 per member funds until an ECO number has been established. Approved OLD BUSINESS Nominations Committee is still in need of two members NEW BUSINESS A request was received from the HerStory Committee to serve communion at the conference on April 18, 2009. Approved NEXT MEETING: July 14, 2010 at 10:00 at the Presbytery Office. The meeting adjourned at 12:05 with prayer by Wray Sherman. Submitted by, Kim Stroupe |
|
Presbytery Council met on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, beginning at 10:00 with devotions led by chair, Charlotte Hott. Members present were: Charlotte Hott, Council Chair Lisa Webb, Council Vice-Chair Ron Wilkes, Presbytery Moderator (outgoing) Ann Held, Presbytery Moderator (incoming) Mary Lou Cox, Presb Vice-Mod (incoming) Ed Brown, Eastern Panhandle Sandi Ey, Mountain Valley John Sloop, Central Valley Pat Klumpp, Highland-Augusta Dan Williams, Highland-Augusta (outgoing) Howard Newman, Highland-Aug (incoming) Ron Potter, Office & Pers. Chair Martin Stokes, Communications Chair Joel Thornton, Church Development Homer Cornish, World Wide Min. Chair Wray Sherman, Budget & Finance Chair Kathleen Haines, Higher Education Office Staff: Jim Cushman, Acting General Presbyter Jan Owen, Stated Clerk Lucille Gohdes, Treasurer Lisa Hedrick, Resource Coordinator Kim Stroupe, Asst for Constitution The minutes of October 14, 2008, were approved as distributed. MISSION COMMUNITY REPORTS Central Valley – reported that Ramona Sanders has had to resign as convener due to health reasons. A new convener and representative to Council will be decided by the next meeting. A question was raised whether the lay rep to Council needs to be an elder. Jim Cushman will research and communicate to John Sloop. John reported that 25 persons are currently doing mission work in Gulfport, Mississippi. Eastern Panhandle – submitted a written report Highland-Augusta – submitted a written report noting the deadline of January 15, 2009 for registering for the trip to Baja. Maury River – are negotiating a Covenant with the Living Waters for the World Team. Malcolm Brownlee is acting mission community coordinator. Pulpit swap to take place April 26. Next meeting will be April 26 at New Providence Church. Mountain Valley – met January 8 and have welcomed a new pastor into the community, Lee McDermott serving the Buckton Church. A mission trip to the Gulf Coast is planned for February 1-7. Next meeting March 12 at Strasburg Church. Potomac Highlands – no report STAFF REPORTS Acting General Presbyter – Jim Cushman was welcomed as the Acting General Presbyter. Jim will be serving no longer than six months, or until an interim has been hired. His work days will be Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and he will be working on a per diem basis. Stated Clerk – Jan Owen gave an update on the Poplar Hill property situation. The potential buyers, New Beginnings Church, feel that too much renovations needs to be done for the assessed amount. They continue to maintain the property and worship there. The Administrative Commission will be opening the search for sale of the property outside of the church community. Jan will confer with the Presbytery Moderator to replace two of the members on the Commission. Jan gave a brief history of several ongoing complaints issued by Florence Kuipers against the Elkton Session. Jan and Jim will be meeting with Ms. Kuipers later in the afternoon. The History Committee has received 1/3 of church responses for the history. A reminder has been sent. Treasurer – Lucille Gohdes reported that the 2008 year-end summary will be posted to the web. Resource Coordinator – Lisa Hedrick gave a brief verbal report noting that a new blog can be found at applestand.blogspot.com Lisa asked the Council to keep in prayer educators Nancy Rhu and Sandy Ambrose. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION The Stated Clerk assigned the following proposed amendments for the Council to review and give suggestions at the February 14 Presbytery Meeting. The Council suggests the following: 08–D = suggests the Presbytery vote in the negative 08-E = suggests the Presbytery vote in the affirmative 08-G = suggests the Presbytery vote in the affirmative 08-J = suggests the Presbytery vote in the affirmative 08-K = suggests the Presbytery vote in the affirmative 08-L = suggests the Presbytery vote in the affirmative 08-M = suggests the Presbytery vote in the affirmative 08-N = suggests the Presbytery vote in the affirmative As of the printing of these minutes, the Presbytery Planning Committee has decided to have small group discussions during the morning of the Presbytery Meeting to discuss the upcoming proposed amendments to the Constitution. Facilitators for each group will include one member of Council and one member of the Committee on Ministry. The Body will then vote on the amendments following lunch. COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance – Wray Sherman submitted a written summary of the carry over from 2008 and an update of 2009. $585,275 of the $1,066,148 askings has been accepted, with 75% of the churches reporting. Three big congregations have not submitted an acceptance but anticipate doing so. Campus Ministry – Kathleen Haines reported that a member is needed to replace Bill Painter on the Westminster Foundation. As of the printing of these minutes, Barb Johnson will be sending a position description to Lisa Webb. A suggested name is Virginia Francisco. Church Development – Joel Thornton brought the following recommendation from the Committee to Council, which was approved as follows: That Church Development be allowed to move $2500 of the Barnabas Fund to the Corporation for investment. Background: The Barnabas Fund was established years ago as an emergency response fund for churches in need to which the ministers of the Presbytery would contribute. This body approved a reactivation of that dormant fund some months ago. The fund contains $2800 and will not be used until additional funding reaches an appropriate level. CCD also reminded the Council of the second Magnetic Church Conference to be held on February 20-21 at Tinkling Spring Church. More info can be found at http://shenpres.org/Magnetic%20Church.html CCD strongly encourages Shenandoah Presbytery to conduct a mission study of the Presbytery since we are in a leadership transition time. As part of this study, CCD strongly endorses a comprehensive evaluation of the structure and strategy of mission communities, especially looking at their original intent and mission. Communications – Martin Stokes reported that the committee is discussing the possibility of videotaping parts of presbytery meetings and making a DVD of highlights. These DVDs would then be made available to churches for loan. They will also be archived in the Resource center. Challenges will include upgrading our present equipment, involving volunteers to be videographers, editors, etc. Discussed possibly holding one of our stated meetings via video cam or conference call. This would be less expensive than providing travel for our members. New communications committee web site. The URL is www.shenpresonline.org . This will be used for such things as online training. Patrick Lanaghan will conduct a Front Page follow-up workshop on February 28. This is in response to the very successful Front Page workshops he led in 2008. It will begin at 10:00 with a two hour review of the basics. (Those not already having Front Page installed on their computer should come at 9:00 a.m. to have that program and appropriate templates installed. The afternoon session (1:00-3:00) will focus on the next level of training. Office & Personnel – Ron Potter reported that Presbytery Office Staff evaluations will be held on January 20, 2009. Paperwork will begin soon for obtaining an interim general presbyter. Presbytery Planning – the Council approved the following persons to be asked to serve on the Planning Committee, Mary Lou McMillin, Pat Klumpp, and Randy Webb. {As of the printing of these minutes, all three have agreed to serve.} Presbyterian Women – submitted a written report. Paddy Run Outdoor Ministries – submitted a written report. World Wide Ministries – submitted a written report and the following recommendation was approved: That Council set February 2010 as Mission Season for Shenandoah Presbytery with missionaries to itinerate in the Presbytery and a special mission celebration on February 13, 2010 at Spring Hill Church. NEW BUSINESS A motion was made, seconded and approved To empower Lisa Webb, Council Vice-Chair, to obtain two members for the Nominations Committee and communicate back to the Council via email. Received an email from Ramona Sanders stating she has had to resign from VICPP (Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy) due to health reasons. It was discussed continuing with representatives to the organization. The matter was tabled until further research has been completed. The Council set the following meeting dates for the remainder of 2009: April 14, July 14, October 13. As of the printing of these minutes, via email the Presbytery Council approved to dissolve the Stewardship Education Resource Team. The meeting adjourned at 2:02 with prayer by Martin Stokes. Submitted by, Kim Stroupe, Recording Clerk |