2/15/11 Presbytery Meeting Highlights
What a relief, severe winter conditions finally gave way to warmer weather provided favorable driving conditions for commissioners and visitors arriving at the First United Methodist/Presbyterian Church in Montgomery City for the First Stated Meeting of Missouri Union Presbytery in 2011. Rev. Ed Hankinson, Pastor of the host church warmly greeted everyone and directed them to their fellowship hall for a great morning snack prior to the opening of the meeting. Participants were very pleased with the wonderful hospitatlity of our host congregation and the beautiful facilities for holding the Presbytery meeting.
General Presbyter Joan Erickson said the only reason the Presbytery exists is to serve congregations. As one church we must begin to look at who we are called to be, what we are called to do and then look at how we are called to get things done. Board of Pensions Representative Rev. Doug Kelly assured everyone that their pension is funded. Camp Director, Rev. Mike Lewton is looking forward to this summer’s line up of four great camping experiences available for our young people. Mike reported that the Covenant Point Camp’s swimming pool is in need of major repairs requiring expenditures of $20,000 with $8,000 still not funded.
The African Fellowship Mission Team Leader, Rev. Rim Massey, reported they sponsored a Christmas Feast Potluck Dinner followed by special African music and dance provided by members of the Agape Fellowship on December 30 (5th Day of Christmas) at First Presbyterian Church, Columbia. Pastor Aaron Gisonga thanked members of the Presbytery for their support of the Agape Fellowship. Criminal Justice Mission Team Leader, Scott Johnston, thanked everyone for bringing books to the last Presbytery meeting for the Story Link program. Scott said the Mission Team’s main goal is to create the opportunity for members of our congregations to participate in this important ministry of compassion. Mid-high – Sr. High Mission Team, Rev. Miranda Trussell announced an up coming Mid High Retreat on February 25-26 at First, Columbia; and a Sr. High Retreat on March 5-6 at First, Fulton. Disaster Assistance Mission Team Leader, Kathy Montgomery and Charles Becker reported on their recent trip to Nashville with 25 volunteers from 9 churches who helped 10 families restore their homes that were flooded in May 2010.
Finance Committee Moderator, Elder Bess Gamm, reported the good news that the Presbytery ended up last year in the black thanks to some late contributions that churches provided. Bess presented the 2011 Budget which was adopted. Treasurer Elder Jim Carder reported that the 2010 Annual Financial review was completed and the books were in good order with a few minor exceptions which have been taken care of for the future. Planning and Evaluation Committee Moderator, Elder Kay Raithel, announced the upcoming Cluster meetings scheduled for six Sunday afternoons during March and early April. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to meet our new General Presbyter, Joan Erickson, and to review and provide feedback on the Long Range Plan for our Presbytery
One of many highlights of the day was the Worship Service. Elder Julie Leverenz message “Fire” challenged everyone to “let your light shine before other, so they can see your good works and give glory to God” CLP Jim Cruickshank and Rev. Mike Lewton also participated in the Worship Service. Rev. Lewton presented the annual necrology report reading the names of 53 Elders in the Presbytery that died last year.
Commissioners voted to disapprove the proposed new Form of Government. They voted to approve adding the Belhar Confession to the Book of Confessions.
The Presbytery unanimously approved the creation of an Administrative Commission for Troy Presbyterian Church following Troy’s request to disaffiliate with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Another highlight was the examination and approval for membership in the Presbytery of the Rev. Cliff Cain, Professor of Religious Studies at Westminster College. Rev. Cain is an ordained minister in the American Baptist denomination, but has served several Presbyterian Churches and studied Presbyterian polity at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary.
Congratulations to Candidate Helen Logan, who was examined and approved for ordination by the Presbytery of Giddings/Lovejoy. She will be Ordained at First Presbyterian Church, Fulton on March 27.
Dave Henry's Poem on Thanks-2/15/11 (23.0 KiB, 145 hits)