Highlights of the May 19, 2009  Presbytery Meeting

   It was a cool, sunny day as over a hundred Presbyters assembled on the beautiful campus of Westminster College to worship and do the work of the Presbytery.  During registration, Commissioners had the opportunity to view displays featuring the Church Development Corp, Theological Education, Presbyterian Children Services, recent Hungarian Mission Projects, Camp Covenant Point, and Criminal Justice Ministry of Missouri Union.

After Presbytery Moderator, Rev. Dick Ramsey, opened the meeting with the singing of the first stanza of “Holy, Holy, Holy,” Rev. Brad Sheppard, Chaplain, Westminster College, welcomed everyone to the campus and provided directions on going to St. Mary Chapel and the Mueller Leadership Hall. Brad introduced the College President, Dr. George “Barney” Forsythe, who stated that the college believes in the integration of faith with studies for the development of the whole person. He thanked Rev. Brad Sheppard and Rev. Bill Young for their service to Westminster College since 1999 and 1975, respectfully.

Interim General Presbyter, Elder David Meerse, challenged individuals, sessions, and congregations, to pray regularly for elders within their congregation to answer God’s Call to become Commissioned Lay Pastors and discussed upcoming educational events.

Rev. Kathie Jackson, Moderator of the Synod of Mid-America and chair of the Synod Task Force, requested input on the future role of the Synod of Mid America.

Rev. Joe Trower, Missouri Union Presbytery’s representative on Theological Education, introduced the Education Event on Theological Education and the distinguished panel: Rev. Laura Mendenhall, President of Columbia Theological Seminary, Rev. Rose Niles, Associate for Theological School Support, General Assembly, and Candidate Elizabeth McCormack.  Dr. Mendenhall told us that Churches need Seminaries and Seminaries need Congregations and Presbyteries to see what new things God is doing in our midst. Candidate McCormack described how important field study was side by side with education when attending Louisville Seminary.  Rev. Niles stated that Theological Education Network among Presbyterian Seminaries is united and actively in partnership with churches and presbyteries.

Worship in the beautiful St. Mary Chapel with great music, thanks to organist Michael Bancroft and singing was an exceptional highlight. The liturgy was very meaningful thanks to Rev. Nancy Kahaian, Rev. Richard Ramsey, and Rev. Brad Sheppard. The sermon “There Will Be A Storm” by Dr. Laura Mendenhall was very appropriate and challenging. The offering for Candidates Loans and Scholarship Fund, was a record $847.

Rev. Kathryn Bell introduced Rev. Mike McCormack and Assistant Camp Director David Jones, who made an excellent presentation on the “creation” of Camp Covenant Point, roughly based on the first chapter of Genesis, plus humor. Rev. Cecil Culverhouse reported for the Hungarian Mission Team on the desperate need to assist Ukrainian church schools. The Team is planning a trip to Hungary & Ukraine in late May/early June 2010. Rev. P.J. Southam, Family Enrichment Ministries Mission Team, shared the challenges mentors deal with as they work with abused children in the Presbyterian Children Services program. Bess Gamm, Criminal Justice Mission Team, reported that the PATCH program is considering a mileage reimbursement program to help children visit their incarcerated mothers.  CLP Jim Cruickshank reported the Disaster Assistance Mission Team is planning a fall (September-October) trip to either Iowa or Texas, depending on needs/arrangements.

Elder Julie Leverenz, Moderator of Council’s Planning and Evaluation Committee, presented the Missouri Union Presbytery Long Range Plan. Following one change that was adopted by the Presbytery, the plan was approved and will soon be available on this website.

The Presbytery approved the Nominating Committee slate of 7 individuals to serve on a General Presbyter Search Committee, fulfilling the first step of implementing the Long Range Plan approved earlier.

A final highlight of the meeting was approval to receive Inquirer Kris Schondelmeyer as a Candidate under the care of Missouri Union Presbytery.