Missouri Union Presbytery

PRESBYTERY OF MISSOURI UNION

STATED MEETING – 9:30 A.M.

November 15, 2008

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  Presbytery Minutes November 11, 2008 (63.0 KiB, 856 hits)

Trinity Presbyterian Church

1600 W. Rollins Rd.

Columbia, MO, 65203

(573) 445-4469

The Presbytery of Missouri Union met in a Stated Meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Columbia, MO on Saturday, November 15, 2008 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Diane Miller led the group in singing several hymns with Carol Virkler playing the organ.

A quorum (At least three minister members plus elder members from three churches G-11.0202) was declared present by Stated Clerk, Don Bay. 

The constituting prayer was given by the Moderator, Elder David Harrison.

Moderator Harrison moved the approval of the proposed docket. Motion passed.

New elder commissioners were introduced. Joys and concerns were expressed by several Commissioners and Moderator Harrison included these in his prayer.

ROLL:

Pastors present: Stephen Adkison, Robert Bailey, Bob Balwanz, R. W. Beard, John K. Becker, Bruce Berry, Brian Butler, Nancy Carle, Cecil Culverhouse, David Henry, Kathie Jackson, Ken Jarvis, Jennifer Jennings, Robert E. Kerr, Terry Kukuk, Wallis Landrum, John Lersch, Jim Long, Jeff Martin, Raymond I. Massey II,  Ichiro Matsuda, Michael W. McCormack, Diane S. Miller, Murray Phillips, Richard Ramsey, Ron Roberts, Pat Roller, Pam Sebastian, Brad Sheppard, James A. Snyder, P. J. Southam, J. Joseph Trower, Jennifer Turick, Mary Ellen Waychoff, Lou Wollenberg and Bill Young.

Pastors not present: Scott Ehrlich, David Fray, Keith Janis, Michael D. Lewton, David Molina, and John Ray.

Pastors Honorable Retired/Disabled or nonresidents not present:  John Anderson, Lisa Benn, James Blanton, Charles Brock, D. Randall Cone, Francis Derick, Charles Fugate, Patrick Gruber, Jay Ketchie, Tim Kiser, Hal W. LeMert Jr., Charles Milner, Andrew  O=Dowd, Virgil Rabe, Robert Schnucker, Maryanne Van Buskirk, James Williams, Rodney Woods, and Peggy Sue Ziser.

CLPs present: Jim Cruickshank, John Grimmett, and Victor Smith.

Elder Commissioners present: Robert Baker (La Plata), Kim Bonnett (Williamsburg-OANM), Terry Bourret (Hannibal-First), Jim Brunner (Mexico-First), Richard Caplinger (Jefferson City), Jane Crow (Columbia-Trinity), Charles Ferguson (Marshall-Covenant), Emogene Fox (Mexico-First), Bess A. Gamm (Bowling Green-Providence Concord), Brenda Gower (Farber), Ann Handford (Louisiana – First), Jane Heim (Vandalia-First), Alice Henderson (Clarksville), Lola Hesse (Kahoka), Phyllis Hornbeck (Auxvasse-City), Melissa Manda (Jefferson City), John Marrs (Osage Beach), Charlene McCune (Curryville), Mary Nell McFarland (Louisiana-Elmwood), Marilyn Meyer (Otterville), Betty Minor (Houstonia), Jerry Morris (Boonville), Anna Nienhueser (Bowling Green-First), Sue Nolan (Benton City), Mike Nolting (Morrison), Joyce Sexton (Vandalia-Mt. Olivet), Betty Steinauf (Fulton-First),  Laura Turpin (Bowling Green-Antioch), Janet Varnedoe (Brookfield), Greg Walker (Moberly), Wayne E. Weldy (Frankford), Lou Wollenberg (Macon), and Danny Yochum (Hannibal-Big Creek).`

Council Elders present: Don Bay, David Harrison, Julie Leverenz, David Meerse, Susan Miller, Bruce Oliver, and Georgia Reid.

Visitors present: Mona Ajans (Columbia-First), Dorothy Angell (Columbia-Trinity), Craig Baer (Columbia-First), Kimberly Baer (Columbia-First), Mary Sue Barnard (Columbia-Trinity), Joan Bay (Columbia-Trinity), Linda Berry (Columbia-First), Betty Bowen (Boonville), Mike Briggs (Mexico-First),  MaryAnn Caplinger (Jefferson City), Dorothy Chilson (Curryville), Sherry A. Dalton (Kahoka), Rev. Charles Dreyer (Presbytery of West Virginia), Bob Fenlon (Mexico-First), Helen Fenlon (Mexico-First), Roy Fishback (Perry), Sarah Gleeson (Mexico-First), Barb Green (Mexico-First), Buck Green (Mexico-First), Mary Ellen Griffith (Clarksville), Margaret Guthrie (Columbia-Trinity), Allegra Harrison (Jefferson City), Jacqueline Henry (Jefferson City), Calvin Hesse (Kahoka), Brenda Hicks (Bellflower), Marty Hird (Marshall-Covenant), Barb Hoyle (Columbia-Trinity), Charles Hoyle (Columbia-Trinity), Judy Hunt (Auxvasse-City), Kerry Jennings (Trenton), Paul Johnson (Columbia-Trinity), Karen Kennedy (Columbia-Trinity), Bill Kennedy (Columbia-Trinity), Charlotte Larrick (Columbia-Trinity), Rev. Tom Long (Presbytery of Charleston-Atlantic), Mary Mack (Mexico-First),  Dianna Marcum (Green Ridge), Randy Marcum (Green Ridge), Joy Mason (Marshall-Covenant), Tapley McCune (Curryville), Elizabeth McCormack (Presbytery of Great Rivers), Vicki Mitchell (Marshall-Covenant), Nolan Muench (Columbia-Trinity), Kenny Nelson (Mexico-First), Mary Lou Parks (Columbia-First),  Angela Pool (Presbytery Staff) Kay Ravenscraft (Bellflower), Bill Robinett (Jefferson City), Judy Robinett (Jefferson City), Norma Rutter (Marshall-Covenant), Mary Elizabeth Sanders (Marshall-Covenant), Vicki Schildmeyer (Presbytery Staff), Dorothy Simonsen (Marshall-Covenant), Truman Storvick (Columbia-Trinity), Roberta (Bobbie) Stumph (Boonville), Betty Swisher (Marshall-Covenant), Marian Tempel (Sedalia), Helen Thompson (Vandalia-First), Marilyn R. Thudium (Brookfield), Shirley Webber (La Plata), Tori Webber (Mexico-First),  Rose M. Weldy (Frankford), Jeanette Weller (Jefferson City), Mae Wells (Versailles-Westminster), Rev. Ed Wicklein (Presbytery of Santa Fe), Jessica Wietzke (Mexico-First), Dorothy Williams (Versailles-Westminster), William ABill@ Williams (Versailles-Westminster), and Martha Young (Otterville).

Stated Clerk=s Report:

Stated Clerk Don Bay moved the approval of the Minutes of the August 28, 2008 Stated Meeting of Presbytery as distributed to all commissioners. Motion passed.

Bay moved that the presbytery seat as a corresponding members Rev. Tom Long,  Presbytery of Charleston-Atlantic, Rev. Ed Wicklein, Presbytery of Santa Fe, and Rev. Charles Dreyer, Presbytery of West Virginia. Motion passed.

Bay moved that the Presbytery approve the following dates and sites for 2009 Stated Meetings: Thursday, February 26 – First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, MO; Tuesday, May 19 – Westminster College, Fulton MO; Thursday, August 27 – Covenant Point Camp, Holts Summit, MO; and Saturday, October 31 – Community Presbyterian Church, La Plata, MO.  Motion passed.

Elder Bay reminded everyone to fill out their evaluation sheets to help with the preparation of the Highlights to be distributed tomorrow.  He also reminded pastors and elders that a number of different annual reports are due after the end of the year.

Welcome:

Rev. Rim Massey, Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church  welcomed everyone to Trinity.  RIM was pleased that Trinity was able to bring Rev. Dr. Tom Long to Columbia to share his knowledge about Worship with the Presbytery today and with Trinity on Sunday as part of their 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Interim General Presbyter Report:

Elder David Meerse reported he recently had an excellent experience as a Guthrie Scholar, participating in a small study group meeting at Columbia Theological Seminary.  He also attended a Precept Training Meeting to assist MUP churches to use extensive demographic information when planning their local mission and outreach programs.  He encouraged churches in our Presbytery to take advantage of this valuable resource.

Educational Event:

Rev. Terry Kukuk introduced Rev. Dr. Tom Long as her Professor at Princeton Seminary who inspired preaching and had the mind of a scholar, the heart of a Pastor, was a skilled teacher, and an accomplished writer.  Dr. Long is currently the Bandy Professor of Preaching at the Chandler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Long=s presentation was titled APresbyterian Worship in A Time of Change – Something Old – Something New@. He reminded us of our pledge to nurture  children when they were Baptized. He emphasized that we should include our children, as much as possible, in the Worship Service. Children need to have a part in worship and the congregation needs to be tolerant of their motion and noise.

 Worship should center around the intrusive AWord of God@ as God is present not to serve us, but to disrupt our lives, not only at worship, but in the course of our daily activities. He cautioned us to guard against AIdolatry@ which comes in many forms such as possessions and prejudice against others. Rather we are to worship the living God. He encouraged churches to connect worship with their mission to help others.

Dr. Long challenged churches to hold on to that which is precious in worship, but at the same time consider changes including high energy drama,  modern music, create a greater sense of mystery as we are in God=s presence, and more intentional hospitality to welcome others.

WORSHIP:  The worship service was led by Rev. Terry Kukuk, First Presbyterian Church, Mexico and the Church=s Worship Team, (Barb and Buck Green, Sarah Gleeson, Tori Webber, Kenny Nelson, and Mike Briggs.) They led Apraise@ singing with the songs and liturgy shown on a screen. Rev. Tom Long presented a sermon entitled AA Great Chasm@ based on the text Luke 16: 19-31. The offering was $770 and was for the AMinister=s Health and Welfare Fund@

LUNCH:

COUNCIL REPORT: Council Moderator, Rev. Diane Miller and Mission Teams Committee Moderator Elder Bruce Oliver presented Evelyn Bedell Awards to 33 persons from 19 different churches.  This award recognize older adults for their outstanding service in the Presbytery, their churches, and their communities..They also presented

Vital Worshiping Community Grants (Mt. Olivet Re-development Fund) to the following churches: Climax Springs, Bethel-Salem (Morrison), Marshall-First, Range Line (Houstonia), Otterville, Boonville, Brookfield, North Lincoln Parish, and Green Ridge.

Personnel Committee: Rev. Miller moved that the Presbytery approve 2009 salaries for the current Presbytery Staff at the same level as 2008 and employ Ms Nancy Mallory as Accounting Staff Assistant for an average of 20 hours per month with compensation at $20.00 per hour, for an estimated annual total of $6,500. Motion passed.

Rationale: The Personnel Committee recommendation of no increase in salaries is based on the reality of the current projected income and expenses for fiscal year 2009.

Finance Committee: Elder Bess Gamm, chairperson of Finance Committee, presented the proposed budget for 2009.  With a reduction in expected income, cuts were necessary in many of the budget items from the 2008 budget.  If One Mission Giving turns out to be significantly higher once all the churches have reported their 2009 pledges, adjustment in the budget could be made at a future Presbytery meeting.

Elder Gamm moved the approval of the Proposed 2009 Missouri Union Budget.  Motion passed. (Copy attached to minutes)

Elder Gamm moved that the Audit Report as of December 31, 2007 be attached to the minutes.  Motion passed.

Rationale: The Independent Auditor=s Report was received from the Graves and Associates, CPAs, LLC June 23, 2008 and reported that the financial statements present fairly the assets, liabilities, and net assets – modified cash basis, of the Misouri Union Presbytery as of December 31, 2007.

Mission Teams Committee Report:  Elder Bess Gamm, Criminal Justice Mission Team, thanked those that brought unwrapped gifts to the Presbytery meeting for the PATCH Program which provides an opportunity for incarcerated women to have gifts to give their children.

Rev. Jim Cruickshank, Disaster Assistance Mission Team told about their work in Northeast Missouri and announced a mission trip to Texas or the Gulf Coast for January 25-31, 2009.

Rev.  P. J. Southam reported that the Family Enrichment Mission Team working with the Presbyterian Children Services is hoping to provide shoes and coats for all children in the mentoring program in Hannibal.

Ray Schneider (Church and Society ), Rev. Dave Henry (Youth), and Rev. Cecil Culverhouse (Hungarian) also had timely updates on the work of their mission teams.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Rev. Diane Miller, Moderator of the Board of Trustees moved that the Presbytery  approve the action of the First Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green to purchase Lot 43 in Block 6 of the Original Town of Bowling Green, Pike County, MO. Motion passed.

Rationale: The First Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green, MO requested approval by Presbytery to purchase a property that adjoins the church. The land may be used for additional parking, outdoor classrooms, or recreational facilities.  At a Congregational meeting held September 7, 2008 the congregation voted to authorize the purchase of this property.

Rev. Miller moved that the Presbytery  approve Aif the way be clear@ the sale of the manse of the Milan Presbyterian Church. The manse address is 540 W. Second St., Milan, Missouri with the following legal description: Lot Nine (9), in Block Two (2) of Ed Lee Reece Addition to Milan, Missouri (situated in NE 1/4 of section 3, Township 62, Range twenty (20), County of Sullivan, State of Missouri. Motion passed.

Rationale: The Milan Presbyterian Church Session voted to bring before their congregation the possibility of selling the manse owned by the church.  The Session requests permission from the Board of Trustees and Presbytery to sell the manse  pending the approval of the congregation of the Milan Presbyterian Church,  which is scheduled to meet after the November 15, 2008 Presbytery meeting.

The Board of Trustees reported they had approved the relocation of the Presbytery Office to space on the upper level of the building they were currently occupying as the landlord had offered to keep the rent the same ($400 per month) and the new space had several advantages to the Presbytery.

The Board of Trustees reported that the Perry Church has provided a list of items that are available for churches and church groups in our Presbytery.  There will be an open house on Tuesday, November 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. when interested parties can see the items they might want.

CAMP COMMITTEE: Rev. David Henry, reported for the Camp Committee.  They had 81 campers this past summer, a positive increase, but he hoped even more would come in 2009.  On Saturday, November 22, they will host the 2nd annual MUP  Quilting Retreat at the camp from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY: Rev. Mary Ellen Waychoff moved that the  Presbytery approve the reappointment of the following Stated Supplies for 2009:  David Castrodale (Alexandria); Scott Ehrlich (Bunceton Federated); Ron Roberts (Climax Springs); Mike Lewton (Curryville); Joe Trower (Bethel Salem, Morrison); and Michael Mason (Calumet). Motion passed.

Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery grant the Rev. David Castrodale (member of East Iowa Presbytery) permission to labor within the bounds of the Presbytery during 2009 as he continues to serve as Stated Supply Pastor for the Alexandria Presbyterian Church.  Motion passed.

Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery grant the Rev. Andy O=Dowd permission to labor outside the bounds of MUP during 2009.  Motion passed.

Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery approve for 2009, the following ministers of Word and Sacrament as being engaged in validated ministries: Tim Kiser, Mike Lewton, Brad Sheppard, Rod Woods, and Bill Young. Motion passed

Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery appoint Ken Jarvis as moderator of the

Auxvasse-Concord Presbyterian Church, effective immediately. Motion passed.

RATIONALE: Rev. Bill Young has resigned as Stated Supply for Auxvasse-     

Concord and needs to be replaced as moderator as he Aeases into retirement.@

Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery approve the 2008 Terms of Call  as distributed to commissioners and that they be attached to the minutes.  Motion passed.

Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery approve Elder Mary Waddell to serve communion (when needed) during 2009 on the following dates: 1/4,2/1, 3/1, 4/5, 4/9, 4/12, 5/3, 6/7, 8/2, 9/6, 10/4, 11/1, and 12/6.  Motion passed.

Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery grant permission to Rev. Bruce Berry to labor outside the bounds of the Presbytery during 2009 to serve as an Interim Minister in the Presbytery of New Hope.  Motion passed.

Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery appoint Rev. Randall Cone as moderator of Bellflower Presbyterian Church and Rev. Nancy Carle as moderator of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Marshall, MO Motion passed.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE: CLP Jim Cruickshank placed the following names in nomination for the position and term indicated:

Moderator 2009:               Rev. Dick Ramsey

Vice Moderato 2009:            Elder Julie Leverenz

Presbytery Council – Members at Large – Class of 2011: Rebecca McElroy, Nancy Carle, and Ann Bouchard.

Board of Trustees – Class of 2011: Janet Krause

Camp & Outdoor Ministries Committee – Class of 2011: Nan McCaslin, Rob Hoell, Karen Niewald, and Kerry Jennings.

Commissioned Lay Pastor Committee – Class of 2011: Paula Presley, Connie Courtney, and Denis Hancock.

Committee on Ministry – Moderator Mary Ellen Waychoff – Class of 2011: Bob Bailey, Lon Cooksey, Marshall Wilson, Jennifer Jennings, Patti Laffoon, Louis Wollenberg, Frank Conley, and Terry Kukuk.

Committee on Preparation of Ministry – Moderator Joe Trower – Class of 2009: Helen Fenlon – Class of 2011: Mona Ajans, Jeanette Hartje, Rim Massey, and Joe Trower.

Permanent Judicial Commission – Class of 2014: John McElroy, Brian Butler, and David Harrison.

Synod Commissioner – Class of 2011: Rev. P.J. Southam.

The Moderator asked for nominations from the floor.  None being offered, it was moved that nomination be closed and the proposed slate be elected by acclamation.  Motion passed.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY: Rev. Brad Sheppard reported that Bertie Rose and Phil Rose had both passed their ordination exams and were approved to seek a call.

Moderator: Incoming Moderator Rev. Dick Ramsey thanked the outgoing Moderator Elder David Harrison for his excellent service as Moderator of the Presbytery during 2008.  He presented him with a plaque recognizing his service as Moderator.

Elder David Harrison thanked the Presbytery staff and leaders within the Presbytery for their assistance during the past year.