Presbytery Minutes-October 31, 2009
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Minutes-Presbytery Meeting 10-31-09 (75.0 KiB, 444 hits)
PRESBYTERY OF MISSOURI UNION
STATED MEETING – 9:30 A.M.
October 31, 2009
Community Presbyterian Church
210 N. Owensby St.
La Plata, MO 63549
(660) 332-4430
The Presbytery of Missouri Union met in a Stated Meeting at Community Presbyterian Church, La Plata, MO on Saturday, October 31, 2009 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Presbytery Moderator, Rev. Dick Ramsey, opened the meeting with the singing of the first verse of “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!”.
An official quorum (At least three minister members plus elder members from three churches (G-11.0202) was declared present by Stated Clerk, Don Bay.
Rev. Richard Ramsey opened the meeting with prayer.
Moderator Ramsey moved the approval of the proposed docket with two changes. Motion passed.
New elder commissioners were introduced. Commissioners were asked to express any joys and/or concerns which Moderator Ramsey included in prayer..
ROLL:
Clergy present: Rudy Beard, John K. Becker, Kathryn Bell, Brian Butler, Nancy Carle, Cecil Culverhouse, Kathie Jackson, Ken Jarvis, Jennifer Jennings, Jay Ketchie, Wallis Landrum, John Lersch, Jeff Martin, Raymond I. Massey II, Michael W. McCormack, Diane S. Miller, Murray Phillips, Richard Ramsey, Ron Roberts, Pat Roller, Bertie Rose, Pam Sebastian, James A. Snyder, P.J. Southam, Jennifer Turick, Mary Ellen Waychoff, and Lou Wollenberg.
Clergy seated from other presbyteries: Nancy Kahaian, Presbytery of Northern Kansas, Bob Sheldon, Presbytery of Denver, Angel Suarez-Valera, Presbytery de San Juan, and John Swisher, Presbytery of Heartland.
Clergy not present: Stephen Adkison, Bob Balwanz, Scott Ehrlich, David Fray, Edward Hankinson, David Henry, Terry Kukuk, Michael D. Lewton, David Molina, Brad Sheppard and Bill Young.
Clergy Honorable Retired/Disabled or nonresidents not present: John Anderson, Robert Bailey, James Blanton, Charles Brock, D. Randall Cone, Francis Derick, Robert E. Kerr, Tim Kiser, Hal W. LeMert Jr., Jim Long, Ichiro Matsuda, Charles Milner, Lisa Morgan, Andrew O=Dowd, Virgil Rabe, Robert Schnucker, J. Joseph Trower, Maryanne Van Buskirk, James Williams, Rodney Woods, and Peggy Sue Ziser.
CLPs present: Jim Cruickshank, John Grimmett, Judy King, and Carolyn B. Stephens.
Elder Commissioners present: J. W. Ballinger III (Moberly), Joan Cannon (Kahoka), Roslyn H. Dial (Mexico-First), Bob Fenlon (Mexico-First), Bess A. Gamm (Bowling Green-Providence Concord), J. R. Greer (Marshall-Longwood), Liam Hancock (Columbia-Trinity), Megan Hess (Boonville), Lola Hesse (Kahoka), Barbara Jarvis (Vandalia-First), Kerry Jennings (Trenton), Susie Jones (Jefferson City), Gary Jones (Otterville), Brian Kinkade (Columbia-First), Karen Luther (Fulton-First), Rylan Mann (Williamsburg-OANM), John Marrs (Osage Beach), Mary Nell McFarland (Louisiana-Elmwood), Keith Mueller (Versailles-Westminster), Georgia Reid (Houstonia), Deedie Reading (Curryville), Alice Ruttinger (Sedalia), Dan Turner (Louisiana-First), Lin Twining (Kirksville), Nellie Wamsley (Clarksville), Wayne E. Weldy (Frankford), Danny Yochum (Hannibal-Big Creek), and Arln Yount (Brookfield)..
Council Elders present: Don Bay, Karen Chamberlin, David Harrison, Rebecca McElroy, David E. Meerse and Bruce Oliver.
Visitors present: Carmen Arnold (Alexandria), Alma Baker (La Plata), Linda Ballinger (Moberly), Mary Ann Caplinger (CDC), Richard Caplinger (CDC), David Caverly (Mexico-First), Nancy Caverly (Mexico-First), Dorothy Chilson (Curryville), Emma Colbert (Louisiana-Elmwood), Craig Dawson (La Plata), Bill Ehrlich (Vandalia-First), Helen Fenlon (Mexico-First), Sarah Beth Fouch (La Plata), Helen Gipson (Macon), Aaron Gisonga (Agape Fellowship, Columbia, MO), Gene Grear (La Plata), Sharon Greer (Marshall-Longwood), Irene Griffith (Clarksville), Norm Gysbers (Columbia-Trinity), Caritas Habimana (Agape Fellowship, Columbia), Charles H. Hammack (Kahoka), Allegra Harrison (Jefferson City), Calvin Hesse (Kahoka), Charles Hoffman (Trenton), Robert Johnson (La Plata), Janet Jones (Otterville), Fern Lemasters (Jefferson City), Fred Luther (Fulton-First), Shirley Matticks (La Plata), Elizabeth McCormack (Kirksville), Kathy Montgomery (Columbia-First), Colleen Mueller (Versailles-Westminster), Angela Pool (Presbytery Staff), Philip Rose (Palmyra), Vicki Schildmeyer (Presbytery Staff), Anne Schneider (Jefferson City), Lola Sisler (Trenton), Duane Turner (La Plata), John Waddell (Curryville), Mary Waddell (Curryville), Rose M. Weldy (Frankford), William W. Williams (Versailles-Westminster),and Dorothy L. Williams (Versailles-Westminster).
Stated Clerk=s Report: Stated Clerk Don Bay moved the approval of the Minutes of the August 27, 2009 Stated Meeting of Missouri Union Presbytery as distributed to all commissioners with a change in the spelling of Rev. Bob Sheldon’s name and correct his membership to the Presbytery of Denver. Motion passed.
Clerk Bay moved the approval of the Minutes of the September 29, 2009 Called Meeting of Missouri Union Presbytery as distributed to all commissioners with a change in the listing of Elder Commissioners present for Bess Gamm from Louisiana to Bowling Green. Motion passed.
Clerk Bay moved that the Presbytery seat the following as corresponding members: Synod Interim Executive, Rev. Nancy Kahaian, Rev. Dr. Bob Sheldon, Presbytery of Denver, Rev. John Swisher, Presbytery of Heartland, and Rev. Angel Suarez, Presbytery of De Suroeste. Motion passed.
.Welcome: Rev. John Becker welcomed the Presbytery to Community Presbyterian Church and offered housekeeping details.
Minute for Mission: Rev. Angel P. Suarez-Valera, Associate for New Immigrants Congregational Support, General Assembly Mission Council addressed the Presbytery on the PC(USA)’s efforts to welcome new immigration groups and facilitate their religious leaders inclusion in the denomination. Angel outlined how new immigrant groups which want to be affiliated with the PC(USA) receive support. The African immigrants in Columbia, MO are primarily from the Congo, Rwanda, Ghana, and Burundi and have been approved by the PC(USA) to begin receiving support as a Bible Study Fellowship.
Educational Event – Chaplaincy: Four chaplains in Missouri Union Presbytery spoke. Rev. Jim Snyder, retired Air Force Chaplain, opened the program with a very moving power point presentation about Arlington National Cemetery, where he served as the Senior Air Force Chaplain for two years. Rev. Pam Sebastian, Chaplain at Missouri Valley College, told how she loves interacting with students and how much they need someone to listen to their concerns and questions. Rev. Jay Ketchie, retired V.A. Hospital Chaplain, told of countless times when he has been called upon to minister to patients and staff, as they face medical challenges and other crises in life. Rev. John Swisher, Chaplain at the Boonville prison, reminded us of Jesus’ command to visit prisoners. He went on to tell how important support, such as employment, is for those re-entering society after prison. Rev. Swisher encouraged churches to actively support and participate in the work of the Criminal Justice Mission Team of Missouri Union Presbytery.
Committee on Ministry-Part 1: Rev. Mary Ellen Waychoff, Moderator of the Committee on Ministry, moved that the Presbytery re-commission CLP John Grimmett for three years to continue serving as pastor of both the Paris Presbyterian Church and the South Fork Presbyterian Church effective October 31, 2009. Motion passed.
Rev. Mary Ellen Waychoff performed the installation ceremony for CLP John Grimmett to continue to serve as a Commissioned Lay Pastor at Paris and South Fork Presbyterian Churches for three more years.
Nominating Committee Report: CLP Jim Cruickshank, Moderator, Nominations Committee, placed the following persons in nomination to serve on committees:
Presbytery Council – Members At Large
Class of 2012 – Rev. Ron Roberts, Georgia Reid, Steve Matthews
Communications Committee
Class of 2012 – Joe Weston
Class of 2012 — Moderator – John Smallwood
Finance Committee
Class of 2012 – Ted Coffelt
Class of 2011 – Jim Carder
Class of 2010 – Frank Yates
Camp and Outdoor Ministries Committee
Class of 2012 – Rev. D. Randall Cone, Randy Marcum, John Grimmett, Jason Hilkerbaumer, Amanda Lynn
Commissioned Lay Pastor Committee
Class of 2012 – John Grimmett, Ben Wagner, Rev. Ken Jarvis
Class of 2010 - Moderator – Rev. P. J. Southam;
Committee on Ministry
Class of 2012 – Jim Cruickshank, Rev. David Henry, Rev. Jim Snyder, Betty Steinrauf, Ann Handford, Rev. John Becker, Rev. Bob Balwanz, Bess Gamm
Class of 2011 – Susie Jones
Class of 2010 – Rev. Ron Roberts, Carolyn Stephens
Preparation for Ministry (CPM)
Class of 2012 – Rev. Kathryn Bell, Helen Fenlon, Rev. Murray Phillips
Sexual Misconduct Investigative
Class of 2012 – Connie Ward, Walt McQuie
Sexual Misconduct Allegation Response
Class of 2012 – Rev. RIM Massey, Fern Lemasters
Synod Youth Commissioner – Andrew Kinkade
Synod Commissioners
Class of 2012 – Kathie Jackson, John Marrs
Moderator Ramsey asked for nominations from the floor. Being no additional
nominations, the Moderator closed nominations, and asked the body to vote on the
nominations. They were elected unanimously.
General Presbyter Nominating Committee Report: Rev. Wally Landrum, Moderator, General Presbyter Nominating Committee, reported that the Presbytery Information Form, commonly referred to as the CIF has been distributed through the PCUSA system and applicants PIF’s are due November 23, 2009. The committee requests your prayers to support their discerning God’s will as they proceed to review candidates for the General Presbyter position.
WORSHIP & COMMUNION: Rev. Nancy Carle and Rev. John Becker led a wonderful worship service that beautifully integrated music with liturgy based on the prayers, hymns and responses of pre-Reformation Christians. Rev. Carle’s meditation entitled “Saints Alive!” was eloquent and challenging. She preached that all of us together are the community of saints. In fact, this community, even though it is made up of both those who are easy to love and those we may find difficult to love, is God’s gift to each of us. Together we are an expression of God’s caring and love for one another. Rev. Becker and Rev. Carle invited everyone to the Lord’s Supper, which was served by Elders of Community Presbyterian Church.
Installation of Officers: Moderator Rev. Dick Ramsey conducted the service of installation of next year’s Moderator, Elder Julie Leverenz and Vice Moderator, Rev. Ron Roberts.
Rev. Dick Ramsey offered a prayer prior to the body recessing for lunch.
LUNCH
COUNCIL REPORT:
Mission Teams Report: Council Moderator Elder David Harrison and Elder Bruce Oliver, Moderator of the Mission Teams Committee presented the 2009 Evelyn Bedell Awards to the following: Alma Baker, Community Presbyterian Church; Joan Cannon, Alexandria Presbyterian Church; Emma Colbert, Elmwood Presbyterian Church; Grace Craghead, First Presbyterian Church-Fulton; Margaret Craghead, Old Auxvasse-Nine Mile Presbyterian Church; Joe Crane, Old Auxvasse-Nine Mile Presbyterian Church; Velma DeWolf, Hodge Presbyterian Church; Bill Ehrlich, First Presbyterian Church-Vandalia; Phillip Foreman, Big Creek Presbyterian Church; Virginia Giokaris, Broadway Presbyterian Church; Irene Griffith, Calumet Presbyterian Church; Norm Gysberg, Trinity Presbyterian Church; Charles Hoffman, Hodge Presbyterian Church; Virginia Johnson, Community Presbyterian Church; Fern Lemasters, First Presbyterian Church-Jefferson City; Shirley Matticks, Community Presbyterian Church; Colleen Mueller, Community Presbyterian Church; Keith Mueller, Community Presbyterian Church; Gene Pritchett, First Presbyterian Church-Louisiana; Ruth Shook, First Presbyterian Church-Jefferson City; Lola Sisler, Hodge Presbyterian Church; Joyce Sone, First Presbyterian Church-Jefferson City; Karen Taylor, Big Creek Presbyterian Church, Dan Turner, First Presbyterian Church-Louisiana, Dorothy Upton, Green Ridge Presbyterian Church; John Waddell, Curryville Presbyterian Church; Wayne Weldy, Frankford Presbyterian Church; Dorothy Williams, Westminster Presbyterian Church; Lillian Woolfolk, Laddonia Presbyterian Church; and Martha Zuroweste, Auxvasse Presbyterian Church.
Award recipients were nominated for outstanding service in the Presbytery, their home church, and/or their community. The great variety of gifts and service exemplified by these faithful disciples reflect the abundance of God’s provision for the needs of the world, and the many ways God’s love is extended to people within our Presbytery and beyond.
Elder Bruce Oliver invited three Mission Teams to present the following reports:
CLP Judy King reported for the Criminal Justice Mission Team. Judy thanked everyone for contributing over $2,000 for the PATCH Program which will help support children with their traveling expenses to visit their mothers in prison.
Elder Kathy Montgomery reported for the Disaster Assistance Mission Team and encouraged church members in our Presbytery to join in their next Disaster Assistance Trip currently planned to go to Texas, January 10-16, 2010. She also reported on their very successful mission trip to Iowa in late September, 2009.
Rev. P. J. Southam reported for the Family Enrichment Ministry Mission Team. P. J. indicated that they are helping furnish and provide support for a new additional residence for teenage boys in Hannibal. Because some grants through Presbyterian Children Services were not renewed, funding of their mentoring program has been difficult this year and they appreciate the Presbytery’s strong support.
Planning and Evaluation Committee: Committee Moderator, Elder Julie Leverenz, asked commissioners to vote on each of the additions and revisions to the Standing Rules of the Presbytery of Missouri Union that were presented for first reading at the August 27, 2009 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery.
Elder Leverenz moved that a new Standing Committee of Missouri Union Presbytery be approved by adding the following to the Standing Rules:
5.00 Standing Committee on Spiritual Formation: The Presbytery of Missouri Union shall elect a Committee on Spiritual Formation with a minimum of six (6) total members elected for staggered terms of three (3) years, divided into three classes with the initial membership elected for either one, two, or three calendar year terms.
The Nominating Committee, in consultation with the Moderator of the Planning and Evaluation Committee and the General Presbyter, shall present a slate of nominees, including proposed Moderator, for election by the Presbytery.
The responsibilities of the Committee on Spiritual Formation will be to support pastors and other church leaders through spiritual counsel and provide resources to help nurture Christ=s ministry. The Committee will create and sustain a traveling worship and ministry team to help congregations to re-energize and rediscover members’ spiritual gifts to share Christ=s gifts to those outside their church. Motion passed.
Rationale: The Committee on Spiritual Formation will enhance their connectivity and viability of churches within the Presbytery by offering local congregations problem solving support and creative potential solutions to support of their local ministry.
Elder Leverenz moved to amend the Standing Rules 4.13 Mission Teams Committee by making the following change as shown in “Bold Italic@:
4.13 Mission Teams Committee:
The Mission Teams Committee shall be composed of the nine (9) at-large members of the Council plus three (3) additional non-Council members appointed by the Moderator of the Council to staggered terms of three (3) years, divided into three classes, with the initial membership elected for either one, two, or three calendar year terms. Members appointed for less than a full three year term will be eligible to be reappointed for an additional full three year term. Motion passed
Rationale: The Mission Teams Committee would benefit from having members that are currently serving on specific Mission Teams in addition to all at-large members of Council.
Elder Leverenz moved to add a Servant Leadership Committee under the Council:
4.15 Servant Leadership Committee
The Servant Leadership Committee shall initially be composed of six (6) of the at large members of the Council. The Council may approve adding additional at-large members to be appointed by the Moderator of the Council to staggered terms of three (3) years, divided into three classes with the initial membership elected for either one, two, or three calendar year terms. Members appointed for less than a full three year term will be eligible to be reappointed for an additional full three year term. The Moderator of Council will also appoint the Servant Leadership Committee Moderator. Motion passed.
Rationale: The Committee will provide leadership and oversight to assist the Presbytery and its congregations to move toward a more Christ-oriented servant leadership. The Servant Leadership Committee will be responsible for planning and organizing four regional training events for elders, deacons, and trustees.
Elder Leverenz moved to amend the Standing Rules to add a Stewardship Subcommittee as part of the Finance Committee by increasing the membership as follows:
4.16 Finance Committee:
The Finance Committee to increase its current membership from five (5) members to nine (9) members by adding four (4) members to form a Subcommittee for Mission and Stewardship Interpretation. Motion passed.
Rationale: Improve communications of the mission needs of Christ=s Church throughout Missouri Union Presbytery.
NOTE: The above amendments to the Standing Rules of the Presbytery of Missouri Union Presbytery will require some minor re-numbering of a few existing sections of the Standing Rules.
Finance Committee Report:
Committee Moderator, Elder Bess Gamm moved for the Finance Committee and the Council that the Presbytery reaffirm the policy for the use of the Hildebrand Trust Fund adopted by Presbytery at the November 15, 2008 Stated Meeting of Presbytery. Motion passed.
Council Moderator David Harrison asked Don Bay to present for first reading the following proposed change in the Standing Rules of Missouri Union Presbytery:
First Reading of Revision to the Standing Rules of the Presbytery of Missouri Union. Action on the following change will be voted on at the March 20, 2010 Stated Meeting of Presbytery.
Additions or changes to 4.10 are shown in bold italics.
Presbytery Council (G-11.0103v)
4.10 The Council shall consist of the Moderator, Vice Moderator, Immediate Past
Moderator, Stated Clerk, the Moderators of Presbytery Standing Committees (Camp and
Outdoor Ministries, Committee on Ministry, Preparation for Ministry, Commissioned Lay
Pastors Committee, Nominations, Representation, and Spiritual Formation),
Moderator of Council Committees (Communications, Evaluation & Planning,
Finance, Mission Teams, Personnel, and Servant Leadership) the Moderator of Presbyterian Women , and nine (9) members-at-large, elected by the governing body for a maximum of two (2) consecutive full terms of three (3) years elected to staggered terms of three (3) years each. The General Presbyter shall staff the Council as a resource person.
Board of Trustees:
Elder David Harrison moved that the Presbytery of Missouri Union approve the action of the session of Old Auxvasse/Nine Mile Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg to apply for a $97,500 loan from the Church Development Corporation to finance a portion of the cost to construct an addition to the north side of the Old Auxvasse church building, if the way be clear pending approval by their congregation.
Motion passed.
Rational:The proposed addition to the Old Auxvasse church building will provide handicap accessible bathrooms replacing the current single bathroom, upgrade the sewage disposal system, up-date their out dated kitchen facilities, and provide a meeting place within the church aside from the sanctuary.
Commissioned Lay Pastor Committee:
Rev. Jim Snyder, Moderator of the Commissioned Lay Pastor Committee, reported that the committee had revised the Commissioned Lay Pastor Manual which was made available to commissioners.
Rev. Snyder moved that the Presbytery approved the new revised CLP Manual. Motion passed.
Rev. Snyder requested commissioners encourage lay persons in their congregations to consider becoming Commissioned Lay Pastors. There is a real need in our Presbytery for more Commissioned Lay Pastors.
Committee on Ministry Part 2:
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery reappoint the following as Stated Supplies for 2010: Rev. David Castrodale (Alexandria Presbyterian Church), Rev. Scott Ehrlich (Bunceton Federated Church), Rev. Ron Roberts (Climax Springs Presbyterian Church), Rev. Mike Lewton (Curryville Presbyterian Church), Rev. Joe Trower (Bethel Salem Presbyterian Church), and Rev. Michael Mason (Calumet Presbyterian Church). Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery grant Rev. David Castrodale (Member of East Iowa Presbytery) permission to labor within the bounds of the Presbytery of Missouri Union during 2010 as he continues to serve as the Stated Supply Pastor of the Alexandria Presbyterian Church. Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery approve for 2010 the following ministers of Word and Sacrament as being engaged in validated ministries: Rev. Brad Sheppard, Rev. Rod Woods, and Rev. Bill Young. Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery grant permission for communion at the Presbyterian Women’s Retreat on November 7, 2009 at Camp Covenant Point with Rev. Kathie Jackson as celebrant. Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery grant the Rev. Robert L. Sheldon, member of Denver Presbytery, permission to labor within our bounds to serve as Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City effective September 16, 2009 through 2010. Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery approve the request of the Session of Curryville Presbyterian Church that Elder Mary Waddell be authorized to serve communion on the following dates during 2010 when needed: 1/3, 2/7, 3/7, 4/1, 4/4, 5/2, 6/6, 7/4, 8/1, 9/5, 10/3, 11/7, 12/5, and 12/24. Motion passed.
Rationale: Elder Mary Waddell has been trained and previously granted permission by the Presbytery.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery recognize the (African) Agape Fellowship as a “Bible Study Fellowship” within the Grants Guidelines for New Immigrant Ministries of the General Assembly Mission Council of the PCUSA. Motion passed.
Rationale: The leaders of the African Fellowship, Aaron Gisonga and Caritas Habimana have attended recent Missouri Union Presbytery meetings and have shared their immigrant ministry at these meetings. They are currently under the oversight of the Rev. Jeminah Ngatia, member of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery, who is serving as pastor of a New Immigrant Fellowship/New Church Development in St. Louis. The Immigrant African Agape Fellowship meeting in Columbia Missouri is grown to a vibrant worshiping group of 50-70 men, women and children.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery provide $500 per month funding from New Church Development designated funds to support the Agape Fellowship. Motion passed.
Rationale: This will provide Presbyterian financial support for the pastor of the Agape Fellowship. Presbytery staff will assist the Fellowship in applying for additional financial support of a grant for the Fellowship as a “Bible Study Fellowship” from the General Assembly. The Committee on Ministry accepts responsibility for working with the Fellowship leadership and the Rev. Jeminah Ngatia to evaluate Aaron Gisonga’s ministry credentials and to provide assistance in helping him secure additional training so that he can become a member of the Presbytery of Missouri Union.
Rev Mary Ellen Waychoff moved that the Presbytery approve the call to Candidate Bertie Rose as “weekend chaplain” at Hannibal Regional Hospital be recognized as a validated ministry per G-11.0411 and G-11.0408 (b & c) Book of Order and that Candidate Bertie Rose be examined for Ordination and Membership in the Presbytery of Missouri Union. Motion passed unanimously.
During the examination, Candidate Bertie Rose presented a statement of her faith and responded to questions asked by Rev. Mary Ellen Waychoff and Rev. P.J. Southam.
Rev. Pat Roller moved that the examination be sustained and that Bertie Rose be Ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament and received into membership in Missouri Union Presbytery. Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the terms of call for Bertie Rose be approved as follows: Aservice every third weekend of up to sixteen hours for a two-week pay period at $12.52 per hour plus at least twelve hours of assisting as a volunteer chaplain.@ Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery approve the following Administrative Commission for the Ordination of Bertie Rose on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 3 p.m. at the First PC of Palmyra: Clergy B Mike Lewton, P.J. Southam, and Bob Bailey and Elders B Mona Ajans, Columbia, First; Andy Bross, Palmyra; Jenny Kuntemeyer, Palmyra; Julie Leverenz, Bowling Green, First; Philip Rose, Palmyra; and Interim GP David Meerse and an additional clergy person, Director of Pastoral Care at the Hannibal Regional Hospital, the Rev. Allen Clark (not a member of MUP). Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that the Presbytery name Bill Young as Moderator of First Presbyterian Church, Fulton effective 10/1/09.
Rev. Waychoff moved that if the way be clear, Presbytery approve the Rev. R. W. Beard, H.R. as Designated Pastor (2/3 time) for a period of up to two years for First Presbyterian Church, Fulton and that he be named moderator upon approval of vote of the congregation on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Terms of call as follows: For remainder of 2009 B Salary $4,546; Housing allowance $2,058; Social Security $505; Board of Pension $2,244; Reimbursable expenses of Medical/Prescription $222; Mileage $139; Continuing education $139; and Professional expenses of $111. For 2010 B Salary $26,000; Social Security $8,000; Board of Pension $13,465; Reimbursable expenses of Medical/Prescription $2,955; Mileage $2,833; Continuing education $1,833; and Professional expenses of $1,666. Motion passed.
Rev. Waychoff moved that if the way be clear, Presbytery approve the request of the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Fulton and its Designated Pastor, R.W. Beard, H.R. that the Rev. Dr. Cecil Culverhouse, H.R. be named Parish Associate (1/3 time with appropriate compensation).
RATIONALE: Cecil Culverhouse and Rudy Beard have worked out a shared plan for ministry to and with the Fulton FPC in consultation with the Committee on Ministry as healing and visioning takes place with the session, congregation, and staff for their future ministry.
Rev. Waychoff moved that if the way be clear, Presbytery authorize the Committee on Ministry to approve the Administrative Commission to install R.W. Beard as Designated Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Fulton.
RATIONALE: Presbytery will not meet again until March, 2010, which would mean an extensive delay in the installation service, if we were to wait until then for Presbytery to approve the date and commission for installation.
FOR INFORMATION: A Covenant of Employment has been agreed upon between First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson City and the Rev. Robert L. Sheldon, member of Denver Presbytery, for service as Interim Pastor from September 16, 2009 to August 3, 2010.
Minute for Mission: Rev. Angel Suarez-Valera, a representative from the General Assembly Mission Council, outlined the support for new immigrant groups which affiliate with the PC(USA). A group of African immigrants primarily from the Congo, Rwanda, Ghana and Burundi, have been approved to begin receiving support from the General Assembly as a Bible Study Fellowship. Pastor Gisonga Aaron Ruvugwa addressed the Presbytery, with Caritas Habimana translating. He expressed their congregation’s gratitude for Missouri Union Presbytery and member churches helping them get started as a church in Columbia.
Camp and Outdoors Committee Report: Pam Sebastian gave the report for the Camp Committee. Pam stated that every year she has helped at the camp has been memorable and she does it because she loves it!
Synod Report: Rev. Nancy Kahaian, Interim Synod Executive, reported that the Synod has adopted a new structure to reduce the number of Synod Committees to only 4 (four) General Committees plus the Committee on Representation and the Committee on Nominations. This provided a saving of $90,000 and made it possible to reduce that per capita assessment.
Presbyterian Women: Elder Karen Chamberlin reported that. Presbyterian Women had an exciting year with their many mission projects and Bible study. In July, 25 women from our Presbytery attended the Churchwide Gathering in Louisville, Kentucky. At the October 1 Fall Gathering at First Presbyterian Church, Columbia 40 members heard from a speaker from the Medical Benevolence Foundation. The Spring Gathering and annual meeting will be held on Thursday, April 22 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Columbia.
Moderator Awards: Moderator Dick Ramsey presented this year’s Moderator Awards. Commissioned Lay Pastor Jim Cruickshank was recognized as the clergy awardee and Elder Bruce Oliver was selected as the layperson awardee. Moderator Ramsey said “both of these awardees individuals whom I respect for their faithful and dedicated service to the Presbytery. In addition, I count them as genuine friends because of the way they treat me, and the integrity and compassion they demonstrate toward others in their home churches and the wider community.” Commissioners recognized Elder Bruce Oliver and CLP Jim Cruickshank with a standing ovation.
The Moderator Elect, Elder Julie Leverenz, recognized and thanked the outgoing Moderator Rev. Dick Ramsey for his outstanding leadership of the Presbytery this past year. Elder Leverenz presented Dick the Moderator’s plaque. Commissioners responded by giving Dick a warm send off with a standing ovation.
New Business and Announcements:
Elder John Marrs moved that the Presbytery adopt a mileage rate of 44 cents per mile for reimbursement for travel expenses beginning January 1, 2010. Motion passed.
Rationale: Gas prices have dropped considerably since the current rate for 2009 was established.
Committee of Thanks: Rev. Brian Butler asked everyone to recall all the good saints in their congregations. He thanked our host church, Community Presbyterian Church, La Plata for their wonderful hospitality and the good food. He also complemented the beautiful music during the morning worship service.
Adjourn: The Moderator Elect, Elder Julie Leverenz, closed the meeting with prayer at 3:05 p.m.
Next Stated Meeting
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Missouri Valley College
500 E. College St.
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-6924
Don Bay, Stated Clerk