Missouri Union Presbytery Meeting Summary

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m. 

First Presbyterian Church - Columbia

Vice Moderator, Rev. Pam Sebastian led us in our opening prayer and the reading of our Mission Statement. Our honored guests, GA Co-Moderators Rev. CeCe Armstrong & Rev. Tony Larson were welcomed. 

We then celebrated the ordination anniversaries with the following pastors:

Helen Logan - 15 years, Dale Stone - 45 years, Phil Olson - 50 years 

We also recognized FPC-Fulton, FPC-Columbia, and FPC-Jefferson City who have successfully maintained their status as Earth Care Congregations. 

Elder Micah McNeal, who passed all of his ordination exams on the first try was given a gift by the presbytery to celebrate his extraordinary accomplishment.

Rev. Bob Balwanz, CRE John Grimmett, and CRE Shawn McNabb were lifted up in prayer.

Barbara Chalfant presented statistics on leadership in the 49 Missouri Union Presbytery churches:

5  churches with called and installed PC USA pastors

8 churches with PC USA part time or interim pastors

4 churches with part time/interim non-PCUSA pastors

10 churches with pastors who are fully commissioned CREs

4 churches with elders serving as worship leaders

19 congregations with no pastor (use a rotation of pastors or are using internet resources to fill their pulpits

9 (soon to be 10) have Pastor Nominating Committees working

We were reminded that the current Presbytery calendar can be found on MUP’s webpage under the “About Us” tab. 

The book “The Art of Hospitality (Second Edition)”, our next THRIVE study book, was and is available for purchase. There is a leader’s companion book available as well.

Rev. Dr. Katie Collins, who serves First PC - Columbia, officially welcomed us and introduced three congregation members who shared their four-year involvement with five families in the Afghan Refugee Ministry.

Rev. Dr. Deborah Boucher-Payne shared that there is financial assistance available for a wide variety of ministry needs as well as scholarships from the Synod of Mid-America. Further information is available on their website.

Aleisha Mulnix reported on the 12 programs in 40 locations operated by the Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services. In 2025, nearly 5,000 children and families were served. 

For our education presentation the GA Co-Moderators, Rev. CeCe Armstrong and Rev. Tony Larson, led a discussion concerning “Discerning Purpose”. They encouraged attendees to share their skills and tell their stories in order to transform lives.

Elder Andy Baker reported that total assets increased $18,253.52 compared to February 2026 total assets. One Mission Giving receipts are 23.81% of budget. This is 1.19% under budget. Total Receipts–General is .16% over budget. Total Expenditures are 3.73% under budget. Rev. Sarah Butler encouraged churches to apply for small church grants to be used for community impact projects.

COM Moderator, Rev. Phil Olson, led us through the approval of Shonda Galloway joining the MUP staff as the Region Three Coordinator and temporary Region Two Coordinator; changing the renewal for elders trained to lead communion and moderate session meetings shifting from one year to three years; and granting Elder Micah McNeal permission to officiate the Lord’s Supper at the summer camps.  We also approved Elder Paul Yoder as Pulpit Supply for FPC-Kirksville for one year (renewable) and authorized the Finance Committee to administer the Resurrection Fund.

Then with great sadness we voted to concur with the request of FPC -Boonville and Rev. Tad Schuldt to dissolve their Pastoral Relationship effective July 11, 2026 so that Tad may answer a new call in Carlisle Presbytery in PA.  Several people stood and shared comments and stories on Tad’s ministry and how he will be missed.

Rev. Susan Presley and Elder Barbara Chalfant recognized Elder Sami Shirk, FPC-Kirksville, and Rev. Katie Collins, FPC-Columbia, as delegates to General Assembly, June 22 to July 2, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Young Adult Delegate is unable to attend. Please pray that they will vote with wisdom as they represent us as General Assembly.

After a wonderful meal, we returned to the sanctuary for worship featuring the leadership of GA Co-Moderators Rev. CeCe Armstrong & Rev. Tony Larson.  Rob Dalton sang and Micah McNeal and Kati Collins shared the task of liturgist.

It was a wonderful meeting, and we are grateful to FPC - Columbia and all those who worked so well together to make it run so smoothly.