2015 Presbytery Minutes â January 20, 2015
MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY The Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley was hosted by the Ogden Presbyterian Church of Spencerport, NY on Tuesday January 20, 2015. CONSTITUTION The Moderator, the Rev. Brandi Wooten (Chili), called the meeting to order, a quorum being present. She led the presbytery in prayer. ROLL CALL ACTIVE MINISTERS SERVING CHURCHES (P = Present; Ex = Excused; A = Absent) Name Alkhouri, Roula – First, Batavia Allman, Steven – Calvary St. Andrews & Laurelton Becker, Steven - Perinton, Fairport Benjamin, Catherine - Lyndonville, Lyndonville Boak, Bruce – First, Pittsford Dailey, Alan – Interim, Brockport (UCC pastor) DeRosia, Melissa – Gates, Rochester DeVuyst, Larry - Webster, Webster Duttweiler, Ron – Trinity, Nunda Farmer, Carin – Central, Avon Fowler, Amy Williams – Presbytery Leader Fowler, Gene - Irondequoit , Irondequoit Fowler, Val – First, Honeoye Falls Fry, Laura – United Church, Covington Fry, Mike – East Bethany, East Bethany Gardner, Tom – First, Holley Hartley, Susan – Union, Scottsville Haven, Jeanine – First, Wyoming Hershey, Kevin – Twelve Corners, Rochester Hockey, Bill – First, North Bergen / Seekers Community Hoener, Ed – Mendon (Interim) Holmes, Douglas – First, Attica Langford, Martha – Third, Rochester Layraman, Sudalak – Ogden, Spencerport Lee, Soonwoo – Rochester Korean United Longabaugh, Fritz – Parkminster, Rochester Lowmaster, Nancy – Central, Geneseo Luddy, Tim – Brighton, Rochestser Michelinie, Kay – Christ Clarion, Pittsford Mitchell, Carrie – First, Pittsford Moler, Martha – Dewey Avenue, Rochester Morse, Alfreda – First, Medina Mouser, Carson – Summerville Pepper, David – First, LeRoy Peters, Daniel – Perinton, Fairport Pritchard, Colin – First, Victor Pullano, Tedd – New Life, Rochester Reiff, Marsha Rose – Dansville Reinert, Nancy – First, Caledonia Renfrew, James – First, Byron Roberts, Charles – John Knox, Rochester Sparks, Lynette - Third Spratt, Robert – Bethany, Rochester Styrt, Katie Jasa -- Gates Sumption, Michelle - York Sumption, Ron – Barre Center Swift, Deborah – South, Rochester Taylor, Tom – First, East Avon Jan 20 Mar 21 P P P P P P P P Ex P P P P P Ex Ex Ex Ex P P P P Ex P A A P P A P Ex P P P A P P P P P P P P P P Ex P Page 1 of 25 May 26 Sept 22 Nov 17 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 Thaine, Susan – Penfield, Penfield Therese, Barbara – United, Warsaw Tipton, Barbara – First, Elba Vanderzwan, Eileen Borduin – Webster, Webster Wilkinson, John – Third, Rochester Wilkinson, William – Trinity Emmanuel Wooten, Brandi Chase – First, Chili P TOTAL PRESENT 40 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY Ex Ex P P P P TOTAL EXCUSED 10 TOTAL ABSENT 4 MINISTERS IN VALIDATED MINISTRIES / MINISTERS AT-LARGE (V = Validated ~ AL = At-large) Name Bagnuolo, Ray (V) Director, That All May Freely Serve Baker,Christine (V) Chaplain, Rochester General Hospital Benier, Philip (AL) Berlik, Viktoria (AL) Falter, Jeff (AL) Bindig, Kathryn (V) United Church of Christ, Castile, NY Byron, Gay (V) Professor of New Testament Chalmers, Andrew (AL) Hanselman, Marie (V) John Calivn Hwang, Ho Dong (AL) Kenyon, Jamie (AL) Mullin, Nadia (V) Protestant Chaplain, Nazareth College Mitchell, Rosemary (V) Presbyterian Mission Agency Nelson, Laurel (V) Lagöm Landing Overgaard, Nancy (V) Twin Cities Area, Minnesota Picard, Sam (AL) Portillo, Trina (AL) Ricciuti, Gail (V) Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Russell, Lisette (AL) Sauve, Stephanie (V) Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Schwind, Katey St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rochester Stimson, Kathryn (V) Marriage & Family Therapist Stuber, Walter (V) Tiberi, Laurie (V) Director of Protestant Ministry, U of R Widboom, Jim (V) Chaplain, Rochester Psychiatric Center TOTAL PRESENT TOTAL EXCUSED TOTAL ABSENT Mar 21 Jan 20 May 26 P A A P P A Ex Ex Ex A A A Ex A Ex Ex Ex P Ex Ex A A P P P 7 9 9 Page 2 of 25 Sept 22 Nov 17 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY HONORABLY RETIRED MINISTERS (If serving a church, service is noted in parentheses) (Honorably Retired Ministers, if not present, are automatically marked as “excused.”) Name Anderson, James Anderson, Mary Lou Armstrong, Louise Ballard, Thomas Beckhusen, Elizabeth (Lee) Billman, Bruce Booher, Robert Braggins, Pauline Brebner, Linda Brown, Virginia (People’s Ministry In Christ) Dimond, Jean Evinger, Ann Evinger, Jim Frohman, Roderic Frood, Neil (Presbyter for Past. Support) Galusha, Merl Geyer, G. Robert Glover, J. Donald Gordon, Dane Grohman, Carolyn Hay, Judy Lee Hedges, Lucinda Heintz, Harry Heister, Jack Holmquist, Bill Ichishita, Frank Presbyter Emeritus Josephson, Louise Kaiser, Bob Lee, Charles Leport, Chuck Lindquist, Ray Loew, Cheryl Madigan, Kathleen Marlett, James McCann, Cheryle McConnochie, Harriet Nelson, Lynn Paul, Jerrold Perec, Christine Rice, Robert Ricciuti, Anthony Roth, Donald Rossman, Kavin (Perry, Brick – Pastor) Sallade, Ronald Schaedel, Mary Carol Seaburn, David Shafer, Patricia Lawrence Smith, David Stevens, Encie Strawbridge, Carol Anne Waasdorp, Anne Walker, George Watt, Jane Webster, Gordon Wenhold, Walter Yoder, Dorthea Young, William Youngdahl, Pat (DUPC – Pastor) TOTAL PRESENT Mar 21 Jan 20 May 26 Ex Ex P Ex Ex P Ex Ex P P P x Ex P P Ex Ex Ex Ex P P Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex P Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Rx Ex Ex Ex Ex P Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex P Ex Ex P P Ex Ex Ex 14 Page 3 of 25 Sept 22 Nov 17 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY CORRESPONDING MEMBERS (Ministers of another Denomination or another Presbytery Serving Presbyterian Churches in PGV) Name Mar 29 Jan 28 Farnsworth, Robert (American Baptist Ch.) Pike Community, Pike, NY May 20 Sept 23 Nov 18 A TOTAL PRESENT TOTAL EXCUSED TOTAL ABSENT COMMISSIONERS FROM CHURCHES Church Name Albion Attica Avon, Central Barre Center Batavia, First Bethany (1) Bethany (2) Brighton Brockport Byron, First Caledonia, First Caledonia, Stone Calvary/St. And. Chili, First Christ Clarion Corfu United Covington Dansville, First Dewey Avenue Downtown United East Avon, First East Bethany Elba, First Gates (1) Gates (2) Geneseo, Central Groveland Fed. Holley, First Honeoye Falls (1) Honeoye Falls (2) Irondequoit John Calvin John Knox Laurelton LeRoy, First Lima, Lima Livonia, First Lyndonville Medina, First Mendon Mt. Morris, United Mumford, First New Life North Bergen Nunda, Trinity Ogden Ossian, First Parkminster Penfield Perinton (1) Perinton (2) Mar 21 Jan 20 May 26 A A Jan Lewis A Robert Ayers A A Louise Frost Rick Miner A Mary Drotar A David Holliday A A Kate Riegel Jerry Sturm Barbara Stickney A A A A A Glad Crosdale A Judith Claprood A Ex Ex Ex A A Priscilla Thomas Karen Kingsbury A Paul Fleming A A Ex A A A A A A A Cathy MIssell A Carol Santos A A Page 4 of 25 Sept 22 Nov 17 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 Perry, Brick Pike Community Pittsford, First (1) Pittsford, First (2) Pittsford, First (3) Rochester Korean Scottsville, Union South Sparta, First Stone, Bergen Summerville Third (1) Third (2) Third (3) Trinity Emmanuel (1) Trinity Emmanuel (2) Tuscarora, First Twelve Corners Victor, First Warsaw United Webster Wyoming York OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY A A Ex A A A Dee Warren Sue Tedesco A Ruth Stewart Mary Haverfield Jim Stewart Jeff Weis Rob White Roger Miller A A A A A TOTAL PRESENT Alan Diehl Robert Kelley Shirley Mandeville 27 TOTAL EXCUSED 5 42 TOTAL ABSENT ADDITIONAL ELDER COMMISSIONERS (Appointed by presbytery to correct elder-clergy imbalance) Name Church Carter, Ralph Denson, Fred Ellis, Bill Estes, Roger Third Webster Ossian Mumford Foerster, Cathy Lima Gotcsik, George Grammer, Vernie Gray, George Haake, Bill, CRE Martin, Anne Mecredy, Bob Minemier, Betty Third Irondequoit Third Scottsville Livonia Third Dansville Orr, Susan Laurelton Ross, Mark Smith, Brad Sprenkle, Nancy Swain, Jerry Tubman, Donald Stone B’gen Attica Pittsford 1st Mt. Morris Scottsville VanNostrand, Kay Lyndonville TOTAL PRESENT TOTAL EXCUSED TOTAL ABSENT Relationship Jan 20 Nominating Chair Former Moderator CRE CRE CRE Vice-Moderator Former Moderator Synod C’missioner Trustees Chair Cong. Development CRE BD&O Former Moderator Presbyter for Mission & Education CRE CRE Former Moderator CRE Synod C’missioner Former Moderator / Chair, Mission & Ad. Ex Mar 21 A P A P A A P A P P P P A A A A A P 8 1 10 Page 5 of 25 May 26 Sept 22 Nov 17 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS (Certified Christian Educators, if not present, are automatically excused. Those who are ordained Ruling Elders have voice and vote.) Name Jan 20 Badger Becker, Elder Linda Certified Christian Educator (Voice & Vote) D’Angelo Vietch, Rebecca (Third) Assoc. Cert. Christ. Ed. (Voice only) Orr, Elder Susan (Laurelton) Associate Certified Christian Educator Mar 21 May 26 Sept 22 Nov 17 Ex Ex under Listed Add’l Elder Comm. TOTAL PRESENT CORRESPONDING MEMBERS ENROLLED FOR THIS MEETING Name None present at this meeting. Presbytery / Agency REGISTERED VISITORS (current meeting) Includes CREs not serving churches Cathy Saunders Jane Ellis Terry Reiff Nancy J. Allen Dave Fish Ann Haag Craig Kunkle Bob Minemier Ossian Ossian Dansville Dansville Gates / Byron Third (Committee on Preparation for Ministry) Pittsford, First (Education Director) Dansville SUMMARIES FOR EACH MEETING Jan 20 Total Minister Commissioners Present* 61 Total Elder Commissioners Present 35 Parity (expressed in terms of Elders, + or -) Mar 21 May 26 Sept 22 Nov 17 - 26 Total Minister Commissioners Absent, Unexcused** 4 Total Churches Unrepresented by Elders*** 40 Total Churches Unrepresented by Elders and Pastors 22 Total Registered Visitors 8 * Does not include Corresponding Members, as they have only voice, not vote; includes Validated, At-large, and Honorably Retired ** Does not include Corresponding Members or Honorably Retired Ministers *** Includes churches marked “excused” INTRODUCTORY BUSINESS Approval of Docket Upon motion, the presbytery approved the docket, as presented: Call to Order Introductory Business • Approval of Docket • Appointment of Tellers • Greeting New Commissioners • Enrollment of Corresponding Members • Privilege of the Floor Omnibus Motion Call for New Business Announcements and Church Events (one sentence limit) Page 6 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY Necrology Report Report of the Presbyter for Pastoral Support & Development Report of the Presbyter for Mission & Education Vision & Strategy Report • State of the Presbytery/State of the Vision • How do we move forward to become more healthy, viable, and sustainable? • How does this impact your church? • How does this impact you as a participant in presbytery? • What do we have to offer each other? • Small Group conversations and feedback • Impact on structure / staffing / budget / stewardship ~ preliminary report on 2014 finances • Seeking God’s blessing through prayer and song Greetings from the Host Church Break Good News from Churches Committee on Ministry • Examination of the Rev. Marcia Reiff for membership and transfer from the Reformed Church in Amercia • Appointment of Administrative Commission to ordain Candidate Sarah Walker Cleaveland Council Report • Action on proposed amendment to the Book of Confessions • Action on proposed amendments to the Book of Order Presbytery Trustees • Action regarding Calvary St. Andrews • Report of Lakeside Presbyterian Church actions Nominating Committee “Three Things to Take Home With You” ~ the Rev. John Wilkinson Adjournment Election of Tellers / New Business Committee The Moderator appointed the following persons to serve as Tellers/New Business committee: Elder Roger Miller (Trinity Emmanuel) Elder Gladstone Crosdale (Gates) The Rev. Martha Sudi Layraman (Ogden) The Rev. Chuck Roberts (John Knox) Greeting New Commissioners There were no first-time commissioners present. Corresponding Members There were none. Privilege of the Floor The presbytery VOTED to grant privilege of the floor to non-commissioners, for the purpose of making reports to the presbytery, or participating in reports. Omnibus Motion Presbytery of Genesee Valley January 28, 2014 The purpose of an Omnibus Motion is to enable a governing body to deal with routine business expeditiously, thus freeing up time for other activities. Action items are listed by number. Information items are listed by letter. How to lift items for discussion or debate: An opportunity will be given for presbyters to request that action items be lifted from the Omnibus Motion. Simply go to the microphone and when you are recognized, request—by line numbers—the item you wish to lift out. [Example: “Madam/Mr. Moderator, I wish to lift out line numbers 127 through 138 for discussion.”] Page 7 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY ITEMS LIFTED OUT FOR DISCUSSION WILL BE DEALT WITH DURING THE COMMITTEE REPORT ASSOCIATED WITH THAT PARTICULAR ITEM. The remaining items (those not lifted out) will be approved in one motion. NOTE: Many of these items (particularly Committee on Ministry items) will involve people. Welcoming of pastors, honoring retiring pastors and pastors who are leaving, attesting to congregational meetings and speaking to the call or the dissolution of a pastoral relationship will still occur. Also, even if routine items are voted on in the Omnibus Motion, stories related to the items may be presented during a committee report. [For example: the action regarding approval of Synod Mission Partnership Grants might be part of the Omnibus Motion, but the stories behind those actions may be shared during the committee report]. Omnibus Motion: Items for Presbytery’s Action Stated Clerk Action Items The stated clerk moves that the presbytery: (Minutes, November 18, 2014) 1. Approve the Minutes of the November 18, 2014 stated meeting of Genesee Valley Presbytery, held at Gates Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY. (Treasurer’s Report) 2. Receive the Treasurer’s Report—Operating Statement and Balance Sheet—for December 31, 2014. [Reports provided in the Mailed Docket.] Omnibus Motion: Items for Presbytery’s Information Stated Clerk Information Items (Roster of the Permanent Judicial Commission) A. The Book of Order requires the stated clerk of a governing body to annually report to that governing body the names of the members of its Permanent Judicial Commission and the names of those whose terms have expired within the past six years: The stated clerk of the council shall keep a current roster of those members of the permanent judicial commission whose terms have expired within the past six years. The names shall be arranged alphabetically within classes beginning with the most recent class. Whenever the permanent judicial commission reports its inability to obtain a quorum, the stated clerk shall immediately select, by rotation from that roster, a sufficient number of former members of the permanent judicial commission to constitute a quorum. The stated clerk shall report the roster annually to the council. [D-5.0206b.) The following report for 2014 lists (1) the current roster of permanent judicial commission members and (2) the expired terms within the past six years. Current Roster Class of 2020 Elder Allan Reeve (Pittsford, First) Elder Joan Wolfarth (Downtown United) Class of 2018 The Rev. Roula Alkhouri (Batavia) The Rev. Bruce Boak (Pittsford, First) The Rev. Melissa DeRosia (Gates) Class of 2016 Elder James Moore (Third) The Rev. David Smith (HR) Expired Terms (2008 through 2012) Class of 2014 Elder Tom Brewer (Lakeside) Elder Norma Polizzi (Gates) Class of 2012 The Rev. Carin Farmer (Avon, Central) The Rev. Gordon Webster (Honorably Retired) Page 8 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 Class of 2010 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY Elder Ray Cornelius (Pittsford, Christ Clarion) The Rev. Carrie Mitchell (Pittsford, First) (First Anniversaries of Ordination) B. The following persons will celebrate their first anniversaries of ordination in 2015: The Rev. Katey Schwind (April 13, 2014) St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rochester, NY) The Rev. Daniel Peters (July 13, 2014 ~ Perinton Presbyterian Church, Fairport, NY) The Rev. Katie Jasa Styrt (September 28, 2014 ~ Gates Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY) (Ordination Anniversaries / 5-Year Increments) C. The following are the significant ordination anniversaries of ministers that will occur this year (listed in 5-year increments): 5 years (2010) The Rev. Michael Fry (January 2, 2010 – Presbytery of Carlisle) The Rev. Doug Holmes (February 14, 2010 – Presbytery of Albany) The Rev. Tim Luddy (May 2, 2010 – Presbytery of Southern New England) The Rev. Lynette Sparks (May 23, 2010 – Presbytery of Western New York) The Rev. Kevin Hershey (June 20, 2010 – Presbytery of Boston) The Rev. Sue Thaine (October 30, 2010 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) 10 years (2005) The Rev. Trina Portillo (June 12, 2005 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Melissa DeRosia (October 2, 2005 – Presbytery of Lake Huron) The Rev. Ray Bagnuolo (November 13, 2005 – Presbytery of Hudson River) 15 years (2000) The Rev. Christine Perec (February 7, 2000 – Presbytery of Western Reserve) The Rev. Kathryn Stimson (June 11, 2000 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Colin Pritchard (September 10, 2000 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Aaron Doll (October 1, 2000– Presbytery of Western New York) 20 years (1995) The Rev. Lucinda Hedges (January 8, 1995 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Viktoria Berlik (March 25, 1995 – Reformed Church of Hungary) The Rev. Cheryl McCann (August 20, 1995 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) 25 years (1990) The Rev. Bob Spratt (July 21, 1990 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Virginia Brown (November 4, 1990 – Presbytery of San Diego) 30 years (1985) The Rev. Amy Williams Fowler (July 23, 1985 – Presbytery of New Castle) The Rev. Barbara Tipton (October 13, 1985 – Presbytery of Miami Valley) 35 years (1980) The Rev. James Anderson (September 23, 1980 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Mary Lou Anderson (September 23, 1980 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Lynn Nelson (November 9, 1980 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) 40 years (1975) The Rev. David Seaburn (July 10, 1975– Presbytery of Shenango) The Rev. Val Fowler (August 17, 1975 – Presbytery of Palo Duro Union) The Rev. Mary Carol Schaedel (September 14, 1975 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) Page 9 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY 45 years (1970) The Rev. George Walker (April 1, 1970 – Presbytery of Detroit) 50 years (1965) The Rev. Linda Brebner (February 21, 1965 – Presbytery of Riverside) The Rev. Jack Heister (June 1, 1965 – Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Jerrold Paul (July 27, 1965 – Presbytery of Monmouth) Over 50 years The Rev. Merl Galusha (51 years, February 1, 1964 – Presbytery of Albany) The Rev. Bob Booher (53 years, October 14, 1962 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Bob Kaiser (54 years, May 1, 1961 – Central NY Conference, United Methodist Church) The Rev. Chuck Leport (54 years, June 21, 1961 – Presbytery of Utica) The Rev. Frank Ichishita (55 years, February 21, 1960 – Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Charles Lee (55 years, May 15, 1960 – Presbytery of Washington) The Rev. Bruce Billman (55 years, October 1, 1960 – Presbytery of Steuben-Elmira) The Rev. Jean Dimond (55 years, October 1, 1960 – Presbytery of Cleveland) The Rev. Dane Gordon (58 years, November 30, 1958 – Presbytery of Rochester) The Rev. Ron Sallade (59 years, May 1, 1957 – Presbytery of Pittsburgh) The Rev. Walter Wenhold (59 years, May 1, 1956 – Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Bob Geyer (59 years, May 16, 1956 – Presbytery of Upper Ohio Valley) The Rev. Bill Holmquist (61 years, June 24, 1954 – Presbytery of Rochester) The Rev. William Young (64 years, July 25, 1951— Presbytery of Buffalo-Niagara) Opportunity was given for presbyters to lift items from the Omnibus Motion, for later consideration. None were lifted. The presbytery VOTED to approve the Omnibus Motion. CALL FOR NEW BUSINESS There being no new business, the presbytery VOTED to thank the tellers for their willingness to serve as the New Business Committee. NECROLOGY REPORT for 2014 The Necrology Report was placed on the projector screen, for all to see. [See Appendix A] As the names were shown, the Rev. Susan Thaine sang (from the Narthex, a-capella) Precious Lord, Take My Hand, and Abide With Me. The Rev. Neil Frood offered prayer. REPORT OF THE PRESBYTER FOR PASTORAL SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT The Rev. Neil Frood noted that quite a few of our clergy have lost parents in the past year, and celebrated the prayers and actions of care that have embraced them. He offered a prayer from for those who have lost parents to death. From his own experience of the death of parents, Neil commented that with the wonderful gift of time and God’s presence, tears and sorrow often change to laughter and joy. He lifted up all those who have experienced the need for healing, and honored that our Presbytery Leader every Morning sends notes seeking prayer for those in need. Neil share special gratitude for the miracle of healing at work in the Rev. Tom Gardner (Holley), who is home and doing much better. The Presbytery Day Apart retreat (at the Mercy Spirituality Center) will be held on February 12, 2015, focusing on Lenten scriptures. Page 10 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY REPORT OF THE PRESBYTER FOR MISSION & EDUCATION Elder Susan Orr called attention to the Treasures in the Taken Docket, especially: • The invitation to youth to be present for the March presbytery meeting • Triple Play Mission day (a day to experience those ministries that are part of the Triple Play Grant process • The Presbytery delegation to Ecumenical Advocacy in Washington, April 16-20, 2015. • Leadership Development Day, January 31. She showed today’s “prizes” for (a) the church who registers the most people for Leadership Development Day during this meeting, and (b) the church who actually brings registrants to the event. She encouraged persons to register through Craig Kunkle, who is present at the meeting. VISION & STRATEGY REPORT The Rev. Jim Renfrew and Presbytery Leader Amy Fowler guided the presentation and process of the report of the Vision & Strategy Ministry Team. (State of the Presbytery/State of the Vision) Consistent with tonight’s State of the Union address, Amy and Jim presented the State of the Presbytery, 01-20-2015. Amy Fowler shared some of the current realities of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley right now: these are simply “Good things to know.” Churches in the Presbytery of Genesee Valley – Our Current Reality 65 Congregations and 2 Worshipping Communities (Seekers & People’s Ministry in Christ) As of 12/31/2013: Church Size # of Churches Members Aggregate 1000+ members 1 1214 500+ members 4 2539 200+ members 7 2229 5982 100+ members 22 50+ members 18 Fewer than 50 members 13 5334 11316 52.9% of our members belong to 12 of our churches 47.1% of our members belong to 53 of our churches Our membership has declined by 6611 since 2000 Pastoral leadership – Our Current Reality 66 pastoral leaders are serving congregations and worshiping communities. 50% are installed Full-Time Teaching Elders 10.5% are Installed Part-Time Teaching Elders 26% are Temporary Supply / Stated Supply / Interim Teaching Elders 10.5% are Commissioned Ruling Elders (all are Part-Time) 3% are Teaching Elders serving Worshiping Communities (all are Part-Time) Urban Churches: 11 Pastoral Leaders 5 Installed Full-Time (1 Associate Pastor) 1 Installed Part-Time 5 Temporary Supply /Stated Supply /Interim Suburban Churches: 21 Pastoral Leaders 16 Installed Full-Time (1 Associate Pastor) 3 Installed Part Time 1 Temporary Supply /Stated Supply 1 Commissioned Ruling Elder Page 11 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY Small Town/Rural Churches: 30 Pastoral Leaders 10 Installed Full-Time 3 Installed Part-Time 11 Temporary Supply / Stated Supply 6 Commissioned Ruling Elders Worshiping Communities: 3 Teaching Elders, all Part-Time, some shared work Mission Giving In 2000 General Mission Giving from congregations was @ $350,000 In 2013 General Mission Giving from congregations was @ $257,000 In 2000 Per Capita giving was @ $162,000 In 2013 Per Capita giving was @ $179,000 2013 Per Capita giving us higher, but the number of people on which Per Capita is assessed has declined by 6611 members, and the Per Capita amount is higher Our Mission Statement is: To Know Christ, to Live Christ, to Share Christ . . . in the midst of our mission field This requires healthy, vital, and sustainable congregations and leaders, which is the most important thing we can do as a presbytery for our current reality and God’s future! Once upon a time, there was a vision that churches exist to serve presbytery. Our vision is just the opposite: to embrace and nurture the mission and ministry of congregations. The Vision & Strategy Ministry Committee of Council was formed in late 2012. In September 2013 the Committee reported: The heart of the presbytery’s work is healthy, vital, and sustainable congregations and leaders We are called to discover new ways to gather, new ways to move forward, and new ways to deploy staff and resources The Committee hosted listening sessions during a presbytery meeting, and several listening sessions throughout the presbytery From those activities and conversations grew: Vision and practice of “value-added presbytery meetings” (seeking to create presbytery meetings that are “can’t miss / won’t miss” gatherings Partnerships: Triple Play grants, Urban Presbyterians Together Developing a “form follows function” structure, to better interact with churches and groups of churches Assessing the financial state of the presbytery, and the Meeting the Great Ends of the Church Fund (5-year plan, 2011-2015, projections and actuals) Developing a new 5-year plan for 2016-2020, including a staffing model that aligns with our strategy and with our financial plan Job #1 is to focus on healthy and vital congregations and leaders. One thing to take home is the concept of “the FLIP” – the presbytery serving the needs of congregations, to increase the strength of their ministry. Jim Renfrew: “Today, we are not asking you to approve a document. We are simply asking you to take note of what is happening in the life of our presbytery.” The leadership and the committees of our presbytery want to visit with sessions and congregations at a time that is convenient for them, focusing on Job #1: What can we do to help you be and become healthy, vital, and sustainable. Page 12 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY Already the Vision & Strategy Committee and our presbytery are learning that: We have more in common than we realize. Yet . . . each congregation is unique! We have the gifts and skills among us, but we may not have a particular knowledge or skill-set needed at this time in our own congregation. We are experiencing God’s call to mission, and God’s care for us as individuals and as a church. We may be able to offer each other such skills and knowledge. We may be able to share leadership without losing our identities. We may be able to engage wider communities by working together on specific needs and issues, without losing our identities. Partnership requires conscientious work, to be effective. The presbytery could help by providing facilitators for partnership conversations, and resources to help meet the needs of our communities, as well as skills training and encouragement. The most important ingredient is prayer—with and for each other. Our vision is: Committees and teams focused on Job #1 Presbytery Gatherings focused on equipping congregational leaders for Job #1 Teamwork (beyond Triennial Visits) at your place Solidarity, not charity! Ask yourself and ask your sessions: Where could my congregation use support, encouragement, and help from others? The Presbytery Nominating Committee Is already a part of the “flip” that is happening. They are not calling people to support the presbytery, but more to support and help our congregations. Rather than inviting people to serve in a certain way, they first invite people to pray about serving in a certain way. (Small Group conversations and feedback) Fifteen minutes in small groups (three or four, and not from the same church) • How do we move forward to become more healthy, viable, and sustainable? • How does this impact your church? • How does this impact you as a participant in presbytery? • What do we have to offer each other? (Feedback & comments from groups) There are churches in this presbytery that are bleeding members; others that are not. Perhaps we can learn from those that are not. Almost all of our churches are seeing gray hairs, wondering how to attract younger people. Response from Amy Fowler This is a reality of our existence. The intriguing expression for people the age of our children and grandchildren is, “How will their experience of faith be different from ours, and what will those differences be?” Then, the important question is talking and asking yourself, “What really matters to them?” “What will their authentic faith in the 21st century be, and how can we be a part of that?” If we reach out to them, expecting that they will solve our membership decline or our financial struggles, well . . . that ain’t gonna happen.” The “flip” is the right thing to do even if there were no realities, because it is what the Spirit is leading us to do and be. Thank you for the non-anxious presentation of the reality. It helps us to be responsive to where the Spirit is leading. Page 13 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY Our local congregations’ memories are much longer than the presbytery’s memory. As we flip, we may want to remember this dynamic. Another comment: “Maybe we all ought to sing, Let it go, let it go.” Perhaps 80 students out of 5,400 at the University of Rochester will walk through the doors of the Interfaith Chapel on Sunday, and 40% of them are Jewish or Muslim. One of the things we—who are on both sides of the “flip”—could do would be to encourage our congregations to take the risk of having the vulnerability to ask for help. Then, it is necessary for the presbytery to find some helpful ways to follow up. The presbytery offered enthusiastic appreciation for the presentation of the Vision & Strategy Committee, and Jim Renfrew led the presbytery in prayer. (Preliminary Financial Report) Bob Macredy led the presbytery through the Operating Statement. • The Operating Statement shows that we budgeted for $250,000 and received just under $240,000. • Presbytery Per Capita was budged for about $190,000; income was $179,000. • On the expense side, the committees did a fine job of accomplishing their work within the budget. With the staffing changes and the realignment of duties, we saw some savings in that area. • This year, about 20% of our budget will come from the Budget Support line, Meeting the Great Ends of the Church. • In addition, 2014 was a very good year, financially. The final 2014 report will be presented to the presbytery in March. Kay Michelinie noted that in 2014 we earned about 7% on the presbytery’s investment funds. She honored that those investments reflect the faithfulness and generosity of those who have gone before us. The budget team is always looking forward as much as five years, and at least one year; and not focusing on only this year. In that vein, we will need about $130,000 from such funds to sustain the presbytery in 2015. The first five year plan has stayed within the parameters of the use of the “Meeting the Great Ends of the Church” fund. (Seeking God’s blessing through prayer and song) Members of the Vision & Strategy Ministry Team—Laura Fry, Tom Taylor, Val Fowler, Susan Orr—led the presbytery in a brief worship service of prayer, Scripture, and song. GREETINGS FROM THE HOST CHURCH The Rev. Sudi Layraman offered a gracious and joyful welcome to the presbytery. In turn presbyters thanked the members of the Ogden Church for turning “light refreshments” into a wonderful buffet lunch! 15 MINUTE BREAK RECONVENING Following the break, Moderator-Elect Cathy Foerster assumed the role of moderator. GOOD NEWS FROM CHURCHES Penfield – The outpouring of love for Sue Thaine, in the recent death of her father, and the deepening of relationships that has grown through that experience.. Page 14 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY The Rev. Nancy Reinert presented the report. ITEMS FOR PRESBYTERY’S ACTION The Committee VOTED to recommend that the presbytery: (Transfer of Membership from Another Denomination) [NOTE: The following action was postponed from the November 18, 2014 meeting of the presbytery to the January 20, 2015 meeting, due to the death of a family member, which took the Rev. Reiff out of town.] 1. Examine the Rev. Marcia Rose Reiff (Dansville / member of the Reformed Church in America) for membership in the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. [The presbytery examined the Rev. Reiff, and voted to sustain the examination.] 2. Approve the request to transfer the membership of the Rev. Marcia Rose Reiff from the Reformed Church in America to the Presbyterian Church (USA), effective January 20, 2015; and enroll her as a minister member of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. The moderator led the presbytery in prayer. On behalf of the Clergy Care & Development, Neil Frood presented a welcome packet to the Rev. Reiff. (Administrative Commission to Ordain / Candidate Sarah Walker Cleaveland) 3. Appoint the following Administrative Commission to Ordain candidate Sarah Walker Cleaveland on Sunday February 15, 2015 at 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary of Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester, N;, at the request of the Presbytery of Chicago. The Rev. John Wilkinson (Third) – Moderator’s designee to preside The Rev. Carol Anne Strawbridge, Honorably Retired The Rev. Val Fowler (Honeoye Falls) Elder Karen Walker (Third) Elder Tracy Walker (Third) Elder Susan Orr (Laurelton) Elder Theresa Markham (Honeoye Falls) Other participants: The Rev. Adam Walker Cleaveland (Presbytery of Chicago) 4. Enroll the Rev. Adam Cleaveland as a Corresponding Member of the Administrative Commission to Ordain. 5. Authorize the Moderator’s designee to make any necessary and appropriate changes in the Administrative Commission. ACTIONS TAKEN ON BEHALF OF PRESBYTERY (Holley / Leadership during the pastor’s recovery) The Committee celebrated the transfer of the Rev. Tom Gardner to Cardiac Rehabilitation in Medina, and offered prayer for him, his family and the Holley congregation. The Committee celebrated the ways the presbytery has taken initiative to support Tom and the congregation, since the time he entered the hospital. The presbytery has secured pulpit supply for the next two months (and will beyond that, if necessary) and provided monetary support to the congregation for pulpit supply. The Committee VOTED to: 1. Authorize the Rev. David Kilgore (a minister member of the Presbytery of Geneva and a resident of Avon, NY) to preside at the Service of Ordination of church officers; and to serve as moderator of the annual congregation meeting. 2. Appoint the Rev. Jim Renfrew (Byron) as moderator of the session during the Rev. Gardner’s convalescence and recovery. ACTIONS REPORTED AS INFORMATION The Committee on Ministry VOTED to: (Webster / the Rev. Eileen Borduin Vanderzwaan) Page 15 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY 1. Approve the Stated Supply Associate Pastor Contract and Terms of Call (full-time) between the session of Webster Presbyterian Church, Webster, NY and the Rev. Eileen Borduin Vanderzwan, effective December 1, 2014 through December 1, 2015: Cash Salary Housing Allowance Utilities Medical Deductible Benefit Total Effective Salary 30,417.00 14,764.00 3,283.00 1,453.00 49,917.00 Social Security Offset Board of Pensions Benefits Continuing Education Travel & Professional Expense 3,704.00 17,454.00 887.00 2,216.00 Study Leave: 2 weeks Vacation: 30 days including 5 Sundays Sick leave: 1 day/month, cumulative to 90 days (Brockport / the Rev. Alan Dailey) 2. Approve the Interim Pastor Contract and Terms of Call (full-time) between the session of First Presbyterian Church, Brockport, NY and the Rev. Alan Dailey (a minister in the United Church of Christ), effective December 1, 2014: Cash Salary Housing Allowance Total Effective Salary Social Security Offset Health Insurance & Pension (UCC) Non-PCUSA plan Continuing Education Travel & Professional Expense 29,000.00 16,000.00 45,000.00 3,445.00 7,975.00 9,000.00 800.00 4,815.00 Study Leave: 2 weeks Vacation: 30 days including 5 Sundays Sick leave: 1 day/month, cumulative to 90 days (Gates / the Rev. Katie Jasa) 3. Approve revised Stated Supply Associate Terms of Call (full-time) between the session of Gates Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY and the Rev. Katie Jasa: Cash Salary Housing Allowance Utilities Medical Deductible Benefit Total Effective Salary 31,400.00 9,900.00 1,200.00 1,500.00 44,000.00 Social Security Offset Benefits Plan (PCUSA) Continuing Education Travel & Professional Expense 3,251.00 17,69200 800.00 4,716.00 Study Leave: 2 weeks Vacation: 30 days including 5 SundaysSick leave: 1 day/month, cumulative to 90 days (Caledonia, Stone / Discernment Team) Page 16 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY 4. Approve the request of the session of Stone Presbyterian Church, Caledonia, NY for a Discernment Team, according to the provisions of the presbytery’s Guidelines and Procedures for the Dismissal or Reconciliation of Member Churches. (Tuscarora / Service of the Lord’s Supper) 5. Approve the request of the session of First Presbyterian Church, Tuscarora, NY to grant permission for Ruling Elder Carmen Vianese to officiate the Services of the Lord’s Supper on the following dates: December 24, 2014 (Christmas Eve) April 5, 2015 (Easter Sunday) October 4, 2015 (World Communion Sunday) December 24, 2015 (Christmas Eve) [NOTE: The presbytery has previously granted such permission to Elder Vianese, who has received the appropriate training required by the Book of Order.] (Mendon / the Rev. The Rev. Ed Hoener) 6. Approve the revised Interim Pastor Contract and Terms of Call (full-time) between the session of Mendon Presbyterian Church, Mendon, NY and the Rev. Ed Hoener, effective January 1, 2015 through October 12, 2015. Cash Salary Housing Allowance Total Effective Salary 38,000.00 6,000.00 44,000.00 Social Security Offset Board of Pensions Benefits Continuing Education Travel & Professional Expense 3,366.00 16,060.00 800.00 4,716.00 Study Leave: 2 weeks Vacation: 30 days including 5 Sundays Sick leave: 1 day/month, cumulative to 90 days (Ossian / Ruling Elder Bill Ellis, Commissioned Ruling Elder) 7. Approve the Commissioned Ruling Elder Contract and Terms of Call (25% time) between the session of First Presbyterian Church, Ossian, NY and Ruling Elder Bill Ellis, CRE, effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015: Cash Salary Total Effective Salary Social Security Offset Continuing Education Travel & Professional Expense 8.800.00 8,800.00 673.00 800.00 953.00 Study Leave: 2 weeks Vacation: 30 days including 5 Sundays Sick leave: 1 day/month, cumulative to 90 days (Brockport / the Rev. Alan Dailey) 8. Approve the following amendments to the Interim Pastor Covenant between the session of First Presbyterian Church, Brockport, NY and the Rev. Alan Dailey (UCC / Formula of Agreement): Paragraph 5 c. – Accumulation of vacation time and payment for unused vacation. • Vacation time would be accrued at 2.5 days per month worked, or 5 weeks per year. Up to 5 weeks of unused accrued vacation would be paid upon termination of the covenant. • Study Leave allowance would be available after six months. Page 17 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY (Consultant to COM / the Rev. Jim Evinger) 9. Approve continued appointment of the Rev. Jim Evinger, HR as a consultant with the Committee on Ministry with regard to issues of sexual misconduct and sexual abuse. (Triennial Visits Scheduled) • Attica, First: February 10, 2015 (Brad Smith, CRE / David Seaburn, COM Liaison) • Nunda, Trinity: March 10, 2015 at 6 30 PM (Ron Duttweiler, Pastor / Jan Lewis, COM Liaison) • Mumford, First: March 16, 2015 at 6:00 PM (Roger Estes, CRE / Jan Lewis, COM Liaison) REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY COUNCIL The Rev. Jim Renfrew presented the report of the Presbytery Council. ITEMS FOR THE PRESBYTERY’S ACTION The Presbytery of Genesee Valley VOTED to: (Proposed Amendment to the Book of Confessions – Confession of Belhar 14-1) 1. Approve including the Confession of in the Book of Confessions? [NOTE: Inclusion of the Confession of Belhar in the Book of Confessions will require: (1) approval of 2/3 of the presbyteries in the Presbyterian Church USA) and (2) approval by the next General Assembly (2016, Portland, OR).] (Proposed Amendments to the Book of Order) 2. Approve the following proposed amendments to the Book of Order. [NOTE: Action will be taken on these proposed amendments one-by-one, unless a motion is made to vote on all or part of them in one motion.] (14-A. Renunciation of Jurisdiction: On Amending G-2.0509 Amend G-2.0509 of the Form of Government by adding the following new paragraph at the end of that section. [Text to be added or inserted is shown in italic.] “Whenever a former teaching elder has renounced jurisdiction in the midst of a disciplinary proceeding as the accused, that former teaching elder shall not be permitted to perform any work, paid or volunteer, in any congregation or entity under the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).” (14-B.1. Final Assessment) Amend G-2.0607 of the Form of Government as follows. [Text to be deleted is show with strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown in italic.] “A candidate may not enter into negotiation for his or her service as a teaching elder without approval of the presbytery of care. The presbytery shall record when it has certified a candidate ready for examination by a presbytery for ordination, pending a call. Evidence of readiness to begin ordered ministry as a teaching elder shall include: “a. [Text in a.–c. remains unchanged.] “d. satisfactory grades, together with the examination papers examination materials, together with evaluations that declare those materials satisfactory in the areas covered by any standard ordination examination approved by the General Assembly. Such examinations shall be prepared and administered by a body created by the presbyteries.” (14-B.2. Accomodations) Amend G-2.0610 of the Form of Government as follows. [Text to be deleted is show with strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown in italics.] “G-2.0610 Exceptions Accommodations to Particular Circumstances “By a three-fourths vote, a presbytery When a presbytery concludes there are good and sufficient reasons for accommodations to the particular circumstances of an individual seeking ordination, it may, by a three-fourths vote, waive any of the requirements for ordination in G-2.06, except for those of G2.0607d. If a presbytery judges that there are good and sufficient reasons why a candidate should not Page 18 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY be required to satisfy the requirements of G-2.0607d, it shall approve by three-quarters vote some alternate means by which to ascertain the readiness of the candidate for ministry in the areas covered by the standard ordination examinations. A full account of the reasons for exception any waiver or alternate means to ascertain readiness shall be included in the minutes of the presbytery and communicated to the presbytery to which an inquirer or candidate may be transferred.” (14-C Child Protection Policy) Amend the fourth paragraph of G-3.0106 as follows. [Text to be added or inserted is shown in italic.] “All councils shall adopt and implement a sexual misconduct policy and a child protection policy. (14-D Minimum Composition of a Presbytery) Amend the second paragraph of G-3.0301 of the Form of Government as follows. [Text to be added or inserted is shown in italic.] “The minimum composition of a presbytery is ten duly constituted sessions and ten teaching elders, unless an exception is approved by its synod and the General Assembly giving consideration to the responsibilities assigned to presbyteries in G-3-01 and G-3.03.” (14-E Interreligious Stance) Amend G-5.0102 of the Form of Government as follows. . [Text to be deleted is show with strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown in italics.] “The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at all levels seeks new will be open to and will seek opportunities for conversation and understanding respectful dialogue and mutual relationships with non-Christian entities and persons from other religious [entities] traditions. It does this in the faith that the church of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is a sign and means of God’s intention for the wholeness of all humankind and all creation.” Amendment 14-F (Marriage) will be considered during the March 21, 2015 stated meeting of the presbytery. ITEMS FOR THE PRESBYTERY’S INFORMATION (Presbytery & Council Meeting Dates/Times/Locations) Note that Council meets between Presbytery meetings, instead of monthly. • PRESBYTERY: Tuesday, January 20, 1:30 – 5:30 PM, Ogden (with refreshments, no dinner) • EVENT: Saturday, January 31, Church Leadership Development Day, 9:00 AM • COUNCIL: Monday, February 23, 6:00 PM, Chili • PRESBYTERY: Saturday, March 21, Bethany PC, 9:00 – 2:00 PM • COUNCIL: Monday, April 27, 6:00 PM • PRESBYTERY: Tuesday, May 26, 4:00 PM • COUNCIL: Monday, June 22, 6:00 PM, Livonia Center • PRESBYTERY Tuesday July 28 (if necessary), time & location to be determined The Presbytery Council VOTED to: (Recommended Changes to Synod of the Northeast By-laws) 1. Invite the Rev. Anne Waasdorp and other Synod Commissioners to the February 23, 2015 Council meeting. 2. Establish the March 21, 2015 presbytery meeting as the date for taking action on the proposed revisions to the By-Laws of the Synod of the Northeast. PRESBYTERY TRUSTEES Elder George Gray, Chair of the Board of Trustees presented the report. Upon recommendation by the Presbytery Trustees, the presbytery VOTED to: (Calvary St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Parish) The Presbytery Board of Trustees, having received and reviewed a verified copy of the Petition of Calvary St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Parish (the “Church”), 68 Ashland Street, Rochester, New York, recommends that the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, Inc.: Page 19 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 • • • • OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY Waive the issuance and service of a citation by the Surrogate Court for the County of Monroe, with regard to the Petition of the “Church” to reform the Rippey Organ Fund bequest under Article FOURTH of the Will of Joseph S. Rippey; and Consent to the entry of an order or decree reforming such bequest, and consent to the distribution of $20,000 of principal from the fund as well as the use of approximately $20,000 of accumulated income for the cost of repair of the Church’s pipe organ; and, Consent to such other and further relief as the Court may find proper; and Authorize the Chair of the Presbytery Board of Trustees, the Stated Clerk of Presbytery and/or the Presbytery Leader, to execute and deliver a Waiver of Process and Consent, and such other and additional documents as may be necessary and appropriate to effectuate the foregoing. Background and Rationale: The Church’s pipe organ, which was constructed in 1916, has sustained severe damage from plaster dust generated by a sanctuary repair project. An assessment by Parsons Pipe Organ Builders of Canandaigua, NY, concluded that the organ components should be disassembled and transported to the Parsons facility for cleaning before being reassembled, and the organ voiced and tuned. The estimate for this work is $31,500, and Parsons is also recommending additional maintenance costing $6,500, for a total of $38,000. The Church does not have the funds to perform this work, but is the beneficiary of the Rippey Organ Fund, a restricted endowment fund, the income only of which is to be used for organ maintenance and repair. The original bequest was in the amount of $50,000, and there is presently accumulated income of approximately $21,000. The Church is petitioning the Surrogate Court to authorize the use of $20,000 of the endowment fund principal for this repair, in addition to the accumulated income presently available for use. The “reformation” of this bequest furthers the general charitable purposes of the bequest to provide a functioning organ for the worship and life of the church and to provide a continuing memorial to the decedent and his family, purposes which would otherwise be impossible to fulfill since the organ in its present state without the repair and refurbishment is not usable.] January 8, 2015 (Information regarding the Dissolution of Lakeside Presbyterian Church) The congregation celebrated the life of the Church on December 14, 2014, and worshipped together for the final time on December 28, 2014. Pastoral care for the homebound members is being shared by neighboring churches. The Lakeside Child and Family Center continues to use the building, and the license is being transferred to Creative Beginnings Childcare Center (also a licensed not-for-profit corporation). Members from the Lakeside Board are being invited to serve on the Creative Beginnings Board. The staff and the children served remain the same. The formation of the Administrative Commission for the exploration of a continuing missional use for the property, approved by the Presbytery at the November 2014 meeting continues, and will be reported by the Moderator of Presbytery. In the event that the remaining funds of the church are not used to support the missional use of the site, the Session recommends to the Budget Development and Oversight Committee Collaboration Group and the Presbytery the following percentage allocation for funds given for community mission: Foodlink – 40% Lakeside Child and Family Center – 10% Rochester Children’s Network – 10% Local Habitat for Humanity – 10% Alternatives for Battered Women – 10% Cameron Community Ministries – 10% Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – 10% The congregation and the Committee on Ministry thank the Rev. Phil Davis for his caring service to the congregation as Supply Pastor for September-December 2014. Page 20 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY NOMINATING COMMITTEE The presbytery VOTED to: (Stated Clerk) 1. Suspend for one year the provision of the presbytery’s Manual of Operations regarding the election and the term of the Stated Clerk; and 2. Extend the current term of the Rev. Val Fowler (Honeoye Falls) as Stated Clerk, from February 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016. Rationale: This recommendation comes from the Nominating Committee with the concurrence of the Personnel Committee; and after conversation with the Stated Clerk. This action support a planning year for the staffing design and financial plan of the presbytery for the years 2016 through 2020. (Treasurer) 3. Elect the Rev. Kay Michelinie (Christ Clarion) as Treasurer for the term of February 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016. [NOTE: The Treasurer is elected annually by the presbytery.] (Synod Mission & Ministries Commission – formerly Synod Council) 4. Elect the following persons to the new Synod Mission & Ministries Commission: The Rev. Anne Waasdorp (HR) – Class of 2016 Elder Lisbeth DaBramo (Geneseo) – Class of 2016 (Synod Commissioners) 5. Elect the following persons as Synod Commissioners: The Rev. Linda Brebner (HR) – Principal, Class of 2016 Elder Vernie Grammer (Third) – Principal, Class of 2016 “THREE THINGS TO TAKE HOME WITH YOU” The Rev. John Wilkinson addressed the presbytery: John began by lifting up the Rev. William Young, in the death yesterday of his wife, Ann. He noted that an opportunity at every presbytery meeting is communication: how can we take what we have experienced and learned back to our sessions and congregations, to continue the conversation. He offered three things to take with us as we leave: 1. We care for one another a very great deal, as expressed by connecting the Necrology with Neil Frood’s report regarding care for persons of the presbytery. 2. The FLIP – Not just the “flip” itself, but more importantly how mindful and thoughtful we are trying to be in this discernment process, without being driven by reactivity or anxiety. The Vision & Strategy report and conversation modeled that thoughtfulness. There was no judgment, simply an expression of realities which will help our discernment. And . . . how grateful we are for the leadership of Amy Fowler and Susan Orr as we discover the way forward. 3. Belhar – This is one of the most profound statements a church has ever made, especially in light of recent events in our own country. It will be the only confession in the Book of Confessions from south of the Equator, and speaks directly to the commitment and challenges of racial justice. ADJOURNMENT Moderator Elect Cathy Foerster led the presbytery in prayer. ATTEST: _________________________ Val Fowler, Stated Clerk APPENDIX A: Necrology Report, 2015 APPENDIX B: “Preliminary” 2014 Operating Statement, 01/01/2014 through 12/31/2014 APPENDIX C: Unified Mission Budget Per Capita Contribution Report, 01/01/2014 through 12/31/2014 Page 21 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY APPENDIX A 2014 MEMORIAL TRIBUTE: ELDERS AND MINISTERS OF THE PRESBYTERY We give thanks for the lives of these women and men whom we have known and loved, who were examples for us of lives lived in faith and service to Jesus Christ, who have now entered the joy that God has prepared. We give thanks to God for each of them, for their vision and hope, steadfastness and love, and for the grace, which was given to them. May we so follow their good example that we may be one with them in spirit, and at the last enter with them into the fullness of God’s unending joy, and saving love in Jesus Christ. ELDERS AND MINISTERS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE VALLEY *NOT REPORTED IN JANUARY 2013 REPORT Date of Ordination Date of Death ALBION Robert Linberg Unknown February 7, 2014 ATTICA Marilyn Bathrick January 22, 1978 December 20, 2014 AVON Marian L. Bailey Sethford L. Powell January 20, 1983 February 5, 1995 April 8, 2014 November 18, 2014 BARRE CENTER Reid Daum Judy Fancher 1985 1991 November 6, 2014 May 6, 2014 BETHANY Bernard Montanari Grace Roberts Richard E. Wemple Ruth Kathryn Wright Wroblewski December 29, 1974 June 17, 2001 February 6, 1966 January 20, 1974 March 7, 2014 August 18, 2014 August 22, 2014 June 16, 2014 BYRON Warren Leaton February 1960 December 19, 2014 CALEDONIA FIRST Elizabeth DeNoon Patricia Grant Willda VanOstrand January 20, 1974 January 17, 1989 January 25, 1970 August 31, 2014 November 25, 2014 July 8, 2014 Page 22 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY CORFU The Rev. Charles Alexander Lucille Pahika October 8, 1995 1990 March 11, 2014 May 13, 2014 DOWNTOWN Lillian (Onolee) Haskell Lynn Loveland Lillian Price 1965 1983 1967 November 15, 2014 May 29, 2014 February 11, 2014 ELBA Jean G. Hare January 1987 February 5, 2014 GATES Marion Keagle January 1993 May 6, 2014 GENESEO CENTRAL Donald McConnell 2006 January 17, 2014 HOLLEY FIRST Edward Mellville January 13, 1991 November 28, 2014 JOHN CALVIN Laura Howitt Craft Clare Gilgallon Housan June 26, 1964 March 15, 1964 March 18, 2014 August 10, 2014 JOHN KNOX Betty Jean Green Anderson January 31, 1960 November 18, 2014 LAURELTON James (Jim) Smith January 1963 October 4, 2014 LEROY Carlton W Seaburg W. Douglas Call Charles Heywood Sandra Jones Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown May 16, 2014 April 14, 2013* February 18, 2013* July 23, 2013* LIMA Virginia Hayes Vivian Schillinger January 1969 January 1959 February 3, 2014 February 22, 2014 (age 101!) LYNDONVILLE Donald Bentley January 30, 1982 May 29, 2014 MENDON Elizabeth Sheeler Unknown October 23, 2014 MOUNT MORRIS Jack Hanna February 9, 1997 May 30, 2014 NEW LIFE Robert Wandtke April 25, 1976 November 28, 2014 PARKMINSTER Daniel Wright January 19, 1992 November 24, 2014 Page 23 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY PENFIELD R. William Bentley Joyce Longwell Deyle May 18, 1969 June 25, 1975 April 22, 2014 February 2, 2014 PIKE COMMUNITY Marion Albro June 1962 February 24, 2014 PITTSFORD FIRST Trudy Dublin Gerry Vesling June 6, 1993 May 11, 1975 December 8, 2014 February 27, 2014 SCOTTSVILLE UNION Martha Carlberg Berenice Gray January 29, 1984 1967 November 26, 2014 June 31, 2014 STONE BERGEN Marian Airth Dean Nichols February 5, 1995 April 19, 1962 July 27, 2014 February 6, 2014 THIRD James P. Chisholm Elizabeth B. Edgerton Margaret C. Koop 1998 1992 Unknown January 19, 2014 January 19, 2014 August 15, 2014 TWELVE CORNERS Michael Stickney January 1973 July 26, 2014 WARSAW Phyllis Drennen 1992 May 25, 2014 WEBSTER Mary Lou Davison Richard Hunt February 4, 1990 January 25, 1989 January 28, 2014 July 25, 2014 WYOMING Clayton Ewell January 8, 1963 April 25, 2014 [The rest of this page intentionally left blank.] Page 24 of 25 MINUTES OF STATED PRESBYTERY MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPENCERPORT, ROCHESTER, NY APPENDIX B “Preliminary” 2014 Operating Statement, 01/01/2014 through 12/31/2014 APPENDIX C Unified Mission Budget Per Capita Contribution Report, 01/01/2014 through 12/31/2014 Page 25 of 25
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