Presbytery of 4055 Abbott Drive · Willmar MN 56201 Phone: 320-235-7910 · Fax: 320-235-7539 Website: www.minnesotavalleys.org http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mnvalleys PAGE 1 ______________________________________________ Minnesota Valleys Designated Executive Presbyter: Rev. Rick Carus Stated Clerk: The Rev. Pamela Prouty Administrative Assistant: Karen Lange Financial/Website Maintenance/General Office: Virginia Molitor October 14, 2014 OFFICIAL CALL This is your official call to presbytery’s next stated meeting is Saturday, October 25, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church of Willmar, MN. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. and the business meeting starts at 10 a.m. These presbytery packet notifications are sent to active and retired teaching elders of the presbytery, commissioned ruling elders, council members and clerks of sessions for each congregation. If you are not the commissioner from your congregation for this presbytery meeting, please pass the information to access the presbytery packet to the person who will be serving in this capacity. The password for the Minutes is Pminutes, they are located under the Link Tab on the Home Page and the password for the Directories is Pvalleys. Please call or email Karen at the presbytery office ([email protected]) by Monday, October 20, 2014 to indicate: · If you will be in attendance and would like a meal reserved (Note if Vegetarian meal needed) · If you will need lodging (Registration form on website – home page) · If you request to be excused · If childcare will be needed The presbytery minutes are available on the presbytery website and are not mailed with this packet. FIRST-TIME COMMISSIONERS There will be an orientation at 9:15 a.m. for first-time commissioners. Stop at the registration table for the location of the orientation session MEALS Visitors are charged $7 for the noon meal, payable at the registration table. PAGE 2 STATED MEETING Proposed Agenda October 25, 2014 First Presbyterian Church of Willmar, MN *Those that are able are invited to stand New business must be presented to the Moderator and Stated Clerk by noon 9:00 a.m. Registration/Refreshments/Preparation/Resourcing Karen Crawford & Le Roy Ennenga 9:15 a.m. First Time Commissioner Training Jim Crawford 10:00 a.m. Call to Order/Introduction to the Day/Prayer John McKay Presentation of Agenda Pamela Prouty Establishing the Roll Declaration of Quorum Seating of Corresponding Members/Granting Voice Recognition of First-time Commissioners and Guests Consent Agenda Pamela Prouty 10:15 Presentation of Nominating Committee Report The election will take place in the afternoon Greeting from First Presbyterian Church Bill Yueill Scott/Leanne Thompson Call to Worship Candace Adams Opening Prayer *Hymn “Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart” #145 (blue hymnal) 10:30 “What does Jesus mean to me? Bob Bartlett Scripture Reading Congregational Videos 10:45 Recognition of Those Who Have Served on Committees and Task Forces John McKay and Candace Adams Receiving the Christmas Joy Offering Andy Davis *Doxology Prayer of Dedication *Hymn “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service” #343 (blue hymnal) 11:05 Synod Report Kathy Terpstra and Al Jergenson PAGE 3 11:10 Stated Clerk’s Report Pamela Prouty 11:15 Budget and Finance Committee Approval of 2015 Proposed Budget Receive the 2016 Proposed Budget 11:25 Committee on Ministry Introduction of new pastors: Galen Smith Action items: Compensation Report Jim Crawford Le Roy Ennenga 11:35 Council Report Next Pres Team Stan Menning 11:40 Crosby Ironton Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission Kate Stangl 11:45 Designated Executive Presbyter Introduction of Ann Philbrick Rick Carus 11: 50 Speak Out and Announcements Occidente Partnership Clearwater Forest Presbyterian Foundation 12:00 – 12:45 Order of the Day – Lunch 12:45 Congregational Videos 1:00 Nominating Committee Nomination and election of new officers and committee/task force members 1:10 What does Jesus mean to me? Examination and Commissioning of Ruling Elder Jean Bauer 1:30 New Business Resolution of Thanks 1:40 The Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Bill Yueill Jean Bauer Charles Moore Rob Bellin *Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” #442 (blue hymnal) 1:50 Installation of Presbytery Moderator and Vice-Moderator 1:55 Benediction 2:00 p.m. Adjournment New Beginnings Presentation (2:00-4:00) John McKay Candace Adams PAGE 4 Consent Agenda The Consent Agenda usually contains routine items. Any Ruling Elder or Teaching Elder commissioner can remove any item on the Consent Agenda by standing and making that request. The item would then be placed in the agenda and discussed. Questions for clarity about a particular item are welcome. To remove an item, no second is needed and no discussion. CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE PRESBYTERY OF MINNESOTA VALLEYS October 25, 2014 1. Approve the minutes from the August 5, 2014 Stated Meeting as posted on the website 2. Receive the Stated Clerk’s Report – Page 5 3. Receive the Committee on Ministry report, items of information and recommendationPage 10-16 4. Receive the Council report, items of information – Page 17 5. Receive the Committee on Preparation for Ministry report – Page 18 6. Receive the Session Records Committee report – Page 19-20 7. Receive the Budget and Finance report – Page 27 PAGE 5 1. 2. 3. 4. Stated Clerk’s Report To the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys Presbytery October 25, 2014 Information about submitting the General Assembly statistical report was distributed at the table today for the clerks of session. This information will also be available on the website. I attended the Fall Polity Conference at the end of October in Louisville. As always it’s a good conference to attend. At this conference we heard reports from many of the agencies within the General Assembly. Also we had plenary sessions as well as workshops. It’s always a good thing to connect with other stated clerks around the country. The Association of Stated Clerks had its annual meeting as well which I helped plan this year. My term as vice-president of the ASC has ended. Also distributed today is a pamphlet about Presbyterians and parliamentary procedure. The Session Records Committee has bought this brochure for each congregation. At the Session Records Review, the clerks and others attending were interested in this. Another item distributed today was the Proposed Amendments to the Constitution; each Teaching Elder/Commissioned Ruling Elder receives a copy plus another copy for the commissioner to the 2015 February Stated Presbytery meeting. The Association of Stated Clerk has also completed their analysis to the amendments to the Constitution which can be found on the Presbytery website. PAGE 6 Application for Manse Construction Team Approximately ten days – possibly February 10-21 Return to Jim Krapf by December 1 th 808 4 Avenue, Worthington, MN 56187; [email protected] Can you make arrangements to pay for your costs? ___ yes ___ no Seek assistance from your church, family, friends Car to and from Minneapolis or Sioux Falls airport Airline tickets (approximately $1000 roundtrip) Additional incidentals (approximately $500) Do you wish to apply for a financial supplement from the Task Force? ___ yes ___ no Do you have a passport? ___ yes ___ no Describe below the skills you bring to this mission Experienced skills are not necessary but projects may include cement work, painting, installation of windows and doors, installation of electrical and plumbing fixtures; willingness to share faith stories; Speaking Spanish and music ability (pluses but not required) Describe below any health concerns that might restrict your full participation? High elevations mean thin air and cool nights The accommodations may be rustic. Do you agree to participate in the following: Cultural training and orientation for the mission provided by MVP’s Occidente Partners Task Force in January? ___ yes ___ no Sharing your experience with the Task Force in the spring of 2015 and within the year at a Presbytery Meeting? ___ yes ___ no Task Force meetings (usually three) and conference calls (usually two) for one year if possible? ___ yes ___ no PAGE 7 Why do you wish to be a part of this mission? Besides the construction project, there will be opportunities to discuss the faith and cultural dimensions of our partnership. Name ________________________ Congregation ___________________________________ Address ______________________ Phone ________________ Email ___________________ PAGE 8 Assisting with the Third Manse Project in Guatemala. Recruitment is open for volunteers to assist. You may use the application form printed on the other side of this sheet. Submit your application to Jim Krapf before the December 1 deadline. Orientation for volunteers will be early January 2015. Current passports are required. The usual process takes close to six weeks (and possibly longer due to the government shutdown). Dates for the trip and project will be approximately ten days. Anticipated dates are February 10 -21, but they may be adjusted depending on progress of site preparations and cheapest flying times. Cost will vary depending on airfare, a few meals when traveling, and personal shopping. You could anticipate your expenses being approximately $1500. Previous participants have received support from their local churches, friends, and family. As a part of the team, you may assist with: 1) general labor; 2) cement work; 3) painting of walls; 4) installation of doors and windows; 5) some electrical and plumbing installations. Experienced skills for these tasks are not necessary. The Guatemalan team plans to lay the cinder blocks for the exterior and interior walls ahead of our arrival. Translators will be present. The site is being chosen by the Guatemalan team. Further details will be announced when they are known. You will be involved in local church activities held on some evenings and Sunday. Fellowship and listening will give you opportunity to learn of each others’ cultures and faith. Most meals and lodging are with local families. Team members of the 2013 Manse Project February, who are available to share their experience and answer your questions, are: Edith Alvarez – Brainerd, First Karen Clement – Blue Earth, First (Karen has moved to Ames, IA) Rev. Mark Ford – Brainerd, First Rev. Stephanie Huisman – Fulda, First Le Roy Ennenga – Westminster, Worthington Rev. Steve Tyykila – Canby, First “Mission is not just about evangelism or just about humanitarian aid, but is (Missio Dei) God reconciling humanity to himself and reconciling humans to one another.” from Dr. Howell’s book, “Short Term Mission.” PAGE 9 Statement of Faith Jean Bauer In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.(Gen 1:1) In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God.(John 1:1) God spoke the world into being. God created everything and called it good. Man and woman were created by God. All humankind is made in God's image. I believe God is our loving creator whom we worship and serve. In both life and death we belong to God. Even though humanity continues to sin against God, God has chosen to save us and reconcile the world through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Messiah the anointed one, the Savior who rescued humanity from sin, the Redeemer who sacrificed for human sin, and Rabbi our teacher. I believe that Jesus is the son of God who died on the cross for our sins. Jesus sacrificed his life on earth to provide us with salvation. He won victory over the forces of evil. Jesus lived a life on earth as fully human yet was fully divine. I believe Christ's life and ministry is one of full obedience to God, which led Jesus to the cross. God raised Jesus from the dead and placed him as Lord of all, who will come again to judge the living and the dead. Christ's saving and reconciling work in the world continues through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit unites us to Christ and binds all believers together into one body, the Church. I believe the Holy Spirit lives in all of us and through the scripture and the sacraments, I am given strength and wisdom to trust Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us courage to pray and to witness among all people that Christ is Lord and Savior, allowing us to work with others for justice, freedom and peace. I believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as three in one. We are bound together in Christ through the two sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. I believe that baptism forever ties people of all times into the body and life of the church and that in our baptism we have life with Christ. The redeeming work of Christ is found in Galatians 3:27 As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. As we join together in the Lord's Supper, we celebrate Christ's presence with all the church giving thanks for God's grace to us through Christ. We read in Luke 22:19 Do this in remembrance of me. At the table we are restored to love and serve God, and all humankind. I believe that God calls us to be faithful, as we come again and again to the Lord's table. I believe that Christ called the church to proclaim the gospel and be a community to share God's love, hence a light to the world. For God is the very essence of light the ultimate source of all knowing and understanding. Together as God's people, we are called to worship, sing with joy, confess our sins, hear the Word proclaimed, offer our tithes, unite in prayer, receive the sacraments and be sent into the world. The unity of the church is a gift from Christ. The church is God's people where spiritual gifts are given to each member. I believe the members live and work together as disciples of Jesus Christ bound to him and others as the body of Christ. Providing us with guidance, I believe the Bible is the written word of God and inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is God's truth and authority in all matters of faith and practice for our lives each day. I will live in the faith and love that I have in Jesus Christ and with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within me, I will be a disciple of our Lord God on this earth proclaiming God's love for all creation. 2 Cor 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. PAGE 10 Committee on Ministry Report to the Presbytery of MN Valleys October 7, 2014 The following actions were taken at the September 16, 2014 meeting: 1. COM VOTED to affirm the following email votes: a. August 26, 2014: Give CRE Kathy Terpstra and PW Moderator Audrey Knuth permission to serve communion at the upcoming PW Fall Spiritual Retreat at the Green Lake Bible Camp in late September. b. July 31, 2014: Give Pat Postlewaite, graduate of IDLM the permission to serve communion at Crosslake Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 3 c. July 30, 2014: Give Diane Gravely (who has received training) permission to serve communion at First Presbyterian Church of Russell on Sunday, August 3. d. July 23, 2014: Approve the pastoral relationship between the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Worthington and Teaching Elder Galen Smith as installed pastor beginning October 1 pending congregational vote on Sunday, July 27. A background check has been done, the MN Statute 148a has been completed and an entrance interview was conducted. Upon installation he will become moderator of the congregation and member of the Presbytery. His membership will be requested from the Presbytery of John Knox. Cash Salary: $38,500 Housing: $12,500 SECA Contribution: $4,220 Total Salary: $55,220 Full medical, pension, disability and death coverage: $17,850 Mileage at IRS allowable rate (vouchered): $2,000 Moving Expenses: $6,000 Continuing Education Expenses: $750, cumulative to three years Paid vacation leave of four weeks including four Sundays Paid continuing education leave of two weeks including two Sundays, cumulative to three years\ e. August 27, 2014 – Approved Ruling Elder Judy Holmes who has completed the lay ministry program be allowed to administer communion on August 3, 2014 at the Litchfield church. f. August 26, 2014 – Approve co-Stated Supplies between the United Presbyterian Church, Kerkhoven and Teaching Elders Leanne and Scott Thompson effective October 1, 2014 – March 1, 2014 (six months) for ten hours per week. The total effective salary will be $9600.00/year plus travel expenses at the IRS rate up to $1200.00/year. PAGE 11 2. COM VOTED to recommend to the Presbytery the commissioning of Ruling Elder Jean Bauer (who has been certified to receive a commission by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry). The terms of call at ¾ times are as follows: Salary $27,590.00 Continuing Education $750.00 Travel Allowance vouchered and reimburse at the IRS rate Vacation 4 weeks including 4 Sundays Continuing Education 2 weeks including 2 Sundays Emergency Leave Up to five days per year Health/Medical Leave Up to 10 days per year cumulative up to ninety days 3. COM VOTED to discontinue the contract with Greg Nelson and the Pipestone Session. 4. COM VOTED to allow Ruling Elder David Hollis (who has had the training) to serve communion at the Slayton church. 5. COM VOTED to transfer Teaching Elder Jan Crissinger Clark to the Presbytery of Northern Waters. The following actions were taken at the October 7, 2014 meeting: 1. COM VOTED to approve the Presbytery of MN Valleys application for the Board of Pensions Medical Dues Assistance Fund. COM VOTED to authorize the policy committee to review and authorize payment of the grants. 2. COM VOTED to add “vacation time is not cumulative” to the 2015 Compensation Policy. The following item will come to the floor of Presbytery: 1. COM VOTED to recommend to the Presbytery the 2015 Compensation Policy. PAGE 12 PRESBYTERY OF MINNESOTA VALLEYS TEACHING ELDER COMPENSATION POLICY – 2015 Policies and procedures of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys are to assist sessions in their responsibility as employers. All policies will be guided by the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys, Board of Pensions compensation handbook, and additional guidance from the Synod and General Assembly. The policy includes a Teaching Elder Minimum Compensation Policy, using the Churchwide Median Compensation in determining a process for minimum compensation. The Churchwide Median Compensation for teaching elders serving in full-time positions in 2014 (as reported to the Board of Pensions) is $55,400.00 for cash salary and housing. This is an increase of 1%. The minimum compensation for teaching elders, including associate teaching elders, serving in full-time positions in the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys shall range from 10% below the Churchwide Median Compensation for newly ordained teaching elders to 0% below the Churchwide Median Compensation for teaching elders with more than ten years of full-time experience since ordination. Commissioned ruling elder minimums continue to be 75% of the teaching elder minimums shown below. Exceptions to the minimum compensation shall be approved by the Committee on Ministry and are subject to annual review and renewed approval. Years Experience Ordained Service % Below Churchwide Median Total Compensation *Cash Salary (div by 1.3) Less Than One 10.00% $49,860 $38,354 More Than One 9.00% $50,414 $38,780 More Than Two 8.00% $50,968 $39,206 More Than Three 7.00% $51,522 $39,632 More Than Four 6.00% $52,076 $40,058 More Than Five 5.00% $52,630 $40,485 More Than Six 4.00% $53,184 $40,911 More Than Seven 3.00% $53,738 $41,337 More Than Eight 2.00% $54,292 $41,763 More Than Nine 1.00% $54,846 $42,189 More Than Ten 0.00% $55,400 $42,615 When a manse is provided PAGE 13 *For churches providing manses and the church pays utilities directly, this may be used to adjust minimum compensation. The above figures are minimum requirements, not salary recommendations. In addition to cash salary and utilities, all teaching elders serving in full-time positions are to be provided with housing (either manse or housing allowance), continuing education allowance, full pension benefits, an auto expense reimbursement, four weeks vacation and two weeks study leave. Teaching elders serving in part-time positions may be provided with benefits, allocated according to time served. All such items (except vacation time) are forfeited if unused prior to the dissolution of the pastoral relationship. When the church does not provide rent-free, church owned housing, the teaching elder may designate any appropriate amount with confirming action by the session prior to the beginning of the year. (See following for requirements for establishing housing allowance.) When a manse is provided, the teaching elder may designate a utilities and furnishing allowance (see following for requirements). Guidelines: · Housing plus utilities must be in accordance with guidelines used by the Board of Pensions to compute effective salary (guidelines to effective salary, January 2014 or newer edition). · Continuing education - minimum of $750.00 per year, plus two weeks (including two Sundays, beginning January 1). Continuing education benefits are cumulative for three years. · Auto expenses - vouchered monthly at the current IRS allowance (as of January 2014 this rate is 56 cents per mile). · Vacation - four weeks to include four Sundays per year, available January 1. For interim teaching elders, this will be prorated based on the portion of the year served. Vacation time is normally not cumulative. · Maternity leave and paternity leave - Presbytery policy provides for four weeks paid maternity leave, additional time off can be negotiated and suggests equal consideration be given to paternity leave. · Health and Medical Leave - Teaching elder members/commissioned ruling elders are entitled to up to ten working days of paid sick leave each calendar year cumulative up to ninety days. At the time of termination of employment (either voluntary or involuntary) a teaching elder/commissioned ruling elder shall have no claim for pay in lieu of unused sick leave. Teaching elders are expected to report used sick time to the Session. · Emergency Leave - A maximum of five paid days per year shall be allowed for emergency leave arising out of the death of an immediate member of the family. In the event of serious illness or other emergency related to an immediate member of the family, such leave may be allowed by action of the Session. PAGE 14 · Sabbatical Leave: After six years of service to a church, Presbytery recommends sessions of congregations grant at least three months of a compensated sabbatical to their Teaching Elders to be spiritually, emotionally and physically renewed through continuing education and spiritual reflection. · Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys requires that teaching elders be paid full salary and Board of Pension dues by the congregation for up to 90 days of disability. Beginning with day 91, teaching elders may be placed on disability through the Board of Pensions. · Full time shall be defined as 40 - 45 hours per week. Part time parameters are as follows: o ¼ time = 10 hours per week: provides a weekly sermon and monthly moderating of Session and Congregational meetings o ½ time = 20 hours per week: in addition to above, provides a few hours for other ministry o ¾ time = 30 hours per week: in addition to above , provides additional time for other ministry · Teaching elders are encouraged to take two days off per week, with at least one full, uninterrupted day off per week. When there has been an unusually heavy work week, teaching elders are encouraged to take an extra day off during the next week to compensate. This is not considered a vacation day. Housing Allowance: The housing allowance is based on the out-of-pocket cost of providing a home and furnishing the home. It includes mortgage payments, home insurance, rent, utilities, furnishings and supplies. The Internal Revenue Code and Congress have placed a three-part test for limiting the housing allowance exclusion. The lesser of: 1. The amount designated by the governing body (session). 2. The amount actually spent. 3. The fair market rental value. The allowance must be designated prior to the payment. Cost of Living Index Information: According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Consumer Price Index the cost of living has increased approximately 2.8% from June 2013 to June 2014. PAGE 15 October 9, 2014 Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys Board of Pensions Medical Dues Assistance Fund Whereas Board of Pensions (BOP) has increased medical dues in 2015 to 24.5% for member and dependents while it remains at 23% for member-only coverage, and Whereas Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys requires that every church pay the full medical dues of the teaching elder and his/her dependents, and Whereas the Synod of Lakes and Prairies has grants available to presbyteries in 2015 and 2016 to help those members and churches most in need to keep dependent health insurance, Therefore, Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys has established this program to assist churches in providing medical coverage for their pastors and families. Church Name ___________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ______________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________________________________ 2014 Membership ___________________ Status of Per capita dues ______________ 2014 Average Worship Attendance ______ 2014 Average Member Giving $ ________ Church's 2014 Expenses $ ______________ Church's 2015 Budget $ _______________ Church's Reserve Funds $______________ Church's Designated Funds $____________ BOP 2014 Medical Dues $______________ BOP 2015 Medical Dues Increase $_______ (obtained from the BOP statement mailed to churches in September 2014 ) Does the teaching elder and/or spouse have access to other medical coverage? _______________ PAGE 16 Is Teaching Elder participating in BOP's "Call to Health" to reduce deductible? ____________ Request for Medical Dues Assistance $ _______________ Church's contribution $___________________________. Describe how the church will provide these funds? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Date of Session approval _________________________ _____________________________________________ __________________ Signature of Clerk of Session Date _____________________________________________ __________________ Signature of Teaching Elder Date Please submit to Presbytery for COM Policy Committee review and authorization of payments. If approved, checks will be sent to the church from the Synod or the Presbytery. PAGE 17 Council Report to the Presbytery of MN Valleys October 25, 2014 Actions taken at the September 30, 3024; the minutes are posted on the Presbytery website 1. COUNCIL VOTED to commend John McKay on his work as Presbytery moderator. 2. COUNCIL VOTED to authorize up to $3,000.00 for purchase and installation of a new sign outside of the Presbytery building. 3. COUNCIL VOTED to add this clause to the Stated Clerk’s job description/terms of call, “This agreement can be changed by either party with a 90 day written notice” (G-3.0104, G-3.0110). 4. COUNCIL VOTED to extend an invitation the vice-moderator, Larissa Kwong Abazia to our Presbytery meeting in May 12 or October 31, 2015. 5. COUNCIL VOTED to ask the following to host Presbytery meetings in 2015: Saturday, February 7, (snow date of February 14, 2015): Redwood Falls, Tuesday, May 12, 2015: St. Cloud, Tuesday, August 4, 2015, Canby, MN Saturday, October 31, 2015: Spicer, Hope. 6. COUNCIL VOTED to recommend to the Budget and Finance Committee to contribute $500 to the MN Council of Churches in 2015. 7. COUNCIL VOTED to confirm the email vote we took to fund Karen Lange attending the continuing education conference for Administrative Assistants to be held in Albuquerque New Mexico in October. Cost for this conference is around $1610 to $1710. Karen has around $400 in her continuing ed. account and there is around $800 in a staff training account. This leaves her around $500 short. Karen has talked to Rick about this and Rick is in favor of her going and suggested that she might use part of the $1000 that was allotted to his going to a polity conference that he is not attending. 8. COUNCIL VOTED to cancel the December, 2014 Council meeting Items coming to the floor of Presbytery 1. COUNCIL VOTED to recommend to Presbytery to name of Scott Prouty, cluster 3, class of 2016. Stan will work on finding members for COR for the class of 2017 from clusters 5 and 6; these names will be shared at the Presbytery meeting. 2. Council is seeking names to fill out the Personnel Committee; these names will come to the Presbytery meeting 3. Council is working on the 2015 Presbytery meeting hosts; the final report of this will come to the Presbytery meeting PAGE 18 Committee on Preparation for Ministry Report To the Presbytery of MN Valleys October 25, 2014 The CPM met on September 26, 2014 to meet with Candidate Richard Lawrence who has completed all the requirements for ordination as listed in G-2.0607 for his final assessment. CPM VOTED to certify Candidate Richard Lawrence ready to receive a call. PAGE 19-20 SESSION RECORDS REPORT TO PRESBYTERY OCTOBER 2014 CITY & CHURCH NAME With No Exceptions Amboy, First Presbyterian X Ashby, First Presbyterian X Beaver Creek, First Presbyterian X Brainerd, First Presbyterian X Brewster, First Presbyterian X Browns Valley, United Methodist-Pres. X Cambria, Cambria Presbyterian X Canby, First Presbyterian X Crosslake, Crosslake Presbyterian X Currie, First Presbyterian X X Doran, First Presbyterian X Edgerton, First Presbyterian X Ellsworth, Zion Presbyterian X Fergus Falls, Federated X Fergus Falls, Western Presbyterian X Foley, First Presbyterian X Fulda, First Presbyterian X Holland, First Presbyterian X Iona, First Presbyterian X Jackson, First Presbyterian X Kasota, First Presbyterian X Kerkhoven, United Presbyterian X Lake Crystal, First Presbyterian X Lismore, First Presbyterian X Litchfield, First Presbyterian X Luverne, First Presbyterian Madelia, First Presbyterian Not Read X Blue Earth, First Presbyterian Dawson, First Presbyterian With Noted Exceptions X X Mankato, First Presbyterian X Marshall, Christ United Presbyterian X Maynard, First Presbyterian X Milroy, Ashford Presbyterian X Mountain Lake, First Presbyterian X City & Church Name With No Exceptions Osakis, First Presbyterian X Pipestone, First Presbyterian X Randall, Randall Presbyterian X Redwood Falls, First Presbyterian With Noted Exceptions Not Read X Renville, Ebenezer Presbyterian X Round Lake, First Presbyterian X Rushmore, Emmanuel Presbyterian X Rushmore, First Presbyterian X Russell, First Presbyterian X Saint Cloud, First Presbyterian X Saint James, First Presbyterian X Saint Peter, Union Presbyterian X Silver Lake, Faith Presbyterian X Slayton, First Presbyterian X Spicer, Harrison Presbyterian X Spicer, Hope Presbyterian X Tracy, First Presbyterian X Underwood, Maine Presbyterian X Westbrook, United Presbyterian X Wheaton, First Presbyterian X Willmar, First Presbyterian X Wilmont, First Presbyterian X Windom, First Presbyterian X Winnebago, First Presbyterian X Worthington, Westminster Presbyterian X PAGE 21 Minnesota Valleys Presbytery – Nominations for 2015 October 25, 2014 (Names in bold are nominated) Budget & Finance Committee Chair: Teaching Elder Michael Roys Class of 2015: 1. Ruling Elder Cliff Schilling, Cluster 5, Ellsworth Class of 2016 1. Ruling Elder Nancy Skoog, Cluster 2, Randall 2. Ruling Elder Beverly Raske, Cluster 3, Renville Class of 2017: 1. Teaching Elder Chris Conlin, Cluster 6, Mankato 2.Teaching Elder Michael Roys, Cluster 6, Winnebago Commissioners to Synod Class of 2015: Teaching Elder Al Jergenson, Cluster 2, Foley Class of 2017: Ruling Elder John Bowden, Cluster 2, St. Cloud Class of 2017: Youth Advisory Delegate: OPEN Committee on Ministry Chair: Ruling Elder Le Roy Ennenga Class of 2015 1. Comm. Ruling Elder Carol Chmielewski, Cluster 3, Silver Lake 2. Ruling Elder Le Roy Ennenga, Cluster 5, Worthington 3. Ruling Elder Keith Lohse, Cluster 6, Windom 4. Teaching Elder Lynne Matthews, Cluster 4, Holland 5. Ruling Elder Lynn Olson, Cluster 2, Brainerd 6. Ruling Elder Jan Prehn, Cluster 6, St. Peter 7. Teaching Elder Kate Stangl, Cluster 2, Crosslake Class of 2016 1. Ruling Elder Sherry Borgheiinck, Cluster 1, Browns Valley 2. Teaching Elder Beverly Crute, Cluster 3, Kerkhoven/Maynard 3. Ruling Elder Kathy Knips, Cluster 5, Lismore 4. Ruling Elder John McCallum, Cluster 4, Pipestone 5. Teaching Elder Scott Prouty, Cluster 3, Redwood Falls Class of 2017 1. Teaching Elder Jason Cunningham, Cluster 5, Luverne 2. Teaching Elder Erin Kobs, Cluster 6, St. James 3. Ruling Elder Lou Perli, Cluster 4, Holland 4. Ruling Elder Ross Stone, Cluster 1, Fergus Falls Federated 5. Ruling Elder Gloria VandeBrake, Cluster 2, Foley PAGE 22 Committee on Preparation for Ministry Chair: Teaching Elder Mark Ford Class of 2015 1. Teaching Elder Cory Germain, Cluster 5, Pipestone 2. Teaching Elder Bonnie Sue Roys, Cluster 6, Worthington Class of 2016 1. Teaching Elder Stephanie Huisman, Cluster 4, Fulda 2. Teaching Elder Bob Maharry, Cluster 6 Class of 2017 1. Ruling Elder Sonya Alexander, Cluster 3, Redwood Falls 2. Ruling Elder Patty Conlin, Cluster 6, Mankato 3. Teaching Elder Mark Ford, Cluster 2, Brainerd Congregational Resources & Development Chair: Teaching Elder Andy Davis Class of 2015 1. Ruling Elder Deb Hess, Cluster 3, Redwood Falls 2. Teaching Elder Tim Sutton, Cluster 1, Osakis 3. Ruling Elder Peter Mann, Cluster 2, Crosslake Class of 2016 1. Teaching Elder Andy Davis, Cluster 6, St. Peter 2. Ruling Elder Linda Becken, Cluster 6, St. James 3. Ruling Elder Darlene Scherbing, Cluster 2, Foley Class of 2017 1. Teaching Elder Doug Dent, Cluster 1, Fergus Falls Federated 2. Ruling Elder Mary Hansen, Cluster 1, Browns Valley 3. Teaching Elder Steve Tyykila, Cluster 4, Canby Council Chair: Ruling Elder Stan Menning Class of 2015 1. Ruling Elder Earl Knutson, Cluster 3, Willmar 2. Ruling Elder Stan Menning, Cluster 4, Dawson 3. Teaching Elder Ed Morgan, Cluster 1, Fergus Falls Federated Class of 2016 1. Teaching Elder Darrell Boe, Cluster 1, Wheaton 2. Teaching Elder Karen Crawford, Cluster 3, Renville Class of 2017 1. Teaching Elder Leanne Thompson, Cluster 3, Willmar 2. OPEN Personnel Rep: TO BE NAMED Budget & Finance Rep: TO BE NAMED COM Rep: Le Roy Ennenga Moderator 2015: Candace Adams Vice-Moderator 2015: Carol Chmielewski Past Moderator 2015: John McKay Designated Executive Presbyter: Rick Carus (Ex-Officio) Stated Clerk: Pamela Prouty PAGE 23 Occidente Partnership Task Force Chair: Teaching Elder Jim Krapf, Cluster 5 Permanent Judicial Commission Chair: Choose their own when needed Class of 2015 1. Ruling Elder Bea Ourada, Cluster 3, Willmar 2. Ruling Elder Maebelle Behrends, Cluster 5, Wilmont Class of 2017 1. Teaching Elder John Lindholm, Cluster 1, Fergus Falls Western 2. Teaching Elder Kate Stangl, Cluster 2, Crosslake Class of 2019 1. Teaching Elder Bob Bartlett, Cluster 5, Round Lake/Brewster 2.Teaching Elder Jason Cunningham, Cluster 5, Luverne Personnel Committee Chair: Teaching Elder Scott Thompson Class of 2015 1. Ruling Elder Earl Knutson, Cluster 3, Willmar Class of 2016 1. Teaching Elder Terry Morse, Cluster 5, Retired 2. Teaching Elder Scott Thompson, Cluster 3, Willmar Class of 2017 1. OPEN Presbyterian Camps Okoboji 2017: OPEN Clearwater 2015: Teaching Elder Steve Boots, Cluster 6, Mankato Clearwater 2017: Teaching Elder Anna Williamson, Cluster 1, Browns Valley Presbytery Moderators 2015 Moderator – Teaching Elder Candace Adams, Cluster 3, Spicer Vice-Moderator – Commissioned Ruling Elder Carol Chmielewski, Cluster 3, Silver Lake Past Moderator – Ruling Elder John McKay, Cluster 6, St. Peter Readers of Ordination Exams 2015 Primary 1. Teaching Elder Scott Prouty, Cluster 3, Redwood Falls 2. Ruling Elder Lynn Yueill, Cluster 2, St. Cloud 2015 Alternate 1. 2. Self-Development of People Chair: Teaching Elder Rob Bellin PAGE 24 Session Records Chair: Teaching Elder Randy Lubbers Class of 2015 1. Teaching Elder Jim Krapf, Cluster 6 2. Ruling Elder Pam Phillips, Cluster 1, Fergus Falls Federated Class of 2016 1. Teaching Elder Randy Lubbers, Cluster 6, Lake Crystal 2. Ruling Elder Lynne Osteraas, Cluster 2, St. Cloud Class of 2017 1. Ruling Elder Nancy Birkeland, Cluster 3, Spicer Hope 2. Ruling Elder Pat Rosa, Cluster 4, Milroy PAGE 25 PRESBYTERY ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION CROSBY-IRONTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Report for October 25, 2014 Presbytery Meeting The Crosby-Ironton Presbyterian Church held its last worship service on January 13, 2013 after 101 years of ministry and service to the community. The Crosby-Ironton Administrative Commission, organized on February 28, 2013, has been meeting more or less monthly since that date with a total of 17 meetings. The church properties have been sold, outstanding receipts and expenses have been resolved, remnant members have been transferred to the care of Presbytery and the checking account of the Crosby-Ironton Presbyterian Church has been closed. The Steinway Baby Grand Piano was sold to Carlson Music of Alexandria for $10,000 in November of 2013 after being advertised without results within the Presbytery. The manse, with Presbytery authorization, was sold to a private individual during the month of June, 2013 for $76,358.00, resulting in net proceeds of $73,185.69. A primary goal of the Commission and of remnant members of the congregation was to have the church building continue to be used as a house of worship. The church and property were sold on a Contract for Deed to Lifespring Church on August 15, 2014, with Presbytery approval, for the agreed upon price of $150,000.00. Terms of the Contract for Deed included a down payment of $30,000.00 plus $4,800 credit for lease payments received, 3.00% interest per annum on the unpaid principal, monthly payments in the amount of $638.90 and a balloon payment of the remaining principal at the end of five years. Net proceeds from the down payment in the amount of $29,755.71, together with the first monthly payment of $638.90 have been forwarded to the Presbytery Office (Virginia Molitor). Monthly payments will be made directly to Presbytery with the recommendation that proceeds from the sale of the church building and its underlying property be used by the Presbytery as per current Investment Policy. Personal property items of interest were distributed without cost to churches within the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys, to local non-profit entities and to the Friendship Church of Mesa, Arizona, a start-up congregation. The rest of the personal property items remain in the church for the use of the Lifespring Church congregation. A portion of the total cash assets of the Crosby-Ironton Presbyterian Church were distributed to local entities to reflect past local mission efforts and interests of the former congregation and of the Hallett Family that provided financial support to the church throughout the years. The impact of this local distribution of funds has been immediate with favorable local media and word-of-mouth coverage generated. Recipients expressed great appreciation for the funds received and how they will be used to benefit the community. These cash assets have been distributed as follows: $13,352.70 100,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 3,523.55 Presbyterian Clearwater Forest (South Long Lake Church Legacy Funds) Presbyterian Clearwater Forest Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity Women’s Center of Mid Minnesota Cuyuna Range Food Shelf Cuyuna Range Elementary School “KRES” Student in Need Fund PAGE 26 1,000.00 Jessie Hallett Memorial Library The balance of the cash assets remaining upon completion of the work of the Commission is $4,892.99. This amount was transferred to Presbytery (Virginia Molitor) with the recommendation that it be used as per current Presbytery Investment Policy. The remaining active members of the Crosby-Ironton Presbyterian Church were advised by letter dated July 2014 of pending action transferring their membership to the care of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys. Having received no response to these letters, the ten remaining active members were transferred to the care of Presbytery by letter dated September 25, 2014. It is the opinion of the Administrative Commission that our charge has been faithfully completed with due diligence and we herewith request that the Crosby-Ironton Administrative Commission be dissolved. Respectfully submitted, The Rev. Kate Stangl, Chair (Crosslake), The Rev. Mark Ford, Vice-chair (Brainerd), Lynn Olson, Secretary (Brainerd), Cathy Aykens (Crosby), Mary Clement (Crosslake) and Mardell Blom, (Crosby), Treasurer and Ex Officio member of the Commission. PAGE 27 BUDGET & FINANCE REPORT TO THE PRESBYTERY OF MINNESOTA VALLEYS OCTOBER 25, 2014 The first order of business for the Budget and Finance Committee is a request that Presbytery suspend the rules that require a two-year budget presentation. While preparing the 2015 budget we became acutely aware that the current state of Presbytery planning is such that any attempt to prepare a budget for 2016 could only be a work of fiction. Presbytery Council and the NextPres Team are working hard to define what this Presbytery will look like in 2016, but at this time all options are on the table. Will we have an Executive Presbyter? Will we have a Stated Clerk? Will we consolidate the two positions? Will we remain an independent Presbytery? What level of support staffing will be required? What will Presbytery mission look like? Etc. For that reason – and in an effort to keep those questions on the minds of the entire Presbytery – we would like to be relieved of the responsibility of projecting a 2016 budget at this time. In preparing the 2015 budget, the Committee attempted to hold down all expenditures over which we had any amount of discretion. The 2015 budget carries an increase in total expenditures of $1488. We project a decrease in total congregational membership of 462 people or approximately 6%. This is based upon trends over the past several years. The total expenses projected in the proposed budget are $505,013. We are looking at several line items of revenue contributions which will be decreased in 2015, including a $2500 decrease in Synod Comprehensive Presbytery support. We were committed to a break-even budget, an in order to achieve that and hold per capita to a minimal expense, we project a transfer of $47,000 from balance sheet assets in operating revenue. In reviewing the budget you will note very few increases in “discretionary” spending. The Interim Executive Presbyter’s salary by contractual agreement does not increase in 2015, but the required contribution to the Board of Pensions increases by $1005. The cumulative increase in pension and other benefits for all staff is $4451. Nonetheless, we are presenting a proposed budget that has a total increase in expenditures of $1488 which represent an increase of approximately 0.3% over 2014. This proposed budget carries a per capita expense of $33.43, an increase of 5.7% driven principally by the continuing drop in congregational membership. I want to thank all of the members of the Committee for their hard work. The members are Bev Raske, Nancy Skoog, Clifford Schilling, the Reverend Chris Drew, the Reverend Rick Carus, and Ms. Virginia Molitor. Without Virginia we would be lost, and Chris is the keeper of the spreadsheet, a monumental job. Respectfully submitted, The Reverend James S. Crawford Chairman, Budget and Finance Committee PAGE 28 ROBERTS RULES, THE GOLDEN RULE & COMMON SENSE Basic Assumptions to Consider: 1. The unity of the Church is a gift of its Lord and finds expression in its faithfulness to the mission to which Christ calls it.” (G-4.0201) As Presbyterians, we covenant to work with one another as visible expressions of the Body of Christ and as representatives of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 2. We are to seek unity, yet encourage diversity, and understand that through discussion and prayer we can more clearly discern God’s will and direction. 3. In all assemblies we must strive for a balance of expression of individual conscience and the will of the majority. As individuals, we have several rights: the right to know what is going on and why; the right to speak and be heard under the rules of debate; the right to vote; and the right to hold office. To more effectively accomplish the work of the Presbytery, the following documents are included: 1. Making Motions at a Presbytery Meeting: Gives a brief definition of the motions most likely to be used at a meeting of Presbytery. 2. The Consent Agenda: If an item is to be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the agenda for action, a commissioner needs to ask for it to be removed prior to voting. At the time of removal there are no questions or debate, the item is simply removed. The item will be placed under new business or in another place in the agenda for consideration. 3. Motion Form: (Available from the parliamentarian). This form MUST be completed for all motions brought to the floor of Presbytery. In order to facilitate discussion of motions, these general rules will be followed: Time Limit on Debate: Once a motion has been proposed and seconded (if necessary) debate on the motion will be limited to 20 minutes. The assembly can vote to extend debate if it deems necessary. Time Limit on Speakers: Individuals can speak for up to two minutes either for or against a motion. If an individual wishes to speak to the same motion a second time, he or she can do so only after all others who wish to speak have had a chance to speak once. An individual can only speak twice to a motion on the same day. The Presbytery can change the time limit per speaker as it sees fit; typically the Presbytery would grant voice to someone who would further the debate along or someone who has a report to give. Who May Speak: Minister members, elder commissioners, members of Council and elder chairpersons of the Presbytery Committees (Committee on Ministry, Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Congregational Resources, Social Action Ministry, Committee on Representation, Nominating Committee) and the Presbyterian Women moderator. The Presbytery can grant voice to whoever it desires. Process for Debate: The maker of a motion has the right to speak first to the motion, after which the floor is open to debate by other members and commissioners (see “Who May Speak”). If the motion PAGE 29 directly addresses the work of a specific individual or group, the moderator may give that individual or group the right to speak before opening the floor to general debate. The moderator may choose to extend the speaking time for the maker of the motion and those the motion addresses as the moderator deems helpful. IF there are many people who wish to speak to a motion; the moderator will choose people who will speak in favor of the motion, then people who will speak against and back and forth as necessary until everyone who has a desire to speak has done so. Making Motions at a Presbytery Meeting Elder or clergy commissioners to the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys, have the right to make motions. To make a motion, rise from your seat, wait until the moderator recognizes you, state your name and affiliation, then simply and clearly state: “Mr./Ms Moderator, I move the following motion and if seconded will speak to it.” State your motion. It is not discussion time until the motion as been seconded and the moderator invites you to speak to the motion. All motions of any length must be given in writing to the stated clerk. This is imperative if debate is lengthy. Only one motion will be considered at a time. A motion, whether at a presbytery of session meeting should clearly state: what is the motion, who is affected, when it is to be done, how it will be done and why it will be done. Motions Main Motion: Any motion which proposes an action to be taken by the governing body. Main motions are debatable. To Amend: A motion to amend is to perfect the main motion; therefore an amendment contrary to the intent of the main motion is out of order. A motion to amend a motion makes precedence over the main motion. It must be adopted or rejected before the main motion is considered. If adopted, it becomes a part of the main motion. It is debatable. To Substitute: A motion to substitute is the form of amendment. It takes precedence over a main motion. If approved, it replaces the main motion. To Postpone Indefinitely: This is a motion to kill consideration. It is debatable. To Postpone Definitely: This motion includes a specific time and/or date on which this motion will be presented to the deliberative body. It is debatable and may be amended. To Commit or Refer: A motion to refer must include the body to which this action is referred. The desirability or the details of the referral are debatable, but the matter being referred is not under debate. To Reconsider: Once a question has been decided, it must not be reconsidered again at the same assembly, unless a motion to reconsider is made by a person who voted with the majority. It is debatable. To Move The Previous Question: This is a motion to close debate and to bring the issue to vote. The motion must say, “I move the previous question.” A voice calling out, “Question” is not appropriate and should be ignored. This motion requires a 2/3 vote and should not be used to close off debate or PAGE 30 opposition prematurely. The moderator can rule, prior to the vote, but in their judgment there has not been sufficient debate and that the motion is out of order. This motion requires a second and is not debatable. PARLIAMENTARIAN To ensure consistent parliamentary assistance prior to and during meetings of Presbytery, the following has been approved: The Stated Clerk shall act as the Parliamentarian and may co-opt people to help. The responsibilities of the Parliamentarian shall include: 1. Being available at least thirty minutes prior to the Call to Order of each Presbytery meeting to answer parliamentary and procedure questions as well as assist persons who wish to bring a motion to the floor of Presbytery. 2. Being available during the meeting and during break times to answer individual parliamentary questions as well as assist persons who wish to bring a motion to the floor of Presbytery. 3. Being aware of possible parliamentary needs during the meetings of Presbytery and speak as necessary or upon request. 4. Making certain that all motions are in writing using the Motion Form. PAGE 31 MOTION PRESENTATION BLANK ALL MOTIONS ARE TO BE PRESENTED IN WRITING. To assist in presenting motions, please use this blank. Print your motion in full. TEXT OF MOTION: (Please Print Clearly) MOTION MADE BY:_______________________________________________________________________ (Print name and sign) DATE:____________________________________________________________________________
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