1. No category

AGENDA
Presbytery of Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Presbytery gathers its congregations into a covenant partnership marked by
faith, hope, love, trust and witness to Jesus Christ.
Presbytery of Milwaukee – Stated Meeting
November 22, 2014
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
1100 N. Astor Street, Milwaukee
Sara Miles, Moderator; Jim Rand, Vice Moderator
New business must be presented to the Clerk, in writing, by 9:50 am.
Times in bold indicate Order of the Day. This meeting will adjourn with the Benediction
9:20 a.m.
Pre-Presbytery Meeting: Conversation on GA Amendments
9:50 a.m.
Announcements
10:00 a.m.
The meeting begins
Sara Miles
Opening Prayer
Welcome and Greetings
Introduction of New Ruling Elder Commissioners
Introduction of New Teaching Elder Commissioners
Executive Director Report
Sara Grant
Craig Howard
Consent Agenda
10:20 a.m.

Action Items:
Council
Amendments from General Assembly for Presbytery Action:







Bob Jensen
14-1 Confession of Belhar (Item 13-01)
14-A—Renunciation of Jurisdiction: On Amending G-2.0509 (Item 06-05)
Special Committee to Review the Preparation for Ministry Process and Standard
Ordination Exams:
 14-B.1.—Final Assessment: On Amending G-2.0607 (Item 06-12,
Recommendation 11)
 14-B.2.—Accommodations: On Amending G-2.0610 (Item 06.12,
Recommendation 12)
14-C.—Child Protection Policy: On Amending G-3.0106 (Item 08-14)
14-D.—Minimum Composition of a Presbytery: On Amending G-3.0301 (Item 06-06)
14-E.—Interreligious Stance: On Amending G-5.0102 (07-02, Recommendation 2)
14-F.—Marriage: On Amending W-4.9000 (Item 10-02)
Approval of Proposed 2015 Budget (2015 Per Capita - $30.00)
1
AGENDA
Nominating Committee:
Angela Oglesby (RE) Milwaukee, Christ - Moderator
Jim Freel, (RE) Mequon, Crossroads –(Class of 2017)
Judy Jaggard (RE), Janesville, Rock Prairie –(Class of 2017)
Monica Gramling (RE) Milwaukee, Trinity - –(Class of 2017)
Community Partnership with Common Ground

Commission on Ministry
Examination for Ordination – Beth Patton

Nominating
Sara Grant
Angela Oglesby
Moderator 2015 - James Rand TE – Wauwatosa, Wauwatosa
Vice Moderator 2015 – Jeannette Bell RE – Milwaukee, Trinity
Stated Clerk - Christian Boyd TE — Waukesha, Southminster (3 year Term)
Treasurer - Detlef Pavlovich RE — Hartland, Kettle Moraine (3 year Term)
Commission on Ministry – Donald Bell TE – Whitewater, North Lima (Class of 2017)
Gillian Weighton TE – Racine, First (Class of 2017)
Council – Rob Ater TE – Milwaukee, Immanuel (Class of 2017)
Jeannette Bell RE – Milwaukee, Trinity (Class of 2017)
Karen Barnes RE – Mequon, Crossroads (Class of 2017)
Session Partnerships - Kathy Detman RE – West Allis, Greenfield Avenue (Class of 2017)
Lydia Spottswood RE – Kenosha, First (Class of 2017)
Mission Partnerships - Chris Davis TE – Shorewood, North Shore (Class of 2017)
New Business
11:15 a.m.
Break Time
11:25 a.m.
Keynote
12:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.
Worship
“The Call to Social Justice”
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, preaching
Next meeting of the Presbytery/Discovery Day
Saturday, February 21st
Mequon, Crossroads
Carol Howard-Merritt
“Communicating Faith in the 21st Century”
2
IN PERSON REGISTRATION
TO REGISTER FOR THE PRESBYTERY MEETING
ONLY USE THIS FORM IF YOU HAVE NOT REGISTERED ONLINE.
1.
2.
3.
Complete this form and bring it with you;
Turn it in at the registration table;
Receive supplemental papers and name tag;
DATE 11/22/14
NAME _____________________________________________________
Please print
CITY & CHURCH_____________________________________________
I am here as:
____ 1st time?
____
Ruling Elder Commissioner (elected by your session)
____
Teaching Elder Member of Presbytery
____
Ruling Elder Officer of Presbytery (member of Presbytery Committee)
____
Corresponding Member (Teaching/Ruling Elder of ______________presbytery)
____
Inquirer/Candidate
____
Visitor from:________________________________________________
Late Arrival ____________
Would you like us to add your email to our distribution list?
email _____________________________________________
Presbytery of Milwaukee – 6767 W Greenfield Ave – Milwaukee, WI 53214
Phone: 414-292-2740
e-mail [email protected]
www.pbymilwaukee.org
3
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
1100 N. Astor Street, Milwaukee, 53202
www.immanuelwi.org
414-276-4757
Directions:
From the north (1-43): Exit at McKinley Avenue (# 73A). Follow McKinley Avenue east to
N. Old World Third Street. Turn right on Third Street and go one block to Juneau Avenue.
Turn left onto Juneau Avenue and follow Juneau Avenue east about 10 blocks (uphill) to
Astor Street. Turn right onto Astor. The church is on the left.
I-794 construction project: Although the Lakefront/Lincoln Memorial Drive exit from I794 is closed, the Van Buren / Jackson Street exit (# 1E) remains open (temporarily on the
right)! See directions below.
From the southeast (I-94, from Chicago): Exit at I-794 east (# 310C). Follow I-794
east toward Lake Michigan and take the Van Buren / Jackson Street exit (# 1E)
(temporarily on the right). Follow Van Buren Street north several blocks to Juneau
Avenue. Turn right onto Juneau. Astor Street is several blocks east. Turn right onto Astor.
The church is on the left.
From the west (1-94, from Madison): Follow 1-94 east to 1-794 east toward Lake
Michigan. Take the Van Buren / Jackson Street exit (# 1E) (temporarily on the right).
Follow Van Buren Street north several blocks to Juneau Avenue. Turn right onto Juneau.
Astor Street is several blocks east. Turn right onto Astor. The church is on the left.
For additional directions go to: www.immanuelwi.org
Parking Information:
Parking is available in the new “Waverly Commons” Parking Lot behind Immanuel Church.
The driveway entrance is on Astor Street on the south side of the church. Presbytery
guests may also park in the Brico Fund lot (north of Immanuel Church).
Handicapped/ramp access into the church is available from both parking lots.
The City of Milwaukee has lifted the two-hour parking restriction on NONMETERED parking from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
See the list below and the attached map.
800 & 900 blocks of E. Kilbourn Avenue
800, 900, 1000 blocks of E. State Street
700, 800, 900, 1000, 1200 blocks of E. Juneau Avenue
700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 blocks of E. Knapp Street
700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 blocks of E. Ogden Avenue
1200 & 1300 blocks of N. Van Buren Street
900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 blocks of N. Cass Street
900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 blocks of N. Marshall Street
900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 blocks of N. Astor Street
1000, 1100 blocks of N. Waverly Place
900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 blocks of N. Prospect Avenue
1200 & 1300 blocks of N. Franklin Place
PLEASE REMEMBER: THE TWO-HOUR TIME RESTRICTION IS LIFTED FOR
NON-METERED PARKING ONLY
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111
Presbytery of Milwaukee
CONSENT AGENDA
November 22, 2014
The following items appear to be matters that require no debate. Therefore they are listed together
and will be voted upon together as one motion. However, any presbyter may request that any item of
business be removed from the Consent Agenda for individual consideration. The Consent Agenda
includes the written reports of presbytery committees and commissions. The chairperson’s contact
information is included with each agenda item. Presbyters are encouraged to contact the chair prior to
the meeting with questions.
The Stated Clerk moves:

That the agenda for the November 22, 2014 meeting of the Presbytery be adopted.

That the Minutes of the September 20 and October 14 meetings of the Presbytery be
approved.

That the Administrative Commission Minutes for the ordinations on October 5th and
October 11th and the installations on October 5th and November 2nd be approved.

That the 2013 Session Minute Review be approved.

That the following written reports be received:
Treasurer Report
Foundation Report
Commission on Ministry Report
Commission on Preparation for Ministry Report
Committee on Representation Report
Mission Partnerships Report
Session Partnerships Report
Synod Report
Consent Agenda Motions:
Commission on Ministry:


COM moves that the Reverend Kelly Talley be granted Honorably Retired status effective
November 22, 2014.
COM moves that the Reverend Roger Woehl be granted Honorably Retired status effective
December 31, 2014.
6
Presbytery of Milwaukee
2013 Session Minute Review
Church
Beaver Dam, Grace
Beloit, United Church
Beloit, Sun Valley
Big Bend, Vernon
Brookfield, Brookfield
Clinton, First
Delafield, Delafield
Dousman, First of Ottawa
Fort Atkinson, Grace United
Fox Lake, First
Franklin, Faith
Germantown, Stony Hills
Hartland, Kettle Moraine
Horicon, First
Janesville, First
Janesville, Rock Prairie
Kenosha, First
Lake Geneva, Linn
Mequon, Crossroads
Milwaukee, Calvary
Milwaukee, Christ
Milwaukee, Grace
Milwaukee, Immanuel
Milwaukee, New Life
Milwaukee, Tippecanoe
Milwaukee, Trinity
Milwaukee, West Granville
Muskego, Heritage
New Berlin, Forest Park
Oostburg, First
Pewaukee, Faith Springs
Racine, Covenant
Racine, First
Racine, Second
Richfield, First
Shorewood, North Shore
Sussex, Lisbon
Wales, Jerusalem
Waukesha, Bethesda
Waukesha, First
Waukesha, Southminster
Wauwatosa, Wauwatosa
West Allis, Apostle
West Allis, Greenfield Ave.
Whitewater, North Lima
2013 Approved Exceptions
Yes
0
Yes
6
Yes
0
Yes
2
Yes
0
Yes
4
Yes
7
Yes
2
Yes
11
Yes
2
Yes
0
Yes
0
Yes
1
Yes
2
Not reviewed
Yes
4
Yes
0
Yes
1
Yes
2
Yes
3
Yes
5
Yes
14
Yes
6
Not reviewed
Yes
4
Yes
5
Yes
0
Not reviewed
Yes
0
Not reviewed
Yes
0
Yes
5
Yes
5
Yes
1
Yes
0
Yes
0
Not reviewed
Yes
2
Yes
6
Yes
7
Yes
1
Yes
1
Yes
0
Yes
2
Not reviewed
Roll Book Review Roll Exceptions
Yes
0
Yes
0
Yes
0
Yes
0
Yes
Yes
0
0
Yes
Yes
0
Yes
0
Yes
0
Yes
0
Yes
0
Yes
Yes
1
0
7
Presbytery of Milwaukee
November 22, 2014
Treasurer’s Report
Financial Condition of Presbytery:
Cash Balance
Income
Expense
Surplus(Deficit)
1
09-30-14
09-30-13
$ 48,146
382,497
414,515
(32,078)
$ 72,842
405,945
412,301
(6,356)
The cash balance on 09/30/2014 was $48,146 which is an increase of $28,397 since 01/01/2014. The cash
balance on 09/30/2013 was $72,842. Total operating income this year is $382,497 compared with $405,945 last
year. The decrease of $23,449 from last year is because of decrease in per capita of $9,687, mission of $740 ,
Foundation support of $9,789 and Synod support of $7,500. Total expenses this year are $414,515 compared with
$412,301 last year. Expenses have increased $2,214. The deficit for the year is $32,078 compared to a deficit of
$6,356 last year because of revenue being lower. The revenue included a transfer of $50,000 from the Foundation
for cash flow . The expenses of the Presbytery were at 88% of the budgeted amount for the year to date. The
Presbytery has supported and spent 81% of the expenses for Congregations, Pastors, Community, Synod and
General Assembly.
Cash Balance for the period
Cash Balance –
Less:
LiabilitiesDesignated Funds
Estimated Reserve Cash Balance
09-30-14
09-30-13
$ 48,146
$ 72,842
25,923
41,284
(19,061)
18,523
41,687
12,632
The Churches in the Presbytery made the following donations.
General Assembly:
Peacemaking
Mission
Christmas Joy Offering
Disaster Relief
One Great Hour of Sharing
Theological Education
Pentecost Offering
Extra Commitments
Synod Mission
09-30-14
09-30-13
1,417
32,502
20,030
210
58,183
12,375
3,398
13,252
27,615
1,541
34,488
26,929
1,000
58,137
12,938
2,723
11,406
28,712
Donations from member churches decreased by $8,893 from the amount donated in 2013
Financial Condition of the Foundation: The total assets of the Foundation at December 31, 2013 were
$2,174,922. The Foundation balance at 09-30-2014 was $2,101,161 which is a decrease of $73,761. The
Foundation transferred $90,410 to the Presbytery.
8
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION, INC.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Unrestricted and Designated Assets
Morgan Stanley
Money Market Fund
$
Government & Corporate Bonds
94,344.76
257,999.60
Mutual Funds and Stocks
1,591,410.10
$ 1,943,754.46
Other Investments
PCFUSA Bethany Memorial
Landmark Credit Union-Certificate
Of Deposit
Wisconsin Council of Churches
Community Fund
Loans to Churches
$
13,867.27
7,203.31
10,000.00
108,029.59
139,100.17
$ 2,082,854.63
Restricted Assets
PCFUSA-Missionary of the Presbytery of the Welsh
Walz Memorial Fund
$
14,118.56
4,297.75
18,306.31
Total Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 2,101,160.94
9
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION INC.
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Public Support and Revenue
Contributions
$
Investment Income
Interest and Dividends
0.00
43,244.02
Gain on Sale of Investments
199,478.33
Unrealized Depreciation of Assets
(164,615.41)
Total Support and Revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
78,106.94
Expense
Investment Expense
$
Presbytery Support
29,423.06
115,409.44
Transfer to Presbytery
7,035.23
Change in Net Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fund Balance – January 1, 2014
_
151,867.73
$
(73,760.79)
2,174,921.73
Fund Balance – September 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,101,160.94
10
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION , INC
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Change in Net Assets
$
Gain on Sale of Investments
(73,760.79)
(199,478.33)
Unrealized Depreciation of Investments
164,615.41
$
(108,623.71)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchase of Investments
$ (902,290.11)
Sale of Investments
1,025,652.28
123,362.17
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Loans to Churches
$
Loan Repayments
0.00
2,792.81
Increase in Cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,792.81
$
Cash Balance - January 1, 2014
Cash Balance – September 30, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . $
17,531.27
76,813.49
94,344.76
11
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION INC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Note 1: Organization
The Foundation was established in 1995 as a tax exempt organization under Section 501 (c)
3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is organized and shall be operated
exclusively for religious and charitable purposes; to engage in activities relating to the
aforementioned purposes, and to invest in, receive, hold, use, administer, and dispose of all
property, real or personal, as may be necessary or desirable to carry into effect the
aforementioned purposes; and to promote the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
in accordance with the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Foundation is
intended to provide special resources for supporting and expanding the mission and
ministries of the Presbytery through accumulation of funds which may be used to create and
sustain extraordinary projects that will benefit the Presbytery, its congregations, the
communities in which such congregations are located, and the Church at large, and to aid in
the support of the Presbytery or its congregations in extreme emergencies or in the event of
drastic changes in the Presbytery's financial condition. The Foundation is not intended to
supplant the normal stewardship efforts of the Presbytery or it congregations.
Note 2: Investments
Investments are carried at Fair Market Value in the Statement of Financial Position in
accordance with SFAS No. 124 "Accounting for Certain Investments held by Not for Profit
Organization". Unrealized gain and losses are included in the change in net asset
The investments are all socially responsible per board guidelines. The diversification of
investments is necessary in order to use the abilities of different fund mangers that have
different perspectives about investing
Investment Allocation: Cash 4.5%: Bonds 19.8%: Stocks 75.7% .
The current rate of return of the funds invested averaged 3.6 % for the nine months ended
September 30, 2014. The cost basis of the investments is $1,922,459.05
.
12
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Note 3: Other Assets
The Foundation has received from the former Northminster Presbyterian Church ( now
New Life ) three grave sites at Wisconsin Memorial Park. The approximate value of the
sites are $ 3,000.00 and are not included the financial statements.
Note 4: Related Party Transaction:
The Foundation has loans to the following churches;
New Life Presbyterian Church
Calvary United Presbyterian Church
$ 94,000.00
14,029.59
Note 5: Other Investments:
The Mission Partnership Committee recommended the investment of Peacemaking funds in
The Wisconsin Council of Churches Community Funds. The Foundation is holding $10,000.00
and will transfer investment income to the peacemaking designated account.
Bethany Church has a certificate of deposit at Landmark Credit Union and is included in the
financial report. Bethany Church has a remainder interest of 50% in a cemetery trust due to
expire in the year 2016. The value is approximately $50,000.00.
The Foundation has invested designated funds for Margaret Towner Scholarship in the amount
of $3,304.71
.
13
REPORT TO THE PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE
COMMISSION ON MINISTRY
November 22, 2014 Stated Meeting
Recommendations for Presbytery Action



Recommend that the Reverend Kelly Talley be granted Honorably Retired status effective November
22, 2014.
Recommend that the Reverend Roger Woehl be granted Honorably Retired status effective December
31, 2014.
Recommend that candidate Beth Patton be examined by the Presbytery of Milwaukee for ordination
as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Reported Actions
COM dismissed the Reverend Judy Landt, to Twin Cities Presbytery effective October 21, 2014.
Approved the Administrative Commission to Ordain Robert Bardin, Chapel on the Hill, Lake Geneva, WI
Approved the Administrative Commission to Install Steven Erkel, United Church of Beloit
COM concurred with the congregation of North Shore, Shorewood (meeting 10/19/2014) to call Beth A.
Patton as associate pastor. COM also reports to the presbytery the PNC has complied with the provisions of
the presbytery’s Equal Opportunity policy. She is called according to the following terms: The position is full
time – 40 hours. (Occupational code 101) Effective date is November 30, 2014
Effective Salary
Cash salary
Housing
$45,000
Benefits
Board of Pensions
FULL beginning 1/1/2015
Vacation
31 days include 4 Sundays
Continuing education leave of 14 days annually including 2 Sundays – cumulative up to 3 years
Moving Expenses
Professional Reimbursable Expenses – Vouchered
Continuing Education $ 1,000 (accumulative up to 3 years)
Auto – mileage reimbursement at current IRS rate up to $1,000.
Other Professional Expenses - Vouchered (books, software, meals etc. $800
COM examined for membership
Approved the request from the Clergy Group of Racine for $1750 for facilitation fees.
Approved Sabbatical Request from Dee Anderson for the summer (June, July, August) 2015. The Reverend
Barbara Jordan will be the Sabbatical Pastor.
Approved Christ Presbyterian Church, Milwaukee to abandon the search for a Parish Associate and to
dissolve/eliminate the position of co-pastor.
Sara Grant, Co-Moderator
[email protected]
414-333-1585
Bill Ingersoll, Co-Moderator
[email protected]
847-543-6759
14
Presbytery of Milwaukee
2015 Proposed Budget Summary
The 2015 budget seeks to reflect our stated goals as we live into the priorities and strategies articulated
in the What’s Next report. Several changes in budget priorities are reflected in the budget summary below.
Line item details are provided in the attached proposed budget.
For questions or concerns about the budget as we move toward vote at the November Presbytery
meeting, please contact either Presbytery Moderator Sara Miles (262-997-0752 or [email protected]),
or Council Moderator Bob Jensen (262-646-2323 or [email protected]).
Total Revenue
2014
621,960
2015
630,800
Allocation to GA & Synod
334,959
343,604
Revenues projections are based on Per Capita remaining stable at $30.00 per member,
despite increases in allocations to both GA and Synod.
Given that many of our congregations are struggling to meet expenses,
Council felt it important to hold the line on Per Capita assessment once again,
even though costs will be increasing.
Total Revenue Available to Presbytery
364,715
372,738
Expenses:
Session Partnerships
19,500
14,625
Budget decrease due to leadership training line item being moved to
the new Leadership Development Task Force.
Leadership Development
0
15,000
New initiative to more effectively meet our What’s Next strategy
to provide meaningful leadership development opportunities.
Mission Partnerships
Foundation (MP & SP Grant Monies)
Council
48,575
69,610
50,157
71,615
39,250
86,500
Increase primarily due to legal fees to defend the Oostburg, First lawsuit.
Council budget also includes money for development of New Worshipping Communities.
Committee on Ministry
33,100
14,100
Budget decrease due to leadership training budget being moved to
the new Leadership Development Task Force.
Committee on Preparation
Nomination Committee
Permanent Judicial Committee
Committee on Representation
Administrative Commissions
Office Support
Personnel
8,000
250
500
250
500
57,772
8,000
250
500
250
500
57,672
248,157
286,463
Includes 3% staff salary increases and personnel costs for Michelle Henrichs NWC
Total Expenses
525,714
590,882
Surplus / (Deficit)
(160,999)
(218,144)
Over the past two years of living into “What’s Next,” actual deficits have not reached nearly
what we have projected in our budgets. We shall see what 2015 brings!
15
Presbytery of Milwaukee
Two specific items to answer questions received since the budged was distributed for first reading in
September:
1. Presbytery Revenue – Loss of Per Capita
This line item is a negative number to our actual experience of per capita receipts. Total Per
Capita billed is the line item immediate above - $149,996. Loss of Per Capita reflects our
actual experience.
2. Session Partnerships – Discovery Day
The number reflected in the 2014 Actual column – (671) – reflects the net expense of the 2014
Discovery Day. This year, receipts for Discovery Day were $671 greater than expenses.
16
Committee on Preparation for Ministry
November 22, 2014
REPORT:
The Committee has officially taken on the oversight of the preparation for Commissioned Ruling
Elders and will begin reviewing the existing CRE policy and working to align it with the steps in
preparation for ministry, as is seen fit.
Please hold the presbytery’s inquirers and candidates in your ongoing prayers as they each
continue in discernment.
Inquirers:
Katie Ebel
Cathy Morris
Candidates:
Nicole (Nikki) Blanks
Molly Hall
Erin Raffety
Susan (Susi) Stoll
Respectfully submitted,
Nicole Farley
Moderator, Committee on Preparation for Ministry
[email protected]
262-542-4243
17
October 23, 2014
RE: Presbytery of Milwaukee-2013 Committee on Representation Report
To: The Reverend Will Houts, Stated Clerk-Presbytery of Milwaukee
G-3.0103 Participation and Representation
The councils of the church shall give full expression to the rich diversity of the
church’s membership and shall provide for full participation and access to representation
in decision-making and employment practices (F-1.0403). In fulfilling this commitment,
councils shall give due consideration to both the gifts and requirements for ministry (G-2.0104) and the
right of people in congregations and councils to elect their officers (F-3.0106).
The Committee on Representation met on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:45 at the Presbytery office and in
conference call with Stated Clerk-Will Houts. After opening with prayer we discussed our mission of
giving…
full expression to the rich diversity of the church’s membership
and shall provide for full participation
We give thanks for those who volunteer to share their gifts of diversity in our Presbytery and welcome
those gifts in our broader shared ministry.
 Of the 75 positions that are eligible for nomination to service—38 are held by women.
 Of the 8 committee or partnership chairs-5 are chaired/moderated by women.
We count among our diversity the expression of
 Congregation size: Small, Medium, Large-seeking representation from the variety of
congregations;
 Geography: Rural, Suburban, Urban within Presbytery boundary;
 Gender: representation of men and women which is balanced in our leadership and committees;
 Racial & Ethnic: including cultural diversity;
 Full Participation of Ability: Making certain that accessible sites are available to all


members.
Theological Depth: seeking representation of diversity of theological views. This past year we
have given this strong attention and awareness;
Ordination Balance: we seek balance for Ruling and Teaching Elders and lay members for those
committees that have that option;
We engaged in discussion of each of these areas of representation with a goal for next year in increasing
representation of smaller or midsized congregations. The meeting closed with prayer at 7:15.
May God guide us as we strive toward our full expression.
Dee Anderson On behalf of the Presbytery of Milwaukee Committee on Representation
18
Presbytery of Milwaukee
Mission Partnership Team – Report
November 2014
Your mission partnership team continues to celebrate mission in our various congregations as we seek
to help congregations expand their ministries in new ways in their neighborhoods.
Our creation care focus this year has been on gardening and we have assisted congregations in
expanding or creating gardens that help to supply vegetables to neighbors and those in need.
We are working on a possible presbytery-wide mission trip again in the summer of 2015. This is a familyfriendly trip and we encourage families to think about participating. Be sure to watch for more
information.
We are working with the Discovery Day team on providing school kits for Presbyterian Disaster
Assistance. Information will be coming with Discovery Day information but if you wish to plan ahead,
here are the items needed School Kit Items:
1 — pair of blunt scissors (rounded tip)
3 — 70-count spiral notebooks or notebooks (total 200210 sheets of ruled paper; no loose-leaf or filler paper.)
1 — 30-centimeter ruler (12")
1 — hand-held pencil sharpener
6 — new pencils with erasers
1 — large eraser
1 — box of 24 crayons
1 — cloth bag, 12" x 14" to 14" x 16" finished size
cotton cloth bag with cloth handles. Please do not use grocery bags.
The instructions for the cloth bags are below as well.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1/2 yd “Kid-friendly” Fabric
MAKE THE BAG:
• Cut two pieces of fabric 13” X 17”
• Place the two pieces together, right sides together, and sew a 1/2” seam down one side, across the
bottom, and up the other side, leaving the top open.
• Turn the bag so the seam is in the inside.
• Turn under 1/2” on the top edge and press.
• Turn under 2” at the top edge to form a hem and stitch.
19
MAKE THE HANDLES:
• Cut two pieces of fabric 4” X 22”
• Fold in half one of the 4” X 22” pieces with right sides together. Stitch with a 1/2” seam allowance and
turn inside out, or turn under and press ½” on long side of fabric. Fold wrong sides together. Top stitch
close to edge. Press.
• Repeat for the second handle. Press.
• Turn under raw edges and stitch to the top of the bag.
Finished bag will be approximately 12” X 14”. Place school items in bag.
We are celebrating with San José a partnership with St. Paul Lutheran Church, Beloit. Due to many
difficulties with their current building, San José and the ecumenical council (Lutheran and Presbyterian),
felt it was necessary to move into a better location. Discussions have taken place and San José is being
housed in St. Paul’s at least temporarily with the hope of a longer term agreement.
We continue to receive and encourage grant requests. Our applications are on the Presbytery web site
and we hope to hear from you about exciting new mission opportunities that you are involved in
throughout your community and the world.
For the Committee,
Deb Bergeson-Graham, co-moderator
[email protected]
20
Synod of Lakes and Prairies
2115CliffDrive
Eagan,MN55122
651.357.1140
October17,2014
FallMeeting
-Synodof
Lakesand
Prairies-
MountOlivet
Conference
andRetreat
Center-
Farmington,
Minnesota-
Oct.5-7,
2013
Synod elects Street-Stewart
as its next executive
TheSynodofLakesandPrairieselectedElonaStreet-Stewart,itscurrent
associateforracialethnicministriesandcommunityempowerment,tobeits
nextsynodexecutiveeffectiveJan.1.
Shewillbethe'irstNativeAmericantoserveasasynod
executiveinthePresbyterianChurch(U.S.A.).
Arulingelderandalongtimestaffmemberofthesynod,she
waselectedwhenthesynodmetattheMt.OlivetConference
andRetreatCenternearFarmington,Minn.,Oct.5-7.
Street-Stewart,whohasservedinhercurrentpositioninthe
synodsince1994,said,“IamawomanoffaithandIam
gratefultoservewhereverIamcalled.”
TheSynod
Meeting
Summaryis
anunof'icial
reportof
synod
actions
published
shortlyafter
eachmeeting
oftheSynod
ofLakesof
Prairies.
Comments
regarding
thepublicationorrequestsfor
copies
shouldbe
addressedto
dsweep@
lakesand
prairies.org.
Aftermovingin1985fromthePresbyteryofEasternOregon
tothePresbyteryoftheTwinCitiesAreashebecamea
Street-Stewart
memberofasynodadministrativecommissionforDakota
Presbytery.Shethenbecamedeployedstaffforthe
administrationofthatpresbyteryandprogramstaffforthesynod’sCommittee
onRacialEthnicMinistry.
(Continued on Page 2, “Street-Stewart Elected”)
Synod recognizes Crittenden
as transitional service ends
Thesynod,withabriefprogram
followedbyrefreshments,recognized
DaveCrittenden,whosetimeasthe
synod’stransitionalexecutivecomesto
acloseDec.31.
Find
synod
info
online
Youcan'indthe
SynodofLakes
andPrairies
onlineat
www.lakesand
prairies.organd
youcanalso'ind
thesynodon
www.Facebook.
com.Ityouuse
Twitter,please
follow
@lakesprairies.
AndCrittenden,inhislastreport,called
oncommissionerstoremember
transitionismorethanatimeperiod.
Dave Crittenden (left) and Moderator
Bill Stafford at synod’s recognition
program.
“Aswetalkabouttransition,atleastin
thechurch,wewanttoputatimelimit
onitsoweknowwhenwewillbedone
withit,”hesaid.“Thetruthisnoone
knowswhatwillhappennextbecause
transitionhappensinGod’stimeon
God’sterms.…Itishardtoknowhow
faryouhavecome,letalonehowfaritis
totheend.”
(Continued on Page 2, “Crittenden”)
21
1
Street-Stewart Elected (continuedfromPage1)—
Street-Stewartre'lectedonapreservedtwo-rowwampumbeltasmetaphorfor
changeinthechurchoftoday.
Thewampumbelt“featurestwolongdarkbandsspacedapartacrossthefulllength
ofthewampumbelt,”shesaid.“Thesearethepathsoftwoboats,acanoeandasail
boat.Itcanbeinterpretedasbothtravelingontheriveroflifeand…neithermay
interferewiththeother’sspeedorharmthequalityofitsstructuredesignalongthe
way.…Theytravelalongtogetherinrespectforeachother,buttheonewillnot
becometheother.”
Synod School plans
include ‘Holy
Enchilada’
Shepointedout,“Eventheeldersofhundredsofyearsagowereawareofthe
dichotomyofconsciouslylivinginthemidstofchange–thatwearenot
independentofeachother.Theimageinthewampumisaboutthedynamic
relationshipofbeingpartofthewhole.Onemaychoosetoseeonlythedarkbands,
butthenativeperspectiveseesthewholesash.”
FromSan
Franciscointhe
westtoIllinoisin
theeast,to
Wisconsininthe
northtoTexasin
thesouth,those
whomakeupHolyEnchilada–a
whimsicalamalgamofseriously
committedcreativeworship
practitioners–willbeworship
leadersfornextsummer’sSynod
SchoolthatwillrunJuly26-31at
BuenaVistaUniversityinStormLake,
Iowa.
Afamiliarchurchleaderatthenationallevelsince1980,Street-Stewartchairedthe
CouncilonChurchandRace,theAdvocacyCommitteeonRacialEthnicConcernsand
wasamemberoftheRelocationCommitteeofGeneralAssemblyAgenciesfollowing
reunionofthenorthernandsouthernbranchesofwhattodayisthePC(USA).
TheresaCho,co-pastorofSt.John’s
PresbyterianChurchinSanFrancisco
andaproli'icwriter,willbeSynod
School’sconvocationspeaker.
ChoisalsoamemberofHoly
EnchiladaalongwithBenJohnstonKruse,pastoratFirstPresbyterian
ChurchofRacine,Wis.;RobMueller,
pastorofDivineRedeemer
PresbyterianChurchofSanAntonio,
Texas;CoreyNelson,pastorofFirst
PresbyterianChurchofLakeForest,
Ill.;andBethWatson,directorof
worshipartsandfellowshipat
ShepherdoftheHillsPresbyterian
ChurchofAustin,Texas.
SynodSchool2014drew617tothe
midsummerministryprogram.Of
those,about530werePresbyterians
andtheother87wereamixofmany
otherfaithcommunities.Theycame
from207townsin26U.S.states,and
Germany,PakistanandScotland. Shereceivedthedenomination’sWomenofFaithAwardduringthe219thGeneral
Assembly(2010).
Otherchurch-wideresponsibilitiesincludethenationalSelfDevelopmentofPeople
Committee,PresbyterianWomen,ThirdWorldWomen,Committeeon
Representation,NativeAmericanConsultingCommittee,andtheGeneralAssembly
NominatingCommittee.Shecurrentlyservesontheexecutivecommitteeofthe
MinnesotaCouncilofChurches.
In2001Street-Stewartbecamethe'irstAmericanIndianelectedtoserveonthe
boardofanurbanschooldistrictinMinnesota.Re-electedin2005and2009,she
servedasthechairoftheboard,andasadistrictdirectorontheMinnesotaSchool
BoardsAssociation,theCounciloftheGreatCitySchoolsandtheNationalSchool
BoardAssociation’sCouncilonUrbanBoardsofEducation.
ShehasledtheMinnesotaMinorityEducationPartnership,theAmericanIndian
FamilyCenter,thenationalAmericanIndianAlaskaNativeSchoolBoardCaucus,the
SaintPaulChildren’sCollaborative,andTheSaintPaulFoundation’santi-racism
advisorycommittee.
“IwasalwaysremindedwhilegrowingupthatIwasgivengreatresponsibility–to
givebackinreturnforwhatIhadbeengiven,toalwaysdomybest,andtolookfor
thegoodpath,”shesaid.
RaisedinPhiladelphia,Street-StewartwasanUpwardBoundstudentat
Swarthmore(Pa.)Collegeandreceivedherbachelor’sdegreefromOccidental
CollegeinLosAngeles.Sheandherhusband,theRev.DavidStewart,havefour
childrenandthreegrandchildren.
Crittenden (continuedfromPage1)—
EarlyoninCrittenden’stimewiththesynod,heaskedcommissionersandothers
toconsiderwhythesynodexists.“Ithinkwearestillexploringanswers”tothat
question,hesaid.“Wedoknowitinvolvesservingandworkingwiththe
presbyteriesinourbounds.Weknowitinvolveslisteningtoeachotherand
listeningtonewvoices.”
Headded,“Maybethejourneyisasimportantastheanswer.Mostofallweknowit
involvesdiscernment–listeningtowhatGodissayingtous.”
Crittendencalledoncommissionersto“knowthatGodinChristisleadingallofus
becauseChristwentbeforeus.”Hesaid,“Knowthatyou,eachoneofyou,areGod’s
chosenforthistimeandGodwillprovideeverythingyouneedinabundance.”
2
22
Synod looks at ministry priorities
SynodcommissionersreviewedtheprioritiesoftheSynodofLakesand
Prairiesthroughdiscussionsandactivitiesovertwoeveningsatitsfallmeeting.
CommissionerswereaskedtoreadBrian
McLaren’sbook,“WhyDidJesus,Moses,the
Buddha,andMohammedCrosstheRoad?:
ChristianIdentityinaMulti-FaithWorld,”to
developacommonlanguagetoproceedthrough
discussionsofsynodprioritiesaroundthe
conceptsoflovingGodandlovingone’sneighbor.
AndafteraneveningofdiscussingMcLaren’sbook,commissionersmetthe
followingeveningfora“dot”exercise,pastingmulti-colored,adhesivepaper
dotsnexttospeci'icsynodministriestoindicatingtheirministrypriorities.
Theministriesfellwithinfourcategories:management,leadership,
collaboration,anddiversityandinclusion.Withineachofthosebroader
categorieswereindividualactivitiescurrentlycarriedoutinsomeformbythe
synod.
Theseactivitiesdevelopedbythesynod’sSteeringCommitteeareinitialsteps
inamulti-stepprocess–thenextwillinvolvepresbyteries–tolookatways
synodministrywillevolveinthefuture.Theactivitiesareinresponsetoa
reportfromitsFutureoftheSynodTaskForcethatcalledfordiscernmentofits
work,andfromactionbythe221stGeneralAssemblythatdecidedthenumber
ofsynodswithinthedenominationbereducedfrom16to10to12.
Loveall, Cloud elected
to moderator, vice moderator positions
Paige Loveall, a teaching elder from the Presbytery of Milwaukee, and Fern Cloud, a ruling elder from the Presbytery of Dakota, were elected moderator and vice moderator respectively for
2015.
Membership
erosion noted
in 2013 statistics
Thenumberofmembersofthe
PresbyterianChurch(U.S.A.)inthe
SynodofLakesandPrairieshas
dippedbelow130,000,accordingto
themembershipreportforJan.1,
2014.DuringtheperiodofDec.31,
2012,toDec.31,2013,membership
withinthesynoddeclined4,522–or
3.46percent–andstoodat126,175
onJan.1,2014.
Duringthe33yearsofreporting
withinthesynod,thePC(USA)has
lostslightlymorethanhalf–51.9
percent–ofitsmembership.
Both will begin serving in those positions at the synod spring
meeting. Loveall is currently vice moderator.
Loveall
Loveall received a bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a minor in
religious studies, from the University of California, Davis, and
earned his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.
She has served her presbytery in multiple positions, including as
transitional head of staff from 2011 to 2012. She is currently
parish associate at First Presbyterian Church of Kenosha, Wis.
She has been a synod commissioner since 2010.
Cloud is a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Oyate and a
great-great granddaughter of TaOyateDuta, better known as
Chief Little Crow of the Dakota people.
Cloud
She has served as a commissioner ruling elder at Pejuhutazizi
Dakota Presbyterian Church, Upper Sioux Community, in Granite
Falls, Minn., since March 2004.
Cloud received bachelor’s degrees in Bible studies and business administration
from Trinity Bible College, Ellendale, N.D., and in business management from
Oglala Lakota College in Rapid City, S.D.
She has represented her presbytery at the denomination’s General Assembly from
2008 to 2014, and has been a synod commissioner since 2012.
23
3
Three searches set to start next year
TheSynodofLakesandPrairies,
recognizingthattwoseniorsynodstaff
memberswillberetiringwithinthenext
16months,willbeginlookingfor
individualsto'illthreepositions:director
of'inancialservices,statedclerkand
directorofleadershipdevelopment.
Synod approves
loan actions
Thesynod’sFinanceCommittee
approvedactionsontwoloan
requeststotalingabout$145,000
sincethebeginningofAugust.
Thesynodapprovedanapplication
fromBrook'ield(Wis.)Presbyterian
Churchforanincreaseinthe
approvedloanfrom$400,000to
$495,000.Theloanproceedswillbe
usedintheconstructionofanew
churchlocatedinconjunctionwith
PresbyterianHomesofWisconsin.
Thesynodalsoapprovedaloannotto
exceed$50,000forFirstPresbyterian
ChurchofBlackduck,Minn.,to
expandandpaveitsparkinglotanda
serviceroad. Thesynod’sPersonnelCommittee
announcedthatJayWilkinson,thesynod’s
statedclerkandtreasurer,intendsto
retireattheendofDecember2015,and
Barber
Wilkinson
thatDianaBarber,thesynod’sassociate
executiveforleadershipdevelopment,planstoretireattheendofJanuary
2016.
ThePersonnelCommitteeanticipatesthestatedclerkpositionwillbeparttime.
Inadditionto'inancialmattersforthesynod,thesynodcurrentlyhandles
'inancemattersforotherPresbyteriancouncilsandotherinstitutions.
Barberisstaffsupportandorganizationalleaderforthesynod’spopularSynod
School.
Comprehensive Presbytery
Support projected through 2018
Thesynodapproved“best-effort”targetsofComprehensivePresbyterySupport–or
CPS–forthenextfourcalendaryearstohelppresbyterieswithbudgetplans.
Forthisyear,thesynodbudgeted$25,000foreachof15presbyteries.Dakota
PresbyterydoesnotreceiveCPS,butdoesreceiveitsownlineinthebudget–
$37,720in2014–forDakotaPresbyterySupport.
CPSisablock-granttypeprogramwithamaximumamountdesignatedper
presbytery.Presbyteriescanchoosetooptoutofthesupportpaymentordecideto
receiveanamountlowerthanthemaximum.
Lookingahead,thesynodbudgeted$22,500astheamountperpresbyteryfor2015,
and$20,250for2016,$18,225for2017,and$16,402for2018.
Accordingtoinformationincludedinitsactionrequest,thesynod’sProgram
CoordinationCommitteenoted,“Establishingthesebestefforttargetsisintendedto
facilitatepresbyteries’responsible'iscalplanningandisbasedonthesynod’s
understandingthatitspresbyterieswillmaintaintheircurrentlevelsofmission
giving,inaggregate,soastosupportthesetargets.”
TherecommendationhadcometothecommitteethroughthePresbyterForum,a
groupmadeupofstaffleadershipinthesynod’spresbyteries.“Thecommittee
af'irmedtheusefulnessofthis,butacknowledgedthatitcanonlymakeagood-faith
efforttomaintaintheseamountsaswehavenocontroloverincomeforthenext
severalyearsnorcanwenecessarilybindasubsequentsynod,”thecommittee’s
backgroundinformationstated.
4
24
Synod adopts $1.64 million budget for 2015
Thesynodapprovedabudgetofnearly$1.64millionthatincludesnearly$500,000
forministriesinpartnershipand$180,000forecumenicalandinstitutional
ministry.
Thesynod’sministriesinpartnershipportionincludes$337,500–or$22,500for
eachof15presbyteries–and$32,062forDakotaPresbytery.Thepartnershiparea
alsoincludes$35,000forSynodSchool,$24,000foremergingmission,$20,000for
racialethnicministriesand$13,000forCOM/CPMtraining.
Collegiateministryfundingisthelargestportionoftheecumenicalandinstitutional
ministriesportionofthebudget,beingallocated$120,000.Thesynodalsobudgeted
$27,000forministrydevelopmentcentersand$23,880forecumenicalmedia
centers.Thesynodallocated$7,500forClearwaterForest.
Otherexpenseswithinthebudgetincludepersonnelandadministrationat
$885,366,areductionofnearly$30,000fromlastyear,alongwithcommunication
at$8,550andsynodgovernanceat$67,200.
Amongincomesources,percapitareceiptsareestimatedat$656,110andmission
dollarsat$450,000.Otherincomesourcesincludeacapitalloanfundadministrative
chargeof$140,000,missionendowmentfundinterestearnedof$146,333,previous
years’surplusof$120,665andfeesforservicesof$98,300.
Actualfeesforservicesin2013–nearlyallfor'inancialservicesprovidedbythe
synod–totaled$77,300.For2015,anadditionalamountisanticipatedfrom
communicationservicesprovidedbythesynod.
Thisspringcommissionersapproveda20centincreaseinthesynod’spercapita
apportionment,increasingthesynod’sshareofpercapitato$5.20.Thesynod’sper
capitaapportionmenthadbeen$5forthreeyears.
Thepercapitapaysexplanationprovidedbythesynod’sProgramCoordination
Committee,notedpercapitapaysforthe“essentialecclesiasticalfunctionsofthe
synod”–“thosefunctionsessentialtothecontinuanceofthegoverningbody.”
Portions of synod’s ministry
in higher ed budget reallocated
Recommendedbythesynod’sEcclesiasticalRelationsCommitteeandapprovedby
commissioners,thesynodreallocatedportionsofthesynod’sbudgetforministryin
highereducationsthroughsevengrantstotaling$110,000.
Twograntsof$25,000eachwenttothesynod’sCommitteeonRacialEthnic
MinistriesandHillcrestFamilyServices.TheCommitteeonRacialEthnicMinistries
currentlyoverseasaneducationalassistanceprogramdesignedtoencourageracial
ethnicstudentsinhighereducation.Hillcrest,incovenantwiththesynod,isafamily
servicesorganizationthatprovidesadoptionandresidentialeducationamongits
arrayofservices.
Peacemaking Offering
remnants go to Living
Waters for the World
Beginningwiththisyear’soffering,
thesynodwillnolongerreceiveany
shareofthePresbyterianChurch
(U.S.A.)’sPeacemakingOffering,and
itwillultimatelydistributewhatit
holdsfromtheofferingtoLiving
WatersfortheWorld.
Theremainingpartofthesynod’s
shareoftheofferingamountsto
about$10,000.
Inthepast,thesynodreceiveda
shareofthePeacemakingOffering–
nowrenamedthePeaceandGlobal
WitnessOfferingthroughGeneral
Assemblyactionthissummer.The
synodnolongerreceivesashareof
theofferingcollectedwithinthe
boundsofthesynod.
LivingWatersfortheWorldisa
ministrythatprovidessustainable
cleanwatertothosewhoare
otherwiseunabletoobtainit.
TwinCitiesHousesofHospitalityandClearwaterForesteachwillreceive$15,000
grants.HousesofHospitalityoffershousingincommunallivingforyoungadults
whoareservingorplanningtoserveinservice-basedleadershipprograms.
Participantsengageinspiritualdisciplineslikesimpleliving,hospitalityand
covenantalcommunity.ThePresbyteryoftheTwinCitiesalsoparticipatesinthe
program.ClearwaterForestisacampandretreatcenterincentralMinnesota
ownedinpartbythesynod.
Thesynodalsoannouncedgrantsof$10,000eachtothechaplainciesatCoeCollege
ofCedarRapids,Iowa,andtheUniversityofDubuque,andNativeAmericanUrban
Ministry.CoeCollegeandUniversityofDubuquearePresbyterian-related
institutionsofhighereducation,andNativeAmericanUrbanMinistryisan
ecumenicalexplorationintheSt.Paul,Minn.,areaworkingto'indthebestwayto
ministertotheeastmetroAmericanIndianpopulation. 25
5
The Belhar Confession
14-1
Sources: PC(USA); Presbytery of Detroit, Presbytery of Winnebago
WHY A NEW CONFESSION?
The 216th General Assembly (2004) called upon Presbyterians to confront the sin of racism in our
history and in our midst. It urged Presbyteries and congregations to study the Belhar confession
as a way to deepen commitment to dealing with racism and strengthen our unity. Study materials
were developed and placed on the web:
http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/confession/belharstudyguide.pdf
Confessions arise out of compelling issues in a specific time and place which require the church to
speak, interpreting the gospel in light of such issues, and equipping the church to be and to do
what it believes. In so doing, the church reforms itself and bears public witness to the truthfulness
of the gospel.
Because of the commonality of the expressions of human sinfulness across time and geographic
space, and because of the truthfulness of the Word of God across time and geographic space, the
Reformed Tradition believes that generations can witness to one another across time and
geographic distance.
HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?
To adopt a new confession requires
 2/3rds vote of two consecutive General Assemblies
 Ratification by 2/3rds of the 173 Presbyteries between the two GA votes
WHY THIS CONFESSION?



The Belhar Confession has its roots in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. It does
not, however, mention apartheid, but rather seeks to address a far wider context.
The Dutch Reformed Mission Church first drafted this “outcry of faith” and “call for
faithfulness and repentance” in 1982, taking a lead in declaring that apartheid threatened
the truth of the gospel. That church formally adopted it in 1986.
Issues addressed:
o Unity of the church and the unity among all people
o Reconciliation within the church
o God’s justice
WHAT DOES IT SAY WE BELIEVE? (excerpts from Article 1 and 2):
We believe in the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who gathers, protects and cares for the
church through Word and Spirit.
Thus, God has done since the beginning of the world and will do to the end.
We believe in one holy, universal Christian church, the communion of saints called from the entire
human family.
26
We believe that Christ’s work of reconciliation is made manifest in the church as the community of
believers who have been reconciled with God and with one another; that unity is, therefore, both a
gift and an obligation for the church of Jesus Christ; that through the working of God’s Spirit it is a
binding force, yet simultaneously a reality which must be earnestly pursued and sought: one
which the people of God must continually be built up to attain;
We believe that this unity must become visible so that the world may believe that separation,
enmity and hatred between people and groups is sin which Christ has already conquered, and
accordingly that anything which threatens this unity may have no place in the church and must be
resisted.
WHO DOES IT SAY WE ARE? (excerpts from Article 2 and 3):
We believe that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation in and through
Jesus Christ; that the church is called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that the
church is called blessed because it is a peacemaker, that the church is witness both by word and by
deed to the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness dwells.
that God’s life-giving Word and Spirit will enable the church to live in a new obedience which can
open new possibilities of life for society and the world;
that this unity of the people of God must be manifested and be active in a variety of ways: that we
experience, practice and pursue community with one another; that we are obligated to give
ourselves willingly and joyfully to be of benefit and blessing to one another; that we share one
faith, have one calling, are of one soul and one mind; have one God and Father, are filled with one
Spirit, are baptized with one baptism, eat of one bread and drink of one cup, confess one name, are
obedient to one Lord, work for one cause, and share one hope; …
together are built up to the stature of Christ, to the new humanity; together know and bear one
another’s burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ; that we need one another and upbuild one
another, admonishing and comforting one another; that we suffer with one another for the sake of
righteousness; pray together, together serve God in this world;
WHAT DOES IT SAY WE ARE SENT INTO THE WORLD TO DO? (excerpts from Articles 4 and 5)
We believe that God has revealed himself as the one who wishes to bring about justice and true
peace among people; that God, in a world full of injustice and enmity, is in a special way the God of
the destitute, the poor and the wronged; that God calls the church to follow him in this; for God
brings justice to the oppressed and gives bread to the hungry;
that the church must therefore stand by people in any form of suffering and need, that the church
must witness against and strive against any form of injustice,
that the church as the possession of God must stand where the Lord stands, namely against
injustice and with the wronged; that in following Christ the church must witness against all the
powerful and privileged who selfishly seek their own interests and thus control and harm others.
27
We believe that, in obedience to Jesus Christ, its only head, the church is called to confess and to do
all these things, even though the authorities and human laws might forbid then and punishment
and suffering be the consequence.
WHAT ARE THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST including the Belhar Confession in Part I of
the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) (our Book of Confessions)?
Arguments for adoption:
1) Belhar powerfully interprets the gospel around three central biblical and confessional terms of
our Reformed tradition: unity, reconciliation, and justice.
2) Belhar is a powerful advocate of God’s salvation at work in and through the church for the sake
of the world and the healing of the cosmos.
3) The church has a special need to be instructed on the continuing dangers of violence and
warfare, of the division between the rich and the poor, and between those of differing races, tribes,
and peoples.
4) The unity of the church is our common calling in Christ. The church’s unity is its mission.
5) Adopting Belhar would be a declaration of solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the
Reformed tradition.
6) Adopting Belhar would announce to the Church in the world our commitment as Presbyterians
to unity, reconciliation and justice, not just in our own nation, but also in the world.
Arguments against adoption:
1) Not timely: The apartheid it addressed in South Africa no longer exists.
2) Redundancy: The PCUSA has spoken clearly on racism in the Confession of 1967, which is
already included in the Book of Confessions. The Belhar Confession is redundant.
3) A waste of resources to “talk” rather than “do”: The church today desires to bring reconciliation
through Christ to the world by doing the work of releasing the captives, bringing sight to the blind
and binding up the wounded. Spending the church’s time and resources to debate an outdated, 20
year old document – written to address apartheid in Africa – is wasteful.
4) Liberation Theology: The concern is that there are phrases in the Confession of Belhar, written
from a Liberation Theology perspective, that could be used by other groups [read: LGBT] that
consider themselves oppressed, to bolster their agendas in the church.
5) Failure to focus the Confession on the Lordship of Christ: The Belhar Confession emphasizes the
unity of the Church, which is not a confession that Jesus Christ is Lord, but a confession about what
the Church is or must do. Unity is not necessarily tied to Christ’s Lordship, since unity may be
achieved by other means.
6) The argument is that because unity is the main point of the Belhar Confession others have
insisted on using it for issues that are “unbiblical.” One of the contributors to Belhar, Allan Boesak,
has sought to use it as a means to gain ordination for practicing homosexuals.
7) Speakers for the Reformed Church in America have suggested using the Confession as a
solution for what they perceive as racism on the part of Israel. As one South African put it “If there
is one situation in this world that contextually fits the antiapartheid struggle and its dynamics, for
which the Belhar Confession was written, it must be the Palestinian situation, currently.”
8) The issue of pluralism: At several places in the confession the word “church” is replaced by
another category called “the People of God.” The Belhar Confession uses this term to describe the
church. The question has been posed: “Is it possible to expand this “People of God” terminology to
28
encompass the ‘peoples of God,’ including in this Jews and Muslims? And by this to provide a
monotheistic platform for unity?”
Resources for arguments against Belhar: Advisory prepared by Sue Cyre, Theology Matters, May 2008
29
Same-Gender Marriage Amendment
14-F
Sources: PC(USA; Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse; Layman OnLine
WHY THIS AMENDMENT?
The 221st General Assembly (2014) of the PC(U.S.A.) approved a measure giving pastors the
discretion to perform same-gender marriages in states where it is legal. It offers the same
discretion for churches with regard to the use of church property. The measure takes effect upon
the conclusion of the General Assembly on Saturday, June 21, 2014. A proposed amendment to
change the Constitution to include same-gender marriages in the church’s Constitution passed the
General Assembly but must be ratified by a majority of the church’s 172 regional presbyteries.
Study materials were developed and placed on the web:
http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/confession/belharstudyguide.pdf
HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?
The General Assembly made an authoritative interpretation of the Constitution and proposed an
amendment to the Constitution. An amendment to the Constitution is determined by the General
Assembly, but must be confirmed by a majority of the presbyteries. All councils are under the
authority of the Constitution. Presbyteries have one year to vote on the proposed amendment. If a
majority ratifies the amendment, it would take effect June 21, 2015.
WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE AUTHORITATIVE INTERPRETATION?
“Worship is a central element of the pastoral care of the people of God in which a teaching elder’s
discernment of the leading of the Holy Spirit is indispensable. The necessity of ensuring the
exercise of freedom of conscience in the interpretation of Scripture in the planning and leadership
of worship has deep roots in our Reformed tradition and theology. Because a service of marriage
is one form of such worship, when a couple requests the involvement of the church in solemnizing
their marriage as permitted by the laws of the civil jurisdiction in which the marriage is to take
place, teaching elders* have the pastoral responsibility to assess the capabilities, intentions, and
readiness of the couple to be married and the freedom of conscience in the interpretation of
Scripture to participate in any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform.
“Exercising such discretion and freedom of conscience under the prayerful guidance of Scripture,
teaching elders may conduct a marriage service for any such couple in the place where the
community gathers for worship, so long as it is approved by the session; or in such other place as
may be suitable for a service of Christian worship. In no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience
be bound to conduct any marriage service for any couple except by his or her understanding of the
Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The authoritative interpretation of this section by the
203rd General Assembly and the subsequent authoritative interpretations of the General
Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission relying upon it, are withdrawn and replaced with this
authoritative interpretation.”
WHAT IS THE ACTUAL LANGUAGE OF THE AMENDMENT?
30
“Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family.
Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people (traditionally a man and a woman)
to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple
sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community.
“In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the married
couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which God has an
active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges.
“If they meet the requirements of the civil jurisdiction in which they intend to marry, a couple may
request that a service of Christian marriage be conducted by a teaching elder in the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.), who is authorized, though not required, to act as an agent of the civil jurisdiction
in recording the marriage contract. A couple requesting a service of Christian marriage shall
receive instruction from the teaching elder, who may agree to the couple’s request only if, in the
judgment of the teaching elder, the couple demonstrate sufficient understanding of the nature of
the marriage covenant and commitment to living their lives together according to its values. In
making this decision, the teaching elder may seek the counsel of the session, which has authority
to permit or deny the use of church property for a marriage service.
“The marriage service shall be conducted in a manner appropriate to this covenant and to the
forms of Reformed worship, under the direction of the teaching elder and the supervision of the
session (W- 1.4004–.4006). In a service of marriage, the couple marry each other by exchanging
mutual promises. The teaching elder witnesses the couple’s promises and pronounces God’s
blessing upon their union. The community of faith pledges to support the couple in upholding
their promises; prayers may be offered for the couple, for the communities that support them, and
for all who seek to live in faithfulness.
“A service of worship recognizing a civil marriage and confirming it in the community of faith may
be appropriate when requested by the couple. The service will be similar to the marriage service
except that the statements made shall reflect the fact that the couple is already married to one
another according to the laws of the civil jurisdiction.
“Nothing herein shall compel a teaching elder to perform nor compel a session to authorize the
use of church property for a marriage service that the teaching elder or the session believes is
contrary to the teaching elder’s or the session’s discernment of the Holy Spirit and their
understanding of the Word of God.”
SOME ARGUMENTS FOR VOTING ‘YES’ TO SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE , credit to The Presbytery
of Cayuga-Syracuse
At issue is the Presbyterian understanding of the nature of Christian marriage and a pastor’s and
session’s responsibility and ability to extend appropriate pastoral care.
1. As more and more states authorize marriage between same-gender partners, pastors and
sessions trying to be responsible in providing pastoral care to church members by
officiating at marriages in the church building find themselves increasingly constrained by
the provisions of section 4.9000 of the Directory for Worship as interpreted by the 1991
31
General Assembly and subsequent decisions of the General Assembly's Permanent Judicial
Commission.
2. In light of the increased flexibility offered by the new Form of Government for conducting
the mission of the church, it is time for the Presbyterian Church to amend the Directory for
Worship to provide comparable flexibility in extending pastoral care to church members in
same-gender partnerships.
3. The Bible and the Reformed tradition reflect many patterns and forms of legal, religiously
approved marital relationships. The nostalgically remembered pattern of marriage of
1940's America cannot be taken as normative from a Biblical or theological point of view.
4. The understanding of marriage has changed through the years and was often geared more
to property rights or political advantage than to a mutual, loving relationship.
5. Marriage is a contract regulated and licensed by the state. This was recognized in the
ancient church and in Protestant churches since the Reformation.
6. There are legitimate differences of interpretation of the passages regarding homosexual
relationship in the Bible. The present regulation forces Presbyterian elders to act based on
one interpretation, with which many disagree as a matter of conscience.
7. Jesus in his public ministry broke down the barriers that separated people. He identified
with those who were outcasts and marginalized by society. Gay and lesbian individuals are
considered outsiders by many today. The church needs to witness to the inclusive love of
Jesus for all people.
8. To prohibit clergy and congregations from fulfilling a legitimate request for pastoral
services binds the conscience of clergy and prevents them from fulfilling their pastoral
responsibilities.
9. In 2010, the presbyteries approved Amendment A allowing persons in same-sex
relationships to be ordained. These church members should be allowed to be married if
the state issues them a marriage license and their teaching elder determines that their
marriage is advisable.
10. The statement restricting marriage to “one man and one woman" addresses polygamy in
17th century England. The statement that marriage is “between a man and a woman”
reflects conventions of the mid-20th century and is descriptive, not prescriptive.
SOME ARGUMENTS FOR VOTING ‘NO’ TO SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE
Faithfully Confronting the Reality of Same-Sex Marriage, by By Rick Plasterer…excerpts
To cite T.S. Eliot, who said that when confronted with something new, we should ask “what can I
do with it, or what is it for?” The second question should be asked first, to avoid abusing the
unknown. In the case of marriage, the purpose of marriage should be ascertained before claiming
it should be extended to homosexual couples. “The legal status of something doesn’t change our
Biblical responsibility to it,” The proper status of marriage can be determined by asking first how
God defines it. After that we can draw support from general knowledge shared across cultures.
John Stonestreet, Assistant Professor of Apologetics at Biola University
The claimed right to same-sex marriage should be answered first by addressing Jesus’ doctrine of
marriage in the gospels, rather than to passages concerning the sinfulness of sodomy, according to
Stonestreet. Jesus said that more fundamental than the Law of Moses was “God’s created [i.e.,
creation] intent.” Sexual complementarity is not merely what has traditionally been thought to be
true, but it really is true. Thus he said that the natural order of marriage is based on the divine
32
order of creation. With respect to marriage, it consists of three things: 1) male/female
complementarity, 2) oneness, and 3) permanence. All biological functions can be done alone
except procreation. To argue for same-sex marriage, it is necessary to say that “procreative
oneness,” physical reality, “just doesn’t even matter.” These things “are part of the very fabric of
human nature, they are part of what God created.”
Layman: “The phrases about no compulsion of conscience may ensure that a pastor is not forced,
strictly speaking, to stand up front at a wedding with which he or she disagrees. Pastors have
always had the freedom to say “yes” or “no” to particular couples requesting marriage. The
problem is the retribution that might be visited upon a pastor after he or she says “no.” This will
be an especially delicate situation if the reason given for declining to officiate is that it was a samesex couple and the pastor is opposed to all same-sex marriages.
Under the new authoritative interpretation or the proposed amendment, pastors would seem to
be protected against one form of retribution: being charged with a disciplinary offense. But there
are other more likely forms of retribution.
One scenario surfaced in a question and answer during the Assembly’s discussion of the
amendment. This exchange went unremarked at the time, but holds ominous portent for the
future. Teaching Elder Commissioner Kenneth Macari from Elizabeth Presbytery in New Jersey
asked whether under the new amendment “when someone is either preparing for ordination or
taking a call, will they be in full conscience able to express either position [for or against same-sex
marriage] and there not be a prejudice against them from either being ordained or taking a call or
switching from one presbytery to another?”
33
Presbytery of Milwaukee
2015 Proposed Budget Summary
The 2015 budget seeks to reflect our stated goals as we live into the priorities and strategies articulated
in the What’s Next report. Several changes in budget priorities are reflected in the budget summary below.
Line item details are provided in the attached proposed budget.
For questions or concerns about the budget as we move toward vote at the November Presbytery
meeting, please contact either Presbytery Moderator Sara Miles (262-997-0752 or [email protected]),
or Council Moderator Bob Jensen (262-646-2323 or [email protected]).
Total Revenue
2014
621,960
2015
630,800
Allocation to GA & Synod
334,959
343,604
Revenues projections are based on Per Capita remaining stable at $30.00 per member,
despite increases in allocations to both GA and Synod.
Given that many of our congregations are struggling to meet expenses,
Council felt it important to hold the line on Per Capita assessment once again,
even though costs will be increasing.
Total Revenue Available to Presbytery
364,715
372,738
Expenses:
Session Partnerships
19,500
14,625
Budget decrease due to leadership training line item being moved to
the new Leadership Development Task Force.
Leadership Development
0
15,000
New initiative to more effectively meet our What’s Next strategy
to provide meaningful leadership development opportunities.
Mission Partnerships
Foundation (MP & SP Grant Monies)
Council
48,575
69,610
50,157
71,615
39,250
86,500
Increase primarily due to legal fees to defend the Oostburg, First lawsuit.
Council budget also includes money for development of New Worshipping Communities.
Committee on Ministry
33,100
14,100
Budget decrease due to leadership training budget being moved to
the new Leadership Development Task Force.
Committee on Preparation
Nomination Committee
Permanent Judicial Committee
Committee on Representation
Administrative Commissions
Office Support
Personnel
8,000
250
500
250
500
57,772
8,000
250
500
250
500
57,672
248,157
286,463
Includes 3% staff salary increases and personnel costs for Michelle Henrichs NWC
Total Expenses
525,714
590,882
Surplus / (Deficit)
(160,999)
(218,144)
Over the past two years of living into “What’s Next,” actual deficits have not reached nearly
what we have projected in our budgets. We shall see what 2015 brings!
34
Presbytery of Milwaukee
Two specific items to answer questions received since the budged was distributed for first reading in
September:
1. Presbytery Revenue – Loss of Per Capita
This line item is a negative number to our actual experience of per capita receipts. Total Per
Capita billed is the line item immediate above - $149,996. Loss of Per Capita reflects our
actual experience.
2. Session Partnerships – Discovery Day
The number reflected in the 2014 Actual column – (671) – reflects the net expense of the 2014
Discovery Day. This year, receipts for Discovery Day were $671 greater than expenses.
35
Proposed 2015 Budget
November 22, 2014
INCOME
ACTUAL
BUDGET
ACTUAL
BUDGET
2013
2014
9/30/2014
2015
Revenue for Allocation
Per Capita ($30/member)
Mission Support
Designated Mission
Special Offerings
263,028
212,138
13,500
150,753
261,960
228,000
0
132,000
169,869
161,521
0
109,294
253,800
227,000
0
150,000
Subtotal
639,419
621,960
440,684
630,800
Allocation to GA & Synod
Per Capita
Mission Support
Special Offerings
106,723
90,625
150,140
104,959
99,000
131,000
78,719
60,117
108,865
103,804
90,800
149,000
Subtotal
347,488
334,959
247,701
343,604
Presbytery Revenue
Allocation Funding
Per Capita
Loss of Per Capita
Designated Mission
Mission Support
Special Offerings
Synod Staff Support
Special Offerings - Other
Other Income
156,305
0
13,500
108,373
613
37,500
0
127
157,001
(25,396)
0
129,000
1,000
25,000
3,000
1,000
91,150
0
101,404
573
16,667
0
3,575
149,996
(21,573)
0
136,200
1,000
25,000
3,000
1,000
Subtotal
316,418
290,605
213,369
294,623
4,973
111,464
6,500
67,610
6,474
90,409
6,500
71,615
Subtotal
116,437
74,110
96,883
78,115
Total Revenue
432,855
364,715
310,252
372,738
91
7,338
4,853
8,000
7,500
4,000
1,954
5,513
671
0
7,500
7,125
12,282
19,500
6,796
14,625
Foundation Income
Designated Income
Undesignated Income
EXPENSES
Session Partnerships
Leadership Training Group
Scholarships Youth Camping
Discovery Day
Total Session Partnerships
Leadership Development Task Force
Leadership Development
15,000
Total Leadership Development Task Force
15,000
36
EXPENSES
ACTUAL
BUDGET
ACTUAL
BUDGET
2013
2014
9/30/2014
2015
Mission Partnerships
Interpretation
Peacemaking Grants
Presbyterian Homes
Wisconsin Council of Churches
Greater Milwaukee Interfaith
San Jose
Other Missions
473
2,250
3,000
11,500
9,175
12,000
3,771
4,000
4,000
3,000
11,500
9,075
12,000
5,000
500
5,500
2,250
8,625
6,806
9,000
2,761
4,000
4,000
3,090
12,360
9,347
12,360
5,000
Total Mission Partnerships
42,169
48,575
35,442
50,157
Foundation
SP Developmental Opportunities
MP Emerging Mission
COM-New Clergy Suppport
Additional Foundation Support
14,677
19,565
1,500
0
40,566
27,044
2,000
0
25,521
7,500
1,050
9,367
42,969
28,646
0
0
Total Foundation
35,742
69,610
43,438
71,615
14,033
5,512
124
864
99
30,000
7,000
0
2,000
250
7,688
5,475
80
9,205
73
20,000
7,000
0
50,000
250
3,000
Council
Presbytery Planning Meetings
Youth Triennium/PC(USA)Events
Resource Center
Commissions & Legal Fees
Personnel Work Group
Great Commission Task Force - NWC
Michelle Henrichs NWC:
Misc
Other Staff
AV / Technology / Media
Food and Community Meals
250
2,000
1,500
2,500
Total Council
20,533
39,250
22,521
86,500
Committee On Ministry
COM
Education Grants
Shared Grants
Consulting
Group Teaching Elders Facilitator
Minister Gatherings
Background Checks
Clergy Support
2,609
3,114
500
350
10,000
0
200
622
8,000
1,500
1,500
10,000
10,000
500
300
1,300
714
1,000
0
500
1,235
32
410
100
8,000
1,500
1,500
1,000
0
500
300
1,300
Total COM
17,395
33,100
3,991
14,100
Committee on Preparation for Ministry
CPM
Midwest Ministry
3,311
2,779
5,000
3,000
1,637
2,283
5,000
3,000
Total CPM
6,090
8,000
3,920
8,000
37
EXPENSES
ACTUAL
BUDGET
ACTUAL
BUDGET
2013
2014
9/30/2014
2015
Nominating Committee
0
250
0
250
Permanent Judicial Committee
0
500
0
500
Committee On Representation
0
250
0
250
337
500
0
500
Office Support
Audit
Insurance
Rent
Office Expense
Office Equipment
Website
Equipment Maintenance
Technology Upgrade
Bookkeeping
4,900
3,119
20,472
12,893
1,845
2,302
1,058
1,578
5,200
10,000
5,000
20,472
10,100
1,000
1,000
2,000
3,000
5,200
9,300
0
15,534
13,058
1,833
981
0
1,841
1,300
5,000
5,000
20,472
15,000
1,000
2,000
1,000
3,000
5,200
Total Office Support
53,367
57,772
43,847
57,672
8,395
62,500
0
28,566
33,316
3,548
45,576
2,650
0
76,500
12,000
0
35,700
0
48,960
7,956
0
57,315
1,035
0
26,775
0
36,720
5,967
2,316
0
2,000
0
881
0
0
78,795
12,000
0
36,771
0
50,429
8,195
26,000
1,500
250
1,500
1,000
9,000
20,625
11,797
533
16,367
23,667
20,081
6,150
2,355
1,941
11,841
3,840
26,775
10,000
1,000
0
22,266
0
5,000
4,429
28,760
10,000
1,000
0
16,263
0
5,000
Total Personnel
263,696
248,157
175,490
286,463
Total Expenses
451,710
525,714
335,518
590,882
Surplus / (Deficit)
(18,855)
(160,999)
(25,266)
(218,144)
Administrative Commissions
Personnel
Salary
Transitional Head of Staff
Executive Director
Communications Manager
Program Administrator
Office Administrator
Resource Coordinator
Congregational Care Co-ordinator
Stated Clerk
Michelle Henrichs
Continuing Education
Mileage
Coaching
SC - GA Expenses & Other Travel
Treasurer Consultant
Executive Director Position
Board of Pensions
Travel & Expenses
Continuing Education
Search Committee & Relocation
Staff Social Security & Benefits
Staff Health Insurance
Staff Travel & Conference
38
39
40
Presbytery of Milwaukee
November 22, 2014
Background Information and Bio for Beth Patton
Called as Associate Pastor, North Shore Presbyterian Church, Shorewood
Member and Elder, Garden Grove Presbyterian Church, Garden Grove, CA
Author & Creator, Red Tent Gathering, curriculum for women to explore biblical women
Seminary: M.Div., Claremont School of Theology
M.A., Latin American Studies, University of New Mexico, 1998
M.A., Community & Regional Planning, Univ. of New Mexico, 1998
B.A., Political Science, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, North Carolina, 1991
Director of Worship & Creativity, St. Mark Pres. Church, Newport Beach, CA
Program Director, Women’s Enterprise Development Corp, Long Beach, CA
Director, Washington Seminar Center, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church
Volunteer in Mission, PC(USA), Manos de Cristo, Austin, TX
Volunteer in Mission, PC(USA), Laredos Unidos, Laredo, TX
Biographical Statement
Beth is a life-long Presbyterian and a PK (preacher’s kid). She was born in Birmingham,
Alabama and grew-up in Roanoke, Virginia. After graduating from college, Beth served for 3
years as a Volunteer in Mission with the PC(USA), two of those years on the Texas/Mexican
border. She earned a Master’s Degree in Latin American Studies & Community Planning from
the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and then moved to Washington D.C. where she
met her husband, Edward.
Beth worked as the Director of the Washington Seminar Center and the Office Manager of
Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church. Edward’s job with the National Academy of Sciences took
them to Southern California and Beth felt a call to attend seminary. She graduated from
Claremont School of Theology in 2007.
While in CA Beth has served in various capacities on the staff of St. Mark Presbyterian Church
in Newport Beach, most recently as the Director of Worship. Beth has also combined her
interests in social justice and women’s economic development in the creation of a curriculum
called the Red Tent Gathering (www.redtentgathering.com).
One of the many aspects of the North Shore congregation that Beth finds captivating is a
statement on their website, “We don’t have all the answers, but we sense God is changing lives
here in a special way.” Beth says, “I believe this is a central component of our journey as a
faith community – the freedom and acceptance to question, doubt, wonder, affirm, and grow. “
Beth and Edward enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, reading, and hiking. They have two
boys, Benjamin age 10 and Joshua age 6, who can’t wait to play in the snow!
41
Presbytery of Milwaukee
November 22, 2014
Beth A. Patton
Statement of Faith
I believe in the Triune God – our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. A God enfolding mystery
greater than our creeds recite, and yet as close as a beloved parent nurturing and guiding each
one of us along our journey.
I believe in God – our Creator, the Holy One of Israel, the great “I Am,” the life giver and
protector, Mother and Father of us all. God created each of us in God’s image and seeks to be
in relationship with us, but we so often fail in our ability to be in relationship with God. God is
actively involved and present in all of life and claims each of us as God’s own.
I believe in Jesus Christ – our Redeemer, God incarnate. We meet God in and through Christ. In
Jesus’ humanity and divinity, in his life, death, and resurrection we learn of God’s compassion,
love, and hope for the world. Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church and his life among us
here on earth serves as an example for our own faith and ministry. It is Jesus who calls each of
us into discipleship and invites us to follow him in ushering in the new creation, God’s
kingdom here on earth.
I believe in the Holy Spirit – our Sustainer, God’s presence who is continuously in our midst. It
is the Holy Spirit who continues to urge us and guide us and give us the strength as we walk,
run, and even stumble along the journey of faith and life. Just as those gathered at Pentecost
first experienced, it is the Holy Spirit who joins us together as a community of faith and
nurtures each individual in service with Christ.
It is by God’s prior initiative that through Christ we experience God’s grace, forgiveness, and
salvation. Before we breathe our first breath or utter our first word, God has already claimed
us as God’s own. As a community of faith, it is through baptism that we are engrafted into
Christ and through the Lord’s Supper that we experience our forgiveness in Christ and are
reminded of the promise of the resurrection.
How can we possibly express our gratitude for the grace, forgiveness, and salvation that God
has offered to us? In worship, we give praise to God, confess our sins, and are nourished by
the Word. Our scriptures, inspired by God, provide a guide for a faithful relationship and a
means for expressing our gratitude to God. Christ taught to love God with all your heart, mind,
and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself - the greatest of the commandments for
expressing our gratitude to God.
Called as Christ’s disciples, we are commissioned as individuals and as his church to continue
Christ’s ministry here on earth. By feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the
naked, and caring for the sick we proclaim the good news as we work to usher in God’s
kingdom here on earth and live into the promise of the resurrection.
42