76th STATED MEETING ~ PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES ~ OCTOBER 16, 2010 ~ SECTION III
NECROLOGY ~ 2009-2010
ELDERS
AMPTHILL / Wilson Abbott YagerBETHLEHEM / Willie Tucker Hunley
BLUE RIDGE / Charles Randolph Chapman
BON AIR / Mary Louida Brand
BRANDERMILL / S. John Davis
CAMPBELL MEMORIAL / Weeks Hill, John Hill
COLONIAL HEIGHTS / Marianne Saunders
CHARLOTTESVILLE FIRST / Arthur Frederick Stocker, Wallace Willard McDowell
FAIRFIELD / John Fraysse
FIRST CHASE CITY / Kathryne B. Routt
FIRST HOPEWELL / Marie Groom
FREDERICKSBURG / Charles Franklin
GINTER PARK / Gwyndolyn Ward Keil, Archibald Benson. William E. Phipps,
Roland Rackett, Estelle McCarthy, Dan Bedsole
GORDONSVILLE / Juno G. Bruce, Jack Merritt
KIRK O’ CLIFF / Otto R. King
LAKESIDE / Edna Ruth McFarland Fleming
MECHANICSVILLE / Owen W. Matthews, Jr.
MITCHELLS / Betty Throssell, Barbara Gilmore
MONTROSE / Charles F. Rosemond, Jr.
NEW COVENANT / Elizabeth Richards, Paul Jacobi
NEW HANOVER / Gladys Overbey
OLIVET / John Fisher Wright, Iva Davis Morris
ORANGE / Earle Breeden, Barbara Packard
PETERSBURG SECOND / Robert B. Small
PINE GROVE / Lucy Tinsley
PROVIDENCE POWHATAN / William Youngblood
RICHMOND FIRST / Malcolm R. Dixon, Jr., Gay Montague Jewett, Joseph Ashby Jennings
RICHMOND SECOND / Mary Francis Buchanan Flowers, Kelly Hollabaugh Bartges
RIVER ROAD / Walter J. Curtis, Joseph L.McCoy, Floyd L. Mitchell
Clifton M. Bachtell, Jr., John F. Butterworth, III
ROCKFISH / David Carr, Elaine Venn
ST. ANDREWS / John Dorsey
ST. GILES / Elizabeth Young
SCOTTSVILLE / James Brown
SOUTH HILL / Jean Anderson Jessup
SPOTSYLVANIA / Robert B. Small
TAPPAHNNOCK / Gordon Keller
THYNE MEMORIAL / Samuel Chambers, Sr.
TRINITY / Nancy Coen
TUCKAHOE / Chester Starkey
WADDELL / Rixey Redmond
WESTMINSTER CHARLOTTESVILLE / Lillian Wilson
MINISTER
William R. Long, Sr.
REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK
PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES
October 16, 2010
I.NOMINATIONS
A.Temporary ClerksDistrict 7:______
District 8:______
District 9:______
B.Courtesy Committee
II.COMMUNICATIONS
- All readers of presbytery minutes for the June, 2010 Stated Meeting
have given approval. Copies are at the Stated Clerk’s desk or will be e-mailed to people who request them. Commissioners from Districts 1, 23 will be asked to read minutes of this meeting.
- The Stated Clerk is maintaining a list of program groups, affinity groups, or
special interest groups in the presbytery. To date, the Stated Clerk is aware of these groups or organizations:
Presbyterian Women: Evalyn Page, Moderator
Presbyterian Men: Stan Huie, Moderator
Black Caucus: Joseph Young, Moderator
Covenant Network: Stephen Pfleiderer, Moderator
Youth Council: Suzanne Huffine, Moderator; Erin Davidson,
Coordinator, Todd Davidson, Vice-Coordinator.
Clergy and Laity United: Carl Matthews, President,
If there are other groups or organizations with leadership and regular meetings,
pleasecontact the Stated Clerk to have them included in the listing.
- The Stated Clerk has provided a document on the POJ website, “PRO/CON on
Proposed Amendments to the PCUSA Constitution.” It is intended as a resource for Commissioners in their preparation for this meeting. The link is
- Three educational offerings will be provided as preparation for consideration of the
New Form of Government which will be voted on at the February, 2011, presbytery meeting. Dates, locations, and times are as follows:
October 24, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PMMilford Church
November 14, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PMPryor Memorial Church
December 5, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PM, Louisa Church
No prior registration is required. Copies of the New Form of Government will be available at the registration desk at the October Presbytery meeting.
III.COMMISSION REPORTS:
- THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES APPOINTED TO INSTALL Rev. Andrew M. Meyers as Pastor, Laurel Church, Glen Allen, VA., met on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 3:30 PM at the Laurel Church. A quorum was present consisting of the following:
MINISTERS:Rev. Beverly Bullock (POJ), Statement of Purpose
Rev. Janet James (Gayton Kirk), Prayer of Installation
Rev. Dick Mahlmann (Lakeside), Charge to the Pastor
ELDERS: Peter Ro (Lord Jesus Korean), Moderator, Constitutional Questions to the Candidate, Constitutional Questions to the Congregation, Declaration of Installation
Gladys Chamberlayne (Laurel), Clerk of the Commission
Bill Brownfield (Three Chopt), Charge to the Congregation
Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE BOOK OF ORDER, Andrew Meyers was installed as Pastor, Laurel Church, Glen Allen, VA.
- THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES APPOINTED TO INSTALL Rev. Edward Satterfield as Associate Pastor, Richmond Third Church, Richmond, met on Sunday, August 15, 2010, at 3:30 PM at Colonial Heights Church. A quorum was present consisting of the following:
MINISTERS:Rev. Steve Hartman (Third Richmond), Moderator, Constitutional Questions to the Pastor, Constitutional Questions to the Congregation
Rev. Fakhri Yacoub (Christian Arabic)
Rev. David Knupp (Swift Creek), Charge to the Congregation
Rev. Mary Kay Collins
ELDERS:James Fields (Third Richmond), Charge to the Pastor
Leigh Anne Ring (Swift Creek)
Betty Stuber ( Westminster)
GUEST:Eunice McGarrahan (National Capital), Sermon
Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE BOOK OF ORDER, Edward Satterfield was installed as Associate Pastor, Third Church, Richmond, VA.
- THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES APPOINTED TO INSTALL Rev. Glenda Hollingshead as Pastor, Colonial Heights Church, Colonial Heights, VA., met on Sunday, September 26, 2010, at 10:30 AM at Colonial Heights Church. A quorum was present consisting of the following:
MINISTERS:Rev. Sylvester Bullock (Greenwood), Moderator, Constitutional Questions to the Pastor.
Rev. Tom Lowman (POJ)Prayer of Installation
Rev. Beverly Bullock (POJ), Charge to the Pastor
ELDERS:Alice Todd (Chester), Charge to the Congregation
Sharon Lawrence (Colonial Heights)Clerk, Constitutional Questions to Congregation
Cathy Stutz ( Covenant) Call to Worship
GUEST:Rachel Crumley (Shenandoah), Sermon
Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE BOOK OF ORDER, Glenda Hollingshead was installed as Pastor, Colonial Heights Church, Colonial Heights, VA.
IV.REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE 219TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
These reports are found at the end of this report.
V.CONSENT DOCKET RECOMMENDATIONS:
- That the minutes for the June 15, 2010, stated meeting be approved.
V.THE STATED CLERK MAKES NO RECOMMENDATIONS.
REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE
219TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)
Bob Andrews, Elder Commissioner, Christ Presbyterian Church:
Leading up to GA a big concern of mine was that the General Assembly of the PCUSA and similar assemblies of other denominations are often viewed as a place where church members fight over issues, which conveys a poor witness to the world for the Body of Christ. I have been an observer in some fashion at six GAs and something that has stuck in my memory was the observation of a young student I encountered from Idaho who came to observe the GA in Long Beach, CA. She said, “I knew that it would be political but certainly did not believe it would be this political.” In John 13:34 Jesus said, “all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” So my prayer going into this year’s GA was that in response to Christ’s love for us we could love one another in spite of differences. I felt that prayer was answered to a large degree.
The first business of the GA was the election of the moderator. All six of the candidates for moderator helped set a tone of unity even though each was effectively competing for the same position.
I served on the Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee consisting of 50+ people. Initially we spent time getting to know each other the first day before we engaged in any business. There was an emphasis on what we had in common and not on our differences. All of the discussions for this committee were amicable.
During the plenary session when all commissioners met to take action on the items from the committees the eight of us from the Presbytery of the James sat together. I was proud to be a part of this group who had a common commitment to being about the work of Christ in the PCUSA. I am sure that none of us were completely happy with all actions taken by this General Assembly, but I was pleased with the process and the way business was conducted. At several crucial times we paused for silent prayer. We were also asked to get together in groups of two or three to pray at the start of several sessions. This
placed an emphasis on being about the Lord’s business and not about our own personal agendas.
I am thankful for the opportunity to go and came away more encouraged about the future of the PCUSA.
Carroll A. Londoner, Minister Commissioner:
After a particularly bitter fight in the early colonial days between various Presbyterian groups, four synods joined forces to form the first General Assembly that was convened on May 21, 1789 in Philadelphia. From that GA came our first Form of Government with its eight historic principles that govern the denomination. Principle 5 acknowledges that we often may hold different views on theological issues and matters of faith and practice, Nevertheless, that principle (G-1.0305) stressed the important fact that the “duty both of private Christians and societies [was] to exercise mutual forbearance toward each other.”
After some 48 years of ordained ministry in our denomination participating in all levels of our governing bodies, I was greatly pleased to see this particular General Assembly work very hard to “have mutual forbearance toward each other.” From the moment we met in our first plenary session with prayer and thanksgiving for all commissioners; to our election of a competent and gracious moderator among six highly competent candidates; to her handling of very delicate matters with good humor and very limited appeal to parliamentary procedures; to our ecumenical and denominational worship services, and especially in our various work committees, “mutual forbearance” and esteem for one another was evident. Many of the issues we struggled with had champions on both sides. The debates were challenging but not denigrating; passionate but not passionless toward others; and strong convictions abounded throughout the plenary meetings. A number of commissioners rose to offer reconciling options to opposing sides, which often helped us over seemingly impassible pathways. A number of theological issues of faith and practice are to be referred to the Presbyteries for their perusal and votes on adoption or non-adoption of the issues. Truly, from my personal perspective, the Holy Spirit was at work in a powerful way.
I was privileged to work on Committee #14 that considered the Peacemaking Opportunities between Israelis and Palestinians. We were presented information and data regarding the horrific problems of Palestinian Christians and Muslims as they interfaced with the policies of the Israeli government regarding the West Bank, Gaza and other non-Jewish parts of the Holy Land. I learned that less than 1% of today’s Palestinians are part of the ancient and historic Christian faith groups established by early Christian missionaries. That is down from a high of some 19% some years ago. Various Israeli governmental policies are systematically decimating the ancient Christian population.
I have always been a pro Israeli supporter since I first saw the establishment of a Jewish homeland in 1948 by United Nations fiat. I still am a very strong supporter of the Israeli right to live and be secure within the boundaries established by the UN. However, I am now equally a supporter of all Palestinians’ right to also live peacefully and be secure within their own UN established borders. I was astounded and gratefully pleased that our Committee worked to establish a “two-state” policy of peacekeeping in the Holy Land wherein both Israelis and Palestinians can and should work together for mutual peace, security, and hold “a mutual forbearance” toward each other. Rather than champion one side or the other, we worked hard to uphold both side’s right to exist and coexist peacefully in the Holy Land. The General Assembly adopted our committee’s recommendation and we are most grateful.
Bill Scott, Elder Commissioner, All Souls Church:
I was privileged to work on Committee #12, Marriage and Civil Unions, that was to consider the proposed amendment to our Book of Order. We were presented information and data regarding problems within our denomination calling for changes regarding the definition of Christian Marriage and Civil Unions.
I have always been a strong believer in Christian Marriage. I am still a strong supporter of these ideas. When we came together as a committee, our job was cut out for us. Never have I seen a group of people come together or take on this task. The gentleness of everyone, people who had never been in the same room were genuinely concerned about one another, the respect that we had for each other. Our chairperson Rick Nutt, vice-chairperson Karla Doneils, and our parliamentarian Carson Rhyne did outstanding work in keeping us intact.
I truly believe that if everyone could go to GA there would be a better understanding of what we do. God has truly blessed me to be able to say thank you. The trip was a joy; even though there was not a lot of free time, I will always serve my Presbytery of the James in whatever capacity they need.
Mary Hutcheson Johns, Minister Commissioner:
It was a real privilege to serve as a minister commissioner from the POJ to the 219th General Assembly. The theme for this assembly was John 7:38, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” Our worship and our work were firmly set in the context of God’s promise of the presence and power of the Spirit through baptism into Christ. We saw, heard, and celebrated in liturgy and song God’s graceful promises claimed and confirmed in baptism.
I served as one of the members of Committee 13, Peacemaking and International Issues. We attempted to be faithful disciples of the Prince of Peace as we responded to overtures related to protecting religious minorities around the world and to crises in Haiti, Afghanistan, the Sudan, Colombia, the Korean peninsula, Honduras, and Madagascar. In addition to addressing current issues, we recommended to the Assembly a broadly participatory study to consider new thinking and approaches to peacemaking and nonviolence in the future. The multi-year study will be led by a five member steering team to be appointed by the GA Mission Council. The Assembly approved the study and directed the steering team to seek participation from various constituencies of the church concerned with peacemaking and to ask the whole church to engage in a study on peace and justice.
I experienced God’s graceful presence in our midst through daily worship, special event gatherings, inspiring speakers, well-trained committee leaders and resource persons, a spirit of mutual forbearance and humility expressed in respectful and honest discernment and deliberations, the Riverside Conversations prior to the beginning of the GA, shared prayer and fellowship with my co-commissioners, the contributions of our youth and young adult delegates, greetings/prayers from ecumenical/interfaith partners, our gifted moderator, vice-moderator, and stated clerk, and the wonderful hospitality of the Presbyteries of the Twin Cities Area, of Minnesota Valleys, and of Northern Waters.
Tim Williams, Elder Commissioner, Chester, Church:
From July 2nd to July 10th in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I was honored and privileged to serve as an Elder Commissioner from the Presbytery of the James to the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The scriptural message for our assembly was from John 7:38 - “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water”. During the opening worship on Sunday, we gathered around the baptismal font with hopeful expectation of what God’s Spirit would do in and through us as we sought to discern the spirit of Christ for the PC (USA). This worship service was very moving and reflected the power of the Holy Spirit through baptism into Christ. Although the service lasted over two hours I was ready for more. The sermon message of The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator of the 218th General Assembly, resonated with me throughout the week.
Our first action, on Saturday evening, was to elect our Moderator for the 219th General Assembly. After 4 ballots and some interesting events with our wireless voting devices, the Assembly elected Elder Cynthia Bolbach from the National Capital Presbytery. A lawyer, she was the only elder commissioner of the 6 candidates. The Moderator brought a sense of quiet firmness, openness, and humor to the Assembly – she did a terrific job and will continue to do so for her next 2 years as Moderator
I served as one of the members of Committee 9, Mission Coordination. Our two and one half days of intensive meetings focused on 20 overtures relating to the mission work of our denomination and focused primarily on the work of the General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC) – it took several days for me to get GMAC out of my head. Notably, we elected Linda B. Valentine (confirmed by the assembly) to a second 4 year term as Executive Director of GAMC. The committee also affirmed overtures to reestablish the Office of Collegiate Ministries as a vital part of ministry and mission and to continue to support Young Adults in Mission and Leadership Development in the PC (USA). Additionally, the committee renewed the Covenant between Presbyterian Women and the GAMC. Each of these overtures was approved by the Assembly. Our actions clearly reflected that mission work with young adults is important to the life of our denomination.