Presbytery of the James ~ 81st Stated Meeting ~ June 19, 2012 ~ Salisbury Presbyterian Church
REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK
PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES
June 19, 2012
I. NOMINATIONS
A. Temporary Clerks Region C: Rev. Cheryl Sumner,
Elder Commissioner, Montrose
Region D: Rev. Joel Morgan, Kenna Payne
B. Courtesy Committee Chester Church
II. COMMUNICATIONS
A. All readers of presbytery minutes for the February 2012, 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 Regions C and D will be asked to read minutes of this meeting.
B. 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:
Covenant Network: Stephen Pfleiderer, Moderator
Clergy and Laity United: Carl Matthews, President
If there are other groups or organizations with leadership and regular meetings, please contact the Stated Clerk to have them included in the listing.
III. COMMISSION REPORTS:
A. THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES
APPOINTED TO INSTALL Rev. Louie V. Andrews, III, as Pastor of Rockfish Church, Nellysford, met Sunday, February 26, 2012, at 9:30 AM at the church. A quorum was present consisting of the following:
MINISTERS: Rev. H. Carson Rhyne, Jr. (POJ), Moderator
Rev. Stephen Brown (POJ), Scripture reading
Rev. Gay Lee Einstein (POJ), Scripture reading
ELDERS: Jane Andrews (Rockfish), Charge to the Congregation
Forrest McKay (Blue Ridge), Prayer of Confession
Ed Nowell (Westminster, Charlottesville), Call to Worship
Sue Fulton (Rockfish), Charge to the Pastor
GUESTS: Rev. Louie V. Andrews, Jr. (HR - Coastal Carolina Presbytery), Preaching
Rev. Dale Dealtrey (Newton Presbytery), Prayer of Installation
Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE BOOK OF ORDER, Louie V. Andrews, III was installed as Pastor, Rockfish Church, Nellysford, VA.
B. THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES
APPOINTED TO ORDAIN Candidate Nathan Royster on behalf of Kiskiminetas Presbytery, to become Pastor of Brookville Church in Brookville, PA, met Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 4:00 PM at Rennie Memorial Church in Amelia. A quorum was present consisting of the following:
MINISTERS: Rev. Joel Morgan (Westminster, Richmond), Prayer of Confession, Assurance of
Pardon, Prayer of Ordination
Rev. Pete Smith (Blackstone), Gospel Reading, Sermon, Charge to the Ordained
Rev. Kay Steele (Concord), Moderator, Constitutional Questions, Declaration of
Ordination, Litany of Gifts
ELDERS: Sandra Austin (Rennie), Presentation of Symbols of Ministry
Jay Griles (Amelia), Thanksgiving for Baptism, Anointing of Candidate
Joyce Medley (Oak Grove), Call to Worship, Congregational Reaffirmation
of Baptism
Robert Warren (Southminster), Prayer of Illumination, Scripture Readings
Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE BOOK OF ORDER (including subscription to Ordination Questions), Rev. Nathaniel Royster was ordained with prayer and the laying on of hands by the Presbytery, on behalf of the Presbytery of Kiskiminetas, as Pastor of Brookville Church, Brookville, PA.
C. THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES
APPOINTED TO INSTALL Rev. Kelle J. Brown as Executive Director, Daughters of Zelophehad, met Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 2:15 PM at All Souls Church. A quorum was present consisting of the following:
MINISTERS: Rev. Jonathan Barton (POJ), Moderator, Statement of Purpose, Constitutional
Questions to the Candidate and those gathered
Rev. Nathan Dell (POJ), Welcome, Prayer of Invocation
Rev. Beverly Bullock (POJ), Sermon, Prayer of Installation, Clerk
ELDERS: Pat Gill Turner (All Souls), Prayer of Confession
Margaret Lucas Jacobs (Ginter Park), Call to Worship, Scripture, Charge to the
Executive Director
Rodger Clark (Forest Hill), Charge to those gathered
GUESTS: Rev. Paula Owens Parker (POJ), Prayers of the People, Prayer of Dedication
Westley Steele (All Souls), Organist
Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE BOOK OF ORDER, Rev. Kelle J. Brown was installed as Executive Director, Daughters of Zelophehad.
D. THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES
APPOINTED TO INSTALL Rev. Joshua Andrzejewski as Chaplain of United Methodist Family Services, Richmond, met on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the UMFS on Broad Street. A quorum was present consisting of the following:
MINISTERS: Rev. Brian Blount. (POJ), Moderator, Questions to the Candidate,
Prayer of Installation
Rev. Carla Pratt Keyes (POJ), Scripture and Sermon
Rev. Cindy Kissel-Ito (POJ), Charge to those assembled
ELDERS: Jim Brashler (Richmond Second), Call to Confession
Beth Elliott (Westminster, Richmond), Affirmation of Faith
Ann Knox (Ginter Park), Welcome and Call to Worship
GUESTS: Rev. Rebecca Weaver (UPSem), Charge to the Candidate
Greg Peters, CEO of UMFS, Questions to those assembled
Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE BOOK of ORDER, Joshua Andrzejewski was installed as Chaplain of United Methodist Family Services, Richmond, VA.
E. Third Presbyterian Church, Petersburg, VA, Administrative Commission Final
Report. The final report of the Administrative Commission is found on pages 4 - 5. There are several recommendations to be considered on page 5.
III. THE STATED CLERK MAKES NO RECOMMENDATIONS.
Consent Docket Instructions
The Consent Docket is for recommendations which appear to be routine…realizing, of course, that “routine” is a judgment call on the part of the persons putting the docket and presbytery packet together.
We are only “voting” any items found on these pages. Other recommendations from Teams and Committees will be considered during the particular Team or Committee report time.
If any person wishes to ask a question, discuss, debate or clarify any matter related to any recommendation on the Consent docket, the person is be recognized by the Moderator, and request that Recommendation “x” be removed. There is no need for a second or for a reason to remove the item from the Consent Docket. Any recommendations removed will be considered as part of that particular Team or Committee’s regular report; hence, the reason for the Consent Docket early in the meeting day.
Once no more items are removed from the Consent Docket, the Moderator will call for a vote (without discussion) to approve all the remaining items on the Consent Docket.
Consent Docket
Presbytery of the James, Stated Meeting #81
Salisbury Presbyterian Church
IV. THE STATED CLERK MAKES THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:
A. That the minutes for the February 18, 2012, stated meeting be approved.
V. COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY MAKES THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
- That the 2011 Member-at-Large Report, 2011 Validated Ministers Report, the 2011 Certified Educators Report, and the 2012 Changes in Terms of Call be approved (see pages 57-62).
- That Rev. David Garth be Honorably Retired as of 5/1/2012
- That Rev. Paula Parker be Honorably Retired as of 1/1/2012
- That Rev. Dixie Brachlow be Honorably Retired as of 6/1/2012
- That Rev. Russ Riter be Honorably Retired as of 7/1/2012
REPORT OF
POJ ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION
FOR
THE DISSOLUTION OF PETERSBURG THIRD PRESBYTERIAN
TO PRESBYTERY OF JAMES
JUNE 19, 2012 MEETING
The commission had its third and final meeting on April 18, 2012.
Background:
Third Presbyterian Church, Petersburg, was begun nearly 100 years ago by members of Second Presbyterian Church, Petersburg. Its purpose was to have a ministry presence in the western part of the City. For years the congregation flourished and eventually built a structure located on Dupuy Road. Over the years, the demographics changed in the area and the congregation, after much prayer and study, made a bold decision to sell the property and seek to relocate in another area. The property was sold and the congregation celebrated its last service in the structure in early 2011. The proceeds from the sale were to be used as a start-up fund for, not only relocating, but to also revitalize in terms of its congregational life. In the meantime Third Petersburg met in the Colonial Heights Library as a temporary location. Toward the middle of last year the congregation decided that the Lord was leading them in a different direction. After much prayer and conversation it was decided that the mission of Third Presbyterian Church, Petersburg, would be best served by being dissolved as a congregation, by taking the proceeds from the property sale and establishing a not for profit corporation named, Petersburg Third Presbyterian Church Endowment, Inc. to be part of the support of the mission and ministry of the Presbytery of the James.
On September 5, 2011, General Presbyter/Stated Clerk, the Rev. H. Carson Rhyne, Jr., wrote a letter to 3 Teaching Elders and 4 Ruling Elders and requested that their names be presented to Presbytery for appointment as an Administrative Commission that would proceed with the closing and dissolution of Third Presbyterian Church, Petersburg. At the October 15 Stated Meeting of the POJ the Administrative Commission was established for that purpose.
The Administrative Commission met three times: October 26, 2011; December 7, 2011; and April 18, 2012 and successfully completed its task as authorized by the presbytery. In order for this to have been accomplished decently and in order, the following actions were taken:
· Successful relocation of the Active Members of Third Presbyterian Church.
Many members made choices, on their own; 21 members were transferred to Petersburg Second Presbyterian Church.
· Received a request from The Rev. Louis Williams to dissolve his pastoral relationship with Petersburg Third Church, along with the concurrence from the congregation, and to request from the COM Member-at-large status, which was subsequently granted.
· Had the finances of the congregation reviewed, which were found to be in excellent condition and order.
· Successful giving of all the properties (Organ, piano, hymnals, etc.) that had to be dispensed with by the time the congregation was officially dissolved.
· The records of session were deemed complete and properly housed with the Historical Society.
· Dissolved Petersburg Third Presbyterian Church effective April 18, 2012, pending a review of their financial records, which were subsequently reviewed on April 23, 2012 and deemed to be in excellent condition and order.
· Recommended a short presentation of recognition of the 98 years of Christian witness of Petersburg Third Church be put on the agenda as part of the Commissions final report to the June 19, 2012 meeting of the Presbytery of the James.
· Requests that the Presbytery of the James dissolve the Petersburg Third Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission as it has completed the tasks and duties commissioned to it by the presbytery at its Stated Meeting, October 15, 2011.
The Moderator wishes to thank the members of the commission for their hard work:
Ruling Elders: Bob Barton, Bob Lawrence, Jennifer Parham, and Wilhemena Hailes;
Teaching Elders: Ron Bullis and Sarah Nave, Secretary.
Respectfully submitted with the Grace and Peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Rev. Daniel E. Hale,
Moderator
REPORT OF THE
COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION TEAM
(C&C TEAM)
Presbytery of the James Meeting, June 19, 2012
(Actions with an * beside them indicates the Team was acting as the Trustees of the Presbytery of the James, Inc.)
The Team Reports this Information:1. Have contacted the Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church to indicate that the Victoria Church is in default of the rental agreement between them and the Presbytery of the James.*
2. Learned that the Statements of Intent for 2012 are on schedule and appear to be the same as 2011 or possibly a little higher….given the economy, this is good news. (See Intents & Budget, pgs. 63-70). Learned that we ended 2011 with $33,812 surplus. General Presbyter will research proposed uses of excess funds which was discussed a couple of years ago.
3. Heard report about a meeting with members of Camp Hanover Purpose Group in which it was clarified about the oversight of certain funds by the Purpose Group and by the Trustees. Also received a capital improvement plan which was developed by the Camp Purpose Group.
4. Referred to the New Church Development Purpose Group the inquiry from New Covenant Church about possibility of selling their property and relocating.
5. Had a discussion about the fiduciary responsibilities of the Trustees in relationship to congregations requesting dismissal from the PCUSA. After discussion, appointed three persons (Mary Baril, Allen Fisher, Ron Bullis) to meet with Brad Davenport concerning consultation on these matters.*
The Team Reports The Following Actions Meeting as a Commission:
1. Approved the lease between Christ Church and Iglesia de Cristo Hispanic Congregation.*
The Team Reports Taking the Following Actions:
1. The Team received a communication from Arvid Van Dyke of the Chaplain Service Prison Ministry of Virginia requesting financial assistance to support the ministry of three chaplains in the juvenile system. After discussion, the Team voted to use $4,000 from the peacemaking offering and $2,000 from the Pentecost offering as a contribution. (In addition, they requested that the Chaplain Service Prison Ministry be in communication with the Mission and Service Team to share the work of that ministry.)
2. Received the report of the Financial Review of the presbytery’s financial records from Cherry Bekaert and Holland. The report was very positive and the Staff Accountant was commended for excellent work on behalf of the presbytery.*
3. In accordance with its fiduciary responsibilities for the Presbytery, the Trustees of Presbytery of the James, Inc., has engaged a consultant to advise it on legal matters that may arise from petitions of congregations desiring to be dismissed from the PC (U.S.A.).*
The Team Places This Action on the Consent Docket for Consideration:
The Team Makes the Following Recommendation(s):1. That the Docket for June 19, 2012, Presbytery meeting be approved.
2. That the Presbytery approve the revised Presbytery Manual (pages10 - 17) so that it is in conformity with the new Form of Government.
3. That the new Balancing of Commissioners to Presbytery plan, beginning in 2013, be approved. (see pages 7 - 9).
4. That Rev. Arch Wallace be elected as Stated Clerk, October – December, 2012 and that Rev. Robert Johnson be Acting General Presbyter October – December, 2012. Salary for Stated Clerk is $1500 per month; for General Presbyter is $1,000 per month. (These actions are recommended because the current General Presbyter/Stated Clerk will be on sabbatical leave.)