3:00PMCall to Order
Moderator Rev. Sue Watkins opened the meeting with prayer.
A quorum was established – the rolls are listed below:
Teaching Elders Present:
Doug BaslerJett BrooksBarlow Buescher
Jeff BurschHeidi CalhounRalph Carr
Kathryn CastleJoan CatheyDebra Cato
Meghan DavisMark DowdyStuart Dugan
Brad EppersonKenneth FinleyRobyn Hogue
Martin IvesDon KellerJames Kim
Tom KirkpatrickStephen KlumpKyung Lee
Samuel LeePeter LittleDan MacDonald
Robert MasciolaCheryl McClanahanKari McFarland
Jim MeadShari Jackson MonsonK. Jo Nivling
Elsa PetersJim ProbertMatt Robbins-Ghormley
Ben RobinsonBill SchachtHarlan Shoop
Kenneth SikesRaymond SmithRhyan Smith
Tammy StampfliGarrett StarmerSteve Starr
Gary StevensAaron StewartElaine Swigart
Keith TanisJim ThoburnSue Watkins
John WilliamsMelody YoungTotal: 50
Ruling Elders Present:
Margo HoodAberdeen, First
Harriet BeachAlder Presbyterian
Linda ProsserChehalis, Westminster
Lou Jean ______Hoquiam, First
Carol Reeve-KellerLakewood
Leslie Craig, Cathy NorbergLakewood, Little Church on the Prairie
Howard Yi, Daniel ReidLakewood, Tacoma Central
Nancy LundquistLongview
Ruth E. MooreMilton, Mission Woods
Sid Olson, Russ RoseOlympia, United Churches
Irene HunterOlympia, Westminster
Rose EricksonOnalaska, Community
Roger IrlePacific Beach, Chapel by the Sea
Arlen DavisonPuyallup, First
Gayle ShenkShepherd of the Hill
Linda GainesTacoma, Bethany
Anne-Cecil PorterTacoma, Church of the Indian Fellowship
Irene Van ArnamTacoma, Fircrest
Marilyn ScottTacoma, Skyline
Ted DeweyTacoma, Westminster
Jessica Reeves-Rush, Marsha Reeves Tenino, First
Bob Lucas, Jim Seely, Greg PubolsUniversity Place
Elders Chairs Standing Committees of the Presbytery or serving on Strategic Board:
Char McMullen, Co-Moderator of CPM
Ginnie Seely, Strategic Board
Eunice Robb, Strategic Board
Jan Leng, Strategic Board
Commissioned Ruling Elders
Joe Hibbard
Jeanni Shofner, HoquiamTotal: 34
Guests:
Guy Warren, Chehalis
Zack Brown, Sound View
Matt Klump, Sound View
Nancy Davison, Puyallup
Julie Johnson, Candidate for Ministry, Pastoral Intern at Lakewood
Rod Nash, Inquirer for Ministry, Staff at Trinity
Wendy Taylor, Candidate for Ministry, Transitional Pastor, Kelso
Jackson Monson
Four first time Ruling Elders were welcomed.
There was a welcome from hosting pastor Rev. James Kim.
The docket was approved
The report of the Stated ClerkKari McFarland was accepted without revision. She reported on the Polity Conference she had been to in Detroit, Michigan and gave a heads up that several overtures are coming to General Assembly this summer related to the definition of Christian Marriage.
Consent agenda – The Consent Agenda was accepted without revision.
Worship: Opening Songs
An Offering was taken to be contributed to mission efforts of Little Church to provide Bibles to an African village with whom they have a mission partnership.
3:20 PMCommission on Ministry (COM)Rev. Jett Brooks
Examination of Wendy Taylor – Wendy read her Statement of Faith that was previously distributed to the body as an attachment to the Docket.
Wendy responded to several questions from Presbyters, providing additional background on her faith journey. She then left the room and after a brief discussion the body voted unanimously in favor of ordination. She was welcomed back to resounding applause and a prayer of thanksgiving.
Upon her successful examination for ordination, the Commission on Ministry of Olympia Presbytery has requested that the Presbytery of the Redwoods form an Administrative Commission for the purpose of ordaining Wendy Taylor as a Teaching Elder on its behalf. The service of Ordination will be at First Presbyterian Church Santa Rosa, CA on Sunday, November 24, 2013, at 4:30 PM.
She serves as the Transitional Pastor of First Presbyterian, Kelso.
Transfer of Keith Tanis to PC(USA) - The Commission on Ministry moved that the five standard ordination exams be waived [see Book of Order, G-2.0505a.(2)] for the Rev. Dr. Keith Tanis, as he completes the transfer process from the Reformed Church of America to the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. as a Teaching Elder. [2/3 vote of Presbytery is needed.]
The Rev. Dr. Tanis left the room and after brief discussion the body voted unanimously to waive the exams. He was welcomed back with applause. He then responded affirmatively to the Ordination questions of the Presbyterian Church USA, and followed with a laying on of hands with a prayer of thanksgiving for Keith by Moderator Watkins.
This transfer of ordination will become finalized and fully effective on January 1, 2014.
3:40 PMNominating Committee
The Nominating Committee recommended the following Ruling and Teaching Elders to Presbytery for election:
Officers of the Presbytery:Rev. Ken Sikes, Moderator, 2014
RE Julie Johnson, Vice-moderator, 2014
Strategic Board:RE Ginnie Seeley, UPPC, 2016
RE Dave Ammons, Westminster-Olympia, 2016
Rev. Gary Mathiesen, SOTH, 2016
Commission on Ministry:Rev. Jett Brooks, HR, 2016
Commission on Preparation for Ministry: RE Lynn Elam, 1st Puyallup, 2016
Rev. Robyn Hogue, Skyline, 2016
Rev. Aaron Stewart, UPPC, 2016
Personnel:Rev. Jeff Bursch, Shelton, 2016
IV POOL:RE Paul Duke, Trinity, 2016
RE Judy Rocquin, Aberdeen, 2016
Rev. Matt Robbins-Ghormley, Trinity, 2016
Rev. Jenny Rake-Marona, Validated Ministry, 2016
Permanent Judicial Committee:Rev. Barlow Buesher, Lakewood, 2019
Rev. Debbie Cato, Validated Ministry, 2017 (4 yr. term)
Synod Commissioners:RE Linda Gaines, Bethany, 2015
Rev. Lynn Longfield, Teaching Elder Alternate, 2015
2014 General Assembly Commissioners: the nominees were not presented at this meeting due to needing to adjust the number of commissioners allowed to reflect the lower membership numbers of the Presbytery. Nominees will be presented at the January 2014 meeting.
After calling for nominations from the floor the slate of officers was unanimously approved.
3:50 PMSound View Board -Rev. Steve Klump introduced Zack Brown who has been theDirector of Sound View and is leaving to pursue a career in law enforcement. Then, Steve offered a prayer of thanks for Zack’s service.
3:55 PMStrategic BoardVice-moderator Sikes
The Strategic Board recommends the following Ruling Elder and Teaching Elder to Presbytery for election:
Nominating Committee:Rev. Sarah Wiles, Bethany, 2015 (2 yr. term)
Rev. Bob Masciola, Onalaska, 2016
RE John Brooks, 1st Puyallup, 2016
After calling for nominations from the floor, the body voted unanimously to approve the nominating committee.
The Strategic Board concurs with the following recommendation of the Transition Team[1]:
The Transition Team recommends that the Presbytery of Olympia switch from a Tillicum Center-based presbytery to a congregation-centered Presbytery.If the Presbytery approves this recommendation, the Strategic Board will refer immediately to the Administrative Board (in addition to other appropriate members) the responsibility of discerning a recommendation from the full range of options for the future of the Tillicum Center.
Several questions came up related to financial and other implications that were responded to by Treasurer Rev. Steve Klump, Rev. Dr. Tanis, Stated Clerk Kari McFarland and others. The motionrecommendation passed unanimously.
4:30 PMPRES Talks – There was a series of 5-minute presentations (with 15 visual slides) as follows:
Rev. Matt Robbins-Ghormley, Trinity“The Urban Church”
Rev. James Kim, Little Church“Show and Tell”
Rev. Dr. Keith Tanis, Executive Presbyter“What If?”
Rev. Ken Sikes, Manitou Park“Stone Soup Food Bank”
Rev. Rhyan Smith, Cornerstone“Why Programs Can Kill Your Church”
5:15 PMTalk Back Sessions – The presentations were followed by discussion opportunities with each presenter leading informal groups in different locations around the Sanctuary.
6:00 PMWorship: Community Prayer & Offering of Gifts
6:15 PMDinner
7:00 PMCommission on Ministry
Rev. Mark Dowdy gave recognition for the service of the Rev. Joan Cathey upon her honorable retirement.The recognition concludes with brief remarks from Joan and applause from presbyters in recognition of her service.
7:10 PMReport from the Executive Presbyter - Rev. Dr. Keith Tanis made brief remarks.
A motion was madeto adjourn at the close of worship.The motion was approvedjoyously.
7:15 PMWorship: Word, Sacrament & Song - Rev. Brad Epperson, preached
8:00 PMThe meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM
Consent Agenda
September 19, 2013 – Lakewood Presbyterian
The Stated Clerkrecommends approvalof the minutes of the September19, 2013 Stated Presbytery meeting as distributed by email.
Commission on the Preparation for Ministry reports the following actions taken on behalf of the Presbytery:
Cook Scholarship Fund
Upon hearing the recommendations from The Cook Scholarship Fund, the CPM unanimously voted to:
Raise the recommended cumulative Cook Fund award ceiling from $15,000 to $18,000 per individual pending available funds.
Grant the following awards from available 2013 Cook Scholarship Funds at this time:
Nicole McKnight (First PC, Puyallup/Dubuque Theological Seminary)$3,000;
Keri McHattie (First PC, Kelso/Dubuque Theological Seminary) $8,300;
Julie Johnson (Westminster, Olympia/Seattle University) $666.
Ministry Preparation
Following conversation, discernment goal setting and prayer, the CPM voted unanimously to:
Continue Keri McHattie as a Candidate under care and that she return for consultation in February of 2014.
Additionally, the CPM voted unanimously that:
When CPM requires counseling as part of the formation process for a person under Olympia Presbytery’s care that the cost shall be split by the individual and CPM (the split to be determined on an individual basis and available resources other than the Cook or Mathes Funds).
And to:
Allocate up to $1,000 to Keri McHattie to defray counseling costs at 1/3 personal contribution and 2/3 Presbytery contribution with the Presbytery’s portion paid directly to the therapist or clinic engaged.
Allocate up to $1,000.00 to Adam Jones (University Place PC) to defray counseling costs at 1/4 personal contribution and 3/4 Presbytery contribution with the Presbytery’s portion paid directly to the therapist or clinic engaged.
On November 12, 2013:
Following conversation, discernment, goal setting and prayer, the CPM voted unanimously to:
Continue Rod Nash (Trinity PC/ Dubuque Theological Seminary) as an Inquirer under care
Continue Su Cobban (University Place PC/ Princeton Theological Seminary) as a Candidate under care
Policy for Inactive Inquirers and Candidates:
CPM also voted unanimously to establish the following procedures for dealing with inaction on the part of an Inquirer or Candidate:
When an Inquirer or Candidate does not respond to repeated attempts by the liaison to make contact via email or phone, the liaison shall request CPM to authorize the Moderator to implement the following steps:
- The Moderator shall call the pastor of the church of care, expressing concern and the consequences of the Inquirer or Candidate’s inaction.
- The Moderator shall write to the Clerk of Session stating CPM’s concern and asking for current contact information.
- Using the best available information, the Moderator will call and/or email the Inquirer or Candidate expressing the consequences of inaction and requesting immediate response. This attempt to contact will happen two times only, being spaced one month apart.
- CPM will authorize the Moderator to request the Stated Clerk of Olympia Presbytery to send a certified letter to the Inquirer or Candidate stating termination of the covenant relationship. The Inquirer or Candidate’s file will be held by the Stated Clerk.
- The Stated Clerk will inform CPM, the pastor and Clerk of Session of this action.
When a Candidate Certified Ready to Receive a Call does not respond to repeated attempts by the liaison to make contact via email or phone, the liaison shall request CPM to authorize the Moderator to implement the following steps:
- The Moderator shall call the pastor of the church of care, expressing concern and the consequences to the Candidate Certified Ready of their inaction.
- The Moderator shall write to the Clerk of Session asking for current contact information.
- Using the best available information, the Moderator will call and/or email the Candidate Certified Ready, expressing concern and the consequences of inaction.
- If contact is successful, the Moderator shall advise the Candidate Certified Ready to become a member of a church where they are and come under care of that Presbytery. At the Presbytery’s request Presbytery of Olympia will transfer them.
- If no contact is made, at CPM’s direction, the Candidate Certified Ready’s file will become archived and a letter will be placed within explaining the reason for the action taken.
- The Stated Clerk will inform the pastor and Clerk of Session of this action.
CPM voted unanimously to:
Authorize the Moderatorsto implement this new policy in relation to:
Inquirer Devin Wolters (Harrison Square PC)
Inquirer George Wallace (Harrison Square PC)
Candidate Sherry Higdon (First PC, Aberdeen)
Candidate Denise Denniston (formerly Toledo PC)
Certified Ready for Call Nicole Reibe (First PC, Kelso)
CPM voted unanimously to:
Transfer Inquirer Curtis White (formerly a member of Urban Grace, Tacoma)upon the request of North Puget Sound Presbytery.
Transfer Certified Ready to Receive a Call, David Avramovich, (formerly a member of Chapel Hill PC, Gig Harbor) upon the request of San Gabriel Presbytery.
In addition to these actions, the Commission on the Preparation for Ministry joyfully reports that the following persons under our care have been ordained as Teaching Elders in the Presbyterian Church(USA) in 2013: Luke Crook, Shari Jackson Monson, Nick Marlatt, Christopher Scott and Aaron Stewart.
Commission on Ministry reports the following actions taken on behalf of the Presbytery:
Membership Changes
Approved Certified Candidate Wendy Taylor(San Gabriel Presbytery) to serve as Transitional Pastor at Kelso, and to seek ordination to this call pending examination of Presbytery (terms of call below).
Approved honorable retirement of Rev. Joan Cathey effective October 1, 2013.
Approved honorable retirement of Rev. Steve Klump effective December 31, 2013.
Commissioned Anne-Cecil Baer Porter, Candidate Ready to Receive a Call and Ruling Elder, to administer the sacraments as a Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) at Church of the Indian Fellowship.
Continued to endorse Kollin Hogan as a Hospice Chaplain commissioned by Trinity (Tacoma).
Validated Rev. Heidi Calhoun’s ministry as Interim Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Federal Way. Responsibilities include preaching, celebration of the sacraments, pastoral care and transitional work to prepare for permanent pastor.Starting date: November 1, 2013.
Granted temporary membership of Presbytery, with voice and vote, to Rev. Gary Stevens (Christian Reformed Church) while he labors within the bounds of Olympia Presbytery as the Transitional Pastor at Harrison Square (Centralia).
Interviewed and approved Rev. Ben Robinson’s request to transfer his membership from Presbytery of Inland Northwest, and to validate his ministry as Pastor of Urban Grace, Tacoma.
Interviewed and approved Rev. K. Jo Nivling’s request to transfer her membership from the Presbytery of San Gabriel, and to validate her ministry as Chaplain at St. Anthony’s (Gig Harbor).
Terms of Call
Approved Rev. Rhyan Smith’s terms of call for Cornerstone (Olympia): ¾ time; Housing: $45,840; Salary: $31,200; Auto: $1,500: Continuing Ed: $1,000; Professional Expenses: $600; Books: $400; 4 weeks of vacation; 2 weeks study leave; Board of Pensions dues.
Approved Wendy Taylor to serve as Transitional Pastor at Kelso: half-time (October 14, 2013-October 13, 2014): Salary: $12,800; Housing: $22,000; medical insurance: up to $496/monthly; Professional Expenses: $500; Auto/mileage allowance: $700; Study/books: $500; 2 weeks vacation accrued; 1 week study leave accrued; Moving costs: $300.
Approved Rev. Tammy Stampfli at the Temporary Pastor at South Beach: half-time (September 17, 2013 –March 16, 2014), subject to extension; Salary: $1,770 per month, (based on $21,250 annually, but stipulated that any raise in the Presbytery minimum in January would be factored in at the time the change is effective); Car Expense: $600 per month; Medical Insurance: $160 per month; Professional Expenses: $50 per month; Study Leave: One week; Vacation: Two Weeks.
Requests to begin the Discernment Process:
The following congregations have expressed the desire to enter into Dismissal Process (as guided by the DGLT): Tacoma Central (Lakewood), HANA (Olympia), Korean United (Tacoma).
COM approved the creation of a joint Discernment Team to begin this process (members to be named and approved at January Presbytery meeting).
Other COM Actions:
Dispersed ministry support grants to the following pastoral leaders:
- Rev. Gary Mathieson, Shepherd of the Hill (Puyallup): Leadership training retreat for SOTH congregational leaders.
- Rev. Rhyan Smith, Cornerstone (Olympia):Continuing education.
- Rev. Debra Cato, Associated Ministries (Tacoma): Continuing education.
- Rev. Peter Little, Buckley Community: Continuing education.
- Rev. Keonwha Kim, Franciscan Health Chaplain: Continuing education.
- Rev. Matt Robbins-Ghormley, Trinity (Tacoma): Executive coaching.
1 Minutes of the Stated Meeting 11.21.13
[1] Transition Team Members: Keith Tanis (EP), Kari McFarland (Stated Clerk), Steve Klump (Treasurer), Sue Watkins (Moderator), Ken Sikes (Vice-moderator), Ruth Moore (Chair of Personnel), Robyn Hogue (Co-Moderator of CPM), Char McMullen (Co-Moderator of CPM), Sarah Wiles (Moderator of COM), Mary McGonigal (At-Large) and Rose Erickson (At-Large).