North Central Presbytery
of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
1623 County Road 2375 E.
Geff IL, 62842
Stated Clerk
Ralph E. Blevins
Phone (618) 854-2494
TO: Ministers, Probationers, and Stated Clerks of Sessions
FROM: Stated Clerk Ralph E. Blevins
RE: Fall Meeting of North Central Presbytery
North Central Presbytery will convene with the GoodProspect CPC congregation inTrilla, ILon Friday, April 6th at 1:30 p.m. local time. Sessions will continue through SaturdayApril 7thto the conclusion of business.
All ministers (except those officially designated as retired) and probationers (candidates and licentiates) are required to be present. All congregations are required to be represented by an elected elder presently serving on the church session. Those who are hindered from attending must send a request to presbytery asking for an excused absence. Those requests should be sent to me at the above address.
Session Clerks, please give these preliminary minutes to your elder representative to presbytery.
Questions may be addressed to me as Stated Clerk. A map, directions, and a listing of lodging near the church are included in the back of this booklet. No homes will be available.
IF YOU RECEIVE THIS AS REGULAR USPS MAIL AND HAVE PRESBYTERY E-MAIL ADDRESS SO WE MAY USE THAT FOR FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS.
REB
Program for
NORTH CENTRAL PRESBYTERY
Synod of the Midwest
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
April 6th - 7th, 2018
Meeting with the Good Prospect CPC, Trilla, IL
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
1:30 pm
Opening WorshipRev. Kevin Small, RetiringModerator
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Order of PresbyteryModerator
Organization of Presbytery
Roll Call (Sign-in Lists)Ralph Blevins, Stated Clerk
Constituting Prayer
Election of Moderator
Election of Vice-Moderator
Adoption of Program
Recognition of Visitors
Recess for Appointment of Committees
Announcement of Committee AppointmentsModerator
CommunicationsStated Clerk
Hearing of Denominational Representatives
Board and Standing Committee reports
Recess for Committee work and evening meal
FRIDAY EVENING
7:00 pm
Call to OrderModerator
Consecration Service CPWM President
SpeakerRev. Lisa Scott
Consecration OfferingTBA
Communion ServiceRev. Kevin Small
***************
Announcements and Adjournment
SATURDAY MORNING
8:30 am
DevotionalTBA
Heritage ReportGood Prospect
Time of RecognitionBoard of Congregation and Pastoral Care
Call to OrderModerator
Roll CallStated Clerk
Reading of minutes to dateRecording Clerk
CommunicationsStated Clerk
Board and Standing Committee reports
Select Committee reports
Other business
Final Reading of the MinutesRecording Clerk
Final Roll CallStated Clerk
Adjournment to meet October 12th, 1:30 p.m. local time with theUnion North CPC, Fairfield, Illinois.
Benediction
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next board meetings will beAugust 25th, 9:00 am local time at Willow Creek.
COMMUNICATIONS
2017 Treasurer's ReportBalance on Hand - January 1, 2017 / $13,295.50
Synodic Budget / $4,383.00
Board of Christian Education. / $23,178.69
Big Kids Kamp / $7,188.24
Jr/Jr High Camp / $12,419.02
Camp Staff Training Event / $132.23
Convocation / $1,400.00
Insurance / $504.00
Medical Expense / $130.37
Misc. Expenses / $427.29
Young Adult Retreat / $977.54
Stated Clerk's Fund / $4,750.00
Office Expense / $550.00
Printing of Minutes / $1,200.00
Stated Clerk / $2,500.00
Stated Clerk's Conference / $500.00
Presbyterial Fund / $28,888.70
Board Mtg. Expense / $2,860.37
Commissioners to GA / $9,575.92
Host Church to Presbytery / $1,200.00
Insurance / $500.00
Memorials / $200.00
Miscellaneous / $191.57
Office Expense / $286.10
Recording Clerk / $600.00
Scholarships / $6,700.00
Travel / $1,274.74
Treasurer / $5,500.00
Board of Pastoral and Congregational Care / $14,023.16
Misc. Expenses / $0.00
Mission Trip Assistance / $3,000.00
Postage / $0.00
Presbyterial Pastor / $10,023.16
Travel to Visit Churches / $0.00
Urbana Delegates / $1,000.00
Board of Ministry / $183.78
Gifts / $0.00
Misc. Expenses / $0.00
Postage / $0.00
Retreat / $23.78
Testing of Candidates / $160.00
Board of Finance / $0.00
Board of Heritage and Witness / $500.00
Historical Foundation / $500.00
Misc. Expenses / $0.00
Postage / $0.00
Board of Nominations / $0.00
Phone Calls / $0.00
Health and LTD Insurance / $14,501.90
Judiciary and Session Records / $0.00
Postage / $0.00
Fund to Assist Pastors/Churches / $0.00
Niner Fund / $0.00
TOTAL EXPENSES / $90,409.23
Apportionments Received / $53,552.64
Transfer from Loan Investment Fund / $30,000.00
Miscellaneous Income / $6,062.57
Urbana / $1,000.00
TOTAL INCOME / $90,615.21
Balance on Hand 12/31/2017 / $13,501.48
INVESTMENT LOAN FUNDS
North Central Presbytery
Balance on 1/1/2017 / $262,888.50
Total Deposits / $0.00
Total Withdrawals / $30,000.00
Interest Earned / $7,566.88
Balance on 12/31/2017 / $240,455.38
Niner Fund
Balance on 1/1/2017 / $1,921.26
Total Deposits / $0.00
Total Withdrawals / $0.00
Interest Earned / $58.44
Balance on 12/31/2017 / $1,979.70
2017 APPORTIONMENT REPORT
Church / 2017 Budget / 2017 Actual
Bethany / $4,507.92 / $4,507.92
Burnt Prairie / $999.28 / $0.00
Campground / $779.84 / $0.00
Casey / $1,323.65 / $1,323.65
Christ / $936.59 / $207.84
Communidad Cristiana / $1,155.81 / $0.00 / Removed/2017
Cumberland Chapel / $483.53 / $500.00
Ebenezer / $2,022.12 / $2,022.12
Elm River / $3,126.84 / $3,126.84
Fairfield / $9,070.31 / $9,025.32
Faith / $1,347.26 / $1,347.26
Fullerton / $1,423.25 / $1,423.25
Georgetown / $1,731.44 / $1,731.44
Good Prospect / $4,741.55 / $4,752.00
Grace / $1,083.31 / $0.00
Knight's Chapel / $1,519.22 / $0.00
Lebanon North / $3,799.46 / $3,799.46
Lebanon (Galatia) / $377.67 / $0.00
Lincoln First / $2,381.38 / $2,381.00
Monroe City / $931.34 / $600.00
Morningside / $4,219.07 / $3,000.00
Mt. Gilead / $1,460.02 / $1,629.16 / #
Mt. Olivet / $1,268.13 / $870.00
New Hope / $1,390.28 / $1,390.28
Pleasant Grove / $930.72 / $730.00
Shiloh / $1,531.96 / $1,531.96
Shinar / $1,567.39 / $1,611.34
Spring Hill / $355.16 / $0.00
Union North / $1,952.99 / $1,956.00
United / $2,924.71 / $0.00
Willow Creek / $4,085.80 / $4,085.80
$65,428.00 / $53,552.64
# Includes some 2016 Apportionment
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CONGREGATIONAL AND PASTORAL CARE
To North Central Presbytery in session at Good Prospect Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Trilla, Illinois on April 6th and 7th, 2018, the Board of Pastoral and Congregational Care submits the following report.
The Board of Pastoral and Congregational Care met on February 24, 2018 at Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Martinsville, Illinois.
Meeting opened with prayer by Norma Moreland.
Officers elected for 2018.
Chairman – Roy Shanks
Secretary – Reverend Lisa Scott
Members present:
Roy Shanks, Stephen Hughes, Norma Moreland
Members excused:
Reverend Lisa Scott, Janice Kennard, Reverend David Parman, Karen Tolen
A quorum was present.
Moderator reports received for the following congregations:
Rev. Ralph Bevins: New Hope, Burnt Prairie
Rev. J.B. Gates: Norris City, Georgetown
Rev. Lisa Scott: Campground, Shiloh, Shinar
Rev. Kevin Small: Pleasant Grove, Good Prospect
Received report from Presbyterial Pastor Rev. Gail Allen. Filled pulpits fourteen times and made one church visit.
Board will continue to stay in contact with inactive pastors.
The Board extends its thanks to our moderating pastors for their continued hours and miles of service to our congregations.
The Board received a request for mission trip assistance from Reverend Jesse Thornton. He will be going to Brazil with the Denomination’s Missions Ministry Team. The Board approved $300.00 in missions trip assistance to Reverend Thornton.
The Board’s Recommendations:
- When our Presbyterial Pastor is not filling a pulpit, he will visit a congregation that is not active in our Presbytery.
- The Board of Pastoral and Congregational Care have a presentation at each Presbytery to honor a pastor who has served the Lord many years and has served within our Presbytery.
Meeting was closed with prayer by Stephen Hughes.
Respectfully submitted the Board of Pastoral and Congregational Care
Report of the Board of Christian Education
The Board of Christian Education met on February 24, 2018 at Willow Creek CP Church in Martinsville, Illinois. The following members were present: Jeff Biggs, Sandra Stence, Sarah Wilhoit, Rhonda Clark, Kathleen Fischer, Colin McDuffee, Pat Kelly. Members not present were: Scott Price & Holton Sandiford (both excused).
Scott Price had related to Jeff Biggs prior to our meeting that he like to step down as chairman of the committee. Motion made and accepted to replace Scott Price with Jeff Biggs as chairman of the Board.
JJHC will be held June 10-15 with staff day on June 9. The theme is "You Matter" (Micah 6:8). Sandra is working on a final staff list. Eber Whitehurst will be the Junior High Speaker again. Eber was well-received by the kids as reflected in the evaluations from last year's camp. Sandra is waiting to hear back from Kristi Lansbury to be the Junior speaker. Juniors will be using a continuation of bible study materials from last year. Sandra is exploring material for the Junior High Kids. Sandra asked that a sentence be added to registration form which will include field trips.
BKK will be held July 29 – August 4. Theme is "Go!" (Matthew 28:19-20) Colin reports the only addition to Staff List at this time will be Avery Stence and Bailey Biggs, kid sitters. He is waiting to hear back from Ben Pertl for confirmation as the speaker. Wes Clark was asked to work on the bible study materials.
Camp fee increase of $15 does not pertain to pre-campers.
It was suggested and agreed that the camp directors can appoint one person to present the Safe Sanctuary policy to the staff at both camps so that the information is consistent.
It was suggested that a member of the Judiciary Committee and Board of Education review Safe Sanctuary Policy on an annual basis so that it is kept up-to-date. Sandra Stence and Kathleen Fischer agree to meet with J.C. McDuffee to review Policy.
Mallory Price and Colton Lash are the General Assembly delegates for the third week in June.
Fairfield will be the host of the first annual combined convocation. The Youth Council should work with Camp Directors, Bert Biggs and Scott Price to coordinate date.
Budget was discussed.
Communication from Nathan Wheeler read and tabled.
The following report on the Young Adult Retreat held October 2017 written and submitted by Debbie Shanks. Report accepted.
2017 Young Adult Retreat
The Young Adult Retreat was held the third weekend in October at Camp Maranatha in Xenia IL. The theme was “Falling In Love”. For the Bible study time, we used the Francis Chan book and video series, “Crazy Love”.
Eber Whitehurst brought the messages for the three worship services, including a service around the bonfire on Saturday night.
During our free time on Saturday afternoon, the guys went to a football game at Greenville College to cheer on Derek Greifzu, who was a senior member of the football team. The gals watched the movie, “Priceless”, while the guys were gone and enjoyed a great time of fellowship.
The annual “Wave Length” competition was a lot of fun (congrats to Holton and Taylor) and then the guys stayed up late on Saturday night to engage in a hotly-contested card game.
The Young Adult Retreat is always a time of restoration, reflection, and relaxation, and a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with one another and, most importantly, with God. There were two new attendees this year and the feedback from the event was very positive.
Thank you for your support of the Young Adult Retreat.
Colin McDuffee closed the meeting with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Wilhoit
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MINISTRY
To North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with Good Prospect Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Trilla, Illinois, April 6-7, 2018.
The Board of Ministry met at Willow Creek CPC on February 24, 2018.
Present: Rev. Kevin Small, Rev. Eduardo Montoya, Victory Moore, Wes Clark, Terry Titus, and Adam McReynolds. Jerry Pataki was absent and excused due to health problems.
Opening prayer was made by Victory Moore.
Board received the psycho-sociological evaluation report for Durant Axton from Light House Counseling Service and back ground report. They were found in satisfactory standing and in compliance with the presbyterial requirements.
The Board met with Licentiate Durant Axton. Chair Kevin Small led the interview. The Board has found Durant fulfilling all requirements for ordination. He has expressed the desire to be ordained at a presbytery meeting. Rev. Small led the Board in prayer for Durant and his wife Carla.
Recommendation 1: That NCP approve ordination of Licentiate Durant Axton with the ordination service to be conducted during this 2018 Spring Presbytery meeting at Good Prospect CPC, in Trilla, IL.
Licentiates Holton Sandiford and Joseph Stephenson were unable to attend due to work and health problems respectably.
The Board, being aware of it’s responsibilities in regard of Adam McReynolds as Lay Leader in Good Prospect congregation, reviewed his current status, as well as a recommendation from Terry Titus, Elder of this congregation. It is the consensus of this Board that Elder McReynolds continues as a Lay Leader of Good Prospect congregation for another year.
In regard of Board’s retreat class / conference, there will be exploratory conversations in this presbytery meeting to hold the retreat at a different date than the regular time for board meetings.
We received requests for certification and recertification of Elders to serve communion:
Recommendation 2: -Recertify Elder Mary Gard and that Elder Dena Gard, after training, be certified for serving communion to the Casey Cumberland Presbytery Church.
Rev. Kevin Small plans to invite their current pastor to participate in the training session, too.
A member from Bethany CPC will be talking to the board later about his calling to ministry.
Prayer requests were made by Victory Moore for GA Ministry Council and for the blogger Ian Sundee’s testimony of faith, and its influence over millions of young people.
Election of Board officials: Chairperson: Adam McReynolds. Vice Chair- Terry Titus, Secretary: Eduardo Montoya
Closing Prayer was made by Adam McReynolds.
Respectfully submitted for the Board of Ministry,
Rev. Eduardo Montoya, Secretary.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FINANCE AND TRUSTEES
To North Central Presbytery in session with Good Prospect CPC, Trilla Il. On April 6-7, 2018. The Board of Finance and Trustees submit the following report.
The Board of Finance and Trustees met at Willow Creek CPC on Feb 24th, 2018 with members present Ron Huffman, Don Findley and Jack Thomas.
Excused were Debbie Shanks, Kevan Stum, Ruth Louder, unexcused were Dan Sager and Glenadean Garrison.
Ron Huffman opened with prayer
The Board reviewed the Treasurer’s Report and noted that the apportionments paid were $11,875.00 short of the budget for 2017.
The financial books of the Stated Clerk and Treasurer were audited and found to be in good condition and correct.
Closing prayer led by Don Findley.
Respectfully submitted, Board of Finance and Trustees.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HERITAGE AND WITNESS
To North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with Good Prospect Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Trilla, Illinois April 6-7, 2018:
The Board of Heritage and Witness met at Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church on February 24, 2018. Gay Thomas, Susan Smith, and Terry Hodge were present.
The meeting opened with prayer by Gay Thomas. The stated clerk informed us that three members present constitute a quorum no matter how many members are on a board. It was noted that the listing of board members in the minutes of presbytery for October, 2017 is incorrect. It listed Gay Thomas, Terry Hodge, Susan Smith, Glenn Austin, and Sara McCawley. It should have listed Gay Thomas, Susan Smith, Mary Gard, Marilyn Tisdale, and Sara McCawley.
New member Terry Hodge was welcomed. Sara McCawley and Marilyn Tisdale request their resignation from the board.
The large notebook with past heritage reports is still missing. It was decided to have the stated clerk send out an email to the congregations in the presbytery in hopes of locating it.
We received Georgetown’s heritage report which was given at the fall 2017 meeting of presbytery. It will be filed and the secretary will send a copy to the Historical Foundation.
Heritage reports scheduled are: Good Prospect-spring 2018 and Shiloh fall-2018. The board will ask the stated clerk for a current list of active congregations to be scheduled for future heritage reports.
Prayer concerns were brought forward for the Tom McReynolds family, Morris and Marjorie Luck, Harley and Debra Huckleby, Della Marie Cox, Todd Long, Abby Dalton, victims of the school shootings, and our country’s leaders.
The minutes were read and on a motion by Gay Thomas and seconded by Terry Hodge, were approved. The meeting was adjourned.
Closing prayer was given by Terry Hodge.
Submitted by Susan Smith, Secretary
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF JUDICIARY AND SESSION RECORDS
To North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with Good Prospect Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Trilla, Illinois April 6-7, 2018:
Board of Judiciary and Session Records met on February 24, 2018, with J. C. McDuffee opening in prayer.
Quorum was met with the presence of members: Gail Allen, J. C. McDuffee, Jedd Tolen, and Kim Wheeler
Members Absent (Excused): Steve Blaum and Dean McReynolds
Motion was made and seconded to elect Officers for 2018:
Chair: J. C. McDuffee, Vice Chair: Gail Allen, Secretary: Kim Wheeler
(Session records scheduled for review at Spring Board meeting: L-Z)
Session records were submitted, reviews completed and accepted from the following churches: Lebanon, Monroe City, Morningside, Mt. Olivet, New Hope, Shiloh, Shinar, and Union North.
Records were not received from the following churches: Lebanon North, Lincoln 1st, Mt. Gilead, Pleasant Grove, Spring Hill, United, and Willow Creek.
No other correspondence was submitted to the Board for review and minutes were reviewed.
Meeting was closed in prayer by Gail Allen.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Wheeler for theBoard of Judiciary and Session Records
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF NOMINATIONS
TheBoardof Nominationsof NorthCentralPresbytery,Synodof theMidwest,ofthe CumberlandPresbyterianChurch metattheWillowCreekCumberlandPresbyterianChurch, Martinsville,IllinoisofFebruary 24,2018.
Meeting openedwithprayerbyJ. B. Gates.
Memberspresent: SteveWinkle,andJ.B.Gates. CarolynAustin was excused.
Rollwastakenbyvisittoeachboard.
Thefollowingrecommendation ispresented:
Recommendation1:Thatthe following namesbeplacedinnomination:
Board of Ministry Dean McReynolds
Board of MinistryJames Messer
Board of Pastoral & Congregation CareJesse Thornton
Board of FinanceVictory Moore
Board of FinanceKevin Small
Board of Heritage & WitnessSamantha McDuffee and Christina Blevins
Board of NominationsHayden McDuffee
We are still looking for volunteers for the Boards of Heritage and Witness and Nominations. If interested in serving please speak up or see Steve Winkle or J. B. Gates.
WeagainaskthateachchurchasktheirmemberstoserveonaBoard. Theattached Information andConsentFormisattached.
WealsoarelookingforpastorandelderdelegatestoGeneral AssemblyandSynodofthe Midwestfortheyear2019. Delegates must be active Elders. Weareacceptingvolunteercongregationstohostthemeetingof PresbyteryinSpringandFallof 2020.