Minutes of Presbytery Meeting

PRESBYTERY OF SACRAMENTO
Stated Meeting of the Presbytery
First Presbyterian Church, Roseville, CA
Tuesday, May 13, 2003

Roll Call: P=Present; Ex=Excused; A=Absent

OTHER CLERGY PRESENT: Warren Barnes, David Carroll, William Chalmers (HR), James Clark (HR)/Truckee, Larry Huggett (HR), David Huusko, Timothy Little, Easton Long (HR), Dexter McNamara, Robert Meyer (HR), Hugh Nelson (HR), Roger J. Newquist, Lydia Richards, Katherine Schwan, Elizabeth Shaw, James Upshaw (HR), Richard Wylie (HR) / Parish Associate-Fremont P.C., Lynne Vandercook.

OTHER CLERGY EXCUSED: Clifford Baker (HR); Patty Bourne, Chaplain; Robert Browne (HR); Barry Cavaghan; John Chendo (HR); Pong Eun Chung (HR); Robert Clapham (HR); Dale Cooper (HR); Charles Crawford (HR); Ernest Cubbon (HR)/Colorado; Clair Denman (HR); E. Bruce Ellithorpe (HR); Dina Gardner, SFTS; Clifford Graves; Harvey Harper (HR); Wayne 'Chris' Hartmier (HR); George 'Skip' Herbert PC(USA) Foundation; Bruce Heiple (HR)/San Jose; Joreen Jarrell (HR); Zai-Doo Kim (HR); Sue King (HR); William King (HR); Dou Sub Lee (HR); Arnold Leverenz (HR); Walter Link (HR); Maurice Marcus (HR); Kazuo Masuno (HR); Joseph Matthews (HR); Augustus Noland (HR); Wesley Nordman; Judy O'Neill, Director-Interfaith Counseling/PA-Davis; John Robinson (HR); Peter Sabey (HR); Sharon Sauer, At-Large/Louisville; Daniel Schwan; Robert B. Scott (HR); Mary Shearly (HR); Ronald Smith (HR); Thomas Smith, At-Large; Ronald Soucy (HR); Sarah Stephens, At-Large/Switzerland; H. Winnfield Stevens (HR); William Stevens, At-Large/Scotland; Robert Stevenson (HR); Noble Streeter (HR); Jerry Tabler (HR); Jerry Taylor (HR); J. Ray Thompson (HR); Ernest Tuftt (HR); Gregory Tyree, Army Chaplain/Maryland; Donna Waterman, Chaplain; Ian Young (HR); James Zeek (HR).

OTHER CLERGY ABSENT: David Baker, Helen Jackson, Peter Maier, Stephen McDougall, Daniel Prout, Thomas Sisterson, Calvin Stevens, Nancy Symons, Greg Vacca, David Williams, James Zazzera.

VOTING COUNCIL ELDERS PRESENT: John Peirce, Moderator; Marie Segur, Treasurer; Sally Hinchman, General Presbyter for Ministry; Elizabeth Groelle, Stated Clerk; Kathy Trott, At-Large (Woodland P.C.)

SIERRA MISSION PARTNERSHIP STAFF: Lynn Shultz, Director of Educational Ministries; Rev. Byron Nelson, Associate for Mission Support (Stockton Presbytery); Rev. Jack Schutte, Associate for Congregational Supper (Nevada Presbytery).

OTHERS: Leola Davies, Recording Clerk; Jan Stone, Fair Oaks; David Bush, Inquirer-Princeton Seminary; John Simpson; Mary Simpson; Susan Hill, GA Commissioner, Marysville; Janet Arunyakasem, PW Presbytery Moderator; Florence Holman; Carolyn Bush, Hunger Action Enabler; Joe Harrop, GA Commissioner, Red Bluff; Hazel Angell; Howard Crowley; Elsie Tufts; Dorothy Huggett; Roy O’Neal; Elder Julie Battenfield, Roseville.

Call to Order -- Moderator John Peirce

Moderator Peirce called the meeting to order at 2:16 p.m. with a quorum present in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Roseville. The opening prayer was given by Moderator Peirce.

Host pastor the Rev. James Barstow welcomed the Presbytery to Roseville. He gave a brief account of the growth in breadth and depth that has occurred in this church, striving to be a mission outpost in the community. They currently have three services of worship, each a different style, and may add a fourth one soon. 90% of the members are in attendance on Sunday mornings.

Seating of Corresponding Members: The Rev. Jack Schutte, was seated as a new member of the SMP Staff, Nevada Presbytery; Byron Nelson, SMP Staff, Stockton Presbytery; Bryce Little,HR, San Gabriel Presbytery; Joy Dorf,HR, Redwoods Presbytery.
Presbytery VOTED to seat the Corresponding Members.

Introductions: First Time Commissioners were welcomed from the following churches: Carmichael, St. Stephen’s, Westminster, Cordova, Davis, Peace, and Trinity, W. Sacto.

Business of the Presbytery

Consent Agenda:

The Stated Clerk requests that Presbytery:

1. Approve the minutes of the Presbytery meeting of February 22, 2003.
2. Approve the minutes of the special called Presbytery meeting of April 11, 2003.
3. Approve the docket for this meeting.
4. Continue to grant authority to the Committee on Ministry to perform the actions listed in the Book of Order (G-11.0502h) on its behalf, with the provision that all such actions are reported to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery. (G-9.0403)
5. Continue to grant authority to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry to perform the actions listed in the Book of Order (G-11.0103v) on its behalf, with the provision that all such actions are reported to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery. (G-9.0403)
6. Accept the report of the 2003 Terms of Call for Called Pastors. (included in packet)
7. Approve the following ordination commission for Jeffrey B. Ogden, pending his examination by the Presbytery of Stockton at its stated meeting on June 7, 2003. Jeffrey has been called as pastor of the Orestimba PC in Newman, CA. The ordination will take place at Fremont PC, Sacramento, June 29, 2003 at 4 p.m.
   Members of the commission are:

   Elder Sally Hinchman, Moderator’s designee
   Elder Alice Montgomery, First PC, Redding
   Elder Bruce Ogden, Fremont PC, Sacramento
   Rev. Nick Sorani, Gridley PC
   Rev. Donald Baird, Fremont PC, Sacramento

The Committee on Ministry requests that Presbytery approve the following actions taken on it’s behalf since the February 22, 2003 Presbytery meeting:

1. The transfer of the following non-parish clergy to the inactive membership list: Stephen McDougall, Cal Stevens, David Baker and Greg Vacca.
2. The change in status of the Rev. Nancy Symons to Service Beyond the Jurisdiction of the Church. She has taken a position as chaplain with Partners in Care in El Dorado County.
3. The approval of the Temporary Supply contract extension between the Rev. Dr. Pamela McNally Anderson and Countryside Community Church, Esparto, through June, 2003.
4. The approval of the contract between First PC, Corning and Elder Howard Sanborn, for Preaching and Pastoral Care. Annual Salary, $23,040 pro-rate to 1/2 time. This includes payment for his current health insurance in lieu of Board of Pensions contributions.
5. The approval of the request for the Rev. Larry Ballinger to labor within the bounds of Sacramento Presbytery, June 8 - July 20. 2003 at Vacaville Covenant Community Church while the Rev. John Moser is on sabbatical leave.
6. The approval of the Rev. Roger Newquist to serve as Parish Associate for the Presbyterian Church of Fair Oaks.
   The Presbytery VOTED to approve all items on the Consent Agenda.

Committee on Preparation for Ministry -- Stan Henderson
INFORMATION ITEMS:

1. Yubang Lee has been certified as ready to receive a call.
2. Cheryl Finch was received as an Inquirer on January 8, 2003.
   

ACTION ITEMS:

1. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry RECOMMENDS that Presbytery receive David Bush as a Candidate for the office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament. He has been endorsed by the session of Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church, Chico. His Statement of Call is included in the Packet.
   David addressed the Presbytery in regard to his Call and answered questions. He was excused from the room for further discussion.
   The Presbytery VOTED to accept David Bush as a Candidate for the office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament.
   David was welcomed back to the room.
   
2. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry RECOMMENDS that Presbytery receive Mark Studer as a Candidate for the office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament. He has been endorsed by the session of Carmichael Presbyterian Church. His Statement of Call is in the Packet.
   Mark addressed the Presbytery in regard to his Call and reviewed his previous work at the Carmichael PC. He answered questions asked of him before being excused from the room.
   The Presbytery VOTED to accept Mark Studer as a Candidate for the office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament.
   Mark was welcomed back to the room.
   
   • The Moderator invited the Congregational members and friends of both David and Mark to come forward to stand with them at this time. Moderator Peirce asked the CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS of each of these candidates. All answers were affirmative. Carmichael Pastor Keith DeVries gave the CHARGE to continue to enjoy seminary; never lose sight of your relationship with Christ; and continue to exhibit the grace of Jesus Christ in your relationship with others and with yourself. The Rev. Greg Cootsona gave the prayer.

Committee on Ministry -- Tom Tripp
ACTION ITEMS:

1. The Rev. James P. Jensen has been called to serve as Interim Pastor of Community PC, Vacaville. His Statement of Faith is included in the packet. He comes from the Presbytery of Olympia. The Committee on Ministry RECOMMENDS that Presbytery APPROVE THE TRANSFER of the Rev. James Jensen to serve as Interim Pastor of Community PC Vacaville and to ENROLL him as a member of the Sacramento Presbytery.
   Terms of Contract for 1 year, beginning May 1, 2003:
   
   

   Salary	$32,901.29
   Housing	$33,644.00
   Full Pension and Medical
   Study Leave	2 weeks
   Vacation	30 days
   Moving expenses to include transport of fifth wheel home, gas, food and lodging while in transit.
   Five days per quarter to perform home maintenance at primary home in Florence, Montana.
   Meets AAEEO Guidelines

   
   The Presbytery VOTED to approve the transfer of the Rev. James Jensen to serve as Interim Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church, Vacaville and enroll him as a member of the Presbytery of Sacramento.
   
2. The Rev. Brian Spangler has been called to serve as Pastor of Peace PC, Elk Grove effective July 1, 2003. His Statement of Faith is included in the packet. He will be coming from First PC, Del Rio, Texas, he has roots in the East Bay and is a graduate of UC Davis. He will not be present today. The Committee on Ministry RECOMMENDS that Presbytery:
   
   a. APPROVE the call of the Rev. Brian Spangler to serve as Pastor of Peace PC, Elk Grove, effective July 1, 2003, and ENROLL him as member of Sacramento Presbytery pending his appearance before this body at the September 26/27th meeting.
   
   b. APPROVE the Terms of Call:
   
   

   Salary	$24,000.00
   Housing	$24,000.00
   Car Allowance	1,700
   Study Leave Time	2 weeks
   Study Leave Allowance	$1,000
   Vacation	4 weeks
   Full Pension and Medical
   Moving expenses:	cost of professional movers, packing materials, gas for 2 cars from Del Rio to Elk Grove, lodging (up to $110 per night) and meals (up to $40 per day for adults and $20 per day for child) for 3 to 5 days.
   Paternity Leave:	Two Sundays off for birth of next child.
   Library/Book expenses:	Already in church’s budget; to be used for personal books as well as building up the church’s library.
   Meets AAEEO Guidelines

   
   
   c. DISMISS with THANKS the Rev. Richard Hutchinson from the position of Interim Pastor at Peace PC, Elk Grove, effective June 30. 2003.
   The Presbytery VOTED to approve the recommendations of the Committee on Ministry regarding the Rev. Brian Spangler’s Call to Peace Presbyterian Church, Elk Grove effective July 1, 2003.
   
3. The Committee on Ministry RECOMMENDS that the Rev. Joy Dorf, HR be received as a member of the Sacramento Presbytery, transferring from the Presbytery of the Redwoods. Joy is a former member of this presbytery. Her Statement of Faith is in the packet.
   The Presbytery VOTED to receive the Rev. Joy Dorf, HR, as a member of the Presbytery of Sacramento.
   
4. The Committee on Ministry RECOMMENDS to Presbytery that the Rev. Bryce Little, HR, be received as a member of the Sacramento Presbytery, transferring from the Presbytery of San Gabriel. Bryce is a former member of the Sierra Mission Area Staff. His Statement of Faith is included in the packet.
   
   Rev. Little has REQUESTED standing permission to Labor Outside the Bounds of the Presbytery for the purpose of conducting his consulting work in the areas of World Wide Ministries, Racial Ethnic Ministries, NCDs, etc.
   The Presbytery VOTED to receive the Rev. Bryce Little, HR, as a member of the Presbytery of Sacramento and to grant his request to Labor Outside the Bounds of the Presbytery for the purpose of conducting his consulting ministry.
   
5. Rev. Sandy Peirce has announced her intention to resign as Co-Pastor of the El Dorado County Federated Church effective June 30, 2003. The Committee on Ministry RECOMMENDS to Presbytery that it concur with the following actions taken by the Session and Congregation of that church as follows:
   
   a. Dissolve the pastoral relationship between Rev. Peirce and Federated Church, effective June 30, 2003.
   
   b. Dissolve the existing co-pastor positions at the church, effective June 30, 2003 and establish a new Pastor position, effective July 1, 2003.
   
   c. Dissolve the relationship of the Rev. Andrew Headden as Co-Pastor of the church, effective June 30, 2003 at midnight and call him to the position of Pastor, effective July 1, 2003. His Terms of Call are:
   
   

   Salary	$32,750.00
   Housing	$32,750.00
   Car Allowance	1,700
   Professional expenses	$ 400
   Study Leave	$1,000
   Study Leave Time	2 weeks
   Vacation	4 weeks
   Full Pension and Medical
   Sabbatical	One month every 5 years
   Meets AAEEO Guidelines

   
   
   The Presbytery VOTED to approve the recommendation of the Committee on Ministry to concur with the actions taken by the Session and Congregation of the El Dorado County Federated Church regarding the positions of the Rev. Sandy Peirce and the Rev. Andrew Headden.
   
6. The Committee on Ministry RECOMMENDS that the Presbytery approve the action of the Session of Westminster PC, Sacramento to invite the Rev. Dr. Garry Lee Cox to serve as Interim Associate Pastor for Visitation for the twelve (12) month period beginning
   May 1, 2003. This is a full-time exempt position. Terms of the contract agreement:
   
   

   Salary	$20,000
   Housing	$30,000
   Travel Allowance	$3,000 by voucher
   Expense Account	$500 by voucher
   Study Leave	$600 Accumulated at the rate of 2 weeks per year and not to exceed 6 weeks if not used. reimbursed by voucher.
   Full Pension/Medical
   Vacation	Accumulated at the rate of 160 hours. (4 weeks) per year.
   Compensatory time	According to the position description adopted by the Session on April 22, 2003, Sundays away and compensatory time are to be arranged with the prior approval of the Head of staff in accordance with the approved position description.
   Termination	Either part can terminate at any time.
   Meets AAEEO Guidelines

   
   
   The Presbytery VOTED to approve the request of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sacramento to call the Rev. Dr. Garry Lee Cox to serve as Interim Associate Pastor for Visitation.

Pastoral Support Team -- Mary Lynn Tobin
ACTION ITEM:
In response to the General Assembly’s call for presbyteries to provide programs of support and nurture for “first-call” pastors, the COM and Pastoral Support Ministry RECOMMEND:

1. That Sacramento Presbytery amend the Terms of Call in its Committee on Ministry Policies by requiring that the terms of call for newly ordained pastors (i.e. those in their first three years of parish ministry) include:
   
   a. Participation in the “First Call” program of mentoring, peer support and accountability groups, and annual seminars
   b. One week of “First Call” program leave in addition to the currently required two weeks of study leave
   c. “First Call” program allowance of $500 beyond the study leave allowance
   d. Time needed to participate in this program is not to be counted as vacation time
   
2. That Sacramento Presbytery encourage congregations that have called newly ordained ministers within the past twelve months to amend their terms of call so that these pastors might participate in the Presbytery’s “First Call” program.
   The Presbytery VOTED to approve the recommendation that Sacramento Presbytery amend the Terms of Call in its Committee on Ministry Policies by requiring that the terms of call for newly ordained pastors include participation in the “First Call” program as outlined.

INFORMATION ITEMS:

1. A conference on BUILDING HEALTHY STAFF RELATIONSHIPS will be held June 25, 2003 at the SMP Conference Center. Dr. Bill Enright, Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis is the presenter. FOCUS: Building healthy relationships amongst colleagues in multiple pastor churches.
2. Retreat for the clergy of Sacramento Presbytery RHYTHMS OF GRACE October 19 - 21 at Zephyr Point Conference Center. Leadership provided by the Rev. Ron Lagerstrom.

Congregational Support Ministry Team -- John Moser
• Wednesday, August 20, 2003 is the date for a conference on strategies for new church development. Jack Schutte will be providing the leadership.
INFORMATION WILL BE OUT SOON.

Mission Support Ministry Team -- Warren Barnes
• Saturday, May 31, 2003 9:30 - noon at the Sierra Mission Partnership Conference Center there will be a SPECIAL GUEST FROM INDIA: JOINING HANDS AGAINST HUNGER COMPANIONSHIP FACILITATOR the Rev. Thomas John. He will help plan specific ways to be in solidarity with Chethana and the people of India. The Rev. John has much expertise and commitment to the Joining Hands Against Hunger process.
• Four churches in the Presbytery are working with the Chethana organization: Bethany, Carmichael, Davis and Yuba City.

Budget and Finance Committee -- Marie Segur
ACTION ITEMS: The Budget & Finance Committee RECOMMENDS to Presbytery that it:

1. Approve the request from Fremont PC, Sacramento to seek a Synod Line of Credit in the amount of $1,831,000 for expansion of their facilities; to proceed in the building process and to seek bridge financing from the fee source that offers the best terms available. Allow them to proceed with ground breaking plans for June 1, 2003.
   Presbytery VOTED to approve the request of Fremont PC.
   
2. Approve the request from Davis Community Church for a Synod Line of Credit for $85,000 for boiler replacement, and that the application with the Presbytery’s endorsement be forwarded to the Synod Finance Committee for processing.
   Presbytery VOTED to approve the request of Davis Community Church.
   
3. Approve the request from El Dorado County Federated Church, Placerville, to convert its existing Synod Line of Credit loan of $863,063 to a commercial loan and that this application, with presbytery’s endorsement, be forwarded to the Synod for processing.
   Presbytery VOTED to approve the request of El Dorado County Federated Church.
   
4. Approve the request of Carmichael Presbyterian Church for a Synod Line of Credit for $472,500 to acquire land and home adjacent to the church for future expansion of the church’s services and facilities, and to forward this endorsement to the Synod Finance Committee, which has approved the application pending the Presbytery’s approval.
   Presbytery VOTED to approve the request of Carmichael PC.
   
5. Approve the following joint proposal from the Endowment Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee: The Endowment Committee of the Presbytery of Sacramento and the Budget Committee propose that the Presbytery of Sacramento endorse an annual Presbytery-wide offering to be taken in each of our Presbytery’s churches on the First Sunday of Lent for the express purpose of building up the endowment so that income can begin to meet the expressed need of the Presbytery.
   Presbytery VOTED to approve the joint proposal from the Endowment Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee.

Nominations Committee -- Chris Kersting
Recommended that Presbytery elect the following persons to fill existing vacancies:
Placed in Nomination:

• Jan Stone, Fair Oaks PC Presbytery Council 2005-1
• Toby Nelson Sierra PC Committee on Ministry 2005-1
• Bruce Ogden, Fremont PC Comm. on Prep. for Ministry 2003-1
• John Hindman, Fair Oaks PC Comm. on Prep. for Ministry 2005-1
• Debra Tripp, Colusa PC Pastoral Support Team 2003-1
• Mike Harris, Red Bluff PC Pastoral Support Team 2005-1
• Mary Harris, Red Bluff PC Commissioner to Synod 2006-1
• Kay Cayler, Davis CC Commissioner to Synod 2006-1
  

The Moderator called for additional nominations -- NONE were heard.
Presbytery VOTED to elect the named persons to fill the existing vacancies for the term indicated.

Associate for Congregational Support -- Jack Schutte
Jack Schutte was introduced to the Presbytery by Sally Hinchman as the new staff person at SMP who will be working in the area of Congregational Support, NCDs and leadership support. Jack has been on staff for a short time, he has visited the other Presbyteries, but this is first time he has had an opportunity to be with us. He related his excitement and the challenges he sees ahead for this Presbytery in his area of expertise.

Director of Educational Ministries -- Lynn Shultz
Lynn Schultz called attention to the church school curriculum We Believe that will be available for use beginning in the fall. Lynn is available to come to the churches to talk with the teachers or Christian Education committee.
> She also invited those who are working in the Christian Education program in their church to participate in the Christian Educators Network which meets at the SMP Resource Center every other month, with the next meeting coming on Thursday, May 15th at 2 p.m.
> To see the full array of C.E. Resources that are available for local church use,
COME & VISIT THE SMP Resource Center.

Associate for Mission -- Byron Nelson
• Highlighting Racial Ethnic Ministries, Byron related that there are thirty plus racial ethnic groups, sixteen of which are in the SMP. Several other groups are developing, these are opportunities for ministry.
• If you would like to know more about the Community Organizing Program, or the Interfaith Hospitality Network contact Byron.
• Mission Interpretation materials available include: Pentecost Offering; World Communion/Peacemaking Offering; One Great Hour of Sharing.
• Scholarship funding is available through the Mel Angel Fund for those interested in Peacemaking projects -- contact Byron.

General Presbyter for Ministry -- Sally Hinchman
• SMP office e-mail addresses are changing to (first name of person)sierra missionpartnership.org
• Open House for the new SMP Conference Center will be June 14, 2003 from 1 - 4 p.m. At
2:30 p.m. will be the official recognition of those persons involved in this project. Dave Pelz was the chair of the group and Al Bare was the architect.
• General Assembly is beginning May 24th in Denver. Sally will be a committee assistant, monitoring and helping with the work of a GA committee.
• Bryce Little, HR, was welcomed back to this presbytery after 15 years working in other areas.
• Mission and Ministry is now costing more to do. Lew Rooker is a member of the Synod Budget and Audit sub-committee of the Mission Finance Committee; he came forward to share some the challenges coming before us. There is a fiduciary relationship with presbyteries under Synod’s care and with Union Bank. Reserves cannot fall below a minimum amount. A budget cut of $150,000 for 2003 is necessary, which amounts to about 10% for each presbytery. In 2004 a $500,000 cut will be necessary. Consequently Synod will be raising the per capita by $1.00 which will make the Synod portion of the per capita $5.12. Much of the per capita goes toward staff salaries in nine of the eleven presbyteries.
>>> Does your church make your mission payments to Synod on a schedule? Hopefully, yes -- they need funds to pay salaries etc. on a regular basis -- not all at the end of the year.

Commissioning the Commissioners to General assembly -- Moderator John Peirce.
The Presbytery of Sacramento, following the procedures outlined in the Standing Rules, has elected: Rev. Thomas Patterson, Rev. Mary Lynn Tobin, Elder Joseph Harrop, and Elder Susan Hill, as commissioners to the 215th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) which will convene in Denver, Colorado on May 24, 2003.
In the Commissioning Service they were reminded of the responsibilities and expectations involved in being a Commissioner. They promised, with the help of Almighty God, to diligently study the matters which come before the commissioners to the 215th General Assembly; and to promise to seek God’s will before they cast each vote.
The Moderator declared them to be duly set apart as commissioners to the 215th General Assembly of the PCUSA; closing this service with prayer.

Worship Service -- Rev. James Barstow, preaching
A Big Vision for Small Ministry was the theme of the Rev. Barstow’s sermon using the scripture found in Acts 2: 42-47. He emphasized the “how” of small group ministry is Jesus example; Thomas’ experience; the Holy Spirit’s encouragement.
Due to scheduling the music portion of this worship time was participated in following dinner.

Small Group Ministry -- Bidwell Memorial PC Staff
Steve Schibsted, Greg Cootsona and Jeff Gephart reviewed the Natural Church Development program for Small Groups that is being effectivity utilized in Chico. The benefits for local congregations were listed and discussed.

Dinner -- The Blessing was given for the evening meal -- Following a delicious dinner of chicken cordon bleu prepared by the women and served by the men of First PC, Roseville,

RECONVENE: Presbytery reconvened at 6:40 p.m. The Moderator opened with prayer.

Small Group Ministry -- continued
The Bidwell Staff continued the explanations of their Small Group Ministry program together with the methods of organizing this type of program and the positive outcomes of this system.
Success stories from other churches using small groups were shared with those in attendance.

Closing Worship
The musical group presented an array of praise songs through traditional hymns for listening and group participation, closing with Blest Be the Tie That Binds.

Dismissal
The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. Moderator Peirce gave the closing prayer

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Groelle, Stated Clerk
Leola Davies, Recording Clerk