Unapproved Minutes of Presbytery Meeting
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PRESBYTERY OF SACRAMENTO
Stated Meeting, Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Faith Presbyterian Church, Sacramento CA

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

Other Clergy Present: Warren Barnes, At-Large; Barry Cavaghan, HR; Gail Cullerton; Joy Dorf, HR; Clifford Graves, At-Large; Mary Harris, At-Large; James Hardy, HR; George ‘Skip’ Herbert, PC(USA) Foundation; Larry Huggett, HR; David Huusko, At-Large/UCC Dixon; Kirsten Klepfer, UC Davis, Cal Aggie; Dou Sub Lee, HR; Walter Link, HR; Timothy Little, Chaplain; Easton Long, HR; Dexter McNamara, Interfaith Service Bureau; Hugh Nelson, HR; Roger J. Newquist, At-Large; Richard Pearson, HR; Sandy Peirce, At-Large; Daniel Prout, At-Large; Lydia Richards, At-Large; Joan Stock, HR; Elizabeth Shaw, At-Large; Nancy Symons, At-Large; Libby Vincent, At-Large; Brad VanSant, HR; Donna Waterman, Chaplain; Richard Wylie, HR.

Other Clergy Excused: Clifford Baker, HR; Patty Bourne, Chaplain; Robert Browne, HR; William Chalmers, HR; David Carroll, At-Large; John Chendo, HR; Pong Eun Chung, HR; Robert Clapham, HR; Dale Cooper, HR; Charles Crawford, HR; Ernest Cubbon, HR; Clair Denman, HR; E. Bruce Ellithorpe, HR; Kimberly Fong, At-Large; Dina Gardner, At-Large, SFTS Admin.; Harvey Harper, HR; Wayne 'Chris' Hartmire, HR; Bruce Heiple, HR; Zai-Doo Kim, HR; Sue King, HR; William King, HR; Arnold Leverenz, HR; Bryce Little, HR;Kazuo Masuno, HR; Joseph Matthews, HR; Robert Meyer, HR; Tom Naylor, HR; Augustus Noland, HR; Judy O'Neill, HR; John Robinson, HR; Lew Rooker, HR; Peter Sabey, HR; Sharon Sauer, At-Large/Louisville; Robert B. Scott, HR; Mary Shearly, HR; Ronald Smith, HR; Ronald Soucy, HR; Sarah Stephens, At-Large/Switzerland; H. Winnfield Stevens, HR; William Stevens, At-Large; Noble Streeter, HR; Jerry Tabler, HR; Jerry Taylor, HR; J. Ray Thompson, HR ; Er nest Tuftt, HR; Gregg Tyree, Army Chaplain; James Upshaw, HR; Ian Young, HR; James Zeek, HR.

Other Clergy Absent: At-Large Pastors, Frank Anderson, Helen Jackson, Thomas Sisterson, Thomas M. Smith, Michelle Todd, Lynne Vandercook, David Williams.

Voting Council Elders Present: Sally Hinchman, General Presbyter for Ministry; Marie Segur, Treasurer; Elizabeth Groelle, Stated Clerk; Jan Stone, At-Large; Kathy Trott, Moderator-Elect; Kim Robertson, At-Large.

Sierra Mission Partnership Staff Present: Lynn Shultz, Director of Educational Ministries; Rev. Byron Nelson, Associate for Mission Support (Stockton Presbytery); Rev. Jack Schutte, Associate for Congregational Support (Nevada Presbytery).

Others Present: Hazel Angell, Carmichael PC; Suzanne Blihovde, Mission Committee; M. Elnora Bradish, PW Moderator of Synod of Pacific; Cheryl Finch, Inquirer; Douglas Finch, First PC, Roseville; Gwen Gibson, Inquirer; Rev. Dr. Ok-Kee Kim, Carmichael CA; Bob McCarthy, CLP Roseville; Jeff States, Sacramento Presbytery Endowment Committee; Elder Wesley Witt, Fair Oaks P.C.

Call to Order -- Moderator Henry Wells

Moderator Wells brought the Sacramento Presbytery meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. A quorum was present in the sanctuary of Faith PC as the opening prayer was given. Moderator Wells congratulated the members of Faith PC for building a healthy congregation and doing great work for the Lord through the years since they were organized.

WELCOME was given by the Rev. Jeff Chapman, Faith’s new pastor. He gave a brief history of the church, together with the reasons he was attracted to Faith.

FIRST TIME COMMISSIONERS were introduced from Davis, Fair Oaks, Red Bluff, Roseville, and Trinity, West Sacramento.

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS introduced were: Libby Vincent, Presbytery of San Francisco; Byron Nelson, Presbytery of Stockton; Jack Schutte, Presbytery of Nevada.

Consent Calendar

The Stated Clerk REQUESTS that Presbytery:

1. APPROVE the minutes of the September 25, 2004 stated Meeting as posted in the presbytery website and/or mailed with the call to this meeting.

2. APPROVE the docket for this meeting.

3. DISMISS WITH THANKS the following Commissions:

a. The Installation Commission for the Rev. K.C. Wahe, who was installed June 6, 2004 at Carmichael P.C.

b. The Installation Commission for the Rev. Scott Dickson. Scott was installed on October 3, 2004 at Sierra P.C. Nevada City.

c. The Ordination/Installation Commission for the Rev. Nancy Duff. Nancy was ordained and installed At First P.C. Roseville on November 7, 2004.

d. The Ordination Commission for the Rev. Mark Studer. Mark was ordained on June 27, 2004 at Carmichael P.C. and is now serving as Pastor of Media P.C. in Media, Pennsylvania.

Presbytery VOTED to approve all items listed above.

The Committee on Ministry REQUESTS that Presbytery:

1. APPROVE the following Installation Commission for the Rev. Jeffry Chapman as Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, to take place on Sunday, January 30, 2005 at 3 p.m.: Elder Kathy Trott, Moderator, Woodland PC; Elders Jill Sherrill, Westminster PC and Walt McDaniel, Faith PC; and the Revs. Nick Sorani, First PC, Gridley, Geordie Ziegler, Fremont PC, Sacramento, Jim Zazzera, Faith PC, and Steve Schibsted, Bidwell Memorial PC, Chico.

2. APPROVE the one year extension of the contract of the Rev. Jim Zazzera to serve as half-time Stated Supply Pastor at Faith PC, effective November 29, 2004 with stated term.

3. APPROVE the extension of the contract of the Rev. Richard Hutchison to serve as Interim Pastor at Cordova PC on a month-to-month basis, effective August 1, 2004, with stated terms.

4. APPROVE the one year extension of the contract for Howard Sanborn as Commissioned Lay Pastor at Corning PC. Responsibilities: Lead worship and preach 4 or 5 times/month; Administer the Sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism; Moderate session meeting under supervision; perform marriages; work with Deacons in carrying out their duties; with stated terms

5. APPROVE the one year extension of the contract for the Rev. Bradley VanSant to serve as Interim Pastor (55%) at St. John’s UCC, Woodland, with stated terms.

6. APPROVE the one year extension of the contract of the Rev. Robert Badgley to serve as Stated Supply at Pioneer PC, Winters, with stated terms

7. APPROVE the extension of the present contract of the Rev. Keith Posehn as Interim Associate Pastor at Davis Community Church for 3 months, effective 10/27/04.

8. APPROVE the following continuing ministries through 2005:

a. Member at Large (M-1): Warren Barnes, David Carroll, Helen Jackson, Sandy Peirce, Lydia Richards, Sharon Sauer, Tom Smith, William Stevens, David Williams

b. Inactive Status (M-2): Cal Stevens, Dave Baker, Stephen McDougall

c. Member in Service Beyond the Jurisdiction of the Church (M-3): Patty Bourne, Kimberly Fong, Kirsten Klepfer, Timothy Little, Dexter McNamara, Roger Newquist, Dan Prout, Elizabeth Shaw, Sarah Stephens, Nancy Symons, Michelle Todd, Lynne Vandercook, Donna Waterman

d. Other Service to the Church (M-4): Dina Gardner, Clifford Graves, George “Skip” Herbert

e. Parish Associate: Warren Barnes, Bruce Ellithorpe, Clifford Graves, Timothy Little, Hugh Nelson, Michelle Todd, Richard Wylie

Presbytery VOTED to approve all requests listed above.

** Presbytery VOTED to approve the request of COM to move the COM afternoon item #1 to the business of the morning.

The Committee on Ministry REQUESTS that Presbytery:

1. WELCOME the Rev. Elizabeth Vincent as member of the Presbytery. Rev. Vincent was unable to attend the September meeting in Burney, but was approved as a Member at Large pending her attendance at this meeting. She comes to us from the Presbytery of San Francisco.

Presbytery WELCOMED the Rev. Elizabeth Vincent as a Member at Large.

Moderator Wells wished everyone a Merry Christmas, and invited attendees to mingle.

Worship - A service of worship was led by the Rev. Jim Zazzera.

Program Per Capita and Mission Giving

• Sally Hinchman, General Presbyter for Ministry, addressed the issue of per capita and defined it as the opportunity for all members of the Presbyterian church to participate equally. Further explanation can be found in the Book of Order G-9.0404d.

• In Sacramento Presbytery per capita apportionment for 2005 will be $5.75 per member. This will cover the costs involved in Presbytery meetings; the Stated Clerk and the office administration involved; Moderators expenses; Program committee expenses and all administrative expenses involved.

• Ecclesiastical Committees -- these are committees that are mandated by the Book of Order. Committee on Ministry has the expenses for meetings with candidates; liaisons to churches seeking new pastors; and other administrative costs.. Committee for Preparation for Ministry has costs for testing, psychological evaluations and travel costs. Presbytery Judicial Commission incurs expenses when there are cases to be heard.

• Synod per capita apportionment is $5.17 which is used to cover the costs of the Synod meetings and administrative office expenses; training for the judicial process as well as other services provided by the Synod.

• General Assembly for 2005-2006 per capita will remain the same $5.57. This also covers meeting costs and office expenses; the Stated Clerk; publication of documents; the permanent committee and special committee; ecumenical relations; administrative expense of GA Task Forces.

~ The Rev. Byron Nelson, Associate Presbyter for Mission Support, explained the areas covered by General Assembly Mission Funding; Congregational Ministry; National Ministry; World Wide Ministry.

~ There is a Mission Work Plan that implements programs that support mission. The sources of funding are - Unrestricted and Restricted (special offerings for designated projects).

~ How the money is spent is decided at the different levels. Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly make their budgets. The Synods negotiate for the division of the funds and the Synod acts as the receptor of the funds. GA returns a portion of the funds to the presbyteries to support the work.

~ The role of the Sierra Mission Partnership: there is a covenant between the Presbyteries of Nevada, Stockton and Sacramento for working together. Representatives from Mission Support, Congregational Support and Pastoral Support meet together to work out the budget for the SMP and the individual Presbyteries.

~ PC(USA) Mission Giving Terms: Basic/Shared giving = unified, supports all programs; Directed giving = choosing the mission project; Extra Commitment giving = “over and above”; Validated Ministry Projects = Frontier Fellowship; Medical Benevolence; all PC(USA) sponsored work; Outreach Foundation (not entirely PC(USA)).

Speaking from Three Points of View

• THE LARGER CHURCH (Presbytery, Synod, Office of the General Assembly):

The Rev. Sandy Peirce who has served on the General Assembly Council presented the view of the larger church. She delineated many facets of the PCUSA work carried out by the GA on our behalf worldwide, all funded by per capita or mission giving, depending on the type of project.

• CONGREGATIONS THAT WITHHOLD: the Rev. Jim Barstow, Roseville, stated that his congregation withheld as an act of conscience, as stewards of the fund entrusted to them, they do pay the presbytery portion. Rev. Barstow would like Presbytery to include a conscience clause. The Rev. Tom Tripp, Colusa, has members with many church backgrounds other than Presbyterian. The National and World Council of Churches are the funds that they withhold.

• CONGREGATIONS THAT PAY: the Rev. Keith DeVries, Carmichael, stated that Carmichael is fully committed to all the work of the PCUSA through per capita and mission giving. Mission is the work of Jesus. The Rev. John Moser, Covenant PC, Vacaville, added two thoughts on the subject: 1) Blessing outweighs the burden, from The Unique Gift of Presbyterians by Dr. Hessel; 2) Choose to be an influence in our denominational decisions.

Breakout discussions followed these presentations.

12:35 LUNCH BREAK -- Blessing given by Jack McNary -- Reconvened at 12:40 p.m.

Afternoon Session

Moderator Wells opened the afternoon session with prayer and introduced the guest, the REV. DR. HOWARD RICE, President, Cook College and Theological School, Tempe, AZ. Dr. Rice reviewed some of his personal history and why he came out of retirement to work with Cook College as their Interim President. Cook receives 1/3 of their budget from the Joy Offering. They are the only Presbyterian school providing education for American Indians at this time. They are dependent on the churches for help and financial support.

Committee on Preparation for Ministry -- Stan Henderson

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry REQUESTS that Presbytery examine and approve Cheryl L. Finch as a Candidate for Ministry. Cheryl is a member of Faith PC, Sacramento and is attending San Francisco Theological Seminary. Her Statement of Call is included in the packet and has been available on the Presbytery website.

Cheryl came forward and reviewed her faith experiences and plans for the future.The opportunity for questions was observed. Cheryl was asked to leave the room. Several people spoke regarding her successful work in the church and her commitment to serving as a pastor.

Presbytery VOTED to approve Cheryl L. Finch as a Candidate for the office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament.

Cheryl was welcomed back to the room.

Moderator Wells asked the CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS from the Book of Order. All answers were affirmative. Family members and friends came forward to stand with her. Walter Link gave the charge and prayer and asked that everyone make a commitment to pray for Cheryl and all persons who are under the care of this Presbytery in preparation for ministry.

Committee on Ministry -- Tom Tripp

The Committee on Ministry REQUESTS that Presbytery:

• WELCOME the Rev. Graham Baird as a member of the Presbytery. Rev. Baird was unable to attend the September meeting in Burney, but was approved to serve as Interim Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Red Bluff pending his attendance at this meeting. He comes from the Mission Presbytery, San Antonio, Texas.

• The Rev. Allen McCallum, D.Min. has been invited to join the staff of Bidwell Memorial PC, Chico, as Parish Associate with a 1/4 time contract as a Christian Education Teacher, beginning January 1, 2005 He will be coming from the Presbytery of Santa Fe. His Statement of Faith is included in the packet and has been available on the Presbytery website.

Presbytery VOTED to receive the Rev. Allen McCallum as a member of the Presbytery of Sacramento, pending his
appearance at the next Stated Meeting, February, 2005.

Presbytery VOTED to approve the contract for the Rev. McCallum
to serve as Parish Associate at Bidwell Memorial PC,
Chico, one-fourth time, beginning January 1, 2005, with
compensation, $1,000 per month.

• RECEIVE the Rev. Ok-Kee Kim as a Member at Large of the Presbytery of Sacramento. Rev. Kim comes from the Presbytery of Transylvania. His Statement of Faith is included in the packet. Rev. Kim was present and addressed the Presbytery, reviewing his background and experience.

Presbytery VOTED to receive the Rev. Ok-Kee Kim as a Member at Large of the Presbytery of Sacramento.

* The Rev. Jennifer George told the Presbytery of the new work she will be doing on Orkney Island, Scotland. She expressed her thanks for the support she has received during her 4 years here. Members of Shepherd of the Sierra spoke of her time with them. Elder Marcia Walker led in prayer.

Presbytery VOTED to concur with the congregation of the
Shepherd of the Sierra PC, Loomis, in the dissolution of
the Call of the Rev. Jennifer George, effective December 31,
2004 and to change her designation to Member at Large
with permission to Labor Outside our Bounds.

• TERMS OF DISSOLUTION for the Rev. Cheryl Kincaid with Grace PC, Sacramento, as presented.

Presbytery VOTED to concur with the congregation of Grace PC,
Sacramento, in the dissolution of the Call of the Rev. Cheryl
Kincaid as Pastor, effective September 30, 2004, and to
change her designation to Member at Large.

Nominating Committee --

The Committee REQUESTS that Presbytery elect the following persons to the positions shown:

MODERATOR - 2005: Kathy Trott, Woodland; Moderator-Elect, Tom Tripp*, First, Colusa

COUNCIL: Chair , Skip Herbert* 2007 (2); Mike Umbenhaur* 2007 (1) Journey, Folsom

CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT: Richard Hutchison* 2007(2) Cordova; Steve Whitney* 2007 (1), Trinity, West Sacramento

MISSION SUPPORT: 2006 (1) - Vacant; Bryce Little* 2007 (1) HR; Suzanne Bilhovde, 2007 (1), Peace, Elk Grove; PASTORAL SUPPORT: K.C. Wahe* 2007 (1), Carmichael; +Pamela Anderson* 2007 (1), Esparto

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY: Chair Joe Harrop, Red Bluff; Leon Thompson* 2005 (1), McCloud; Bob McCarthy 2007 (2), First, Roseville; all following are 2007 (1) Bob Stone, Fair Oaks, Jack Raymore*, Northminster, Sacramento; Keith DeVries*, Carmichael; Del Burnett*, Journey, Folsom; Jack McNary*, Fremont, Sacramento; Margaret Suttle*, Fair Oaks

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY: Chair Bob Yule*, Celtic Cross, Citrus Heights; Alice Hays 2007 (2), Community, Vacaville; all following are 2007 (1) Rachel Hamburger*, First, Roseville; David Huusko*, Dixon Community; + Hazel Watson, Davis Community PC.

BUDGET & FINANCE: Jim Duke 2007 (1) Fair Oaks

* indicates Minister of the Word and Sacrament

+ nominated from the floor

Presbytery VOTED to elect the above listed persons as requested by the Nominating Committee.

The Presbytery Council REQUESTS that Presbytery elect Harry Lindley 2007 (1) to the Presbytery Nominating Committee.

Presbytery VOTED to elect Harry Lindley to the Presbytery Nominating Committee.

Budget & Finance Committee -- Marie Segur

The Budget & Finance Committee REQUESTS that Presbytery:

1. APPROVE the request from Auburn PC for renewal of their existing $50,000 Synod Line of credit and $505,000 commercial loan.

Presbytery VOTED to approve the request from Auburn PC.

2. ACCEPT the Ecclesiastical Budget for 2005 as printed in the packet and on the Presbytery website.

Presbytery VOTED to accept the Ecclesiastical Budget for 2005 as
presented.

>> FYI -- CalAggie House is being released from the Synod to the Presbytery -- details later

Presbytery Support Committee Reports

Pastoral Support -- Geordie Ziegler

• This group continues to provide assistance to those desiring Spiritual Direction -- contact Geordie for details.

Congregational Support -- John Moser

• Sixteen churches have committed to participating in the “New Hope Partnership” program in 2005. There will be 5 meetings during the year with Dr. Arn. There are mission dollars to help with this.

• An informational presentation was made regarding the Church Support Associates by Dr. Larry Hendrix giving information regarding the service this group will provide to help churches.

Mission Support -- Warren Barnes

• Larry Emery told of the disastrous flood in the Philippines and appealed for assistance.

>> Moderator Wells led in prayers for the people suffering from this disaster.

• COMMISSIONING of the Joining Hands Against Hunger Delegation to India December 26, 2004 -- January 12, 2005

The Delegates are: Ashley Johnson, Kathryn Wiseman, Justin Emery , Larry Emery, Sutton Morris, all from Walnut Grove; Easton and Jeannie Long, Bethany; Sandy Peirce, El Dorado Hills; Diane Colborn, Davis; Garry Cox , Westminster.

These delegates were presented to the Presbytery; received Commissioning and the prayers of the Presbytery from Moderator Wells.

Sierra Mission Partnership Staff Reports

Sally Hinchman -- General Presbyter for Ministry

• The per capita information will be on the Presbytery website

• Recently Sally worshiped with Capital Korean Church. They will be dedicating their new facilities sometime in January 2005.

• Thanks was expressed to those who are serving on committees and especially to those who have completed their terms of service. Thank you for your dedication.

• Blessings of the season to all the churches of the Presbytery.

• Many thanks to Henry Wells as he completes his service as Moderator of the Presbytery.

Byron Nelson -- Associate for Mission Support

• Nothing further to report.

Jack Schutte -- Associate for Congregational Support

• Jack spoke to the progress he sees taking place in the areas of new church development and redevelopment in the Sacramento Valley.

• He called attention to all the programs that are offered at Zephyr Point and encouraged folks to avail themselves of the opportunity to participate in their programs.

Lynn Shultz -- Director of Educational Ministries

• Lynn wants everyone to be aware of the materials that are available at the SMP

Resource Center. She challenged those present to bring someone NEW to the Resource Center.

Tom & Joanne Haller - Hunger Action/Peacemaking/Restoring Creation Enabler

• The 2¢ A Meal program is being faithfully participated in by only a few churches in the Presbytery.

• There are some funds available to support needs as they relate to addressing hunger.

• For more information on either of these topics, contact the Hallers.

Passing the Gavel

• Moderator Henry Wells introduced Elder Kathy Trott to the Presbytery as the new Moderator and presented her with the Moderator’s Stole. (The gavel is still in Henry’s office)

• Kathy expressed thanks to Henry for his service this past year and presented a gift to him.

• Henry responded with a short speech of thanks and inspirational thoughts.

Closing Worship

• The Moderator led in the reading of a Litany and the singing of a closing hymn accompanied by Bryon Nelson at the piano. Closing prayer.

Presbytery Adjourned at 3:45 p.m -- Safe Travel Home

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Groelle, Stated Clerk
Leola Davies, Recording Clerk