MINUTES OF THE PRESBYTRY OF SACRAMENTO
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF RED BLUFF
RED BLUFF, CALIFORNIA
December 1, 1998
Moderator Marie Segur convened the Presbytery of Sacramento with prayer in stated meeting at First Presbyterian Church of Red Bluff, Red Bluff, California. A quorum was present.
ROLL: MINISTERS PRESENT: Patricia Bourne, Peter Buehler, Del Burnett, Barry Cavaghan, Robert Cordier, Gail Cullerton, E. Bruce Ellithorpe, Dan Fowler, Donald Griggs, Andrew Headden, Bruce Heiple, Stan Henderson, Skip Herbert, Robert Hewes, Larry Huggett, Christopher Kersting, Jong Choon Kim, Timothy Little, Easton Long, Ed Longabaugh, Peter Maier, Bob Masciola, Stephen McDougall, Robert Meyer, John Moser, Hugh Nelson, Tom Patterson, Sandy Peirce, David Ratcliff, Sharon Sauer, Robert Scott, Tim Soule, Noble Streeter, Jerry Taylor, Mary Lynn Tobin, Philip Trinh, Thomas Tripp, Bill Van Ness, David Weidlich, Dan Wells, Henry Wells, Ken Winters, Richard Wylie, Jim Zazzera.
MINISTERS EXCUSED: Frank Anderson, Donald Baird, Clifford Baker, Robert Ball, Warren Barnes, William Bowen, Robert Burns, William Chalmer, Richard Chiolis, Pong Eun Chung, Robert Clapham, James Clark, Cynthia Cochran-Carney, Jeffrey Cochran-Carney, Dale Cooper, Charles Crawford, Peggy Cross, Gene Crumley, Henry DeGraaff Clair Denman, Merrill Follansbee, George Fry, Helmi Fulton, Clifford Graves, John Gunn, Deborah Haffner, Jim Hardy, Harvey Harper, Wayne Hartmire, Jay Hull, Joreen Jarrell, Zae Doo Kim, Sue King, William King, James Kitchens, James Knox, Dou Sub Lee, Hong-Jei Lee, Arnold Leverenz, Walter Link, Maurice Marcus, Kazuo Masuno, Joseph Matthews, Kathy McIntosh-Smith, Dexter McNamara, Jack McNary, Judy O'Neill, Byron Nelson, Augustus Noland, Wes Nordman, Richard Pearson, Keith Posehn, Lydia Richards, Stacy Roberts, John Robinson, Lewis Rooker, Peter Sabey, Nick Sorani, Mary Shearly, Tom Sisterson, Ronald Smith, Thomas Smith, Ronald Soucy, Sarah Stephen, William Stevens, Winnifield Stevens, Joan Stock, Nancy Symons, Ray Thompson, Ernest Tufft, Gregory Tyree, James Upshaw, Greg Vacca, Aart Van Beek, Brad Van Sant, Stephen Weber, Herbert Werner, Robert Yule, Jim Zeek.
MINISTERS ABSENT: David Baker, Dwight Beattie, Robert Blackstone, Tyler Breese, Robert Browne, John Chendo, Larry Emery.
COMMISSIONED LAY PASTORS: Robert McCarthy
COUNCIL ELDERS: Jim Carter, Kay Cayler, Leola Davies, Les Matheney, Jimmi Mishler, Marie Segur.
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS: Les Sauer (Presbytery of Stockton); Judy Shideler (Presbytery of the Cascades); Yonas Yigezu (President, Elababor Synod Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus), Jan Willette (Presbytery of San Francisco).
CHUCHES REPRESENTED BY ELDERS: Auburn (Talbolt), Burney (Isbell), Carmichael (Angell, Aughinbaugh, Mishler), Chico (Matson, Nevins), Colusa (Laux), Corning (Oldfield), Davis (Hartzell, Hartzell, Nishi), Fair Oaks (Cooper, Hartbower, Hartbower, Lyon, Snider), Loomis (Walker), Marysville (Martin, Martin), McCloud (Tyhurst), Nevada City (Harrison, Wright), North Highlands (Hadley, Rooker), Oroville (Delph, Jans), Rancho Cordova (Seebode, Shearly), Red Bluff (Oldham Wittorff), Redding (Abbott), Roseville (McCarthy, Watson), Sacramento Bethany (Betts), Sacramento Faith (Hathaway), Sacramento Grace (Robertson, Saldine), Sacramento Northminster (Davies, Johnston), Sacrament Parkview (Uyeda), Sacramento Westminster (Holman), Vacaville Covenant (Cayler, Woodruff), Weed (Wallace), West Sacramento (Pelz), Winters (West, Westmoreland), Woodland (Heinson, Pomeroy) , Yuba City (Kunde).
CHURCHES NOT REPRESENTED BY ELDERS: Carmichael Korean, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Esparto, Folsom, Gridley, Orland, Placerville, Sacramento Capitol Korean, Sacramento Fremont, Vacaville Community, Walnut Grove.
OTHERS PRESENT: Walter Balfour (Personnel Committee); Mary Jean Bird (Red Bluff); Elnora Bradish (Co-Moderator PW); Lauren Calvert (Youth Delegate Nominee - Loomis); Mary Drummond (PNC - Woodland); Norma Hildebrandt (PNC - Woodland); Sally Hinchman (Presbytery Executive); Joanne Hines (Presbytery Staff); Dorothy Huggett (Nametags); Sook He Jihn (Korean Grace - Chico); Taebong Jihn (Korean Grace - Chico); Jeannie Long; Beverly Norton (MSJP); Nancy Eng MacNiell (MSJP); Les Matheney (Endowment); Mary Simpson (Co-Moderator PW); Stuart Smith (Intern Associate Pastor - Oroville); Briagha Stevens (Youth Delegate Nominee - Sacramento Grace); Eric Thompson (Intern - Colusa); Kathy Trott (Perspnnel); Ken Trott (PNC - Woodland); Millie Van Ness; Cecily Wright (Youth Delegate Nominee - Red Bluff).
MODERATOR: The meeting was called to order by Moderator Marie Segur at 9:35 a.m. with a reading from the 1998 Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study on Oklahoma's Indian Nations Presbytery Safe Haven ministry, followed by prayer.
MORNING PLENARY SESSION
STATED CLERK: Kay Cayler recommended the approval of the docket
with the
following corrections: Stan Henderson reporting for the Administrative Commission on the
First Presbyterian Church of Redding, Easton Long reporting for the MSJP on the
Philippines, Deletion of report from Zephyr Point
Presbytery voted to approved the docket as amended.
Kay went on to report the following:
Copies of the Proposed Amendments to the Book of Order are available; she encouraged Presbyters to take as many copies as needed for their church.
Statistical Reports were handed out to all churches present. Those not picked up will be mailed to the churches Clerk of Session.
Robert Stevenson was received from the Presbytery of Nevada on November 18, 1998.
Stuart Leyden was received from the Presbytery of New Hope on October 28, 1998.
Steve Schibsted has been received from the Presbytery of San Francisco on October 18,
1998.
The Minutes of the Presbytery of Sacramento have been reviewed and there were two errors found. They were:
Nominating committees cannot nominate their own members. (G-9.0801b)
When charges are brought against a minister who then renounces his or her ordination that minister should be named and it should be stated that the minister had charges brought and the minister then renounced. Because of that, the records from this meeting will show that charges had been brought against Brent Earl Bird whose renunciation was announced at the February 17, 1998 meeting of the Sacramento Presbytery.
Kay reminded Presbyters to notify her when there was a change in their address, telephone number and/or e-mail address.
Copies of the 1999 travel vouchers and call forms were available at the Clerk's desk.
Copies of the 1999 Roster of Presbytery Committees will be available at the February meeting.
JOYS, SORROWS AND CONCERNS:
Joys…
Walter Link and Shirley Meeker were married on October 11, 1998 and now reside at 636 Ironwood Way in Sacramento. New telephone number (916) 424-8093.
Sierra Mission Partnership has successfully moved to the new offices at 9985 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento (At the corner of Folsom and Rod Beaudry). New telephone number is (916) 414-2080 and new fax number is (916) 414-2087. The toll free number is (800) 292-4700.
Concerns…
Evelyn Weick, an elder at Folsom and a commissioner to Presbytery, severely injured her knee and will be in a wheelchair or traveling with a walker or crutches for several months to come.
Sorrows…
Herbert A. Werner, HR, died on November 24, 1998 in Sacramento. He had served as pastor in Corning and in Marysville. Later he went on to work as a counselor. He was 87 at the time of his death.
WELCOME: Tim Soule welcomed Presbytery to Red Bluff. The First Presbyterian Church of Red Bluff was established in 1860 and is the second oldest church in our Presbytery.
INTRODUCTIONS:
Elder Commissioners: Beverly Talbot, Auburn Presbyterian Church; Dick Shearly, Cordova Presbyterian Church; Darlene Seebode, Cordova Presbyterian Church; Chuck Delph, Trinity Presbyterian Church of Oroville; John T. Jans, Trinity Presbyterian Church of Oroville.
Corresponding Members: Les Sauer (Presbytery of Stockton); Judy Shideler (Presbytery of the Cascades); Yonas Yigezu (President, Elababor Synod Ethiopian Evangelical church Mekane Yesus), Jan Willette (Presbytery of San Francisco).
Presbytery voted to seat the new Elder Commissioners and Corresponding members.
WORSHIP: The Moderator introduced Tim Soule who led us in worship. He was assisted by Jean Oldham, Elder - Red Bluff, who lighted the Advent Candle; Moderator Segur led the Unison Prayer of Confession; Flo Holman, Elder - Westminster, read the Scripture lesson; and Don Griggs, Associate Pastor - Westminster, delivered the message. Darlene Lee, Organist and Judy D. Jones, both of Red Bluff Pianist supplied music.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Jim Carter recommended the following:
That Standing Rule 6.002 ("Terms Members of committees shall be elected for terms of three years and shall be eligible for re-election for an additional term, after which they shall be ineligible for that committee for one year.") be suspended for the year 1999 for persons who have completed their 2nd term on committees that will be affected by the new presbytery structure.
Presbytery Voted to suspend Stand Rule 6.002 for the year 1999. Those individuals who have agreed to serve one additional year have a "#" by their names. Members-at-large are identified by MAL.
Jim submitted the following nominations:
Moderator of Presbytery
99 Rev. Peggy Cross St. Stephen - North Highlands
Vice Moderator of Presbytery
99 Rev. Dick Wylie HR
Presbytery Council Chair
99 Marie Segur Carmichael
Presbytery Council - Members At Large
00-1 Vacant
01-2 Rev. Gail Cullerton Member
Commissioners to Synod of the Pacific
00-1 Rev. Sue King HR
00-1 Sylvia Skonberg Red Bluff
SMP Camp and Conference Committee
01-1 Frank Harrison Sierra (Nevada City)
SMP Mission Council - MAL
00-1 Alice Nishi Davis
SMP Refugee Resettlement
99-2 # Rev. Larry Emery Walnut Grove
SMP Self Development of People Representative
99-2 # David Brooks Trinity (West Sacramento)
Committee on Christian Education
Chair: Leola Davies Northminster
01-2 Rev. Don Griggs Westminster
01-1 Vacant
01-1 Vacant
Committee on Church Development and Mission Strategy
Chair: Rev. Del Burnett Folsom
99-2 # LeRoy Lyon Fair Oaks
00-1 Betty Schulz Fremont
01-2 Les Matheney Roseville
01-1 Sue Bristow Peace
01-1 Vacant
Committee on Congregational Renewal and Evangelism
Chair: Rev. Andrew Headden Federated - Placerville
99-1 Vacant
01-2 Bob Justman St. Stephens
01-2 Kathy McIntosh-Smith Esparto
01-1 Vacant
01-1 Vacant
Session Records Review
99-2 # Frank Grow Fremont
Ecumenical Relations Committee
Chair: Ellen López Celtic Cross
99-2 # Rev. Dexter McNamara MAL
01-1 Rev. Henry DeGraaff Weed
01-1 Vacant
Endowment Fund Committee
Chair: Les Matheney Roseville
00-1 Jeff States Woodland
00-1 Rev. Greg Vacca MAL
01-2 Rev. Skip Herbert Westminster
Committee on Interpretation, Stewardship and Support
Chair: Rev. Dick Wylie HR
99-2 # Charlie Duncan Northminster
99-2 # Robert Donner Carmichael
Committee on Ministry
Chair: Rev. Bryon Nelson Northminster
00-1 Vacant - Clergy
01-2 Hazel Angell Carmichael
01-2 Ray Fitch Westminster
01-2 Rev. Skip Herbert Westminster
01-1 Rev. Gail Cullerton MAL
01-1 Rev. Bill Van Ness Corning
01-1 Vacant - Clergy
01-1 Vacant - Clergy
Committee on Mission, Social Justice and Peacemaking
Chair: Rev. Timothy Little Chaplain
00-1 Evelyn Weick Folsom
01-2 Bev Norton Fremont
01-1 Vacant
Committee on Overtures
Chair: Bob Justman St. Stephens
99-2 # Rev. Easton Long HR
01-2 Sara Gross Bethany
01-2 Robin Rauch Colusa
01-1 Barbara Red-Horse Fremont
Permanent Judicial Commission
01 Rev. Sharon Sauer Carmichael
Personnel Committee
Chair: Kathy Trott Woodland
01-1 Rev. Jim Upshaw HR
Committee on Planning
Chair: Jimmi Mishler Carmichael
01-2 Faye Bundesen Bethany
Jim went on to explain that this was not the complete list. These are nominations for terms that had expired and renewed or terms that have been filled. The new, updated Roster will be available at the February Presbytery meeting.
The floor was opened for further nominations, hearing none the nominations were closed.
Presbytery Voted to approved the nominations as presented.
BOARD OF PENSIONS: Jan Willette reported that the Board had lost their president, who received a call to be Executive Director of General Assembly's Council. She went on to state that the Major Medical program is solid, they have reached their contingency goal of $30 Million. Pension Plan is solvent with 4.5 Billion in reserve.
Further goals for the Board include looking for a new president, keeping current with major medical and to emphasizing the theology of needing a community based plan for all our members.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY: Peter Buehler introduced Rev. Peter Maier. At the September Presbytery Meeting Presbytery voted to give the Committee on Ministry (COM) permission to approve the call, if extended, by the Woodland Presbyterian Church due to a timing matter involving the church. Peter was interviewed and examined by the COM in late September. The COM approved the call to Woodland at their October 22, 1998, following Woodland's congregational vote. Peter spoke briefly concerning his call.
Peter then asked Rev. Stuart Leyden, Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Roseville, to come forward. Rev. Leyden is being moved to the Rolls of Honorably Retired effective January 16, 1999. Peter spoke to his ministry and wished him well.
Presbytery Voted to move Rev. Stuart Leyden to the Rolls of Honorably Retired.
COMMITTEE ON MISSION, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND PEACEMAKING:
International Partnership Task Force: Easton Long reported the following:
The Dam to Dam Run was cancelled due to a lack of organization. They will be looking into other ways to raise money fr the Task Force.
The committee has gone on record asking for the following things to happen in order to move forward with the partnership with the Philippines:
1. They want to the following committees have a representative meet with the Task Force in January: Ecumenical Relations; Mission, Social Justice and Peacemaking; Evangelism; Christian Education; Presbyterian Women; and Interpretation, Stewardship and Support.
They ask that each church include in their budgets some money for the Task Force. The Task Force does not have the money it needs to meet the financial obligations necessary to bring this Partnership to realization. They want to bring somebody from the Philippines next year to give a presentation on what is going on in the Philippines.
Recommend that each church have a Minute for Mission concerning the Task Force sometime in 1999. Especially during February which is Mission month in the Sacramento Presbytery.
Churches will receive a letter and brochure asking for their support and inviting them to become involved in the partnership. There will also be enclosed a Prayer Card which will list important persons in the Philippines.
Working Group on Worldwide Ministry: Bev Norton reported that Presbytery Council has designated February as Mission Emphasis Month. The Working Group has invited several excellent mission resources to itinerate among the churches of our presbytery in February. They will be contacting the Mission Chairs in each church to ask if they would like to have one of them speak to their congregations. They have sent to each Mission Chair a list of local mission speakers and encourage them to plan a mission event in February. She invited each church to bring to the February Presbytery Meeting a display showing their mission involvement.
On October 21-24, 1999 Worldwide Ministry will sponsor three Mission Conferences in New Jersey, Texas and Washington. She encourages each church to sent at least one, more if possible, to this event, to become energized about mission.
Dick Wylie introduced Yonas Yigezu, President, Elababor Synod Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, which means "Jesus' House." Yonas Yigezu spoke to the partnership we have with the Ethiopians, especially with the working relationship with Southern Ethiopian Christians.
Nancy Eng MacNiell reported that the 225 Health and 25 Layette Kits for victims of Hurricane Mitch had been turned in, but more were still needed. She encouraged all church to continue donating the Health and Layette Kits, but to also consider donating money to help pay the postage to send these kits to where they are needed most. She went on to explain that as the people in Honduras and Guatemala begin to recover, the villages will need Dispensary Kits. For further information regarding the relief effort, please contact the Sierra Mission Partnership offices. Churches can bring completed Kits, already packed and ready for mailing to the SMP Office before February 1, 1999 and they will handle the shipping.
SEMINARS: The following seminars were offered to the Presbytery:
"Hoarding Assets for Positive Development" with Rev. Don Griggs
"Continuing the Vision" with Executive Presbyster Sally Hinchman
"Ethiopia" with Yonas Yigezu, President, Elababor Synod
"Characteristics of a Vital, Outreach Focus Congregation" with Rev. Del Burnett
LUNCH: We wish to thank the congregation at Red Bluff for the delicious and filling lunch of salad, hamburger casserole, bread and apply crisp. It was Great!
AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION
The Presbytery was called back to order by the Moderator with the singing of a hymn and prayer.
ELECTION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONERS: Vice Moderator Alice Nishi asked the Stated Clerk to present the names of the candidates nominated to serve as Commissioners to the 211th General Assembly, they were:
Minister Commissioners: Rev. Donald Baird, Fremont Presbyterian Church
Elder Commissioners: Russell Cayler, Covenant Community Church of Vacaville
Marie Segur, Carmichael Presbyterian Church
Youth Advisory Delegate: Lauren Calvert, Shepherd of the Sierra, Loomis
Briagha Stevens, Grace Presbyterian Church of Sacramento
Cecily Wright, First Presbyterian Church of Red Bluff
Vice Moderator Nishi opened the floor for further nominations Minister Commissioners:
Minister Commissioners: Rev. Gail Cullerton, MAL
Rev. Steven McDougall, First Presbyterian Church of Redding
Rev. Barry Cavaghan, HR
Hearing no further nomination from the floor, Vice Moderator Nishi moved to close nominations. Presbytery Voted to close nominations for Minister Commissioners.
Vice Moderator Nishi opened the floor for further nominations Elder Commissioners:
Elder Commissioners: Kathy Trott, Woodland Presbyterian Church.
Hearing no further nomination from the floor, Vice Moderator Nishi moved to close nominations. Presbytery Voted to close nominations for Elder Commissioners.
Vice Moderator opened the floor for further nominations for Youth Advisory Delegate. Hearing none she moved to close nominations. Presbytery Voted to close nominations for Youth Advisory Delegate.
All candidates were given two minutes to address the floor.
The vote was taken and the following persons have been elected as Commissioners to the 211th General Assembly:
Reverend Gail Cullerton and Reverend Barry Cavaghan.
Elder Russell Cayler and Elder Marie Segur.
Youth Advisory Delegate Briagha Steven.
REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION: Stan Henderson reported that the Administrative Commission for the First Presbyterian Church of Redding held eleven meeting and had been in contact with 70 members and friends of the church. He referred to the charge given them at the Presbytery Meeting held on June 27, 1998 in Burney, and mades the following recommendations:
3.0 In order for the First Presbyterian Church of Redding to move through the present conflict and to build trust between the pastor, session and congregation will require action in the following areas:
3.1 The Administrative Commission requires that the Session communicate with the Congregation the findings of the Administrative Commission, including the affirmations, the list of issues, and the agreed upon actions required or recommended by the Administrative Commission. This shall be done in the Church's regular newsletter and one Sunday morning at the regularly scheduled worship services in a printed handout.
3.2 The Administrative Commission requires the creation of an accountability group for Steve selected by the Administrative Commission, made up of three Church members, at least one of who is a Session member. They will meet with Steve a minimum of once every two weeks for at least six months. Their task is to confront Steve when problems arise, give him feedback on his behavior and how it is perceived by others, and direct him to areas of growth and change. The accountability group will make itself open and available to input from congregational members. The accountability group will report to the Committee on Ministry of Presbytery every six weeks.
3.3 The Administrative Commission requires that after six months there will be a review of progress with Steve and the Session and representatives from the Presbytery's Committee on Ministry.
3.4 The Administrative Commission requires that for the next six months a representative designated by the Presbytery's Committee on Ministry be present for all regular and called Session meeting.
3.5 The Administrative Commission recommends that the Session embrace Steve's proposal of a Session Retreat in January 1999 resource by an outside speaker who will lead the Session and Pastor in a process of identifying a common vision of ministry and mission for the First Presbyterian Church of Redding.
3.6 The Administrative Commission recommends that Elders and Deacons participate in the Presbytery's Leadership Development workshop held at the First Presbyterian Church of Redding in early 1999.
The floor was opened for discussion. Presbytery Voted to approve the recommended actions of the Administrative Commission for the First Presbyterian Church of Redding.
The Vice Moderator moved to dismiss the Administrative Commission with thanks. Presbytery Voted to dismiss this Administrative Commission. Moderator Segur closed with prayer for the Redding Church.
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY: Jim Zazzera introduced Darcy Hall who has received a call to a church in Santa Rosa in Presbytery of the Redwoods. The Presbytery of the Redwoods has examined Darcy, but Sacramento Presbytery must approve her plans for ordination. Darcy spoke briefly about her faith and call to Santa Rosa.
It was recommended that the Presbytery approve the following Ordination Commission for Darcy Hall, whose ordination is scheduled for January 3, 1999 at Fremont Presbyterian Church. The Commission will consist of:
The Moderator or her designee
Rev. Dr. Don Baird
Rev. Bob Cordier
Rev. Jim Zazzera
Elder Peg Kriege, Fremont Presbyterian Church
Elder - To be named at a later date
Presbytery Voted to approve the Ordination Commission for Darcy Hall.
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE: Sally Hinchman stated that during the Seminar "Continuing the Vision" she and Rev. Mary Lynn Tobin reviewed many of the changes and directions Presbytery is now taking. Many of the changes resulted from of the comments and desires of the churches in our Presbytery. Some of these were:
Build mutual support and vision for our congregations.
Help develop connections among congregations, numbers and church professionals.
Development - Growing as a Presbytery - Spiritually, numerically and financially.
Increasing support for Mission at all levels.
To become a more inclusive Presbytery of all ages, cultures and people from all parts of the Presbytery.
She asked for help from the Presbytery to accomplish these goals. Sally went on to thank Marie and Alice for their leadership this past year.
SIERRA MISSION PARTNERSHIP COORDINATING COUNCIL: Bob Meyer reported that he is one of four Voting Representatives representing the Presbytery of Sacramento on the Coordinating Council of the new partnership. Their responsibility is to help plan for the next century - to bring the next two generations into the mainstream our church activities. As a Coordinating Council they hope to help the Presbyteries in the Partnership to work together, to be a bridge from one committee to a similar committee in another Presbytery. They are a Coordinating Council not a Management Group or Administrative Group. Through committees, council and presbytery actions, we will tell them what we wish to see happen and they will work to bring it about.
On January 29-30, 1999, at the new SMP Offices, there will be a retreat for the Councils of Stockton, Nevada and Sacramento Presbyteries to discuss the reorganization. They also plan to lead the Councils through the new budget process.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Jim Carter requested permission to address the floor. He has received a further nomination:
Presbytery Council:
00.1 Flo Holman Westminster Presbyterian Church
Vice Moderator Nishi opened the floor for further nominations. Hearing none she closed nominations.
Presbytery Voted to approve this nomination.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Stated Clerk: Recommends the following actions:
That the Minutes of September 26, 1998 Presbytery Meeting be approved.
Dismiss with thanks the Commission for Installation of Sandy Peirce and Andrew Headden as Co-Pastors of the El Dorado Country Federated Church of Placerville.
Dismiss with thanks the Commission for Installation of Steve Schibsted as Pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church in Chico.
Dismiss with thanks the Commission for Installation of Kathy McIntosh-Smith as Pastor of the Countryside Community Church in Esparto.
Dismiss with thanks the Commission for Installation: Elder Suzi Hook, Woodland Presbyterian Church; Elder Kay Cayler, Davis Community Church; Rev. Jim Kitchens, Rev. Dan Fowler and Rev. Gail Cullerton, who were the installing commission for Peter Maier at the Woodland Presbyterian church on November 15, 1998.
Committee on Ministry: Recommends the following actions:
Approve the request of Nancy Symons and El Dorado County Federated Church that the stated supply relationship between them be dissolved, effective October 13, 1998.
Dismiss Darcy Hall to the Presbytery of Redwoods following her ordination on January 3, 1999. She has been called to the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa.
Presbytery Voted to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN: Mary Simpson, Co-Moderator reported that the Fall Gathering was held the First Presbyterian Church in Redding. Moderator Marie Segur led the group through an interactive day by using a time line and a Wall of History.
The next Gathering will be on February 6, 1999 at the First Presbyterian Church of Gridley. The Synod of the Pacific Synod-wide Gathering will be on April 9-11, 1999 at Mercy Center in Burlingame.
PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION: Judy Shideler introduced Les Matheney and Jim Fish who are Foundations Volunteers in Development. She encouraged Presbytery to take advantage of their services as much as possible. In January 1998 the Foundation received a Deed to a Trust Fund from New Covenant, Inc. NA, in the amount of $1,500 Billion. The Trust Company will enhance the Foundations services. In the next few months the Foundation will become a Mutual Fund, I.N.S. Investment & Management Service. These changes will make it easier for Presbytery to see the Net Asset Value on a daily basis; monies will be available within a few days rather then within a few months. Brochures are available for the new services. She went on to report that all the Development Staff for the new Mutual Fund Company are required to take and pass the Series 6 & 63 Securities Exam. She encouraged Churches to consider making an Endowment Resolution using the money in their Memorial Funds.
ENDOWMENT FUND: Les Matheney reported that the Presbytery Endowment Fund now has a full committee. They will have their second meeting on December 16, 1998. He spoke of the expertise of the committee members and the resources available to make this committee successful. In January they plan on having meeting with Pastors at various churches, as they want Pastors to know what their programs are about.
CHURCH DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION STRAGTY: Del Burnett made the following recommendations:
That the Presbytery of Sacramento loan Peace Presbyterian Church $105,000, from the Presbytery NCD Fund. The $105,000 to be repaid in the Spring of 1999.
Presbytery Voted to approve the loan of $105,000 to Peace Presbyterian Church.
That the Presbytery of Sacramento grant permission for Nevada Presbytery to establish an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (ECLA/PCUSA) New Church Development in Truckee.
Kay noted that an Overture would be coming before the Presbytery in February to ask General Assembly for a change in regional boundaries. As this is not a change to the Book of Order, it is an easier process to complete.
Presbytery Voted to approve granting permission for Nevada Presbytery to establish an ELCA/PCUSA New Church Development in Truckee.
COMMITTEE ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: The name of Church Leader Development has been changed to All Church Member Development Event. Presbytery will be sponsoring two opportunities to explore "Transforming Church Life" with Keynote Speaker Howard Rice. There also be 15 Workshops offered. Cost is $15 per person, which includes lunch. The first meeting will be on Saturday, February 27, 1999 at Fremont Presbyterian Church in Sacramento. The second meeting will be on Saturday, March 13, 1999 at First Presbyterian Church in Redding.
REPORT OF THE SYNOD: Moderator Segur introduced Larry Huggett as the new Moderator of the Synod of the Pacific, with Jim Carter as Vice Moderator. Larry submitted the following reports:
Mission Personnel Committee of Synod: Larry Huggett, Commissioner, reported that a good portion of committee time was spent discussing transition issues as they prepare to search for a new Synod Executive. A sub-committee has been formed and is working on the position description for the new executive. Jim Kitchens, chair of Sierra Mission Partnership (SMP) Personnel Committee, chairs this committee.
Position descriptions were approved for the SMP positions: General Presbyter for Ministry/ Associate Synod Executive (Sally Hinchman's position); General Presbyter for Congregational Support (Joanne Hines' position); and General Presbyter for Mission Support (Les Saurer's position). Also a new full-time position was approved for Director of Resource Center and Christian Education. This is a new title for Joanne Pelz and will be considered a Synod staff position.
A report from the Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct has been referred back for consultation with the Presbyteries.
Committee on Representation - Mission Diversity (COR-MD): Jim Carter and Jim Upshaw, Commissioners. This committee has been preparing for the Discovery Tours, which will be conducted during Synod Meeting in February 1999. Discovery Tours (groups of 10-12 commissioners) will visit congregations or other Presbyterian entities which offer good examples of intentional and creative ministries of inclusiveness. They have contacted six sites; four have confirmed their willingness to participate. Synod will be contacting Presbytery COR-MD chairs to encourage them to send up three representative from each Presbytery to the Synod meeting on February 5, 199 to participate in these Tours.
Mission Partnership Committee: Yvonne Hartzell, Commissioner. This committee discussed possible strategies and projects for Mission On The Rim (MOR). Projects considered included the Cambodian Outreach project in Bakersfield; Sheldon Jackson College; an International Students Christian Association; a Hispanic and Migrant Ministry in Stockton, including a Hispanic Parish Nurse; NCD in Meridian, Idaho; A Native American Ministry on the Hoopa Reservation; and the Native American Ministry (FAITH) within our Synod. Members of COR also suggested the possibility of "cross-cultural" youth group exchanges across Presbytery or Synod boundaries to facilitate mutuality in mission.
The committee recommended to Synod a proposal for Stockton Hispanic and Migrant Ministry (including a Hispanic Parish Nurse) and for an International Students Christian Association for a three-Synod sponsorship is included in the "Common Catalog of Mission Projects."
Applications for projects and ministries to be considered for inclusion in the "Common Catalog of Mission Projects" are being developed and will be mailed to the Partnership Office. Deadline for applications is February 1, 1999. It is understood that this does not give many the chance to submit an application before the deadline, so applications will be accepted to May l, 1999.
Mission Finance Committee: Yvonne Ha>
This committee has been in contact with the Synods of Alaska-North, California and Hawaii, exchanging information about insurance and other financial matters. The hope is to continue this interaction in order to develop some guidelines for possible areas of cooperation. They will also be developing projects for extra commitment giving, for churches that wish to give additional money to mission. The projects will have to be validated by the respective governing bodies.
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL: Larry Huggett stated that one of the purposes of Council is to evaluate each Presbytery Meeting, so he encouraged Commissioners to complete and turn in their evaluation sheets to the Stated Clerk. Until the restructuring takes place the Council will consist all committee chair, PW Moderators, four MAL, Moderator and Vice Moderator of Presbytery, Stated Clerk, Synod Commissioner and past Moderator of Presbytery who serves as Moderator of Council.
During lunch the Council met regarding the very large judicial expense this year, which impacted the ability Presbytery's ability to pay the Per Capita to General Assembly in the amount of $74,249.82. It was decided to borrow 24,249.82 to be paid from a loan from the SMP Saving Funds, which will be repaid as quickly as possible. The remaining $50,000 is available from Presbytery Funds. 1999 Per Capita has been raised to $13.44 to accommodate the Permanent Judicial Commissions expenses. Larry went on to point out that this is still one of the lowest Per Capita's in the Church.
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING: New e-mail address rosters were handed out and members were asked to review them and report any error or corrections to the e-mail addresses. It is the goal of Presbytery to utilize e-mail as much as possible to disseminate information, such as minutes, calls to meetings, etc. Plans are underway for a web page, which will be in place in 1999.
Moderator Segur thanked the Presbytery for their prayers and support as she served as Moderator this year. She asked Rev. Dick Wylie, new Vice Moderator, to come forward to accept the Moderator's Stole for Rev. Peggy Cross, who could not be present. Moderator Segur also presented Dick with a Bible from the Philippines, which she had used in Worship. Dick, along with Kay Cayler presented Marie with a commemorative gavel for her year of service and spoke to her many years of dedicated service to the Presbytery.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to bring before the floor, Presbytery Voted to adjourn the meeting. Dick Wylie closed with prayer at
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Kay Fulfs Cayler, Stated Clerk Shirley Westmoreland, Recording Clerk