MINUTES OF THE PRESBYTERY OF SACRAMENTO

GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

WEED, CALIFORNIA

June 10, 1999

Moderator Rev. Peggy Cross convened the Presbytery of Sacramento with prayer at a stated meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church of Weed, California. A quorum was present.

MINISTERS PRESENT: Patty Bourne, Peter Buehler, Barry Cavaghan, Peggy Cross, Gail Cullerton, Henry DeGraaff, Daniel Fowler, Bruce Heiple, Larry Huggett, Sue King, Bill King, James Kitchens, Timothy Little, Bob Masciola, Robert Meyer, Tom Patterson, Steven Schibsted, Ronald Smith, Tom Tripp, James Upshaw, Bill Van Ness, Dan Wells, Richard Wylie.

MINISTERS EXCUSED: Frank Anderson, Donald Baird, Clifford Baker, Robert Ball, Warren Barnes, Jim Barstow, William Bowen, Del Burnett, Robert Burns, William Chalmer, John Chendo, Richard Chiolis, Pong Eun Chung, Robert Clapham, James Clark, Cynthia Cochran-Carney, Jeffrey Cochran-Carney, Dale Cooper, Robert Cordier, Charles Crawford, Gene Crumley, Ernest Cubbon, Clair Denman, E. Bruce Ellithorpe, George Fry, Don Griggs, John Gunn, Deborah Haffner, James Hardy, Harvey Harper, Wayne Hartmire, Andrew Headden, Stan Henderson, Skip Herbert, Robert Hewes, Joreen Jarrell, Christopher Kersting, Jong Choon Kim, Zae Doo Kim, James Knox, Dou Sub Lee, Hong-Jei Lee, Arnold Leverenz, Walter Link, Easton Long, Edward Longabaugh, Peter Maier, Maurice Marcus, Kazuo Masuno, Joseph Matthews, Kathy McIntosh-Smith, Jack McNary, John Moser, Byron Nelson, Hugh Nelson, Augustus Noland, Wesley Nordman, Judy O’Neill, Richard Pearson, Sandy Peirce, Keith Posehn, Daniel Prout, David Ratcliff, Lydia Richards, Stacy Roberts, John Robinson, Lewis Rooker, Peter Sabey, Sharon Sauer, Robert Scott, Liz Shaw, Mary Shearly, Thomas Sisterson, Thomas Smith, Nicholas Sorani, Ronald Soucy, Tim Soule, Sarah Stephens H. Winnfield Stevens, William Stevens, Robert Stevenson, Joan Stock, Noble Streeter, Nancy Symons, Jerry Taylor, J. Ray Thompson, Mary Lynn Tobin, Philip Trinh, Ernest Tufft, Gregory Tyree, Greg Vacca, Aart Van Beek, Brad Van Sant, Stephen Weber, David Weidlich, Henry Wells, Ken Winters, Robert Yule, James Zazzera, Jim Zeek, and Geordie Zeigler.

MINISTERS ABSENT: David Baker, Dwight Beattie, Robert Blackstone, Tyler Breese, Robert Browne, Larry Emery, Cliff Graves, Stephen McDougall, and E. Dexter McNamara.

COMMISSIONED LAY PASTORS: None present.

COUNCIL ELDERS PRESENT: Kay Cayler, Leola Davies and Marie Segur.

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS: Joanne Hines (Presbytery of Nevada) and Les Sauer (Presbytery of Stockton).

CHURCHES REPRESENTED BY ELDERS: Burney (Isbell), Carmichael (Angell, Segur, Segur), Chico (Miller, Simpson), Citrus Heights (Van Duker), Colusa (Rauch), Corning (McDonald, Waller), Davis (Cayler, Ito), Fair Oaks (Lyon), Folsom (Weick), Marysville (Martin, Martin), McCloud (Bringle), Nevada City (Williams), North Highlands (Hadley, Hadley), Placerville (Groelle, Upshaw), Red Bluff (Reed, Raymond), Redding (Holt), Roseville (Nogy, Watson), Sacramento Bethany (Betts), Sacramento Faith (Bell, Lewis), Sacramento Fremont (MacDonald), Sacramento Northminster (Root, Ross), Sacramento Westminster (Holman, McCartney), Vacaville Covenant (Cayler, Reiff), Weed (Hanner, McDowell), West Sacramento (Edwards, Edwards), Winters (Rothe, Westmoreland), Woodland (Heinson) and Yuba City (Kunde).

CHURCHES NOT REPRESENTED BY ELDERS: Auburn, Carmichael Korean, Elk Grove, Esparto, Gridley, Loomis, Orland, Oroville, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento Grace, Sacramento Capital Korean, Sacramento Parkview, Vacaville Community, and Walnut Grove.

OTHERS PRESENT: Harold Barnun (Elder, Grace-Weed), Donald Brown (Seminary Intern at Westminster PC), Sue Christopher (Grace-Weed), Granger Davies (COM),Dina Gardner (Candidate for Ordination), Jeff Gephart (Candidate for Ordination), Sally Hinchman (Presbytery Executive), Dorothy Huggett (Name Tags), Patricia Hunter (Grace-Weed), Pamela Jacobi (Candidate for Ordination), JoAnn Pelz (SMP Resource Center Director), Joe Riker (Commission Lay Pastor Trainee), Ivy Rhodes, John Simpson (Fremont), Mary Simpson (SFTS Auxiliary Board, PWP), Wally Sipher (PNC Bidwell Memorial PC-Chico), Eric Thompson (Intern-First Presbyterian Colusa), David Williams (Candidate for Ordination), and Cecily Wright (YAD).

MODERATOR: The meeting was called to order by Moderator Rev. Peggy Cross at 9:33 a.m. with prayer. Dan Fowler led the Presbytery in singing songs from summer camps through out the meeting.

WELCOME: The Moderator introduced our host pastor, Reverend Henry DeGraaff, who gave a brief history of Grace Presbyterian Church and the new directions they are taking to minister to the need of Weed’s young people.

Henry then introduced Father John Hannihan who works with the community’s children programs. Father Hannihan’s church, Holy Family Parish Catholic Church.

MORNING PLENARY SESSION

INTRODUCTIONS:

Elder Commissioners: Vicki Ito, Davis Community Church; David Segur, Carmichael Presbyterian Church; Elsie McDonald, First United Presbyterian Church of Corning; Norman Root, Northminster Presbyterian Church of Sacramento; Joie Raymond, The Presbyterian Church of Red Bluff; Chuck Bell, Faith Presbyterian Church of Sacramento; and Mindy Lewis, Faith Presbyterian Church of Sacramento.

Corresponding Members: Joanne Hines (Presbytery of Nevada); Les Sauer (Presbytery of Stockton); and David William (Presbytery of San Gabriel).

REPORT OF THE Stated Clerk: Kay Cayler reported that there was one addition to the Consent Agenda. Under Committee on Ministry, Item 7, add 7a. Richard Pearson to act as Moderator of the Session for Westminster Presbyterian Church until such time as a interim head pastor is called.

There was one correction under Committee on Ministry, Item 7 the dissolution of the pastoral relationship should read July 31, 1999 and not June 30, 1999 as printed.

The Presbytery of San Jose received Lynn Vandercook on February 16, 1999.

It is the goal to get the Presbytery minutes on the web page no later than 30 days following a Presbytery meeting. If you have given us an email address the minutes will not be mailed to you. The presbytery web page is www.sacpresby.org. This can also be accessed through the www.pcusa.org web page.

The case involving Thomas M. Smith, a minister member of this Presbytery, which was appealed to the Synod of the Pacific has not been appealed any further and therefore is finished.

Per capita payments for the last two years are listed in the packets. Congratulations and thanks to the vast majority of churches in this Presbytery for making prompt and full payments.

Three churches did not submit their statistical report to the Clerk in time and therefore will not be listed in the minutes from General Assembly. These Churches are: Capital Korean Presbyterian Church of Sacramento, Walnut Grove Community Church and Carmichael Korean Presbyterian Church.

The address for Covenant Community Church in Vacaville has changed to 3870 Alamo Drive, Vacaville 95687-7224, effective July 15, 1999. Their phone number remains the same.

The Clerk moved that the docket be approved as amended. Presbytery voted to approve the Docket.

JOYS, SORROWS AND CONCERNS:

Joys…

Covenant Community Church in Vacaville has now moved into their new ministry center that will house offices and meeting rooms.

Kimberly Fong, a candidate under care of this Presbytery, is experiencing a remarkable recovery from brain surgery in April.

 

Sorrows…

Peter Maier’s father, Samuel Maier died in early May. He was a retired Presbyterian minister.

Hugh Nelson’s brother died in May.

Henry Wells’ brother died in May.

Jong Choon Kim’s mother died in Korea. He was visiting her at the time of her death.

REPORT OF THE COUNCIL: Marie Segur recommended that Presbytery approve the proposed Guidelines for Investigative Committee and Permanent Judicial Commission. Following a review of the policy, it was moved that the proposal be amended the title to read Financial Guidelines for Investigative Committee and Permanent Judicial Commission.

Presbytery voted to change the Proposed Guidelines to read Financial Guidelines for Investigative Committees and Permanent Judicial Commission.

The proposed guideline read as follows:

FINANCIAL GUIDELINES FOR INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEES

AND PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION

 

1. During the Investigation

A. During the investigation, up to $1,000 is available for the Investigating Committee (IC)

(D-10.0201c). If additional expenses will be incurred, a representative of the IC shall inform the Financial/Budget Committee Chairperson and the General Presbyter.

B. Full confidentiality is kept. The name of the accused is not disclosed at any time.

C. In the investigation stage, the accused has a right to counsel, yet the Presbytery has no obligation to pay.

2. After charges are filed

A. Each of the parties in a disciplinary case may be represented by counsel. (D-11.0301).

B. The Prosecuting Committee and the Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) shall determine reasonable legal fees and hours anticipated for preparation and prosecution of the case, and all anticipated additional expenses. These expenses shall be agreed upon with the PJC in writing before or soon after the commencing of such preparations at each level of trial and appeal.

C. If the Accused states he/she cannot afford or secure counsel for trail (D-11.0302), it becomes the duty of the PJC to determine the accuracy of this statement. A request for assistance is not sufficient to mandate that the PJC acting for the Presbytery secure and pay for the counsel. Ordinarily, the accused will pay a minimum of 25% of the cost for defense.

1. To evaluate whether the Accused can afford counsel, the following documentation shall be requested, but not limited to:

a. The last three years of federal and state tax returns, including all forms.

(All income, property, capital gains, etc.)

b. Credit report from national agency.

c. Anticipated income statement and living expenses for the next year of person,

spouse, and others listed in contributing to household.

c. Current balance sheet with both historical and current market columns.

2. If need is determined, such reasonable legal fees and hours anticipated for preparation and defense of the case, and all anticipated additional expenses shall be agreed upon with the PJC. This agreement shall be in writing before or soon after the commencing of such preparations at each level of trial and appeal. This agreement will also state the amount that the accused will pay.

D. Accused persons who wish to secure their own counsel will do so at their own expense.

Copies of all agreements (in a form that insures confidentiality) shall be given to the General Presbyter and the Financial/Budget Committee Chairperson so that plans for payment may be made.

Presbytery voted to approve the Guidelines as amended.

The Council further recommends that the Presbytery develop a Judicial Expense Fund, with money coming from the Per Capital.

Presbytery voted to approve the development of a Judicial Expense Fund.

Effective August 1, 1999 Skip Herbert will be Northern California Representative for the Presbyterian Foundation. That office will be situated in the North Conference Room of the SMP Office Complex.

The Council is seeking ways to make Presbytery meetings meaningful and responsive to the needs of commissioners. Moderator Peggy Cross was given approval to develop a task force to implement the revised Bylaws and features of the new design.

The Nominating Committee needs assistance from all members of the Presbytery to suggest possible nominees for service on the Nominating Committee for overall Presbytery responsibilities.

Jubilee 2000 brochures will be available soon. The Presbytery of Sacramento is one of the sponsors, with the event taking place on January 2, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. at Arco Arena.

The Presbytery of Sacramento has been chosen to host the 217th General Assembly in 2005. While this is an honor, there will be a lot of work and multitudes of volunteers needed for this to be a success.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY: The Committee has reported that they have met with the following candidates and finds them ready for ordination as of the dates given. They are:

Suk Wan Han April 14, 1998

Dina Gardner September 9, 1998

Donna Waterman November 11, 1998

Kimberly Fong May 13, 1999

Judy Davis June 9, 1999

The Committee, having found Dina Gardner ready to be ordained as Minister of the Word and Sacrament recommends that Presbytery, upon proper examination, find her ready to receive a call.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY: Reverend Gail Cullerton reported for Byron Nelson. The COM makes the following recommendations:

1. That Presbytery approve the call of Judy O’Neill to become Co-Director of the Interfaith Counseling Service under the auspices of the Cal Aggie Christian Association, beginning August 1, 1999.

Presbytery voted to approve this action.

That Presbytery approve the following Terms of Call for Judy O’Neill:

Salary $31,800

Housing $ 7,000

Continuing Education $ 1,000

Professional Expenses $ 1,200

Auto $ 700

Pension/Dental/Death Benefit $11,446

Study Leave Four Weeks

Vacation Four Weeks

 

The call meets AAEEO requirements.

Presbytery voted to approve her Terms of Call.

2. Gail presented David Williams, a candidate under care of the Presbytery of San Gabriel, whose Committee on Preparation for Ministry finds him ready for examination for ordination. David has received a call to become the organizing pastor of the New Church Development in Northwest Roseville. David presented his Statement of Faith and spoke briefly concerning his call.

David was examined by the Presbytery. Presbytery voted to arrest the examination. David was excused for the vote.

Presbytery voted to approved David Williams for ordination as a Minister of the Word and Sacramento. His ordination will take place in the fall.

There was some confusion regarding his call and his ordination. The Stated Clerk stated that David Williams was not being called by a church, but by the Presbytery to act on their behalf as the organizing pastor for a New Church Development.

Presbytery voted to approve David Williams to become the organizing pastor of the New Church Development in Northwest Roseville.

 

Approve the following Terms of Call, beginning July 15, 1999 for David Williams:

Salary & Housing $42,000 (Percentage of each to be negotiated)

Auto Allowance $ 2,000

Pension $11,760

Moving Expenses $ 5,000

Book Allowance $ 800

Study Leave $ 800 and Two Weeks

Vacation Four Weeks

The call meets AAEEO requirements.

Presbytery voted to approve Terms of Calls for David Williams.

Gail invited the Search Committee to join David on the stage for prayer.

3. Approve Richard "Hutch" Hutchison, HR for membership in the Presbytery of Sacramento. Hutch was senior pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sacramento in the early 1980’s and is returning to this Presbytery for retirement.

Presbytery voted to approve Richard "Hutch" Hutchison, HR for membership in the Presbytery of Sacramento.

4. Presented Pamela Jacobi, a candidate under the care of the Presbytery of San Joaquin, to find her ready ordination. Pam read her Statement of Faith and was examined by the Presbytery.

Presbytery voted to arrest the examination. Pam was excused for the vote.

Presbytery voted to approved Pamela Jacobi for ordination as a Minister of the Word and Sacramento. The Presbytery of San Joaquin will handle her ordination. Pam has already started work at Carmichael effective July 1, 1999, with her ordination set for September 12, 1999.

 

Pam has been invited to serve as Interim Associate Pastor at Carmichael Presbyterian Church. Such invitations need only the approval of the Session of the Church and the Committee on Ministry. Both have approved this invitation pending her ordination. The Terms of Call do not need to be approved by Presbytery, but are presented for information purposes only.

Salary $25,000

Housing $10,000

Car Expense (Voucher) $ 1,700

Moving Expenses $ 1,200

Pension $ 8,891

Continuing Education $ 400

Vacation One week following

every three months of service

The call meets AAEEO requirements.

Gail invited the Search Committee to join Pamela on the stage for prayer.

4. The Statement of Faith for Rev. David R. Huusko was presented for information purposes only. Rev. Huusko will be meeting with the Committee on Ministry later in July. At that time the Committee on Ministry will act on the behalf of the Presbytery regarding the call which has been extended by the Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento.

The Terms of Call, which will also be acted on by the Committee on Ministry, are as follows:

Salary $21,000

Housing $21,500

Pension $11,900

Auto Expenses $ 2,000

Continuing Education $ 800 Two Weeks

Vacation Four Weeks

The call meets AAEEO requirements.

 

5. The following is the report to the Presbytery concerning the First Presbyterian Church of Redding:

The Committee on Ministry (COM)reports that we have performed our supervision in the recommendation for First Presbyterian Church, Redding and pastor, Reverend Stephen McDougall, adopted by Presbytery on December 1, 1998. We have sent representatives to all stated Session meetings, except May. We have received reports from the Accountability Task Force. The COM Chair and the General Presbyter met with the pastor and Accountability Task Force members in March. A team of 11 or 12 interviewed the Session Members and Pastor on May 2, 1999. Although we have continuing concerns for the dynamics and relationship between Pastor, Session and Congregation, we are willing to entrust these concerns to the Session for their follow-up with some specific recommendations. COM plans no further intervention of follow-up unless requested. A review of the health of the Congregation and Pastor will be done following the triennial visit by COM to be accomplished by this fall. The Clerk of Session of the Church reports 55 deletions from the Church rolls and 36 placements to the Inactive Roll between November 1997 and May 1999.

COMMITTEE ON CHURCH DEVELOPMENT & MISSION STRATEGY: No Report.

MISSION, SOCIAL JUSTICE & PEACEMAKING: Reverend Dan Fowler, together with Les Sauer, presented a video on a mission trip taken on April 19-29, 1999 to Nicaragua, which included himself and twelve others. Their purpose in part was to see what was going on educationally and to establish some ties with those working and serving in that country. They also went to see the results of Hurricane Mitch, which struck Nicaragua in November 1998. They visited two different areas on the West Coast of Nicaragua and were able to see some of the resettlement areas. Nicaragua is the Second Poorest Country in the world. Hurricane Mitch struck the poorest regions in Nicaragua. Dan hopes to organize a Mission Working Trip to the area in the next year or two. The video is available to Congregations who want to see how the various programs/funds like One Great Hour of Sharing are handled. Dan encouraged each Congregation’s to be a part of Jubilee/2000 USA - A worldwide movement seeking to cancel the un-payable international debts of the poorest countries.

Reverend Henry DeGraaff requested permission from the floor to address the Presbytery. He invited the members of Trinity Presbytery Church of Weed to step forward to thank them for their hard work getting the Church ready for Presbytery. He also explained that during lunch there would be two tables set up for those who wished to talk with the General Assembly Commissioners about their experiences.

WORSHIP - GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONERS: The Commissioners to the 211th General Assembly held in Fort Worth, Texas -- Reverend Barry Cavaghan, Reverend Gail Cullerton, Elders Russell Cayler, Elder Marie Segur and YAD Cecily Wright, led us in worship.

They led us in a meaningful worship service, offering reflections on The Great Ends of the Church, including a Litany from a Worship Service at General Assembly.

LUNCH: We want to thank the women and men from Holy Family Catholic Church for serving us a wonderful lunch with sandwiches, several salads, fresh fruit and cookies. It is always refreshing to see Churches of different denominations working together to help each other.

AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

Stated Clerk: Recommend the follow actions:

The minutes of the April 17, 1999 meeting be approved with the following correction: Camp McLean is located southwest of Placerville, not in southwest Placer County.

Dismiss with thanks the Commission to Ordain Elizabeth Shaw.

Dismiss with thanks the Commission to Install James Barstow.

Dismiss with thanks the Investigative Committee, which became the Prosecuting Committee (per the Book of Order) which dealt with the allegations, charges, and appeal of Thomas Michael Smith.

Committee on Ministry: Recommends the following:

That Robert H. Browne bemoved to the status of Honorably Retired, effective immediately. This action is taken at his request.

Approve the request of Skip Herbert and Westminster Presbyterian Church to dissolve the pastoral relationship effective July 31, 1999. (Skip will remain in the Presbytery as a Representative for the Presbyterian Foundation).

Approve Richard Pearson to Moderate the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church until such time as an Interim Head Pastor is called.

Dismiss George Fry to the Presbytery of San Joaquin where he has been invited by the Session of First Presbyterian Church in Visalia to do some part time work.

Dismiss Robert Hewes to the Presbytery of San Joaquin where he has received a call as hospital Chaplain.

In accordance with G-11.0502h that the COM "be given authority by the Presbytery to find in order calls issued by Churches, to approve and present calls for services of ministers, to approve the examination of ministers transferring from other Presbyteries required by G-11.0402, to dissolve the pastoral relationship in cases where the congregation and pastor concur, to grant permission to labor within or outside the bounds of the Presbytery, and to dismiss ministers to other Presbyteries, with the provision that all such actions be reported to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery. (G-9.0403, G-14.0507).

Committee on Preparation for Ministry: Recommends the following:

That Susan Hill, having been recommended by her Session and having met with the Committee is enrolled as an Inquirer. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Marysville,

At the request of the candidate and in accordance with G-14.0312 remove Elizabeth Mehren from the status of Candidate.

At the request of the Inquirer and in accordance with G-14.0312 remove Cindy Nelson from the status of Inquirer.

Trustees: Recommends that Presbytery approve the request of the First Presbyterian Church of Colusa to complete the expansion of their sanctuary by borrowing $60,000 from their members at 8.5% interest, payable in five years with no penalty for early payment. (They report that they have already collected $180,000 through various fundraisers).

Presbytery voted to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES: The Presbytery is reminded that there are funds available for no interest loans to Churches so that they can install central station alarm systems in Church buildings.

COMMITTEE ON PLANNING: There is a list of fax numbers and email addresses of Churches within the Presbytery or the designated contact person for that Church. If any information concerning your Church is incorrect or needs to be updated, please contact Jimmi Mishler at the address and phone number indicted.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Reports that there is one correction to the Roster of Elected Persons, under Committee on Church Development and Mission Strategy:

*John Moser 3870 Alamo Drive, Vacaville 95687-7224

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE: Sally Hinchman thanked the Commissioners for their innovative way of reporting on what happened at General Assembly.

Sally reported that the Sacramento Presbytery is once again looking at its structure. To this end Moderator Cross has appointed a Task Force that will help formulate new ways in which we will conduct their business and staffing duties. The focus is for the Sierra Mission Partnership (SMP) Office to become more "user friendly" for congregations and to make the SMP Staff more responsive to their needs.

General Assembly will be held in Sacramento in 2005. The Steering Committee will not start its work until 2003, when they will be invited to attend the General Assembly being held in Richmond, Virginia and to follow that Steering Committee around to see how they did their work.

She reported that all three Presbyteries of the SMP have signed a contract with Percept, which will help to evaluate and formulate the goals and direction of the individual congregations and Presbyteries.

Joanne Hines was invited to come forward to announce an award that was given out at General Assembly. Joanne reported that Peace Presbyterian Church in Elk Grove was the recipient of the Walton Grant, which is award to New Church Developments to help with building cost and site purchases. Congratulations to Peace Presbyterian Church.

Sally invited Les to come forward. She announced that Les and Sharon had received a call as Partnership Consultants to India with Worldwide Ministry Division starting on January 1, 2000. This is an appointment by the General Assembly for a three-year term as a Mission Specialist working as liaison between the various Presbyterian programs and to work with partnership Churches. We will officially say good-by to the Sauer’s at the November 30, 1999 Presbytery Meeting to be held at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Sacramento.

 

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY:

1. Reverend Gail Cullerton presented Dina Gardner who is ready to be examined for ordination to receive a call as Director of Alumni/ae and Church Relations for San Francisco Theological Seminary. Dina spoke to her faith journey.

Dina was examined by the Presbytery. Presbytery voted to arrest the examination. Dina was excused for the vote.

Presbytery voted to approved Dina Gardner for ordination as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament.

Presbytery voted to approve membership in the Presbytery and to validate the call and the ministry of Dina Gardner as Director of Alumni/ae and Church Relations for San Francisco Theological Seminary and to approve her for membership in the Presbytery of Sacramento.

The COM recommended that Presbytery approve the Dina Gardner’s Terms of Call as follows:

Salary & Housing $40,000 (Percentage of each to be negotiated)

Pension/Medical/Dental Full Pension, Medical & Dental

Professional Expenses None

Auto Mileage Allowance $ 2,400

Study Leave Two Weeks

Vacation Four Weeks.

The call meets AAEEO requirements.

Presbytery voted to approve Dina Gardner Terms of Call.

Gail recommended that Presbytery approve the following Ordination Commission for Dina Gardner, which will be at 4:00 p.m. on September 12, 1999 at Davis Community Church:

Moderator or her designee

Reverend Jim Kitchens, Davis Community Church

Reverend Mary Lynn Tobin, Davis Community Church

Elder Kay Cayler, Davis Community Church

Elder Jean Hansen, Westminster Presbyterian Church

Elder Alice Hays, Vacaville Community Church

Corresponding Members: Reverend George McLaird, Presbytery of the Redwoods

Reverend Joan Carter, Presbytery of the Redwoods

Reverend Nancy Wiens-St-John, Presbytery of the Redwoods

Reverend Gayle Waring, UCC

Reverend Bill Eichhorn, UCC

Reverend Ann Eichhorn, UCC

Presbytery voted to approve the Ordination Commission for Dina Gardner.

Members of Davis Community Church and her family were invited to come forward. Jim Kitchen prayed for Dina and her ministry.

2. Gail then presented Jeff Gephart, who is a Candidate under the care of the Presbytery of Seattle whose Committee on Preparation for Ministry finds him ready for ordination. Jeff has received a call to Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church of Chico as Associate Pastor. His Statement of Faith was presented and Jeff spoke briefly about his faith and call.

Jeff was examined by the Presbytery. Presbytery voted to arrest the examination. Jeff was excused for the vote.

Presbytery voted to approve Jeff Gephart for ordination as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament.

Following his ordination in Seattle the COM recommends that Presbytery approve him for membership in the Presbytery of Sacramento.

Presbytery voted to approve Jeff Gephart for membership in the Presbytery of Sacramento.

Recommends that Presbytery approve the following Terms of Call for Jeff Gephart:

Salary & Housing $34,500 (Percentage of each to be negotiated)

Auto & Travel $ 1,700

Continuing Education $ 800 Plus Two Weeks

Personal Business/Book Expense $ 800

Moving Expenses $ 5,000 (Unvouchered)

Pension/Medical $ 9,660

Dental $ 1,013

Vacation Four Weeks

The call meets AAEEO requirements.

 

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP: Marie Segur invited Reverends Bill and Sue King to come forward and share some of their experiences in the Philippines. Bill shared some stories about Presbyterian Foreign Mission Committee and Missionaries who went to the Philippines. In 1959 he and Sue were commissioned by the Ecumenical Mission and Relation Agency of the General Assembly to go to the Philippines as Fraternal Workers. He worked with college students and Sue worked with women’s groups and medical work.

Sue shared that they were Fraternal Workers from 1958-1963. She shared some of the background on the Philippines, so that we will understand what is happening there today. Today 85% of all Filipinos are Roman Catholic, 5% are Muslim, leaving 10% who are Protestant. There are over 50 denominations, besides the United Church of Christ. In recent history the Philippines have endured World War II, the Marcos Dictatorship, the loss of vital topsoil due to the deforestation of their rainforest and civil unrest. Yet they survive and we are privileged to be able to sit down with them and talk about how this Partnership can work, what we can learn from each other. They are coming to us, asking for this partnership not based on endowments but on the love of Jesus Christ.

Marie reminded the Presbytery that we are hosting members from the Southeast Luzon Conference UCCP at the November Presbytery Meeting. She encouraged all congregations to become involved with this partnership.

ENDOWMENT FUND: Reverend Joanne Hines reported for Les Matheney who could not be present. Joanne reported that they are almost finished with Brochures that will be sent out. The Committee plans on meeting with Pastors and Sessions to be sure that they know what the Endowment is all about and to answer questions regarding the Endowment and to encourage them to work with the Endowment Fund Committee.

At General Assembly this year there were several Overtures and Resolutions that came from Presbyteries saying that they want New Church Development, Racial Ethnic Church Development and Redevelopment to be a priority. General Assembly has pledged to give Presbyteries as much money as possible to for these projects, plus there are Mission Development Grants available. However, there is not enough money available at General Assembly to fully fund these projects. So, each Presbytery is to work on ways to meet their needs. Many New Church Developments fail when it comes time for capital improvements. This is also true with Redevelopment projects. The cost of land and building expenses in California are prohibitive.

The Endowment Fund will set up a fund within the Presbytery of Sacramento that will provide capital funds to help establish New Church Developments, promote Redevelopment in existing Churches and to help struggling Churches who need help to meet capital improvements. This will be an important part of our Endowment Fund and very important to our Presbytery

MISSION, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND PEACEMAKING: Reverend Tim Little reported that Bev Norton could not be present today. He then introduced Evelyn Weick who is Chair for Worldwide Ministries Working Group (WMWG). Evelyn spoke to the number of refugees in our area and how our churches are responding to their needs. The WMWG will be sponsoring on October 2, 1999 several workshops on "Our Brothers & Sisters - Refugees in Our Midst" featuring Maurine Huang of the Sacramento Refugee Ministry and Sharon Stanley, Director of Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries. Workshops offered will be: Partnering with Our Refugee Churches in Our Congregations; Refugee Experience Integrating - Into Sacramento; Building Bridges; and Ethnic Cleansing in America. Cost is $8.00 per person and begins at 8:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Roseville. All were encouraged to attend.

Evelyn announced that this year our denomination would be holding a Regional Conference for the Pacific Coast on Congregations in Global Missions "Stepping into God’s Future," will be held on October 21-24, 1999 in Tacoma, Washington.

Tim distributed materials on the Accessible Congregational Campaign - 2,000 Congregations by the year 2000. This is an effort to bring conscience raising about issues of inclusiveness of persons with disabilities. Presbytery voted at the April 1999 Meeting to go on record affirming our commitment to this campaign. To date only one Church in our Presbytery has made a commitment to this campaign and Tim commended the First Presbyterian Church of Colusa for their efforts. He stated that he was surprised and disappointed by the lack of commitment by the Churches in our Presbytery. He encouraged all Churches to participate in this campaign to make all our churches open and accessible to persons of all disabilities.

Currently Churches giving money to Loaves ‘N Fishes cannot receive Mission Credit with the Presbytery as this is not covered under the auspices of Mission Giving. Tim moved that money given to Fishes ‘N Loaves be included in Special Opportunity Offerings, thereby allowing Churches to receive Mission Credits for their offering.

Presbytery voted to approve making Loaves ‘N Fishes a Special Opportunity Offering.

Tim invited Les Sauer to speak to the Presbytery concerning the upcoming 1999 Peacemaking Offering. Les reminded the Presbytery to use the checklist included in the Peacemaking Packet in preparing for this Offering. This Offering is distributed with 50% going to General Assembly, 25% going to the Presbytery and 25% being retained by the Church for use on local projects. The 1999 International Peacemaker, Reverend Ismael Madruga, will be in Sacramento in September and is available to speak to Congregations about the importance of this Offering.

PERCEPT - VISTA 2000: Reverend Joanne Hines introduced Percept, specifically VISTA 2000, which all three Presbyteries of the SMP have agreed use. She stated that Percept will enable us to get up to date information for Church Development and Church growth on each of our individual Churches in the three Presbyteries. There have been a few of our Churches who have used Percept to gather demographic information about their communities. Percept shows the demographics of their community, helping them formulate ways to meet the needs of their community.

With Percept the SMP will be able to see the growth potential and mission opportunity in each community. SMP will also be able to see into the entire Presbytery showing us where we need to put New Church Developments or help old Churches with relocation to maximize their possibilities for growth.

In order to be able to do this, which will be done over the Internet, they are going to need some help. The first presentation of Percept will be done to the Presbytery as a whole; then opportunities will be made available for individual Churches to use the Percept program early in the year 2000. All information on this program will be available at the SMP Offices. It will also be available to all Churches who have Internet ability. In order to maximize its value, SMP needs people who are computer literate to act as providers for the Presbytery. Those who are interested in long range planning for demographics for church growth, redevelopment and ministry in mission and to be able to dissimulate information to interested Churches are asked to contact her.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN: Elnora Bradish and Mary Simpson, Co-Moderators of Presbyterian Women (PW), reported that Reverend Sharon Sauer would be the Keynote Speaker at the PW Retreat to be held on October 15-17, 1999. Mary went on to highlight the many opportunities PW has given to women to become involved with other women of faith.

Elnora and Mary have completed their term as Co-Moderators. Elsie Tufts from El Dorado County Federated Church in Placerville has been elected as the new Moderator for PW. Mary thanked the Presbytery for their support of the programs of Presbyterian Women over the past few years.

REPORT OF THE SYNOD: Reverend Larry Huggett reported the following:

Mission Personnel Committee: The Search Committee was formed to find an Interim Synod Executive to serve the interim period beginning on January 1, 2000. The current Synod Executive, Reverend Phil Young has resigned his position as of 11:59 ½ p.m. on December 31, 1999.

Synod Finance Committee: Recommended to the Synod and Synod approved a loan of $863,063 for El Dorado Federated Church in Placerville for the building of their second worship facility.

Mission Partnership Committee: Recommended to the Synod and Synod approved the following requests for financial aid from the Hilda V. Thompson Fund:

El Dorado County Federated Church in Placerville for

"Federated Church Health Ministry Program" $2,500

Grace Presbyterian Church of Weed for

"Parish Nurse" $2,500

The 1999 Mission Partnership Funding Consultation Session reported the following figures as they pertain to our Presbytery:

Revenue from Sacramento presbytery in 1999 $421,850

1999 Allocation to Sierra Mission Partnership $432,007

The Per Capita for the year 200 will remain at $4.00 for Synod, $4.91 for General Assembly, an increase of 15¢.

Committee on Representation & Mission Diversity (COR/MD): Jim Upshaw, Sue King and Jim Carter serve on this committee. The Discovery Tours, which are held every February were discussed and evaluated. It was decided that even though the Discovery Tours are very beneficial, they want to visit congregations within their own Presbyteries to see how many inclusive, creative ministries are already in progress within our congregations. Jim Upshaw requested that congregations contact him or Jim Carter if they have inclusive programs already in progress. Especially programs involving women, ethnic diversity or those with disabilities.

It was a disappointment to learn that most Presbyteries do not have functioning COR/MD, and this is a concern.

 

ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to bring before the floor, Presbyter voted to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was closed with prayer at 3:35 p.m.

Kay Fulfs Cayler, Stated Clerk Shirley Westmoreland, Recording Clerk