THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY SYNOD OF SOUTH ATLANTIC P.O. BOX 4025; FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA 29502 Telephone 1-877-662-8411 (toll-free); Fax (843) 665-1408 Email: [email protected]
2012 MINUTES OF PRESBYTERY
Stated Meeting #73 February 25, 2012…………………………. Pgs. 1-21 Bishopville Presbyterian Church Bishopville, S. C.
Special Called Meeting April 19, 2012……………………………. Pgs. 22-23 Chapel, Presbyterian Communities Florence, S. C.
Stated Meeting #74 May 8, 2012……………………………….. Pgs. 24-32 Kingston Presbyterian Church Conway, S. C.
Special Called Meeting August 21, 2012……………………………. Pgs. 33-40 Chapel, Presbyterian Communities Florence, S. C.
Stated Meeting #75 October 9, 2012……………………………. Pgs. 41-56 Melina Presbyterian Church Gable, S. C.
Special Called Meeting December 6, 2012……………………………. Pgs. 57-66 Chapel, Presbyterian Communities Florence, S. C.
Manual of Presbytery …………………………………… …Appendix (A-A-26)
Audit of Financial Statements ………………………………… Back section of this book
THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY Seventy-third Stated Meeting – February 25, 2012 – 9:30 A.M. Bishopville Presbyterian Church, Bishopville, South Carolina
The meeting was called to order and led in prayer by Moderator Henry McFaddin, an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Sumter. The Stated Clerk determined that a quorum was present, and the Moderator opened the meeting with prayer.
The following persons were enrolled for the meeting:
Forty ministers were present: Paul W. Abell, Jr., Michael R. Allen, Richard S. Andrews, Scott B. Andrews, Eugen Bach, Blair Beaver, James Braswell, Daryle Bush, Judith L. Cettei, Franklin D. Colclough, Lisa Culpepper, Mark Durrett, Jody P. Foster, Rodney A. Foster, Carnell Hampton, Christopher Handley, Garland Hart, William C. Hayes, A. Kyle Henderson, Kenneth Hicks, Josie Holler, William J. Holmes, Jr., Frank Holsclaw, Ray Howe, Ernest Jackson, J. Lewis Johnson, Tom Langston, Jane McElwee-Smith, Retha Nelson, Timothy Osment, John W. Parks, David Ruth, Dan Sansbury, Preston Shealy, Samuel Sparks, O. Rhett Talbert, Emma W. Thompson, Robert Wilkes, Steve Wilkins, Gloria Williams.
Sixty elder commissioners were present: Bennettsville First – Richard Rogers; Bishopville – E. Tyson Eckley; Cheraw First – Mary Jane Evans; Chesterfield – Kaye Rivers; Concord – Lee Warren; Congruity – Deloris Lesesne; Cousar Memorial – Latishe Moses; Ebenezer – Sharon McCoy; Friendship – Darren Wilson; George Waldo Long Memorial – Robert C. Johnson, Jr.; Georgetown – A. T. Quantz; Goodwill – Ruby Jean Boyd; Grandview – Betty Watson; Harmony – Freddie Nelson; Hartsville First – Mellany Isom, Meg Norwood; Hopewell – Gretchen Huggins; Jefferson – James M. Pigg; John Calvin – Steve McElveen; Kentyre – Marie Glenn; Kingston – John Dennis; Lake City – Theresa Graham; Latta – Marcia Bethea; Loris First – Bridgett Fowler; Manning – Margaret B. Cooper; Marion – Al McIntyre; McBee – Robert DeFee; McColl First – Larry Lee; McDowell – Edward M. Heins; Melina – Carolyn Walker; Midway – Daniel R. Harrington; Morton – Sheila Outlaw: Mt. Lisbon – Deborah A. Wilson; Mt. Pisgah – Dorothy Samuel; Myrtle Beach First – Connie Barnard, Michael Shelton, Milly Vaughn, Caren Whittier; New Bethel – Linda D. Hanna; New Harvest – Calvin Wilson; Ocean Drive – Deborah Hill, Lee Thompson; Parkwood – Tommy Jackson; Pawleys Island – Ragan Ormands; Rocky Creek – Marsha M. Johnson; Ruby – W. L. “Bill” Tarlton, Jr.; Salem Black River – W. A. “Billy” Dabbs; St. Pauls – Thomas Stasney; Summerton – T. I. Walker; Sumter First – Jess Begly, Dan Spencer; Sumter Second – Corine I. Bligen; Swan Lake – Shawn Brennan; Tirzah – John Raffield, IV; Trinity (Surfside) – Ray Spitz; Wedgefield – Fair Edmunds; Westminster (Alcolu) – Sheryl W. Davis; Westminster (Florence) – Ken Araujo; White Oak – Nathan Johnson; Williamsburg – Mary Stockton.
Thirteen additional ex officio voting elder members present included: Administrative Council members Julie Cox (Associate Executive), Lola Faye Craig, Ellaree Hampton, Henry McFaddin, and Frances Singleton; Program Council member Kelly Sloan; Committee members Wendell Robinson and Pontheola Wilson; Certified Christian Educator Archie “Mac” McCall, Jr.; and Commissioned Lay Pastors David Bessinger, Jim Bird, Jack Humphries, and Marshall P. Ivey.
Also in attendance were: Penny Arnold representing Presbyterian Communities; candidate Jane Osment; staff members: Linda Borgman, Netanyia Samuel, Jason Steen; 33 visiting elders; and 9 other visitors.
Excused were six ministers: Annette Brewer, Ella Busby, Bill Byers, Tom Dendy, Barry Jenkins, Stewart Nickles; three churches: Celebration, Indiantown, St. Paul’s; and candidate Francie King.
In attendance were 100 voting members and 48 other people, for a grand total of 148.
WORSHIP
Presbytery gathered for worship led by the outgoing Moderator, and Elder Frances Singleton, an elder from the Second Presbyterian Church of Sumter was introduced as the Moderator for 2012. The Rev. Dr. Gloria Jones Williams, pastor of the Second Church, preached the sermon on “Traditions, Patches, Wineskins, and New Wine” based on Luke 5:33-39.
The host pastor and the retiring Moderator led in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
Elders of the Presbytery who entered the Church Triumphant during the year 2011 were remembered. Following is the list of those who deceased and the names of the churches which they served: Catherine M. Rogers – Bennettsville First, Russell Tatum – Bennettsville First, Gloria Elias Ward – Bennettsville First; Virginia MacDonald – Carolina, Richard Plummer – Carolina; Henry Dewitte Chapman – Cheraw First, David Lee Strickland – Cheraw First; Edna Fincher – Concord, Grady Fincher – Concord, Mary Reid Newton – Concord, Willie Mae Pack – Concord; Walter Colclough – Cousar Memorial; James H. Jackson – Ebenezer; Robert Louis Ray, Sr. – Florence First; Dan Daniel – Lake City, Harry Rogers – Lake City, Russell Turner – Lake City; Randall Ernest Weitzel – Manning; Wilton Eskridge – Marion, Alberta Brown McNill – Marion; John S. McLeod –McBee; Thomas Allen Duke – Midway; James J. Howle – Morton; Minnie Juanita Gregg – Mt. Lisbon; Archie Dargan, Jr. – Myrtle Beach First, Marion Myers – Myrtle Beach First, Norma Thompson – Myrtle Beach First; Beulah Butler – New Bethel; Hal Hoff – Ocean Drive, Fred Stanley – Ocean
1 Drive; Julius B. Short – Patrick; Margaret Huntley – Ruby; Joseph C. Kirven – Sumter First, William L. Harritt, Jr. – Sumter First, B. Paul McCrackan – Sumter First; Henry Wells, Sr. – Westminster (Alcolu); Willie Dvorsak – Westminster (Florence); Elanora Winn Foxworth – Williamsburg.
This list was gathered from information provided as part of annual statistical reporting as of January 31, 2012.
The following memorial was presented by John W. Dennis, Jr.:
REVEREND DONALD R. STIENS
Reverend Donald R. Stiens… husband, father, grandfather, friend, pastor… a man whose life offers proof to us all of the influence of God. After all, how can a man go from a degree in Criminology at Florida State University to eventually being honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus? Maybe we also might be awed by the influence of a good wife because Don often gave Sandy the credit (or blame) for his later life career choice. Let us remember that Don was not a young man when the Lord called him. At age 40, he was an airline executive, flying back and forth to Europe, managing pilots and planes, living the good life… steak and wine in Paris, lobster in New York. But, as many of us in this room today can attest, God sometimes has other plans, and His patience with Don was wearing thin, so He put Sandy to the task.
Don enrolled at Columbia Theological Seminary. The large house with a pool in the backyard was exchanged for a small apartment, and the airline income ended as tuition payments started.
By 1986, Don had received his degree and his ordination, and he began his career in the service of our Lord. The First Presbyterian Church of St. Mary’s, Georgia, was Don’s first charge. We at Kingston Presbyterian Church called Don in 1994, and this began Don’s longest and final pastorate.
Meeting Don for the first time was like meeting a long lost friend. Perhaps this was because of the way he greeted you, giving a sense that he already knew you. You were immediately his friend, and you were forever his friend. His soothing voice gave you comfort, and his handshake gave you strength. Just speaking to him was a joy and you could see the love of Christ in his eyes. I don’t believe I ever spoke to Don that we didn’t laugh about something… he enjoyed being happy.
Don was made for preaching. I already mentioned his wonderful, deep, projecting voice, and when you couple this with his large statue, his presence and his love of God’s word, well, you couldn’t help but listen as he expounded upon God’s will for our lives. Don was made for preaching and he loved doing it.
Don was involved. I will not begin to try to give you an exhaustive list of the club s, organizations, ministries, advisory councils, and groups that Don was involved with, but I tell you that when he passed from this life, the entire community mourned. There were as many Baptists and Methodists at his memorial service as Presbyterians. In the weeks that followed people would see me at a Sertoma Club meeting or a ballgame, and they would mention how much they were going to miss Don. Don was involved with our community because he loved people.
Don was a family man. We throw this phrase around too often, “family man,” but Don was the epitome of it. Don loved his wife Sandy and it showed in everything he did. He lived his love for her, and no one who knew him ever had ay doubt about his relationship with her. He loved his children and grandchildren, and it seemed to many of us that every time he left Conway, he was heading to see them. To hear him speak about them, you were led to believe that Don had the only perfect grandchildren in the world. But that was okay because the way he treated and thought about his immediate family was the same way he treated and thought about his people at Kingston. Don was a family man, and we were all his family.
Don retired in August of 2010, and many of us sincerely believed that he knew he was not well. The Session and our Interim Pastor Rhett Talbert requested that Don and Sandy allow Kingston to become their church home so that we could better care for them as Don’s health got worse. They accepted our offer. Then in October of 2011, the Session began the process of calling Don Stiens to be our Pastor Emeritus. At our Presbytery meeting on October 11, the Committee on Ministry brought this motion forward and you passed it. Our congregation ratified the appointment on October 16 and the Session, as a body, visited with Don in the hospital the following week for prayer, laying on of hands, and the presentation of the plaque denoting Don as our Pastor Emeritus. It was the first time I had seen Don cry. Don’s funeral was held the next Tuesday.
The Reverand Donald R. Stiens, Pastor Emeritus of Kingston Presbyterian Church, was memorialized by family and friends as a man who was loved, who did love, and who taught love through his words and deeds. He was a minister of the Church, a proclaimer of the Gospel, a child of God, and an example to us all. He now waits for us to rejoin him in Glory.
The following memorial was presented by the Rev. Carnell Hampton:
REVEREND DOCTOR ROBERT ERNEST BLIGEN, JR.
Thanks be to Almighty God for the life and witness of His Servant Reverend Doctor Robert Ernest Bligen, Jr., honorably retired Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbytery of New Harmony, who entered the church triumphant on August 19, 2011.
Dr. Bligen was born to a household of faith on September 11, 1933, to the late Robert Ernest and Mamie N. Brown Bligen, Sr., on Edisto Island, South Carolina. He was the second of twelve children.
He attended Larimer High School which was a Parochial School of the Presbyterian Church. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina, a Master of Divinity Degree from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. He served two years in the United States Army where he obtained the rank of Specialist E-4.
2 Throughout his life, Dr. Bligen was a strong witness to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He deeply loved his family, his Church, and his Lord. He served the church with distinction and fidelity. He was an extremely effective pastor in the following churches he served: Trinity Presbyterian Church, Mayesville, South Carolina, Bethlehem Second United Presbyterian Church, Oswego, South Carolina, Harmony Elizabeth Presbyterian Church, Alcolu, South Carolina, and Second Presbyterian Church, Sumter, South Carolina.
Dr. Bligen was a teacher, preacher, pastor, counselor, and theologian who rightly divided the Word of truth. His administrative skills reflected his passion to do things decently and in order. He was truly a servant of God. He was a faithful Presbyter serving on many committees and boards of the higher councils.
He was a consecrated Christian and minister, true to his God, his country, his church, his wife, his family, and his fellowmen. The world is richer because he lived, served, and died in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. His wife, Mrs. Corine Bligen, said as a tribute to her husband that:
He was a builder, not a burden. He was light, not darkness. He was joy, not sorrow. He was loving, not hateful. He was real, not false. He was an encourager, not a doubter. He was peace, not confusion. He was steadfast and strong. He yearned for knowledge and wisdom.
The Reverend Doctor Robert Ernest Bligen, Jr., has fought the good fight. He has finished the race. He has kept the faith. He has now gone to receive the crown of righteousness which the righteous judge will award on that Day to all who have been faithful and to all who have loved his appearing. Servant of God, well done. Rest from thy loved employ; The battle fought, the victory won, Enter Thy Master’s joy.
The pains of death are past, Labor and sorrow cease, And life’s long warfare closed at last, Thy soul is found in peace.
Servant of God, well done. Thy glorious warfare past; The battle’s fought, the race is won And thou art crowned at last.
The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was celebrated and the service of worship was closed with the benediction.
Following worship, the Presbytery was welcomed by the Rev. Ken Hicks, pastor of the host church. Visitors and elders attending Presbytery for the first time were recognized and welcomed.
The docket was reviewed and adopted.
The Moderator appointed elders Dan Harrington of the Midway Church and Kaye Rivers of the Chesterfield Church to serve as the Committee on Resolutions. She also appointed Commissioned Lay Pastor Marshall Ivey of the Mt. Pisgah Church, and the Rev. Blair Beaver, pastor of the Ruby and White Oak Churches, to serve as temporary clerks for the meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS
The following communications were received by the Stated Clerk and disposed of as indicated:
1. A letter from Dr. Howard Shockley advising the Presbytery that the Presbytery of Mid-Atlantic, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, approved receiving into transitional membership the McBee Presbyterian Church, McBee, SC pending their dismissal from New Harmony Presbytery and fulfillment of EPC constitutional requirements was received as information.
2. A letter from Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly sharing deepest appreciation to the Presbytery for its full support for 2011 per capita apportionment was received as information.
3. The minutes of the Administrative Commission to install the Rev. Dan Sansbury were received as follows:
3 The Commission appointed by the Presbytery of New Harmony to install Daniel N. Sansbury as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville, met at 10:30 o’clock on October 30, 2011, at First Church. The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Frank Colclough, and he opened with prayer.
Present and constituting a quorum were Frank Colclough, Albert James, III, Dick Porter, and Pam Chapman. Also present was corresponding member W. Judson Shaw of East Tennessee Presbytery.
Dick Porter was elected clerk. The Commission reviewed the procedure to be followed. A motion was adopted authorizing the Moderator and the Clerk to approve the minutes.
The Commission retired to the sanctuary for worship. The sermon was preached by Rev. Shaw. The constitutional questions were propounded to the pastor-elect by Elder Albert James, III, and to the congregation by Elder Dick Porter. The Moderator declared Daniel N. Sansbury installed as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville, according to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
A charge was given the newly installed pastor by Frank Colclough and to the congregation by Dick Porter. The newly installed pastor, Daniel N. Sansbury pronounced the benediction and the Commission adjourned. The minutes were approved by the Moderator and the Clerk.
Richard M. Porter, Clerk Franklin D. Colclough, Moderator
4. The minutes of the Administrative Commission to install the Rev. Dr. Thomas Dendy were received as follows:
The Commission appointed by the Presbytery of New Harmony to install Thomas Goldsmith Dendy as pastor of Celebration Church met at 3:30 o’clock on Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Celebration Church. The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Rev. Steve Wilkins, who opened with prayer.
Present and constituting a quorum were Rev. Ella Busby, Rev. David Ruth, Rev. Steve Wilkins, Hal Stuckey, and Lynn R. Bastian. Also present were corresponding members Dr. Robert Dendy, Sr., Rev. Steuart Link, and Janie Pinkston, all from Coastal Carolina Presbytery.
Lynn R. Bastian was elected clerk. The Commission reviewed the procedure to be followed. A motion was adopted authorizing the Moderator and the Clerk to approve the minutes.
The Commission retired to the sanctuary for worship. The sermon was preached by Dr. Robert Dendy, Sr. The constitutional questions were propounded to the pastor-elect by Janie Pinkston Sutton, and to the congregation by Rev. Ella Busby. The Moderator declared Thomas Goldsmith installed as Pastor of Celebration Presbyterian Church according to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
A charge was given the newly installed pastor by Rev. Steuart Link and to the congregation by Rev. David Ruth. The newly installed pastor, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Goldsmith Dendy, pronounced the benediction and the Commission adjourned. The minutes were approved by the Moderator and the Clerk.
Lynn R. Bastian, Clerk Steve H. Wilkins, Moderator
REPORT OF STATED CLERK The Report for 2011 - Presbytery of New Harmony
1. The Stated Clerk reports annually as instructed by the Book of Order, G-3.0301 the balance of Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders attending Presbytery meetings in order to maintain numerical parity. As of the first week in January 2012, there were 82 resident Teaching Elders on the active, honorably retired, and member-at-large rolls of the Presbytery. Since our churches are entitled to send 84 Ruling Elder commissioners to the meetings of Presbytery and the Book of Order allows for Ruling Elders serving as Commissioned Lay Pastors (there are 4 elder CLPs) to be counted toward the balance, the Presbytery meets the requirement for numerical parity. This figure does not include other Ruling Elders who, according to the Presbytery’s Standing Rules, are members of Presbytery by virtue of their role as committee moderators or as members of the Administrative and Program Councils. I report that there is no action necessary to correct an imbalance in the number of Teaching Elders over Ruling Elders.
2. While eleven of our churches have not yet submitted their annual statistical reports, currently our membership total at the end of 2011 is 11,827. This figure represents a net loss of 433 in the Presbytery’s
4 membership. This continues a trend that started back in 2002 when our membership was at 13,857. Our Vision Statement declares that by the year 2020 “the Presbytery of New Harmony will be the fastest growing Presbytery in the General Assembly because of the commitment of clergy and laity alike.” Many challenges confront us, yet we have the mandate to “make disciples” and to move them from discipleship to apostleship. Let us view this moment as an exciting time for New Harmony Presbytery as together we discern the will of Christ.
3. The following churches had the highest numerical growth: Midway (15); FPC, Loris (8); Bishopville (8); Georgetown (5); and Pawleys Island (5).
4. Statistical Information: 77 Congregations 1 Congregation over 1000 4 Congregations between 500 and 999 7 Congregations between 250 and 499 7 Congregations between 150 and 249 9 Congregations between 100 and 149 19 Congregations between 50 and 99 30 Congregations under 50
Gains Baptisms: Children (115) Adults (18) 99 Professions of Faith 17 and Under 200 Professions of Faith 18 and Over 125 Certificate 42 Other 466 Total Gains
Losses 128 Certificate 220 Deaths 537 Other 899 Total Losses
5. The Minutes for the year 2010 have been approved without exception by the Synod of South Atlantic. The 2011 minutes of the Presbytery have been approved by the Administrative Council and will be available by request.
6. In order to comply with the Book of Order D-5.0206b, the following former members of the Permanent Judicial Commission are eligible for service in the event that a quorum cannot be obtained from current members: Elder Martha Hamilton and the Rev. Carnell Hampton from the class of 2006; and Rev. Jody Foster, Elder Porter Stewart, and Elder Leroy Thompson from the class of 2010.
7. I want to express my thanks to the Presbytery for the opportunity to have served as your Stated Clerk for the year 2011. Rev. Dr. Franklin D. Colclough
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
The Committee On Ministry reports the following actions as information:
1. Reviewed the status of pastors on the rolls of the Presbytery of New Harmony:
MINISTERS ON THE ROLLS OF THE NEW HARMONY PRESBYTERY ¨ as of December 31, 2011 § Status A(HR) ABELL, JR., PAUL W. is honorably retired and lives in Sumter. A ALLEN, MICHAEL R. is pastor of the McBee Presbyterian Church. A(HR) ANDREWS, RICHARD S. is honorably retired and lives in Florence.
5 A ANDREWS, SCOTT B. is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Bennettsville. A(HR) ARLEDGE, SUE K. is honorably retired and lives in Cheraw. A BACH, EUGEN G. is pastor of Kentyre and Latta Presbyterian Churches in Dillon County. A BEAVER, BLAIR H. is pastor of Ruby and White Oak Presbyterian Churches in Ruby. L BRASWELL, JAMES is a Member-At-Large serving as stated supply of Concord Presbyterian Church, Sumter; a counselor in private practice, and lives in Florence. L BREWER, ANNETTE is a Member-At-Large and lives in Pageland. A BUSBY, ELLA F. is pastor of Goodwill Presbyterian Church, Mayesville. A BUSH, DARYLE is pastor of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, N. Myrtle Beach A BYARS, WILLIAM C. is pastor of the Patrick and Society Hill Presbyterian Churches in their locales. A CAULEY, KEVIN is pastor of Darlington Presbyterian Church. A CETTEI, JUDITH L. is pastor of Lake City Presbyterian Church. A(HR) CHARTIER, ART is honorably retired and lives in N. Myrtle Beach. L CHASTAIN, ROBERT is a Member-At-Large serving as stated supply at Hebron Presbyterian Church, Sumter. A CHEONG, TAE SU is pastor of Korean-American Presbyterian Church, Sumter. A(HR) CLARK, JAMES is honorably retired and lives in Effingham. A(HR) COLCLOUGH, FRANKLIN D. is honorably retired, serves as contractual Stated Clerk for the New Harmony Presbytery, and lives in Sumter. L CULPEPPER, LISA B. is a Member-At- Large and lives in Florence. I D'ALESSIO, DAVID J. lives in Brownwood, TX. A DENDY, THOMAS G. is designated pastor of Celebration Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach. A DENNY, CHRISTOPHER F. in the process of transferring to Coastal Carolina Presbytery. A(HR) DICK, J. ASHBY is honorably retired and lives in Columbia. A(HR) DICKERSON, CAROL is honorably retired and lives in Pawleys Island. A(HR) DICKSON, JAMES P. is honorably retired and lives in Nichols. L DONMOYER, SNOW R. is a Member-At-Large and lives in Olanta. A(HR) DOUBLES, MALCOLM C. is honorably retired and lives in Laurinburg, NC. A DURRETT, MARK E. is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Sumter. L FOSTER, JODY is a Member-At-Large serving as stated supply of Wedgefield Presbyterian Church. A(HR) FOSTER, RODNEY is honorably retired; Interim Pastor to John Calvin Presbyterian Church, resides in Sumter. A(HR) GIUNTOLI, THOMAS G. is honorably retired and lives in Summerville. A(HR) GULICK, ROGER K. is honorably retired and lives in Lookout Mtn., Georgia. A(HR) HAMPTON, CARNELL is honorably retired and lives in Sumter. A HANDLEY, CHRISTOPHER is associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Florence. A(HR) HANSEN, HOWARD is honorably retired and lives in Myrtle Beach. A HART, GARLAND S. is pastor of Summerton Presbyterian Church. L HAYES, WILLIAM is a Member-At-Large and lives in Monroe, NC. A HENDERSON, A. KYLE is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw. L HICKS, KENNETH is a Member-At-Large serving as stated supply of Bishopville Presbyterian Church; is employed by Automated Church Systems and lives in Florence. L HOLLER, JOSIE is a Member-At-Large and lives in Wedgefield. A HOLMES, JR., WILLIAM J. is pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Manning, and stated supply of Salem-Black River Presbyterian Church, Mayesville. A HOLSCLAW, FRANK S. is pastor of Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church. A(HR) HOWE, RAY A. is honorably retired and lives in Bennettsville. L JACKSON, ERNEST is a Member-At-Large serving as temporary supply of Congruity Presbyterian Church. A JENKINS, BARRY L. is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Florence. A(HR) JOHNSON, J. LEWIS is honorably retired and lives in Surfside Beach. A(HR) JOHNSON, THOMAS L. is honorably retired and lives in Spartanburg. A(HR) JONES, STANLEY W. is honorably retired and lives in Columbia. L JONES, JR., WILLIAM is a Member-At-Large serving as temporary supply of New Harvest Presbyterian Church. L LANGSTON, TOM is a Member-At-Large serving as stated supply of Marion Presbyterian Church, works as a counselor for Palmetto Health, and lives in Camden. A(HR) LASSITER, N. E. is honorably retired and lives in Spartanburg. A(HR) LEDBETTER, ROBERT is honorably retired and lives in Abita Springs, LA. L LEE, PETER T. is a Member-At-Large serving as a missionary in the Arab World. L LOWE, GARY is a Member-At-Large and lives in Myrtle Beach. A(HR) MACLIN III, ROBERT S. is honorably retired and lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A McELWEE-SMITH, JANE is associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Sumter. A(HR) MOORE, JR., WILLIAM O. is honorably retired and lives in Longs. A NELSON, RETHA M. is part-time pastor of New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Sumter. A(HR) NICKLES, JR., A. STUART is honorably retired and lives in Cheraw. A OSMENT, TIMOTHY is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Loris. A(HR) PAGELSEN, CAROL is honorably retired and lives in Myrtle Beach. L PAIK, MYONG is a Member-At-Large, laboring within the bounds of Jeon-ju Presbytery, Korea. She serves as a co-missionary, a supervisor for Korean Clinical Pastoral Education / Cross-cultural Family Counseling. L PARKS, JOHN W. is a Member-At-Large serves as part-time chaplain to Presbyterian Retirement Communities, Florence Campus, temporary supply to Morton Presbyterian Church, and lives in Florence. L PRINCE, JULIA A. is a Member-At-Large and lives in Sumter. A RUTH, R. DAVID is pastor of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Kingstree. A SANSBURY, DANIEL is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville.
6 A SHEALY, PRESTON is pastor of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Surfside Beach. L SPARKS, SAMUEL is a Member At Large serving as temporary supply to Melina Presbyterian Church, Gable. L STEVENS, AARON is a Member-At-Large laboring within the bounds of the Presbytery of Europe, in cooperation with the Church of Scotland as pastor of St. Columba’s Congregation in Budapest, Hungary. A(HR) SWANN, DARIUS L. is honorably retired and lives in Virginia. L TALBERT, O. RHETT is a Member-At-Large serving as the interim minister of Kingston Presbyterian Church, Conway, and lives in Murrells Inlet. A(HR) THOMPSON, EMMA W. is honorably retired and lives in Sumter. A THORNTON, THOMAS is pastor of the Murrells Inlet Presbyterian Church. A(HR) WEED, SHERROLYN G. is honorably retired and lives in Johnson City, TN. A(HR) WILKES, JR., ROBERT C. is honorably retired and lives in Myrtle Beach. A WILKINS, STEVE is pastor of Georgetown Presbyterian Church. A WILLIAMS, GLORIA is pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, Sumter. A(HR) WILSON, B. WILLIAM is honorably retired and lives in Easley. L WINT, JOHANNA is a Member-At-Large and lives in Kentucky. A(HR) YATES, III, BOWLING C. is honorably retired and lives in Conway. L YATES, JOAN S. is a Member-At-Large serving as chaplain in Agape Hospice, Conway, and lives Conway.
Key: A = Active L = Member-At-Large I = Inactive HR = Honorably Retired
2. Set the dates and locations to review the 2011 minutes of Sessions as follows: Counties Date Location Chesterfield, Marlboro March 20, 2012 First, Cheraw Horry, Georgetown March 20, 2012 Murrells Inlet Sumter, Lee, Clarendon, Williamsburg March 20, 2012 First, Sumter Florence, Marion, Dillon, Darlington March 27, 2012 Presbytery Office 3. Approved, laboring within the bounds of the Rev. Henrietta Carmichael, minister member of Coastal Carolina Presbytery, to preach twice monthly and administer the sacraments at the McColl Presbyterian Church; 4. Appointed Elder Tom Aker as liaison to the PNC for the Kingston church (Conway); 5. Made the following moderator appointments for the following churches: Rev. Gary Lowe (Friendfield), the Rev. Paul Abell (Mt. Zion), the Rev. Jim Clark (Hopewell), the Rev. Kyle Henderson (G.W. Long), Elder CLP/CRE David Bessinger (Grandview, for three months), the Rev. Scott Andrews (Pageland Second); 6. Approved the Rev. Chris Carlisle (Honorably Retired, Abingdon Presbytery) to be added to pulpit supply list; 7. Dissolved the ordination and installation commission for Omar Hilton and New Bethel Presbyterian Church, at the request of the commission; 8. Approved a Parish Associate relationship (until 12/31/2011) and Stated Supply relationship (beginning 1/1/2012) contract between the Rev. Carol Pagelsen and First Presbyterian, Myrtle Beach; 9. Concurred on the dissolution of the relationship between the Rev. Chris Denny and First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach, and dismissed Rev. Denny to Coastal Carolina Presbytery, effective 10/15/2011; 10. Concurred with the request of Hopewell PC to dissolve the pastoral relationship between HPC & the Rev. Dr. Bill Hayes, effective October 16, 2011, and added Rev. Dr. Hayes' name to the Member-At-Large roster; 11. Endorsed Elder Darren Wilson (Friendship) to be enrolled in the CLP program; 12. Concurred with the request for honorable retirement of the Rev. Dr. Bobby Wilkes, effective 12/31/11; 13. Approved a 12-month continuation/extension of Interim Pastor Contract between the Rev. Rhett Talbert and Kingston PC, Conway; 14. Approved the interim pastor contract between the Indiantown / St Paul’s churches and the Rev. Lisa Culpepper; 15. Gave permission for CLP/CRE David Bessinger to administer the Lord's Supper at the Chesterfield church sometime in January or February (date to be determined by Elder Bessinger and Chesterfield Session); 16. Approved scholarship assistance for member-at-large to attend interim pastor training; 17. Approved request for waiver of terms of service from the GW Long church; 18. Examined and approved to present for ordination, Certified and Ready to Receive a Call Candidate Jane Osment from Trinity Presbytery, to be ordained as a pastoral counselor to the validated ministry of Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center in Myrtle Beach; 19. Approved the CIF for the John Calvin church and appointed the Rev. David Ruth as PNC liaison; 20. Approved the Rev. Mike Berry (non-Presbyterian minister from Pawleys Island) to be added to pulpit
7 supply list; 21. Dismissed the Rev. Sherrolyn Weed to East Tennessee Presbytery; 22. Approved the Rev. Dr. Tom Dendy to moderate the Celebration Presbyterian Church Session prior to his installation; 23. Approved the continuation of the following temporary relationships: ◦ New Harvest Presbyterian Church – the Rev. William Jones (Temporary Supply) ◦ Wedgefield Presbyterian Church – the Rev. Jody Foster (Stated Supply) ◦ Concord Presbyterian Church – the Rev. Jim Braswell (Stated Supply) ◦ Melina Presbyterian Church – the Rev. Sam Sparks (Temporary Supply) ◦ Jefferson Presbyterian Church – Elder David Bessinger (CLP / Commissioned Ruling Elder) ◦ Midway Presbyterian Church – Mr. Mike Lowder (Temporary Supply) ◦ Rocky Creek Presbyterian Church – Elder Farrar Griggs (CLP / Commissioned Ruling Elder) ◦ Timmonsville Presbyterian Church – the Rev. Harold Adkins (Temporary Supply) ◦ Congruity Presbyterian Church – the Rev. Dr. Ernest Jackson (Temporary Supply) ◦ Salem Black River Presbyterian Church – the Rev. Dr. Bill Holmes, Jr. (Stated Supply) ◦ Bishopville Presbyterian Church – the Rev. Ken Hicks (Stated Supply) ◦ Friendfield Presbyterian Church – Mr. Johnny Deloache (Temporary Supply)
The following recommendations were adopted:
1. That, pending a successful examination on the floor and the preaching of a sermon, candidate Jane Osment be approved for ordination as Minister of Word and Sacrament, to serve as pastoral counselor in the validated ministry of the Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center in Myrtle Beach. (The examination was successful, including the preaching of the sermon, and the candidate was approved for ordination.) 2. That the following ordination commission be appointed to preside over the ordination of candidate Jane Osment, on Sunday, March 11, at the First Presbyterian Church, Loris at 4 p.m.
Teaching Elders: Ruling Elders: The Rev. Dr. Tim Osment (First, Loris) Teresa Moise (First, Loris) The Rev. Dr. Ella Busby (Goodwill) Curtis Ford (Hopewell) The Rev. Dr. Frank Colclough (Stated Clerk) Frances Singleton (Second. Sumter)
Corresponding Member: The Rev. Brenda Deily, First Presbyterian Church, Three Rivers/Centreville, MI Guest member: The Rev. Kathy T. Heustess – Executive Director, Coastal Samaritan Counseling Ctr., Myrtle Beach.
3. Pursuant to G-2.1103b, COM recommends that Elder Mac McCall, Certified Christian Educator and DCE for First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw, be granted the privilege of voice and vote at all meetings of the Presbytery of New Harmony during his tenure of service at First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw. 4. That the Presbytery concur with the request of the Reverend Dr. Bobby Wilkes, retired, effective December 31, 2011, and that a service of honorable retirement be conducted. 5. That Presbytery approve the change in terms of call for ministers in the Presbytery as follows:
2012 Terms of Call Changes *Salary&other Church Minister Income X Manse ^ Housing ~ Other Bennettsville Scott Andrews 856.00 P 296.00 1,219.00 Celebration Tom Dendy -12,972.00 N 9,472.00 11,500.00 Cheraw Kyle Henderson 935.00 P 0.00 1,038.00 * Darlington Kevin Cauley 585.00 N 400.00 719.00 Florence First Barry Jenkins 1,684.00 N 1,196.00 2,578.00 Florence First Chris Handley 1,997.00 N 2,130.00 1,384.00 * Georgetown Steve Wilkins 3,229.00 N 0.00 1,264.00 * Goodwill Ella Busby 0.00 N 0.00 240.00 Hartsville, First Dan Sansbury 61.00 N 0.00 -6,327.00 * Kentyre/Latta Eugen Bach -312.00 P 0.00 142.00 * Korean-American Tae Su Cheong 0.00 N 0.00 0.00
8 Lake City Judith Cettei 1,528.00 P 458.00 -1,065.00 Loris First Timothy Osment 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 Manning William J. Holmes, Jr. 2,782.25 N -360.00 1,522.25 McBee Michael Allen 0.00 P 0.00 0.00 * Murrells Inlet Thomas Thornton 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 New Covenant Retha Nelson 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 Ocean Drive Daryle Bush 0.00 N 0.00 2,060.00 * Patrick/Society Hill William C. Byars 0.00 P 0.00 0.00 * Pawley's Island Frank Holsclaw 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 * Ruby/White Oak Blair Beaver 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 * Summerton Garland S. Hart 0.00 P 0.00 0.00 * Sumter First Mark Durrett 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 * Sumter First Jane McElwee-Smith 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 Sumter Second Gloria Jones Williams 3,500.00 N 0.00 0.00 Trinity, Surfside Preston Shealy 338.00 N 0.00 106.00 Williamsburg David Ruth 680.00 P 292.00 2,725.00 X = Manse- (P) provided or (N) not provided ^ = Includes: only line 2 of Effective Salary ~ = Includes: SECA, BOP, Auto Allowance, Professional Expenses and Moving Expenses(when applicable) * = will report at the Spring meeting of presbytery
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
The Presbytery of New Harmony currently has six inquirers and five candidates. Please continue to hold them in your prayers and consider inviting them to fill your pulpit.
INQUIRERS: 1. Vikki Brogdon (Manning), Union (Charlotte) 2. Emily Campbell (Marion), Louisville Seminary 3. David Hubbs (First, Florence), Erskine Seminary 4. Neely Lane (Hartsville): Union (Charlotte) 5. Amanda Maguire (Darlington): Pittsburgh Seminary 6. Eva Ruth (Williamsburg): Campbell Divinity School
CANDIDATES: 1. Omar Hilton (Goodwill): Graduate of Johnson C. Smith, Certified ready for call 2. Francie King (Manning): Graduate of Columbia, Certified ready for call 3. Andrew Ruth (Williamsburg): Duke Divinity School 4. Lauren Scharstein (Darlington): Graduate of Columbia, Certified ready for call 5. Marc VanBulck (First Sumter): Graduate of Columbia, Intern in Arkansas
INFORMATION: 1. Accepted the resignation of Jim Bird and expressed thanks for his service. 2. Certified Omar Hilton as ready to receive a call. 3. Endorsed Lauren Scharstein’s application for PCUSA missions. 4. Approved Preston Shealy as TEF representative. 5. Received copies of the new CPM Handbook. 6. Discussed ways to help our students with the various ordination exams.
The following recommendation was adopted: 1. That Eva Ruth (Inquirer, Williamsburg) be admitted to the floor and pending successful examination become a Candidate for the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament under the care of New Harmony Presbytery. (The requirements were met and she was added to the roll of candidates.)
Preston Shealy, Moderator
9 COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION
Appointments: 1. Liaison to consult with Nominating Committee – Angie Reames , and the Rev. Dr. Ernest Jackson 2. Liaison to consult with Racial Ethnic Caucus – Joanne Pitts Grayson 3. Liaison to consult with Presbyterian Women – Pontheola Wilson
The following recommendations were adopted: 1. That the Nominating Committee be commended to ensure inclusive and effective representation on the Administrative Council, committees, and program divisions. 2. That congregations and individuals identify and recommend to the Nominating Committee young adults, racial ethnics and lay persons to serve on divisions and committees of the Presbytery, and especially youth to serve on the Camping Division, Education and Nurture Division, Worship and Spiritual Formation Division and Self-Development of People Committee. 3. That the report of the Committee on Representation, including the membership analysis of divisions, committees and councils be received as information.
A Membership Analysis of Presbytery Committees and Program Divisions for 2012
Clerg Lay White Black Asian Other Male Female Youth 11 Administrative Council 6 3 7 2 0 0 5 4 0 10 Program Council 3 7 8 2 0 0 5 5 0 9 Camping Division 3 6 6 2 0 1 5 4 0 12 Congregational Development Division 4 8 7 4 1 0 9 3 0 9 Education & Nurture Division 1 8 7 2 0 0 3 6 0 9 Mission Division 2 7 6 3 0 0 2 7 0 6 Worship & Spiritual Formation Division 4 2 5 1 0 0 4 2 0 16 Committee on Ministry 7 8 10 5 0 0 9 6 0 9 Committee on Preparation for Ministry 5 2 4 3 0 0 2 7 0 10 Committee on Representation 1 9 4 6 0 0 4 6 1 9 Nominating Committee 2 6 4 4 0 0 5 3 0 9 Judicial Commission 2 7 5 4 0 0 6 3 0 6 Evaluation & Long Range Planning Comm. 1 5 4 2 0 0 3 3 0 6 Finance Committee 1 5 5 1 0 0 5 1 0 6 Personnel Committee 0 6 5 1 0 0 4 2 0 6 Property Committee 1 5 5 1 0 0 5 1 0 11 Self-Development of People 3 8 5 6 0 0 7 4 0
TOTAL 43 105 97 49 1 1 86 62 1
GRAND TOTAL 148 148 148 1
Summary of analysis-2012 - 29% clergy and 71% lay people serving on Presbytery committees/divisions, Administrative Council and Program Council (2% increase of lay over 2011). - 66% white and 34% racial ethnics serving on Presbytery committees/divisions, Administrative Council and Program Council (no change over 2011). - 58 male and 42% female serving on Presbytery committees/divisions, Administrative Council and Program Council (increase of 1% females over 2011). - Presbytery staff - 4 males, 6 females; 8 whites, 2 blacks. (Includes part-time/contracted staff)
10 NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The following recommendations were adopted:
The Nominating Committee wishes to place the following names in nomination to serve in the positions as indicated:
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL:
Class of 2013 (Member at Large) David Blackmon (Hartsville First)
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE:
Class of 2013 Shelby McCutchen (Williamsburg)
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY:
Class of 2013 Dan Sansbury (Hartsville First)
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY:
Class of 2013 Avery Dickson (Cheraw First)
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR DISASTER RESPONSE:
Class of 2012 Todd Harms (Myrtle Beach First)
Class of 2014 Darren Wilson (Friendship)
COMMISSIONER TO 220TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Alternate Minister Commissioner Tom Langston (Marion)
SC HOME AT MONTREAT, NC BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Class of 2012 Scott Andrews (Bennettsville First)
Special Order – 11:50 a.m. Mid-day Worship led and sermon preached by Jane Osment
Special Order – 12:20 p.m. Report on Presbyterian Communities by Penny Arnold
Administrative Commission to respond to the positive vote by the Darlington Presbyterian Church to “disaffiliate” from the Presbytery of New Harmony and the Presbyterian Church (USA)
The congregation of the Darlington Presbyterian Church, at a duly called meeting on January 8, 2012, voted in the positive to “disaffiliate” from the presbytery of New Harmony and the Presbyterian Church (USA) (197 yes – 51 no). As the Presbytery Council was informed of this vote, the council took action to establish an Administrative Commission, per the Presbytery manual, consisting of the following commissioners: Elder Tommy Cooper (Presbyterian Church at Manning) Rev. Carnell Hampton (honorably retired) Rev. Kyle Henderson (pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw) Rev. Josie Holler (minister-at-large) Rev. Dr. Bill Holmes (pastor, Presbyterian Church at Manning) The Commission has met and has begun to determine a course of action. Rev. Kyle Henderson was elected the moderator, Rev. Carnell Hampton the vice-moderator, and Elder Tommy Cooper the secretary. The Commission has drawn guidance from the “Principles and Processes for New Harmony Presbytery when
11 Churches seek to Separate from Presbytery” and has adopted the following four points to guide its work as stated in the last section of that document (II. B). They are (as quoted): 1. The Presbytery (of New Harmony) recognizes that “the church” in a particular area is not its building or financial assets, but the people of the congregation. 2. The Presbytery must be mindful both of congregation members who, for reasons of conscience desire that their congregation be dismissed to another denomination, and also those congregation members who wish to remain within the Presbyterian Church (USA). 3. The best goal of presbytery negotiations with the congregations, when there is a group that desires to remain within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a group that desires to be dismissed to another Reformed body, is to enable both congregations to be as healthy as possible in the aftermath of separation. 4. In cases where a financial settlement is a part of a dismissal agreement between the presbytery and a particular church, that settlement will be used to maintain or re-establish a mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in that locale, for new church development elsewhere within the presbytery, or for other mission work of the presbytery. (he commission put these three items of mission in descending priority as read.) As of this writing, the commission is asking those members of the Darlington Presbyterian Church who wish to remain members of a Presbyterian congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to meet on February 19, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Presbyterian Communities (Florence campus). The Commission has also adopted the “Guidelines for Presbyterians to use during Times of Disagreement” (adopted by the 204th General Assembly) and has forwarded these guidelines to the representatives of the Darlington Presbyterian Church who will be in dialogue with the Commission to resolve issues surrounding their vote of “disaffiliation.” The Commission humbly requests your prayers as we seek to do God’s will in response to the Darlington Church’s desire to be separate from the Presbyterian Church (USA). Submitted by Rev. Kyle Henderson, Moderator
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION TO CELEBRATION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
This new Administrative Commission was appointed by the Administrative Council of the Presbytery of New Harmony, to work with Celebration Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The work of and contact with and from the Administrative Commission will continue, primarily as a liaison with and to the Administrative Council, as an advisory and evaluative body regarding the designated pastor role, and as an evaluative and advisory body concerning financial matters, including audit, quarterly reviews and reporting.
The Administrative Commission, comprised of Ella Busby, Chair; Lola Faye Craig, Donna Poulton, David Ruth, clerk; Rhett Talbert and Fritz Vinson, held its first meeting on January 24, 2012, at the presbytery office.
At the meeting the following were discussed and/or action taken: • the history of the Celebration Presbyterian Church was shared with new members, • the motion adopted by the Presbytery of New Harmony at its November 9, 2011, was reviewed: That the Presbytery of New Harmony make available up to $ 104,000.00 to Celebration Presbyterian Church, in 2012, as needed. There will be a review of the financial situation at the end of the first quarter; proper reporting will be communicated from the Session of Celebration Presbyterian Church to its Administrative Commission. The Administrative Commission will submit reports and requests to the Administrative Council. • the financial requests, from Celebration, for January and February, 2012, in the amount of $17,000 were approved. • the Commission (3 members) will seek a meeting with the Celebration finance person, Larry Dowd, and Dr. Tom Dendy.
The Administrative Commission noted the wonderful things that are happening at Celebration: • The Installation Service of the Rev. Dr. Tom Dendy, designated pastor, • increase in attendance and membership (10), • wonderful and exciting worship, • community activities and outreach and so much more.
12 One member of Celebration Presbyterian Church shared with considerable enthusiasm the work and ministry in the church and community. She said, “We are so excited at Celebration; the energy is high; attitudes positive; and Tom has already brought a great sense of stability, hope, and leadership to the Celebration family. God has truly blessed us!” We, the Commission, rejoice with and pray for them. Ella F. Busby, Chair David Ruth, Clerk
Presbytery Response Team for McBee Presbyterian Church
The Presbytery Response Team for McBee Presbyterian Church submits this report to The Presbytery of New Harmony with a sense of profound sadness upon the decision of the membership of the McBee Presbyterian Church to be dismissed from the Presbyterian Church (USA). In response to the July, 2011 letter from the McBee Presbyterian Church session to New Harmony Presbytery requesting dismissal with property from Presbyterian Church (USA) and New Harmony Presbytery in order to affiliate with Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the Administrative Council appointed five representatives of NHP to begin consultation with the session for the purpose of negotiating a peaceful and harmonious dismissal. The PRT consisted of Teaching Elders, Lisa Culpepper, Moderator, Carnell Hampton, Kyle Henderson, Ruling Elder Betty Anne Smith, all selected from within NHP and Ruling Elder Robert DeFee, selected from McBee Presbyterian Church.
Following the Presbytery’s Principles and Processes When Churches Seek to Separate from Presbytery, the PRT met and dialogued with the leadership of the congregation in order to understand the reasons for separation, and to identify steps toward reconciliation. It was the hope of the PRT that after engaging with the pastor and the session in a time of prayer, discernment and conversation that the congregation would stay within the denomination that had loved and supported her. However, upon listening and engaging in conversation with the session, the PRT discovered that the congregation had prayerfully studied and discussed their affiliation with the PC (USA) and had concluded that God was leading them toward dismissal from the denomination.
A congregational meeting was held on January 15, 2012 in which the congregation voted 46/0 to be dismissed from the PC (USA). After the vote, the PRT began to discuss favorable terms for dismissal which would honor Jesus Christ and strengthen both the McBee congregation and the presbytery. Included in the negotiations were the signed minutes from Pee Dee Presbytery dated May 12, 1987 substantiating that the McBee Church had met the requirements of the Book of Order(G-8.0701) and was exempt from the provisions of the Book of Order (G- 8.0501 and G-8.0502).
Therefore in cooperation with McBee Presbyterian Church who agreed to favorable terms of dismissal on February 19, 2012 wherein dissolving her relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and New Harmony Presbytery, and acknowledging that the McBee Presbyterian Church -- has no outstanding contracts to which the PCUSA and/or New Harmony Presbytery are legally bound, -- has paid her 2012 per capita to New Harmony Presbytery, --has been accepted as a transitional member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of the Mid- Atlantic, --has no loans or property titles on which the PC (USA) is listed,
The McBee Presbytery Response Team recommends that:
McBee Presbyterian Church be dismissed on February 29, 2012 with all her property intact, pursuant to G-4.0208, Book of Order, 2011-2013, and that McBee Presbyterian Church, pursuant to G-3.0303b BO, 2011-2013, be dismissed to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of Mid-Atlantic with the blessings and prayers of the Presbytery of New Harmony for McBee’s faithful service to the Lord,
--and that the McBee Presbyterian Church close out her financial and membership books as of the official date of dismissal, February 29, 2012 and file all reports required by the presbytery for statistical recordkeeping working with the Stated Clerk of New Harmony Presbytery,
-- and that all Session minutes of the McBee Presbyterian Church be sent within a six month period to the archivist at Columbia Theological Seminary,
13 -- and that the McBee Presbyterian Church in accordance with the severance policy of New Harmony Presbytery provide the Reverend Mike Allen six months’ salary, housing allowance, ½ SECA, and Board of Pension dues
-- and that the New Harmony Presbytery Stated Clerk notify the Office of General Assembly of the dismissal.
In addition, upon accomplishing the work asked of us, the Presbytery Response Team recommends that New Harmony Presbytery Concur with our request to dissolve the Presbytery Response Team for McBee Presbyterian Church, effective February 25, 2012.
New Harmony Presbytery is invited to a Service of Worship at McBee Presbyterian Church on March 4 at 4:00.
Faithfully Submitted, Rev. Lisa B. Culpepper, Moderator
THE PRESBYTERY RESPONSE TEAM (PRT) FOR WESTMINSTER (FLORENCE)
With profound regret, the PRT reports to New Harmony Presbytery that as of February 5, 2012, the Westminster Congregation voted 20 to 0 in favor of leaving New Harmony Presbytery (PCUSA) in order to be joined to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), Mid-Atlantic Presbytery. This vote followed a straw poll vote by the Congregation, also with total agreement for dismissal. Prior to the binding and straw poll votes, the PRT, as appointed by the Administrative Council of New Harmony Presbytery, and comprised of Elder Larry Taylor (Westminster – Florence), Elder BJ Kerr(Bishopville), Elder Charles Denny (Sumter First), The Rev. Dr. Ella Busby (Pastor, Goodwill), and The Rev. Dr. Rodney A. Foster (Interim Pastor, John Calvin, Moderator), met with the Session of Westminster regarding their letter to Presbytery requesting dismissal to the EPC, and to review the procedure for such a request as adopted by Presbytery. It was ascertained by the PRT, following due study and prayerful consideration by all concerned, that the Session was in complete agreement in their request to be dismissed, and that they believed the Congregation, also, was in total agreement. To that end, members of the PRT monitored both straw poll and binding votes, and certify them both to be correctly reported. By request of the PRT, the Presbytery of New Harmony furnished documentation (which has previously been submitted) that declared that Westminster (Florence) held title to her property, and had met the requirements of The Book of Order 2009/2011(G-8.0701) and that they were also exempt from the provisions of the Book of Order 2009/2011 (G.80501 and G-8.0502). The Westminster (Florence) Presbyterian Church has agreed to favorable terms of dismissal from New Harmony Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (USA) effective February 29, 2012, pending the approval of New Harmony Presbytery. This agreement was made on February 9, 2012, by the Session of Westminster (Florence) meeting in conjunction with the PRT for Westminster (Florence). The Session certified the following: * That there are no liens, or other binding legal contracts on property or possessions to which the PCUSA or New Harmony Presbytery are legally bound; * That Westminster (Florence) per capita will be paid to New Harmony Presbytery; * That Westminster (Florence) has applied to be a “transitional member” of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic. The PRT has a copy of that application in hand; * That there are no loans or property titles on which the PCUSA is listed. Therefore, the PRT for Westminster (Florence) recommends to the Presbytery of New Harmony the following: 1. Westminster (Florence) be dismissed with her property intact on February 29, 2012, to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic. 2. Westminster (Florence) close out her financial and membership books as of February 29, 2012, and file all reports required by the Presbytery of New Harmony for statistical record keeping with the Presbytery’s Stated Clerk. 3. Westminster’s Session Minutes be sent within six months to the Archivist at Columbia Theological Seminary.
14 4. That the Presbytery of New Harmony recognize the transfer of membership for Elder Jim Bird from Darlington Presbyterian Church to Westminster Presbyterian Church (Florence), as a condition acceptable to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church for his continued leadership with the Westminster Church (Florence). 5. That the Stated Clerk of New Harmony Presbytery notify the office of General Assembly when the dismissal is effective on February 29, 2012. 6. That on a date and at a time acceptable to the Session of Westminster (Florence), a service of worship to the glory of God celebrating the life and ministry of Westminster Presbyterian Church (Florence) be conducted.
Finally, the Westminster PRT recommends that New Harmony Presbytery concur with the PRT’s request to be dissolved upon the completion of duties and with the dismissal of Westminster (Florence) on February 29, 2012. Respectfully submitted, The Rev. Dr. Rodney A. Foster, Moderator
PROGRAM COUNCIL
Program Council met on Monday, January 23, 2012, at the Presbytery office and received as information the reports from the following divisions: Camping, Congregational Development, Education & Nurture, Worship & Spiritual Formation, as well as Presbyterian Women. A summary of the reports and details of the various programs are available at the Presbytery office.
PROGRAM COUNCIL DIVISIONS & ENTITIES
CAMPING DIVISION
For this reporting period, the work of the Camping Division has included information relating to facilities upgrades, groups utilizing the retreat center, the summer camp theme, and upcoming events to reach members of New Harmony Presbytery.
Facilities at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center are continuing to be up-dated to meet the needs of all members of New Harmony Presbytery. The Hassinger Infirmary has been totally remodeled. It is now a handicap accessible cottage. It has three bedrooms, a living and dining area, and a full kitchen and bathroom which are handicap accessible. It is ready for families, small church retreats, or anyone just wanting to spend time communing with God’s creations.
First Presbyterian, Hartsville and First Presbyterian Cheraw churches gathered on November 5, 2011, for a joint mission project at camp. A new storage shed was built at the canoe lake to store life preservers and paddles. Cabin Two was rewired and insulated. Remodeling of the bathroom began on this weekend. Cabin Two will be ready for use by February 1, 2011. First Presbyterian Cheraw painted the outside of the Hassinger Cottage and landscaped it with tea olives and azaleas. They also assisted First Presbyterian, Hartsville in completing the storage shed.
On October 8, 2011 Swan Lake Presbyterian Church Session members met for a session retreat at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center. First Presbyterian Church, Sumter gathered at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center for a weekend of fun on the challenge course. Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center hosted several families for Thanksgiving lunch. From October to December 2011 the Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center hosted sixteen user groups. If your church hasn’t signed up for a weekend at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center, call Jason Steen. He will be glad to assist you in planning your stay.
At the present time the Camp Pee Dee Equestrian program has a total of ten horses residing at the barn. Bonnie Lewis, Barn Manager, has fourteen youth taking lessons each week. In April the Marlboro County 4-H Horse Club will have a Fun Horse Show for all 4-H members and students at the Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center.
On December 8, 2011 the Camping Division changed the interim director position to that of summer program director. Ashley Latimer will be responsible for the summer camping program. Jason Steen will be responsible for all other user groups. The Division will be meeting with a consultant from PCCCA to discuss programming.
15 The theme for summer camp will be “No Matter What-A-Love.” In the “No Matter What” community, creation, humanity and promises of God’s love are united, creating a foundation from which campers will begin each day. They will experience this through our relationship with nature and witness God’s love through Jesus Christ in the work of the Holy Spirit. Ashley Latimer has been busy planning a variety of activities which will reinforce the theme and provide lots of fun. Camp brochures have been sent to churches and former campers. A copy of the brochure can be found on the Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center website. (www.camppeedee.org)
The Division will have a retreat in March to work on updating the Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center Long Range Plan. This plan hasn’t been updated in the last 10 years.
Upcoming Camp Pee Dee Retreat Events include: February 3-5 Middle School Retreat; March 9-10, Camping Division Retreat; and Open House on April 29.
The Camping Division and staff at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center appreciate all the support and volunteer work members of New Harmony Presbytery have given the Retreat Center. Mary Jane Evans, Moderator
CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
The CDD continues to encourage and support congregations within the Presbytery who apply for Aid-To-Field assistance. The committee encourages all churches in need of financial support to apply. The application process has been streamlined to better serve the smaller congregations who apply.
Thus far for 2012 the CDD has received Aid-to-Field applications from and made grants to Society Hill Presbyterian Churches and Second Presbyterian Church, Sumter. We encourage more applications where there is a defined need. CDD continues to support the Acts 16:5 Initiative with the next formal gathering scheduled for March 27, 2012, at Fraser Memorial Presbyterian Church.
CDD continues to encourage each congregation to take advantage of Mission Insite, a web-based demographic tool, available free of charge to every congregation. This program is currently underutilized, and more participation is encouraged.
CDD will continue to focus on issues of evangelism, stewardship and support for existing congregations, as well as new church development in keeping with the presbytery's 2010-2015 goals and objectives. Orby Ferguson, Moderator
EDUCATION AND NURTURE DIVISION
The Education and Nurture Division continues to focus on varied events designed to meet the many ages and interests represented in the Presbytery, as well as brain storm new ideas and ways to strengthen current programs.
Significant in this programming is the annual Ephesians Event. The organized planning for the 2012 Ephesians Event by Avery Dickson, Lossie Matthews, and the Ministry Team made the event quite successful, ,including 14 workshops. It was held at First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville on January 28, 2012. This year’s event featured Dr. Rodger Nishioka who introduced the theme with his keynote address “Making Disciples, Shaping Apostle”. The presence of Ten Thousand Villages added complementary dimensions to the event.
Planning for Older Adult Events continues. More information will be coming soon.
The Youth Council has been meeting regularly, setting a schedule and establishing goals. Over 35 middle school, senior high youth and adult leaders attended the November 6, 2011, Youth Rally at Lake City Presbyterian Church. The Youth Council continued its work with a December 29 planning time at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center to finalize details for the Middle School Retreat scheduled for February 3 – 5, 2012, at CPDRC.
The Division’s endeavor, in partnership with the Congregational Development Division, the Smaller Congregation Educational Initiative (SCEI), coordinated by Avery Dickson, is moving along nicely.
As the New Year begins, the Education and Nurture Division looks optimistically to continuing established programs and planning and implementing new ones asking God for grace and guidance in our collaborative work.
16 The Division appreciates the members and churches across New Harmony Presbytery who have supported our efforts, encouraged others to become involved, and gives thanks to God for His guidance as we work and plan to glorify His name. Kelly Boone Sloan, Moderator
WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION DIVISION
The Division of Worship and Spiritual Formation has met several times since the last Presbytery Meeting. In addition to securing preachers and liturgists for Presbytery worship, preparing the liturgy, and coordinating the service, the Division has been involved in a number of opportunities for developing the spiritual life of congregations.
The Division expresses appreciation to everyone who prepared devotionals for the Forty Plus One: Advent and Christmas Devotionals. Members from various churches in the Presbytery and Presbytery staff contributed to this Devotional. The Division has received some positive feedback from those who took this spiritual journey through Advent and Epiphany. Those who have not shared how this resource has impacted their lives are invited to contact the Division Moderator Garland Hart at [email protected] or 16 South Cantey Street, Summerton, S.C. 29148. The Division hopes your journey through these devotionals has deepened your relationship with God.
Several months ago the Division received a request from the Youth Council that youth be involved in the planning the liturgy for Presbytery worship and to serve as liturgists during the service. The Division accepted this request and welcomes youth participation in the planning and leading of worship. The youth have participated in the worship for the Winter Presbytery Meeting. The Division is grateful for this participation.
The Division has scholarship assistance for those in need of funds to attend conferences in 2012. Applications need to be submitted to the Division for consideration no later than April 1, 2012.
The Division is planning a health awareness journey entitled “The Journey: Nourishing Mind, Body, Spirit”. This will be a forty-day journey beginning in October. A manual will be prepared to help us on this spiritual journey. A health awareness resource available to us is Better Choices Better Health: Living Well in South Carolina. This is a workshop for people with ongoing health conditions. It is funded by the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those interested are invited to join a 2 1/2 hour Better Choices, Better Health Workshop, held each week for six weeks. Participants learn from trained volunteer leaders with health conditions themselves. Participants will also set their own goals and establish a step-by-step plan to improve their health and life. Those interested can sign up with Carrie Sinkler-Parker 803-473-3182. Garland Hart, Moderator
PRESBYTERIAN MEN
The Presbyterian Men had a very successful Fall Conference on October 16, 2011, at New Harvest Presbyterian Church, Florence, SC. An outstanding presentation on “Fatherhood and Family” was made by Randy Johnson of G.W. Long Memorial Presbyterian and George Hampton of Goodwill Presbyterian Church. We wish to thank the men of New Harvest for hosting this event. The 2012 Fall Conference will be held on October 21, and we will have a second presentation on “Fatherhood and Family.” Additional information will be forthcoming later in the year.
The 2012 Picnic and Golf Outing Event will take place on May 19th at Lakewood Links, Sumter, SC. Registration information will be sent to the churches in early May. Freddie Nelson, President
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women of New Harmony are gearing up for a productive year. Presbytery Coordinating Team met Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Presbytery Office. Vashti Davis, Barbara Peterson, and Carrie Sinkler-Parker were elected as delegates to the 2012 Church-wide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Orlando, Florida. The Church-wide Gathering will be held July 10-22. 2012.
Many of the PWC are actively doing activities that will enable them to meet their mission pledges at the local, presbytery, synod and church wide levels. Many churches participated in the Thank Offering in November. The Thank Offering supports programs that relieve pain, provide clean water, alleviate homelessness, provide educational opportunities, promote health and improve the lives of women and children throughout the world.
17 PW Spiritual Retreat was held February 4, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church in Florence, South Carolina, The Rev. Jody Foster was the speaker. The theme for this event is “giving a Gift That Lives on: Yourself”. The Annual Gathering will be held April 21, 2012 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alcolu, South Carolina. Rev. Gloria Williams will be the speaker. The theme is “Blessed Is the Woman Who Lives Her Faith”. Vashti Davis, Moderator
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
The Administrative Council met on November 15, 2011, and on January 3, January 12, & February 7, 2012, and makes the following report to the Presbytery of New Harmony:
The minutes of the September 20, October 3, November 1, & November 15, 2011, and the January 3 & 12, 2012, Administrative Council meetings and the minutes of the Seventy-Second Stated Meeting of Presbytery on October 11, and the Called Presbytery Meeting of November 8, 2011, were approved as presented. Notes from the September 7, 2011, gathering with members of the Administrative Commission for Celebration Presbyterian Church were also received as information.
Reports from the Camping, Congregational Development, Education and Nurture, and the Worship and Spiritual Formation Divisions, as well as Presbyterian Women, were presented as information to the Council. A report from Presbyterian Men was also received. The Council approved requests totaling $ 15,000.00 (of the previously approved up to $ 75,000.00 for 2011) in late 2011, for Celebration Presbyterian Church. The Council granted permission to the Board of the South Carolina Home at Montreat to contact congregations seeking contributions of $ 100.00 per congregation to commemorate 100 years of the Home.
The Council took action to dissolve the Camp Pee Dee Task Force with appreciation. The Task Force has not met since late 2010. During its tenure, it recommended a name change for our facility to Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center and articulated goals for CPDRC.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to forward 100 % of per capita apportionments to the higher governing bodies of the Church and to maintain its commitment to fund 100 % of the presbytery’s mission partners.
Reports from the Part-time Stated Clerk and the Head of Staff/Associate Executive Presbyter for Program & Administration were received, including information from the Educator Certification Committee, updates on Mission Apostle (The Missional Network), and encouragement for the application to the “For Such a Time as This” program for first-call pastors and congregations seeking leadership. The Council responded to the communication from the Office of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) to amend the per capita invoice for 2012, due to changes in membership. (The calculation for 2012 is based on membership reported as of December 31, 2010.)
The Council also received information regarding future meetings of the Presbytery, including: • May 8, 2012 – Kingston Presbyterian Church, Conway, SC. • October 8, 2012 – Melina Presbyterian Church, Gable, SC.
Docket for the Seventy-Third Stated Meeting was received and approved.
Verbal reports were offered by Sub-committee Chairs and the Chair of the Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk Search Committee, and the following recommendations were approved:
1. That the Presbytery concur with the Administrative Council’s recommendation at the request of the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Agency for the Developmentally Disabled (PADD) that Sunday, March 18, 2012, be declared PADD SUNDAY and that a special offering be received.
2. That the Presbytery ratify the Administrative Council’s November 1, 2011, decision to reconstitute and recommission the Administrative Commission to work with Celebration Presbyterian Church. Members of the reconstituted Administrative Commission are: Teaching Elders The Rev. Dr. Ella Busby (Goodwill), Chair; The Rev. David Ruth (Williamsburg); The Rev. Rhett Talbert (Kingston); Ruling Elders Lola Faye Craig (FPC-Florence), Donna Poulton (Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, Fritz Vinson (Georgetown) Ruling Elder Henry McFaddin (FPC-Sumter) will serve an additional
18 advisory member. The Commission is focusing on the relationship of the Designated Pastor and the congregation and is actively engaged in assisting the congregation with its financial situation.
3. That the Presbytery ratify the Administrative Council’s January 12, 2012, decision to appoint an Administrative Commission to meet with the Darlington Presbyterian and resolve all matters resulting from the congregation’s vote to disaffiliate with the PC(USA). Members of the Administrative Commission are: Teaching Elders: The Rev. Kyle Henderson (Chair), The Rev. Carnell Hampton (Vice-Chair), The Rev. Josie Holler, and The Rev. Dr. Bill Holmes; and Ruling Elder Tommy Cooper (Clerk).
4. That the Presbytery concur with the Administrative Council’s recommendation to amend the presbytery’s policy on Gracious Dismissal to include the following:
A congregation in the Presbytery of New Harmony seeking to be dismissed from the PC(USA) or to disaffiliate with the PC(USA) shall follow the Gracious Dismissal Policy of the Presbytery of New Harmony, which was adopted July 2011.
Failure to follow the Gracious Dismissal Policy of the Presbytery of New Harmony may result in the appointment of an Administrative Commission, which could assume original jurisdiction of the Session in accordance with the Book of Order G-3.0303e. 5. That the Presbytery approve the Administrative Council’s recommendation to elect Ruling Elders Barbara Ragin (Goodwill) and Grace Johnson (Congruity) to the Nominating Committee, Class of 2014.
6. That the 2012 Proposed Operating Budget be approved on 2nd reading as revised by the Council. (Attached following this report)
7. That the Purchase Request Approval limit for the Financial Secretary be temporarily raised to up to $ 5,000.00.
8. That the Presbytery concur with the Administrative Council’s recommendation that the 2012 compensation package be approved for Head of Staff/Associate Executive Presbyter for Program & Administration, totaling $ 110,000.00 (including cash salary & benefits) This increase is for assuming and continuing to perform additional duties since September 1, 2011; no additional compensation was arranged when these additional duties were assumed, and no increase was previously proposed for 2012.
9. That the presbytery concur with the Administrative Council’s recommendation to approve the overture to the 220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) from Pawley’s Island Presbyterian Church. (see immediately following this report)
10. That all actions of the council recorded in the minutes become the actions of the Presbytery.
Judy L. Cettei, Moderator
Resolution to Presbytery of New Harmony
The Session of Pawleys Island Presbyterian recommends to the Presbytery of New Harmony that the following overture be adopted by the Presbytery of New Harmony at its February 25 meeting.
The Presbytery of New Harmony overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to provide the following authoritative interpretation of W-4.9000:
When W-4.9001 speaks of marriage, it is expounding how marriage is defined and understood by the Presbyterian Church (I.LS.A.), under the authority of the Scriptures and guided by the confessions. It is not merely describing how marriage was practiced in any particular society at any particular time. Therefore, this definition of marriage in the Directory for Worship is binding upon church officers authorized to perform Christian marriages. “Officers of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who are authorized to perform marriages shall not state, imply, or represent that a same sex ceremony is a marriage because under W-4.9001 a same sex ceremony is not and cannot be a marriage” (Spahr v. Presbytery of Redwoods, 2008). A change in the definition of civil marriage under state law does not alter the definition of marriage under the PCIJSA constitution (Southard v. & Presbytery of Boston, 2011). The church’s definition of marriage may be changed only through amendment of both W-4.9001 and the confessional passages upon which it is based.
The church traces its understanding of marriage especially to the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6/Mark 10:6-8. Asked a question regarding divorce, Jesus pointed back to passages in Genesis 1and 2 and expounded God’s design for marriage: “Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate”
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This divine design for marriage is prior to the existence of any church or any state. The church is bound to this understanding of marriage which comes from Jesus, its Lord. States may choose to grant legal benefits of marriage to various combinations of persons; however, no state has the power to redefine marriage as God designed it. Nor can any state action alter the church’s understanding of marriage, which derives from God’s Word rather than state law.
Based on these confessional teachings, the Book of Order (W-4.9001) defines marriage thus: “Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christians, marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.” (W-4.9001)
This definition is far more than a neutral description of social reality—what marriage may have been in a particular society at a particular point in history. It is a normative description of what marriage is intended to be, according to God’s design.
Approved by Session: December 20, 2011 Respectively Submitted, William McElroy, Clerk of Session
SYNOD OF SOUTH ATLANTIC
Elder Gerden Clark, who served as a commissioner to the latest meeting of the Synod of South Atlantic, reported to Presbytery on the items presented at that meeting.
20 Presbyterian Agency for the Developmentally Disabled (PADD)
Information
1. The current members of the PADD volunteer Board of Trustees are: Betty Lou Barclay, Frank Colclough, Dot Johnson, Chris Handley, Frank Holsclaw, Anna Kearns, Ella Busby, Ashley Lowry and Bob Kearns. PADD is searching for individuals with a heart for a ministry to the disabled to serve three year terms on the Board of Trustees. Individuals should contact Bob Kearns, Chair, for further information.
2. This August PADD will celebrate its fifth year of operation. Thanks be to God for continuing to guide and bless this ministry. PADD currently has 5 women living in the home under the watchful eyes of a dedicated staff on duty 24/7. All of the residents are working in volunteer or paid positions in the community and are active in local church and social activities. There is an opening for 1 additional resident. Please contact PADD for information.
3. PADD’s Licensed Administrator, Kimberly Matthews, will celebrate her four year anniversary of employment with PADD in February. Kimberly’s faith and love for our residents continues to inspire her staff, residents, and their families. The Board of Trustees is grateful for her dedication.
4. The second community wide “Pedal for PADD” was held to raise funding and awareness for PADD. This bike rally will become an annual event. Thanks to the friends who planned, sponsored and managed the rally.
5. PADD is dependent upon donations to support the ongoing ministry. Please know that this ministry would not be possible without your financial assistance, love and prayers. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, our staff, our residents and their families…thank you. Submitted by: Robert W. Kearns, Chair: PADD Board of Trustees
RESOLUTIONS
Whereas, we give thanks to the Bishopville Presbyterian Church for graciously opening their doors to host the 73rd Stated Meeting of New Harmony Presbytery, and for their hospitality,
Whereas, we give thanks for Elder McFaddin and his year of service as Moderator, and for Elder Francis Singleton, newly elected Moderator and her willingness to serve,
Whereas, we have been uplifted by the inspired preaching of God’s Word by Dr. Gloria Williams and candidate Jane Osment, giving thanks for them,
Whereas, we give thanks to God for the lives and services by those elders who entered the Church Triumphant, and for the lives and services of Rev. Robert Bligen, Jr., and Rev. Donald Robert Stiens,
Whereas, we give thanks for the continuing ministering of Jane Osment and her approval for Ordination as Minister of Word and sacrament and acceptance of Eve Ruth as a candidate,
Whereas, we give thanks for Dr. Bobby Wilkes and his life of service to our Lord Jesus Christ and this Presbytery and we rejoice with him in his retirement,
Whereas, we give thanks for the Committees of the Presbytery and their detailed reports,
Whereas, we give thanks for McBee and Westminster of Florence Churches, it is with mixed emotions and saddened hearts to release them to Evangelical Presbyterian Mid-Atlantic Presbytery,
Therefore, be it resolved that the Presbytery of New Harmony give thanks to God for the work and worship of this body here today and for all that He has given to us. All glory, honor, and praise be given to God in all that we do and say. ADJOURNMENT
Following a time of requests for special prayer, the Moderator adjourned the meeting with prayer at 4:54 p.m.
The next stated meeting will be held at Kingston Presbyterian Church, Conway, SC, on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Franklin D. Colclough Richard S. Andrews Stated Clerk Recording Clerk
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THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY Special Called Meeting - April 19, 2012 - 2:00 p.m. Presbyterian Communities Chapel, Florence, SC
The meeting was called to order and led in prayer by Moderator Elder Frances Singleton from the Second Presbyterian Church in Sumter. The Stated Clerk determined that a quorum was present.
The following persons were enrolled for the meeting.
Thirty-two ministers were present: Paul Abell, Richard S. Andrews, Scott Andrews, Buddy Bach, Ella Busby, Judy Cettei, Tae Su Cheong, James Clark, Franklin Colclough, Mark Durrett, Jody Foster, Rodney Foster, Carnell Hampton, Garland Hart, A. Kyle Henderson, Kenneth Hicks, William Holmes, Frank Holesclaw, Ray Howe, J. Lewis Johnson, Stanley Jones, Tom Langston, Jane McElwee-Smith, John Parks, David Ruth, Dan Sansbury, Sam Sparks, O. Rhett Talbert, Emma Thompson, Steve Wilkins, Gloria Williams.
Three Commissioned Lay Pastors: David Bessinger, Jack Humphries, and Chuck Staggs, and Certified Christian Educator Mac McCall were also eligible to vote.
Thirty-eight elders were sent by their churches and were eligible to vote: Bishopville- BJ Kerr; Cheraw First - Dan Tillman; Chesterfield -- Kaye Rivers; Congruity - Sandra White; Cousar Memorial -- Delphine A. Peterson; Friendship -- Darren Wilson; George Waldo Long Memorial- Robert Johnson; Georgetown - Ted Quantz; Goodwill - Sylvester Jones; Hartsville First - David Blackmon, Jean Robinson; Hopewell- Mary Baker; Indiantown - Vicki Bishop; John Calvin - Betty Anne Smith; Kentyre - Marie Glenn; Latta -- Thelma Ann Burns; Loris First -- Tommy Brogdon; Manning- Margaret Cooper; Marion - Miller Mclntyre; McColl - F. L. Player; Midway - Linda Swain; Morton - JoAnne Bustle; Mt. Lisbon -- Deborah A. Wilson; Mt. Pisgah -- Dorothy Samuel; Mt. Zion -- Robert Law; New Harvest - Calvin Wilson; Ocean Drive -- Lee Thompson, Sue Kreuger; Parkwood -- Jack Zeigler; Pawleys Island -- John O'Brien; St. Paul's -- Charlie Maxwell; Sumter Second - Willie Roberson; Swan Lake - Chuck Gibbs; Tirzah -- Johnny Raffield; Trinity (Mayesville) -- Joyce Whitaker- Jones; Trinity (Surfside Beach) - Cheryl Roach; Wedgefield - Hugh McLaurin; Westminster - Deloris Weaver; Williamsburg - Chuck Hylton.
Inquirer Vikki Brogdon and Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk elect Bruce Ford were visitors to the meeting. Twelve others were also visitors.
Twelve ministers were excused from the meeting: Preston Shealy, Blair Beaver, Josie Holler, Ivey Marshall, Tim Osment, Jane Osment, Gary Lowe, Jim Braswell, Tom Langston., In addition, ten churches were excused: Bennettsville First, Rocky Creek, Kentyre, Kingston, Georgetown, Concord, Grandview, McColl First, Summerton, and Myrtle Beach First.
In attendance were 74 voting members and 12 others for a grand total of 86.
WORSHIP
Afternoon worship was led by the Rev. Tae Su Cheong, liturgist, and the Rev. Buddy Bach, musician. Scripture was read from John 20:19-31 and Acts 4:32-35.
The Moderator appointed Rhett Talbert and Joyce Jones to serve as Temporary Clerks for the meeting.
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER/STATED CLERK SEARCH COMMITTEE
Elder Ricky McLeod, chairman, reported that the committee had been successful in the effort to find a person to fill the position needed, and he introduced the Rev. Dr. Bruce Edward Ford who held the same positions in Abingdon Presbytery in Virginia.
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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
Chairman Dr. Steve Wilkins presided over the examination of the candidate according to the Book of Order. After questioning him and hearing his remarks, the Presbytery approved the call to Dr. Ford to begin serving a three year term on June 25, 2013. The following recommendation of call was adopted.
The Search Committee for the Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk was dismissed with great appreciation of the Presbytery.
ADJOURNMENT
The Moderator closed with prayer and adjourned the meeting at 3:23 p.m.
The next stated meeting will be held at Kingston Presbyterian Church, Conway, SC, on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Franklin D. Colclough Richard S. Andrews Stated Clerk Recording Clerk
23 THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY Seventy-fourth Stated Meeting – May 8, 2012 – 9:30 A.M. Kingston Presbyterian Church, Conway, South Carolina
The meeting was called to order and led in prayer by Moderator Frances Singleton, an Elder in the Second Presbyterian Church of Sumter. Elder Julie Cox was elected Acting Stated Clerk and Teaching Elder Scott Andrews was elected Acting Recording Clerk. The Acting Stated Clerk determined that a quorum was present.
The following persons were enrolled for the meeting:
Thirty-eight teaching elders were present: Paul W. Abell, Jr., Scott B. Andrews, Eugen Bach, Blair Beaver, James Braswell, Annette Brewer, Judith L. Cettei, Jim Clark, Tom Dendy, Mark Durrett, Jody P. Foster, Rodney A. Foster, Christopher Handley, Howard Hansen, Garland Hart, Kyle Henderson, Kenneth Hicks, William J. Holmes, Jr., Frank Holsclaw, Ray Howe, Ernest Jackson, J. Lewis Johnson, Stanley W. Jones, Tom Langston, Jane McElwee-Smith, William Moore, Jane Osment, Timothy Osment, Carol Pagelsen, John W. Parks, David Ruth, Dan Sansbury, Preston Shealy, Samuel Sparks, O. Rhett Talbert, Emma W. Thompson, Steve Wilkins, Gloria Williams.
Forty-four ruling elder commissioners were present: Bennettsville First – Elizabeth Covington; Bishopville – Elizabeth Kerr; Celebration – Jeanne Bredbeck, Cheraw First – John Joyce; Chesterfield – Tom Jones; Congruity – Randy Wells; Florence First – Michael Lavespere; George Waldo Long Memorial – Robert C. Johnson, Jr.; Goodwill – Elijah Washington; Hartsville First – David Blackmon, Alan Norwood; Hopewell – Curtis Ford; Indiantown – John Tanner; Jefferson – James M. Pigg; John Calvin – Steve McElveen; Kingston – Patty Hendrick; Lake City – Bill Odom; Latta – Jim Allen; Loris First – Pamela Melhorn-Richard; Manning – Margaret B. Cooper; Marion – Louis Saxon; Melina – Walter Nelson; Midway – Daniel R. Harrington; Morton – David Simpson; Mt. Pisgah – Dorothy Samuel; Myrtle Beach First – Suzanne Belden, Teressa Dew, John Gandy; New Bethel – Monica McKellar; New Harvest – Calvin Wilson; Ocean Drive – Gerden Clark, Donna Poulton; Parkwood – Tommy Jackson; Pawleys Island – Kay Spence; Rocky Creek – Scott Kirkley; Salem Black River – Jeff Feinstein; Sumter First – Jess Begly, Dan Spencer; Sumter Second – Helen Gregory; Swan Lake – Charles Gibbs; Trinity (Mayesville) – Mary Miller-Hudson; Trinity (Surfside) – Phyllis Wicker; Wedgefield – James Hugh Ryan; Williamsburg – Lew Easterling.
Eleven additional ex officio voting elder members present included: Administrative Council members Julie Cox (Associate Executive), Ellaree Hampton, Henry McFaddin, and Frances Singleton; Program Council member Orby Ferguson; Committee members Wendell Robinson and Pontheola Wilson; Certified Christian Educator Archie “Mac” McCall, Jr.; and Commissioned Lay Pastors David Bessinger, Jack Humphries, and Chuck Staggs.
Also in attendance were: Craig Van Gelder representing The Mission Network; visiting minister Carter Robinson; candidates Lauren Scharstein and Chris Scott; inquirer Amanda Maguire; staff members: Linda Borgman and Netanyia Samuel; educators Kelly Boone Sloan and Avery Dickson; 15 visiting elders; and 7 other visitors.
In attendance were 82 voting members and 42 other people, for a grand total of 124.
Excused were four ministers: Richard Andrews, Barry Jenkins, Bo Yates, and Joan Yates, and one church: Kentyre.
WORSHIP
Presbytery gathered for worship led by Elder Genova Isaac of Fraser Memorial. Candidate Lauren Scharstein preached a sermon entitled “On the Way, Rejoicing” based on Acts 8:26-39. During the service, commissioners to the 220th General Assembly were commissioned.
Following worship, the Presbytery was welcomed by the Rev. Rhett Talbert, pastor of the host church and by the Honorable Alys Lawson, mayor of Conway. Visitors and elders attending Presbytery for the first time were recognized and welcomed.
The docket was reviewed and adopted.
The Moderator appointed teaching elder Ernest Jackson of the Congruity church and ruling elder Elizabeth J. Kerr of the Bishopville church to serve as the Committee on Resolutions. She also appointed teaching elder Jane Osment (at large) and ruling elder Calvin Wilson of the New Harvest church to serve as temporary clerks for the meeting.
24 COMMUNICATIONS
The following communications were received by the Acting Stated Clerk and disposed of as indicated.
1. Minutes of the Commission to ordain the Rev. C. Jane Osment were received and entered into the record as follows:
The Commission appointed by the Presbytery of New Harmony to ordain C. Jane Osment met at 3:30 PM o’clock on March 11, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church, Loris, SC.
Present and constituting a quorum were: Rev. Ella Busby, Rev. Frank Colclough, Elder Curtis Ford, Elder Teresa Moise, Rev. Tim Osment.
Also present were corresponding members: Rev. Brenda Deily, Three Rivers Presbytery.
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Rev. Tim Osment, and Rev. Frank Colclough opened with prayer. Rev. Frank Colclough was elected Clerk of the Commission. The Commission reviewed the procedure to be followed. A motion was adopted authorizing the Moderator and the Clerk to approve the minutes.
The Commission retired to the sanctuary for worship. The sermon was preached by Rev. Brenda Deily. The constitutional questions were propounded to the ordained by Rev. Tim Osment. The ordinand knelt and was set apart with prayer by Rev. Ella Busby and the laying on of hands.
The Moderator declared that C. Jane Osment was ordained according to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A charge to the pastor was given by Rev. Kathy Heustess and to the congregation by Rev. Frank Colclough. Rev. C. Jane Osment pronounced the benediction and the service and Commission adjourned. The minutes were approved by the Moderator and the Clerk. Timothy A. Osment, Moderator Franklin D. Colclough, Clerk
2. A letter was received from the Clerk of Session, New Bethel Presbyterian Church, Dillon, SC, indicating that the congregation voted on March 11, 2012, to request that the presbytery grant a waiver of the Book of Order requirement, G-2.0404 (terms of service). The request was approved.
3. A letter was received from the Moderator of the Session, Kentyre Presbyterian Church from a March 4, 2012, meeting requesting that the presbytery grant a waiver of the Book of Order requirement, G-2.0404 (terms of service). The request was approved.
4. A letter was received from Shannon E. Langley, Young Adult & National Volunteers Coordinator for the General Assembly Mission Council, PCUSA, informing the Presbytery that Anna Owens, a member of First Presbyterian Church, Sumter, has been selected to serve in mission on behalf of the PCUSA. Anna will be serving with the YAV (Young Adult Volunteer) program in Northern Ireland. The letter was received as information.
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
The Presbytery of New Harmony currently has five inquirers and six candidates. Please continue to hold them in your prayers and consider inviting them to fill your pulpit.
INQUIRERS: 1. Vikki Brogdon (Manning), Union (Charlotte) 2. Emily Campbell (Marion), Louisville Seminary 3. David Hubbs (First, Florence), Erskine Seminary 4. Neeley Lane (First, Hartsville): Union (Charlotte) 5. Amanda Maguire (First, Hartsville) Pittsburgh Seminary CANDIDATES: 1. Omar Hilton (Goodwill): Graduate, Certified for Call 2. Francie King (Manning): Graduate of Columbia, Certified for Call
25 3. Andrew Ruth (Williamsburg): Duke Divinity School, Certified for Call 4. Eva Ruth (Williamsburg): Campbell Divinity School 5. Lauren Scharstein (First, Hartsville): Graduated, Certified for Call 6. Marc VanBulck (First, Sumter): Graduated, Certified for Call
INFORMATION: 1. Sustained Final Assessments of Andrew Ruth and Marc VanBulck. 2. Conducted Annual Consultation with Lauren Scharstein. 3. Did initial planning for annual consultations on June 5 and August 7.
The following recommendation was adopted: That Amanda Maguire (First, Hartsville) be admitted to the floor and pending successful examination become a Candidate for Teaching Elder under the care of New Harmony Presbytery. The examination was approved and she was added to the roll of candidates.
Certificates for churches contributing to the Theological Education Fund (TEF) were handed out.
Preston Shealy, Moderator
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee place the following two names in nomination to serve in the positions as indicated within the presbytery. Both were elected:
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY: Class of 2012: Cathy Cuppett (FPC Hartsville)
SC HOME AT MONTREAT, NC BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Class of 2014: Netanyia Samuel (Mt. Pisgah) Wendell Robinson, Moderator
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
The Committee on Ministry reports the following actions as information: 1. Approved endorsement for CLP/CRE training track, Ruling Elder Joyce Ann McGee, New Covenant church. 2. Approved renewal of commission of Ruling Elder Marshall Ivey to serve as CLP / CRE for the Mt. Pisgah church. 3. Approved the renewal of commission of Ruling Elder Farrar Griggs, Jr., to serve as CLP / CRE for the Rocky Creek church. 4. Approved Church Information Forms for submission by the Pastoral Nominating Committees of the Melina church and the Kingston church. 5. Appointed Rev. Blair Beaver to moderate the session of the 2nd Presbyterian Church, Pageland. 6. Appointed Rev. Sam Sparks to moderate the session of the New Bethel church. 7. Approved the interim pastor contract between Rev. Paul Abell and the Hopewell church. 8. Approved the interim pastor contract between Rev. Lisa Culpepper and the Indiantown / St. Paul’s churches. 9. Called a special meeting of the Presbytery for the purpose of examining the Rev. Dr. Bruce Ford, candidate for the Executive Presbyter / Stated Clerk position; meeting took place on April 19. 10. Appointed Rev. Steve Wilkins as liaison to the PNC for the Indiantown / St. Paul churches. 11. Offered guidance to the sessions of Patrick / Society Hill churches concerning pastoral vacancy due to disability. 12. Appointed Rev. Kyle Henderson as temporary moderator of the Patrick/Society Hill churches, and that Rev. Ray Howe will serve as a back-up on an as-need basis. 13. Approved the interim pastor contract between Rev. Rodney Foster and the John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
26 The following recommendations were adopted:
1. That Presbytery approve the change in terms of call for ministers in the Presbytery as follows:
2012 Terms of Call Changes *Salary&other Church Minister X Manse ^ Housing ~ Other Income *Î Georgetown Stephen Wilkins 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 Goodwill Ella Busby 1,016.00 N 2,750.00 2,026.00 Kentyre/Latta Eugen Bach 560.00 P 0.00 683.00 Korean-American Tae Su Cheong 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 *Î Murrells Inlet Thomas Thornton 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 New Covenant Retha Nelson 222.00 N 464.00 6,231.00 Patrick/Society Hill William C. Byars 3,214.57 P 73.47 -99.07 Pawley's Island Frank Holsclaw 0.04 N 0.00 807.47 Ruby/White Oak Blair Beaver 498.20 P 80.00 -56.50 Summerton Garland S. Hart 2,706.00 P 812.00 947.00 Sumter First Mark Durrett 0.00 N 0.00 0.00 Sumter First Jane McElwee-Smith -571.00 N 0.00 175.00 X = Manse- (P) provided or (N) not provided ^ = Includes: only line 2 of Effective Salary ~ = Includes: SECA, BOP, Auto Allowance, Professional Expenses and Moving Expenses(when applicable)
*Î = yet to report
2. That Mr. David Bessinger's commission as Commissioned Ruling Elder be extended to include the Chesterfield Presbyterian Church, including the duties of moderating the session, administering the sacraments, proclaiming the gospel, and offering pastoral care with a service of commission to be held.
3. That, pending a successful examination on the floor the Rev. Carter Robinson be approved for installation as Associate Pastor at Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church, with the following terms of call:
Effective Salary Benefits 1. Annual Cash Salary $35,000 SECA (50%) $3,825.00 2. Housing Allowance $15,000 Board of Pensions (pension, major medical, death & 3. Deferred compensation (403(b), tax sheltered disability at current BOP rate which is 32.25%of Total annuity plans and equity allowances) Effective Salary $17,358.56 4. Bonuses, unvouchered allowances, Automobile Allowance $4,800.00 from employer (approximate - to be reimbursed at current IRS rate to be 55.5¢ in 2012) 5. Other allowances (e.g. utilities, furnishings, Professional Expenses Medical deductible, dental, SECA in excess of 50%) $3,825.00 Continuing } Total Annual Cash Salary $50,000 Book Allowance $1,000.00 6. Manse amount (must be at least 30% of Other Outreach Expenses $3,600.00 lines 1-5 for members who qualify for IRS housing ( ) Other Cell plan (per month) $50.00 allowance exclusion) Moving Expenses Actual Total Annual Effective Salary $53,825.00 Total Benefits $30,633.56
Total Cost to Church $84,458.56 plus, Study Leave of 2 weeks and Vacation of 4 weeks annually.
3. That the following installation commission be appointed to preside over the installation of Rev. Carter Robinson on Sunday, June 24, at the Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church, at 5 p.m.
Teaching Elders Ruling Elders The Rev. Frank Holsclaw (Pawleys Island) Bill Spence (Pawleys Island) The Rev. Rhett Talbert (Kingston) Mary Boyd Brown (Georgetown) The Rev. Janie McElwee-Smith (First, Sumter) Frances Singleton (Second, Sumter)
Corresponding Members The Rev. Bob Fuller (Fairview Presbyterian Church, Trinity Presbytery)
Steve Wilkins, Moderator
27 ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION – CELEBRATION CHURCH
The following written report of the Administrative Commission for Celebration Presbyterian Church was offered. Teaching Elder David Ruth spoke for the Commission.
This Administrative Commission was appointed by the Administrative Council of the Presbytery of New Harmony, to work with Celebration Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The work of and contact with and from the Administrative Commission will continue, primarily as a liaison with and to the Administrative Council, as an advisory and evaluative body regarding the designated pastor role, and as an evaluative and advisory body concerning financial matters, including audit, quarterly reviews and reporting. The Administrative Commission, comprised of Ella Busby, Chair; Lola Faye Craig, Donna Poulton, David Ruth, clerk; Rhett Talbert and Fritz Vinson, met on March 29, 2012, at the presbytery office.
At the meeting, or by emails, the following were discussed and/or action taken: • the life and work of the Celebration Presbyterian Church were discussed, • the financial requests, from Celebration, for March and April, 2012, in the amount of $17,000 have been approved, • the meeting with the Celebration finance person, Larry Dowd, and Dr. Tom Dendy was very informative and productive. Several suggestions were made, received and reflected in later required financial reports, • The Administrative Commission is in the process of securing an auditor to complete the audit as requested by the Administrative Council and approved by Presbytery.
The Administrative Commission noted the wonderful things that continue to happen at Celebration: • attendance at the Acts 16 Gathering of several members, • increase in attendance and membership, • wonderful and exciting worship, • community activities and outreach and so much more.
We, the Commission, ask that the Presbytery of New Harmony join us in continuous prayer for ministry and mission of Celebration Presbyterian Church. Ella F. Busby, Chair David Ruth, Clerk
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION – DARILINGTON CHURCH
The following written report of the Administrative Commission for Darlington Presbyterian Church was presented and received as information. Teaching Elder Kyle Henderson spoke for the Commission.
Administrative Commission to respond to the positive vote by the Darlington Presbyterian Church to “disaffiliate” from the Presbytery of New Harmony and the Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Administrative Commission continues to meet to expand our knowledge on interpreting the constitution concerning property and to determine how best to proceed in responding to the vote by the Darlington congregation. The following actions have been taken by the commission: It has… 1. conducted an initial meeting on February 19, 2012 to hear from those who wish to remain members of a congregation in the PC(USA) (often referred to us as the Darlington 51). Various emotions associated with grief were shared by those present along with a timeline of events. 2. denied a request from the Darlington Session to have two observers present at this initial meeting on February 19. 3. begun to construct a roster of those who wish to remain members of a congregation in the PC(USA).
28 4. received information that the church letters for two persons preparing for ordained ministry were transferred, at their request, from Darlington Presbyterian Church to First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville. 5. held a meeting with a lawyer to identify typical property issues and concerns involved with Presbyterian property cases. 6. made a decision not to pursue disciplinary action against the Session of Darlington Presbyterian Church for its action in holding a meeting of the congregation to seek a constitutional vote to “disaffiliate.” 7. authorized a title search on the property held in the name of Darlington Presbyterian Church and received information concerning that search. 8. made arrangements to determine a first guess at the value of property and other assets (results were still pending at time of this report). 9. secured the willing services of a “teaching elder” to be a pastoral presence for the loyal members of Darlington church (the Darlington 51). 10. organized a local church committee to handle arrangements for future meetings of the Darlington 51. 11. received an advisory opinion from the Office of General Assembly on how to implement the trust clause for the unity of the Church.
The Commission humbly requests your prayers as we seek to do God’s will in response to the Darlington Church’s desire to be separate from the Presbyterian Church (USA). Submitted by Rev. Kyle Henderson Moderator, for the Administrative Commission: Elder Tommy Cooper (Presbyterian Church at Manning) Rev. Carnell Hampton (honorably retired) Rev. Kyle Henderson (pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw) Rev. Josie Holler (minister-at-large) Rev. Dr. Bill Holmes (pastor, Presbyterian Church at Manning)
PROGRAM COUNCIL
The Program Council met on Monday, April 16, 2012, at the Presbytery office and received as information the reports from the following divisions: Camping, Congregational Development, Education & Nurture, Mission, Worship & Spiritual Formation, as well as Presbyterian Women. Summary of the reports were submitted for review. Teaching Elder Scott Andrews spoke on the use of Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center by churches and on the upcoming summer program. Ruling Elder Chuck Staggs, moderator
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
The Administrative Council met on March 7, March 28, and April 19, 2012, and makes the following report to the Presbytery of New Harmony:
The minutes of the February 7, March 7, & March 28, 2012, Administrative Council meetings and the minutes of the Seventy-Third Stated Meeting of Presbytery on February 25, 2012, were approved as presented.
Reports from the Camping, Congregational Development, Education and Nurture, and the Worship and Spiritual Formation Divisions, as well as Presbyterian Women, were presented as information to the Council. Reports from the Part-time Stated Clerk and the Head of Staff/Associate Executive Presbyter for Program & Administration were received, including updates on Mission Apostle (The Missional Network) and congregations selected to participate in the denomination’s program, “For Such a Time as This” for first call pastors and congregations in need of permanent pastoral leadership.
29 The Council received communication from the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Florence, requesting gracious dismissal from the Presbytery of New Harmony. The Council appointed: Teaching Elder Mark Durrett (Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Sumter), Teaching Elder Carnell Hampton (Honorably Retired), Teaching Elder Lewis Johnson (Honorably Retired & serving as Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach), and Teaching Elder Dan Sansbury (Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville) to serve as members of the Presbytery Response Team (PRT).. The Rev. Dr. Dan Sansbury will serve as Chair of the PRT. The Session of First Presbyterian Church, Florence, has been notified of the members of the PRT and has appointed Ruling Elder Joseph McLean to also serve as a member of the PRT.
The Council also received information regarding future meetings of the Presbytery, including: • October 8, 2012 – Melina Presbyterian Church, Gable, SC.
The Docket for the Seventy-Fourth Stated Meeting was received and approved.
Reports were offered by Sub-committee Chairs. The following recommendations were approved by the council in order to be taken before Presbytery. The actions of the Presbytery are indicated below.
Recommendations:
1. That the Presbytery concur with the Administrative Council’s recommendation to adopt the attached/included Cell Phone Usage Policy at the advice of the presbytery’s insurance carrier. The motion was tabled.
2. That the Presbytery concur with the Administrative Council’s recommendation to approve the re- election of Elder Julie Cox, Associate Executive Presbyter for Program & Administration and The Rev. Dr. Richard Andrews, Recording Clerk, for the three-year term 2012-2014. The motion was approved.
3. That the Presbytery concur with the Administrative Council’s recommendation that, if necessary, funds for legal services will be available through the General Invested Fund and from undesignated gift(s) to the Presbytery. The motion was approved.
4. That the Presbytery concur with the Administrative Council’s recommendation to reaffirm its commitment to “Fair Share Askings” to determine the level of support that each church should consider contributing to support the mission of the presbytery and the larger church. The motion was approved.
5. That all actions of the council recorded in the minutes become the actions of the Presbytery. The motion was approved. Henry McFaddin, Moderator
The Presbytery of New Harmony Cell Phone Usage Policy
In order to protect the public from the hazards associated with the use of cell phones by Presbytery employees and volunteers while driving vehicles on Presbytery business, The Presbytery of New Harmony Inc. of Florence, South Carolina (hereinafter “Presbytery” has adopted the following policy:
Any Presbytery employee or volunteer who drives a vehicle (whether or not owned by the Presbytery) in the course of Presbytery business shall comply with the following policy, and indicate his or her acceptance of this policy by a signed acknowledgment. 1. Definitions. As used in this policy, the following terms are defined as follows:
“Course of Presbytery business” means (1) in the course of employment, in the case of an employee; and (2) while engaged in any Presbytery program or activity, in the case of a volunteer.
“Drive” means to operate a vehicle with the engine operating, whether the vehicle is stopped or moving.
30 “Employee” means any compensated employee of the Presbytery.
“Use” means to place or receive a call on a cell phone, or in any other manner operate a cell phone for the purpose of communicating with another person or persons, whether in a handheld or “hands-free” mode.
“Vehicle” means any motorized vehicle, whether or not owned by the Presbytery.
“Volunteer” means a member of the Presbytery, or a nonmember who regularly participates in Presbytery activities.
2. Drivers of minors. No Presbytery employee or volunteer may use a cell phone while driving a vehicle in the course of Presbytery business in which one or more minors are passengers.
3. Drivers of adults. No Presbytery employee or volunteer may use a cell phone while driving a vehicle in the course of Presbytery business in which one or more adults are passengers.
4. Driving alone. No Presbytery employee or volunteer may use a cell phone while driving a vehicle without passengers in the course of Presbytery business.
5. Permitted cell phone use. Presbytery employees and volunteers may use a cell phone in any one or more of the following circumstances: a. while driving a vehicle in the course of Presbytery business in the event of an emergency in which the use of a cell phone is necessary to prevent injury or death to one or more persons, if no adult passenger is available to make the call; b. while driving a vehicle in the course of Presbytery business if necessary to report the commission of suspected criminal activity, if no adult passenger is available to make the call; c. in a vehicle that is stopped in a safe location, with the engine off; or d. while riding in a vehicle as a passenger.
The Presbytery of New Harmony Acceptance of Cell Phone Usage Policy
I, ______, acknowledge that I have read and understand the Cell Phone Usage Policy of the Presbytery of New Harmony (the “Policy”), and in consideration of my being permitted to operate a vehicle in the course of Presbytery business, and for other valuable consideration the receipt of which is acknowledged, agree unconditionally to comply with the Policy whenever I am driving a vehicle in the course of Presbytery business.
______Date ______Print name ______Signature ______Witness
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY – THE MISSIONAL NETWORK
The Rev. Dr. Craig Van Gelder, professor of Congregational Mission at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a leader in The Missional Network, gave a presentation entitled “Adaptive Change and the Challenges Facing the Presbytery of New Harmony.”
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS the 74th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of New Harmony was graciously welcomed to the Kingston Presbyterian Church in beautiful, historic Conway, South Carolina;
WHEREAS we participated in the commissioning of the following persons to the 220th General Assembly to be held in Pittsburg, PA:
31 Teaching Elders Judy Cettei and Gloria Williams Ruling Elders George Hampton and Henry McFaddin YADD Kellyn Colclough;
WHEREAS the assembly was led in worship by Ruling Elder Genova Isaac and Teaching Elder Lauren Scharstein as well as the choir and organist of the Kingston Presbyterian Church where we were encouraged to listen to the voice of The Holy Spirit as we are taught to slow down, value gifts, encourage others to lead, and see mutuality in relationships;
WHEREAS we were privileged to witness the reception of Amanda Maguire as the candidate to the office of teaching elder and the successful examination of Carter Robinson to the position of Associate Pastor, Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church;
WHEREAS reports to two administrative commissions were received as well as reports from the various committees and we were privileged to hear the Special Order of the day concerning “The Missional Network” brought to us by the Rev. Craig Van Gelder; WHEREAS following the delightful “low country” luncheon prepared by the members of Kingston Presbyterian Church, items remaining on the docket were covered;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we the commissioners to this stated meeting do express our appreciation and thanks to the Kingston church for the many expressions of welcome extended to us.
Teaching Elder Ernest Jackson; Ruling Elder Elizabeth J. Kerr Committee on Resolutions
ADJOURNMENT
Following announcements and a time of requests for special prayer, the Moderator adjourned the meeting with prayer at 1:50 p.m.
The next stated meeting will be held at Melina Presbyterian Church, on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Julie Cox, Scott Andrews Acting Stated Clerk Acting Recording Clerk
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THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY Special Called Meeting — August 21, 2012 — 1:30 P.M. Presbyterian Communities Chapel, Florence, South Carolina
The meeting was called to order and led in prayer by Moderator Frances Singleton, an Elder in the Second Presbyterian Church of Sumter. The Stated Clerk determined that a quorum was present, and the Moderator opened the meeting with prayer.
The following persons were enrolled for the meeting:
Thirty-three ministers were present Paul W. Abell, Jr., Richard S. Andrews, Scott B. Andrews, Eugen Bach, James Braswell, Annette Brewer, Ella Busby, Daryle Bush, Judith L. Cettei, Franklin D. Colclough, Lisa Culpepper, Thomas Dendy, Bruce Ford, Jody P. Foster, Rodney A. Foster, Carnell Hampton, Garland Hart, A. Kyle Henderson, Kenneth Hicks, Ray Howe, Stanley Jones, William Jones, Tom Langston, Jane McElwee-Smith, A. Stuart Nickles, John W. Parks, Carter Robinson, David Ruth, Dan Sansbury, Samuel Sparks, Steve Wilkins, Gloria Williams, Joan Yates.
Thirty-five elder commissioners were present: Bishopville — BJ Kerr; Celebration — Sally Herstine; Cheraw First — Dan Tillman, III; Chesterfield — Tom Jones; Concord — Helen Prescott; Cousar Memorial — Delphine Peterson; Friendship — Sylvia Ivey; George Waldo Long Memorial — Eva Johnson; Goodwill — Ruby Jean Boyd; Grandview — Betty Watson; Hartsville First— Jean Robison; Hopewell — Curtis Ford; Indiantown — Bonnie Stuckey; John Calvin — Jane Coker; Kentyre - Al McDaniel; Manning - Margaret B. Cooper; Marion — Erika Roberts; McColl First — Virginia McGuirt; Melina— Joseph Bennett; Morton — JoAnne M. Bustle; Mt Lisbon — Deborah A. Wilson; Mt. Zion — Robert Law; New Harvest — Calvin Wilson; Ocean Drive — Paul Carpenter, Lee Thompson; Parkwood — Tommy Jackson; Pawleys Island — Carroll Armstrong; St. Pauls —Thomas Stasney; Summerton —Ann Pence; Sumter First — Jess Begley, Dan Spencer; Sumter Second — Willie Rollerson; Swan Lake — Chuck Gibbs; Trinity (Mayesville) — Mary Hudson; Wedgefield — James Hugh Ryan, Jr.; Westminster — Deloris Weaver, Williamsburg — Chuck Hylton.
Fourteen additional ex officio voting elder members present included: Administrative Council members Julie Cox (Associate Executive), David Blackmon, Lola Faye Craig, Ellaree Hampton, Henry McFaddin, and Frances Singleton; Program Council members Freddie Nelson and Kelly Sloan; GA Commissioner George Hampton; CREs/CLPs David Bessinger, Farrar Griggs, Jack Humphries, Marshall Ivey, and Chuck Staggs.
Also in attendance were: 21 visitors and guests.
In attendance were 82 voting members and 21 other people, for a grand total of 103.
Excused from attendance at the meeting were ministers C. Jane Osment, Carol Dickerson, Rhett Talbert, Preston Shealy, Jim Clark, Gary Lowe, Snow Donmoyer, Blair Beaver, Tae Su Cheong, Josie Holler, and Tim Osment.
Churches excused were Rocky Creek, Midway, Trinity (Surfside), Latta, McDowell, Bennettsville First, Kingston, Tirzah, Lake City, Loris First, Myrtle Beach First, Salem Black River, Mt Pisgah, Ruby/White Oak.
The opening worship was led by Judy Cettei, George Hampton, and Gloria Williams.
The Rev. John Parks, pastor of the Presbyterian Communities, Florence, welcomed the Presbytery and guests.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
The Presbytery approved the recommendation of the committee as follows:
That Lauren Scharstein (examined and approved for ordination by the Newark Presbytery) be ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament at a service of ordination to take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville, SC, at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 26, 2012; and that the following ordination commission be appointed:
Teaching Elders Ruling Elders Frank Colclough, (Honorably Retired) Curtis Lee (First, Hartsville) Ella Busby (Goodwill) Jeff Scharstein (Darlington) Dan Sansbury (First, Hartsville), Moderator of Commission
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Corresponding Members – Teaching Elders Lindsay Slocum (Greater Atlanta Presbytery) Emily Wright (Greater Atlanta Presbytery) Olin Whitener (Presbytery of the Peaks) Stephen Wilkins, Moderator
Reports of Commissioner to 220th General Assembly
Committee Assignment Commissioner
Ruling Elder, George Hampton (Goodwill) a verbal report
Review of General Assembly Permanent Committees Ruling Elder, Henry McFaddin (First, Sumter) I Consent Agenda
Health Issues (and other reflections) Teaching Elder, Rev. Judith L. Cettei (Lake City) II
Immigration (and other reflections) Teaching Elder, Dr. Gloria Williams (Second, Sumter) III
Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations YAAD, Kellyn Colclough (Westminster) IV (and other reflections
I. 220th General Assembly Report by Henry McFaddin
I was assigned to Committe #19 - Review of General Assembly Permanent Committees Consent Agenda
All Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAAD’s) are randomly assigned to the various committees. My committee was comprised of about 30 people including three YAAD’s. We were a very diverse group representing a good cross section of the country.
When I found out which committee I was assigned to back in the Spring and realized we only had 3 items to discuss I thought we would not need the 2 ½ days to finish our work. I was mistaken.
The GA Permanent Committees are split into 3 groups and reviewed every 3rd GA on a rotating basis. The Committees we reviewed last month were last reviewed at the 217th GA in 2006 and will not come up for review again until the 223th GA in 2018.
We reviewed the following Committees: 1. General Assembly Committee on Representation (COR) 2. Advisory Committee on Litigation (ACL) 3. Advisory Committee on the Constitution (ACC)
Each of the Committees had representatives there to answer our questions as it related to their Committee’s mission, cooperation with other committees, providing prompt responces to directives and requests from the Office of the General Assembly, accountability, their process of self-evaluation, and providing the Office of the General Assembly with recommendations relating to inclusion of all races and ethnicities at all levels.
After much prayer, study, listening and praying, our Committee recommended approval of the minutes of each of the 3 Committees under our review. A report was presented to the General Assembly by the Moderator of our Committee and no other action was required.
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II. Report on my General Assembly experience: Rev. Judith L. Cettei
First of all, let me echo the comments of those who have gone to GA before: “WOW! What a Week!” We may have our points of disagreement in the PCUSA, but we know how to come together in an international meeting - “decently and in order!” Those who prepare for elected commissioners to arrive for a week of worship, committee meetings, plenary sessions, special speakers, and exhibits spend years getting ready….and it shows. How these planners manage masses of details and still look like they’re really having fun only gives testimony to their trust in God. I would like to comment on the five overtures handled by my committee, Health Issues, and then share some personal reflections. Our committee was the last on the official docket -#21, and so our recommendations were discussed at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Friday, July 6th. That evening’s plenary session officially ended at 1:45 a.m. All five of our recommendations were passed by the General Assembly, and all 43 Elders, plus committee leaders and assistants were happy.
Recommendations from the Committee to GA: I. Reproductive Healthcare: That the Office of Public Witness “support full access to reproductive health care” in both public and private plans. It called for more generous paid family and medical leave policies and for strengthening family life of working parents by improving the availability of quality childcare and preschool programs. This recommendation pointed out the need for support for full and fair access to reproductive healthcare for both men and women. Abortion was/is a hot button issue. The GA approved and supported the 1992 PCUSA statement that says abortion can be a “morally acceptable” decision under certain circumstances, including rape or incest, severe physical or mental deformity, or if the physical or mental health of either the woman or child is “gravely threatened.” The statement also calls on Presbyterians to work to address problem pregnancies that lead to abortion. In addition the recommendation offered that the PCUSA should oppose “public funding to any organization that provides misinformation regarding reproductive health care.” II. Inclusion of people with disabilities in the life of the PCUSA. The General Assembly agreed to direct the church’s six agencies to form a working group to develop a plan to train agency staff, GA Commissioners and GAMC members in disability awareness and inclusion. Our committee had two examples right in our midst. Our Co-Moderator was a woman who was a blind ordained Teaching Elder. She was able to teach all of us a few lessons about remembering what was during a discussion (when you don’t have a screen to view!) and patience with people voicing their concerns. The other example showed the GA needed some work. A fellow Teaching Elder Commissioner appeared before us to say she had formerly requested help aids during GA for her hearing impairment. There were none to be found. All of us need to be sensitive to disability awareness and training. III. Veterans’ needs awareness: Again, training for church staff members, particularly the Teaching Elders in recognizing PTSD in vets who return from active duty. IV. Corporal Punishment. Urged that spanking as a form of discipline be avoided. V. Examination of health insurance practices: The Assembly directed the Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee (MRTI) to examine insurance companies’ lobbying expenditures, political campaign contributions, profit margins, premium increases, and the percentage of claims that are denied.
Reflections on General Assembly: Our Executive Presbyter, Bruce Ford, asked each returning commissioner three questions to help us present our reports and reflections:
I. What did you see? I saw a diverse group of dedicated Christians who loved God and wanted to serve Him to the best of their ability. Diversity included: elders from very small to very large congregations; all races, genders, cultures, ages, and experience levels. These were people who enjoyed being together sharing: beautiful and animated worship services, quiet times during prayer, and the excellent hospitality of the Pittsburgh Presbytery and GA Planning Committee. All participants were patient and forbearing in love with one another, as a range of viewpoints and sometimes very emotional issues were discussed, debated, amended, amended again, and finally voted on. And when the results of a “controversial” vote appeared on the screens posted all around this large conference room – there was not one outburst or cry of indignation to be heard. Instead it was still and quiet, for we knew God was in our midst and His grace prevails. I saw no “aliens or strangers” during this week, just people who vowed to let “the Lord be their conscience” in all matters.
II. What did you learn? I learned more about the fine points of moderating a very large body and developed great admiration for our Stated Clerk, Gradye Parsons, who settled every question tactfully and with respect for all involved. I found that in committee work, sometimes the “long way ‘round” really works best, that is, taking the time to be thorough and let everyone be heard. It can seem exhausting at times. However, in the end acceptable compromises are found. I would add,
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“Robert’s Rules Really Rules!” I was greatly impressed with the work of the committees, and how long and hard they deliberated on the issues at hand. The sheer number of overtures to be discussed in some of the committees could have seemed overwhelming in the time allowed, but all committees were ready to present by Wednesday’s afternoon plenary session.
III. What was a pleasant surprise (s) that gives you hope for our Church? A. The four candidates for Moderator were bright, well-spoken, different ages, and from a diversity of backgrounds, ministries, experiences and cultures. We are a faithful and well-schooled denomination –but we knew that! B. In conjunction with “A,” the talents and gifts of our Youth Delegates gave all of us hope for the future. The Church of the Future will be different, for sure, but it will be led by dedicated, loving, and faithful Christians. A great percentage of Elder Commissioners were 60 years of age and up. We’ve got to get more young people into our leadership, by encouraging them and giving them a voice. Their exuberance at GA filled us all with energy. C. If 700 diverse human beings, aged 18-92, male and female, red and yellow, black and white, liberal and conservative could work together for our Church and accomplish so much in one week, shouldn’t every single congregation be able to do likewise?
In summary, my friends, do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged by what you may be hearing and seeing! There is still great love for one another in our PCUSA, and boundless love for a Savior who sacrificed all for us. I learned much about the larger Church in action. I also sang a lot, talked and prayed a lot, slept little, laughed out loud, cried during communion, and hugged a lot of people –and was hugged back! I know this is what the Apostles had in mind some 2,000 years ago. To God be the Glory!
III. 220th General Assembly Report from Rev. Dr. Gloria Williams
1. What did you see (at the 220th General Assembly)? I saw a conglomerate of commissioners, advisory delegates, concerned members of the church and observers from across the country and the world come together with enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to be the hands, feet, minds and hearts of God. Their purpose was to assist and support the church through addressing issues concerning the church, society and the world at large.
With worship, lots of prayer, commitment, dedication, sincerity, hard work and [some] fun, we diligently sought to do God’s will. There were times when this was done through tears, laughter, and anger. However, with God’s help and the leadership of the assembly, we always managed to remain focused on the tasks before us.
2. What did you learn (at the 220th General Assembly)? This experience afforded me increased knowledge of the major issues and concerns facing the church. Our motto, Reformed, always reforming according to the Word of God, continues to stretch us and propel us forward. Below is a list of key issues addressed at the General Assembly.
Election of Moderator/Vice Moderator The first official action of the General Assembly was to elect the Moderator. The Rev. Neal D. Presa, pastor of Middlesex (NJ) Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth Presbytery, was elected moderator of the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on the fourth ballot.52% of the commissioners elected the Rev. Neil Presa.
Presa placed the name of Rev. Tara Sphuler McCabe, Associate Pastor at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C as vice=moderator. Questions were raised from the floor and her confirmation was approved by a 55-44 percent vote. However, it was revealed that recently that McCabe performed a same-sex marriage ceremony in Washington, D.C. This resulted in the vote being suspended.
Teaching Elder Tom Trinidad, from Faith Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs was subsequently nominated by Moderator Presa, and elected Vice Moderator by the 220th General Assembly.
Immigration I was a member of this committee. We reviewed and edited several overtures related to immigration issues and concerns. General Assembly approved a long list of recommendations intended to show the church’s solidarity with immigrants and refugees in the United States. Among other things, the approved recommendations call for: • Affirming the scriptural call to provide hospitality to and justice for immigrants, regardless of status
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• Continuing to advocate on behalf of comprehensive immigration reform • Actively advocating for legislation such as the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) that offers hope for young immigrants by providing a pathway to citizenship • Directing the PC(USA)’s Office of Public Witness to make immigration reform one of the top policy issues in its work • Urging the U.S. government to end policies such as Secure Communities, a program of the Department of Homeland Security, because of concern that the program has led to racial profiling, lack of due process and violations of human rights related to the arrest and detention of immigrants • Advocating for passage of the Indonesian Family Refugee Protection Act (HR 3590) to prevent deportation of Christians and others who have fled Indonesia to avoid persecution • Encouraging presbyteries to create cross-cultural ministry teams and immigration issues task forces • Calling on congregations to build relationships with immigrants and refugees and to learn about the gifts they have to offer • Incorporating stories from churches engaged in ministry with immigrants into times of worship and sharing at next year’s Big Tent event and at the 221st General Assembly (2014) • Developing worship and study resources based on “Being Church Together,” an immigrant ministry program of the Waldensian Church in Italy Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues Commissioners voted not to change its current definition of marriage from “a civil contract between a woman and a man” to “a covenant between two people.” Commissioners voted 338 to308 vote in favor of traditional marriage,
The General Assembly also declined to empower Presbyterian pastors, by authoritative interpretation, to perform same-gender weddings in states where such marriages are legal. Instead, it voted to ask the entire denomination to enter a two-year “season of serious study and discernment concerning the meaning of Christian marriage” and report back to the assembly in 2014.
Middle East Peacemaking Issues The committee proposed divestment in companies that enable Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian West Bank; namely, Caterpillar, Hewlett Packard, and Motorola. After lengthy and passionate discussion, the assembly rejected the committee’s proposal for divestment of the three companies. The motion failed by a vote of 333-331 with two abstentions. GA’s vote not to divest was part of its position on peace. The assembly decided it would pursue positive investment in Israeli occupied Palestine rather than withdraw $17 million in investments in the three companies. This decision motivated calls for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to pursue positive and creative courses of action with respect to the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict that will make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people on all sides and maintain an effective witness to peace. Health Issues The assembly approved an overture on improved reproductive health care access by encouraging the church “to support full access to reproductive health care for both women and men in both private and public health plans.” The action also affirms the “ability of women and men to make good moral decisions in matters of reproductive health.”
Confessions of the Church The Assembly unanimously approved the new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism. The new translation will be sent to the presbyteries for sanction and approval. In the study leading to the recommended retranslation, particular attention was given to Q. 87, to which the words “homosexual perversion” had been added during the 1960’s. The new translation would remove those words since they do not appear in the original version. The strength of the confession was not changed as Q.108 and 109 call for living a chaste and disciplined life, whether in holy wedlock or in single life. The assembly unanimously approved the new translation. The Assembly also voted to send the Belhar Confession to the presbyteries for sanction and approval. The motion to approve adding the Belhar Confession to The Book of Confessions passed with 395 voting yes, 264 no and 6 abstentions. The Assembly also endorsed a plan to encourage denomination-wide study of the entire Book of Confessions in advance of a grand celebration in 2016.
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General Assembly Procedures The General Assembly Procedures Committee recommended disapproval of the overture from the Presbytery of Detroit. The overture requested that presbyteries not be required to pay per capita on congregations that withhold per capita funds—noting that an increasing number of congregations are withholding per capita payments because of financial hardship or as a protest to Assembly actions. By a vote of 523 to 128 with five abstentions, the assembly referred the action to the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) for study. Social Justice Issues The Assembly passed several social justice policies and recommendations. Some of the items approved items are: • A resolution encouraging the use of discipline methods that do not include corporal punishment of children. • Calling for an end to Poverty Zone Development and a resolution on Workers’ Rights and Income Equality • Supporting the work of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • A set of principles and actions called World of Hurt, Word of Life: “Renewing God’s Communion in the Work of Economic Reconstruction” • A Resolution on Racism, Incarceration and Restoration • Continuing the work of Deborah’s Daughters, which supports women in ministry • Commending the 2011-2012 Horizons Bible Study and the Accra Confession • Plans to update the Safe Child Policy in the PC(USA) • Supporting justice for survivors of sexual abuse • A Statement on housing and the mortgage crisis • Appointing two seasons of prayer to seek the will of God in this year’s election • A Statement of concern about prolonged solitary confinement • Advocating for trade reform and accountability Committee on Mid-Council Review The Assembly rejected creation of non-geographic presbyteries “for particular missional purposes.” Instead, the Assembly voted to refer the matter to a task force. The task force is comprised of an equal number of persons from the Mid Council Commission, the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly and commissioners to the 220th is General Assembly. They are charged to discuss, refine, and bring to the 221st General Assembly recommendations that “consider the composition and organization of the mid councils in ways that reinvigorate their capacity to support missional congregations, and advance the ecclesial nature and character of those presbyteries, within the unity of the church.”
Committee on Church Orders and Ministries The Assembly rejected a return to the language of “fidelity and chastity” in its ordination standards and instead approved a statement saying the Assembly acknowledges that the PC(USA) “does not have one interpretation of Scripture on this matter.” The Assembly approved the recommendation that “this statement be brought before each presbytery at a stated meeting in which the report” from this Assembly is given. The Assembly approved inserting the terms “repentance of sin” and “means of grace” into the Book of Order paragraph G-2.0104a concerning “Gifts and Qualifications” for ordained persons. The new paragraph G-2.0104a would then say, “To those called to exercise special functions in the church—deacons, ruling elders, and teaching elders—God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. This includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace. They must have the approval of God’s people and the concurring judgment of a council of the church.” This amendment will be sent to the presbyteries for ratification. In other action, the Assembly approved keeping the terms “teaching elder” and “ruling elder” rather than changing back to “minister of Word and Sacrament” and elder. Church Growth The Assembly voted in favor of the 1001 New Worshipping Communities Initiative. The item declares a “church wide commitment to ignite a movement that results in the creation of 1001 new worshipping communities in the next ten years.”
3. What was a pleasant surprise that gives you hope for our church? The pleasant surprise for me was the involvement, commitment, boldness, openness and willingness of the YAADS and TSADS. Though their thoughts, ideas and world views were different from ours in many instances, their
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involvement demonstrated that as we continue to reform, issues and concerns of the church and the world will continue to be addressed.
I also appreciated that prayer was always the order of the day, anytime and anywhere. We would pause as often as necessary to seek God’s guidance.
IV. Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 220th General Assembly by Kellyn Colclough
My experience as a Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD) to the 220th PC (USA) General Assembly in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one that I will forever be grateful. I learned a great deal about myself – spiritually and mentally – as well as our church and its layers of important work. I met inspiring people from all over the country and made a few lifelong friends. I ate food that I have never eaten before, such as Primanti Brothers’ Grilled Chicken and Cheese Sandwich topped with coleslaw, tomatoes, and french fries. I also took rides that I have never taken before, such as an evening river cruise dinner on the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio rivers of Pittsburgh.
On most days, I walked through downtown Pittsburgh, which is much larger than downtown Sumter, SC – where I am from – and ordered Starbucks, which is not a possibility in Sumter. I also saw places that I did not expect to see, such as the Pittsburgh Pirates PNC Park and the Pittsburgh Steelers Heinz Field Stadium. My experience as a YAAD placed me in a position to receive numerous blessings and take on numerous opportunities – ones that I never saw myself having. While I was at the assembly, I saw two striking things: 1) a great deal of compassion and concern for our church; and 2) a desire for progress. Also, while I was at the assembly, I learned a great deal about our church and myself. I learned that there is more to our church than Sunday Worship and that I ought not to be selfish in my service to God and others. In addition to all of this, I experienced little things that give me hope for our church, such as seeing Speedy from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” at the assembly and seeing the Stated Clerk’s humorous side during plenary sessions. Even though the theme for this year’s General Assembly was walking, running, soaring into hope (Isaiah 40:31), I feel that I was also seeing, learning, and hoping.
As I said before, I saw a great number of things at the assembly that were striking. For one, I saw concerned young adults (YAADs) that desired to see growth within our church. During our YAAD nightly gatherings, which were usually after plenary meetings, we were given the opportunity to share our thoughts about the day with our YAAD advisors and home- group. Most YAADs talked about where they saw God and where they did not see God that day. Others talked about personal victories that they had experienced during the committee meetings and plenary sessions. While listening to my brothers and sisters in Christ, I realized that the young adult population within the PC (USA) does indeed care about our church and have a strong, influential voice. Often, during the plenary sessions, the YAADs shaped the final vote. As a YAAD, it was empowering to witness all of this, and to see how receptive and encouraging advisory delegates and commissioners were of our participation in the assembly.
I also saw impassioned Ruling and Teaching Elder Commissioners stand tall on their views. Some were so impassioned that they visited the microphones on numerous occasions! However, sometimes, these commissioners were informative and encouraging during times of confusion. In addition to this, I also saw brothers and sisters in Christ – Missionary Advisory Delegates and Ecumenical Advisory Delegates – that I have never met before provide a broader spectrum to our church. Their votes during the committee meetings and plenary sessions really did provide new perspectives to our church. As a result of this, I believe that a great deal of the advisory delegates and commissioners saw the beautiful diversity that exists within our church.
Lastly, I saw love being perfected through every person that I either saw or met. Pondering on this love made me think of several scriptures: 1) 1 John 4:12: “No man has at any time seen God. But if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is brought to completion in us.” God was everywhere, as advisory delegates and commissioners were able to still love and work with each other in spite of obvious differences. 2) Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” I believe that advisory delegates and commissioners fought hard for justice on the issues surrounding Israel and Palestine, showed mercy towards one another in the stressful times of defining marriage within the PC (USA), and walked humbly with God by being humble with one another. Lastly, 3) Peter 4:9: “Practice hospitality to one another.” The General Assembly’s Committee on Local Arrangements did a fantastic job at making all advisory delegates and commissioners feel comfortable in Pittsburgh. Also, the assembly’s convention center, The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, prepared some of the best gourmet meals that I believe most of delegates and commissioners have ever tasted.
While at the assembly, I learned a great deal about our church. I learned that our church is much, much larger than my home church – Westminster Presbyterian Church – as well as all the sister churches within the South. Before the General Assembly, I did not consider churches of the same denomination to be connected. Now, I know, and now, I understand
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Martin Luther King Jr., when he said, “We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” The PC (USA) is indeed one, huge family. We are interdependent, and to a certain degree, what one feels in Puerto Rico, another will feel in California.
I also learned about the issues – most of which I did not know - that exist within our church. Some of these issues include mid council, social justice, ecumenical relations, immigration, peacemaking, international, theological, and health issues. Even though all of these issues are serious and can sometimes weigh differently, I have learned that the PC (USA) offers hope to each of its member, and the promise that as we soar into hope, God will renew our strength.
Being in Pittsburgh and being chosen to be a part of this experience was a huge blessing; however, another special blessing was being a member of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee. Not only was my committee one of the “easier” committees – in the sense that the work and discussion were neither overly intense nor tiresome – but it also focused on something that I am passionate about – helping and praying for the body of Christ.
In my committee, we discussed celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba and the mission partnership between the PC (USA) and the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba. We discussed the churches that have been invited to send Ecumenical Advisory Delegates to the 221st General Assembly in 2014. We reviewed the World Council of Churches, and recommendations made to adopt the Lund Principle. We considered a commissioner’s resolution on promoting a “green church ecumenical network.” We also reviewed delegates that have been elected to be sent to the Church World Service and National Council of Churches between 2012 and 2015. In addition to all of this, we reviewed delegates that have been elected to the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in fall of 2013, and recommended approval to authorize the General Assembly’s participation in the Eighth Round of Reform / Catholic dialogue for this fall.
My committee did a great deal of prayer, but so did the General Assembly, as a whole. Miracles were performed at the assembly, as people were transformed into more dedicated Christians. Lives were changed, as people were inspired by God’s glory in the committee meetings and plenary sessions. Restoration took place, as the hunger and thirst that people came to the assembly with were satisfied. Advisory delegates and commissioners may have often been balanced on votes for certain issues, but there was progress. I know that there was progress because on the last day of the assembly, I left Pittsburgh seeing, learning, and hoping more in our church than I ever have in the past.
Thank you New Harmony Presbytery for giving me the opportunity to be a YAAD to the General Assembly. Words cannot even begin to express how appreciative I am that you saw something in me that I did not see in myself. I will be forever grateful. May God bless you all.
ADJOURNMENT
Following a time of requests for special prayer, Stated Clerk Bruce E. Ford adjourned the meeting of Presbytery with prayer at 2:15 p.m.
The next stated meeting of Presbytery will be held at Melina Presbyterian Church, Gable, SC, on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Bruce E. Ford Richard S. Andrews Stated Clerk Recording Clerk
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THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY Seventy-fifth Stated Meeting – October 9, 2012 – 9:30 A.M. Melina Presbyterian Church, Gable, South Carolina
The meeting was called to order and led in prayer by Moderator Elder Frances Singleton from the Second Presbyterian Church, Sumter. She opened the meeting with prayer. The Stated Clerk determined that a quorum was present.
The following persons were enrolled for the meeting:
Forty ministers were present: Paul W. Abell, Jr., Richard S. Andrews, Scott B. Andrews, Blair Beaver, James Braswell, Annette Brewer, Ella F. Busby, Daryle Bush, Judith L. Cettei, James Clark, Franklin D. Colclough, Lisa Culpepper, Tom Dendy, Snow Donmoyer, Bruce E. Ford, Carnell Hampton, Garland Hart, A. Kyle Henderson, Kenneth Hicks, Josie Holler, William J. Holmes, Jr., Ray Howe, Ernest Jackson, Barry Jenkins, Stanly W. Jones, 1, William Jones, Jr. Gary Lowe, Jane McElwee-Smith, Jane Osment, Tim Osment, John W. Parks, R. Carter Robinson, Dan Sansbury, Preston Shealy, Sam Sparks, O. Rhett Talbert, Emma W. Thompson, Steve Wilkins, Gloria Williams, Joan Yates.
Fifty elder commissioners were present: Bishopville – Tyson Eckley; Celebration – Mary Ann Bowie; Cheraw First – David Nagel; Concord – Dessie Kirby; Congruity -- Randy Wells; Cousar Memorial – LaTishe Moses; Ebenezer -- Sharon McCoy; Florence First – Michael M. Nunn; Friendship –Darren Wilson; Goodwill – Barbara B. Ragin; Harmony Freddie Nelson; Hartsville First – David W. Blackmon, Jean Robison; George Waldo Long Memorial -- Eva Johnson; Hopewell – Curtis Ford; Indiantown – Vicki Bishop; John Calvin – Jane Coker; Kentyre –Al McDaniel Kingston – Thomas “Tom” Towns; Lake City – Coriss Bowman; Manning -- Margaret B. Cooper; Marion -- Buddy Saxon; McColl First -- Julian B. McGuirt, III; McDowell -- Edward M. Heins; Melina – Evangeline Myers; Midway -- Linda Swain; Morton -- Sheila Outlaw; Mt. Lisbon -- Henry Wilson; Mt. Pisgah -- Dorothy Samuel; Mt. Sinai -- Murline S. Ingram; Myrtle Beach First -- Thomas C. Davis, Lucia Gore; New Harvest -- Calvin Wilson; Ocean Drive -- Gerden Clark, Julianne Hussey; Parkwood -- Thomas W. Jackson; Pawleys Island – Kay Spence; Rocky Creek -- Ann Catoe; Salem Black River -- Jeff Feinstein; St. Pauls – Thomas Stashney; Summerton ---Thomas (TI) Walker, Jr.; Sumter First -- Dan Spencer, Henry McFaddin; Sumter Second --- Ronetta I. Moses; Swan Lake – Edith Taylor; Trinity (Mayesville) --- Mary M. Hudson; Trinity Surfside --- Phyllis Wicker; Wedgefield – Jimmy Freeman; Westminster (Alcolu) --- Rachel Chandler; Williamsburg -- Beth Cottingham.
Twelve additional ex officio voting elder members present included: Administrative Council members Julie L. Cox, Lola Faye Craig, Ellaree Hampton, Ricky McLeod, Frances Singleton, Pontheola Wilson; Commissioned Lay Pastors Jack S. Humphries, Marshall Ivey, Chuck Staggs; Program Council members Orby Ferguson, Kelly Sloan; and Certified Christian Educator Archie McCall, Jr.
Forty-eight visitors were also in attendance.
Excused from the meeting were nine teaching elders: Stuart Nickles, Jody Foster, Rodney Foster, David Bessinger, Buddy Bach, Carol Dickerson, Carol Pagelsen, Tom Langston, Chris Handley; and five churches: Loris First, Chesterfield, Jefferson, Tirzah, New Bethel; and Property Moderator Johnny Raffield.
In attendance were 102 voting members and 48 other people, for a grand total of 150.
WORSHIP
Gloria Williams called the body together for a service of worship and installation. Scripture was read from Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, and John 17:14-19. Guest Teaching Elder Charles Elliott from Coastal Carolina Presbytery preached a sermon titled “IN, not OF, the World”. Others participating included Kelly Boone Sloan who led the Affirmation of Faith, Ricky McLeod who stated the purpose of the installation, asked the questions, and declared the installation to be completed, Frances Singleton who offered the prayer of installation, Ruby Jean Boyd who charged the newly installed Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk, Bruce Edward Ford, and Steve Wilkins who charged the Presbytery.
The Melina Presbyterian Church Choir and organist Hope Pelzer provided music for the worship.
The service was concluded as Bruce Ford charged the congregation and pronounced the benediction.
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WELCOME
Presbytery was welcomed by the Rev. Samuel Sparks, Pastor of the host church. Special attention was noted for those who were attending a Presbytery meeting for the first time.
The docket for the meeting was adopted.
The Moderator appointed teaching elder Lisa Culpepper and ruling elder Vicki Bishop to serve on the Resolutions Committee for the meeting.
She also appointed ruling elder Ronetta Moses and teaching elder Dan Sansbury to serve as Temporary Clerks.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. The minutes of the Commission to ordain The Rev. Lauren W. Scharstein have been received. Recommendation: that the minutes of the Administrative Commission be admitted to the record. (The recommendation was adopted and the minutes are recorded at the end of the Communications report.)
2. A communication was received from Linda Valentine, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA). The letter congratulated and gave thanks to the Presbytery of New Harmony for being a TOP 10 GIVING PRESBYTERY in the denomination in two categories, Basic Mission Support by total dollar amount and Basic Mission Support by average per member.
3. A communication was received from the Office of the General Assembly with the information that amendments to the Constitution will be in two parts. First is an amendment to the Book of Confessions with a new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism and second are proposed Book of Order amendments which number 18. This information has been referred to the Administrative Council for their determination on when we will vote as a Presbytery on these items.
4. A communication was received from Frances B. King requesting that after prayerful and careful consideration she be removed from the roll as a candidate for Ministry of Word and Sacrament. Her request will be recorded effective this date, October 9, 2012, in the minutes of the Presbytery of New Harmony and reported to the General Assembly.
MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION TO ORDAIN LAUREN W. SCHARSTEIN
The Commission appointed by the Presbytery of New Harmony to ordain Lauren W. Scharstein met at 10:30 o’clock on 8/26/12 at First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville, SC. The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Dan Sansbury, and he opened with prayer. Frank Colclough was elected clerk of the Commission.
Members of the Commission, constituting a quorum, who were present include: Dan Sansbury, Frank Colclough, Ella Busby, Jeff Scharstein, and Curtis Lee, plus guests of the Commission Olin Whitener, Matthew Ruffner, and Lyndsay Slocum.
After final instructions were given, those present proceeded to the worship service. Dan Sansbury presided. The sermon was preached by Rev. Lyndsay Slocum and Dr. Frank Colclough propounded the Constitutional Questions to the Candidate. The Ordination Prayer was given by Jeff Scharstein. The minister was pronounced duly ordained by the commission moderator. The minister was charged by Dr. Olin Whitener. At the conclusion of the service, the new minister, Rev. Lauren W. Scharstein, pronounced the benediction.
Provision for certifying the minutes was delegated to the Moderator and Clerk.
Franklin D. Colclough Clerk Daniel N. Sansbury Moderator
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COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
The Presbytery of New Harmony currently has four inquirers and five candidates. Please continue to hold them in your prayers and consider inviting them to fill your pulpit.
INQUIRERS: 1. Vikki Brogdon (Manning), Union (Charlotte) 2. Emily Campbell (Marion), Louisville Seminary 3. David Hubbs (First, Florence), Erskine Seminary 4. Neeley Lane (First, Hartsville), Union (Charlotte)
CANDIDATES: 1. Omar Hilton (Goodwill): Graduated, Certified for Call 2. Amanda Maguire (First, Hartsville) Pittsburgh Seminary 3. Eva Ruth (Williamsburg): Campbell Divinity School 4. Marc VanBulck (First Sumter): Graduated, Certified for Call
INFORMATION: 1. Approved scholarships for eligible inquirers/candidates for 2012-2013. 2. Conducted Annual Consultation with David Hubbs. 3. Reviewed status of potential inquirers, inquirers and candidates. 4. Reaffirmed that interviews for candidacy need to be conducted in person with the CPM.
Recommendations: 1. That Neeley Lane (First, Hartsville) be admitted to the floor and pending successful examination become a Candidate for Teaching Elder under the care of New Harmony Presbytery. 2. That Vikki Brogdon (Manning) be admitted to the floor and pending successful examination become a Candidate for Teaching Elder under the care of New Harmony Presbytery.
Both Neeley Lane and Vikki Brogdon were admitted to the floor and passed successful examinations. Their names were added to the Candidate list for Teaching Elder under care of New Harmony Presbytery.
Preston Shealy, Moderator
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Recommendation:
The Nominating Committee wishes to place the following names in nomination to serve in the positions as indicated:
PRESBYTERY MODERATOR 2013: Stanley Jones, I (HR)
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: Class of 2015 (Member at Large) Kyle Henderson (Cheraw First)
Moderator Frances Singleton (Sumter Second)
EVALUATION & LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE: Class of 2015 Linda Jackson (Melina) Al Conklin (Myrtle Beach First)
Moderator Tom Langston (Marion)
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FINANCE COMMITTEE: Class of 2015 Carnell Hampton (HR) Dan Miller (Hartsville First)
Moderator Ricky McLeod (Fraser Memorial)
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Class of 2015 Lewis Johnson (Myrtle Beach First) Jean McPherson (Hopewell)
Moderator Ruth F. Walker (Ocean Drive)
PROPERTY COMMITTEE: Class of 2015 Joe Isaac (Goodwill) Dan Tillman (Cheraw First)
Moderator John Raffield (Tirzah)
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY: Class of 2015 Franklin Colclough (HR) Samuel Jones (Westminster) Jane Osment (MAL) Carol Pagelsen (Myrtle Beach First) Janice Rozier (Bennettsville First) Pontheola Wilson (New Harvest)
Moderator David Ruth (Williamsburg)
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY: Class of 2015 Cathy Cuppett (Hartsville First) Martha Graham (Mt. Pisgah) Jane McElwee-Smith (Sumter First)
Moderator Ruby Jean Boyd (Goodwill)
COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION: Class of 2015 Murline Ingram (Mt. Sinai) Freddie Nelson (Harmony) Angie Reames (Mt. Lisbon) Audrey Bruner (Myrtle Beach First)
Moderator Freddie Nelson (Harmony)
JUDICIAL COMMISSION (6 year term) Class of 2018 Lola Faye Craig (John Calvin) Tommy Cooper (Manning) Nelson Chandler (Indiantown)
PROGRAM COUNCIL MODERATOR FOR 2012: Eva Ruth (Williamsburg)
CAMPING DIVISION: Class of 2015 Darren Wilson (Friendship) Terrell Hillian (George Waldo Long Memorial) Marcy Carl (Georgetown)
Moderator Mary Jane Evans (Cheraw First)
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CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION: Class of 2015 Blair Beaver (Ruby/White Oak) John Parks (Morton) Jack Humphries (John Calvin)
Moderator Orby Ferguson, Jr. (Myrtle Beach First)
EDUCATION & NURTURE DIVISION: Class of 2015 Flurry Wilson (Friendship) Melba Payne (Goodwill) Deborah Wilson (Mt. Lisbon)
Moderator Jody Foster (Wedgefield/Tirzah)
MISSION DIVISION: Class of 2015 Lois Parsons (Goodwill) Todd Harms (Myrtle Beach First) Paul Abell (HR)
Moderator Lois Parsons (Goodwill)
WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL FORMATION DIVISION: Class of 2014 Lola Faye Craig (John Calvin)
Class of 2015 Judith Cettei (Lake City) Barbara Dickson (Cheraw First)
Moderator Lola Faye Craig (John Calvin)
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR DISASTER RESPONSE: Class of 2015 Todd Harms (Myrtle Beach First) Sue Kreuger (Ocean Drive) Jodie Bessinger (Jefferson)
Moderator Stan Jones I (HR)
SELF-DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE: Class of 2014 Leroy Thompson (Sumter Second)
Class of 2015 Jack Humphries (John Calvin) Sam Sparks (Melina) Shawn Brennan (Swan Lake) Phillip Smith (Hopewell)
Moderator Sam Sparks (Melina)
PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION TO SYNOD OF SOUTH ATLANTIC: Ella Busby (Goodwill)
SC HOME AT MONTREAT, NC BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Class of 2015 Ray Howe (HR)
Stan Jones, Moderator
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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
The Committee On Ministry reports the following actions as information:
1. Approved Rev. Clifton Baskins (non-Presbyterian) as temporary pulpit supply for the Society Hill Church, effective through August 21; later amended to November 11. COM urges an earnest effort to secure Presbyterian interim leadership; 2. Approved the stated supply relationship between the Grandview Presbyterian Church and Rev. Annette Brewer, pending contract details to be provided at the August meeting of COM. 3. Approved the extension of the interim pastor contract between Rev. Paul Abell and the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013; 4. Appointed the following to serve as moderators of sessions: Rev. Jim Clark (New Zion), Rev. Dr. Frank Colclough (First, Sumter, through September 30); 5. Offered advice to the Grandview and the G.W. Long sessions as to steps to take in order to dissolve their yoked pastoral relationship; 6. Approved a request for financial aid for a member of the Presbytery to attend a conference for purpose of vocational discernment; 7. Appointed Ruling Elder Betty Anne Smith as COM liaison to the PNC for the Hopewell church; 8. Appointed Rev. Ray Howe as COM liaison for the PNC of the Patrick and Society Hill churches; 9. Approved Rev. Cody Watson (Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley) to moderate a congregational meeting of the Patrick Presbyterian Church, for the purpose of electing members of the PNC; 10. Appointed Rev. Steve Wilkins as COM liaison to the denominational study task force at Indiantown Presbyterian Church; 11. Approved a hardship request for exemption from vacancy dues for a congregation in the Presbytery; 12. Approved the temporary supply relationship between Rev. Gloria Williams and the Westminster Church; 13. Endorsed ruling elder Mary Hudson (Trinity, Mayesville) for the Commissioned Ruling Elder training program; 14. Concurred with the request of the First (Sumter) Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Mark Durrett, to dissolve the pastoral relationship, effective September 30, 2012; 15. Approved the request of Rev. Mike Allen for honorable retirement effective September 1, 2012, and a service of honorable retirement to be held at a later date; 16. Concurred the request of the Presbyterian Church at Manning, to dissolve the pastoral relationship with Rev. Bill Holmes, effective September 30, 2012, and to conduct a service of honorable retirement; 17. Approved a resolution to the Administrative Council, requesting a task force to review and propose amendments (as necessary) to the document, “Principles and Processes for New Harmony Presbytery When Churches Seek to Separate from Presbytery.” 18. Approved the request to dismiss Rev. David D’Alessio to Palo Duro Presbytery. 19. Approved the request to transfer Rev. Bill Hayes to Coastal Carolina Presbytery, called to serve Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Sanford, NC.
Recommendations:
1. That the Rev. Samuel Sparks be approved to serve as the pastor of the Melina Presbyterian Church, effective October 1, and that the following terms of call be approved: Effective Salary Benefits 1. Annual Cash Salary $30,118 SECA (50%) $2,212 2. Housing Allowance $9,036 Board of Pensions (pension, major medical, death & 3. Deferred compensation (403(b), tax sheltered disability at current BOP rate which is 32.25%of Total annuity plans and equity allowances) Effective Salary $12,627 4. Bonuses, unvouchered allowances, gifts Automobile Allowance $5,550 from employer (approximate - to be reimbursed at current IRS rate to be 55.5¢ in 2012) 5. Other allowances (e.g. utilities, furnishings, Professional Expenses Medical deductible, dental, SECA in excess of 50%) Continuing Education Total Annual Cash Salary $39,154 Book Allowance } $1,000 6. Manse amount (must be at least 30% of Other lines 1-5 for members who qualify for IRS housing ( ) Other
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allowance exclusion) Moving Expenses Total Annual Effective Salary $39,154 Total Benefits $8,762
Total Cost to Church $60,543 plus, Study Leave of 2 weeks and Vacation of 4 weeks annually.
2. That the following installation commission be appointed to preside over the installation of Rev. Samuel Sparks on November 4, 2012, at the Melina Presbyterian Church, at 4 p.m.
Teaching Elders Ruling Elders Ella Busby (Goodwill) Charlie Denny (First, Sumter) Frank Colclough (H.R.) Robert Johnson (G. W. Long Meml.) Bruce Ford (EP/SC) Chars Kennedy (Melina) David Ruth (Williamsburg) Stacy Nelson (Melina) Gloria Williams (Second, Sumter) Frances Singleton (Second, Sumter)
3. That Presbytery recognize in a worship the Reverend Doctor William J. Holmes, Jr., for his service to Christ, and particularly for his work as Pastor of the Church at Manning and Stated Supply at Salem Black River Presbyterian Church. The body gathered in prayer, remarks of appreciation, the presentation of a certificate, and the singing of the Doxology. Steve Wilkins, Moderator
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION OF CELEBRATION RESBYTERIAN CHURCH
This Administrative Commission was appointed by the Administrative Council of the Presbytery of New Harmony, to work with Celebration Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The work of and contact with and from the Administrative Commission will continue, primarily as a liaison with and to the Administrative Council, as an advisory and evaluative body regarding the designated pastor role, and as an evaluative and advisory body concerning financial matters, including audit, quarterly reviews and reporting.
The Administrative Commission, comprised of Ella Busby, Chair; Lola Faye Craig, Donna Poulton, David Ruth, clerk; Rhett Talbert and Fritz Vinson.
At the meeting, on August 7, 2012, or by emails, the following were discussed and/or action taken:
• the life and work of the Celebration Presbyterian Church were discussed, • the financial requests, from Celebration, for August, 2012, in the amount of $8,500 had been approved, • the financial request of $104,000 for 2013, after much discussion, resulted in the establishment of a memorandum of understanding, • the Administrative Commission will meet with the Celebration Session and Dr. Tom Dendy to discuss and clarify the memorandum of understanding, • The auditor, Deborah Weir, has completed the audit and will meet with Celebration and a member (s) of the Administrative Commission soon.
On September 5, 2012, the Administrative Commission met with the Celebration Session to discuss and clarify the establishment of a memorandum of understanding. After much discussion, the Celebration Session, in full agreement, expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Administrative Commission and the Presbytery of New Harmony. While this is the Administrative Commission’s recommendation, the Celebration Session understood fully that this memorandum of understanding needed to be adopted at the October meeting of presbytery to be established.
On September 11, 2012, the auditors, Celebration personnel and Donna Poulton, a member of the Administrative Commission met. The audit is a clean one and there were no adjustments made to the records. The auditor,
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Deborah Weir, indicated the records were in excellent condition. Copies of the audit are in the file at the Presbytery office.
May God continue to bless the ministry of Celebration Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of New Harmony.
Recommendation(s):
Memorandum of Understanding between the Celebration Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of New Harmony
On August 7, 2012, the Administrative Commission for Celebration Presbyterian Church voted unanimously to recommend to the Presbytery of New Harmony the following:
1. The financial request of Celebration Presbyterian Church for 2013 in the amount of $104,000 be granted.
2. The establishment of a memorandum of understanding between the Celebration Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of New Harmony for five (5) years, as follows:
• 2013- $104, 000 • 2014- $84,000 • 2015- $64,000 • 2016- $44,000 • 2017- $24,000
This memorandum of understanding is based on the following conditions: 1. The Presbytery of New Harmony is in a financial position to expend such funds. 2. Celebration Presbyterian Church demonstrates sufficient needs for such funds. 3. Quarterly financial information is provided to the Administrative Commission. Ella F. Busby, Chair David Ruth, Clerk
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION to respond to the positive vote by the Darlington Presbyterian Church to “disaffiliate” from the Presbytery of New Harmony and the Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Administrative Commission is now in dialogue with representatives from the Darlington Presbyterian Church Session. The dialogue concerns both monetary items and non-monetary items to bring to closure the decision by the congregation on January 8, 2012 to “disaffiliate.”
The Commission has decided that as soon as a set of terms have been decided between the Administrative Commission and the Four representatives of the Darlington Presbyterian Church Session, those terms will then be recommended to presbytery for their yes or no vote..
The Commission continues to request your prayers as we seek to do God’s will in response to the Darlington Church’s desire to be separate from the Presbyterian Church (USA). Submitted by Rev. Kyle Henderson, Moderator, for the Administrative Commission: Elder Tommy Cooper (Presbyterian Church at Manning) Rev. Carnell Hampton (honorably retired) Rev. Kyle Henderson (pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw) Rev. Josie Holler (member-at-large) Rev. Dr. Bill Holmes (pastor, Presbyterian Church at Manning)
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SPECIAL ORDERS
At the noon hour, the following information was shared with Presbytery:
A presentation from Elliott Smith regarding Thornwell Home.
A presentation from Heahwan Rim regarding Synod of South Atlantic.
A presentation from Clark Simons regarding the Board of Pensions.
PROGRAM COUNCIL
Program Council met on Monday, September 13, 2012, at the Presbytery office and received as information the reports from the following divisions: Camping, Congregational Development, Education & Nurture, Mission, Worship & Spiritual Formation, as well as Presbyterian Women, and Presbyterian Men. Summary of the reports are submitted for your review. Chuck Staggs, Moderator
PROGRAM COUNCIL DIVISIONS & ENTITIES
CAMPING DIVISION
For this reporting period, the work of the Camping Division has included information relating to facilities upgrades, groups utilizing the retreat center, summer camp, and upcoming events to reach members of New Harmony Presbytery. Facilities at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center are continuing to be up-dated to meet the needs of all members of New Harmony Presbytery. This year our goal is to remodel cabins three and four. First Presbyterian Church of Cheraw donated $5,000.00 toward the remodeling of the cabins. Remodeling will begin on September 23 as part of a mission project by the youth of First Presbyterian Cheraw. The Camping Division invites all churches willing to help in this project to call Jason Steen at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center. He will be glad to set up a day or weekend when your church can assist in this mission project. This year’s summer camp enrollment increased from 183 to 201 campers. There were twenty-six churches within the Presbytery that sent campers this summer. Nancy Washburn did a great job getting the staff and programming together in a short period of time. Nancy received numerous compliments about camp, and several campers shared that they had grown in their faith this summer. Our Bible Study Leaders (Kelly Sloan, Bruce Carl, Scott Andrews, Mac McCall, and Jody Foster) provided our campers with a memorable journey through the parables of Jesus in the Bible study program, “Secrets of the Kingdom”. Our MAD campers put on a production titled “100% Chance of Rain” directed by Barbara Dickson. The campers not only learned the music for the musical but they also created the props and backdrops. Our Paddles Up campers paddled from Cheraw to Society Hill on the Great Pee Dee River. This was a great accomplishment for them. The Equestrian Center formed a partnership with the Girl Scout Camp this summer. For five weeks the girls from Sandy Ridge visited Camp Pee Dee Equestrian Center for horseback lessons. Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center has been busy this summer Jason Steen reported, “We had about 700 individuals at camp between June 1 and August 1. This does not include our summer campers.” Our ministry has truly spread beyond the 600 acres of Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center. The Camping Division and staff at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center appreciate all the support and volunteer work members of New Harmony Presbytery have given the Retreat Center. We invite everyone to come spend time communing with God’s creation. Mary Jane Evans, Moderator
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CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
The CDD continues to encourage and support congregations who apply for Aid-To-Field assistance. We encourage any church needing resources for ministerial support to contact us through the Presbytery office. We are currently accepting requests for the calendar year 2013.
To date we have received requests for ministerial salary assistance for calendar year 2013 from Second Presbyterian Church and Ruby Presbyterian Church. The committee will consider these requests in detail at their meeting in October.
CDD has completed its 3 year support of the Acts 16:5 Initiative and now will encourage each congregation to take advantage of Mission InSite, a web-based demographic tool, available free of charge to every congregation. This program continues to be underutilized and more participation is needed. CDD member, John Dennis (Kingston, Conway) has generously offered to help you in generating your own demographic reports.
CDD continues its support of the 2013 Ephesians Event through its partnership with the Education & Nurture Division.
CDD will continue to focus on issues of evangelism, stewardship and support of existing congregations, as well as new church development in keeping with the presbytery’s 2010-2015 goals and objectives.
Orby Ferguson, Moderator
EDUCATION AND NURTURE DIVISION
For this reporting period, the work of the Education and Nurture Division has included and will include events and activities designed to reach the diversity of ages and interests represented in New Harmony Presbytery.
The Division received an application from a small church who is interested in the Small Church Initiative. Conversations are taking place under the capable guidance of Avery Dickson. This initiative includes observing and helping participating churches set goals, focus on a mission statement, and develop forums for church leaders.
The Spring Older Adult Event was held on May 10, 2012, at Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter South Carolina. Over 60 people representing 11 churches in the Presbytery attended and enjoyed the beautiful gardens and a delicious lunch catered by Friends of Swan Lake and the Evening Pilot Club. Plans are underway for future events and those will be publicized.
The 2013 Ephesians Event will be held on January 26, 2013 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Surfside. The focus of this event is radical hospitality & evangelism. The Division is partnering with Congregational Development Division (CDD). The keynote speakers will be Pastors Edwin Andrade and Brian Clark from the Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Virginia.
The Division appreciates the members and churches across New Harmony Presbytery who have supported our efforts, encouraged others to become involved, and we give thanks to God for His guidance as we work and plan to glorify His name.
Kelly Boone Sloan, Moderator
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MISSION DIVISION
►The Division reviewed the remaining 2012 budget with about six months remaining for the year. We also reviewed the proposed budget for 2013.
► We listened to a presentation from Mary Jane Evans of First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw regarding their Annual Mission Trip to Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center in Harrisonburg, VA. The Division moved and passed a motion to fund the their request of $1,000 for this mission effort. They will be laboring in updating some of the buildings and will also place emphasis on reaching out in the community of Massanetta Springs.
► First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville requested supplemental funding for their mission trip to Kenya. After review, Julie Cox and Division member Wade Hicks excused themselves while the remainder of the Division discussed the merits of the project. . A motion was made and passed by Carroll Armstrong to approve the Division to underwrite $2,000 for this mission effort.
► We listened to a presentation by Carroll Armstrong about Pawley’s Island Presbyterian Church’s efforts and work mission endeavors in Cuba. He will be bringing further information to the Division for the Mission Division to endorse this project.
► The Division turned down a request from Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church. The decision was communicated to the Church by Julie Cox.
► The Division also agreed not to participate in Mission Connection Live for the remainder of the year 2012.
We set goals for 2013 of: • Supporting mission efforts as they are warranted • Looking into emergency contingency – PDA • Sharing/hearing mission efforts, stories, displays from our churches in Division meetings, through sharing of stories in the Presbytery of New Harmony Weekly News, and sharing stories by displays at the Presbytery meetings. • Looking at possible resources and contacts for mission endeavors • Exploring/increasing Presbytery partnerships • Developing a Mission Fair
The Division received information from Presbytery of Transylvania about mission work trips to Appalachia. Information flyer is enclosed in Presbytery packet. This is for any church to copy and use for possible mission trips to eastern Kentucky.
The Division listened to report on Muslim/Christian partnership for peace by Dr. David Culpepper.
Paul Abell, Moderator
WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION DIVISION
The Division of Worship and Spiritual Formation has met 6 times since the May meeting of Presbytery. The Division takes seriously its responsibility to plan worship for Presbytery meetings, which includes the securing of preachers and liturgists for these services. Worship at this stated meeting will include the installation of Bruce Ford as Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk; worship leaders will include the Presbytery Moderator and members of the presbytery-elected EP/Stated Clerk Search Committee.
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The Division is planning a health awareness event during the 2013 Lenten season entitled “The Journey: Nourishing Mind, Body, Spirit.” The Journey will begin on February 17, 2013, and finishing on April 6, 2013. There will be a Kick-Off Event on February 9, at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, with former Miss South Carolina Bree Boyce as an inspirational speaker. A manual is being developed that hopefully will enhance the mind, body, and spirit so that those who participate may draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be a celebration event on April 6, with a 3k Walk. Garland Hart, Moderator
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
The Presbyterian Women conducted Helpshops on August 4, 2012, at Kingston Presbyterian Church, Conway, SC. They were very informative and enjoyable, and should help to strengthen each local church’s PW organization. The Presbyterian Women’s Spiritual Retreat will be held on February 2, 2013 at Presbyterian Church at Manning, Manning, SC. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the program will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Pontheola Wilson, Moderator
PRESBYTERIAN MEN
The Presbyterian Men will sponsor their Fall Conference on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at Melina Presbyterian Church, Gable, SC. Registration begins at 3:00 P.M. This year’s conference will focus on fatherhood and the role of the father in the Christian home. Randy Johnson and George Hampton will serve as facilitators. All churches are encouraged to participate. The Presbyterian Men expresses its gratitude to the churches that participated in our Spring Golf Outing and Picnic which was held at Lakewood Links in Sumter.
Freddie Nelson, Moderator
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
The Administrative Council met on May 30, June 11, August 7, and September 18, 2012, and makes the following report to the Presbytery of New Harmony:
The minutes of the April 19, May 30, June 11, and August 7, 2012, Administrative Council meetings and the minutes of the Seventy-Fourth Stated Meeting of Presbytery on May 8, 2012, and the called Presbytery meeting of August 21, 2012, were approved as presented.
Reports from the Camping, Congregational Development, Education and Nurture, and the Worship and Spiritual Formation Divisions, as well as Presbyterian Women, were presented as information to the Council.
Reports from the Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk and the Associate Executive Presbyter for Program and Administration were received and included plans for a presbytery leadership retreat in 2013 for members of the Councils and Committee moderators.
The Council received communication from the Sessions of Concord and Bishopville Presbyterian Churches requesting that a PRT (Presbytery Response Team) be formed to work with these churches as they go through the process outlined in the Gracious Dismissal policy. The Council appointed: Gloria Williams, Sam Sparks, Charlie Denny, and Tom Langston to serve as members of the PRT for Concord Presbyterian Church. Gloria Williams will serve as Chair of the PRT, and the Session of Concord Presbyterian Church has been notified of the members
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of the PRT and has appointed Debbie Calcutt to also serve as a member of the PRT. The Council has appointed Jody Foster and Frances Singleton to serve as members of the PRT for Bishopville Presbyterian Church; two additional members are being recruited. The Session of Bishopville Presbyterian Church has appointed Gregg McCutchen to serve on the PRT.
The Council received a report from the PRT for First Presbyterian Church, Florence. The process is being finalized, and a report to the presbytery, including recommendations, will be presented before the end of 2012.
The Council received the 2011 audit of the Presbytery of New Harmony; the auditor gave a clean opinion of the Presbytery’s financial statements for 2011.
The Council accepted the proposal from Leonard Hoogenboom to perform 2012 and 2013 audits of the Presbytery’s financial statements.
The Property Committee, in its ongoing oversight of the former Camp Harmony Property, will be meeting with leadership of the Willowglen Academy to review current status of the relationship.
The Council approved appointing a Task Force to review the current Gracious Dismissal Policy, and if necessary, propose changes to the Policy. This Task Force will be comprised of members of the Administrative Council, the Committee on Ministry, the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery, and other identified members.
The Council directs the Evaluation & Long-Range Planning and Finance Committees to study, for the 2014 budget cycle, the financial status of the Presbytery in relation to its mission and to prepare a report with recommendations for the following three years.
The Council also received information regarding future meetings of the Presbytery, including: • February 23, 2013 – • May 14, 2013 – • October 8, 2013 – Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center
The Docket for the Seventy-Fifth Stated Meeting was received and approved; the docket includes the installation of Bruce E. Ford as Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk.
Reports were offered by Sub-committee Chairs, and the following recommendations were approved:
Recommendations:
1. That the presbytery approve a 2 % cost of living increase for all members of presbytery staff, except executive staff (EP/SC and Associate EP), for 2013. 2. That the presbytery approve the 2013 Proposed Operating Budget totaling $ 1,289,256, on first reading. 3. That internally restricted funds for Camp Pee Dee (defined as “permanently or temporarily restricted”) be redesignated to provide funding for the mission of Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center in the 2013 Operating Budget. 4. That the General Invested Fund, designated by the Presbytery (May 8, 2012) for legal services, if necessary, be designated to fund 2012 Operating Budget ($ 47,532.00) and the 2013 Operating Budget ($ 56,306.00). 5. That Sue Krueger (Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church be elected to the Nominating Committee, Class of 2015, and that she be elected moderator. 6. That all actions of the council recorded in the minutes become the actions of the Presbytery.
Henry McFaddin, Moderator
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COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS
Whereas, Elder Frances Singleton opened the 75th Stated Meeting of New Harmony Presbytery in prayer,
Whereas, we joined in inspirational and God-honoring worship hearing Rev. Dr. Charles Elliott encouraging us to be sustained by our faith stories and joyfully installing Rev, Dr. Bruce Ford as Executive Presbyter of New Harmony Presbytery as we were charged to pray faithfully for him and partners together with him in the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
Whereas, New Harmony Presbytery was warmly welcomed by Rev. Sam Sparks and the faithful servant-leaders, ushers, choir, cooks, parking lot attendants of Melina Presbyterian Church,
Whereas, visitors were recognized, docket was adopted, appointments were made for the Committee on Resolutions and temporary clerks,
Whereas, Bruce Ford reported that New Harmony Presbytery ranked in top 10 of Presbyteries for giving,
Whereas, New Harmony Presbytery was blessed by the faith statements of our Committee on Preparation for Ministry examined and approved Vikki Brogdon and Neely Rentz as candidates for ordained ministry and that New Harmony Presbytery can also boast of the smartest inquirers in the PCUSA,.
Whereas, Rev. Stan Jones reported for the Nominating Committee placing a number of God’s willing servants in positions of service which were approved by this body,
Whereas, the Committee reported a number of actions for information, and made a recommendation terms of call for Sam Sparks as pastor of Melina Church be approved, and approved the installation commission and with joy celebrated with and prayed for Rev. Sparks,
Whereas, the Committee made the recommendation to consider the request of Rev. Bill Holmes to retire as of December 31, 2012, and celebrated and honored Rev. Holmes with a meaningful and beautiful service of retirement,
Whereas, a special order we heard reports from Thornwell Home, the loving care offered there, the Synod of South Atlantic, and the Board of Pensions where Clark Simons reported on pensions, benefits, and excellent opportunities and cost projections and New Harmony’s largest joy gift participant, and where Heahwan Rim reported on an expanding mission with three supporting new church developments, racial ethnicity, and small churches.
Whereas, we ate our fill and more at lunch provided by the most talented cooks in New Harmony,
Whereas, The Rev. Dr. Ella Busby and Rev. Kyle Henderson reported from the Administrative Commission of Celebration Presbyterian Church, and Darlington Presbyterian Church, respectively, the body of New Harmony Presbytery approving the two financial requests of Celebration Presbyterian Church as well as receiving the additional request from Darlington Presbyterian Church and addressing questions of Presbytery
Whereas, we received a report of the Program Council regarding camping, devotion, nurture, mission division,
Whereas, Henry McFaddin reports six Administrative Councils with sadness, disappointment, and a sense of great loss which I share in profound personal grief upon the proposed dismissal of my home church where I was nurtured, baptized, confirmed, married, ordained as teaching elder, where my children were baptized and confirmed, where my parents and grandparents are buried, has First Presbyterian Church, Florence, received a report of PRT (Presbytery Response Team),
Whereas, the Administrative Council presented six recommendations which were all approached,
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Whereas, there will be unfinished business or new business and revival announcements including the Second Sumter Church which issued an invitation for homecoming October 28 at 2:30 p.m.; Trinity Presbyterian Church Homecoming celebration; Mt. Pisgah Church (Mayesville) revival; Presbyterian Men celebration October 21 at Melina; Mt. Sinai Presbyterian Church Homecoming; Celebration Church Fall Festival; and New Harmony Presbytery revival plan concerns,
Therefore, let it be resolved that New Harmony Presbytery in its 75th Stated Meeting joyfully continues in its faithful service in the Kingdom of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
ADJOURNMENT
Following a time of requests for special prayer, the Moderator adjourned the meeting with prayer at approximately 2:30 p.m.
The next stated meeting will by held at First Presbyterian Church, Sumter, SC, on February 23, 2013, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Bruce W. Ford Richard S. Andrews Stated Clerk Recording Clerk
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56 THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY Special Called Meeting – December 6, 2012 – 10:00 A.M. Presbyterian Communities Chapel, Florence, South Carolina
The meeting was called to order and led in prayer by Moderator Frances Singleton, an elder in the Second Presbyterian Church of Sumter. The Stated Clerk determined that a quorum was present, and the Moderator opened the meeting with prayer.
The following persons were enrolled for the meeting:
Thirty-seven ministers were present: Paul Abell, Richard S. Andrews, Scott Andrews, Buddy Bach, Blir Beaver, James Braswell, Daryle Bush, Judy Cettei, James Clark, Franklin Colclough, Lisa Culpepper, Thomas Dendy, Bruce Ford, Jody Foster Rodney Foster, Carnell Hampton, Christopher Handley, Garland Hart, A. Kyle Henderson, Kenneth Hicks, Josie Holler, Frank Holsclaw, Ray Howe, Ernest Jackson, Barry Jenkins, J. Lewis Johnson, Stanley Jones, Jane McElwee-Smith, Timothy Osment, Carol Pagelsen, John Parks, David Ruth, Preston Shealy, Sam Sparks, O. Rhett Talbert, Steve Wilkins, Gloria Williams.
Fifty-two elder commissioners were present: Bishopville – Tyson Eckley; Carolina – Dickie Sherman; Celebration – Jeanne Bredbeck; Cheraw First – Dan Tillman; Chesterfield – Tom Jones; Concord – Debbie Calcutt; Congruity – Randal Wells; Cousar Memorial – La Tishe Moses; Florence First – Michael Lavespere, Michael Nunn; Friendship – Maritta Smith; G. W. Long Memorial – Evans Fuller; Georgetown – Ted Quantz; Goodwill – Gladys Cooper; Grandview – Betty Watson; Harmony – Freddie Nelson; Hartsville First – Allen McCutchen, Bill Timberlake; Hopewell – Jean McPherson; Indiantown – Vicki Bishop; John Calvin – Alice Baker; Kentyre – James Gaddy Ward; Kingston – John Dennis; Lake City Connie Johnson; Latta – Jim Allen; Loris First – Tommy Brogdon; Manning – Margaret Cooper; Marion – Erika Roberts; Melina – Chars Kennedy; Midway – Dan Harrington; Morton – Teresa Hodges; Mt. Zion – Robert Law; Myrtle Beach First – Audry Bruner, Edwin Hinds, Jan Riggs; New Bethel – Monica McKellar; New Harvest - Calvin Wilson; Ocean Drive – Paul Carpenter, Lee Thompson; Parkwood – Tommy Jackson; Pawleys Island – Kay Spence; Salem Black River – Jeff Feinstein; St. Paul’s – Charles Maxwell; Summerton – TI Walker; Sumter First – Jess Begley, Dan Spencer; Sumter Second – Ronetta Moses; Swan Lake – Chuck Gibbs; Tirzah – Johnny Raffield; Trinity (Mayesville) – Mary Hudson; Trinity (Surfside) – Mike Young; Wedgefield – Georganne Kirven; Westminster – James Chandler; White Oak – Tommy Melton; Williamsburg – Lou Easterling.
Twelve other voting members include Certified Christian Educator Mac McCall; Administrative Council Members Julie Cox, Ellaree Hampton, Henry McFaddin, Ricky McLeod, John Raffield, Frances Singleton, Ruth Walker; Program Council Members Lola Faye Craig, Eva Ruth, Pontheola Wilson; Committee Moderator Ruby Jean Boyd.
Others attending the meeting include staff members Linda Borgman and Netanyia and twenty visitors.
In attendance were 101 voters and 22 non voters for a grand total of 123.
WORSHIP
Garland Hart led the opening worship service, using the primary scriptures from Psalm 147:12-20, I Thessalonians 3:1-13, and Romans 8:1, 28, 38, 39.
Host Walt Hickman, Administrator of the Presbyterian Community, welcomed those who were present for the meeting.
Stated Clerk Bruce Ford declared that a quorum was present
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
The Administrative Council met on October 30, 2012, and makes the following report to the Presbytery of New Harmony:
The Council received communication from the Session of the Midway Presbyterian Church requesting that a PRT (Presbytery Response Team) be formed to work with this church as they go through the process outlined in the
57 Gracious Dismissal policy. The Council appointed ruling elder Ricky McLeod to serve on the PRT; three additional members are being recruited.
The Council received a report from the PRT for First Presbyterian Church, Florence. At the request of the PRT a called meeting was duly called by two ruling elders and two teaching elders to be held on Thursday, December 6, 2012 in the chapel of the Presbyterian Communities, Florence. The purpose of the meeting is to hear the report of the Florence PRT, to vote on the Proposed Amendments to the Constitution, Book of Order and to hear the report of the Committee on Ministry.
The Council granted permission to the Stated Clerk to create a membership roll under the supervision of the Administrative Council and the Stated Clerk for members of churches who have been dismissed to another reformed body. Members transferring to this active membership roll of the Presbytery of New Harmony may remain on this roll for a period of up to one year, until either the member transfers his or her membership to a church or after one year is removed from the presbytery roll.
Recommendation:
1. That all actions of the council recorded in the minutes become the actions of the Presbytery.
Henry McFaddin, Moderator
Report of Presbytery Response Team (PRT) for First Presbyterian Church, Florence, S.C. To The Presbytery of New Harmony through Administrative Council
October 22, 2012
FOREWORD
In Acts 1 5, we read that Paul and Barnabus, both men of God, had a disagreement about their continued ministry together. In fact, the Bible calls it a “sharp disagreement.” Therefore, they parted company. Yet, because of the fact that Paul and Barnabus went their separate ways, the kingdom of God grew. This is the prayer of the PRT.
INTRODUCTION
The 2 1 8th General Assembly (2008) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved a commissioner’s resolution (Item O4~28) on Urging a Gracious, Pastoral Response to Churches Requesting Dismissal from the PC(USA). In response to the approval of the resolution, the General Assembly directed the Stated Clerk “to send the resolution to the presbyteries, synods, and sessions, indicating the will of the assembly that presbyteries and synods develop and make available to lower governing bodies and local congregations a process that exercises the responsibility to ‘to divide, dismiss, or dissolve churches in consultation with their members. . . with consistency, pastoral responsibility, accountability, gracious witness, openness, and transparency.”
In response to the actions of the General Assembly, the Presbytery of New Harmony adopted Principles and Processes for New Harmony Presbytery When Churches Seek to Separate from Presbytery in July, 2011. This document is more commonly referred to as the “Gracious Dismissal Policy.” By letter dated March 7, 2012, the Clerk of Session of First Presbyterian Church, Florence, South Carolina (First Florence) advised the Presbytery of New Harmony that the Session of First Florence had voted to begin the process of dismissal from PC(USA) to another Reformed body under the terms and conditions of the Gracious Dismissal Policy. The letter also requested that a Presbytery Response Team (PRT) be formed.
In response, the Presbytery appointed the following persons to the PRT: Dr. Dan Sansbury;1 Dr. Mark Durrett; Dr. Lewis Johnson; and Rev. Carnell Hampton. Subsequently, the Session of First Florence appointed Elder Joe McLean as its delegate to the PRT.
The PRT has been meeting since April, 2012. The PRT has endeavored to be obedient to scripture and to be guided by prayer and the principles and processes of the Gracious Dismissal Policy. Detailed minutes of all PRT meetings have been kept and are available for review upon request at the office of the Presbytery of New Harmony. All correspondence to and from the PRT is likewise available.
58 This report is submitted to the Presbytery of New Harmony through the Administrative Council pursuant to Section 111(6) of the Gracious Dismissal Policy. It summarizes the work of the PRT and contains the recommendations of the PRT to Presbytery.
THE WORK OF THE PRT
The work of the PRT can generally be divided into two (2) phases, each discussed below.
1. Phase 1
In Phase 1, the PRT (1) worked closely with the Session leading up to a congregational meeting and vote on June 24, 2012; and (2) examined prior Session actions going back to 2001 taken in response to certain actions of the General Assembly with which the Session disagreed as a matter of conscience.
(1) Work with the Session leading up to June 24 congregational meeting and vote
The first PRT meeting was on April 1 9, 2012. It was agreed at that meeting that the PRT would abide by a document entitled Seeking to be Faithful Together — Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement, adopted by the 204th General Assembly (1992) of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Also at that first meeting, Joe McLean advised the PRT that the Session desired to call a congregational meeting on May 6, 2012, for the purpose of a congregational vote on the Session’s recommendation to seek dismissal from PC(USA) to another Reformed body. The PRT felt that the May 6 meeting was too early in the dismissal process and requested that it be postponed. Subsequently, the Session agreed, and the May 6 congregational meeting was postponed.
By letter dated April 26, 2012, Joe McLean advised the PRT that the Session of First Florence was convinced that “an overwhelming majority of our congregation wants fervently to leave PC(USA), sooner rather than later” and that “if the Session does not pursue dismissal with all due haste it runs the risk of fracturing our congregation. That is a risk that the Session cannot take.” That same letter advised the PRT that the Session had unanimously voted to recommend that First Florence seek dismissal from PC(USA) to a specific Reformed body ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Finally, the letter advised the PRT that a congregational meeting and vote would be held on June 24, 2012, for the purpose of allowing the congregation to vote on the Session’s recommendation.
The PRT also felt that the June 24 meeting was too early in the dismissal process and requested that it be postponed. The Session declined this request, and the PRT accepted the decision of the Session. The PRT was clear, however, that an affirmative vote on June 24 would not mean that First Florence was dismissed from PC(USA). It would only mean the dismissal process under the Gracious Dismissal Policy continues, and the final decision on dismissal rests with the Presbytery.
Leading up to the June 24 meeting and vote, the PRT dedicated itself to making sure the principles and processes of the Gracious Dismissal Policy were followed. In subsequent PRT meetings, the 50% quorum and 75% affirmative vote requirements under the Gracious Dismissal Policy were discussed and confirmed. Proxy, absentee, and provisional ballots were discussed but rejected as inconsistent with both the Gracious Dismissal Policy and the Book of Order. In advance of the June 24 meeting, the PRT reviewed and approved: (1) the specific question that the congregation would vote on; (2) a proposed ballot form; (3) a set of proposed rules for the meeting; (4) a proposed agenda; and (4) copies of the active membership roll of First Florence.
Also leading up to the June 24 congregational meeting and vote, the PRT met with the Session, pastoral staff, and congregation.
The PRT met with the Session twice. The purpose of the first meeting was to hear the concerns of the Session that led to its recommendation to seek dismissal. The purpose of the second meeting was for the PRT to respond to the Session’s concerns.
The PRT met with Senior Pastor Dr. Barry Jenkins and Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Handley, both of whom clearly articulated the reasons why they desire dismissal from P.C(USA) and acceptance into ECO as a matter of conscience. Pension, insurance, and other business related matters which would be affected by dismissal were discussed.
The PRT addressed a called congregational meeting to present the “why stay in PC(USA)” side of the discussion. Dr. Frank Colclough also attended that meeting as a representative of the Presbytery, and Dr. Colclough also addressed the congregation. Comments, questions, and answers followed.
For the congregational meeting on June 24, 2012, First Florence retained a nationally-known parliamentarian to assist and advise it on the conduct of the meeting. There were 798 members on the active membership roll of First Florence on that date. 556 members (or approximately 70% of active members) were present for the meeting. This met the 50% quorum requirement under the Gracious Dismissal Policy. 554 votes were cast, with502 votes approving the Session’s recommendation to seek dismissal from PC(USA) to ECO and 52 opposing the Session’s recommendation. Therefore, nearly 91% of the congregation approved the Session’s recommendation, with approximately 9% opposed. The vote met the 75% affirmative vote requirement under the Gracious Dismissal Policy for dismissal process
______1Dr. Sansbury resigned from the PRT on May 10, 2012, in order to allow him to devote his pastoral time and energy to his congregation at First Presbyterian, Hartsville.
59 to continue. The vote was by secret ballot. Presbytery observers were present at the meeting, and a favorable Observer’s Report was submitted to the PRT.
(2) Examination of prior Session actions
Documents provided to the PRT by First Florence show that it has been moving toward the possibility of leaving the PC(USA) for many years. This is a Session-led movement which spans many classes of Elders and which pre-dates the current Session and the current pastoral staff at First Florence. Prior Session actions taken as a matter of conscience include:
• Adoption of Session resolutions in direct response to certain actions of the General Assembly with which the Session disagreed as a matter of conscious, including: 1. Adoption of “Three Vital Affirmations” in 2001; 2. Commitment to the “Confessing Church Movement” in 2001; 3. Endorsement of the 1976 Lausanne Covenant, the 1989 Manila Manifesto, and the 2010 Capetown Commitment in 2011, “all of which affirm the essential tenets of the Christian faith thereby identifying [First Florence] with the worldwide evangelical church”
• Withholding of per capita contributions to the General Assembly beginning in August, 2008 as a matter of conscience;
• Creation of a denominational issues Task Force in 2008 which adopted a “dual track approach” to be proactive within the denomination to bring about change but at the same time exercising due diligence in exploring dismissal options;
• Sponsoring an unsuccessful overture in 2009 to the 219th General Assembly (2010) to modify the procedure by which amendments to the Book of Order passed by the General Assembly but defeated by the presbyteries could be reconsidered as an item of business by subsequent General Assemblies;
• Reaffirming twice G-6.0106b (the “fidelity and chastity” ordination standard);
• Reconstituting the denominational issues Task Force in 2011 after passage of Amendment 10-A;
• Congregational communication, correspondence and meetings on denominational issues;
• Attendance at local, state, and national meetings and conferences on denominational issues.
Based upon all of the above, the PRT concluded that the will of the congregation of First Florence was clearly expressed by the June 24 vote approving by a margin of 91% to 9% the Session’s unanimous recommendation to seek dismissal from PC(USA) into ECO. The vote also affirms the historical Session actions set out above. Therefore, the Gracious Dismissal Process entered Phase 2.
2. Phase 2
In Phase 2 of the Gracious Dismissal Process, the PRT (1) met with members of the congregation who wish to remain within PC(IJSA) to discuss their options; (2) evaluated ECO as a Reformed body to which First Florence may be dismissed; (3) negotiated terms of dismissal with the Session; and (4) worked closely with the Session leading up to a congregational meeting and vote on October 14, 2012.
(1) Meeting with members of the congregation who wish to remain within PC(USA)
A meeting with members of the congregation who wish to remain within PC(USA) was held on August 9, 2012. First Florence provided proper notice of the meeting to the entire congregation through all normal means. Seven (7) members of First Florence attended the meeting, three (3) of whom stated they were still undecided on whether to leave or to stay at First Florence and that they attended the meeting to learn more about their options. The PRT was also advised that there were at least four (4) other members who wish to remain within PC(USA) but who could not attend the meeting. Options discussed included transferring membership to other existing PC(USA) churches in the area and/or an undecided member coming under the pastoral care of the Presbytery on a temporary basis while he/she is deciding what to do.
No individual or group of individuals have come forward seeking to be recognized as the continuing PC(USA) congregation of First Florence. Further, it appears that there is no viable minority capable of being the continuing PC(USA) congregation at First Florence
(2) Recognition of of ECO as a Reformed body to which First Florence may be dismissed
The Book of Order specifies that the power to dismiss congregations to other Reformed bodies is reserved to the Presbytery itself (G-3.0303b). The Advisory Committee on the Constitution issued the following recommendation to the 218th General Assembly (2008) with regard to questions about dismissal of churches to transitional Presbyteries in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). The PRT concludes that the same recommendation is applicable to an analysis of ECO as a Reformed body:
Presbyteries may dismiss congregations to other ecclesiastical bodies of this denomination, and to denominations whose organization is conformed to the doctrines and order of the Presbyterian Church (USA). No congregation may be
60 dismissed to independent status or to the status of a nondenominational congregation. It is the responsibility of the dismissing presbytery to determine whether the receiving body meets those standards...Thus the General Assembly may not determine in advance whether a particular denomination or its constituent bodies qualify under these standards.
The provisions...do, however, require that the General Assembly as the highest governing body of this denomination advise its presbyteries in this matter. The 218th General Assembly (2008) therefore advises the presbyteries that they must satisfy themselves concerning the conformity with this denomination of a transitional presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in matters of doctrine and order....In exploring this matter, presbyteries should consider such questions as whether the receiving...presbytery is
1. Doctrinally consistent with the essentials of Reformed theology as understood by the presbytery;
2. Governed by a polity that is consistent in form and structure with that of the Presbyterian Church (USA);
3. Of sufficient permanence to offer reasonable assurance that the congregation is not being dismissed to de facto independence
Failure on the part of the presbytery thoroughly to explore and adequately document its satisfaction in these matters may this violate, however unintentionally, the spirit of the polity of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Each of the above three factors is discussed below. 2
1. Doctrine
ECO has adopted the same eleven confessions contained in the PC(USA) Book of Confessions. ECO literature states, however, that at a later date, after ECO has developed and tested its “theological consensus,” changes could be made in the confessional standards, but that will be for them to determine. Thus the confessional standards will, at least in the beginning, be the same as PC(USA).
In addition ECO has adopted a statement of “Essential Tenets” which states, in part:
Essential tenets are tied to the teaching of the confessions as reliable expositions of Scripture. The essential tenets call out for explication, not as another confession, but as indispensable indicators of confessional convictions about what Scripture leads us to believe and do. Essential tenets do not replace the confessions, but rather witness to the confessions’ common core. This document is thus intended not as a new confession but as a guide to the corporate exploration of and commitment to the great themes of Scripture and to the historic Reformed confessions that set forth those themes.
Thus, in the judgment of the PRT, ECO clearly meets the criterion of being “doctrinally consistent with the essentials of Reformed theology as understood by the Presbytery.”
2. Polity
The polity of ECO, as presented in the ECO Polity and Discipline is consistent in form and structure with that of the PC(USA). In many places it is identical to the PC(USA) Book of Order and in other places it is similar. Where it differs, it could be said to represent a further step in the direction begun by the PC(USA) new Form of Government toward a more flexible and streamlined polity.
Some specific differences in terms of polity are that ECO will have three rather than four councils - session, presbytery, and a general synod. The general synod is the functional equivalent of the PCQJSA) General Assembly. The Office of General Assembly has advised the PRT that this ECO model of three governing bodies, instead of four, does not make ECO polity inconsistent with that of PC(USA).
Currently, there are two presbyteries in ECO: The Presbytery of the East and the Presbytery of the West. ECO envisions additional but smaller presbyteries in the future which will consist of no fewer than 10 and no more than 20 churches. A congregation has the right to vote to request dismissal to another presbytery of ECO or to another Reformed body. ECO does not have a property trust clause. Rather than having a per capita contribution, congregations will be required to pay 1% of their annual budget toward the administrative costs of ECO. While ordination standards may be somewhat different, the ordination vows of ministers, elders, and deacons in ECO are remarkably similar to those in PC(USA). Like the PC(USA), ECO ordains women to all offices in the church. It is expected that ECO will be received into the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).
A review of ECO polity makes it clear to the PRT that the second criterion is also met: “to be governed by a polity that is consistent in form and structure with that of the PC(USA).”
______2 The PRT has reviewed the Report and Recommendation of the Foothills Presbytery COM regarding the dismissal of First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC. The PRT finds the First Greenville COM report instructive and helpful to its task and, therefore, borrows from it some of the analysis of these three factors.
61 3. Sufficient Permanence
This third criterion of “sufficient permanence” is the only one which in the judgment of the PRT has not been clearly met by ECO at this time. ECO was established in January, 2012. Therefore, it has not been in existence long enough to offer complete assurance that a church going into ECO is not being dismissed to de facto independence. However, the PRT has concluded that the current status of ECO offers reasonable assurance that the congregation of First Florence is not being dismissed to de facto independence.
The following Presbyteries have recognized ECO as a Reformed body: • Presbytery of Central Florida • Presbytery of Tropical Florida • Pueblo Presbytery • Olympia Presbytery • Foothills Presbytery
On-line research indicates that the above Presbyteries combined have released at least sixteen (16) PC(IJSA) churches to ECO, including most recently First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina which was released by Foothills Presbytery effective September 1, 2012. Many more PC(USA) churches across the country are at various stages of seeking dismissal to ECO.
The review of ECO by the Foothills Presbytery3 states that “from a structural standpoint, ECO has been created around covenantal commitments that are designed to preclude de facto independence.” The PRT concurs in that judgment. Lower councils are accountable to higher councils. ECO polity speaks of “Covenants of Accountability” and “covenantal relationships” among various congregations. Pastors undergo annual peer review. ECO has adopted Rules of Discipline. ECO churches and PCQJSA) churches may elect to join the Fellowship of Presbyterians which will connect them through their common Reformed heritage, even though they are going about mission and ministry in separate Reformed bodies.
ECO has established its own comprehensive medical and pension benefits for all of its teaching elders and lay employees of its churches.
The ECO Presbytery of the West met in Colorado Springs, Colorado on August 20-21, 2012, and the ECO Presbytery of the East met in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 23-24, 2012. The Synod is scheduled to meet January 30- February 1, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.
First Florence has been accepted into ECO, pending dismissal from PC(USA).
In the judgment of the PRT, ECO has substantially met the third criterion of “sufficient permanence” to oar reasonable assurance that the congregation is not being dismissed to de facto independence.
Having concluded that ECO is a Reformed body to which First Florence may be dismissed, the PRT began negotiation of terms of dismissal of First Florence to ECO.
(3) Negotiation of Terms of Dismissal
The Session of First Florence appointed a 3 person negotiating unit to engage the PRT in discussion and negotiation of terms of dismissal. Members of the Session negotiating unit were Elders Mike Nunn, Dudley Saleeby, and Randolph Tiller. A meeting between the PRT and the Session negotiating was held on September 11, 2012. After prayerful discussion and negotiation, the PRT and the Session negotiating unit agreed upon terms of dismissal, listed below under Terms of Dismissal.
It was agreed and acknowledged that the agreed-upon terms would have to be approved by the full Session at First Florence, approved by the congregation, and then approved by the Presbytery before First Florence may be dismissed from PCUSA to ECO.
The terms were unanimously approved by the Session on September 16, 2012. A congregational meeting was called for October 14, 2012, for the congregation to vote on approval of the terms.
Leading up to the October 14 meeting and vote, the PRT confirmed the 50% quorum and 75% affirmative vote requirements under the Gracious Dismissal Policy. The PRT reviewed and approved: (1) the specific question that the congregation would vote on; (2) a proposed ballot form; (3) a set of proposed rules for the meeting; and (4) a proposed agenda. Notice of the meeting was discussed. Joe McLean stated that it is the intent of First Florence for the October 14 meeting to mirror the June 24 meeting in terms of member registration and sign-in, ballot distribution, determination of quorum, rules for the meeting, voting procedure, and counting of ballots.
(4) Congregational meeting on October 14, 2012
A congregational meeting was held on October 14, 2012. First Florence retained the same parliamentarian from the June 24 meeting to assist it with the conduct of the meeting. Presbytery observers were present.
______3See footnote 2.
62 There were 794 members on the active membership roll on the date of the meeting. 438 members registered to vote, which constituted approximately 55% of active members. 439 votes were cast, with 432 votes in the affirmative and 7 votes in the negative. Thus, approximately 98% of members present and voting approved the terms of dismissal previously agreed upon by the Session and the PRT. All ballots were secret.
Presbytery observers reported to the PRT that the meeting was well-run and in order. The meeting met the requirements of the Gracious Dismissal Policy for quorum, and the vote met the requirements of the Gracious Dismissal Policy for affirmative vote.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The final step in the Gracious Dismissal process is for the Presbytery to meet and vote on whether to dismiss First Florence under the terms of dismissal approved by the congregation. Since the Session was unanimous and the congregation was near-unanimous, the PRT has concluded that it is the will of First Florence to be dismissed to ECO. Therefore, the PRT recommends to the Presbytery:
1. That it recognize ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians as a Reformed body to which First Florence may be dismissed.
2. That it dismiss First Florence to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, Presbytery of the East, pursuant to the terms of dismissal listed below and with the blessing and prayers of The Presbytery of New Harmony for First Florence’s continued faithful service to the Lord.
TERMS OF DISMISSAL
PRT recommends to the Presbytery that it dismiss First Florence to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, Presbytery of the East, at a called meeting in 2012, pursuant to §G-3.0303(b) of the Book of Order, with dismissal being effective on January 1, 2013, upon the following terms: 1) Dismiss First Florence with its property, but with an agreement that should First Florence leave ECO to a denomination not recognized as a Reformed body within 5 years after dismissal the Presbytery will not be deemed to have waived the right to assert its property rights against the church property under trust clause, nor will First Florence be precluded from defending title to the church property.
2) Allow First Florence to keep its name “First Presbyterian Church of Florence.”
3) Require First Florence to reimburse the Presbytery the sum of $24,260.00, which is the total of all General Assembly per capita First Florence has withheld since August 2008 and which the Presbytery has been equalizing.
4) Require First Florence to honor in full its 2012 Presbytery/Synod per capita pledge, its 2012 shared mission support pledge, and its 2012 directed mission support pledge.
5) In 2013, require First Florence to pay Presbytery $55,000 in shared mission support.
6) In 2014, require First Florence to pay Presbytery $55,000 in shared mission support.
7) Require First Florence to turn over to the Presbytery all original Session minutes and membership rolls within 1 year of dismissal. The minutes and membership rolls should in turn be stored at either Columbia Theological Seminary or the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, PA for preservation. First Florence may keep copies as it deems appropriate.
8) Require First Florence, upon request of member(s) who wish to remain in PC(USA) and who have not transferred to another PCQJSA) church, to transfer those member(s) to the pastoral care of the Presbytery.
9) Require First Florence to confirm to the Presbytery that it does not have any debts for which New Harmony may be liable.
10) Require First Florence to request that ECO send a letter to the Stated Clerk of New Harmony confirming that First Florence has been accepted into ECO, Presbytery of the East pending release from New Harmony Presbytery.
11) The Stated Clerk shall notify the Office of the General Assembly of the dismissal of First Florence.
12) The PRT shall be dissolved as of the date of an affirmative vote of the Presbytery dismissing First Florence pursuant to these terms.
CONCLUSION
There has been constant prayer that the work of the PRT would be guided and shaped by faith, service, and witness to Jesus Christ. Every effort has been made by all involved in the Gracious Dismissal process to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (and to) make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3. May the work of the PRT be pleasing to God.
63 The PRT has accepted the difficult reality that First Florence is a “congregation for whom the bonds of unity are stretched and ecclesiastical connections frayed over issues of conscience...” See, Gracious Dismissal Policy, Sec. I. It is with heavy hearts and deep humility that the PRT has concluded that reconciliation and a continuation of the mission and ministry of First Florence as a member church in the PC(IJSA) is not possible. While First Florence may be leaving New Harmony and PC(USA):
There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6
Respectfully submitted: Rev. Carnell Hampton, Chairman Dr. Mark Durrett, Dr. Lewis Johnson, Joe McLean
VOTING ON AMENDMENTS
Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the 220th General Assembly The Presbytery of New Harmony B A L L O T for PART 2 Yes No Abstain 12-A Business Proper to Congregational Meetings—On Amending G-1.0503 - (Item 06-10) 82 24 5
12-B Gifts and Qualifications—On Amending G-2.0104a - (Item 07-05) 68 31 2
12-C Presbytery Registers—On Amending G-3.0104 and G-3.0305 - (Item 06-19) 96 3 2
12-D.1 Judicial Commissions—On Amending G-3.0109a - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 1.) 98 4 2
D.2 Administrative Commissions—On Amending G-3.0109b(6) - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 2.) 94 4 1
D.3 Reduced Function—On Amending G-3.0404 - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 3.) 94 4 1
D.4 Permanent Judicial Commissions—On Amending D-5.0101 - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 4.) 94 4 1
D.5 Permanent Judicial Commission Expenses—On Amending D-5.0106 - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 5.) 94 4 1
D.6 Permanent Judicial Commission Meetings—On Amending D-5.0203 - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 6.) 94 4 1
D.7 Permanent Judicial Commissions Quorum—On Amending D-5.0206 - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 7.) 94 4 1
D.8 Initiating a Remedial Case—On Amending D-6.0101 - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 8.) 93 4 2
D.9 Filing a Complaint in a Remedial Case—On Amending D-6.0202a(6) - (Item 05-13, Recommendation 9.) 94 4 1
12-E Enrolling Ruling Elders as Members of Presbytery—On Amending G-3.0301 - (Item 06-04) 96 2 3
12-F Concurrences for Overtures—On Amending G-3.0302d - (Item 04-01, Recommendation 3.) 55 43 4
12-G Service of Ordination, Installation, or Commissioning—On Amending W-4.4002 - (Item 17-02) 80 9 2
12-H Jurisdiction in Judicial Process—On Amending D-3.0101b(2) - (Item 06-18) 93 5 3
12-I Administrative Leave—On Amending D-10.0106 - (Item 06-09) 81 7 3
12-J Investigating Committee Responsibilities—On Amending D-10.0202 - (Item 06-02) 96 2 3
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
The Committee on Ministry reports the following actions as information:
1. Approved exemption of rotation of elders for the G.W. Long church. 2. Approved the extension of the temporary supply pastor contracts for the following: Kingston- Rhett Talbert Manning- Josie Holler John Calvin- Rodney Foster Mt Zion- Jim Clark 3. Concurred with the request of the Lake City Presbyterian Church to dissolve the pastoral relationship with Rev. Judith Cettei, effective December 31, 2012. 4. Approved the request of Rev. Judith Cettei for honorable retirement effective December 31, 2012, with a service of honorable retirement to be held at the February stated meeting of Presbytery. 5. Received reports on pastoral visits to various churches and teaching elders in the presbytery.
64 Recommendations:
1. That the request of the Indiantown Presbyterian Church for Relief of Conscience from the Board of Pensions, based on Indiantown’s objections to abortion coverage provided by the Benefits Plan of the PCUSA be approved. 2. That the minimum terms of call for ministers for 2013, as detailed below, be approved.
The Presbytery of New Harmony Minimum Terms of Call for Ministers for 2013 Based on a 1 % increase
2012 2013 Cash Salary $30,118 $30,419 Use of Manse (valued at 30% of cash salary) Or Housing Allowance 9,035 9,126 $39,154 $39,545 Benefits The Board of Pensions Pension and Insurance $12,627 $13,145 increased from 32.25% to ½ SECA 2,212 3,025 33% for 2013. Mileage Reimbursement 5,550 *5,550 Book/Continuing Education 1,000 1,000 $21,389 $22,721 Total Cost to Church $60,543 $62,266 2 weeks study leave 4 weeks vacation ∗ This is a suggested amount to be included in the budget. It is expected that pastors be reimbursed at the IRS rate (56.5¢/mile for 2013) for actual miles driven while conducting church business. In establishing salary for pastors, the Committee on Ministry encourages congregations to consider special circumstances such as family financial obligations, education, and years in a position. Churches currently at or near this minimum may wish to use the following as a guide in addressing these circumstances.
Add one unit ($250) to the salary for any of following that apply: • one unit for each dependent child not in college • two units for each dependent child in college (full time student) • one unit for an earned doctorate • one unit for each year in the current position
It is further recommended that the following suggestions be considered by each congregation: 1) that a minister be able to rollover continuing education time and money up to 4 weeks and $2000 to enable more extensive study leave opportunities. 2) that for every 15 years a minister has completed in ministry, an additional week of vacation be added to the terms of call.
The Committee on Ministry will be available to evaluate the ministry of pastors and congregations and suggest remedies to churches that are unable to meet minimum salary requirements. David Ruth, Moderator
65
ADJOURNMENT
Following announcements and a time of requests for special prayer, the Moderator adjourned the meeting with prayer at 11:50 a.m.
The next stated meeting will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Sumter on Saturday, February 23, 2013, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Bruce Ford, Richard Andrews, Stated Clerk Recording Clerk
66
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To Administrative Council of The Presbytery of New Harmony Florence, S.C.
I have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities, and net assets - modified cash basis of the Presbytery of New Harmony (a non-profit corporation) as of December 31, 2011 and the related statement of revenues and expenditures - modified cash basis for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Presbytery management. My responsibility is to express an opinion on these statements based on my audit.
I conducted the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. Those standards require that I plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. I believe that my audit provides a reasonable basis for my opinion.
As described in Note 1 of the notes to the financial statements, the Presbytery prepares its financial statements on the basis of modified cash receipts and disbursements. This basis is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than generally accepted accounting principles.
In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the assets, liabilities, and net assets of the Presbytery Of New Harmony as of December 31, 2011, and its support, revenue, and expenses, and the changes in its net assets for the year then ended, on the basis of accounting described in Note 1.
Leonard A. Hoogenboom CPA
August 17, 2012 THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY FLORENCE, S.C. STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES, AND NET ASSETS (MODIFIED CASH BASIS) December 31, 2011
TEMPORARILY PERMANENTLY UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED TOTAL ASSETS: Cash On Deposit - Checking (Regular & Int. Bearing) $206,075 $367,092 $573,167 Mutual Fund Investment (At Cost) (Note 4) 178,800 178,800 Cash On Deposit - Certificates Of Deposit 1,903,630 150,000 2,053,630
Total Assets 206,075 2,449,522 150,000 2,805,597
LIABILITIES: Payroll Withholdings & Benefits 567 567 Unremitted Pass-through Funds 6,619 6,619
NET ASSETS $205,508 $2,442,903 $150,000 $2,798,411
SEE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS STATEMENT 1 THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY FLORENCE, S.C. STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES (MODIFIED CASH BASIS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 TEMPORARILY PERMANENTLY UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT RECEIVED: General Receipts $856,594 $856,594 Per Capita Assessments 145,818 145,818 Mission Partnership Receipts 17,042 7,070 24,112 Camping Programs & Usage Fees 99,612 38,513 138,125 Interest & Dividends 1,729 27,198 28,927 Insurance Claim Proceeds 22,906 22,906 Miscellaneous Receipts & Reimbursements 28,758 10,812 39,570 Restrictions Satisfied By Payments (Note 1) 156,747 (156,747) 0 Total 1,306,300 (50,248) 0 1,256,052 EXPENDITURES: Program Services: General Presbytery Mission 88,362 Church Extension & Financial Aid (Note 7) 84,262 Aid To Seminary Students 10,000 182,624 General Assembly & Synod Causes 296,957 296,957 Camping Program & Capital Improvements Compensation & Benefits 136,856 Program, Maintenance, & Improvements 211,943 348,799 Supporting Services (Not Allocated To Programs) (Note 1): Compensation & Benefits 306,531 Other Expenses 169,470 476,001 Total 1,304,381 1,304,381 INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 1,919 (50,248) 0 (48,329) NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 203,589 2,493,151 150,000 2,846,740
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR $205,508 $2,442,903 $150,000 $2,798,411
SEE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS STATEMENT 2 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY DECEMBER 31, 2011
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
This summary of significant accounting policies of The Presbytery of New Harmony, Florence, S. C., a nonprofit organization, is presented to assist in understanding the financial statements. Organization The Presbytery of New Harmony was organized January 26, 1988 to manage the affairs of the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.) in a geographically defined area of northeastern South Carolina. It was incorporated Nov. 19, 1998 in the state of South Carolina. It exists as a member unit of the Synod of South Atlantic and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 77 congregations, and 11,824 members were enrolled in this Presbytery at December 31, 2011. Taxable Status The Presbytery is a not-for-profit corporation and has been determined to be exempt from income tax under Section 501 C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accounting Basis For Financial Statements The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the modified cash receipts and disbursements basis of accounting. Using this basis, the only assets recognized are cash, cash equivalents, and receivables for cash advanced, or reimbursable costs. Interest on long-term time deposits is accrued in order to more properly reflect earnings in a given period. The only liabilities recognized are withholdings from salary payments and amounts representing funds held in trust for others. All other transactions are recognized as either cash receipts or disbursements. Non-cash and constructively received or constructively disbursed transactions are not recognized. This basis differs from generally accepted accounting principles primarily because the effect of outstanding debts and unpaid loans at the date of the financial statement, as well as real property owned, are not included in the basic financial statements. A significant amount of personal services are donated each year to the organization by volunteers. Donated services are not recorded in the financial statements. Financial Resources: The Presbytery derives the majority of its revenue from the 77 Presbyterian congregations that are included in its geographical area. The General Assembly of the P.C.(U.S.A.) and the Synod of South Atlantic are contributing organizations that help enable the work. Use Of Estimates: The process of preparing financial statements on the modified cash basis of accounting requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding certain types of accounts. Such estimates relate primarily to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements. Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may differ from estimated amounts. The effects of these estimates and assumptions have not been determined as of the date of these financials, and could be material. Subsequent Events: Management has reviewed and evaluated all events subsequent to the date of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Assets to the date of the auditor’s report, and not beyond that date for determination of any need for additional disclosures. THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
Financial Statement Presentation: Financial statements are required, by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants reporting standards, to show information regarding financial position and activities according to three classes of net assets: unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted. In order to ensure observance of limitations and restrictions placed on the use of resources available to the Presbytery, and to identify the revenues and costs associated with the various areas of ministry, the accounts are maintained in accordance with these published principles, and the principles of fund accounting. No attempt has been made to allocate any general management service costs, or overhead of Presbytery office staff, to any programs. Financial statement presentation follows the recommendations of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. An entry on the statement of revenues and expenditures beside the caption “restrictions satisfied by payments” indicates that temporary donor restrictions have been satisfied by making payment to the intended recipient, or for the intended purpose within the discretion of the Presbytery management.
Pass-Through Entity: The Presbytery receives contributions from its member churches, accumulates them, and sends them in batches to the Synod of South Atlantic and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as well as to other authorized charitable organizations. Receipts which are to be forwarded are handled as liabilities, and not reflected in the revenues or expenditures of the Presbytery. Funds still held on deposit at the time financial statements are prepared are presented as “Unremitted Pass-Through Funds” in the statement of Assets Liabilities. The Presbytery received $277,838 in pass-thru funds in the current year. All were forwarded except a small amount received right at the end of the calendar year.
NOTE 2 LONG TERM DEBT
The note and mortgage on the Celebration Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach, S. C. was refinanced on October 22, 2008. The Note is now in the joint names of the Celebration Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of New Harmony. The agreement states that at least a 20% compensating balance on the unpaid principal balance will be maintained on deposit with the Presbyterian Church Investment and Loan Program, Inc.. The compensating balances are referred to as “Designated Participating Investments” (DAR). Failure to maintain these deposits will result in immediate upward adjustments in the interest rate. The original Note was for $ 605,000 with interest at 5.85% to be adjusted every three years. Payments are $4,282 monthly for 20 years and began December 1, 2008. $542,541 was outstanding on this note at December 31, 2011. Interest paid on this mortgage note totaled $25,360 for the 2011 calendar year. The interest rate is currently 4.95% Compensating Balances: $ 301,295 in Designated Participating Investments (56.00%) were on deposit at December 31, 2011. $94,408 of that was deposited by Presbytery in accounts that currently yield .7% APR.
THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
NOTE 2 LONG TERM DEBT (continued):
Minimum principal payments on these notes, assuming the interest rate stays at the current level for the succeeding years are: Year Ending Dec. 31, 2012 $21,009 Year Ending Dec. 31, 2013 22,073 Year Ending Dec. 31, 2014 23,190 Year Ending Dec. 31, 2015 24,365 Year Ending Dec. 31, 2016 25,599 The Presbytery committed in 2001 to supply $298,000 in mortgage and operational support to the Celebration congregation with assistance from P.C.(U.S.A.) and Synod of South Atlantic. During 2011 $87,633 was supplied in operational, pastoral, and mortgage supplemental payments. Consistent with the method of accounting used by the Presbytery, neither this liability nor its corresponding assets are shown on the statement of assets and liabilities.
CONTINGENT LIABILITY NOTES: The Presbytery is contingently indebted to the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program, Inc. of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) (PILP) on mortgage notes secured by real estate in various places in the Presbytery. Monthly payments are being made directly to PILP by the 2 churches involved on these loans. Note balances at December 31, 2011 totaled $101,748. Interest rates vary from 4.5% to 5.0% on these notes.
PILP also made grants between 1948 and 1974 totaling $78,191 to 14 different churches in the New Harmony Presbytery. As long as these churches remain in the denomination, no payment of principal or interest is due on these “grants”. If a congregation sells, their building, leaves the denomination, or ceases to exist, the principal with interest is due prior to their being dismissed. It has been the policy of the Church Loan Program to accept 80% of the outstanding balance on mortgage grants as payment in full for churches remaining in the denomination.
NOTE 3 RETIREMENT PLAN COVERAGE:
Employees of the Presbytery are covered under the "Benefits Plan Of The Presbyterian Church (USA)”. Contributions mandated by the plan for retirement benefits are fixed as a percentage (11%) of salary for covered people. THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
NOTE 3 RETIREMENT PLAN COVERAGE (Continued):
The 2011 contributions paid for employee retirement benefits totaled $24,768. Administration of the plan is outside the jurisdiction of the Presbytery and no separate fees for plan administration expenses were paid.
NOTE 4 TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS: The following were temporarily restricted at Dec. 31, 2011: Presbytery Special Projects $ 278 Bicentennial Projects 26,459 Special Missions Projects 32,283 PADD Capital Fund 46,547 Presbyterian Home 51,649 Subtotal $ 157,216 Camp Pee Dee Capital Improvement (See Note 8) 265,844 Candidate Scholarships 153,861 Small Church Support & Redevelopment 539,301 Small Church Ministers 3,225 Campus Christian Life 9,190 Church Extension 1,314,266 Total $ 2,442,903
The control of disbursement of these funds is determined by the management and the various committees of the Presbytery.
NOTE 5 MARKET VALUE OF INVESTMENTS:
Investments are stated in the statement of assets, liabilities, and net assets at cost incurred to purchase them, plus income reinvested. The income from these assets is reported (added) as it is earned and credited. The market values and the related accumulated cost of these investments at December 31, 2011 are as follows as determined by the fund administrators: YEAR END MARK_TO MARKET MARKET DETAIL SHARES COST VALUE INCREASE
New Covenant Bal. Inc. Fund Balance January 1, 2011 9,689,197 $ 175,079 $ 178,959 $ 3,880 Dividends (All Reinvested) 203.118 3,721 3,654 Balance December 31, 2011 9,892,315 178,800 182,613 $ 3,813
THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
NOTE 6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF “BALANCE-SHEET” RISK:
The Presbytery is a party to financial instruments with off “balance-sheet” risk in the normal course of business. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) extends its insurance coverage to interest bearing deposits up to $250,000 per entity, plus all noninterest bearing accounts in a single bank. By distributing its invested funds among different financial institutions, the Presbytery keeps the majority of its funds fully covered by the FDIC. At December 31, 2011, Presbytery had $ 15,779 in excess of the FDIC limits spread among three financial institutions. The Mutual fund investment shown in Note 5 above is subject to daily market risk fluctuation, and is not insured resulting in an “off balance sheet” risk of the full $ 178,800.
NOTE 7 CHURCH EXTENSION & FINANCIAL AID:
Part of the function of the Presbytery is to assist the small churches and to help establish new ones. During 2011, aid was granted to small and developing churches or for special projects in the following amounts:
Aid to Field - salary supplements $ 8,542 Celebration 71,622 Others 4,098 Total $ 84,262
NOTE 8 PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED ASSETS:
A Camp Pee Dee Capital Improvements Fund was established by the former "Pee Dee Presbytery" with a minimum permanently restricted balance of $150,000. Proceeds of timber sales in prior years from this property were added by Presbytery Council to this restricted asset group. Interest earned on these invested funds may be used for capital expenditures for the benefit of the Camp. The Presbytery Council has recommended and the Presbytery has concurred that an additional 25% of earnings on invested funds would be added annually to this fund and considered as permanently restricted. These additions have increased the permanently restricted balance to $334,906. Since these funds have been added by the authority of the Presbytery, rather than restricted by the independent donors, only those funds so stipulated are shown in the statement as permanently restricted. The remainder of these funds ($265,844) is included as temporarily restricted in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.