July 14, 2018 Stated Meeting Presbytery of Philadelphia
Letter from the Moderator - Page 3 Introducing New Members - Page 4 Directions / Parking - Page 5 Pre-Presbytery Events - Page 7 General Assembly Summary - Page 9 Redress of Imbalance - Page 11 Docket- Page 13 Consent Agenda- Page 15 Commission on Ministry - Page 17 Commission on Financial Management* - Page 22 Commission on Preparation for Ministry & Membership - Page 29 Commission on Resources and Communications - Page 36 Stated Clerk - Page 37
*Please note: The proposed 2019 budget and related narrative will be included in a separate document after it has been reviewed and approved by the Leadership Collegium on July 10th as recommended by the Trustees of the Presbytery. Included would be any other actions items from the Trustees. This approved budget (and any other items) will be made available digitally on July 11th on the Stated Meeting page at: https://presbyphl.org/events/july-14-2018-stated-meeting-presbytery-philadelphia/
PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 3
Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Philippians 2:2
Dear Friends in Christ,
Summer is typically a time when the intense heat slows us down, giving us a chance to reflect and re-boot. However, as I sit down at my computer to write a letter to you there is jarring news of yet another act of senseless violence. A gunman has murdered innocent people in the office of a news organization in Maryland. We remain stressed, concerned and on edge. Mass killings, high profile suicides, children taken from their mothers, immense social injustice and inequality … I lament how broken we are. I confess to being very bewildered wondering why so many people feel they must hurt others or hurt themselves in order to be seen and heard.
What can we do? To begin with, the faithful can and should come together with one unified voice. Many voices professing love have the ability to resonate high above the rumble of hate. We, the faithful, must bring the good news of the gospel and the love of Christ to the world! Not only must we continue to envision and dream of a world full of love, grace and peace, we must give this dream a deliberate strong voice and work toward making this dream a reality.
I cordially welcome you to join me as we come together, a united voice as a Presbytery, for our stated meeting on July 14,, 2018 at Oxford Presbyterian Church. Two compelling Pre-Presbytery conversations will take place. One is an exercise in the design and development of creative “out of the box” ministry. The other concerns the gracious dismissal of Narberth Presbyterian Church.
During this meeting, we will hear from the commissioners to the 223rd General Assembly about their experience and our denomination’s renewed witness and call to Christian action. Our executive team will report on exciting new beginnings and chapters being written within our Presbytery. The proposed 2019 Presbytery budget will be presented. Additionally, the Reverend Jesse Gardner will give a report on behalf of the Administrative Commission for Gracious Dismissal of Narberth Presbyterian Church to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.
This summertime meeting will be focused and meaningful. Pre-Presbytery Conversations begin at 9:30 a.m. I will call the Stated Meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and we will adjourn at 1:15 p.m. Devotion will be woven throughout the meeting. Due to the short duration of our time together, no meal is being served.
I look forward to being with you, united as one body of faithful people called to serve and lead on God’s behalf.
Grace and Peace,
Linda Rutkosky Moderator of the Presbytery of Philadelphia
Page 3 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 4
NEW MINISTER MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA
Rev. James Thomas – Transferred from the Huntingdon Presbytery will serve as Co-Pastor of the Ridley Park Presbyterian Church.
Rev. Peter Ahn – was Ordained and is serving at the Olivet – Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Rev. Deborah Watson – was Ordained and is serving at the Narberth Presbyterian Church.
Rev. Jieun Lee – was Ordained and is serving in Validated Ministry as an Educational Evangelist for the Korean Church Network in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Rev. Dr. Christiane Lang Hearlson – Transferred from the Boston Presbytery and is serving in validated ministry at Villanova University
Rev. Adam Hearlson – Transferred from the United Church of Christ and will be serving at the Wayne Presbyterian Church.
Rev. Dr. Baron Mullis – Transferred from the Greater Atlanta Presbytery and will be serving at the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.
Rev. Stephanie Templin Ashford – Transferred from the Seattle Presbytery and will be serving at the Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown.
Page 4 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 5
Parking at Oxford Presbyterian Church There is ample parking behind the church, next to the Presbytery Center. The access to the parking lot is on Gowen Avenue. There are a number of handicapped parking spaces. In addition there is parking on the street, but please be mindful of neighbors and driveways. Directions to Oxford Presbyterian Church From Center City Philadelphia Take I-76 West/Schuylkill Expressway to Exit 340A (Lincoln Drive/ Kelly Dr/Germantown/Wissahickon Park) Take LINCOLN DRIVE (middle lane) for about 3.6 miles. Turn RIGHT onto MT. PLEASANT for 1.2 miles. Turn LEFT onto STENTON AVE. The Church is on the RIGHT at the traffic light GOWEN AVE. From Pennsylvania Turnpike Eastbound Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike I-476 South, merge onto Pennsylvania Turnpike/I-276 West and take Exit 333 (Norristown). Take the Germantown Pike East exit and follow for approximately 7 miles through Chestnut Hill into Mt Airy. Turn LEFT onto GOWEN AVE. The Church is in the LEFT at the intersection of STENTON & GOWEN AVES. From Ambler PA-309 Southbound Take PA- 309 south toward Philadelphia. Take the EASTON RD exit toward PA-152 Glenside. Turn RIGHT onto EASTON. Continue heading south on (EASTON eventually becoming MT AIRY) for approximately 2 miles. Turn RIGHT onto STENTON AVE. The Church is on the RIGHT at the traffic light GOWEN AVE. PARKING IS LIMITED. CARPOOLING is strongly encouraged. Street parking is available on MANSFIELD, STENTON and GOWEN AVES
Via SEPTA Regional Rail Use any Center City Rail Station (Jefferson, Suburban or 30th Street Station) to board the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East train. To Sedgwick Station, catch northbound H or XH bus (runs every 15 minutes) 4 stops to MT. AIRY and STENTON. Walk three blocks west on STENTON to GOWEN. To Mt. Airy Station, walk .5 miles (11 minutes) north on GOWEN AVE toward STENTON AVE. To Chestnut Hill East Station (last stop), walk up the steps or the ramp directly onto Germantown Ave and catch the L bus (runs every 15 minutes) 14 stops to STENTON AVE. Church is directly across from bus stop.
Via SEPTA Bus: Norristown Transportation Center (bus 98) travels to Plymouth Meeting Mall in 23 stops (32 minutes) connecting to the SEPTA L bus 46 stops (27 minutes), exit STENTON AVE. Church is directly across from bus stop.
Page 5 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 5 PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 6
Page 6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 7
You Are Invited to a Pre-Presbytery Opportunity Sponsored by the Commission on Resources and Communications Dare to Dream Dreams: An Exercise in Creative Ministry Design Saturday, July 14, 2018, 9:30 am—10:30 am Oxford Presbyterian Church Join us for this introduction to a creative resource and model for discerning and designing new expressions of the gospel that engage our local neighborhoods. Using an interactive design thinking exercise developed by Matryoshka Haus, participants will be empowered to move beyond common constraints and dream about new ministry initiatives.
Questions? Email [email protected]
More about the exercise: https://www.matryoshkahaus.com/what-we-do/mission-possible/
https://presbyphl.org/leadership/commissions/resources-communications/
Page 7 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 8
2019 PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH TRIENNIUM INFORMATIONSHEET
Get Ready for the 2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium - a gathering held every three years for high school age students in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Youth from all churches (across the sponsoring denominations) come together for this life changing, life giving, faith growing gathering! Five days that help form a younger generation of active Presbyterians. Five days that shape the leadership gifts and deepen the discipleship awareness for a generation who are already achieving a strong presence in this church and this world! Find out more about registration, event plans and travel information from the Triennium website at: www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org. EVENT ESSENTIALS Date: Tuesday, July 16th - Saturday, July 20th, 2019 Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Audience: High School Age youth and accompanying adult advisors (Entering freshmen through graduated seniors; adult advisors must be 21yrs+) Theme: "Here's My Heart" Registration Date: Registration will open in late 2018 and conclude to May 2019 Registration Fee: Youth: $555.00 / 18yrs & Older: $575.00 (Registration fee includes all programming, food & lodging. Everything but travel to the event) Website: www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org
Delegations: All participants attend the Triennium as a member of a delegation. A delegation can be a PRESBYTERY based delegation or a CHURCH based delegation. Most participants come with their Presbytery in a PRESBYTERY DELEGATION. But churches are also welcome to send a delegation. For more information about delegations and registration, visit the Triennium website and click on REGISTRATION. Or, contact the National Triennium Registrar: 502-569-5208 or [email protected].
Our young people"J-feJiit'� are saying� to us, to�-" the church, to the world! ,, J-leAit'� {}lhlf �! God says right back to us!
Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2019 A classic melody for a new generation's voice! www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org
Page 8 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 9
223rd General Assembly – St. Louis, Missouri “Kin-dom” Building for the 21st Century A Renewed Witness and Call to Christian Action Framed in Worship and Biblical Reflection Major Decisions and/or Recommendations to Presbyteries for Consideration (prepared by the Presbytery of Philadelphia on June 23, 2018 with information gathered from both personal witness and General Assembly News) This is a brief summary of major actions or statements made by 223rd General Assembly. Please note: there were many other actions as well as overtures that were either defeated in committee or on the floor of the Assembly. For a full and detailed accounting of debates and decisions, please connect to Presbyterian Church (USA) website: https://ga-pcusa.org/general-assembly- news/. All items can also be found in their raw form: www.pc-biz.org. Co-Moderators Elected: Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (Presbytery of Tropical Florida) and the Rev. Cindy Kohlmann (Presbytery of Boston) were elected in a 4th ballot by the 223rd General Assembly – making it the first time that a person of Latino heritage has been elected to this role. This is also the second time co-moderators have been elected.
The Way Forward: After two-years of discernment, the recommendations of the Way Forward Commission were presented to the Assembly’s Way Forward Committee (Led by our own Rev. Cindy Jarvis) with these highlights of assembly actions: Appoint a team to review the current per capita structure used to pay for ministry beyond the local congregation (ie. presbytery, synod, national office). This team is to report back to the next Assembly. Approved the restructure of the governance of the denomination by taking its corporate entity out of the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) and establishing an independent intra-agency arm – A Corp – which will be responsible for shared services, facilities, legal services and other areas. The hope is to allow for the PMA, under its new leadership, to focus on ministry. Affirm the spiritual and constitutional leadership of the Office of the Stated Clerk as “chief ecumenical officer and primary representative“ of our denomination. A ‘Moving Forward Implementation Team’ to ensure compliance with General Assembly’s recommendations and encourage cooperation with all agencies of our denomination. Per Capita: After much conversation and the appointment of special committees to examine national funding structure, the Assembly approved per capita at $8.95 per member for the years 2019 and 2020. Per capita is the financial vehicle used to fund the connectional church beyond the local congregation. This amount will be added to the Synod of the Trinity and Presbytery of Philadelphia per capita amounts, making our TOTAL recommended per capita $29.25 for 2019.
Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations: In an ongoing effort to build bridges with Christians of other traditions, the Assembly confirmed ongoing conversations with both the Episcopal Church in America and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Assembly adopted the development of a relationship with Gereja Maseh Injili di Minahasa, an Indonesian language communion of the Reformed Protestant tradition. The Assembly reaffirmed our commitment to developing interfaith relationships and to denounce any and all language that condones violence, hate or bias based on religious identity.
Peacemaking, Immigration and International Issues: Encouraged congregations to pray for the victims of human rights violations in North Korea; prepare for possibility of reunification on Korean peninsula and encourage presbyteries to work with national Korean caucus. The Assembly approved a call upon our government to reunite families separated at borders and to notify parents of their children’s whereabouts as soon as possible. They also denounced the detaining of families at military bases or other government entities. Offered prayers and articulated concerns for the circumstances and people in nations around the world, such as El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Yemen, Madagascar, South Sudan, Korean Peninsula, and Central America. Middle East: Assembly encouraged efforts initiated by Israelis and Palestinians to “come together in building honest understanding and peace, working together to address inequality to pave the way to reconciliation.” In response to recent violence in Gaza, the Assembly denounced the violence and reaffirmed PCUSA’s commitment to and call for an end of the blockade of Gaza by Israel; urged US and international support for basic human values for all Palestinians and Israelis despite the lack of a peace process.
Social Justice – Ongoing Public Witness: Decade of Intercultural Transformation 2020-2030 – in response to changing cultural demographics, a task force will develop guidelines to equip and help the church embody the Gospel in our current reality. Puerto Rico- Assembly directed PCUSA to take strategic steps to support the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in its response to the most recent economic crisis caused by Hurricane Maria that has impacted hospitals, education, and continuing access to electricity and water. Sexual Misconduct: Called the PCUSA to “transparency and decisive action” in response to clergy and other’s misconduct that has historically compromised the most vulnerable among us.
Page 9 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 10
Black Women and Girls: Not unlike the previous General Assembly that addressed the “Worsening Plight of the African American Male,” this Assembly voted to respond to ongoing disparities experienced by black women and girls. Gun Violence: in response to growing concern, curriculum for the church will be developed on how to prevent gun violence. Environment - Continued Engagement over Divestment: The Assembly approved continued engagement with corporations engaged in production of fossil fuels rather than divestment. Mission Responsibility through Investment (MRTI) shared what they perceived to be positive movement that has been made with environmental alliances through engagement. MRTI has been directed to continue to apply pressure on fossil fuel producing corporations and report back results to the 224th General Assembly.
Polity and Church Orders: Approved a study on family leave, which will be brought back to 224th GA in response to growing concerns regarding the need for the church to model the care of its employees, especially after the birth or adoption of children.
Theological Issues, Church Growth and Institutions The assembly voted to create a task force to develop a guiding letter to accompany the Confession of Belhar from South Africa – a letter that would explore the confession’s themes of racism, reconciliation, and repentance in the U.S. context. The Assembly voted to begin the process for possibly adopting Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” as a confession to be added to our Book of Confessions. This would include resources that will help Christian study, liturgy and worship. The Assembly approved overtures celebrating the gifts and affirming the dignity of LGBTQIA+ people in church and society. Faith Formation - encouraged the Presbyterian Mission Agency to, as it supports ministry in Christian formation, transition to an emphasis on lifelong Christian education and faith formation, especially intergenerational ministry. Approved the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III as the new president of Louisville Theological Seminary Leadership in Denominational Agencies: Presbyterian Mission Agency - Assembly confirmed the election of the Rev. Diane Moffett as its new President/Executive Director. Presbyterian Foundation - Assembly confirmed the Rev. Dr. Tom Taylor for a third term as President and Chief Executive Officer. Constitutional Changes: There will be some recommendations to changes in the constitution that will require the approval of the majority of the 170 presbyteries throughout our nation. The Presbytery of Philadelphia will vote on these recommendations at our November meeting. Confessional Declaration from 223rd Assembly on the Role of the Church
As confessing Christians, we trust God, whom we know through Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray as others pray in other names.
We are obligated to declare our concerns about the direction towards autocracy that our country is taking. We say Yes to God’s power of love and justice for the neighbor as well as the self, and we say No to demonic power that urges hate of the other, scatters blame, and creates civic discord.
We say Yes to our imperfect democracy with one person, one vote, and No to any corruption of our elections. We say Yes to universal health care and No to care based on the ability to pay. We say Yes to safe schools, houses of worship, and public gathering places; and No to civilian access to assault and/or military-style weapons.
We say Yes to core human values and No to dividing our humanity by ideology and partisanship. We say Yes to bridges and preservation of families and No to walls. We say Yes to affirming and celebrating the full spectra of human identity and No to discrimination and bigotry.
We say: In life, and in death we belong to God.”
Page 10 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 11
REDRESS OF IMBALANCE
The Book of Order (G-3.0301) requires the Presbytery to “adopt and communicate to the sessions a plan for determining how many ruling elders each session should elect as commissioners to Presbytery.”
An examination of the total number of members of the congregations of the Presbytery and the total number of minister members reveals a ratio of approximately 86 congregants for every minister member. Using each congregation’s reported 2016 membership and assigning 1 ruling elder commissioner for every 86 members would lead to the following number of ruling elder commissioners for each Presbytery meeting. (Please note: This allocation caps the maximum number of ruling elder commissioners for all congregations of 1,800 or more at 18.)
Total Minister Members: 330 Total Congregation Membership: 28,514
At the November 2017 Stated Meeting, the Presbytery approved the following allocation for implementation beginning December 1, 2017 and continuing through November 30, 2018.
Abington 10 Disston Memorial 1 Ambler, First 7 Doylestown 18 Anchor 1 Eddington 2 Arch Street 1 Elkins Park 1 Ardmore, First 4 Falls of Schuylkill 1 Aston 1 First African 1 Beacon 1 Forest Grove 2 Bensalem 1 Fox Chase Memorial 1 Berean 2 Frankford 1 Bethel 1 Germantown Community 1 Bethesda 2 Germantown First 2 Beverly Hills 1 Glading Memorial 1 Bryn Mawr 18 Gladwyne, Lower Merion 1 Calvary - Wyncote 2 Glenolden, First 1 Calvin 1 Good Shepherd 1 Carmel 5 Grace Jenkintown 6 Cedar Park 1 Gwynedd Square 3 Central Norristown 1 Holmes 1 Chambers Memorial 1 Holy Trinity Bethlehem 1 Chestnut Hill 6 Ivyland 1 Christ's 1 Japanese Christian 1 Christ's Community Church- Drexel Hill 1 Jeffersonville 1 Church on the Mall 1 Kensington First 1 Collenbrook United 1 Langhorne 4 Concord Liberty 2 Lansdowne, First 2 Crossroads-Limerick 2 Lawndale Holy Grace 1 Darby, First 1 Lenape Valley 4 Deep Run 3 Leverington 2
Page 11 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 12
Levittown, First 10 Temple 1 Llanerch 2 Thompson Memorial 4 Lombard Central 1 Thomas M Thomas Memorial 1 Lower Providence 10 Trinity - Clifton Heights 1 MacAlester Torresdale 1 Trinity, Philadelphia 1 Marple 3 Tully Memorial 1 Mayfair 1 United Ghanaian Community 3 Media 6 Valley Forge 2 Memorial 1 Wallingford 5 Middletown 4 Warminster, First (3) 3 Morrisville 5 Wayne 18 Mount Airy 1 Westminster Mayfair 1 Narberth 5 Wissahickon 1 Neshaminy Warwick 6 Wissinoming 1 New Spirit Community 1 Woodland 1 Newtown 10 Woodside 9 Newtown Square 3 Wynnefield 1 Norristown, First 1 Yeadon 1 Norriton 1 Northampton 1 Northminster 1 Oak Lane 1 Old Pine, Third Scots & Mariners 2 Olivet - Prospect Park 1 Olivet Covenant 1 Olney First 1 Overbrook 5 Oxford 2 Parkland 1 PC of Pakistan 1 Penn Wynne 1 Philadelphia, First 3 Podowon 1 Port Kennedy, First 1 Pottstown, First 7 Tree of Life (Princeton) 1 Rhawnhurst 1 Ridley Park 7 Roxborough 1 Southwestern 1 Springfield -Flourtown 2 Springfield, First 2 Suh Kwang 1 Summit 1 Supplee Memorial 4 Swarthmore 8 Tabernacle United 1
Page 12 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 13
PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING 14 JULY 2018 at 10:30 AM OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PHILADELPHIA, PA
“…Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33)
DOCKET
9:00 AM Registration
9:30 AM Pre-Presbytery Conversations Dare to Dream Dreams – An Exercise in Creative Ministry Design (Commission on Resources and Communications) Gracious Dismissal of Narberth Presbyterian to ECO (Narberth Administrative Commission)
10:30 AM Call to Order and Opening Prayer Moderator, Elder Linda Rutkosky
Welcome and Arrangements Elder Lloyd Higgins, Oxford Presbyterian Church
Stated Clerk’s Report Rev. Kevin Porter Approval of Docket Approval of Consent Agenda Seating of Corresponding Members
Introduction of New Elder Commissioners Elder Linda Rutkosky and New Minister Members
10:50 AM Leadership Collegium Report Elder Linda Rutkosky
Report of Administrative Commission for Rev. Jesse Garner Gracious Dismissal of Narberth Presbyterian Church to ECO (Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians)
11:40 AM Devotional Led by Commissioners to the 223rd General Assembly
*All new business must be to the Stated Clerk by 11:30 am.
Page 13 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 14
11:55 AM Commission on Financial Management Elder Mike Henry Presentation of Proposed 2019 Budget
12:10 PM Commission on Preparation for Ministry & Membership Rev. Ken Ross Examination for Ordination of Kristen Levens and Brian Russo
1:50 PM Report from 223rd General Assembly Commissioners to the 223rd General Assembly
1:05 PM Executive Presbyter Report Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace Commissioning of West Philadelphia Initiative
1:15 PM Adjournment with Closing Song and Blessing
Next Stated Presbytery Meeting will be Tuesday, November 13, 2018 (mid-afternoon through dinner) Location to be determined
*All new business must be to the Stated Clerk by 11:30 am.
Page 14 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 15
CONSENT AGENDA (A) A-1
ACTION ITEMS
FROM THE STATED CLERK
1. With gratitude for their faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that the death of the following Ministers of Word and Sacrament be recorded in the minutes of this stated meeting:
Rev. Clarence Van Dyke, Honorably Retired, May 4, 2018 Rev. Burton S. Froom, Honorably Retired, June 19, 2018
"For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God," Job 19:25-26
2. That the following procedures be adopted for the consideration of the report of the Administrative Commission (AC) formed in response to the request from the Narberth Church for gracious dismissal with property to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO): a) No amendments to the Terms of Dismissal are in order. b) Only those with privilege of the floor to speak will be recognized by the Moderator. c) Once recognized at a microphone, speakers will identify themselves by name and congregation/status and begin their comments by stating if they are: 1.) Speaking for the recommendation of the AC. 2.) Speaking against the recommendation of the AC. 3.) Asking a question. d) Each speaker will have 2 minutes for her or his remarks, addressing the Moderator at all times. The speaker will be prompted when 30 seconds remain in their 2 minutes. e) No speaker will be granted a second opportunity to speak unless and until all others within the time docketed have had an opportunity. f) Comments will alternate between those speaking for and those speaking against the AC recommendation. Once speakers representing only one position remain in the line to speak, the Moderator may ask the body if it would like to close debate.
Page 15 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 16
A-2 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. The Ordination of Peter Ahn took place on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 1:00pm at the Olivet- Covenant Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jin S. Kim preaching. All questions were answered in the affirmative.
2. The Ordination of Deborah Watson took place on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 1:30pm at the Narberth Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Steve Weed preaching. All questions were answered in the affirmative.
3. The Ordination of Jieun Lee took place on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at 3:00pm at the Supplee Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace preaching. All questions were answered in the affirmative.
Page 16 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 17
COMMISSION ON MINISTRY C-1 Informational Items The following actions have been taken by the Commission on Ministry subsequent to the May 15, 2018 meeting of Presbytery at their May 9, 2018 and June 7, 2018 Meetings.
Terms of Call
1. Approved, if the way be clear, of the Terms of Call for the Rev. James Thomas to serve as co-pastor of the Ridley Park Presbyterian Church with the following terms: this is a full time position; $40,000 cash compensation; $40,000 housing allowance; $80,000 effective salary; $6,120 SECA; $29,600 pensions; $4,000 professional expenses; $1,500 study leave allowance; two weeks study leave; one month (four Sundays) vacation; $121,220 Total Package. (5/3/18)
2. Approved the Terms of Call for the Rev. James Edward Bonner to serve at the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield with the following terms: $48,000 cash compensation; $24,000 housing allowance; $72,000 effective salary; $5,508 SECA; $26,640 pensions; $2,500 professional expenses; $1,000 study leave; $5000 moving expenses; two weeks study leave; one month (four Sundays) vacation; 13 week sabbatical after 6 years; $112,648 Total Package. (5/3/18)
3. Approved, if the way be clear, the Terms of Call for Kristen Nicole Levens, to serve as the Associate Pastor of Student and Young Adult Ministries at the Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown, effective August 6, 2018 with the following terms: this is a full time position; $54,000 cash compensation; $4,131 SECA; $19,980 pensions; $2,500 professional expenses; $1,000 study leave allowance; two weeks study leave; on month (four Sundays) vacation; up to $1,000 moving expenses; 3 month sabbatical after six years of service; $81,611 Total Package ($82,611 with moving expenses). (6/7/18)
4. Approved, if the way be clear, the Terms of Call for the Rev. Dr. Baron Mullis to serve as Co-Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia effective August 1, 2018 with the following terms: this is a full time position; $120,000 effective salary; $9,160 SECA; $44,400 pension; $4,000 professional expenses; $4,000 study leave allowance; $2,600 parking; two weeks study leave; one month (four Sundays) vacation; $184,160 Total Package. (6/7/18)
Page 17 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 18
Supply Contracts C-2
1. Approved the Supply Pastor of visitation contract between the Rev. Sameh Shaker and the Session of the Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church for a period of twelve months beginning May 13, 2018 with the following terms: this is a 15 hour per week position; $18,000 housing allowance; $18,000 effective salary; $700 professional expenses; $500 study leave; $200 per Sunday preached; two weeks study leave; one month (four Sundays) vacation; $19,200 Total Package. (5/3/18)
2. Approved the Supply Pastor Contract between the Rev. Bill Golderer and the Session of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church, for a period of twelve months beginning March 1, 2018 with the following terms: this is a twelve hours per week position; $12,000 cash compensation; $12,000 effective salary; $13,000 pension; $2,500 professional expenses; one month (four Sundays) vacation; $27,500 total package. (5/3/18)
3. Approved of the renewal of the Supply Pastor Contract between the Rev. Megan LeCluyse and the session of the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia for a period of twelve months, beginning January 1, 2018 with the following terms: this is an 8 hours per week position; $15,396 housing allowance; $500 professional expenses; $15,896 total package. (5/3/18)
4. Approved of the Supply Pastor Contract between the Rev. Sarah Weisiger and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia for a period of 9 ½ months beginning on March 15, 2018 with the following terms: this is a 8 hours per week position; 11,400 housing allowance (this is pro-rated for the life of the 9 ½ month contract), $500 professional expenses; one month (four Sundays) vacation; $11,900 total package. (5/3/18)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 19
C-3 5. Approved the annual review and renewal of the Supply Commissioned Lay Pastor Contract between Roland Reeves and the Session of the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kensington for a period of one year beginning June 2, 2018 with the following terms: this is a 19 hours per week position; $22,800 cash compensation; two weeks study leave; two weeks (two Sundays) vacation; $22,800 total package. (6/7/18)
Interim Contracts
1. Approved, if the way be clear, the Interim Associate Pastor Contract for the Rev. Adam Hearlson and the Session of the Wayne Presbyterian Church for a period of twelve months effective May 29, 2018 with the following terms: this is a full time contract; $34,544 cash compensation; $35,000 housing allowance; $69,544 effective salary; $5,320 SECA; $7,650 pension; $695 death insurance; $2,000 professional expenses; $1,000 study leave allowance; two weeks study leave; four weeks (four Sundays) vacation; $89,209 Total Package. (5/3/18)
2. Approved, if the way be clear, the Interim Pastor Contract between the Rev. James Poinsett and the Session of the Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church for a period of twelve months beginning August 1, 2018 with the following terms: this is a full time position; $42,013 cash compensation; $35,000 housing allowance; $82,413 effective salary; $6,304.59 SECA; $30,492.81 pension; $3,200 professional expenses; two weeks study leave; one month (Four Sundays) vacation; $122,410.40 Total Package. (6/7/18)
Ordinations and Installations
1. Approved the Administrative Commission for the Ordination of Deborah Watson on Saturday, June 16th at 1:30pm at the Narberth Presbyterian Church with the following members: Elders Linda Rutkosky (Doylestown), Charles Choi (Narberth), Lloyd Higgins (Oxford), and Ministers of Word and Sacrament Eric Dorville (Ambler, First) and Ethelyn Taylor (Oxford) and Kathy Hecht (Validated Ministry). (6/7/18)
2. Approved the Administrative Commission for the Ordination of Jieun Lee on Sunday June 24th at 3:00 pm at the Supplee Memorial Presbyterian Church with the following members: Elders Linda Rutkosky (Doylestown), Julia Hill (Yeadon), Michael Smith (Philadelphia, First) and Minsters of Word and Sacrament Sarah Weisiger (Philadelphia, First), Ki Nam Lee (Validated Ministry), Lori Kosinski (Norriton) and Byungil Kim (Podowon). (6/7/18)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 20
C-4 3. Approved the Administrative Commission for the Ordination of the Peter Ahn on Saturday, June 9th at 1:00pm at the Olivet-Covenant Presbyterian Church with the following members: Elders Linda Rutkosky (Doylestown), Frank Lundy (Germantown, First), Karen Lea (Olivet Covenant) and Ministers of Word and Sacrament Ruth Faith Santana-Grace (Validated Ministry, Presbytery Executive) and Sarah Weisiger (Philadelphia, First). (6/7/18)
4. Approved the request to allow Rev. Jin S. Kim (Church of All Nations) to preach at the Ordination of Peter Ahn on June 9th at Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church. (6/7/18)
Appointments of Moderators of Sessions
1. Approved the Rev. Sarah Weisiger as the Moderator of Session for the Rhawnhurst Presbyterian Church. (5/3/18)
2. Approved the Rev. John Van Druff as Moderator of Session for the April and May meetings of Session at the Olivet Presbyterian Church. (5/3/18)
3. Appointed the Rev. Judith Brackett as Moderator of Session at the Olivet Presbyterian Church in Prospect Park. (6/7/18)
Position Descriptions & Ministry Information Forms
1. Approved the Ministry Information Form for the Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church. (5/3/18)
2. Approved the Ministry Information Form for the Rhawnhurst Presbyterian Church. (5/3/18)
3. Approved the Ministry Information Form for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. (6/7/18)
4. Approved the Mission Study for the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. (6/7/18)
5. Approved the Associate Pastor Job Description for the Morrisville Presbyterian Church. (6/7/18)
6. Approved the Ministry Information Form for the Arch Street Presbyterian Church. (6/7/18)
Page 20 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 21
Exit Interviews & Covenants of Closure C-5
1. Approved the Exit Interview for Sessions for the Rev. Stuart Spencer at the Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church. (5/3/18)
2. Approved the Covenant of Closure and the Exit interview between the Rev. Kathy Hecht and the Olivet Presbyterian Church. (5/3/18)
3. Approved the exit interview with Session for the Rev. Linda Jaymes at the Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church. (5/3/18)
Transfers
1. Approved the request of the Stated Clerk, at the request of the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Denver to transfer the Rev. David Wright effective immediately to the Presbytery of Denver. (5/3/18)
2. Approved the request of the Stated Clerk, at the request of the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of New Hope to transfer the Rev. John Weicher effective May 10, 2018 to the Presbytery of New Hope. (6/7/18)
Miscellaneous
1. Approved the request to allow Elder Diana Taylor serve one year beyond her second term on Session at the Germantown Community Presbyterian Church. (5/3/18)
2. Approved the minutes of the April 5, 2018 COM meeting. (5/3/18)
3. Approved the sabbatical request for the Rev. Ethelyn Taylor of the Oxford Presbyterian Church. (6/7/18)
4. Approved the sabbatical request for the Rev. Jason Ferris of the Third, Scots and Mariners Presbyterian Church. (6/7/18)
5. Entered into executive session with prayer to discuss a personnel matter. Came out of executive session with prayer.(6/7/18)
6. Approved, if the way be clear, the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between the Overbrook Presbyterian Church and the Revs. Bruce and Carolyn Gillette under the terms stated in the agreement with the session of Overbrook. (6/7/18)
7. Approved the minutes of the May 3, 2018 COM meeting. (6/7/18)
Page 21 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 22
Commission on Financial Management F-1 Information Items
The following items were approved by the Trustees at the May 3, 2018 CFM meeting:
1. That the financial statements ending February 28, 2018 be approved as presented.
2. Landlord: QTL Home, LLC
Tenant: First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore
Premises: 209 Sheas Terrace
Term: 02/01/18 to 04/30/19
Rent: $1,345.00 a month
2. Landlord: First Presbyterian Church of Glenolden
Tenant: Gethsemane Ministry, Inc.
Premises: Fellowship Hall and adjoining rooms Sunday 8:00-9:30 A.M.; 7:00-8:30 P.M. Wednesday 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. Tuesday 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Last Friday of the month 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
Term: 03/18/18 to 12/31/18
Rent: $18,000 a year @ $1,500 a month AND $2,000 for snow removal
Comment: Renewal of lease dated January 2, 2016 and revision of terms of renewal of lease approved by Presbytery 03/01/18
Page 22 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 23
F-2 3. Sale of 2790 Pratt Street (former Bridesburg Presbyterian Church)
RESOLVED, that the property of the Trustees of the Presbytery of Philadelphia (the “Corporation”) located at 2790 Pratt Street, Philadelphia, PA (once the site of the First Presbyterian Church of Bridesburg) (the “Property”) be sold to Samuel Heidorn and Shana Heidorn or their assignee or nominee (the “Buyer”) for a purchase price of $340,000.00 in accordance with the terms of an agreement of sale delivered by Buyer to the Corporation.
RESOLVED, that the Assistant Treasurer/Business Administrator of the Corporation is authorized to take any additional actions and execute any additional amendments or endorsements to the Agreement of Sale necessary to close on the sale of the Property with the advice of legal counsel of the Presbytery.
RESOLVED, that any one of the officers of the Corporation is authorized and empowered to execute and deliver all agreements, instruments and documents, including, but not limited to, the Agreement of Sale, a deed, a seller’s affidavit, and settlement statement, as are necessary and desirable to consummate the sale and conveyance of the Property to the Buyer. The said officer is further authorized, directed and empowered to proceed with the sale and to take all such actions as are necessary and desirable for the purposes of effectuating the sale.
RESOLVED, that the Assistant Secretary or the Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation are also authorized to sign and affix the Corporation’s seal to any and all documents required to effectuate the sale as set forth above, and, to receive the check (made payable to the Trustees of the Presbytery of Philadelphia) representing the balance of the proceeds of the sale.
Page 23 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 24
F-3
5. That Cedar Park be granted $5,000 to $6,000 from Capital Grants to Churches for heater conversion and plumbing projects at the manse.
6. That Concord Liberty receives a loan in the amount of $40,000 from the Revolving Loan Fund to fund a portion of needed HVAC, stucco and paving projects.
7. That Olney receives a loan in the amount of ca. $7,500 (for 50% of the roof repair plus the Incubator contribution) from the Revolving Loan Fund, and a grant from Capital Grants to Churches in the amount of ca. $6,500 (for the balance of the roof repair) to cover these initiatives.
Page 24 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 25
Presbytery or Philadelphia Balance Sheet F-4 As of 4/30/2018 I emporarily Permanently Unrestricled Restricted Restricted Total
ASSETS: Cash:
PNC Bank·Presbytery 268,262.51 16.700.07 0.00 284,962.58 PNC Bank·Kirkwood 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Payroll Checking 4,074.16 0.00 0.00 4,074.16 BlackRock (Temp Fund) 320,934.47 0.00 0.00 320,934.47 PNC Business Card 1,000.00 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 Pelly Cash 150.00 0.00 0.00 150.00 Total Cash: 594,421.14 16.700.07 0.00 611,121.21 Commingled Investments:
Glenmede 7,762,423.45 745,319.44 2,561,046.14 11,068,789.03 Europacific Fund 628,041.52 0.00 0.00 628,041.52 Total Commingled Investments· 8,390,464.97 745,319.44 2,561,046.14 11,696,830 55 Other Investments:
Community Investments 204,246.63 0.00 0.00 204,246.63 Covenant Fund 1,847,578.75 0.00 0.00 1,847,578.75 Good Shepherd Fund 5,383,064.49 0.00 0.00 5,383,064.49 Total Other Investments: 7,434,889.87 0.00 0.00 7,434,889.87 Accounts Receivable: Cash Flow Advances 21,435.16 0.00 0.00 21,435.16 Loans Receivable 254,695.55 0.00 0.00 254,695.55 Grant Mortgages 737,781 76 0.00 0.00 737,781.76 Advances 15,195.53 0.00 0.00 15,195.53 Due from other Funds 20,000.00 0.00 0.00 20,000.00 Total Accounts Receivable: 1,049.108.00 0.00 0.00 1,049. 108.00 Land Lease: Land Lease 206,207.49 0.00 0.00 206,207.49 Total Land Lease: 206,207.49 0.00 0.00 206,207.49 Real Estate and Equipment: Office Equipment 98,691.20 0.00 000 98,691.20 Buildings and Land 7,222,069.43 0.00 �o 7,222,069.43 Total Real Estate and Equipment: 7,320,760.63 0.00 0.00 7,320,760.63 Accumulated Depreciation: Accumulated Depreciation (1,507,653 19) 0.00 0.00 (1,507,653.19) Total Accumulated Depreciation: (1,507,653.19) 0.00 0.00 (1,507,653.19) Total ASSETS· 23,488,198.91 762,019.51 2,561,046.14 26,811,264.56
LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCES: Accounts Payable: Payroll Liabilities 2,308.15 0.00 0.00 2,308.15 Funds Held for Others 185,743.92 0.00 0.00 185,743 92 Deferred Revenue 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total Accounts Payable: 188,052.07 0.00 0.00 188,052.07 Funds Balances: Operating Equity.Budget 379,139.77 0.00 0.00 379,139.77 Oper. Equity.Restricted Accts. (82,910.62) 9,113 97 (14,980.70) (88,777.35) Loans Equity 1,300,000.00 0.00 0.00 1,300,000.00 Fixed Assets Equity 6,019,314 93 0.00 0.00 6,019,314.93 General Endowment Equity 3,340,092.74 0.00 821,670.62 4,161,763.36 Endow.Purpose Restr.Eqty 602,622.49 0.00 1,754,356.22 2,356,978.71 Endow.Purpose Restr.lnc. 75,084.19 427,012.87 0.00 502,097.06 Restricted Expendables 4,923,985.03 325,892.67 0.00 5,249,877.70 Trust Funds 6,443,965.25 0.00 0.00 6.443,965.25 Trust Fund Income 298,853.06 0.00 0.00 298,853.06 Total Funds Balances: 23,300,146.84 762,019.51 2,561,046.14 26,623,212.49 Total LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCES: 23,488,198.91 762,019.51 2,561,046.14 26,811,264.56
Page 25 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 26
F-5 Presbytery of Philadelphia Comparative Mission Budget Report From 1/1/2018 Through 4/30/2018
Account Current Year Code Account Title YTD Actual Prior Year Actual Change
REVENUE
9001 Apportionment 210,965.52 171,545.48 39,420.04 9010 Congregational Giving 103,413 02 113,756.78 (10,343.76) 9062 lndividuals/Org.: Unified 103.32 50.00 53.32 9070 Investment Income 35,869.27 34,733.46 1,135.81
Report 350,351.13 320,085.72 30,265.41
EXPENDITURES
1300 Regional Commissions 5 05 393 05 (388.00) 1400 Resources & Communication 621.10 251.97 369.13 1600 Commission on Ministry 263 06 178.25 84.81 4000 Financial Administration 37,941.77 34,406.55 3,535.22 4010 Kirkwood Camp 20,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 4500 Community Ministries 46,054.52 44,521.06 1,533.46 5090 Leadership Collegium 35 05 28.75 6.30 5100 Personnel 289,446.10 271,768.39 17,677.71 5310 Ecclesiastical Administration 5,931.36 5,199.05 732.31
Report 400,298.01 366,747.07 33,550.94
Total Revenue Over (Under) Expenditures (49,946.88) (46,661.35) (3,285.53)
Page 26 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 27
Presbytery of Philadelphia Mission Summary Budget Report From 4/1/2018 Through 4/30/2018 F-6
Account Current Prd Current Prd YTD Budget Code Account Title Budget Actual YTD Budget YTD Actual Variance - Revised Total Budget
REVENUE
9001 Apportionment 36,583.33 87,035 86 146,333.32 210,965.52 64,632.20 439,000.00 9010 Congregational Giving 32,083.33 19,780.47 128,333.32 103,413.02 (24,920.30) 385,000.00 9062 lndividuals/Org.: Unified 0.00 0.00 0.00 103.32 103.32 0.00 9070 Investment Income 30,833.33 12,671.33 123,333.32 35,869.27 (87,464.05) 370,000.00 9096 Non-recurring:Restricted 1,583.33 0.00 6,333.32. 0.00 (6,333.32) _19,000.00
Report 101,083.32 119,487.66 404,333.28 350,351.13 (53,982.15) 1,213,000.00 Total
EXPENDITURES
1300 Regional Commissions 83.32 0.00 333.28 5.05 328.23 1,000.00 1400 Resources & Communication 541.66 53.27 2,166.64 621.10 1,545.54 6,500.00 1600 Commission on Ministry 416.67 46.14 1,666.68 263.06 1,403.62 5,000.00 4000 Financial Administration 11,624.99 13,743.16 46,499.96 37,941.77 8,558.19 139,500.00 4010 Kirkwood Camp 3,333.33 10,000.00 13,333.32 20,000.00 (6,666.68) 40,000.00 4500 Community Ministries 10,416.65 10,363.63 41,666.60 46,054.52 (4,387.92) 125,000.00 5090 Leadership Collegium 833.33 0.00 3,333.32 35 05 3,298.27 10,000.00 5100 Personnel 72,250.00 76,490.24 289,000.00 289,446.10 (446.10) 867,000.00 5310 Ecclesiastical Administration 1,583.33 1,005.50 6,333.32 5,931.36 401.96 �000.00
Report 101,083.28 111,701.94 404,333.12 400,298.01 4,035.11 1,213,000.00 Total Total Revenue Over (Under) Expenditures 7,785.72 (49,946.88)
Page 27 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 28
Presbytery of Philadelphia Comparative Budget Report: Kirkwood F-7 From 1/1/2018 Through 4/30/2018
Current Year Current Year Actual Prior Year Actual Change
REVENUE: Congregational Giving 11,324.82 20,375.82 {9,051.00) Presbytery Support 20,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 lndividuals/Organiz.: Unified 306.30 2,295.50 {1,989.20) Program Related 6,620.00 0.00 6,620.00 Registrations 2,590.00 3,812.50 (1,222.50) Rentals 11,810.00 8,392.50 3,417.50 Total REVENUE: 52,651.12 44,876.32 7,774.80
EXPENDITURES: Building Equipment 52.74 2,698.93 {2,646.19) Building Maintenance 11,933.43 2,289.70 9,643.73 Dues/Memberships 0.00 82.00 (82.00) Grounds Maintenance 5,637.73 9,457.93 {3,820.20) Insurance 9,179.70 4,989.13 4,190.57 Miscellaneous 12.00 24.30 (12.30) Salaries and Benefits 29,488.57 28,321.54 1,167.03 Postage 9.79 0.00 9.79 Professional Fees 1,342.41 3,787.25 (2,444.84) Program Related 3,809.83 4,506.91 (697.08) Publicity/Promotion 4,524.45 2,431.81 2,092.64 Development 851.90 529.97 321.93 Supplies 766.83 840.65 (73.82) Telephone 867.50 782.42 85.08 Travel 0.00 60.00 (60.00) Utilities 8,451.63 7,992.26 459.37 Vehicles 1,296.67 1,595.55 (298.88) Total EXPENDITURES: 78,225.18 70,390.35 7,834.83
Total Revenue Over (Under) Expenditures (25,574.06) (25,514.03) (60.03)
Page 28 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 29
COMMISSION ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY AND MEMBERSHIP P-1
Action Item
The Commission on Preparation for Ministry and Membership recommends candidates Brian Russo (Germantown, First), Kristen Levens (New Hope Presbytery), be examined for ordination and, if the way be clear, their plans for ordination be approved.
The following actions have been taken by the Commission on Preparation for Ministry and Membership subsequent to the May 15, 2018 meeting of Presbytery at their May 10, 2018, and June 12, 2018 Meetings.
Information Items
Moved to Candidacy
1. Approved Sarah Hostetter to be advanced to candidacy. (5/10/18) 2. Approved Cassandra Heintz to be advanced to candidacy. (6/14/18) 3. Approved Andrew Hostetter to be advanced to candidacy. (6/14/18)
Enrolled as a Member
1. Enrolled Rev. James Thomas as a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. (2/8/18) 2. Enrolled Rev. Dr. Christiane Lang Hearlson as a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. (6/14/18) 3. Enrolled Rev. Adam Hearlson as a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. (6/14/18) 4. Enrolled Rev. Dr. Baron Mullis as a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. (6/17/18) 5. Enrolled Rev. Stephanie Templin Ashford as a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia (6/14/18)
Additional Information
1. Approved the Financial Aid Request of Wayne Mucklow. (5/10/18) 2. Met with Wayne Mucklow for annual consultation. (5/10/18) 3. Met with Kristen Levens in preparation for examination for ordination. (6/14/18) 4. Approved Lloyd Higgins (Oxford), Tom Summers (Validated Ministry) and Bailey Heckman (Thompson Memorial) as exam readers (6/14/18)
Page 29 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 30
P-2 Under the Care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia Commission on Preparation for Ministry and Membership
Inquirers Candidates Certified Ready Baah, Isaac (United Ghanaian) Lester-Abdalla, Alexander (Wayne) Bachman, Karen Biermann, Heidi (Thompson Memorial) Ballard, Brian (Wayne) Bass, Aaron Cavicchia , Cara (Media) Blore, Christen (Doylestown) Cornish, Theodore
Dean, Mary Kathryn (Philadelphia, First) Briggs, William (Doylestown) Hodges, Glenda
Hensel, Russel (Supplee) Chaffee, John (Media) Lindtner, Jamie Heyer-Rivera, Christian (Chestnut Hill) Heintz, Cassandra (Carmel) McKenzie, Kathleen Kohler, Carrie (Chestnut Hill) Hostetter, Andrew (Wayne) Nambiar, Virginia Mucklow, Wayne (Old Pine) Hostetter, Sarah (Wayne) Rich, Patricia Poteet, Margaret (Chestnut Hill) Rascoe, Allen (Beacon) Russo, Brian Rigsby, Suzin (Abington) Ruhf, Amy (Ambler, First) Willcox, Courtenay (Bryn Mawr) Terry, Gregory (Oxford)
Page 30 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 31
Statement of Faith P-3 Kristen Levens 1 I believe that we are called to live in community, worship the triune God, creator of the universe, and bear 2 witness to Christ through our shared lives. 3 I believe that God’s care for all people is so deep that God desires to hold us as family members. Human history 4 is marked by God’s pursuit of and choice to be in relationship with us. This is seen in God’s covenant with 5 Noah, call to Abraham, and the continuous arc of people called as God’s witnesses and caretakers of God’s 6 people throughout time. In this same history, we see that God’s people continuously fail to be worthy of this 7 relationship by being unfaithful to God and unloving to one another. Despite this, God graciously offers mercy, 8 forgiveness, and reconciliation to us. God’s grace is extended to us freely in the spirit of God’s deep love for 9 humanity, and is bigger than any other being can give. 10 I believe that God sent Jesus Christ, God’s son who was one with God all along, to earth. Jesus’s came to show 11 the world how to fulfill humanity’s obligation to God in faith and love for God and for others, restoring us and 12 rescuing us from a life of darkness in bondage to sin. Jesus also welcomes all humans into relationship with 13 God. Jesus’s ministry and life shows us how to live in true community, as God calls us. Even though we, as 14 humans, are unable to ever live up to the obligations we have to God and each other, Jesus’s life is our example 15 and our guide. 16 I believe that Jesus Christ was crucified, died and buried. I believe that he rose from the dead and appeared to 17 his disciples and many others through presence, word, scripture, and eucharist before ascending to heaven. 18 Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers us forgiveness and healing from our sins and calls us to be 19 in reconciled relationship with God and with our neighbors. I believe that Jesus will return to judge and make 20 the world anew. 21 I believe that God sends the Holy Spirit, to the world to inspire, prod, guide and connect human beings, both 22 inside and outside the Church. This Spirit is of the same divine substance of God and Jesus, and its work 23 enables human faithfulness to God and ministry to one another. I believe that the Holy Spirit moves like wind 24 through trees, moving and guiding people and things without being visible to the human eye. 25 I believe that the Triune God shows up fully in the sacramental traditions of the Church. In baptism, we are 26 grafted into covenant relationship with God and with the larger community and Church. At the Lord’s Table, 27 we share in the covenantal relationships that Jesus exemplified between people, remember the death of our 28 Lord, and bear witness to the redemptive and life-giving resurrection that feeds us and gives us strength to keep 29 going in our journeys. 30 I believe Holy Scripture bears witness to the relationship between God and God’s people, as well as the 31 relationships between humans in history. Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit but was written by human 32 hands. Therefore, its messages should be read, interpreted and proclaimed with the guidance of the Spirit. 33 The Church is Christ’s body, made up of broken people who strive to live faithfully with God and in community 34 with one another, following Jesus’s example, taking to heart his teachings, and living in openness to the 35 movement of the Spirit. As the community of believers, the church seeks to worship the triune God and to share 36 the good news of Christ through word and deed, uniting as the body of Christ and strengthening us for the work 37 of ministry in the world.
Page 31 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 32
P-4 Autobiographical Statement Kristen Levens
Kristen Levens grew up on a small farm in rural North Carolina where she learned from an early age to love God, the Church, community, and the wonderful fruits of God’s creation. During high school, she took a leap of faith, moving outside of the faith community she’d grown up in to find a community with a more vibrant program for young people. This began a journey of seeing and experiencing God and faith in new, dynamic ways, as well as learning to trust God’s work in life and in other people.
During her undergraduate career at UNC-Greensboro, Kristen was actively involved in campus ministry and volunteered with a local youth group. As she felt pulled toward a new major in Religious Studies and led to take on more leadership opportunities in the faith communities she was involved in, Kristen began discerning whether God was calling her to work in the Church, with a special desire to make sure that young people know their importance within the mission of the church and imago dei. Upon graduation, Kristen spent two years working in various youth and campus ministry positions, which affirmed God’s call on her life and helped shape her discernment.
Through much prayer and support from the various faith communities Kristen had been a part of, she moved to New Jersey to attend Princeton Seminary, where she graduated with a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education with a focus in Ministry with Young People. During her studies, Kristen also focused on issues at the intersection of theology and gender, as well as the intersection of theology, ecology, and faith. She also spent time volunteering with residents at a local youth correctional facility, studying theology and story- telling with them. As a result, upon graduation, she earned PTS’s Certificate in Theology, Women, and Gender, and Kristen was one of the first recipients of the Certificate in Theology, Ecology, and Faith.
Currently, Kristen serves as Pastoral Resident for The First Presbyterian Church of Marion, NC. In her spare time, Kristen loves to garden, keep her hands busy in all things kitchen- and food-related, mosey around farmers’ markets, get lost in a good book, play with her nieces, and snuggle her mini poodle, Buttercup.
Page 32 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 33
P-5 Statement of Faith Brian Russo
1 Ever since I was a child, I have longed to see God face-to-face. And while I believe that God's attributes 2 have, in some gracious way, been revealed to me, I am persuaded through my reformed lens that I yet see 3 through a mirror dimly. For no matter how much I have grown, or will grow in my faith, God will always be 4 infinitely larger and my knowledge incomplete. 5 However, just because my mortal awareness and language is surely deficient at fully understanding and 6 expressing the Divine, I believe God’s nature has still, in some part, been revealed to me. For I believe God 7 created this world so to interact with us, directly and even indirectly, and it is through this creation and 8 interaction that the grand works of our creator are reflected at large. 9 Having said that, my faith in God extends beyond the interpersonal experience, for it is through the 10 Word, and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, that the nature of God’s character is made further known to me. 11 Throughout scripture, I witness a loving God. A God who makes covenant with God’s people, who promises 12 the good gift of relationship and presence, from now unto the end of time. 13 God will never leave us alone, for God abides within us, and the Spirit testifies to this truth. More, this 14 same Spirit encourages us to enrich ourselves, to sanctify our lives by joining into a living and trusting 15 relationship with God. Thereby, just as God is committed to us, so more are we beholden to God. And without 16 even the faintest doubt, I believe that I am better person today because of this relationship that God has so 17 graciously invited me into. 18 Ultimately however, it is through the distinct Incarnation of the Word in Jesus Christ that I believe 19 God’s truth has been fully revealed to me. For I believe that in Jesus, God emptied Godself so to completely 20 enter into our human condition. And through this incredible sacrifice, we have unique fellowship with God, 21 such that God can truly celebrate our human joys and triumphs, and also, sympathize with our great weaknesses 22 and pains. 23 I believe that in Jesus Christ, our salvation has been secured. Not just from our sins, but also from our 24 old lives and the prisons we built for ourselves. The crucified Christ shed his blood for our sake, and in Christ’s 25 resurrection from the dead, we have been graciously released so to live life anew, such that we might live freely 26 and joyously, even extending the love and forgiveness of our Savior to both family and strangers alike. 27 Likewise, I believe that through the waters of baptism we are restored and claimed by the Holy Spirit as God’s 28 own; and that through God's mercy, manifested in Jesus' work on the cross and victory over the grave, we are 29 both forgiven and saved. And this forgiveness -- this underserved gift of love and grace -- humbles me into 30 daily adoration and prayerful gratitude. 31 Finally, though no less importantly, I believe that Jesus is the foundation of the Church and that we as 32 his disciples are called in different ways through different gifts to sustain ecumenical unity and interfaith dialog. 33 I find that the Lord's Supper is the defining sacrament of this inclusion, calling us all into community, love, and 34 equal partnership with one other. 35 Just as the Trinity is unified in one being, working in concert towards the redemption of creation, so too, 36 I believe, are we called to reform our lives together and labor to the same end.
Page 33 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 34
P-6 Autobiographical Statement Brian Russo
Like so many others, I was born and raised in the Church. My parents brought my brother and I to morning worship every Sunday. We said prayers at dinner and then again before getting into bed. I can remember my father’s introduction to our evening prayer as he was tucking us in: “Thank you God for a super- excellent day.” And truly, I felt that God had blessed me with a particularly super-excellent family and childhood. Some years later I was not only attending Sunday school and Youth Fellowship, but I was also working alongside my father as he prepared his own Confirmation lessons. I went on summer mission trips; I volunteered at soup kitchens every Wednesday; I proudly wore Jesus t-shirts to middle and high school (my favorite in the collection being a re-appropriation of the Tommy Hilfiger brand, substituting his famous logo for “Today He Forgives”). And then my mom had an affair. Or, well, she announced to us that she had been having an affair. My father, though obviously crushed and furious, forgave her. He asked her to stay while they tried to work it out. She slept in the guest room for a year. I was fourteen. Later that year, my brother, father and I watched as she packed her bags and left, to live with the guy she was cheating with. I was fifteen. I didn’t talk to her again for a long while. That was the first real time that I questioned. That I doubted God’s grace and overarching providence. “How could this happen to us, to me?” I remained in a rather angry state for some time thereafter. Certainly into college. In college, amongst other things, I was exposed to several new approaches to understanding faith and reading scripture (or, new to me at least). I remember the historical-critical method in particular having a strong effect. Not long thereafter, I lost my faith, so consumed by doubt and anger, and feeling like I had been duped from the get-go. God, who once seemed so near and familiar, had suddenly become as distant and unbelievable to me. And then I got a phone call. I was home on spring break, and it was around 2 in the morning. It was the local hospital. Dave, the guy my mother had cheated with and married, was nearing his death and my mom wanted me to know. Apparently he had some sort of aggressive cancer or something. Not really thinking straight, I decided to drive to the hospital then and there. To tell this guy what I really thought of him. To revenge some last minute pain into the last minutes of his life. I got to the room, swift and red with anger, full of all the hateful things I wanted to say, but then I saw it. He, skeletal and raw, and the two of them together, my mom and this guy, holding hands, sharing a tender final moment. There, something holy passed over me and I bent down at the foot of his bed and massaged his feet. I believe it was power of the Spirit. And those Biblical stories my father had sown for me. About God’s son, Jesus the Christ who preached this radical love and forgiveness, no matter the friend, no matter the enemy. It was truly my seminal moment. An epiphany perhaps of the strangest sort. In the light of God’s heavenly forgiveness, I was, in a sense, reborn. And from there, my mom and I rekindled the relationship we had from the womb. Not long after the hospital, I enrolled at Seminary. My faith was in recovery, yes, but it was also now tested and tried. I still had my questions and doubts, but they were more nuanced now. I honestly didn’t know if God was calling me into congregational ministry or chaplaincy or something else entirely, but I believed God was calling me to be there nonetheless, in that very place and moment, learning anew about as many things Divine and Christian.
Page 34 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 35
P-7 In my second year I took an internship at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill (PCCH), and there under the guidance and ministry of Cynthia A. Jarvis, I felt that I heard my calling for the first time. For here was a place where people not only shared my past skepticisms, but also where many even shared my story. I felt as if God had ordained it to be, such that my own narrative could also become an aid and remedy unto others. Additionally, it was in getting out of the classroom, or out of my head for that matter, and doing some honest-to-goodness ministry on the ground level, that I discerned that God was indeed calling me by name into the ministry of the Church. I have since been at PCCH for the last nine years. I have also become a father in the last two. In a sense, I have come full circle. In the church, and through my marriage and son, I find God’s presence illuminating my path forward. A path travelled over and back to God, where self-giving and service to others are my best directions.
Page 35 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 36
R-1 Commission on Resources and Communications
The Commission on Resources and Communications has spent most of the last few months having internal conversations of formation and clarification related to our work and witness. There have been three important conversations that continue to frame how we resource our congregations for creative ministry:
• Defining what is considered a “new initiative.” Read what our commission landed on together: o A new initiative might be a project built on a bare foundation that seeks to utilize the gifts already present in a community to embody the good news of Jesus Christ in a particular time and place as we address concrete needs, build community, empower leaders, etc.
o A new initiative might also be an advancement to a pre-existing effort that makes a long-standing initiative more holistic, expansive, and faithful to what it can mean to be the church in a particular time and place. The invitation to dream about new initiatives is an invitation to adapt ministry, guided by the Spirit, to the changing community in our pews and the changing world around us as participants in God’s mission of reconciliation.
• Design Process for Ministry Innovation. The CRC has collaborated with thought partners to develop and facilitate creative exercises that can stimulate the faithful imagination for new initiatives. Aware of the tendency to become “stuck” through the constraints related to budgets, personnel, and what is perceived to be (or not) realistically achieved, we have aimed to walk alongside church and ministry leaders at the earliest stages of dreaming about new possibilities to engage their neighborhoods with varied expressions of the gospel.
• What is social justice and how does it relate to the gospel? The CRC has regularly engaged in conversations about what may or may not be meant by this when applicants speak to it in grant requests and how any and all pertains to the work and gospel witness of our churches and the ministries seeking funding through our grants.
In addition to these conversations, the CRC has continued to receive grant applications for both the Great Ends Grants (www.presbyphl.org/grants/great-ends-grants) and the Covenant Fund (www.presbyphl.org/grants/covenant-fund). The Covenant Fund was launched June 6th and we received 14 applications, with all four regions represented and five churches applying for the first time. These applications will be reviewed on July 18th and announcements made by the first week of August. We give thanks for the ways our ministry leaders continue to imagine faithful expressions of Christ’s mission in and for the world.
Page 36 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 37
S-1
Report and Recommendation of the Administrative Commission appointed in response to the Narberth Presbyterian Church’s Request for Gracious Dismissal to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians Presbytery of Philadelphia July 14, 2018
BACKGROUND
On January 24, 2017, the Session of Narberth Presbyterian Church (NPC) formally requested the Presbytery of Philadelphia of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for gracious dismissal with property to the Heritage Presbytery of the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO). In response to this request, the Presbytery appointed an Administrative Commission (AC) to consider this request and make recommendations to the Presbytery for an appropriate response.
The AC members that were appointed are Elder George Henisee (Bryn Mawr), the Commission on Ministry (COM) liaison with NPC; Elder Zandra Maffett (Valley Forge); Elder Cindy Reed (Clerk of Session, First, Ambler); Elder Ken McKeown (Clerk of Session, First, Olney), the Recording Clerk of the Presbytery; and Rev. Jesse Garner, (Pastor, First, Philadelphia), who served as Moderator of the AC. Two additional members of the original commission, Rev. Bernice Warren and Rev. David North, resigned for personal reasons during the early stages of its work, and they were replaced by Rev. Cheryl Pyrch (Pastor, Summit), and Rev. Jimmy Lee Stratton (HR).
The AC met for first time on March 13, 2017, with Stated Clerk Kevin Porter for an orientation on the commission’s responsibilities, with particular attention given to the importance of the consideration of 1) the trust clause as an expression of our denominational understanding of the unity of the church, and 2) the impact of NPC’s dismissal to the witness and ministry presence of the PC(USA) in the community. Shortly afterward, on March 15, the commission requested the following information from NPC, all of which was promptly provided: 1. A congregational history that includes at least how and by whom the church was founded, locations in which it has worshiped, sources of funding for each property acquisition and any major construction projects, milestones of church history, and other significant factors. 2. Complete copies of minutes of all Session and Congregational meetings held during at least the previous five (5) years. 3. Complete copies of the annual reports for the previous five (5) years and copies (to the extent not included within such annual reports) of annual financial statements for at least the previous five (5) years showing all church operations, along with copies of any audits of those statements. 4. To the extent that the church holds any designated gifts, endowments funds or other restricted funds, a detail description of the terms of such restrictions.
Page 37 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 38
S-2 5. Complete copies of the church membership roles. 6. A complete copy of the most recent church directory. 7. Articles of incorporation and any amendments and bylaws as currently amended for the church corporation. 8. Preliminary title reports from a nationally recognized title company (at the church’s expense) for any real property owned by the church, along with copies of deeds showing title for each such property. 9. A copy of documentation substantiating property and casualty insurance policies insuring church property, including and schedules identifying insured property. 10. A current Opinion of Value or appraisal of each parcel of real property owned or operated by the church. 11. Complete copies of any lease or other agreement (e.g. cell tower, facilities use agreement or other tenancy agreements, independent preschool or other independent organization) relevant to any of the church’s property. 12. A list of inquirers and candidates under care of the church. 13. A list of the current employees of the church, together with their job title. 14. A list of tangible and intangible (e.g., copyrights, corporate name, logo) personal property that the church owns worth more than $500, including but not limited to religious objects, historical artifacts, furnishings, books, appliances, tools, sporting goods, and vehicles. The commission met regularly over the course of the past seventeen months, in addition to a number of small group and one-on-one meetings. In the course of its work the AC met with the Narberth Session once, with their transition team several times, held a congregational open house attended by approximately 70 members of NPC, and moderated a meeting of the Narberth congregation on June 10, 2018. During the course of our investigation, we also determined the presence of four PC(USA) congregations (Overbrook, Ardmore, Penn-Wynne, and Bryn Mawr) within 2.5 miles of the church.
The grievances of the congregation with the PC(USA) that led to the request for dismissal were longstanding. In 2013, and largely in response to actions of the General Assembly, the Session of NPC appointed a Denominational Task Force to consider its future within the PC(USA). Over the next two years the task force reviewed what was perceived to be the course of the denomination, though unfortunately this was done without input from other voices in the Presbytery with different views of the life of the denomination. In 2016, the Session voted to seek gracious dismissal to ECO, but postponed making a formal request until meeting with presbytery leadership in January 17, 2017. Although the Session afterward re-affirmed its desire to seek gracious dismissal, both Rev. Steve Weed and Ms. Debbie Watson (then a candidate in the Presbytery, and now an ordained minister) indicated a personal desire to maintain their membership in the Presbytery of Philadelphia while continuing to serve the Narberth congregation.
Page 38 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 39
S-3
The goal of the AC from the beginning has been to seek ways of accommodating the desire of NPC to work with other mission partners (in particular, ECO) without completely severing its historic ties with the Presbytery of Philadelphia of which Narberth has been a part since its founding 127 years ago. More than most such cases of disaffected congregations, there was reason to hope that this could be achieved with NPC, a congregation which has faithfully and consistently paid its per capita in recent years and generously supported the 300th anniversary celebration of the presbytery. Attendance at presbytery meetings by its commissioners in recent years has been exemplary.
In our attempt to find some middle ground short of dismissal, there was little if any precedent for what such continuing ties might look like, and over the course of several months we explored a number of possibilities, including discussions with the leadership of Heritage Presbytery (ECO). Sadly, in the end we were not successful in finding a workable framework, and from that point on, we worked very hard to negotiate the terms of a gracious dismissal consistent with the responsibilities of the commission but also seeking to preserve a sense of fellowship between the Presbytery and NPC that would allow for future cooperation in ministry and mission. We very much hope this will be the case. Most of all, the AC has tried very hard not to burn any bridges in the hope that, God willing, the day will come when Narberth can resume its place as a valued member of our presbytery.
On June 10, 2018, at a meeting of the congregation attended by 327 members (out of 468), the congregation voted for gracious dismissal to ECO under the terms of the agreement proposed by the commission with 307 members voting yes, 11 voting no, 8 abstaining, and 1 blank ballot. These Terms of Gracious Dismissal are now proposed to the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and the commission recommends their approval.
Page 39 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 40
S-4 The Terms of Gracious Dismissal
This agreement, dated as of July 14, 2018, memorializes the recommendation of the Administrative Commission of the Presbytery of Philadelphia (and supersedes any previous oral or written agreements or understandings) between the Narberth Presbyterian Church (hereafter “NPC”) and The Trustees of the Presbytery of Philadelphia (hereafter referred to as “the Presbytery of Philadelphia” or the “Presbytery”), a presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA) (hereafter “PCUSA”), that NPC be given a gracious ecclesiastical dismissal from the Presbytery of Philadelphia to Heritage Presbytery of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (hereafter “ECO”) upon the following terms. This agreement shall be binding on the parties when the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Philadelphia receives written verification that the NPC congregation has approved this agreement, and the Presbytery of Philadelphia has approved the recommendation of the Administrative Commission. The effective date of NPC’s dismissal from PCUSA shall be the later of such dates or the date of receipt by the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Philadelphia of notification from the Stated Clerk of Heritage Presbytery that NPC has been accepted into ECO.
From and after the effective date (except as otherwise provided), the parties hereby agree:
1. That the ordained officers of the congregation, both ruling elders and deacons, shall be transferred from the Presbytery of Philadelphia and the PCUSA to the care of Heritage Presbytery of ECO. Ministers of Word and Sacrament, the Reverend Stephen N. Weed and the Reverend Dr. Deborah E. Watson, shall be granted permission from the Presbytery of Philadelphia to labor outside the bounds, and continue to serve NPC. Their status shall not affect the dismissal of NPC.
2. That the permanent records (including but not limited to all original rolls, registers, minutes and historical records) of NPC from its inception until its dismissal to ECO currently in the possession of the congregation shall be deposited with the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia for preservation and safekeeping. These records shall be made available for copying by NPC at their expense.
Page 40 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 41
S-5
3. That in recognition of its 127-year covenant relationship with the PCUSA and its predecessors and taking into account the Presbytery’s financial obligation under the Constitution of the PCUSA, NPC will provide to the Presbytery of Philadelphia the amount of $375,000 to be paid in ten annual installments beginning September 30, 2018. Each installment shall be $37,500 less the income the Presbytery of Philadelphia has received from Presbyterian Foundation Dr. Fredrick and Helen Sutliff Fund, account number 102241201967, in the preceding twelve months. There shall be no prepayment penalty.
4. That NPC will reflect this new relationship by displaying the ECO name or logo on all outside signage, social media, church website and all official correspondence. NPC will remove references to PCUSA on its literature, advertising, website, signage, social media and all official correspondence.
5. That upon written notification of NPC’s acceptance into ECO to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, the Presbytery shall execute and deliver one or more quitclaim deeds in a form agreed upon by legal counsel for NPC and the Presbytery, together with any other documents the parties and their counsel deem necessary to relinquish any interest in any and all property of NPC, both real and personal, including the property at 201-205 Grayling Avenue, Narberth Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where the church is located, and the adjacent parcel for the parking lot (collectively identified by tax parcel numbers 120001447008 and 120001447017).
6. That said dismissal will be without any encumbrance, however, should NPC cease to be a congregation of ECO or another Reformed denomination by action of the congregation within a five-year period from the date of its acceptance by ECO, in which case all the then held real and personal properties would revert to the Presbytery of Philadelphia. (Such reversion of property shall terminate on the five-year anniversary of this agreement.)
Page 41 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 42
S-6
7. Upon execution of this Agreement (at the effective date), the parties acknowledge and hereby release each other from all civil and ecclesiastical claims, whether now known or unknown, arising from the relationship of the parties up to the date of the dismissal, plus one day.
8. That NPC shall hold harmless and indemnify the Presbytery of Philadelphia and the PCUSA of all claims from past or current employees and independent contractors of NPC for any accrued wages, salary, commission, bonus, pension, benefit and other compensation, as of the date of the agreement, and that the Presbytery of Philadelphia shall hold harmless and indemnify NPC from all claims from past or current employees and independent contractors of the Presbytery of Philadelphia for any accrued wages, salary, commission, bonus, pension, benefit and other compensation, arising out of any act or omission by the respective party.
9. That NPC and the Presbytery of Philadelphia represent that to the best of their respective knowledge, all their affairs have been and are being conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania the Book of Order of the PCUSA, and bylaws of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. NPC further represents to the best of its knowledge that it has complied with its own Articles of Incorporation and bylaws.
10. That NPC represents and warrants that financial reports from the years 2012 to 2016 furnished to the Administrative Commission of the Presbytery of Philadelphia present fairly in all material respects the financial condition of the church and that there have been no material changes to the financial statements dated December 31, 2016 or to the financial prospects of the church since December 31, 2017 as of the date of this agreement.
Page 42 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 43
S-7 11. That NPC represents and warrants that it has filed all returns and reports required to be filed by it in connection with federal, state, and local taxes (including withholding) and assessments applicable to NPC and its activities and acknowledges sole responsibility for any amounts due which may become known.
12. That NPC represents and warrants that it has continuously maintained property and casualty insurance on all real property owned of record by it, and will do so until the effective date of its dismissal to ECO, and agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Presbytery of Philadelphia and the PCUSA against any past, present or future claims for personal injury or injuries occurring on such real property, environmental matters in connection with such real property, structural integrity of any building or any building component or system for which NPC bears legal liability. The Presbytery will be named as an additional insured under NPC’s policy until the effective date of its acceptance into ECO.
13. That approval by the Presbytery of Philadelphia of these terms is subject to written verification by NPC to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Philadelphia that the terms of this agreement have been approved by the NPC congregation.
14. That the Presbytery of Philadelphia asserts that this arrangement is intended for the unique circumstances of this congregation and is not intended to establish any precedent for any other agreements now or in the future.
15. That each of the parties will cooperate with the other and with ECO taking such actions and in executing and delivering such documents, both before and after the effective date, as may reasonably be required to effect NPC’s dismissal from PCUSA on the terms stated in this agreement.
Page 43 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 44
S-8 16. That each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that in the event this agreement is breached or a breach is threatened, either party may seek specific enforcement or other enforcement of this agreement in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and the other party will not object to the jurisdiction of such court or its power to grant such remedy or any other applicable equitable or legal remedy. No suit shall be commenced until the complaining / aggrieved party has given written notice and a request to cure, and has offered Christian conciliation, mediation, and/or Presbytery to Presbytery communication to resolve the issue before seeking court intervention. No suit shall be commenced before 60 days has passed since the Notice to Cure has been issued.
Page 44 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA JULY 14, 2018 STATED MEETING Page 45
S-9
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused the undersigned to execute and to deliver this agreement on their behalf.
PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) By: ______Moderator Stated Clerk
NARBERTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
By: ______Ruling Elder – Clerk of Session
Page 45 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania