Presbytery of Genesee Valley STATED MEETING October 12, 2019 Dansville Presbyterian Church 3 School St, Dansville, NY 14437
CP Roger Estes, Moderator Rev Colin Pritchard, Moderator-elect Elder Susan Orr, Stated Clerk Elder Bob Mecredy, Treasurer MAILED DOCKET
8:30AM - ON-SITE SIGN IN OPENS 9:00AM – PRE-MEETINGS 10:15AM - BUSINESS MEETING BEGINS
The Parkside Spiritual Development Center is offering pre-meeting tours beginning at 9am.
Don’t miss this exciting time!
• New Commissioners: Please contact the Presbytery Office (242-0080) to request a name badge and a Welcome to Presbytery resource booklet.
• Minutes of previous Presbytery meetings are available on the web site at www.pbygenval.org/documents. They will be mailed to presbyters who do not have e-mail access.
• Attendance: Since ministers and elder commissioners are required to attend presbytery meetings, presbyters who do not request excuses will be marked absent. Corrections to attendance from previous meetings will be made in the permanent record.
Table of Contents
History of Dansville Presbyterian Church ...... Page 2 Docket ...... 3 Consent Agenda ...... 4-52 Committee on Ministry Report………………………………………………………………………………………….. 53-71 Budget Development & Oversight ...... 72-77 Nominating Report ...... 78
To avoid distraction, please silence your cell phone when you are in the meeting. Thanks!
“Know Christ, Live Christ, Share Christ”
Presbytery of Genesee Valley, 1049 Wegman Road, Rochester, NY 14624 5852420080 www.pbygenval.org Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 2
A Brief History of DANSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Since 1825, The Presbyterian Church of Dansville has been a community of believers gathered to serve God. Here we have opportunity to worship, learn, serve and fellowship together. Our Sunday morning worship service, at 10:30 am, is a traditional service featuring the gifts of a dedicated choir, lay liturgists and the preaching of God’s Word. This historic structure sits on land dedicated by the Village of Dansville to faith-based organizations and known locally as “Church Park.” Its beautiful stained-glass windows are a highlight of the beautiful worship space, and the sanctuary also provides a home to a commissioned Tiffany stained-glass that was donated by the historic and once thriving “Mansion on the Hill” which, although now in ruins, is a landmark in the Village. Rev. Marcia Reiff, pastor of Dansville Presbyterian, encourages engagement in mutual ministry with brothers and sisters in the faith, being active in DAMA (Dansville Area Ministerial Association) and the Dansville-Perkinsville Alliance, which consists of three area churches* who sponsor joint worship and ministries. The congregation supports Samaritan Fund, an outreach which provides loans to persons undergoing rehabilitation for addiction, as well as a monthly community free-meal program called Hope Lunch, now housed at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (where you will register for today’s meeting and enjoy the locally catered lunch).
Volunteers behind the scenes for today’s gathering are members of the Hillybilly Neighbors and current students at Lagom Landing.
Directions: From I-390: Follow I-390 S to NY-36 N/Clara Barton St in North Dansville. Take exit 4 from I-390 S 52 min (56.9 mi) Follow NY-36 N/Clara Barton St to 3 School St in Dansville
From 436: Continue onto Ossian St. Pass by NAPA Auto Parts - Livonia Auto Supply (on the right in 0.4 mi). Turn right onto Main St. Turn right onto Clara Barton St. Turn left onto School St. Destination will be on the left
Parking: Parking will be available at Genesee Community College which is on the left just BEFORE the church, on the street parking will be available on Church Street and Liberty (around the block) and we are reserving School Street by our main entrance for handicapped parking (the street will be blocked and we have men who will be directing traffic for parking issues).
If you park on Church Street, you will be facing what was originally the main entrance (front door) and can enter there.
Registration will be at St. Peter's Episcopal Church which is next door to us on the Clara Barton (Rte 36) side of the church. We will also gather there for the catered lunch.
Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 3 MAILED DOCKET For the Meeting of the Presbtery of Genesee Valley Saturday, October 12, 2019 Dansville Presbyterian Church Stated Meeting Dansville, New York
Page Reference Mailed Taken
8:30 PM Registration Begins 9:00 AM Pre-Meetings Begin - ▪ A Walk through the Docket Susan Orr ▪ Tour the Parkside Spiritual Development Center, the new home of the former Resource Center
10:15 AM Announcements ▪ Welcome from host Pastor Marcia Reiff 10:20 AM Call to Order and Opening Prayer Introductory Business ▪ Approval of Docket ▪ Appointment of Tellers ▪ Greeting New Commissioners ▪ Enrollment of Corresponding Members ▪ Privilege of the Floor
4-52 Consent Agenda ▪ Lifting motions for discussion Call for New Business 10:30 AM Report of the Presbytery Leader Amy Williams ▪ Land Acknowledgement Fowler ▪ Celebration of Ordination Anniversaries
10:40 AM 53-67 Report of the Committee on Ministry - Part 1 Anne Waasdorp ▪ Examination of Rev. Elaine Loggi for transfer of Membership from Presbytery of the Heartland Approval of Call to Summerville Presbyterian Church as Designated Pastor
▪ Examination of the Rev. Vinod Gnanaraj (United Church of Christ) for Temporary Presbytery Membership Approval of Call to First Presbyterian Church of Caledonia as Designated Pastor (pending action on Religious Worker Visa application)
▪ Examination of the Rev. David Kilgore, HR (now serving Lima Presbyterian Church as Stated Supply Pastor) for transfer of Membership from Presbytery of Geneva 11:15 AM Worship Service – Celebration of the Lord’s Supper Colin Pritchard 12:15 PM Lunch 1:00 PM Reconvene with Good News from Churches and Neighborhoods Blessing of the Parkside Spiritual Development Center 1:15 PM 68-71 Report of the Committee on Ministry – Part II Anne Waasdorp ▪ Report of the Dissolution of the Call of the Rev. Laura Fry and Covington Presbyterian Church Richard Noble Barbara Sturm ▪ Approval of the 2020 Minimum and Challenge Terms of Call for Pastors and Commissioned Sarah Noble-Moag Pastors
▪ Plan for Review of the Examinations Process by the COM and the Big Picture Team 1:35 PM 72-77 Report of the Budget Development and Oversight Committee Bob Mecredy ▪ Approval of the 2020 Per Capita amount 1:45 PM 78 Report of the Nominating Committee ▪ Election of Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 224th General Assembly, Baltimore, June 20-27, 2020 1:55 PM Three Key Things to Take Home 2:00 PM Adjourn with Prayer Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 4
CONSENT AGENDA for October 12, 2019 Dansville Presbyterian Church, Dansville, NY
The purpose of a Consent Agenda is to enable a governing body to deal with routine business expeditiously, thus freeing up time for other activities.
How to lift items for discussion or debate: • An opportunity will be given for presbyters to request that action items be lifted from the Consent Agenda. Simply go to the microphone and when you are recognized, request the item you wish to lift out. • Items lifted out for discussion will be handled during the committee report associated with that item. • The remaining items (those not lifted out) will be approved in one motion.
CONSENT AGENDA: Items for Presbytery’s Action The stated clerk moves that the presbytery:
(Minutes) 1. Approve the Minutes of the June 25, 2019, stated meeting of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley held at First Presbyterian Church, Albion, NY. 2. Approve the Minutes of the September 5, 2019 special meeting of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley held at Gates Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY.
(Treasurer’s Report) Receive the Treasurer’s Report, month ending August 31, 2019. [Reports provided in the Mailed Docket.]
(Revisions to the Policies & Procedures Manual) Approve the revisions to the Policies & Procedures Manual, including: 1. Approve the sun-setting of the Resource Center Working Group (RCWG), per recommendation of the Healthier Congregations Coordinating Council. [NOTE: The RCWG believe their work has now concluded with the transfer of the physical center to the Dansville Presbyterian Church. The responsibility of resourcing congregations will function under the Tools & Training Working Group.] [NOTE: Per the Policies & Procedures Manual, the revisions must be approved by a 2/3 vote of members present.] See Appendix A: Policies & Procedures Manual, revisions recommended October 2019
(Nominating Committee) Elect the following persons to:
Budget Development and Oversight Committee RE Kristen Gehrling (Brockport) 2022
Committee on Preparation for Ministry TE J.D. Jackson (Trinity Emmanuel) 2022
Healthier Congregations Team Coordinating Council RE Barbara Crane (Covington) 2020
(Proposed Correction of Imbalance between Clergy and Elders for 2020) Approve the following imbalance correction for 2020:
Current Imbalance Report Minister members of presbytery (as of 9/30/19) 114 Average ministers in attendance in 2019 42 (49 in 2018)
Elder Commissioners from congregations (one per) 58 Add’l Elder Commissioners from large congregations (over 500) 3 Pittsford (860) – 1 additional Third (1100) – 2 additional Average elder commissioners in attendance in 2019 43 (48 in 2018)
Total # of congregations 58 Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 5
Average # of churches not represented by elder comm. in 2019 31 (29 in 2018) Average # of churches not represented by elder comm. or pastor 20 (17 in 2018)
IMBALANCE TO BE CORRECTED IN 2020: Invite the following persons to serve as “additional elder commissioners” for calendar year 2020: Presbytery Officers: Bob Mecredy (Pittsford) – Treasurer Susan Orr (Trinity Emmanuel) - Stated Clerk/Presbyter for Healthier Congregations Certified Christian Educators: Linda Badger Becker (Gates) Commissioned Pastors / Temporary Student Supplies in current service: Roger Estes (Mumford) David Fish (N. Bergen) Martha Mitchell (Lyndonville) Brad Smith (Attica) Jerry Swain (Mt. Morris) Committee Chairs: Barbara Bruins (Pittsford) – Personnel Co-Chair Kathy Coons (Gates) – Committee on Ministry Mary Cowden (Third) – Committee on Ministry John DeHority (Downtown) – Committee on Ministry Ron Hansen (Third) – Trustees Peter Judd (Perinton) – Budget Development and Oversight Rose Peet (Third) – Personnel Co-Chair Linc Spaulding (Third) – Committee on Ministry Synod and General Assembly Commissioners: Ruth Stewart (Stone Bergen) – Synod Sue Tedesco (South) - General Assembly (pending election) Former Moderators: Fred Denson (Webster) Cathy Foerster (Christ Clarion) Hezekiah Simmons (Pittsford) Nancy Sprenkle (Pittsford) Kay VanNostrand (Lyndonville) Additional Commissioners from our Racial Ethnic Congregations: Rochester Korean Trinity Emmanuel Additional Commissioners from each church within a neighborhood: one neighborhood per meeting, on a rotating basis TOTAL INVITATIONS = ~35
CONSENT AGENDA: Items for Presbytery’s Information
Stated Clerk Information Items
(Anniversaries) The following are the significant anniversaries of congregations that will occur in 2019 (listed in 25-year increments):
150 years (1869) Mumford United Presbyterian Church, Mumford, NY 200 years (1819) First Presbyterian Church, Holley, NY
(2019 Significant Ordination Anniversaries of Ministers [listed in 5-year increments])
10 years (2009) The Rev. Nadia Mullin (October 18, 2009 – Presbytery of Shenango) The Rev. Eileen Borduin Vanderzwan (June 14, 2009 – Presbytery of Western New York)
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20 years (1999) The Rev. Walter Stuber (October 17, 1999 – Presbytery of Detroit)
25 years (1994) The Rev. Jeffrey Falter (August 21, 1994 – Salem Presbytery) The Rev. Louise Josephson (June 5, 1994 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Kay Michelinie (June 26, 1994 – New Castle Presbytery)
30 years (1989) The Rev. Ruth Doyle (May 19, 1989 – Northern New York Presbytery) The Rev. Carolyn Grohman (October 29, 1989 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Robert Spratt (September 17, 1989 – Presbytery of Great Rivers)
35 years (1984) The Rev. Lawrence DeVuyst (June 27, 1984 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. David Pepper (July 15, 1984– Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Stephanie Sauve (January 29, 1984 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. David Smith (March 24, 1984 – Concord Presbytery)
40 years (1979) The Rev. Gene Fowler (May 27, 1979 – Cumberland Presbyterian Church)
45 years (1974) The Rev. James S. Evinger (September 1, 1974 – Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Harry Heintz (October 20, 1974 – Albany Presbytery) The Rev. Thomas E. Taylor – (June 23, 1974 – Ohio Valley Presbytery) The Rev. T. Cyrus Varland Jr (July 1, 1974 – Presbytery of Southern New England)
50 years (1969) The Rev. James Tyrrell (February 15, 1969 – Presbytery of Louisville)
Over 50 years The Rev. Andrew Chalmers (52 years, October 22, 1967 – Presbytery of Elizabeth) The Rev. Ray Lindquist (52 years, October 10, 1967 – Presbytery of Newton) The Rev. Linda Brebner (54 years, February 21, 1965 – Presbytery of Riverside) The Rev. Jack Heister (54 years, June 1, 1965 – Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Jerrold Paul (54 years, July 27, 1965 – Presbytery of Monmouth) The Rev. J. Donald Glover (55 years, July 26, 1964 – unknown) The Rev. Bob Booher (57 years, October 14, 1962 – Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Bob Kaiser (58 years, May 1, 1961 – Central NY Conference, United Methodist Church) The Rev. Chuck Leport (58 years, June 21, 1961 – Presbytery of Utica) The Rev. Bruce Billman (59 years, October 1, 1960 – Presbytery of Steuben-Elmira) The Rev. Dane Gordon (61 years, November 30, 1958 – Presbytery of Rochester) The Rev. Ron Sallade (62 years, May 1, 1957 – Presbytery of Pittsburgh) The Rev. Walter Wenhold (63 years, May 1, 1956 – Presbytery of Philadelphia)
(Necrology) The Rev. Dorothea Yoder-Foster, 73, died on September 21, 2019. A memorial service was held on October 12, 2019 at Lake Avenue Baptist Church in Rochester, NY.
(Ordinations / Installations) The ordination of Rev. Laura Bachmann was held on June 22, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, NY.
(Schedule: BIG PICTURE TEAM (BPT) & PRESBYTERY: 2019 & 2020 Meetings and Locations) • BPT – Monday, November 25, 2019 at 6pm at Twelve Corners • BPT – Monday, January 6, 2020 6pm at ROC SALT • PRESBYTERY – Tuesday, January 28, 2020 4pm at tbd • CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING DAY – Saturday, February 8, 2020 9am at Perinton • BPT – Monday, February 24, 2020 6pm at Twelve Corners • BPT – Monday, March 24, 2020 6pm at Gates • PRESBYTERY – Saturday, April 25, 2020 10am @ Batavia First • BPT – Monday, May 18, 2020 6pm at Batavia First • BPT – Monday, June 15, 2020 6pm at Albion First • PRESBYTERY – Tuesday, July 28, 2020 4pm at Mumford United • BPT – Monday, August 24, 2020 5pm (dinner) at Lagom Landing Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 7
• BPT – Monday, September 28, 2020 6pm at Pittsford • PRESBYTERY – Saturday, October 31, 2020 10am at tbd • BPT – Monday, November 30, 2020 6pm at Caledonia First
(NYS Mandated Sexual Harassment Prevention Training) The following employees of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, paid and unpaid, have received the mandated Sexual Harassment Prevention Training: Judy Bennett – Friends of CSA Melanie Jones – ROC SALT staff Susan Orr – Presbytery staff Chad Parrot – South Wedge Food Program volunteer Marjorie Searl – Friends of CSA Katie Jo Suddaby – ROC SALT staff
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PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE VALLEY
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
(AS COLLECTED AND APPROVED IN 2011, AND AMENDED THROUGH JUNE 2019)
Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 9 PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
PREFACE
The Presbytery of Genesee Valley of the Synod of the Northeast and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is comprised of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations in the New York State counties of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, and Wyoming and also includes the Victor Presbyterian Church in the county of Ontario. The Presbytery has adopted this policy with regards to a Manual of Administrative Operations:
“Presbytery shall have a Manual of Administrative Operations, which will include the Manual of
Organization and Personnel Policies. Presbytery shall attach appendices to its manual of administrative
operations as it shall, from time to time, deem appropriate. The manual of administrative operations shall
be amended by a consultative process in conformity with Book of Order.”
This Policies and Procedures Manual provides a common understanding of the ways whereby we have agreed to order our life together. Completed in 2011 and revised in light of the new Form of Government adopted in 2013, it is a consolidation of policies, guidelines and procedures already contained in the following documents:
• Manual of Organization
• Presbytery Committee and Council policies, procedures and guidelines
• Presbytery operating policies and guidelines
It is further revised in 2017, in accordance with the Design of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, described below in
Sections I. and II.
The policies, listed below, which appear as appendices are incorporated into this Manual.
• A. Neighborhood List, as updated
• B. Committee on Ministry Handbook and Transition Manual
• C. Operations Manual for the Committee on Preparation for Ministry
• D. Pastoral Care Support and Procedures Manual
• E. Consolidated Financial, Investment and Funding Policies
• F. Job Descriptions for Standing Committees/Commissions of the Presbytery
• G. Position Descriptions for Presbytery Staff
• H. Presbytery Sexual Misconduct Policy
• I. Presbytery Child Safety Policy
• J.. Guidelines for Writing a Session Sexual Misconduct Policy
• K. Policy on Automatic Administrative Leave
• L. Presbytery Personnel Policies and Practices
• M. Guidelines for Host Churches for Presbytery Meetings
First and foremost, the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is governed by the Book of Order (Part II of The Constitution of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)). In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between these Policies and the Book of Order or applicable New York State law, the provisions of the Book of Order or State law shall control. Specific instances of possible conflict or inconsistencies of previously-enacted policies, procedures or guidelines not expressly addressed in these Policies, should be brought to the attention of Presbytery Leader in writing. The Presbytery Leader and Big Picture
Team shall report any such occurrences to Presbytery, together with a recommendation as to any action.
In addition to the Book of Order, for procedural purposes the Presbytery uses the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of
Order, Newly Revised (Scott Foresman edition). Amendments to this document shall be done according to the procedures
outlined herein.
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PART I: MISSION AND VISION
OUR MISSION: KNOW CHRIST, LIVE CHRIST, SHARE CHRIST
Preamble We lift up our understanding of the mission of God for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. This mission begins with the faithfulness of those who have preceded us. It emerges in a context of turbulence and rapid change in church and society. Our understanding of God’s mission for us grows in the hearts of our diverse people as we commit to serve Christ together.
Mission Statement The Presbytery of Genesee Valley glorifies God by Knowing Christ, Living Christ, and Sharing Christ.
What does this Mission look like? • We Know Christ when we worship God through Scripture, prayer, songs, and preaching; when we live as disciples of Jesus Christ within a faithful community of congregations; and when we experience the Holy Spirit leading us into the world with purpose and conviction. This mission calls for the Presbytery to train and equip the people of God for faithful service in the life of our churches and surrounding communities.
• We Live Christ when we model the truth and integrity of the Gospel as we build trust and work with one another and our neighbors; when our elders, pastors and church leaders feel strong spiritual encouragement and support for their vocation; and when we demonstrate our calling in ways that capture the attention of people who live throughout the Genesee Valley. This mission calls for the Presbytery to demonstrate the wonder and joy of Christian faith as we eat, work, play and reach out together.
• We Share Christ when we initiate emerging faith communities, develop new churches, and support existing churches; when our congregations join hands for shared mission endeavors; and when we engage in ministries of healing, comfort, renewal, justice, and peace. This mission calls on the Presbytery to be a gathering of faithful congregations in which we mourn our defeats, celebrate our successes, and seek God’s confidence and strength as we embrace the future.
Our Vision: Healthy, Vital, and Sustainable Congregations and Leaders
In light of the changes in our culture and demography, and the challenging environment in which the Church lives in the 21st century, we assert that the primary focus of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is not the preservation of itself as a governing body or an institution. The focus of our Presbytery is now the landscape of possibilities and challenges facing our congregations in the places they are serving. Our primary goal is the encouragement and empowerment of healthy, vital, and sustainable congregations and leaders: active in the mission of serving God and neighbors; engaged with partners within the presbytery and beyond it. These partners may include other churches, community organizations, and mission agencies.
Our vision is aspirational. Just as the Kingdom of God is dawning in our midst but not yet fulfilled, we are working to promote healthier, more vital, and sustainable congregations as we move into God’s future. We seek to encourage, resource and empower leaders, pastoral leaders and congregational leaders, in their ministries. We seek to enable partnerships in which congregations can build on shared strength to be effective in their mission fields. We seek to practice that we are “better together,” as we support the missions and ministries of our churches with grants, tools and training, and resources.
We use the word Healthy, not just to connote the absence of visible illness or trouble, but as a dynamic condition of strength, nourishment, effective functioning and well-being.
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
We use the word Vital to connote active engagement in worship and mission; care for members, neighbors and strangers; and the work of justice and peace.
We use the word Sustainable to connote the ability to gather resources necessary to continue and grow in mission and ministry. This may include a critical mass of energetic people, a vision for faith and mission, trained leadership, sufficient finances, and buildings or other locations, that enable ministry. The role of the Presbytery is to provide tools and resources to evaluate and enhance sustainability in times of change and to plan with congregations regarding their future.
How will we know that we are fulfilling our Vision? • When congregations, either singly or in partnerships, feel energized and purposeful. • When congregations work together. • When the Presbytery functions as a facilitator of successful relationships. • When people enjoy working together and have stories to tell about it. • When we know Christ, live Christ, and share Christ here.
Gathered in Neighborhoods
To begin this work the Vision and Strategy Committee of the former Presbytery Council encouraged the development of six Neighborhoods within the Presbytery. Pastoral leaders and congregations are gathered to initiate conversations about the realities of mission and ministry in their region of the Presbytery; what they may want to address or learn together; how they may support each other; and whether they will be active in mission together. For the current Neighborhood Grouping list see Appendix A. Relationships between congregations across Neighborhoods, existing or yet to be formed, are also encouraged.
Anticipated Outcomes: • A growth in the number of mission partnerships, either regionally or project-based • A stronger network of support for all pastoral leaders • Churches deepening relationships with each other and supporting each other through prayer, shared mission and gatherings • Churches and leaders learning new skills together that will strengthen their life and ministry
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Part II:
Organization Presbytery Design
The Presbytery Design seeks to provide a variety of ways to serve the Presbytery. Some groups will continue to be nominated by Committee on Representation, elected by the Presbytery, and serve three-year terms. Other groups will be brought together less formally, and will organize around passion, interest, skills and experience. These Teams and Working Groups may be short or long-term, focused on a particular shared concern or event, or an ongoing function of serving congregations. Participants may be self-identified, or invited through Presbytery communications and by personal invitation. These groups may design a meeting schedule and structure scaled to the work they are doing. They will form and re-form as needed.
Definitions: Team: A Team is a group of people linked in a common purpose to equip, empower and support congregations and neighborhoods, or the work of the Presbytery. Working Groups: Working Groups are small groups of persons who agree to work together to accomplish identified responsibilities, objectives and goals within a Team Standing Committees of the Presbytery: Committees serve the Presbytery by doing the work assigned to them by the Presbytery. Members of Standing Committees are nominated by the Committee on Representation, elected by the Presbytery, and ordinarily serve three-year terms on a rotational basis. Members of the Committee on Representation are nominated by the Big Picture Team and elected by the Presbytery. The Committee year begins each July 1. Persons may be re-nominated and elected for a second term of 3 years. No committee member should serve longer than six consecutive years. Chairs of the Committees will be elected annually by the Committee. Principles of Representation: Presbytery, through the work of the Committee on Representation and its Teams, shall give expression to the rich diversity within in its membership, and provide means to increase inclusiveness leading to wholeness in its emerging life. Persons of all racial and ethnic groups, different ages and sexes, gender identity, gender expression, and orientation, varied abilities, geographical areas and theological understandings consistent within the Reformed tradition, as well as different marital conditions (single, married, widowed, divorced) shall be guaranteed full participation and access in the decision-making of the Presbytery. (Book of Order F-1.04013, G-3.0103).
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
Presbytery of Genesee Valley
OurMission: Know Christ, Live Christ, Share Christ Our Vision: Healthy, Vital, Sustainable Congregations and Leaders
Healthier Big Picture Team Team See map See map
Gathered in Neighborhoods
Trustees Committee on Ministry PJC CoR
Pastoral Care & Comm on Prep Personnel BDOC Development for Ministry
Healthy Presbytery Healthy Pastoral Team Leaders Team
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Healthier Congregations Team Vision Statement We equip and empower congregations and neighborhoods to support one another for the risky work of discerning how to share God’s love more fully in our community, build healthier relationships, explore new ways of being church together, and live as a sign of hope for the world.
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
Presbytery Teams
Healthier Congregations Team
During 2016 and 2017, four standing Committees of the Presbytery (Resource & Education, Congregational Development, Mission & Advocacy, Stewardship Development & Interpretation) came together to form the Healthier Congregations Team. Their task is to work directly with congregations and neighborhoods to bring the services of the Presbytery to them as needed or requested.
Healthy Pastoral Leaders Team
The Healthy Pastoral Leaders Team is comprised of three Standing Committees of the Presbytery. Members of these Committees are nominated by the Committee on Representation and elected by the Presbytery:
Committee on Ministry – see Appendix B, Committee on Ministry Handbook and Transition Manual, for the description of its work.
Committee on Preparation for Ministry – see Appendix C, Operations Manual for the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, for a description of its work.
Pastoral Care and Development Committee: see Appendix D, Pastoral Care Support and Procedures Manual, for a description of its work
Leaders and members of these teams are encouraged to communicate regularly with each other on matters of common interest and concern. Leaders are encouraged to meet at least annually to discuss an overview of the work in which the Committees are engaged, identifying overlapping responsibilities and concerns, and developing a plan to coordinate their work.
Healthy Presbytery Team The Healthy Presbytery Team is comprised of five Standing Committees of the Presbytery. Members of these Committees are nominated by the Committee on Representation and elected by the Presbytery: Board of Trustees: see Appendix E: Consolidated Financial, Investment and Funding Policies, for a description of the Board’s work Permanent Judicial Commission: See Appendix F, Standing Committees/Commissions of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, for a description of its work Budget Development & Oversight Committee: See Appendix F. Personnel Committee: See Appendix F. Committee on Representation: See Appendix F. Leaders and members of these teams are encouraged to communicate regularly with each other on matters of common interest and concern. Leaders are encouraged to meet at least annually to discuss an overview of the work in which the Committees are engaged, identifying overlapping responsibilities and concerns, and developing a plan to coordinate their work.
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The Big Picture Team is responsible for the work of the whole Presbytery. The Big Picture Team includes many of the functions of the prior Presbytery Council including when necessary, acting on behalf of the Presbytery between its meetings, primarily with respect to recommendations from the Board of Trustees regarding a congregation’s property. The primary foci of the Big Picture Team are:
• Dreaming and Discerning: strategizing and making recommendations to the Presbytery, longer range planning, identification and initial support of the New Worshipping Communities
• Engaging the three others teams in processes of evaluation and, where necessary, coordination
• Communication, both listening and sharing, with Presbytery members, commissioners, church members, the Neighborhoods and the wider community, through social media and face-to-face gatherings
• Presbytery meetings and gatherings: for decision-making, education, building relationships, and spiritual nurture
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
The structure of the Big Picture Team will be designed by the Team to best accomplish its functions. The Team will bring its design to the Presbytery for approval, allowing for experimentation, pilot projects, and collaborative work across Teams and Neighborhoods of the Presbytery.
Members of the Big Picture Team will include both elected and appointed persons:
A Convener nominated by the Moderator and Moderator-Elect from among its members and elected by the Team
Officers of the Presbytery: Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Immediate Past Moderator, Treasurer (Ex-Officio), Stated Clerk (Ex-Officio)
Representatives from the Healthier Congregations Team (appointed by the Healthier Congregations Team’s Coordinating Council), the Healthy Pastoral Leaders Team, and the Healthy Presbytery Team
One representative appointed annually by each Neighborhood, serving up to 3 consecutive years
Two at-large Members for Discerning and Dreaming (appointed annually by the Moderator, serving up to 3 consecutive years
Presbytery Leader (Ex-officio)
Quorum for the Big Picture Team is half (50%) of voting membership.
The Big Picture Team will include these Working Groups:
• Mission Linkages – relationships with designated Presbytery Missions including, but not limited to, Rochester Presbyterian Home; Cameron Community Ministries; Camp Whitman; our Commissioners to the Synod of the Northeast and Synod’s Mission and Ministry Council; the General Assembly, including our Commissioners.
• Advocacy – working with Neighborhoods, Congregations and the Presbytery to claim our call as partners in the global and local mission of justice and peace; advocate and work for systemic change to promote justice and challenge forces that oppress people and the environment
• Interfaith and Ecumenical Relationships – through covenant agreements with groups such as the Greater Rochester Community of Churches, the Rochester Interfaith Network Alive, campus ministries within our bound s, and others to participate in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and life, and mission opportunities within the wider community
A member of the Big Picture Team will convene each Working Group of that team and serve as the liaison to the Team. Other participants will be included as described above.
PRESBYTERY OFFICERS Elected officers : In the election of officers of the Presbytery, opportunity shall always be given for nominations from the floor.
The Moderator of Presbytery shall be nominated by the Committee on Representation . Ordinarily, the Moderator is elected and installed during the 2nd quarter/spring meeting, and assume the position immediately upon installation for a term of approximately one year. In addition to the duties and powers given by the Book of Order (G-3.0104), the Moderator may be given special responsibilities as approved by Presbytery. The Moderator (or his or her designee) shall preside at all installations of ministers, propound the constitutional questions, and declare the minister installed. The Moderator shall be a member of the Big Picture Team and continue to serve on that team, with voice and vote, during the year after leaving office.
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The Moderator-Elect of presbytery shall ordinarily be elected and installed during the 2nd quarter/spring meeting, and assume the position immediately upon installation for a term of approximately two years, one as Moderator-Elect and one as Moderator. The Moderator-Elect shall preside over the meeting of presbytery at the request of, or in the absence of, the Moderator. If the office of Moderator becomes vacant, the Moderator-Elect shall fill the unexpired term. If the Moderator- Elect is unable to serve, the most recent available Moderator shall serve. The Moderator-Elect shall be a member of the Big Picture Team, and with members of the team, coordinate worship for the Presbytery meeting. In addition, for each meeting the Moderator-Elect will appoint tellers to serve, including serving as the New Business Committee, when needed.
The Stated Clerk shall ordinarily be elected at the January meeting of Presbytery for a term of three years starting on February 1 of that year. The presbytery may elect the Stated Clerk for successive terms. The Stated Clerk shall receive such compensation as the Presbytery shall direct. In addition to fulfilling the constitutional duties, the Stated Clerk shall advise the committees of Presbytery, as appropriate or as requested, with reference to the rules and procedures of the Presbytery and of the denomination. The Stated Clerk shall be an ex-officio member of the Presbytery Big Picture Team and the Committee on Ministry, and shall serve as secretary to both bodies. The Stated Clerk is to be available to pastors and church officers for consultation on questions concerning the Book of Order and Presbytery policies.
A Stated Clerk Nominating Committee, comprised of a representative of the Presbytery Committee on Representation, a representative of the Personnel Committee, and a person appointed by the Chair of the Presbytery’s Big Picture Team, shall be convened by the Chair of the Big Picture Team. The committee will make a nomination to the presbytery. Near the end of a term, applications for the position may be accepted from interested persons for consideration by the Stated Clerk Nominating Committee. Annual reviews by the Personnel Committee and the Big Picture Team will be conducted according to the Personnel Policies and Practices of the Presbytery. A summary of Annual Reviews for a Stated Clerk seeking re-nomination will be provided to this committee by the Personnel Committee.
The Treasurer shall be elected at the January meeting of Presbytery for a term of one year starting on February 1 of that year. After six successive one-year terms, a Treasurer shall be ineligible to serve until one year has elapsed. The Treasurer provides supervision and oversight for the reception of all funds payable to the Presbytery and likewise provides supervision and oversight for the disbursement of all funds within the adopted budget of the Presbytery. Extra-budget disbursements shall be made only with the approval of the Presbytery. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Big Picture Team, Budget Development and Oversight Committee, and the Trustees. The Treasurer shall provide oversight for the annual financial review of the Presbytery's financial records.
The Journal Clerk, Pro Tem assists the Stated Clerk by keeping a record of the meeting of the Presbytery and transmitting it to the Stated Clerk. The Journal Clerk Pro Tem is also the first reviewer of the draft meeting minutes. Journal Clerks Pro-Tem are volunteers elected by the Presbytery at the beginning of each meeting, and generally have experience as Clerks of Session. Persons who are interested in serving in this capacity are encouraged to contact the Stated Clerk. Appointed officers:
Tellers shall be appointed by the Moderator of the Presbytery at the beginning of each stated meeting of Presbytery, and will serve as the New Business Committee. The committee shall be comprised of four (4) members: two (2) teaching elders and two (2) ruling elder commissioners. Tellers will be responsible for assisting with votes and receiving the offering.
Following the appointment of the Tellers, the Moderator shall call for any new business. Such items shall be referred to the New Business Committee which will meet either during the meal or be excused to consider the proposed item(s). The New Business Committee shall make any report at the conclusion of the Presbytery meeting. The New Business Committee shall be dissolved upon the adjournment of the meeting during which they were elected.
The Presbytery Attorney shall be appointed upon recommendation of the Big Picture Team, in consultation with the Board of Trustees of the Presbytery. The Presbytery Attorney shall serve as legal counsel to the Presbytery with regard to matters related to Presbytery property and the relation of the Presbytery and its activities to civil law. The Presbytery Attorney shall receive such retainer as may be provided annually in the Presbytery budget, upon recommendation by the Board of Trustees and the Big Picture Team.
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
Presbytery Staff
In addition to the Stated Clerk elected by the Presbytery, the Presbytery may employ other staff persons to assist the Presbytery in work guided by the Mission and Vision of the Presbytery. A Presbytery Leader and any other Presbyters will be nominated by a committee formed for that purpose, and elected by the Presbytery. Administrative staff persons will be employed by the Big Picture Team, upon recommendation by the Presbytery Leader and the Personnel Committee. Position descriptions will be prepared by the Personnel Committee and approved by the Big Picture Team.
See Appendix G, Position Descriptions of Presbytery Staff.
Corporations and Other Relationships
Relationship to Presbyterian Homes and Residences Historically a single corporation, the Rochester Presbyterian Home, the Presbyterian Residence Center (Valley Manor), and the Genesee Valley Presbyterian Nursing Center (Kirkhaven), separated from the Presbytery of Genesee Valley in 1997. The Presbytery of Genesee Valley continued to relate to the Rochester Presbyterian Home and Seniors First (Valley Manor and Kirkhaven) through the Mission & Advocacy Committee of the Presbytery. In 2014 Valley Manor was acquired by Episcopal Senior Services. Beginning in January 1, 2018, the Rochester Presbyterian Home and Seniors First (Kirkhaven) relate to the Presbytery through the Mission Linkages Working Group of the Big Picture Team, for purposes of promotion and interpretation of their services and volunteer organizations.
Part III:
General Policies and Procedures
Policy Development
A policy of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is a course of action or a principal of action which is intended to apply broadly to the decisions and actions of the Presbytery, its committees, and other entities of the Presbytery.
Guidelines and procedures are not as broad as Presbytery-wide policies. Guidelines and procedures define the manner in which certain courses of action are followed or implemented, consistent with Presbytery-wide policies. Guidelines and procedures may inform and instruct the work of committees or other entities, as they serve to enact or bring to fruition the decisions made by the Presbytery.
Committees and other entities of the Presbytery may develop guidelines and procedures for the work of their particular group, consistent with Presbytery-wide policies. (For example, the Committee on Ministry has approved policies for Pastor Nominating Committees). These guidelines and/or procedures are communicated to the Presbytery through the Appendices of this Manual
Enactment of a Presbytery Policy
1. Policies of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley shall be enacted by the Presbytery, in a duly called meeting, by a 2/3 vote of presbyters who are present for the particular meeting. 2. Proposed policies shall come to the floor of Presbytery through the Big Picture Team of Presbytery.
Procedures for Proposal of Policies to the Presbytery
1. Those who wish to propose a policy (a congregation, a committee, a ministry team, an individual or a group) shall prepare the proposed policy in the following format: a. Part 1 – The text of the proposed policy, including a recommendation for when the policy, if approved, shall be reviewed by the Presbytery. Every policy should be reviewed at least every five years. Page 11 of 24
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b. Part 2 – A description of who is proposing the policy. c. Part 3 – A clear, succinct rationale for the policy. 2. The author(s) of the proposed policy shall submit the above document to the Big Picture Team (BPT) for its deliberation. The BPT will provide for full consideration of the proposed policy, including the opportunity for advocates of the policy to be heard. 3. The BPT shall determine when the policy shall come to the Presbytery, and shall make a specific recommendation to the Presbytery (approve, disapprove, approve with amendment). The rationale for the BPT’s recommendation shall be clearly stated. 4. The BPT shall place the proposed policy, with all supporting rationales, in the Mailed Docket for the Presbytery meeting during which the proposed policy will be considered. Under no circumstances will the proposed policy be placed in the Taken Docket for a particular meeting. 5. It will be the BPT’s responsibility to keep a record of the review dates of Presbytery policies, and to conduct the review of the policy. The BPT will bring to the Presbytery the recommendation as to continuing, discontinuing, or amending the policy. This will ensure that policies remain applicable and up-to-date. With the exception of this paragraph, any policy (including provisions of this Policies and Procedures Manual) of the Presbytery of the Genesee Valley may be temporarily suspended at any Stated Meeting of the Presbytery by a three- fourths vote of the members present, providing that thereby no provisions of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are violated.
Accessibility Policy The Presbytery of Genesee Valley strives to make full inclusion a priority. To this end the Presbytery encourages its constituent congregations to: 1. Continually work to remove all barriers, physical and otherwise, to full inclusion in the life of the church of all persons with disabilities. 2. Provide children and adults with disabilities the opportunity for a Christian education. 3. Provide persons with disabilities the opportunity for church membership, even when requirements and activities for membership must be modified to meet their special needs and challenges. 4. Intentionally and continually build awareness and understanding of all types of disability and of the issues that people with disabilities confront. 5. Promote advocacy for justice for people of all ages with disabilities.
The Presbytery of Genesee Valley makes a commitment to:
Recommendation Suggestion for Implementation
1. Continue to hold stated meetings and Presbytery- 1a. Churches will make accessibility information wide events in settings that are accessible for available to the Communications Coordinator. worship, business, fellowship, and dining (Provide 1b.The Communications Coordinator will create a information on building accessibility in the call to the meeting). compilation of church accessibility information. 1c.All meeting registrations will include questions regarding accessibility needs.
2. Provide sign language interpreters when 2. Request for ASL interpreter will be submitted to requested in a timely manner. the Presbytery Office two weeks before the scheduled meeting.
3. Provide printed materials in alternative formats 3. Requests for alternative formats will be (e.g., large print or braille) as requested. submitted two weeks before the event.
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices) 4. Encourage speakers to read aloud projected 4. The Moderator will lead this effort to make new materials that have not previously been made information available to all who are present. available.
5. Urge that requests for Revolving Loan Funds or 5. The requestor will submit provisions for PiLP endorsements for funding new construction or accessibility to the Trustees. remodeling of church property include provision for accessibility.
6. Encourage speakers and leaders to use person- 6. The Big Picture Team will model the person first first language when referring to persons with language. disabilities. For example, use “a woman who is blind,” rather than “a blind woman.” Use inclusive language. For example, use a statement like “Please rise in body or in spirit” rather than “Please rise”.
7. Encourage the Committee on Representation to 7. The Presbytery Leader will provide this seek out persons with disabilities for leadership encouragement, accessing information from annual positions in Presbytery, Synod, and General church statistical reports as needed. Assembly.
8. Encourage inclusion of people with disabilities in 8. The Moderator and worship planners will seek worship leadership. out participants with the help of pastors.
9. Take feasible steps to ensure that Presbytery offices meet ADA requirements for accessibility.
Approved November 2016; Revised May 2019 Electronic Meeting Policy 1. Electronic meetings may be held when a Team, Committee, or Working Group of the Presbytery must conduct business that is time-sensitive and in need of action before the next traditional meeting, or when the cost of a traditional meeting is not justified for the business at hand when electronic alternatives are available. A traditional meeting is a face- to-face meeting for members of any such group. 2. Electronic meetings are permissible if every member of any such group has access to adequate technology that allows participation in the meeting. 3. Electronic meetings must provide for simultaneous audio communication among all participants in order to allow for discussion of the issue being considered. Collaborative technologies, such as the web-based Go To Meeting or Skype conference calls, and interactive video teleconferences fit the necessary requirements for maintaining the deliberative character of meetings held in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. 4. Only the moderator, chair, or convener of any such group, and the Presbytery Moderator may call an electronic meeting. 5. Notice of an electronic meeting shall be given by the moderator, chair, or convener at least 3 days before the meeting and shall include the purpose of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate shall accompany the call for the meeting. Reasonable care shall be taken to ensure participation in the selection of the date and time for the meeting. Page 13 of 24
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6. A quorum of an electronic meeting shall be the higher of one-third of the members, or 3 members, of any such group, and shall be declared at the beginning of the meeting. 7. Just as in a traditional meeting, electronic meetings shall open and close with prayer. 8. The same rules regarding participation apply in electronic meetings as in traditional ones: the body may, but is not obligated to grant the privilege of the floor to a guest, who may not vote or speak to an issue once debate closes. A guest in an electronic meeting is someone who is not a member of the group. 9. Minutes of the proceedings shall be recorded and added to the Minutes record. 10. Motions shall be processed in the same manner as in a traditional meeting. The chair shall also give careful consideration to technological issues that could impact a person's ability to participate fully and shall give opportunity for adjustments before business is taken up. Before a vote is taken, the chair will determine whether any members are no longer present due to a technological disruption. 11. The chair shall give attention to insuring that all persons are included in the discussion and have the capability to hearing and participating fully in the meeting. Approved 11/2013 Rationale There are times, on account of the timeliness of an action, distance or inclement weather, when the Presbytery Big Picture Team or a committee of the Presbytery may be unable to meet face-to-face. We now have the technology for real-time audio and/or video meetings to use in these circumstances. This policy clarifies that it is our policy for an electronic meeting to be just that - a meeting - rather than a serial exchange of email communications which may not provide for full participation or simultaneous discussion of a motion. Committee chairs may contact the Communications Coordinator at the Presbytery office to schedule such a meeting.
PRESBYTERY REPRESENTATION AND SHARING OF INFORMATION Greetings and Endorsements on Behalf of the Presbytery The Presbytery Leader, the Stated Clerk, and the Moderator of the Presbytery, are authorized to send greetings to various organizations on behalf of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley at their own discretion. Other persons may be authorized by the Big Picture Team to bring such greetings in specific circumstances.
Offering greetings does not imply endorsement of a particular organization’s ideology or theological stance. To endorse means “to approve or ratify.” Endorsement or ratification requires the approval of Presbytery, or the Big Picture Team acting on behalf of Presbytery.
Only persons authorized by Presbytery or Big Picture Team (when required by time constraints) may speak on behalf of Presbytery regarding particular issues, and then only on issues on which Presbytery has taken specific action.
It is advisable for those who address particular issues to present a written statement of the Presbytery’s stance upon which the speaker would elaborate.
Executive staff persons, and elected leaders of Presbytery who speak publicly on issues without official authorization are urged to make it clear that their views do not necessarily reflect the view of the Presbytery and its member churches.
Adopted 7/23/96 , Edited 10/25/10, Amended 11/17
P3P Privacy Policy P3P (Platform for Privacy Preferences Project) is an industry standard providing a simple, automated way for internet users to gain more control over the use of personal information on web sites they visit. The Presbytery of Genesee Valley follows the P3P Privacy Policy. P3P enhances user control by putting privacy policies where users can find them, in a
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices) form they can understand, and, most importantly, it enables users to act on what they see. The full text of the privacy policy is available on at http://www.pbygenval.org/w3c/privacy.shtml.
GUIDANCE FOR CHURCHES
Chemical Dependency/Other Disorders Affecting Church Employees and Their Families
1. This policy recognizes that alcoholism and other forms of harmful chemical dependency, mental or emotional illnesses, financial, marital or other family distress or legal problems are treatable and as such they should not be approached in a punitive fashion, but rather in a pastoral manner. We seek to enlist the support and cooperation of the entire governing body in pastoral approaches to these problems. It is, therefore, recommended to member churches of the Presbytery that this policy be adopted as part of their personnel policies. 2. The purpose of this policy is to assure that any church employee or their family members having such problems will receive the same careful consideration and offer of treatment that is presently extended to church employees or their family members having any other illness or behavioral disorder. 3. The goal of this policy is to assist the church employee or family member having trouble with alcohol and any other form of harmful chemical dependency, mental or emotional illnesses, financial, marital or other family distress or legal problems to remove these problems as a source of trouble. 4. No employee with alcohol or other form of chemical dependency, mental or emotional illness, financial, marital or other family distress or legal problems will have his/her job security jeopardized by a request for diagnosis and treatment, or for seeking and accepting treatment. However, an employee’s continued refusal to seek help and treatment, or continued failure to respond to treatment, will receive the same response that similar refusals or treatment failures receive for other illnesses which affect job performance. However, it is most important that the person “recovering ” from such problems has equal job opportunity following successful treatment. 5. When church personnel go for treatment of their problem, they should be granted leave with pay as necessary for treatment, whether residential or outpatient. 6. The role and importance of confidentiality apply to treatment of these disorders (stated in #1 and #3 preceding) and their treatment just as to any other health and/or behavioral condition. 7. It is most important that personnel committees, the Committee on Ministry and church Sessions be knowledgeable and sensitive to persons in need of help with these disorders (stated in #1 and #3 preceding).
We recognize that the staff and committees of governing bodies do not ordinarily have the necessary qualifications to diagnose alcohol and other drug dependencies, mental or emotional illnesses, financial, marital or other family distress or legal problems, just as they are not usually qualified to diagnose other diseases. Evaluation, referrals and diagnostic intervention will need to be made in cooperation with qualified consultants such as the Employee Assistance Program provided by the Board of Pension to its members,, or other qualified health professionals. Since the affected person, especially chemically dependent persons, by the very nature of the illness/disorder often denies the problem, the consultant should be open to requests for help from spouses or family members, so that some kind of creative and therapeutic intervention can be initiated to help the afflicted person.
It is expected that through this policy employees who suspect that they may have such a problem, even in its early stages, will be encouraged to seek evaluation and, when indicated, follow through with prescribed treatment.
This policy applies not only to personnel employed by the Presbytery, but also applies to pastors employed by member churches of the Presbytery, staff members of member churches of the Presbytery, and clergy in non-parish service. Adopted 10/22/85 Guidelines for Writing a Session Sexual Misconduct Policy
See Appendix J.
GUIDANCE WITH REGARD TO MINISTERS, COMMISSIONED PASTORS, AND INQUIRERS OR CANDIDATES FOR MINISTRY
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Policy on Access, Confidentiality, Participation and Voting (COM) 1. As an instrument of Presbytery for promoting the peace and harmony of the churches, and especially in regard to matters arising out of the relations between ministers and churches, the Committee on Ministry shall be open at all times to direct access by, or communications from, all ministers in the Presbytery, all elders who are members of sessions, and the sessions of Presbytery through the Leadership Team of the Committee or the Presbytery Leader. (G- 3.0307). 2. At the Committee’s discretion, materials presented to the Committee may be available to the Presbytery and may be used for decision-making, recommendations and explanation, unless specifically given in confidence. Where such confidential information appears to be necessary for a decision or recommendation the person given such information will be requested to release that information from confidentiality. If that person does not so agree, then no decision or recommendation can be based upon that information. The information cannot form the basis or any part of the basis, for a decision or recommendation by the committee. A copy of this policy shall be provided to any person who presents information or materials to the Committee in advance of the use by the committee of that information or materials as any part of a basis for a decision or recommendation and in advance of its release by the committee to the Presbytery or any other party. 3. When assessments have been made to the Committee on Ministry about an individual, session or congregation, the committee may offer an opportunity for response. The committee shall offer an opportunity for response to an individual, session or congregation when an assessment provided to the committee is to be used as the basis for a decision. 4. When the Committee is dealing with matters concerning the church of one of its members, the member shall absent himself/herself from that part of the business. 5. When assessments have been made to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry about an inquirer or candidate, the committee may offer an opportunity for response. The committee shall offer an opportunity for response when an assessment provided to the committee is to be used as the basis for a decision.
In other situations where a committee member or staff person believes that his/her relationship to a church is biased by close personal involvement or confidential information, that committee member will be expected to absent himself/herself from that part of the business. Adopted 4/25/89, Edited 10/25/10, Amended 11.2013
Automatic Administrative Leave Policy
See Appendix K. Candidate Indebtedness Policy When the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is the Presbytery of Care: 1. In order to assess net worth, and to make a plan for financing the cost of seminary, inquirers are required to: • attend a Board of Pensions “Fiscal Fitness” workshop held annually at each of the 11 Presbyterian seminaries during inquiry, or • meet with the Board of Pensions regional representative or the Presbyterian Foundation representative during inquiry, or • attend a local bi-annual “Fiscal Fitness” workshop sponsored by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. 2. The Presbytery of Genesee Valley will share the cost, with the congregation of which the candidate is a member, of attending a Career and Counseling Center for career guidance in pursuit of ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA). 3. A designee of the Presbytery’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry will make available annually the median income for the denomination reported by the Board of Pensions, and the minimum effective salary established by the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. 4. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry will be an advocate with the congregation of which the inquirer or candidate is a member, and with other congregations of the Presbytery as appropriate, in order to generate financial
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
support for the inquirer or candidate in the form of grants. • The Committee on Preparation for Ministry will make available upon request a list of options for pursuing grants and interest free loans and other funding that may be available through the Financial Aid for Studies Office of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and PC(USA) seminaries. • The Committee on Preparation for Ministry may suggest that Inquirers and Candidates work with a financial advisor on their own to evaluate or anticipate indebtedness and assets.
When the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is the Presbytery of Call: 1. When a minister serving a first call following graduation from seminary comes with educational indebtedness and wishes to access assistance from the Board of Pensions, he/she shall be asked if they have attended a financial planning workshop such as a Fiscal Fitness workshop sponsored by the Board of Pensions, or other financial planning workshop. If the minister has not attended such a workshop, he/she shall be required to do so within twelve months of start-up, the cost of registration fee, accommodation and travel for such a workshop to be considered legitimate reimbursable expense from study leave allowance. 2. The Committee on Ministry shall encourage calling congregations to utilize further educational debt reduction as a point in negotiating salary with a prospective pastor who is a recent seminary graduate. 3. Processing of applications to the Seminary Debt Assistance Program shall be the responsibility of Presbytery ’s Board of Pensions liaison, through the Pastoral Care and Development Committee. Ministers interested in applying to the Board of Pensions Seminary Debt Assistance Program should be referred to the liaison. 4. The Committee on Ministry shall advise ministers being called to churches in the Presbytery of Genesee Valley of the availability of this program. Those who meet the qualifications to apply for the Board of Pension’s Seminary Debt Assistance Program will be referred to the Presbytery’s Board of Pensions liaison. Adopted April 2008
PRESBYTERYOPERATIONS
Non-Smoking Policy
The Presbytery Office has established a non-smoking policy, including electronic cigarettes, for its facilities. 10/22/85, amended 11/17
Inclement Weather Policy
The Presbytery Office will be closed when the Gates Central School District closes because of travel-related weather.
Presbytery Meeting and Event Cancellation Policy In the event of a severe weather forecast which would make traveling hazardous, Presbytery Meetings and Presbytery- wide events may be cancelled and rescheduled for another date. A decision to cancel will normally be communicated to participants no later than three hours before the time when the meeting or event is scheduled to begin.
Special or Stated Presbytery Meetings: The Presbytery Moderator, in consultation with the Moderator-Elect and the Presbytery Leader, will make this decision. Normally, the meeting will be rescheduled for one week later than the originally scheduled date.
Other Presbytery-wide events : A decision to cancel other Presbytery-wide events will be made by the person or group with responsibility for the event. If a snow date has been established, the event will be held on that date.
Notification of Cancellation
Notification methods may include the following, as appropriate to the event being cancelled or postponed: • E-mailing groups and/or individuals • Posting the notice on the Presbytery web page (http://www.pbygenval.org/)
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• Posting an announcement on the 13WHAM web site, as well as on their TV and radio stations (http://www.13wham.com/) • Posting an announcement on additional media web sites and TV and radio stations as may be determined to be effective • Telephone calls to persons without e-mail • Recording the cancellation information on the Presbytery Office voice mail
The Presbytery Office will also notify the host church of the cancellation and/or postponement of a Presbytery Meeting.
Committees, Teams and Working Groups Decisions to cancel will be made by the convener of the group. The convener will be responsible for notifying members of the group and for making sure that the Presbytery Office knows about the cancellation and rescheduled date. This policy will be posted on the Presbytery web site and will be widely distributed to the Presbytery. Approved by Council 3/10/08
Presbytery Meetings
Dockets and Other Logistics Setting Dates and Locations Stated Presbytery meetings are normally held four times a year. Meetings are held either on Tuesdays or Saturdays. Occasionally there will be special called meetings to deal with business which cannot wait until the next stated meeting. Special meetings are usually held on a Tuesday evening and do not include a meal or special events. The Presbytery staff solicits host churches for Presbytery meetings. Churches who are asked to host Presbytery meetings need to have adequate facilities to host a gathering of this size. They must be able to meet the responsibilities outlined in the Guidelines for Host Churches for Stated Presbytery Meetings (see Appendix M). The selection of host sites take into consideration the diversity of location and expected weather conditions for winter meetings. The Presbytery staff contacts churches to see if they would be willing to host a particular meeting. When the list is finalized, it is approved by the Big Picture Team and communicated with the Presbytery. Setting deadlines The Mailed Docket Request deadline is approximately three weeks before the meeting. The deadline for materials to go into the Mailed Docket is usually a couple of days later than the request deadline. The Mailed Docket is posted on the web and mailed about seven days before the meeting. The deadline for the Taken Docket is usually about a week before the meeting. Since this docket is not mailed, there is more flexibility. All materials to be included in the docket must be submitted electronically. All docket material should be submitted electronically to [email protected] Docket Requests The Presbytery Leader receives all requests, in writing, for time on the Docket for the Meeting. The draft docket may be presented to the Big Picture Team, and finalized by the Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Stated Clerk, and Presbytery Leader. The Mailed Docket The Mailed Docket is referred to in this manner because it is posted on the web and mailed in advance of the meeting so that participants have an opportunity to read it. Materials requiring Presbytery action are usually the only materials included in this docket. A brief history of the host church and directions to the church are included in the Mailed Docket. A copyrighted map may not be used. The Mailed Docket is posted on the website and mailed to those who request it about seven days before the date of the meeting.
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
The Taken Docket The Taken Docket is so-named because it was traditionally taken to the meeting and distributed to persons as they registered. It is now made available to all commissioners as a pdf document within 48 hours of the scheduled meeting. This usually contains only information items, although occasionally there are items requiring action. The material must be sponsored by a Presbytery committee or agency. Some printed copies of the Taken Docket will be available at the Presbytery meeting. It is posted on the Website at the time of the meeting. Pre-Presbytery Meetings Opportunities for learning and discussion usually may be offered before the Presbytery Meeting begins. These gatherings focus on an item of business to be acted on at the Meeting, a Pastoral Care and Development topic, or another offering from a Team, Committee, Working Group. All requests for Pre-Presbytery time are made in writing to the Presbytery Leader, and approved by the Big Picture Team. If equipment is required for a pre-meeting presentation, a request must be made to the program secretary by the Mailed Docket Material Request deadline (usually 2 weeks prior to the meeting date). Display Space and Handouts at Presbytery Meetings Persons wishing to distribute materials at Stated Presbytery meetings must have the approval of the appropriate Presbytery Committee, Team or Working Group or Presbytery staff member. There are two ways in which materials may be displayed:
• As part of the general handout display: These materials are due in the Presbytery Office no later than one week prior to the day of the Presbytery meeting. • As part of a larger display for a specific activity or issue: Persons setting up displays should arrive at the Presbytery meeting site at least 1 hour in advance of the start of the meeting. If there are pre-meetings being offered, persons should arrive 1 hour prior to set up so that displays will be set up before participants begin arriving.
To request display space, please make a request to the Presbytery Leader in writing. If a separate display space is being requested, the requests should be received no later than the Mailed Docket Material Receipt Deadline, and preferably sooner. It is very helpful to have the requests before staff goes on a site visit to the host church (about a month before the meeting); knowing what the space needs are in advance helps greatly in determining which space to assign to a group. Meal A meal is offered at most Stated Presbytery Meetings, and a vegetarian option is always offered. Ordinarily, the host church coordinates the meal. It is necessary to pay for a meal at the time that on-line registration for the meeting is completed. Child care Child care is offered to commissioners free of charge at all Stated Presbytery meetings. Presbyters need to request child care when they register for the meeting on-line, and complete required forms. See Appendix I, Presbytery Child Safety Policy. Sign Language Interpreter and Alternate Forms of Written Materials If needed, sign language interpretation is offered at Stated Presbytery meetings, and large print dockets can be provided. Requests may be made through on-line registration. Please let the Presbytery Leader know if there is a request for Braille materials.
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The Slide Show The Communications Coordinator is responsible for putting together the PowerPoint presentation which is used at all Presbytery Meetings. Presenters who wish to provide slides for insertion in the slide show should submit them electronically no later than the deadline for the Taken Docket. All submissions are subject to editing. Participants in the Meeting
• Minister members of Presbytery—Teaching elders in good standing of the PC(U.S.A.) and Commissioned Pastors who are serving churches, honorably retired (HR), members-at-large (AL), or serving in validated ministries (VM) are members of the Presbytery with voice and vote. • Corresponding Members— Teaching elders or ruling elders in good standing in other governing bodies of the PC(U.S.A.) or in any Christian church who are invited to participate in the meeting. Corresponding Members currently serving congregations in temporary, non-installed pastoral relationships may seek Temporary Membership Status and have voice and vote. All other Corresponding members may be granted the privilege of voice. • Elder commissioners —Each church is permitted to designate elder commissioners to participate in meetings of presbytery. The number of commissioners from each church is based on the membership size of the congregation. • Additional elder commissioners—Additional elders may be appointed by the presbytery as commissioners in order to maintain a balance of minister members and elder commissioners as required in the Book of Order, and also to allow elders who are committee chairs and others with similar responsibility access to the floor. Additional elder commissioners will be appointed for one-year renewable terms as recommended by the Stated Clerk and approved by the Presbytery. • Visitors—Attendees who do not fit one of the above categories. An elder who is not a commissioner is considered a visitor. Visitors do not have the privilege of the floor and shall not vote.
Attendance All Pastors and elder commissioners, including HR, AL and VM, are required to attend Presbytery meetings. Ministers and elder commissioners may request an excuse from attending a Presbytery meeting. Presbyters who do not request excuses may be marked absent. Minutes of Presbytery Meetings Minutes of Presbytery Meetings are available on the website. Only those people who specifically request paper copies will receive them by US mail. Worship Services at Presbytery Meetings The Big Picture Team, with the coordination of the Moderator-Elect, is responsible for the order of worship, which may take many forms. The Moderator-Elect is responsible for the preparation of the bulletin, which is given to the Communications Coordinator for inclusion in the Taken Docket.
• All worship services conducted by the presbytery in session shall be a model for corporate worship, shall make full use of the whole range of biblical images when referring to God, and shall use inclusive language when referring to the people of God in the selection of hymns, prayers and liturgies. • The worship service should ensure that issues of social justice and moral concern, including poverty, racial and ethnic equality and domestic violence, are lifted up in joint prayer. • Full participation in worship leadership, drawing on the breadth of resources within the presbytery from non-host as well as host churches, is strongly encouraged. • The use of a variety of musical resources for worship, such as inviting choirs from smaller churches unable to host presbytery and including a variety of hymn or musical styles within the same service, is encouraged.
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Participation in the Presbytery meeting and/or the worship service by the church organist is voluntary. The Presbytery will not pay for this service; the church may compensate the organist for this service if they wish. • An offering is received at each Stated Meeting. Unless otherwise designated by the Big Picture Team, the offering received is income toward the operating budget of the presbytery. • January: The worship service in January shall include a reading of the necrology of ministers and elders for the preceding year. • Spring: The spring meeting shall include a sermon by the outgoing moderator and the installation of the incoming moderator and moderator-elect. • Fall: The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated at the fall meeting.
Compiled February 6, 2007, last Amended 2019 Guidelines for Host Churches for Stated Presbytery Meetings See Appendix M. Presbytery E-News
Background In April 2011 the Presbytery began publishing the Presbytery of Genesee Valley E-News. The E-News includes additional information such as reports from Presbytery meetings, highlights on missions of the Presbytery, Comings and Goings of Clergy in the Presbytery, denominational news, and congregation news. Submission Guidelines Submissions are welcomed and encouraged. Items to be included must be relevant to a congregation within the Presbytery, a Presbytery committee, a special mission supported by the Presbytery, or a Presbytery corporation. We will also publish information about opportunities for clergy and lay people being offered by local, regional and national groups as appropriate. Please follow these guidelines for submissions: ▪ Electronic submission only ▪ Documents in MS Word format ▪ Times formatted as am or pm; use noon instead of 12 pm ▪ Pictures of events are welcome ▪ Links are encouraged
We are looking in particular for information from churches, including: ▪ Church Happenings—upcoming events and reports on past events ▪ Help Wanted—Job openings in churches ▪ Give and Take—Items needed by churches and ministries and items to be given away ▪ Special stories that you think might be of interest to the Presbytery
All submissions are subject to gentle editing. Send submissions to the Communications Coordinator. ([email protected]). The deadline for each issue is the first of the month; the publication date is the tenth of the month. E-News will be posted on the Presbytery website on the 10th of the month and a link will be sent to the distribution list (clergy, commissioned pastors, committee chairs, clerks of sessions, church offices, church offices, and others who request that their names be added). Broad distribution within the Presbytery is encouraged. Here are some ways it might be shared:
• Post the link in your church’s newsletter.
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• Copy selected articles for your church’s newsletter. • Forward it to your congregational e-mail list. • Post it on your bulletin boards. • Encourage people to request that they be added to the distribution list.
Web Site Editorial Policy Editorial Policy Items to be posted on the Presbytery web site must be sponsored by: • a congregation within the Presbytery • a Presbytery committee • a special mission supported by Presbytery • or a Presbytery corporation Items requiring committee approval should be directed to the chair of the appropriate group.
Employment Postings Congregations may post brief descriptions (25 words or less) of available church related positions on the Presbytery web site In addition, the posting should provide a contact name and information. Links to e-mail or church web sites will gladly be posted. Material should be submitted to the Communications Coordinator ([email protected]).
Presbytery Directory The Presbytery Office maintains a database from which it produces a Presbytery Directory. The Directory contains the following sections:
• Reference pages • Churches • Summary of individuals • Ministries Supported by the Presbytery of Genesee Valley.
An updated Directory is distributed electronically twice a year to all clergy and CP’s, clerks of session, churches, and others who have requested this type of distribution. Persons wishing to be placed on the electronic distribution list should contact the Communications Coordinator. Presbytery members may also request printed copies.
Sharing Directory Information Presbytery Directories are distributed to persons in the Presbytery for their use for Presbytery-related activities and should not be used for other purposes or shared with individuals or groups outside the Presbytery. The Presbytery’s Policy on the Use of Presbytery’s Directory is placed in a prominent place in the Presbytery Directory. Policy Statement: Presbytery will not distribute mailing lists of the Presbytery or its churches to any outside agency. Adopted January 1997 Policies Governing the Use of Audio-Visual Equipment & Labyrinths
1. Audio-visual equipment is available at the Presbytery office for use by the churches and all units of the Presbytery. Wide use of this equipment is encouraged. 2. A responsible adult should check out all equipment and accessories. The procedure includes adequate training in use, filling out the appropriate form (noting all equipment taken and dates of borrowing, use and expected return) and the signing of an agreement, accepting full responsibility for the equipment. 3. Equipment should be returned promptly according to the arrangements made in advance. Borrower should use the enclosed checklist to be sure all parts of the equipment is being returned.
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PGV POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (without appendices)
4. Covering repair or replacement cost resulting from damage or loss of equipment while away from the Presbytery office will be the responsibility of the borrower. Equipment should be carried on air flights. Please call the Financial & Program Administrator to reserve your equipment needs as soon as they become known to you. All equipment must be picked up and dropped off in person according to the agreed lending time. A release agreement must be signed before borrowing equipment.
Services to Presbytery Teams, Committees, and Working Groups Staff Support The Presbytery staff may assist Teams, Committees, and Working Groups, as requested, in sharing information with other groups of the Presbytery. Requests are made by email to a Presbytery staff member. The Presbytery staff will also maintain a record of activity if agendas and minutes are forwarded to the Communications Coordinator or Financial & Program Administrator. Every group has an e-mail address (listserv) by which members can communicate with one another. This list is kept up to date by the support staff person assigned to each group. Anyone on the listserv may communicate with the entire group by sending an email to the listserv. Committees are encouraged to use this method for distributing agendas, minutes, and other documents. Space Reservations Meeting space in the Presbytery Office may be reserved by calling the Presbytery office or by contacting the Communications Coordinator ([email protected]). Notice of meeting cancellations or changes helps the office staff let others know of changing plans. Many meetings are held in churches within the Presbytery. Scheduling of these meetings is the responsibility of the Chair or convener of the group Presbytery Database The Presbytery Office maintains a database of clergy, elders, committee members and others involved in the life of the Presbytery. Presbytery support staff are responsible for keeping the database up to date. Therefore, changes in information about churches and persons in the Presbytery should be communicated to the office staff as soon as possible. If changes affect committee lists, a new list should be e-mailed to the members.
PART IV: FINANCIAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CAMP WHITMAN FUNDING The Presbytery will contribute a fixed amount in support of Camp Whitman, as a mission outreach program, which will be reviewed annually by the Big Picture Team.
Opportunity will be given to the Presbytery of Geneva to come annually to Presbytery, through the Big Picture Team, to request permission to solicit additional mission funding for Camp Whitman from churches and individuals within the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. Adopted 2/27/02 (replaced 10/5/94 policy)
The Presbytery elects three persons to serve on the Camp Whitman Committee. Approved by Presbytery 5/30/00, amended 2019
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT AND FUNDING POLICIES See Appendix E.
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PART V: PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
See Appendix L.
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PRESBYTERY BIG PICTURE TEAM REPORT for October 12, 2019 Dansville Presbyterian Church, Dansville, NY [Meetings held on 8/12/19 & 9/30/19]
ITEMS FOR PRESBYTERY’S ACTION The Big Picture Team VOTED to recommend that the Presbytery: There are no items for Presbytery’s action.
ITEMS FOR PRESBYTERY’S INFORM ATION The Big Picture Team VOTED to: (Convener for the Big Picture Team) Appoint Rev. Sue Thaine, immediate past moderator, as Convener for the Big Picture Team effective September 2019 – July 2020. (Caledonia First / Rev. Vinod Gnanaraj) Authorize the filing of the R-1 Application on behalf of Rev. Vinod Gnanaraj. [NOTE: Rev. Gnanaraj (UCC) is in the process of being called as a Designated Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Caledonia, NY under the Formula of Agreement between our denominations. The $2500 immigration attorney fee will be paid by First Presbyterian Church, Caledonia, NY including a generous $1000 anonymous donation. The $460 application fee will be paid by Rev. Gnanaraj.] (NYS Mandated Requirements Regarding Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevention) Appoint the following persons to lead trainings for Sexual Harassment Prevention on behalf of the Presbytery: Elder Karen Bolinger, Tools & Training Working Group (Bethany) Elder Barbara Bruins, co-chair, Personnel Committee (Pittsford) Elder John Cox, Personnel Committee (Penfield) Elder Susan Orr, Stated Clerk/Presbyter for Healthier Congregations (Trinity Emmanuel) Elder Rose Peet, co-chair, Personnel Committee (Third) (2020 Per Capita) Recommend increasing the per capita rate from $20.60 (2019 rate) to $21.63, a 5% increase. (Lyndonville) 1. Approve the following re-designation of grant funds: The remaining $1,591.97 received from the Triple Play Grant in 2016 for “After School Youth Program” and $273.62 received from a 2011 Congregational Development Grant for “Young People”. The church wishes to apply the combined $1,865.59 to install a needed chair lift for access to the dining room and restroom. [NOTE: The Triple Play Funds were granted to Albion, Holley and Lyndonville to begin new youth programs in the congregations. The pastors of Albion and Holley affirm Lyndonville’s decision to redirect remaining Triple Play funds for this project.] 2. Authorize Lyndonville Presbyterian Church also known as the First Presbyterian Church and Society in Yates (the “Church”), 107 North Main Street, Lyndonville, New York, to sell to Amanda L Luckman the premises locally known as 139 South Main Street in the Town of Yates, Orleans County, New York (being Tax Account 343801-025-017-0002-026-000), being the property improved by a single family home and two car garage, and being the same premises acquired by the Church by deed recorded in Liber 221 of deeds page 305, Orleans County Clerk’s Office. Such sale shall take place in accordance with a Purchase and Sale Contact between the parties dated on or about July 12, 2019, which Purchase and Sale Contract provides for a sale price of $127,200, with such contingencies, terms and conditions as are set forth in such Contract and negotiated by the Trustees of Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.
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3. Apply the net proceeds of the sale of such property, after payment of all necessary and customary closing costs, including attorney’s fees and the expenses of procuring the Court Order, for the use and benefit of Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. 4. Authorize the Trustees, Clerk of Session and the Ruling Elders of Lyndonville Presbyterian Church to take such actions, and to execute and deliver such documents, as shall be appropriate and necessary to effectuate the foregoing. [NOTE: These actions were approved by the Congregation and Corporation of Lyndonville Presbyterian Church at a special meeting of the Congregation and Corporation held July 28, 2019, and are subject to the approval of a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, as provided by law.] (Land Acknowledgment) Approve including an Acknowledgment of the Land at every Presbytery Meeting and event as recommended by the 223rd General Assembly Doctrine of Discovery: A Review of Its Origins and Implications for Congregations in the PC(USA) and Support for Native American Sovereignty report. [NOTE: Elder Carolyn Whitfield authored a comprehensive Land Acknowledgement Report on behalf of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, which includes proposed Acknowledgments on pgs 16-17. We are grateful to Carolyn for this important contribution.] See Appendix A: Land Acknowledgment Report (Vital Congregations Initiative) 1. Designate the 7 Marks of Vital Congregations as the theme for Presbytery Meetings in 2020- 2021, one per meeting. The 7 Marks of Vital Congregations are: Lifelong Discipleship Formation, Intentional Authentic Evangelism, Outward Incarnational Focus, Empowering Servant Leadership, Sprit-Inspired Worship, Caring Relationships, and Ecclesial Health. 2. Re-designate line #3101 PPG-SCMG (Priming the Pump) Fund balance of $12,389.72 and #3101 Synod Partnership Grant balance of $302.40 for Vital Congregations work. [NOTE: The PPG-SCMG balance is from a Synod grant received in 2008 that has underwritten the Unbinding the Gospel and Stewardship Workshop initiatives. The Synod Partnership balance is from a Synod grant received in 2004.] (Communications Coordinator) The Personnel Committee unanimously approved hiring Kathi Gunio as Communications Coordinator, effective October 1, 2019. Kathi has a BA in Communications/Journalism from St. John Fisher College, and comes to us from Fairport Baptist Homes. We look forward both to her technical skill, with proficiency in a variety of software programs and web applications, and her love of writing and communicating across all media. She will work at the office on Tuesday- Thursday from 9-4 p.m., and will organize and attend all Presbytery meetings.
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Acknowledging the Traditional Indigenous Inhabitants of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley’s Region
June 16, 2019
Research and Report by Carolyn Whitfield
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Table of Contents
I. General Assembly action 3
II. Presbytery of Genesee Valley 3
III. Guidelines for Honoring Native Lands 3 What is land acknowledgment? 3 Why introduce the practice of land acknowledgment? 4 Process for appropriate land acknowledgment 4
IV. Earliest Native Inhabitants of Presbytery Lands 4
V. Early Iroquoian Groups in Western New York 6
VI. Haudenosaunee Confederacy 8
VII. Pre-Revolutionary Times 9 Wenrohronon 9 Erie 9 Seneca 10 Susquehannock 10 Beaver Wars 11 French and Indian War 12
VIII. Dispossession of Haudenosaunee Lands 12 Significant events 13 Other encroachments 14
IX. Current Information on Native Americans in Western New York 15
X. Recommendations for Land Acknowledgment for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley 15 Recommendation for future connections 15 Factors to consider in developing or choosing a statement 16 Possible statements of land acknowledgment 16
Appendices 18
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Acknowledging the Traditional Indigenous Inhabitants of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley’s region
I. General Assembly Action
The 223rd General Assembly (2018) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adopted this directive:
Encourage mid councils to begin their meetings with an acknowledgment of whose land they are meeting on and that greetings to the assembly include a welcome from those Indigenous peoples currently living on the land.
The research in this report was undertaken so the Presbytery of Genesee Valley could effectively implement this directive.
II. The Presbytery of Genesee Valley
The Presbytery includes all of the following western New York State counties: Orleans Genesee Wyoming Monroe Livingston In addition, the Presbytery includes the town of Victor in Ontario County.
Please see the map of the Presbytery in Appendix A.
III. Guidelines for Honoring Native Lands
The U.S. Department of Arts and Culture has published a helpful guide Honor Native Land: A Guide and Call to Acknowledgment, available at https://usdac.us/nativeland. See Appendix B.
What is land acknowledgement?
Acknowledgment is a public statement at the beginning of a gathering to recognize the traditional Native inhabitants of a place. [Honor Native Land, p. 3.]
This practice is more widespread in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, but slowly spreading in the United States. [Honor Native Land, p. 4]
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Why introduce the practice of land acknowledgment?
The USDAC Guide offers these reasons for introducing this practice:
• Offer recognition and respect. • Counter the “doctrine of discovery” with the true story of the people who were already here. • Create a broader public awareness of the history that has led to this moment. • Begin to repair relationships with Native communities and with the land. • Support larger truth-telling and reconciliation efforts. • Remind people that colonization is an ongoing process, with Native lands still occupied due to deceptive and broken treaties and practices of eminent domain and other mechanisms intended to benefit government or corporate America. • Take a cue from Indigenous protocols, opening up spaces with reverence and respect. • Inspire ongoing action and relationships. [Honor Native Land, p. 3]
Process for appropriate land acknowledgment
This research, undertaken to develop possible land acknowledgment statements, is only the first step of an appropriate process. The research allows us to identify the traditional inhabitants of the land included in the Presbytery.
But each indigenous group has its own history and protocols for welcome and acknowledgment. This research is simply a starting point for relationships and dialogue with Native communities. These conversations will allow us to respect the wishes of traditional inhabitants about how they would like to be named and acknowledged.
IV. Earliest Native Inhabitants of Presbytery Lands
If you asked most people in western New York to identify the Native inhabitants of this region, they would name the Seneca tribe of the Haudenosaunee Confederation. While this is not incorrect, the history of occupation of these lands is much more extensive and richer than that response would indicate.
Human beings have lived in New York State at least since the Paleo-Indian period (15,000 to 7,000 B.C. or BCE), after the continental ice sheet began to recede. [Adirondacks: Native Americans, p. 1, See Appendix C]
People from the Laurentian culture (8,000 to 1,000 B.C. or BCE) moved into western New York from the St. Lawrence River valley. This culture was replaced by others as hunting and agriculture evolved and influenced how communities were established. [Adirondacks: Native Americans, pp. 1-2]
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These peoples eventually coalesced into two main groups of Woodland Indians: Iroquois and Algonquin. The map below shows the areas occupied by these groups (purple to the left = Iroquois; pink to the right = Algonquin). [Native American Netroots: The Ancestors of the Iroquois, p. 2, See Appendix D; Adirondacks: Native Americans, p. 2]
The primary ancestral Iroquoian culture in New York is the Owasco cultural tradition, which became predominant around 900 A.D. or CE. [Native American Netroots: The Ancestors of the Iroquois, p. 4]
The Owasco cultural tradition evolved through various phases. Housing evolved into the longhouses we associate with the Iroquois, and settlement patterns changed from smaller villages to more permanent towns on hilltops defended by stockades. [Native American Netroots: The Ancestors of the Iroquois, p. 4-5]
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V. Early Iroquoian Groups in Western New York
As the map above indicates, the area covered by the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is the ancestral home of four major indigenous Iroquoian groups: Wenro – a shortened form of the Wenrohronon tribe Seneca Erie Susquehanna
Using the resources noted in the Honor Native Land guide yields similar information.
Source: http://www.native-languages.org/ Geographic index of Native American tribes United State tribes New York State
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Source: https://native-land.ca/ At this website, enter any Rochester-area or Western New York zip code into the search box. Zoom out and you will be able to see this view.
• Wenrohronon territory to the northwest – south of Lake Ontario and east of the Niagara River
• Erie territory to the southwest – south of the Wenrohronon area and along the southern shore of Lake Erie
• Seneca territory in the Finger Lakes area, south of Lake Ontario, immediately east of the Wenro
• Susquehannock territory east of the Erie and south of the Seneca territories.
A larger view of the map is in Appendix E.
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VI. Haudenosaunee Confederacy
In 1142, Deganawidah, Jingosaseh, and Hiawatha persuaded the Mohawks, Cayugas, Oneidas, Onondagas, and Senecas to form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. [Adirondacks: Native Americans, p. 3; Native American Netroots: The Ancestors of the Iroquois, p. 5; Johansen, Dating the Iroquois Confederacy, p. 1,3, See Appendix F.]
The original five tribes comprising the Confederacy are:
Common name Meaning What they called Meaning themselves – Two alternate spellings Iroquois Algonquin for “Real Haudenosaunee People of the Adders” Ongwanonsionni’ longhouse Mohawk Keepers of the Kanyengehaga People of the place Eastern Door Kahnia’kehaka of the flint Oneida Oneyotdehaga People of the Onyota’a:ka standing stone Onondaga Keepers of the Great Onontaga On the mountain Council Fire Ononda’ge Cayuga Gayokwehonu Where they land the Gayohkohnyoh boats Seneca Keepers of the Onondewagaono Great hills people Western Door Onondawahgah
The Tuscarora (Ska:ru:re) tribe joined the Confederacy in 1722, becoming the sixth nation.
Sources: Adirondacks: Native Americans, p. 3 Harden, Whose Land? pp. 9, 28-40, See Appendix G. Szczepaniec, Indigenous People of Western New York, p. 3, See Appendix H. Access Genealogy, New York Indian Tribes, p.1
A list of village sites for each of the five tribes of the original Confederacy is included in the Access Genealogy article, New York Indian Tribes, included in Appendix I.
Henceforth in this report, Haudenosaunee or the Confederacy refers to the Five or Six Nations, while Iroquois or Iroquoian refers to the language group noted above, since the language group included more than the 6 tribes who confederated.
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VII. Pre-Revolutionary Times
The four tribes who lived in the region now covered by the Presbytery of Genesee Valley were documented in pre-Colonial times by French missionaries and traders who arrived to explore, evangelize, and trade.
Wenrohronon
The Wenrohronon, or the Wenro People, were an Iroquoian Amerindian people of North America. French missionaries, Jesuits, met them on their journeys in the 1630s and documented their territory as lying north of the Eries’ territory and west of the Genesee River, across from which lived the Senecas. Wenro land extended to the east side of the Niagara River and south to the eastern end of Lake Erie. It is likely that they shared hunting grounds with the Erie tribe near the headwaters of the Allegheny River.
The Wenro are not well known today because they became extinct due to plagues and internecine warfare. Their relatively small territory did not contain many resources, other than hunting grounds, and they were situated between the Haudenosaunee tribes to their east and the Hurons to the west, in Canada. They traded with both groups, and they provided a buffer between the Haudenosaunee and Hurons, who were often at war with each other.
A mass migration of the Wenro out of their territory occurred in 1639, when they moved west into Huron territory. By 1643, the Wenro were conquered by the Haudenosaunee confederacy. Haudenosaunee culture allowed for the adoption of survivors, so it is likely that the remained Wenro peoples were absorbed into the Senecas, who came to occupy their territory. [Information from the Wikipedia entry for Wenrohronon, available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenrohronon.]
Erie
The Erie were also an Iroquoian Amerindian people of North America. Their territory stretched south into Pennsylvania from the southern shore of Lake Erie near Buffalo, west to the vicinity of Sandusky, Ohio, and east to the lands of the Susquehannock along the east watershed of the Allegheny river and to the lands of the Seneca along the west watershed of the Genesee river.
The Erie were traditional enemies of the Haudenosaunee tribes, and were allied with the Neutral tribe in Canada on the west side of the Niagara River and Wenro tribe against them. The Erie traded with the Susquehannocks.
The Erie tribe was decimated between 1648 and 1656 in a series of wars with the Haudenosaunee. Between 1648 and 1651, the Haudenosaunee conquered the Hurons and the Neutrals, with survivors of these tribes taking refuge with the Eries. The western Haudenosaunee tribes (Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondaga) wanted the Erie to surrender the
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refugees, but the Erie refused. At the same time, the Mohawk and Oneida tribes were warring with the Susquehannock. By 1656, the Haudenosaunee had destroyed most of the Erie villages. Survivors were absorbed into the Seneca tribe to replace their war losses, and the Eries ceased to exist as a separate tribe.
Some of the descendants of the Eries who had been integrated into the Seneca tribe left New York during the 1720s and returned to Ohio, where they became known as the Mingo or Ohio Iroquois. They were subsequently removed to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) during the 1840s. Some of the Senecas in Oklahoma now probably have Erie ancestors. [Information from: Lee Sultzman, Erie History, available at http://www.dickshovel.com/erie.html; and, Access Genealogy, Erie Tribe, updated October 4, 2013, available at https://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/erie-tribe.htm.]
Seneca
The Senecas joined the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in 1142. They occupied the area we know as the Finger Lakes, or the area drained by the Genesee River, from the watershed between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes to the Genesee River. Irondequoit was their landing-place on Lake Ontario. Their council fire was at Tsonontowan, near Naples, in Ontario County.
During the 1600s, the Senecas were part of many wars that the Haudenosaunee had with neighboring tribes – the Wenro, the Eries, the Susquehannocks, the Neutrals, and the Hurons. After the Eries and Neutrals, both tribes that had lived west of the Senecas, were destroyed in the mid-1600s, the Senecas extended their territory west to Lake Erie and south along the Alleghany River into Pennsylvania.
By 1657 the Seneca tribe, following the Haudenosaunee tradition of adopting conquered peoples when they agreed to live under the Confederation form of government, was comprised of people from eleven different tribes. This is one reason they became the largest of the six nations of the Confederacy. [Information from Access Genealogy, Seneca Tribe, updated July 26, 2014, available at https://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/seneca-tribe.htm.]
Susquehannock
The Susquehannock tribe occupied land around the Susquehanna River and its branches from the north end of the Chesapeake Bay through Pennsylvania and into southern New York.
They are not well known today, though they were a tribe of considerable strength in the mid- Atlantic area when the Europeans arrived. Since they lived inland, Europeans did not visit their villages as often.
They have been described as bitter enemies of the Haudenosaunee and in the mid-1600s they were part of many wars against them.
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The tribe was hit hard by epidemics, as well as being weakened by the ongoing warfare. By 1675, they had been defeated by the Haudenosaunee. Some of the survivors settled among the Mohawks and Oneidas, while some Susquehannock are thought to have migrated south and joined the Meherrin tribe in North Carolina. The Meherrins were later integrated into the Tuscaroras and came with them to New York in 1722.
The famous Oneida chief during the American Revolution, Skenandoa, was of Susquehanna descent as was Logan, a Mingo chief in Ohio. [Information from Lee Sultzman, Susquehannock History, available at http://www.dickshovel.com/susque.html.]
Beaver Wars
The intertribal wars referred to above were part of a period called the Beaver Wars, which extended from about 1630-1700. Europeans – Swedes, Dutch, English, and French – wanted to trade with Native American tribes for fur, primarily beaver pelts. The competition for trading partners, shifting alliances, and declining wildlife resources all led to warfare, which decimated some tribes.
The Haudenosaunee traded with the Dutch. Initially the European partners were slow to trade firearms to Native Americans, and limited the amount of ammunition they would exchange. As competition increased, these boundaries were breached. The English were willing to sell more weapons to the Mohawks, so the Dutch countered by removing any restrictions they had.
With better-armed warriors, the Haudenosaunee were able to defeat the Hurons and neighboring tribes. This increased the violence of the Beaver Wars. Increased trade also intensified Native American dependence on the goods they received in exchange for the furs.
Dependence on the fur trade not only set Native American tribes against each other, it also led them to seek relationships with European traders. As a result, intertribal and intercolonial relationships became more difficult while relationships between Native American tribes and particular colonial groups strengthened.
The Beaver Wars ended with the Treaty of Grande Paix, or Great Peace, in 1701, between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the British, and the French. Conflict continued, however, for many years to come. [Information from Lee Sultzman, Susquehannock History, available at http://www.dickshovel.com/susque.html; and, Ohio History Central, Beaver Wars, available at http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Beaver_Wars.]
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French and Indian War
The competition between colonial powers Britain and France came to a head in North America with the French and Indian War, 1754-1763. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763.
Overt hostilities between colonial powers pressured Native American tribes to turn trading relationships and alliances into more formal support for one side or the other. The Haudenosaunee were trading partners with the British so they initially supported them in the war. Initial French victories, however, gave the Confederacy pause, and pushed them toward a position of neutrality. As the British began to prevail, though, the Confederacy joined their side.
This war, however, presaged divisions that would occur within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy as conflicts with colonial settlers increased. In the 1700s, many members of the Mohawk tribe were converted to Christianity and moved to Canada.
When the French and Indian War began, members of the Mohawk tribe who still lived in New York State joined the British with the rest of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. But the members of the Mohawk tribe who had moved to Canada joined the French. As a result, members of the same tribe could be fighting against each other. Some French documents indicate that Mohawks made private agreements not to participate in battles that would pit them against other tribe members. [Information from Rebecca Beatrice Brooks, June 10, 2018, Who Fought in the French and Indian War? Available at https://historyofmassachusetts.org/who-fought-french-indian-war/.]
VIII. Dispossession of Haudenosaunee Lands
After the French and Indian War, growing settlement in the colonies brought increasing conflict with Native Americans. In 1768, English Colonial and Confederacy leaders met at Fort Stanwix to codify boundary lines between Native American and European lands. This treaty did not, however, stop the flow of settlers onto Haudenosaunee land.
The Revolutionary War continued the stress on the Confederacy that was evident during the French and Indian War. Initially the Haudenosaunee were inclined to be neutral as they saw the conflict as a British civil war.
As tensions increased, however, pressure mounted for the Haudenosaunee to choose sides. They were unable to arrive at a unified decision and in the end the Oneida and Tuscaroras fought with the Americans, and the other tribes assisted the British.
The Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War in 1783, but neither the Americans nor the British made any provision for their Native American allies. This left the new U.S. government to negotiate a 1784 treaty with the Haudenosaunee. [Information from William Sawyer,
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National Park Service, The Six Nations Confederacy During the American Revolution, available at: https://www.nps.gov/fost/learn/historyculture/the-six-nations-confederacy-during-the- american-revolution.htm.]
Significant events
1779 Sullivan Clinton Campaign General George Washington ordered Generals Sullivan and Clinton and others to totally destroy and devastate Haudenosaunee settlements and to capture as many of them as possible. The point of the campaign was to ruin the crops in the ground and prevent planting.
1780 The Winter of Hunger Many Haudenosaunee fled to Fort Niagara where there was widespread disease and starvation.
1783 Treaty of Paris The British had promised to take care of their Native American allies, but they did not. The British ceded all of their land east of the Mississippi to the United States.
1784 Second Fort Stanwix Treaty This treaty negotiated new boundary lines. In exchange Haudenosaunee education and health would be provided for.
1786 Treaty of Fort Harmer Both Massachusetts and New York State claimed land in Western New York State. Massachusetts had land rights to land near Binghamton and Cayuga and Seneca territory. This land was sold to settlers and then became part of NYS. No Haudenosaunee were represented at these negotiations.
1788 Sale of land to Phelps and Gorham A tract of land from Lake Ontario to Pennsylvania was sold to land speculators Phelps and Gorham, who later sold it to Robert Morris.
1788 Sale of Onondaga land NYS engaged in unauthorized negotiations to buy most of the Onondaga’s land.
1789 Military Tract A military tract in Central NY was set up to provide Revolutionary War veterans land in lieu of salaries. No Haudenosaunee were present when this was approved.
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1790 Federal Indian Trade and Intercourse Act (the Pickering Act) Required that all treaties and land deals involving Native Americans be approved by the Federal government.
1793 Treaty of Onondaga NYS gains control of most of the rest of the Onondaga’s land; negotiations were in violation of the Pickering Act.
1794 Treaty of Canandaigua Rights of the Senecas to land owned by the Holland Land Company and Robert Morris were terminated. New boundary lines and reservations were established.
1797 Treaty of Big Tree The Senecas sold a large parcel of their land, and were left with 11 small reservations in western New York.
1813 Land Donation The Holland Land Company wanted to attract more settlers to its lands in western NY. They donate land to the Canal Commission to use for part of the Erie Canal.
1826 Buffalo Creek Treaty The seat of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and many refugees, had moved to the Buffalo Creek Reservation after the Sullivan Clinton Campaign of 1779. The success of the Erie Canal meant that the City of Buffalo needed room to grow. Again, in violation of past treaties, land was sold for Buffalo’s expansion.
[Information from Camillus Erie Canal Park, Timeline of Haudenosaunee Land Dispossession to Clear the Route for the Erie Canal, available at http://www.eriecanalcamillus.com/images/school_tours/teacher_resources/Haudenosaunee_L and_Dispossession%20_Timeline.pdf, see Appendix J; and Harnden, Whose Land? pp. 10-12]
Other encroachments
Various public projects and policies also eroded the land holdings and culture of the Confederacy tribes.
• Kinzua Dam flooded land on the Allegheny Reservation in 1965.
• Construction of I-86 took land from the Allegheny Reservation in 1964.
• The Niagara Falls Power Project in 1960 displaced Tuscarora tribe members to build a reservoir.
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• Thomas Indian School, after being taken over by the State Board of Charities in 1875, separated many children from their families and isolated them from their culture.
• NYS Thruway took Seneca and Onondaga land.
[Information from Harnden, Whose Land? pp. 10-12; and, Szczepaniec, Indigenous People of Western New York, pp. 9-10.]
IX. Current Information on Native Americans in Western New York
Comprehensive information on Haudenosaunee land claims in New York State is available in Appendix G: Harnden, Philip, Whose Land? An Introduction to Iroquois Land Claims in New York State, February 2000, American Friends Service Committee, Upper New York State Area Office, Syracuse NY. Available at https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/govt313/lc/texts/whoseland.pdf.
Current information on the location, size, and well-being of Haudenosaunee tribes is available in Appendix H: H. Szczepaniec, Kristin, Indigenous People of Western New York, February 2018, Fact Sheet published by Partnership for the Public Good. Available at https://ppgbuffalo.org/files/documents/data-demographics- history/indigenous_people_in_wny_final.pdf
X. Recommendations for Land Acknowledgment for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley
Recommendation for future connections
As noted in Section III., this research forms only the initial foundation for a statement of acknowledgment. To realize the true purpose of such a statement, it is necessary to have a conversation and develop a relationship with the Seneca people.
It would be helpful for Presbytery representatives to meet with Seneca members to discuss questions such as:
A. How do Seneca members acknowledge their predecessors when they open meetings? B. Is this a format that the Presbytery could use? C. How would the Senecas prefer to be acknowledged by groups like the Presbytery? D. Specifically, what names should we use? What is the correct pronunciation of these names and what is the correct notation of them, including punctuation? E.g. We know the local Haudenosaunee tribe as the Senecas, but their name for themselves is Onondewagaono or Onondawahgah. D. Are there steps beyond an acknowledgment that the Senecas would like to see Presbytery undertake?
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Factors to consider in developing or choosing a statement
Until such a conversation can occur or a relationship developed, there are possible statements that the Presbytery can use. These differ in the level of detail they include. Additional details can include items such as:
• Respect for elders. • Stewardship of the land. • The manner in which the current occupants came to own the land.
It is possible to start with a simple statement and modify it over time as relationships develop and research is refined.
An important consideration for the Presbytery is the size of the region our governing body covers. If we use a statement that is consistent at all Presbytery functions, the level of detail needs to be appropriate for the whole area represented. This would mean, for example, that we might not want to mention specific treaties as there would be a number of them that cover all of the dispossessions that occurred in this region.
Another consideration is whether to limit acknowledgement to the most recent occupants of the land – the Senecas – or to include previous tribes that were displaced or eradicated in the Beaver Wars. In the examples below, I have included all 4 tribes. The presence of the other three tribes is well-documented, and my preference was for completeness of acknowledgment.
I have named the Wenrohronon as the Wenro People, as a number of my sources shortened their name this way. If we are able to contact descendants of this tribe, they will be able to express their preference and provide correct pronunciation if needed.
Possible statements of land acknowledgment
The following examples and suggestions are based on those found in Honor Native Land: A Guide and Call to Acknowledgment, pp. 6-7, Appendix B.
A. “We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the Wenro, Erie, Susquehannock, and Seneca People.”
B. “I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the Wenro, Erie, Susquehannock, and Seneca People, and pay my respects to elders both past and present.”
C. “I want to respectfully acknowledge the Wenro, Erie, Susquehannock, and Seneca People, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.”
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D. “We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the improperly ceded territory of the Seneca people, whose lands also include the ancestral territory of the Wenro, Erie, and Susquehannock Peoples.”
E. “Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will; some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life; and, some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth. We are standing on the ancestral lands of the Wenro, Erie, Susquehannock, and Seneca People. We pay respects to their elders past and present and honor their stewardship of this land. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And, please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events.”
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Appendices
A. The Churches and Worship Ministries of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley
B. Honor Native Land: A Guide and Call to Acknowledgment, n.d., U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, available at https://usdac.us/nativeland.
C. Adirondacks: Native Americans, n.d., National Park Service, North Country National Scenic Trail, available at https://www.nps.gov/articles/adirondacks-native-americans.htm.
D. Native American Netroots: The Ancestors of the Iroquois, January 6, 2012, available at https://nativeamericannetroots.net/diary/1219.
E. Map of Western New York tribes from https://native-land.ca/.
F. Johansen, Bruce E., Dating the Iroquois Confederacy, Fall 1995, Akwesasne Notes New Series, Volume 1, 3 & 4, pp. 62-63; available at https://ratical.org/many_worlds/6Nations/DatingIC.html.
G. Harnden, Philip, Whose Land? An Introduction to Iroquois Land Claims in New York State, February 2000, American Friends Service Committee, Upper New York State Area Office, Syracuse NY. Available at https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/govt313/lc/texts/whoseland.pdf.
H. Szczepaniec, Kristin, Indigenous People of Western New York, February 2018, Fact Sheet published by Partnership for the Public Good. Available at https://ppgbuffalo.org/files/documents/data-demographics- history/indigenous_people_in_wny_final.pdf.
I. New York Indian Tribes, June 29, 2013, Access Genealogy. Available at https://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/new-york-indian-tribes.htm
J. Camillus Erie Canal Park, n.d., Historical Background: Dispossession of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Lands
Camillus Erie Canal Park, n.d., Timeline of Haudenosaunee Land Dispossession to Clear the Route for the Erie Canal
Camillus Erie Canal Park, School Tours, Effect of the Canal on the Haudenosaunee. Both resources listed above available at http://www.eriecanalcamillus.com/images/school_tours/teacher_resources/Haudenosaunee_L and_Dispossession%20_Timeline.pdf.
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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT for October 12, 2019 Dansville Presbyterian Church, Dansville, NY [Meetings of 8/6/19, 9/3/19 & 10/1/19] Part I
ITEMS FOR PRESBYTERY’S ACTION The Committee on Ministry VOTED to recommend that the presbytery:
(Summerville / Rev. Elaine Loggi) 1. Approve the call of Summerville Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY to Rev. Elaine Loggi (Heartland Presbytery) as Designated Pastor (full-time) effective November 18, 2019 at the following terms: Cash Salary $48,500 Effective Salary $48,500
Social Security Offset $ 3,710 PC(USA) Benefits $17,945 Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 800 Travel/Professional Expense $ 4,716 Moving Expenses up to $ 6,000
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 30 days, including 5 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/mo cumulative The congregational Meeting was held on September 22, 2019 and was moderated by Rev. Jim Widboom (HR). The congregation appointed Elders Betsy Striker, Cindy Smith and Mary Haverfield (alternate) to attest to the congregational meeting and the call or Rev. Loggi at the October 12, 2019 stated meeting of Presbytery. 2. Appoint Rev. Elaine Loggi as Moderator of the Session of Summerville Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY effective November 18, 2019. 3. Enroll Rev. Elaine Loggi for membership in the Presbytery of Genesee Valley upon examination.
(Caledonia / Rev. Vinod Gnanaraj) 1. Approve the call of First Presbyterian Church, Caledonia, NY to Rev. Vinod Gnanaraj (United Church of Christ) as Designated Pastor (full-time) effective on or before March 1, 2020 at the following terms: Cash Salary $29,000 Housing Allowance $18,500 Effective Salary $47,500
Social Security Offset $ 3,634 PC(USA) Benefits Plan $17,575 Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 800 BoP Healthcare FSA $ 2,500 Travel/Professional Expense $ 4,716
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 36 days including 6 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/month cumulative [NOTE: The exact start date will be determined based upon the status of Rev. Gnanaraj’s US Gov’t R-1 Work Visa.] The congregational meeting was held on April 28, 2019 and was moderated by Rev. Steven Becker. The congregation elected Elders Lisa Morrill and Brian Shaffer to appear at the October 12, 2019 stated meeting of Presbytery and attest to the congregational meeting and the call of Rev. Gnanaraj. 2. Enroll Rev. Vinod Gnanaraj as a Temporary Member of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, upon examination.
(Rev. David Kilgore) Enroll Rev. David Kilgore (HR, Presbytery of Geneva) for membership in the Presbytery of Genesee Valley upon examination. [NOTE: Rev. Kilgore has served as Stated Supply Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Lima, NY since December 2018.]
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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT for October 12, 2019 Dansville Presbyterian Church, Dansville, NY [Meetings of 8/6/19, 9/3/19 & 10/1/19] Part II
(Covington / Rev. Laura Fry) Approve the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Covington United Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Laura Fry effective September 8, 2019 at the following terms: Salary $ 550.52 Housing Allowance $ 76.84 Deferred Compensation $ 107.72 Social Security Offset $ 78.96 Unused Vacation Time $ 556.71 Total Financial Package $1,307.75 Board of Pension Dues $ 546.77 The special congregational meeting was held on September 1, 2019 and was moderated by Rev. Laura Fry. The Session appointed Elders Rick Noble, Sarah Noble-Moag and Barbara Sturm to appear during the October 12, 2019 stated meeting of Presbytery and attest to the congregational meeting and the dissolution of the call of Rev. Fry.
(2020 Terms of Call) Approve a 2.6% increase to Effective Salary for the 2020 Terms of Call, both Minimum and Challenge. [NOTE: No increase to the Board of Pensions Benefits Plan is indicated for 2020.] See Appendix A: Annual Terms of Call Worksheet for Clergy for 2020 See Appendix B: Annual Terms of Call Worksheet for Commissioned Pastors for 2020
ACTIONS TAKEN ON BEHALF OF PRESBYTERY Acting on behalf of the presbytery, the Committee VOTED to:
(Gates / Rev. Melissa DeRosia) 1. Approve the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Gates Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Melissa DeRosia effective July 28, 2019 at the following terms: Unused Vacation Time $ 6,692 Social Security Offset $ 498 Board of Pension Dues $ 2,648 Total Financial Package $ 9,838 The special congregational meeting was held on July 28, 2019 and was moderated by Rev. Amy Williams Fowler. 2. Dismiss Rev. Melissa DeRosia to the Presbytery of Detroit. Rev. DeRosia has received the call as Pastor for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, MI.
(John Knox / Rev. Charles Roberts) 1. Approve the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between John Knox Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY and Rev. Charles Roberts effective September 30, 2019. The special congregational meeting was held on September 8, 2019 and was moderated by Rev. Tom Taylor (HR). 2. Grant the status of Honorably Retired to Rev. Charles Roberts, effective October 1, 2019.
(Perinton / Rev. Laura Fry) Appoint the following persons as the Administrative Commission to Install the Rev. Laura Fry as Pastor of Perinton Presbyterian Church, Fairport, NY at 3pm on Sunday, November 10, 2019 in the Church Sanctuary: The Moderator, Elder Roger Estes (CP Mumford) Rev. Roderic Frohman (HR) Rev. Harry Heintz (HR) Rev. Laurel Nelson (VM) Rev. Susan Thaine (Albion) Elder Allen Norby (Perinton) Elder Susan Orr (Trinity Emmanuel) Elder Hezekiah Simmons (Pittsford)
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(Pittsford / Rev. Carrie Mitchell) Approve the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, NY and the Rev. Carrie Mitchell effective June 28, 2019 at the following terms: Unused Vacation Time $ 4,247.09 Total Financial Package $ 4,247.09 The special congregational meeting was held on June 16, 2019 and was moderated by Rev. Jeffrey Weenink.
(Third / Rev. John Wilkinson) 1. Approve the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY and the Rev. John Wilkinson effective August 4, 2019 at the following terms: Unused Vacation Time $11,113 Unused Study Leave Time $ 4,445 Total Financial Package $15,558 Board of Pension Dues $ 1,645 The special congregational meeting was held on July 7, 2019 and was moderated by Rev. Amy Williams Fowler. 2. Dismiss Rev. John Wilkinson to Philadelphia Presbytery effective August 4, 2019. Rev. Wilkinson has received a call as pastor for the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA.
(Third / Rev. Ernest Krug) 1. Dissolve the Parish Associate relationship between Third Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Ernest Krug effective August 4, 2019. 2. Confer the status of Validated Ministry to Rev. Ernest Krug in his role as Pastor of Congregational Care at Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY. [NOTE: The position is an unpaid position and therefore there are no terms of call.]
(Moderator Appointments) 1. Appoint Rev. Laurel Nelson (VM) as Moderator of the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Caledonia, NY effective September 23, 2019. 2. Appoint Rev. Lynette Sparks as Moderator of the Session of Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY effective August 4, 2019. 3. Appoint Rev. Carson Mouser (Penfield) as Moderator of the Session of Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY for the August stated meeting of Session. 4. Appoint Rev. Janice Fitzgerald (CM Geneva) as Moderator of the Session of Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY effective October 1, 2019. 5. Appoint Rev. Michelle Sumption (York) as Moderator of the Session of Covington United Presbyterian Church, Pavilion, NY effective October 1, 2019. 6. Appoint Rev. Harry Heintz (HR) as Moderator of the Session of Gates Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY effective August 1, 2019. 7. Appoint Rev. Jim Widboom (HR) as Moderator of the Session of Summerville Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY effective July 1, 2019. 8. Appoint Rev. Samuel Choi (HR, Han-Ca East Presbytery, Presbyterian Church of Canada) as Moderator of the Session of Rochester Korean Presbyterian Church, Rush, NY effective September 2019. 9. Appoint Rev. James Widboom (HR) as Moderator of the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, NY effective September 30, 2019. 10. Appoint Rev. Alan Dailey as Moderator of the Session of John Knox Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY effective October 7, 2019.
ACTIONS TO BE REPORTED TO PRESBYTERY AS INFORMATION
(Albion / Rev. Sue Thaine) Approved the Stated Supply Pastor Covenant Agreement (full-time) between the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Albion, NY and Rev. Susan Thaine effective July 16, 2019 – July 15, 2020 at the following terms: Cash Salary $28,000 Housing Allowance $15,904 Utilities $ 2,195 Effective Salary $46,099
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Social Security Offset $ 3,527 PC(USA) Benefits Plan $17,057 Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 800 Travel/Professional Expense $ 4,716
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 36 days including 6 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/month cumulative
(Barre Center / Rev. Barbara Tipton) 1. Approved the Stated Supply Pastor Covenant Agreement (50% time) between the Session of Barre Center Presbyterian Church, Albion, NY and Rev. Barbara Tipton effective November 1, 2019 – October 31, 2020. 2. Approved the Terms of Call between the Session of Barre Center Presbyterian Church, Albion, NY and Rev. Barbara Tipton effective January 1 – December 31, 2019 at the following terms: Cash Salary $24,600 Housing Allowance $ 6,000 Effective Salary $30,600
Social Security Offset $ 2,341 PC(USA) Benefits $11,322 Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 400 Travel/Professional Expense $ 2,358
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 44 days, including 8 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/mo cumulative [NOTE: The 2019 Terms of Call were not previously reported.]
(Bethany / Designated Associate Pastor) Approved the position description and creation of a Part Time Designated Associate Pastor position. The congregational meeting was held on June 9, 2019 and was moderated by Rev. Dr. Robert Spratt.
(Caledonia First) Approved the Temporary Supply Covenant Agreement of First Presbyterian Church, Caledonia, NY to Rev. Laurel Nelson (40% time) effective September 23, 2019 – February 22, 2020 at the following terms: Cash Salary $19,000 Effective Salary $19,000
Social Security Offset $ 1,454 Pension/D&D PC(USA) $ 2,280 Medical Benefits PC(USA) $11,875 - will only be paid if Rev Nelson has a life changing event Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 800 Travel/Professional Expense $ 3,554
Vacation: 5 days – 2 Sundays + 3 days Sick Leave: 1 day/month cumulative
(Elba / Rev. Barbara Tipton) 1. Approved the Stated Supply Pastor Covenant Agreement (50% time) between the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Elba, NY and Rev. Barbara Tipton effective November 1, 2019 – October 31, 2020. 2. Approved the Terms of Call between the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Elba, NY and Rev. Barbara Tipton effective January 1 – December 31, 2019 at the following terms: Cash Salary $18,600 Housing/Utility Allowance $12,000 Effective Salary $30,600
Social Security Offset $ 2,341 PC(USA) Benefits $11,322 Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 400 Supplemental D&D $ 1,044 Travel/Professional Expense $ 2,358
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 44 days, including 8 Sundays Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 57
Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/mo cumulative [NOTE: The 2019 Terms of Call were not previously reported.]
(John Knox / Rev. E. Alan Dailey) Approved the Interim Pastor Covenant Agreement (full-time) between the Session of John Knox Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY and Rev. E. Alan Dailey (United Church of Christ) effective October 7, 2019 at the following terms: Cash Salary $31,156 Housing Allowance $16,000 Effective Salary $47,156
Social Security Offset $ 3,527 Non-PC(USA) Benefits $16,000 Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 800 Travel/Professional Expense $ 4,716
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 30 days, including 5 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/mo cumulative
(Lima / Rev. David Kilgore) Approved the Stated Supply Pastor Covenant Agreement (17 hrs/wk) between the Session of Lima Presbyterian Church, Lima, NY and Rev. David Kilgore effective May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020 at the following terms: Cash Salary $17,948 Effective Salary $17,948
Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 302 Travel/Professional Expense $ 1,900
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 30 days including 5 Sundays, plus one add’l week inc. Sunday unpaid, if requested Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/month cumulative
(Lyndonville / CP Elder Martha Mitchell) Approved the Commissioned Pastor Covenant Agreement (full time) between the Session of Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, Lyndonville, NY and Commissioned Pastor Elder Martha Mitchell (Albion) effective October 8, 2019 – December 31, 2020 at the following terms: Cash Salary $38,000 Effective Salary $38,000
Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 800 Travel/Professional Expense $ 3,811 4 Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 30 days, including 5 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/mo cumulative
(Mt Morris / CP Elder Jerry Swain) Approved the Commissioned Pastor Covenant Agreement (16.5hrs/wk) between the Session of United Church, Mt. Morris, NY and Elder Jerry Swain effective January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019 at the following terms: Cash Salary $ 3,102 Housing Allowance $10,200 Effective Salary $13,302
Cont Ed/Study Leave $ as needed Travel $ .58/mile Professional Expenses $ as approved
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 30 days including 5 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/month cumulative
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(Pittsford / Rev. James Widboom)
Approved the Temporary Supply Covenant Agreement (part-time, 20 hrs/wk) between the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, NY and Rev. James Widboom effective September 30, 2019 – February 29, 2020 at the following terms: Cash Salary $ 6,500 Housing Allowance $ 6,500 Effective Salary $13,000
Social Security Offset $ 995 Travel/Professional Expense $ 500 4 Leave & Vacation Time: 18 days, including 3 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 1 week Sick Leave: 1 day/mo cumulative
(Pittsford / Rev. Carol Anne Strawbridge) Approved the Temporary Supply Covenant Agreement (part-time, 8 hrs/wk) between the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, NY and Rev. Carol Anne Strawbridge effective October 1, 2019 – May 31, 2019 at the following terms: Cash Salary $ 8,250 Effective Salary $ 8,250
Social Security Offset $ 561 Travel/Professional Expense $ 667
Leave & Vacation Time: 27 days, including 4 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 1-1/3 weeks Sick Leave: 1 day/mo cumulative
(Twelve Corners / Rev. Dr. Janice Fitzgerald) Approved the Interim Pastor Covenant Agreement (full-time) between the Session of Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY and Rev. Janice Fitzgerald (Presbytery of Geneva) effective October 1, 2019 at the following terms: Cash Salary $41,100 Deferred Comp/403B $ 3,273 Housing Allowance $15,000 Effective Salary $59,373
Social Security Offset $ 4,292 PC(USA) Benefits $21,968 Dental $ 433 Travel/Professional Expense $ 2,500
Annual Leave & Vacation Time: 30 days, including 6 Sundays Cont Ed/Study Leave: 2 weeks
(Pulpit Supply List) Added the following name(s) to the Pulpit Supply List: • Rev. Jeanine Haven (AL)
(2018 Minister Annual Review) 1. Approved the continued status of Validated Minister for Rev. Kathryn Stimson. 2. Recognized the following ministers as active At Large Members: Kathy Bindig, Katrina Hebb, Walter Stuber 3. Changed the status of the following minister from At Large to Inactive Member, per minister’s request: Jamie Kenyon 4. Dismissed Rev. Edmund Hoener (AL) to Monmouth Presbytery effective June 19, 2019. Rev. Hoener is Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church, East Brunswick, NJ. [NOTE: Annual Review pending receipt of paperwork: Amy Williams Fowler (VM)
(Exit Interviews) 1. Received the report of the Exit Interview with Rev. Melissa DeRosia conducted by Rev. Marcia Reiff and Elder Mary Cowden on July 21, 2019. 2. Received the report of the Exit Interview with Rev. Laura Fry conducted by Rev. Carol Anne Strawbridge and Elder Kathy Coons on August 26, 2019. Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 59
3. Received the report of the Exit Interview with the Session of Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY conducted by Rev. Tom Taylor, Rev. Bruce Boak and Elder John DeHority on August 13, 2019. 4. Received the report of the Exit Interview with Session of John Knox Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY conducted by Rev. Tom Taylor, and Elder John DeHority on September 17, 2019. 5. Received the report of the Exit Interview with Rev. Charles Roberts conducted by Rev. Tom Taylor and Elder Lincoln Spaulding on September 23, 2019. 6. Received the report of the Exit Interview with Rev. Carrie Mitchell submitted in writing on September 27, 2019. 7. Received the report of the Exit Interview with Rev. John Wilkinson held on August 8, 2019 conducted by Rev. Tom Taylor, Rev. Bruce Boak and CP Martha Mitchell.
(Congregational Transition Documents) 1. Approved the Interim Ministry Information Form of John Knox Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY. 2. Approved the election of the Designated Pastoral Nominating Committee for Gates Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY. 3. Approved the updated Mission & Ministry Statement for Downtown Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY. Page October 12, 2019 Stated Presbytery Meeting
Rev. Elaine Loggi Statement of Faith
Because God has called and claimed me in the waters of baptism, I can believe not only that the Holy Spirit breathed over the waters of the deep at the dawn of time and called forth the creation that God still calls good, but in God’s new creation still growing to its culmination all around us through the crucified and risen Christ. Because God chooses to wash me clean of my sins and see me through the lens of that same crucified and risen Christ, I can believe in Jesus Christ the Word-become-flesh, God-with-us, who came to enact God’s kingdom, to teach us what God’s justice and right relationships look like, to bear our burdens and experience our human suffering, to set us free from our sin. Because God has invited me into the family and fold of Christ, I can believe that all people are created in God’s image, and are uniquely gifted while commonly called to serve in God’s kingdom, working together as one body with many parts, not to build God’s kingdom by our own hands, but to participate in the work God is still doing to bring it to fruition. Because God continues to welcome me and nourish me and renew me in body and in spirit, I can believe that God created humanity to be in relationship with God, and that though we in our sinful nature continually turn away from God and reject that relationship, God never tires of reaching out to us, calling us back, and embracing us once again. Because the Holy Spirit continues to blow through the world, descending over the waters of the font and calling us “Beloved” just as it did at Jesus’ baptism, lifting us into Christ’s presence as we are fed around the table, speaking through the still-living-and- active words of scripture, I can believe in the visible signs of invisible grace that we experience every time we celebrate the sacraments, and I can believe that scripture is the Spirit-breathed and authoritative word that witnesses to Christ the Word-made-flesh. Because God has been at work in the Church through all the ages and has given us the witness of all the company of saints, I can say that I believe it is near heresy to say that the church is dying; that though the forms and customs of the institutional church may change radically over time, though the practices we have grown accustomed to and comfortable with may indeed die, as they have throughout history, the Lordship of Jesus Christ will never end; that though we as the Church today may find ourselves in a season of change and transition, we can watch with hope and expectation for the new things God is still doing as we continue to await the culmination of God’s kingdom. Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 60
Biography – Elaine Loggi October 2019
Elaine grew up in Hilton, where her family was active in a few different non- PC(USA) churches. She pursued undergraduate and master’s degree studies in Piano Performance at Ithaca College and the University of Maryland, and, following her studies, had a piano studio and did freelance accompanying work in the Washington, DC area. While living in DC as a young adult, Elaine found her way to a large PC(USA) church, where she took a lay position directing children’s choirs. In that congregation, and in the Reformed tradition, Elaine found the theological home she had always been looking for – where questions were welcome, where thinking was encouraged, where people could articulate what they believed and how their faith translated into action in a way that she had never experienced before. It was during her time with that congregation that Elaine began to feel a call to ordained ministry.
Elaine received her M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2013, and elected to pursue a call through the “For Such a Time as This” program, which placed first-call pastors in “hard to call” areas. Coming out of seminary, she felt a strong call to serve a small church, and to make sure that people who had given so much of their lives to serving faithfully in the church were not left behind as the Church at large enters into an era where our practices and understanding of church look very different. She has spent the past six years serving her first-call congregation in rural Northwest Missouri, and she still believes in the vitality of small-church ministry.
Elaine, her husband Nate, and their one-year-old daughter Tessa are excited for the doors God has opened as they look toward this new chapter, and for the opportunity to return to the land of good apples, lake breezes, adequate snow plowing, and Wegmans. Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 62
Rev. Vinod Gnanaraj
Statement of Faith
A. God: I believe that the God who has called me to be an ordained minister of the Church, is a Triune God -- the Creator, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Since the Triune God exists in community within Godself, God is relational in nature, and hence, created humans in God’s image (sacred beings, worthy of respect and love – just as God) to be in loving relationship with God and one another. When this wonderful plan of God for humans and all creation was wrecked by sin, God, out of holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin, continually reached out to people to mend the broken relationship. God the Holy Spirit, inspired prophets and called people to repent and renew their relationship with God. When people failed to respond to God’s call and struggled under the consequences of sin and guilt, God came into the world as Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, the ultimate manifestation of God in human history. Jesus demonstrated the love of God in his ordinary encounters with people through his teachings, miracles, and in his salvific death and resurrection. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God reconciled all humankind to Godself. The ministry of reconciliation which the Church of Jesus Christ is called to carry on is the continuation of God’s mission of reconciliation which God began after the “Fall” in the Garden of Eden.
B. The Word of God: I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is a faith-record of God’s involvement in the life and history of the Judeo-Christian people between 4000 BCE and first century CE. God continues to speak to individuals through the Bible when they read with the intent of seeking God’s will and direction. I have experienced God speaking to me through the Bible – providing insights into problems and situations, offering hope in times of despair, comfort in times of sorrow, and convicting me when I have erred. I believe that Bible is the source for understanding the Good News, and is a foundation for all statements of faith. I believe that both the Old and New Testaments are God inspired, and “useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that people of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17) Thus, the canonical books of the Bible are the foundation for rules of Christian faith and practice. Yet, the Bible has human errors because it was written by “men” who had their own limitations and biases in understanding and recording God’s revelations. Hence, I do not ascribe to the inerrancy of the Bible, but believe that passages of the Bible which seem to support violence, genocide, racism, sexism, homophobia, destruction of creation, etc., have to be read in the light of the nature of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the word of God in the scriptures needs to be discovered afresh by every generation through devoted study and interpretation with the expectation of new insights and God’s help for living today.
C. The Church: I believe that the Church is the body of Jesus Christ on earth, called to testify to the love of God as manifested in Jesus Christ. As the “Great Commission” (Mt. 28:18-20) directs, every disciple of Christ (member of the church) is entrusted with the responsibility of witnessing to the love of God in word and deed, which will draw others towards God and help them to be reconciled with God. As such, each member of the Church has been called to witness to Jesus Christ, which entails speaking and living the truth and justice of God in their contexts just as Jesus did. Within the church, all members are called to minister to one another Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 63
and participate as equals in the worship of God. This Christian responsibility of all church members is the “call to be a Christian,” as the theologian Richard Niebuhr puts it. This call upon all believers is what I understand as the “priesthood of all believers.” I believe in one Holy Catholic church, the body of Christ on earth. It is unfortunate that this body of Christ is fragmented into several thousand denominations, often giving a broken witness to Christ. Yet, given the fallen nature of humans at the helm of affairs in various churches, sometimes the mission of God is best accomplished by the separation of those who wish to follow God’s will from those who want to uphold the status quo. Though structural unity of the church may never become a reality, organic unity is evolving between most Christian denominations. I am committed to ecumenical relations since it is a significant step in promoting greater understanding and unity among Christian denominations so that the priestly prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21) would one day become a reality. Immaterial of the denominational differences, I believe that the Church is one (broken) body of Christ, redeemed and reconciled by Christ to carry out the work of reconciling the broken world to God.
D. Spiritual Practices: I believe that God is real and is the ground of my being. I understand prayer as the means of staying connected with my existential source, just as a plant needs to be connected to the ground through its roots. I commit myself to private prayer not only to allay my existential anxieties and to find the courage to be, but also to foster my relationship with the one who has redeemed me to live with God eternally. I also understand prayer as a two-way communication, where God both listens and responds, and hence, I too must listen to God even as I speak to God. Though God speaks through sermons, devotional readings, and other forms, I believe that God most authentically speaks through the Bible. Hence, I commit myself to diligently read the Bible in order to seek God’s will and guidance for my personal and ministerial life.
I am grateful to God for the various people and circumstances that have shaped my Christian faith and religious practices. My parents, home church, Christian friends in the Evangelical Union during my college days, professors in the seminaries where I studied, and the fellowship of believers in the churches where I worshipped and served, have immensely contributed to my understanding of God, and the importance of personal prayer and devotional life to grow in relationship with God. Certain circumstances and life challenges have also taught me that God is the only constant in my life. I deeply believe that God’s love for me is unchanging. Hence, I cherish praying and meditating on the scriptures, as they are ways of deepening my relationship with the One with whom I will live even after this transitory phase of life ends. I wish to maintain my ministry of preaching and teaching as off-shoots of my personal walk with God, integrated with theological insights and Christian traditional wisdom. In this way, I hope to keep piety and learning in equilibrium, and cultivate the same in the congregants I serve.
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Biography – Vinod Gnanaraj October 2019
I was born and brought up in a Christian family in South India. In my father’s side of family, I am the third-generation Christian minister. In my mother’s side of family, I am the fifth-generation Christian minister. My maternal great-great grandfather was the first Hindu convert and the first Christian missionary. Though I was raised in a family of ministers and missionaries, I grew up in a neighborhood of predominantly Hindus. Our immediate neighbors were orthodox Hindu Brahmins who performed religious rituals every morning in their backyards. Hence, from a very early age I was conscious of the fact that I was a Christian who worshipped Jesus as my God, unlike Hindus who worshipped and bowed down before images of several gods and goddesses. This awareness stirred in me an interest to learn about the uniqueness of Christian faith.
In my adolescence, I heard my Hindu friends say that Jesus was just another avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu (one of the Godheads of the Hindu Triology who according to the Hindu scriptures takes different avatars to save people from the tyranny of evil forces). Even though I did not believe their view of Jesus, and rejected their claim, it sowed a seed of passion within me to understand and establish how Jesus is not just another avatar but the only true and perfect revelation of God. In the words of Neibuhr, this was my “secret call”, the initial spark that ignited my passion to defend the Christian faith and my commitment to faith-formation among Christians of all ages.
As a teenager, I witnessed several people being set free from demon possession by the power of Jesus Christ at various gospel outreach events and worship services. These experiences validated my faith in Jesus Christ and stirred in me a passion to commit my life to the proclamation of the goodnews of salvation in Jesus Christ. However, as a young adult in college, I became fascinated with the prospects of high-income careers. I entertained thoughts of becoming a public accountant or a professor of commerce, and doing ministry part-time. After over two years of introspection and discernment, I was deeply convinced that I will find fulfilment in life only in pursuing my deep passion of knowing God and making God known. On completion of my post-graduation in Commerce and Accountancy, I surrendered to God’s “secret call” upon my life and pursued theological studies at the United Theological College (UTC), Bangalore. On completion of my ministerial and theological training at UTC, I worked with a Christian mission organization in India as its National Coordinator of youth and children’s ministries. In the process of training leaders and teachers for youth and children’s ministries for six years, I sensed God’s call to pursue higher education in pastoral counseling and use my gifts in developing pastoral leadership for the churches in India. This sense of God’s call was affirmed by my peers, colleagues, and mentors alike. In Niebuhr’s terms, this was the “providential call,” the outward affirmation of the inward sense of God’s call. On completion of Master of Theology in Pastoral Care and Counseling from UTC, Bangalore, I joined the faculty of a Theological Seminary in South India. During the five- year tenure as Lecturer in the department of Christian Ministry, God provided the avenue to shape several students who were pursuing ordination with different denominational churches in India.
As a doctoral candidate in pastoral theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, I sensed the “inward call or the testimony of the Spirit” that the gifts of knowledge and experience that God Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 65 has nurtured in me can be best utilized in ecclesial ministry. Since my ordination with the UCC, I have been fulfilling this “inward call” by helping congregations as part-time pastor in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 66
DAVID M. KILGORE – STATEMENT OF FAITH
For me, the framework for life and faith is built around gratitude and thanksgiving. God has created us and given us this beautiful world to live in and enjoy and care for. God gives us the magnificent gift that we call life. We breathe deeply and take into our being the gift and the wonder of life. My primary relationship to God is based on gratitude and joy. God created the first humans not only to enjoy the creation but “to till it and to keep it” (Gen.2:15). As a preacher I get a lot of mileage out of that phrase. In God’s good plan we each have a purpose. Each of us is called to find that purpose; there is something that each of us can do to make this world better for someone else or to keep it going. One of the greatest human satisfactions is to discover that purpose and apply oneself to it. In wisdom and love God has also created us for relationships – not only with God – but relationships of family and community where we find support and learn the lessons of love and cooperation. I am so grateful to God for the relationships that have come my way. Yet no matter how much love and support we find in those relationships, we also get wrapped up in anger, jealousy, division and bitterness. We hurt, kill and seek to destroy others. The scriptures tell of God’s pain when we miss the mark like that, and scripture names it: it is sin. God’s response to our human struggle is to send his Son Jesus Christ. Christ is both God and human. In his life, his teaching and actions, I see what God is really like, and I see what human life at its best might be really like. In his death I see the power of human sin, and I see the lengths to which God will go for redemption and new life. In his resurrection I see God’s great power for life and love, and I see the triumph and hope for the human future. Out of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection a new community is born: the church. Animated by the Holy Spirit, the church is the fellowship in which we get to practice faith, hope and love with one another and to present the love of God to the world. Actually, the church has a dual identity. The church is the body of Christ in the world. But it is also a very human institution that carries all the pain and baggage of human brokenness, violence, and sin. And yet we still have this amazing calling to do Christ’s work, to model the Kingdom of God, and to work with other people for freedom and justice. We live with both realities, and, by the grace of God, good stuff actually happens. The sacraments express our relationship with the church and with Christ. In baptism we are brought into the family of faith and named God’s beloved children. We are joined with all those who know God’s mercy and forgiveness and who are commissioned to do Christ’s work. In the Lord’s Supper we taste again God’s grace and are refreshed in our hope and confidence in God’s future. The Spirit renews the bonds that unite us to Christ and to one another. Another great gift of God is the gift of hope. It is real, but it is not an easy thing to pin down. For me hope is there in the little things – the new possibilities that come our way when we least expect them. Hope is also a defiant stance in the world, a willingness not to take the world at face value but to act as though there were indeed a new creation on its way. Hope is also found in the promise of life beyond this life. God who breathed life into us at the beginning never lets us go, but raises us up to a new life, so that, at the end we may be with God. This is what I believe.
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DAVID M. KILGORE – BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
I grew up in Raceland, Louisiana, a child of the manse and parents who for the times and the place were very progressive in their attitude and actions regarding civil rights. From an early age I was immersed in the need to respect all people, no matter their color, or ability or background. I attended church camps and conferences, and from a very early age was pretty sure that I was being called into the gospel ministry. I attended Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) graduating with Honors in Religion and History. The Memphis garbage strike of 1967-68 and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s death in Memphis had a profound effect on me. Expecting to spend the rest of my life in the south, I decided to live for a short time in another part of the country. That led me to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where I graduated cum laude in 1971. While in seminary I met and wed Mary Rindlaub, beginning of an almost 50-year marriage of love and mutual support and encouragement. Difficulty in finding a call in the southern Presbyterian Church led me to the United Presbyterian Church and to my first call in Windber, PA. I was ordained by Redstone Presbytery in 1972. While in Windber Mary and I became parents to two children, Jonathan and Katherine, and we entered upon that wonderful and terrifying experience of parenthood. My next call was to yoked rural congregations outside of Washington, PA. One highlight from that time was the Kerygma Bible studies that were just coming out. An elder and I co-taught these studies using a variety of techniques like roll playing and drama. I was also active in Presbytery work, serving on several different committees and on General Council. For three years I chaired the Christian Education committee. In 1987 I accepted a call to the United Presbyterian Church of Hornell, NY. Some of the most memorable times with that congregation involved mission, both local and global, and the relationships that developed out of that. Geneva Presbytery had a formal relationship with the Presbytery of Quintana Roo, Mexico, and within that relationship our church had a relationship with the Presbyterian Church in Chetumal. In Geneva Presbytery I was active on many committees and served terms on General Council. I was moderator of the presbytery in 2006 and 2015. The second term was in the midst of a difficult and tumultuous experience of dismissing our executive presbyter and essentially rebuilding the Presbytery. I also tried to stay active in the community, joining the Hornell Rotary Club (President 2001-2002), serving as President of Faith in Action of Steuben County, and being part of the Bethesda Foundation. In 2012 I retired as pastor of the Hornell church and Mary and I moved to Avon, where we now reside. In retirement I again got involved in community organizations. I am on the Board of Directors of the Avon Rotary Club and of Teresa House and am the treasurer of the Rochester Dahlia Society. After some years of supply preaching in Geneva and Genesee Valley Presbyteries, this year the Lima Presbyterian Church asked me to become its stated supply pastor, and I agreed, which is why I am applying for membership in Genesee Valley Presbytery.
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PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE VALLEY ANNUAL TERMS OF CALL WORKSHEET FOR CLERGY FOR 2020 DRAFT
Name: Full-time (approx. 45 hrs/wk) Part-time: % Check all which apply: Pastor Associate Pastor Interim Pastor Co-Pastor Stated Supply Temporary Supply Designated Pastor Organizing Pastor Effective dates for terms below: Date of cong. or session approval: Church: Contact person for questions about worksheet: Telephone Number: E-Mail:
PART I: EFFECTIVE SALARY CALCULATION (PLEASE ROUND ALL AMOUNTS TO THE NEAREST DOLLAR.) DO NOT FILL IN THESE COLUMNS Fill out whichever column applies
2020 Minimum 2020 Challenge (2.6% increase (2.6% increase 2020 Actual 2020 Actual Line # Description over 2019) over 2019) without manse with manse 1 Cash Salary 2 Deferred Compensation (optional) 3 Housing Allowance 4 Fair Rental Value of Manse 5 Utilities* 6 Medical Deductible Benefit* 7 Other: ______8 EFFECTIVE SALARY (lines #1-#7) 47,298 53,091
PART II: BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES 9 Social Security Offset (SECA) = 7.65% of Lines #1, #3, #4, and #5 3,615 4,061 10 Health Insurance & Pension (only): 10a Benefits Plan PC(U.S.A.)—For full-time positions multiply Line #8 Effective Salary by 37% 17,500 19,646 10b Benefits Plan PC(U.S.A.)—For part-time positions and those filled by retired ministers, see instructions on reverse. 10c Non-PC(U.S.A.) Plan:______11 Continuing Education/Study Leave Allowance* 800 800 12 Other Benefits and Allowances* (explain): 13 Travel and Professional Allowance* 4,716 5,335 TOTAL COMPENSATION (Lines #8 through 13) PART III: ANNUAL LEAVE AND VACATION TIME 14 Continuing Education/Study Leave Time 2 weeks 2 weeks 15 Annual Vacation 30 days, 36 days, including 5 including 6 Sundays Sundays 16 Sick Leave 1 day/mo 1 day/mo cumulative cumulative
*Starred items may be reimbursed through an accountable reimbursement plan and some may be subject to inclusion in the calculation of Effective Salary in Line 8 (see Instructions on reverse). Please see the Board of Pensions booklet Understanding Effective Salary for assistance in determining whether or not these items should be included in the Effective Salary calculation. Full-time vs. Part-time Status: Part-time status is based on the approximate number of hours worked per week on which salary/housing compensation and benefits are determined. Forty-five hours is full-time and is the benchmark. Part-time status is defined in the particular setting in terms of days per week and hours per day and is mutually agreed upon by the minister and the church/session and takes into consideration scheduling and program needs and commuting distance. For example: 22-1/2 hours per week is half-time. It could be a typical schedule of 6 3.75-hour days, 3 7.5-hour days, etc.; but it is still based on a 52-week year at 22-1/2 hours per week. Therefore, Continuing Education/Study Leave Allowance (Line 11), and Lines 14 through 16 should not be pro-rated. The terms must at least meet the minimum shown.
DO NOT USE THIS FORM FOR COMMISSIONED PASTORS. PLEASE USE THE TERMS OF CALL WORKSHEET FOR CPS.
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INSTRUCTIONS ****Please round all amounts to the nearest dollar**** PART I: Effective Salary Calculation: Use the appropriate column, depending on whether or not the pastor lives in a manse. Amounts may be pro-rated for a part- time call or contract. Line 1: Cash Salary is taxable and is included in the calculation of Effective Salary for Board of Pension purposes. Where a pastor and a church agree upon the incorporation of Deferred Compensation (Line 2), Line 1 may be reduced by the amount of the Deferred Compensation. Line 2: Deferred Compensation is an elective reduction in cash salary; is tax deferred if invested in a qualified plan such as a Type 403b, available through the Board of Pensions; and is included in the calculation of Effective Salary for Board of Pensions purposes. Lines 3 and 4: Housing Allowance and Fair Rental Value of Manse are not taxable to the extent that expenses can be validated and the amount does not exceed the fair rental value furnished. The value of housing is subject to SECA tax. See the latest edition of the IRS Tax Guide for Individuals (Pub. 17) for more information. These lines are to be included in the calculation of Effective Salary for Board of Pension purposes. For congregations in which the pastor resides in a manse (see Line 4), this value may be negotiated between pastor and congregation, taking into consideration the fair rental value of the housing, as long as the agreed value is at least 30% of Line 1, 2, and 5; and Line 8 meets or exceeds the Presbytery minimum salary. Line 5: Utilities is not taxable if reimbursed by voucher, supported by evidence of actual costs, or paid directly by the church. This allowance includes the cost of heating and lighting but not telephone costs. Utility expense is included in the calculation of Effective Salary for Board of Pension purposes if the allowance is paid directly to the pastor. If utilities are not paid directly to the pastor, they should be included on Line 12. Line 6: Medical Deductible Benefit. Congregations may wish to provide medical reimbursement to their pastor(s) for medical expenses not covered by the major medical plan of the Board of Pensions. Such a benefit may be provided in different ways including self-insurance, the purchase of supplemental coverage, or a Section 125 plan (Cafeteria Plan, Flexible Spending Account, Salary Reduction Plan). Each of these ways of providing benefits has implications with respect to the calculation of IRS Withholding Tax, SECA tax, and Effective Salary for the Board of Pensions. Regulations regarding the provision of benefits equally for all employees also must be observed. Churches considering the provision of a supplemental medical benefit may wish to consult with a tax advisor for further information. The manner in which the item is paid determines whether or not it is considered part of Effective Salary. Consult the Board of Pensions publication Understanding Effective Salary to determine if this item should be included in Effective Salary. If not, list it below on Line 12. Line 7: Other. Other items such as manse furnishings and interest-free loans may need to be included in Effective Salary. Consult the BOP publication for information.
PART II: Benefits and Allowances: These are either paid on behalf of the pastor or are reimbursed to the pastor up to the amount stated. With the exception of fixed cost items such as the Benefits Plan PC(U.S.A.) and the minimum requirement for Continuing Education/Study Leave, these amounts may be negotiated between the church and the pastor. Line 9: Social Security Offset is intended to compensate pastors who participate in the Social Security program for the additional tax collected from them because they pay the self-employment tax (SECA). It is calculated at 7.65% of Salary plus Housing Allowance or value of Manse plus Utilities, is fully taxable, is subject to SECA tax, and is not included in the calculation of Effective Salary for Board of Pension purposes. Line 10: Health Insurance & Pension Line 10a: PC(U.S.A.) Benefits Plan contribution for the major medical plan and pension for full-time positions. This is calculated as 37% of Line 8. This percentage includes medical dues, pension contributions, death and disability. List other types of insurance such as dental and accidental death on Line 12. Line 10b: PC(U.S.A.) Benefits Plan contribution for the major medical plan and pension for part-time positions and positions filled by retired ministers. The calculation of dues for part-time positions and positions filled by retired clergy differs from the calculation for those in full-time positions. Contact the Board of Pensions (800-773-7752) and the correct dues amount will be provided. List other types of insurance such as dental and accidental death on Line 12. Line 10c: The contribution of a congregation to non-PC(U.S.A.) health and/or pension plan. If the pastor is not eligible for the BOP plan because he or she is not a PC(U.S.A.) pastor or Formula of Agreement pastor, or is a PC(U.S.A.) pastor who has elected to opt out of participation in the plan, a contribution may be made to another health insurance/pension plan negotiated between the church and the pastor. List other types of insurance such as dental and accidental death on Line 12. Line 11: Continuing Education/Study Leave Allowance is an accountable reimbursement item. Included is the extra cost incurred for continuing education including tuition, materials, travel, and lodging. Time absent for continuing education is normally paid as a part of salary, and does not extend or augment a call. Unused study leave allowances may be accumulated during the continuation of a pastoral relationship for up to four years and up to a total of eight weeks. The Presbytery does not require any accumulated amounts of time and money remaining at dissolution to be included in any termination agreement, except in the case of an Interim Pastor, with the concurrence of the Committee on Ministry. Line 12: Other Benefits and Allowances. Name the benefit or allowance, its cost, and how it is to be paid (direct payment, accountable reimbursement item, other). Note that some Other Benefits and Allowances, such as Manse Furnishings, may need to be included in Line 7 as part of the calculation of Effective Salary. Refer to the BOP document Understanding Effective Salary for information. Line 13: Travel and Professional Expenses is an accountable reimbursement item. Unused funds remaining in this account at the close of the fiscal year belong to the church.
PART III: Annual Leave and Vacation Time: Lines 14, 15 and 16 are based on the assumption that pastoral and worship leadership is required for a 52-week year, whether or not that is a full-time or part-time position. Therefore, Continuing Education/Study Leave Allowance (Line 11), and Lines 14 through 16 should not be pro-rated. The terms must at least meet the minimum shown. Line 14: Continuing Education/Study Leave Time: The two weeks of study leave are considered to be 14 days including 2 Sundays. Time absent for continuing education is normally paid as a part of salary, and does not extend or augment a call. Line 15: Annual Vacation: Time on vacation is paid time. The minimum annual vacation time of 30 days includes 4 or 5 Sundays depending on years of ordination: 26 days plus 4 Sundays for less than three years of ordination or 25 days plus 5 Sundays for three or more years of ordination. An optional Challenge vacation plan is 36 days including 6 Sundays. For the benefit of the pastor and his or her family, it is expected that normally all vacation time will be used up during each year of a call. Any vacation time remaining at dissolution of a pastoral relationship shall be compensated for according to the terms of call then in effect until used up, with an upper limit of 30 days, unless stipulated and agreed to in advance by pastor and congregation, or session in the case of a non- installed pastor, all with the concurrence of the Committee on Ministry. Line 16: Sick Leave is accumulated one day per month beginning with the effective date of service at the church with a maximum accumulation of 90 days. Accumulated sick leave is not included in any severance or termination compensation. The 90-day accumulation is equal to the amount of time required between the advent of disability and the beginning of payments by the Board of Pensions.
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PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE VALLEY ANNUAL TERMS OF CALL WORKSHEET FOR COMMISSIONED PASTORS FOR 2020 DRAFT
Name: Full-time (approx. 45 hrs/wk) Part-time: % Effective dates for terms below: Date of Session Approval Church: Contact person for questions about worksheet: Telephone Number: E-Mail:
PART I: EFFECTIVE SALARY CALCULATION (PLEASE ROUND ALL AMOUNTS TO THE NEAREST DOLLAR.) DO NOT FILL IN THESE COLUMNS Fill out whichever column applies
2020 Minimum 2020 Challenge 2020 Actual 2020 Actual Line # Description 2.6% increase 2.6% increase without manse with manse 1 Cash Salary 2 Deferred Compensation (optional) 3 Housing Allowance 4 Fair Rental Value of Manse 5 Utilities* 6 Medical Deductible Benefit* 7 Other: ______8 EFFECTIVE SALARY (lines #1-#7) 37,838 42,456
PART II: BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES 9 Social Security Offset (SECA) = 7.65% of Lines #1, #3, #4, and #5 10 Health Insurance & Pension Contribution 11 Continuing Education/Study Leave Allowance* 800 800 12 Other Benefits and Allowances* (explain):
13 Travel and Professional Allowance* 3,811 4,267 TOTAL COMPENSATION (Lines #8 through #13)
PART III: ANNUAL LEAVE AND VACATION TIME 14 Continuing Education/Study Leave Time 2 weeks 2 weeks 15 Annual Vacation 30 days, 36 days, including 5 including 6 Sundays Sundays 16 Sick Leave 1 day/mo 1 day/mo cumulative cumulative
*Starred items may be reimbursed through an accountable reimbursement plan and some may be subject to inclusion in the calculation of Effective Salary in Line 8 (see Instructions on reverse). Please see the Board of Pensions booklet Understanding Effective Salary for assistance in determining whether or not these items should be included in the Effective Salary calculation.
Full-time vs. Part-time Status: Part-time status is based on the approximate number of hours worked per week on which salary/housing compensation and benefits are determined. Forty-five hours is full-time and is the benchmark. Part-time status is defined in the particular setting in terms of days per week and hours per day and is mutually agreed upon by the CP and the church/session and takes into consideration scheduling and program needs and commuting distance. For example: Twenty-three hours per week is half-time. The hours may be scheduled over 3 or more days per week, based on a 52-week year.. Therefore, Continuing Education/Study Leave Allowance (Line 11), and Lines 14 through 16 should not be pro-rated. The terms must at least meet the minimum shown. Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 71
INSTRUCTIONS ****Please round all amounts to the nearest dollar****
PART I: Effective Salary Calculation: Use the appropriate column, depending on whether or not the commissioned pastor lives in a manse. Amounts may be pro- rated for a part-time contract. Line 1: Cash Salary is taxable and is included in the calculation of Effective Salary. Where a commissioned pastor and a church agree upon the incorporation of Deferred Compensation (Line 2), Line 1 may be reduced by the amount of the Deferred Compensation. Line 2: Deferred Compensation is an elective reduction in cash salary, is tax deferred if invested in a qualified plan such as a Type 403b, and is included in the calculation of Effective Salary. Lines 3 and 4: Housing Allowance and Fair Rental Value of Manse are not taxable to the extent that expenses can be validated and the amount does not exceed the fair rental value furnished. The value of housing is subject to SECA tax. See the latest edition of the IRS Tax Guide for Individuals (Pub. 17) for more information. These lines are to be included in the calculation of Effective Salary. For congregations in which the commissioned pastor resides in a manse, this value may be negotiated between commissioned pastor and congregation, taking into consideration the fair rental value of the housing, as long as the agreed value is at least 30% of Line 1, 2, and 5; and Line 8 meets or exceeds the Presbytery minimum salary. Line 5: Utilities is not taxable if reimbursed by voucher, supported by evidence of actual costs, or paid directly by the church. This allowance includes the cost of heating and lighting but not telephone costs. Utility expense is included in the calculation of Effective Salary if the allowance is paid directly to the commissioned pastor. If utilities are not paid directly to the commissioned pastor, they should be included on Line 12. Line 6: Medical Deductible Benefit. Congregations may wish to provide medical reimbursement to their pastor(s) for medical expenses not covered by the major medical plan of the Board of Pensions. Such a benefit may be provided in different ways including self-insurance, the purchase of supplemental coverage, or a Section 125 plan (Cafeteria Plan, Flexible Spending Account, Salary Reduction Plan). Each of these ways of providing benefits has implications with respect to the calculation of IRS Withholding Tax, SECA tax, and Effective Salary for the Board of Pensions. Regulations regarding the provision of benefits equally for all employees also must be observed. Churches considering the provision of a supplemental medical benefit may wish to consult with a tax advisor for further information. The manner in which the item is paid determines whether or not it is considered part of Effective Salary. Consult the Board of Pensions publication Understanding Effective Salary to determine if this item should be included in Effective Salary. If not, list it below on Line 12. Line 7: Other. Other items such as manse furnishings and interest-free loans may need to be included in Effective Salary. Consult the Board of Pensions publication, Understanding Effective Salary, for information.
PART II: Benefits and Allowances: These are either paid on behalf of the commissioned pastor or are reimbursed to the commissioned pastor up to the amount stated. With the exception of fixed cost items such as minimum requirement for Continuing Education/Study Leave, these amounts may be negotiated between the church and the commissioned pastor. Line 9: Social Security Offset is intended to compensate commissioned pastors who participate in the Social Security program for the additional tax collected from them because they pay the self-employment (SECA) tax. It is calculated at 7.65% of Salary plus Housing Allowance or value of Manse plus utilities, is fully taxable, is subject to SECA tax, and is not included in the calculation of Effective Salary. Line 10: Health Insurance and Pension Contribution. Congregations are encouraged to contribute to the cost of health insurance and pension for commissioned pastors. Line 11 Continuing Education/Study Leave Allowance is an accountable reimbursement Item. Included is the extra cost incurred for continuing education including tuition, materials, travel, and lodging. Time absent for continuing education is normally paid as a part of salary, and does not extend or augment a call. The two weeks of study leave are considered to be 14 days including two Sundays. Unused study leave time and allowances may be accumulated during the continuation of a pastoral relationship for up to four years and up to totals of 8 weeks. The Presbytery does not require any accumulated amounts of time and money remaining at dissolution to be included in any termination agreement, except in the case of an Interim Pastor, with the concurrence of Committee on Ministry. Line 12: Other Benefits and Allowances. Name the benefit or allowance, its cost, and how it is to be paid (direct payment, accountable reimbursement item, other). Note that some Other Benefits and Allowances, such as Manse Furnishings, may need to be included in Line 7 as part of the calculation of Effective Salary. Refer to the BOP document Understanding Effective Salary for information. Line 13: Travel and Professional Expenses is an accountable reimbursement item. Unused funds remaining in this account at the close of the fiscal year belong to the church.
PART III: Annual Leave and Vacation Time: Lines 14, 15 and 16 are based on the assumption that pastoral and worship leadership is required for a 52-week year, whether or not that is a full-time or part-time position. Therefore, Continuing Education/Study Leave Allowance (Line 11), and Lines 14 through 16 should not be pro-rated. The terms must at least meet the minimum shown. Line 14: Continuing Education/Study Leave Time. The two weeks of study leave are considered to be 14 days including 2 Sundays. Time absent for continuing education is normally paid as a part of salary, and does not extend or augment a call. Line 15: Annual Vacation. Time on vacation is paid time. The minimum annual vacation time of 30 days includes 4 or 5 Sundays depending on years since commissioning: 26 days plus 4 Sundays for less than three years since commissioning or 25 days plus 5 Sundays for three or more years since commissioning. An optional Challenge vacation plan is 36 days including 6 Sundays for ten or more years since commissioning. For the benefit of the commissioned pastor and his or her family, it is expected that normally all vacation time will be used up during each year of a contract. Any vacation time remaining at dissolution of a pastoral relationship shall be compensated for according to the terms of call then in effect until used up, with an upper limit of 30 days, unless stipulated and agreed to in advance by the commissioned pastor and the Session, all with the concurrence of the Committee on Ministry. Line 16: Sick Leave is accumulated one day per month beginning with the effective date of service at the church with a maximum accumulation of 90 days. Accumulated sick leave is not included in any severance or termination compensation.
101219
Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 72
Report of the Budget Development and Oversight Committee Presbytery of Genesee Valley, October 12, 2019
Motion
(2020 Per Capita)
With the concurrence of the Big Picture Team:
Approve increasing the Presbytery per capita rate from $20.60 (2019 rate) to $21.63, a 5% increase.
Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 73
Presbytery of Genesee Valley Balance Sheet - Summary August 2019 Aug 31, 19 Jul 31, 19 $ Change ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 1000 · Petty Cash 30 30 0 1008 · ROC SALT Checking 41,273 60,960 (19,687) 1117 · M & T Checking 79,881 91,970 (12,089) 1118 · M & T Money Market 10,098 10,085 13 Total Checking/Savings 131,282 163,045 (31,763) Accounts Receivable 1200 · Accounts Receivable 1210 · GPC Receivable 73 35 38 1200 · Accounts Receivable - Other 3,368 10,250 (6,882) Total 1200 · Accounts Receivable 3,441 10,285 (6,844) 1216 · Mortgage Receivable 1216A · Mortgage Rec.-Lakeside 11/1/19 264,786 265,104 (318) Total 1216 · Mortgage Receivable 264,786 265,104 (318) Total Accounts Receivable 268,227 275,389 (7,162) Other Current Assets 1300 · Invested Funds 1312 · PILP 100,000 100,000 0 Total 1313 · Karpus Investment Fund 2,089,268 2,089,268 0 Total 1300 · Invested Funds 2,189,268 2,189,268 0 Total Other Current Assets 2,189,268 2,189,268 0 Total Current Assets 2,588,777 2,627,702 (38,925) Fixed Assets Total 1800 · Equipment & Fixtures 34,434 34,434 0 1900 · Accumulated Depreciation (33,006) (32,982) (24) Total Fixed Assets 1,428 1,452 (24) Other Assets 1400 · Loans to Churches 1405 · Trinity Emmanuel (LoC) 10,800 11,300 (500) Total 1400 · Loans to Churches 10,800 11,300 (500) 1766 · Synod Per Capita - Prepaid 11,927 14,909 (2,982) 1880 · Property Total 1883 · Calvary St. Andrew's Property 246,713 247,281 (568) Total 1880 · Property 246,713 247,281 (568) 1884 · CSA Property - Land Value 47,100 47,100 0 1888 · ROC SALT Other Assets (net) 52,982 52,982 0 Total Other Assets 369,522 373,572 (4,050) TOTAL ASSETS 2,959,727 3,002,726 (42,999) LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Total 2100 · Employee Related Accounts 1,742 926 816 2200 · Insurance Premiums (8,375) (8,375) 0 2310 · Funds Held For Others 3-1-23 6,448 6,045 403 Total Other Current Liabilities (185) (1,404) 1,219
Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 74
Presbytery of Genesee Valley Balance Sheet - Summary August 2019 Aug 31, 19 Jul 31, 19 $ Change Total Current Liabilities (185) (1,404) 1,219 Long Term Liabilities 2008 · ROC SALT (CSA) PILP Loan 52,972 53,529 (557) Total Long Term Liabilities 52,972 53,529 (557) Total Liabilities 52,787 52,125 662 Equity 3000 · Donor Restricted Funds Total 3001 · Slater Fund 23,976 23,976 0 Total 3000 · Donor Restricted Funds 23,976 23,976 0 3008 · ROC SALT Equity 41,283 60,413 (19,130) 3100 · Donor Specific Use Funds 3101 · Misc. Designated Gifts & Grants 3101B · Blossom Trust 5,095 5,095 0 3101MM · Measuring Mission 2,505 2,796 (291) 3101S · Scholarships 3,192 3,192 0 3101 · Misc. Designated Gifts & Grants - Other 19,930 21,053 (1,123) Total 3101 · Misc. Designated Gifts & Grants 30,722 32,136 (1,414) 3104 · Presbytery Peace Offering 3,420 4,920 (1,500) Total 3110 · Ministry Candidates Aid Fund 7,149 7,149 0 3114 · Commissioned Pastor Training 1,871 1,871 0 3116 · New Worshiping Communities 3116A · Companions on the Way 81 81 0 Total 3116 · New Worshiping Communities 81 81 0 3117 · Emergency Aid Fund (PCD) 3,249 3,249 0 Total 3100 · Donor Specific Use Funds 46,492 49,406 (2,914) 3200 · Presbytery Designated Funds 3201 · Grace Fund for Urban Ministry 59,239 59,239 0 3202 · Revolving Loan Fund 3202a · Gates PC Bldg Improvements (28,644) (29,396) 752 3202 · Revolving Loan Fund - Other 935,836 935,798 38 Total 3202 · Revolving Loan Fund 907,192 906,402 790 3211 · Westminster-RPH Mission Fund 60,697 62,614 (1,917) 3215 · Acquired Assets Fund - Property 3215B · Calvary St. Andrews Property 313,000 313,000 0 Total 3215 · Acquired Assets Fund - Property 313,000 313,000 0 Total 3216 · Acquired Assets Fund 666,733 668,463 (1,730) 3217 · Presbytery Budget Support 471,093 486,624 (15,531) 3218 · Denominational Materials Sales (158) (2,467) 2,309 3220 · Youth Triennium Escrow Fund 5,897 5,897 0 3221 · Touch of Grace Initiative-TOGI 360 360 0 Total 3200 · Presbytery Designated Funds 2,484,053 2,500,132 (16,079) 3300 · Un-Designated Equity 311,134 316,674 (5,540) Total Equity 2,906,938 2,950,601 (43,663) TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 2,959,725 3,002,726 (43,001)
Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 75
Presbytery of Genesee Valley Operating Statement - Summary August YTD YTD Annual Aug Actual August 2019 Budget Actual Budget Budget
Ordinary Income/Expense Income 4000INC · Congregational & Individual 4000 · Presbytery General Mission 6,272 14,648 94,935 117,187 175,780 4100 · Presbytery Per Capita 9,423 13,333 106,139 106,667 160,000 4150 · Pby Meeting Offerings 0 0 663 1,125 1,500
Total 4000INC · Congregational & Individual 15,695 27,981 201,737 224,979 337,280 4400INC · Other Support 4420 · UCC/Wellspring Staff Support 0 0 833 500 1,000 4430 · Credit Card Rewards-Misc Income 50 42 375 333 500 4490 · Master Insurance Service Rcpts. 8 0 774 800 1,600
Total 4400INC · Other Support 58 42 1,982 1,633 3,100 4500INC · Investment Income Support 4552 · Investment Support for Budget 15,543 15,543 124,345 124,345 186,517
Total 4500INC · Investment Income Support 15,543 15,543 124,345 124,345 186,517 4800 · ROC SALT Income 12,143 9,204 72,728 73,633 110,450
Total Income 43,439 52,770 400,792 424,590 637,347 Expense 5600 · Designated Mission Support 5601 · Cameron Comm Ministry 500 500 3,500 3,500 5,000 5603 · Greater Roch Comm Churches 0 0 1,000 1,000 1,000 5604 · Camp Whitman 1,750 1,750 12,250 12,250 17,500 5605 · Youth Triennium 0 0 0 0 2,500 5606 · ROC SALT 1,000 1,000 7,000 7,000 10,000
Total 5600 · Designated Mission Support 3,250 3,250 23,750 23,750 36,000 6200 · Healthier Congregations Work 6210 · Grants 0 0 24,500 0 26,000 6220 · Relationships 0 0 0 500 1,000 6230 · Tools & Training 6231 · Congregational Learning Day 0 0 (470) 0 250 6232 · Measuring Mission 0 0 321 0 500 6233 · Scholarships 0 0 1,275 0 1,475 6234 · Mission Day 0 0 235 0 300 6236 · Event Sponsorship (PGV/N/C) 0 0 51 0 2,275 6230 · Tools & Training - Other 0 0 1,063 0 200
Total 6230 · Tools & Training 0 0 2,475 0 5,000 6240 · Resource Center 6240A · UCC/Wellspring (333) 0 0 0 0 6240 · Resource Center - Other 0 98 (66) 787 1,181
Total 6240 · Resource Center (333) 98 (66) 787 1,181 6250 · Communications/Connections 0 167 0 1,333 2,000
Total 6200 · Healthier Congregations Work (333) 265 26,909 2,620 35,181
Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 76
Presbytery of Genesee Valley Operating Statement - Summary August YTD YTD Annual Aug Actual August 2019 Budget Actual Budget Budget 6300 · Healthy Leaders Work Total 6310 · Committee on Ministry 0 133 2,323 2,217 3,500 Total 6320 · Patoral Care & Development 0 220 432 2,846 5,000
Total 6330 · Cmte on Prep. for Ministry 0 0 151 700 1,300 Total 6300 · Healthy Leaders Work 0 353 2,906 5,763 9,800 7700 · Support for a Healthy Pby Total 7701 · Salaries & Benefits 23,771 29,376 217,892 224,082 334,078 Total 7740 · Personnel Committee 522 457 1,359 2,171 5,200 7750 · Office/Admin/Custodial 7751 · Pby Mtg Exp 0 0 347 750 1,000 7752 · Custodial Salaries 7752A · Office Maint Supplies 0 0 16 58 58 7752 · Custodial Salaries - Other 0 0 1,575 1,575 1,575
Total 7752 · Custodial Salaries 0 0 1,591 1,633 1,633 7753 · Office Supplies 301 300 1,182 2,400 3,600 7754 · Postage 268 208 974 1,667 2,500 7755 · Telephone 232 533 4,125 4,267 6,400 7756 · Non-cap Equip/Software/Warranty 0 0 194 0 400 7757 · Computer Maintenance 329 542 1,562 4,333 6,500 7758 · Copy Machine 245 300 2,049 2,400 3,600 7759 · Support for Pby Web Site 149 150 1,528 1,200 1,800
Total 7750 · Office/Admin/Custodial 1,524 2,033 13,552 18,650 27,433 7760 · Trustees/Facilities 7761 · Committee Expenses 0 0 0 50 100 7762 · Office Rent 7762a · Office Relocation Expense 0 0 18,146 20,000 20,000 7762 · Office Rent - Other 1,922 643 14,972 14,697 17,267
Total 7762 · Office Rent 1,922 643 33,118 34,697 37,267 7763 · General Insurance 33 0 1,859 1,916 5,045 7764 · Legal Retainer 0 0 6,000 6,000 12,000 7765 · Additional Legal Services 0 0 250 500 500
Total 7760 · Trustees/Facilities 1,955 643 41,227 43,163 54,912 7766 · Synod & GA PC Differential 3,695 1,375 9,957 11,000 16,500 Total 7780 · Judicial Expenses 0 0 0 675 675
Total 7785 · Audit/Banking/Depr Exp 620 718 6,793 5,845 6,318 Total 7700 · Support for a Healthy Pby 32,087 34,602 290,780 305,586 445,116 Total 7790 · Big Picture Team 5000 68 0 152 670 800 7800 · ROC SALT Expense 31,273 11,038 118,406 88,300 132,450
Total Expense 66,345 49,508 462,903 426,689 659,347 Net Ordinary Income (22,906) 3,262 (62,111) (2,099) (22,000) Net Income (22,906) 3,262 (62,111) (2,099) (22,000) PGV (3,776) (16,433) ROC SALT (19,130) (45,678) Total Net Income (22,906) (62,111)
Stated Presbytery Meeting October 12, 2019 Page 77
PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE VALLEY **UNIFIED MISSION AND PER CAPITA REPORT** FOR JANUARY THRU AUGUST 2019 Mission Presbytery Presbytery Synod Per GA Per % PER Mission Mission Estimate Presby Per Per Capita Per Capita Synod Per Synod Per Capita GA Per GA Per Capita CAPITA Church Estimate PTD Balance Capita PTD Balance Capita Capita PTD Balance Capita Capita PTD Balance Pd. To ALBION, FIRST 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,636.80 0.00 2,636.80 524.80 0.00 524.80 1,145.60 0.00 1,145.60 0.00% ATTICA, FIRST 100.00 0.00 100.00 1,194.80 0.00 1,194.80 237.80 0.00 237.80 519.10 0.00 519.10 0.00% AVON, CENTRAL 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,110.60 749.65 2,360.95 619.10 149.20 469.90 1,351.45 325.70 1,025.75 24.10% AVON, FIRST 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,915.80 1,117.48 798.32 381.30 222.44 158.86 832.35 485.48 346.87 58.30% BARRE CENTER 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,277.20 851.44 425.76 254.20 169.44 84.76 554.90 369.92 184.98 66.70% BATAVIA, FIRST 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,459.00 2,142.64 3,316.36 1,086.50 426.45 660.05 2,371.75 930.91 1,440.84 39.20% BETHANY 20,331.18 4,827.57 15,503.61 8,013.40 5,342.33 2,671.07 1,594.90 1,063.20 531.70 3,481.55 2,321.04 1,160.51 66.70% BROCKPORT, FIRST 0.00 1,137.50 0.00 2,678.00 1,562.12 1,115.88 533.00 310.94 222.06 1,163.50 677.72 485.78 58.30% BYRON, FIRST 2,500.00 1,666.64 833.36 2,451.40 2,451.40 0.00 487.90 487.90 0.00 1,065.05 1,065.05 0.00 100.00% CALEDONIA, FIRST 3,000.00 2,000.00 1,000.00 2,884.00 1,801.44 1,082.56 574.00 358.56 215.44 1,253.00 782.64 470.36 62.50% CHILI, FIRST 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,224.80 1,112.47 1,112.33 442.80 221.41 221.39 966.60 483.33 483.27 50.00% CORFU, FIRST 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,575.00 397.63 2,177.37 512.50 79.26 433.24 1,118.75 172.83 945.92 15.40% DANSVILLE 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,194.80 604.50 590.30 237.80 126.74 111.06 519.10 243.74 275.36 50.00% DOWNTOWN UNITED 12,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 4,738.00 3,583.38 1,154.62 943.00 727.74 215.26 2,058.50 1,512.38 546.12 75.20% EAST BETHANY 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,380.20 0.00 1,380.20 274.70 0.00 274.70 599.65 0.00 599.65 0.00% ELBA 800.00 800.00 0.00 2,286.60 2,286.60 0.00 455.10 455.10 0.00 993.45 993.45 0.00 100.00% FAIRPORT, PERINTON 9,000.00 5,250.00 3,750.00 10,032.20 5,852.21 4,179.99 1,996.70 1,164.66 832.04 4,358.65 2,542.54 1,816.11 58.30% GATES 24,512.00 2,250.00 22,262.00 9,434.80 2,358.76 7,076.04 1,877.80 469.46 1,408.34 4,099.10 1,024.78 3,074.32 25.00% GENESEO, CENTRAL 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,552.60 0.00 4,552.60 906.10 0.00 906.10 1,977.95 0.00 1,977.95 0.00% GROVELAND, FEDER 0.00 0.00 0.00 206.00 0.00 206.00 41.00 0.00 41.00 89.50 0.00 89.50 0.00% GROVELAND, SPARTA 0.00 0.00 0.00 679.80 0.00 679.80 135.30 0.00 135.30 295.35 0.00 295.35 0.00% HENRIETTA, JOHN CA 100.00 100.00 0.00 844.60 844.60 0.00 168.10 168.10 0.00 366.95 366.95 0.00 100.00% HOLLEY 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,050.60 525.29 525.31 209.10 104.55 104.55 456.45 228.22 228.23 50.00% HONEOYE FALLS, FIR 500.00 250.00 250.00 3,893.40 2,251.15 1,642.25 774.90 451.69 323.21 1,691.55 966.91 724.64 57.70% IRONDEQUOIT 2,400.00 1,400.00 1,000.00 2,410.20 1,405.95 1,004.25 479.70 279.86 199.84 1,047.15 610.82 436.33 58.30% JOHN KNOX 3,642.34 0.00 3,642.34 1,833.40 0.00 1,833.40 364.90 0.00 364.90 796.55 0.00 796.55 0.00% KOREAN 0.00 0.00 0.00 618.00 0.00 618.00 123.00 0.00 123.00 268.50 0.00 268.50 0.00% LAURELTON 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,215.40 1,230.05 (14.65) 241.90 241.90 0.00 528.05 528.05 0.00 100.70% LEROY, FIRST 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,163.00 1,261.75 901.25 430.50 251.16 179.34 939.75 548.17 391.58 58.30% LIMA 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 1,256.60 1,256.60 0.00 250.10 250.10 0.00 545.95 545.95 0.00 100.00% LIVONIA CENTER, FIR 0.00 0.00 0.00 679.80 0.00 679.80 135.30 0.00 135.30 295.35 0.00 295.35 0.00% LYNDONVILLE 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,915.80 957.91 957.89 381.30 190.64 190.66 832.35 416.18 416.17 50.00% MEDINA, FIRST 1,000.00 750.00 250.00 1,709.80 505.66 1,204.14 340.30 100.64 239.66 742.85 219.70 523.15 29.60% MENDON 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,822.20 0.00 2,822.20 561.70 0.00 561.70 1,226.15 0.00 1,226.15 0.00% MOUNT MORRIS 0.00 0.00 0.00 679.80 659.20 20.60 135.30 131.20 4.10 295.35 286.40 8.95 97.00% MUMFORD, FIRST 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,153.60 288.40 865.20 229.60 57.40 172.20 501.20 125.30 375.90 25.00% NEW LIFE 0.00 0.00 0.00 824.00 0.00 824.00 164.00 0.00 164.00 358.00 0.00 358.00 0.00% NORTH BERGEN 0.00 0.00 0.00 906.40 206.86 699.54 180.40 41.17 139.23 393.80 89.87 303.93 22.80% NUNDA, TRINITY 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,133.00 0.00 1,133.00 225.50 0.00 225.50 492.25 0.00 492.25 0.00% OSSIAN 0.00 0.00 0.00 370.80 370.80 0.00 73.80 73.80 0.00 161.10 161.10 0.00 100.00% PARKMINSTER 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,595.60 107.14 2,488.46 516.60 21.32 495.28 1,127.70 46.54 1,081.16 4.10% PAVILION, COVINGTO 0.00 2,500.00 0.00 2,554.40 2,554.40 0.00 508.40 508.40 0.00 1,109.80 1,109.80 0.00 100.00% PENFIELD PRESBYTE 0.00 1,144.00 0.00 3,090.00 1,545.00 1,545.00 615.00 307.50 307.50 1,342.50 671.26 671.24 50.00% PERRY, BRICK 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,668.60 0.00 1,668.60 332.10 0.00 332.10 724.95 0.00 724.95 0.00% PIKE, COMMUNITY 500.00 0.00 500.00 267.80 0.00 267.80 53.30 0.00 53.30 116.35 0.00 116.35 0.00% PITTSFORD CHRIST C 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,751.00 1,751.00 0.00 348.50 348.50 0.00 760.75 760.75 0.00 100.00% PITTSFORD, FIRST 23,000.00 11,500.00 11,500.00 17,674.80 11,783.20 5,891.60 3,517.80 2,345.20 1,172.60 7,679.10 5,119.40 2,559.70 66.70% SCOTTSVILLE, UNION 1,759.00 879.50 879.50 3,666.80 1,833.42 1,833.38 729.80 364.88 364.92 1,593.10 796.56 796.54 50.00% SOUTH 1,100.00 1,100.00 0.00 700.40 700.40 0.00 139.40 139.40 0.00 304.30 304.30 0.00 100.00% SPENCERPORT, OGD 2,860.00 1,430.00 1,430.00 3,399.00 1,574.00 1,825.00 676.50 332.00 344.50 1,476.75 626.00 850.75 45.60% STONE CHURCH, BER 0.00 1,162.20 0.00 659.20 0.00 659.20 131.20 0.00 131.20 286.40 0.00 286.40 0.00% SUMMERVILLE 0.00 1,191.68 0.00 2,533.80 1,266.92 1,266.88 504.30 252.15 252.15 1,100.85 550.43 550.42 50.00% THIRD 0.00 33,400.00 0.00 23,690.00 23,690.00 0.00 4,715.00 4,715.00 0.00 10,292.50 10,292.50 0.00 100.00% TRINITY EMMANUEL 0.00 300.00 0.00 1,112.40 612.18 500.22 221.40 121.84 99.56 483.30 265.98 217.32 55.00% TUSCARORA, FIRST 0.00 100.00 0.00 906.40 906.40 0.00 180.40 180.40 0.00 393.80 393.80 0.00 100.00% TWELVE CORNERS 3,720.00 1,860.00 1,860.00 2,719.20 0.00 2,719.20 541.20 0.00 541.20 1,181.40 0.00 1,181.40 0.00% VICTOR 4,479.60 2,986.40 1,493.20 5,397.20 3,598.16 1,799.04 1,074.20 716.16 358.04 2,344.90 1,563.28 781.62 66.70% WARSAW, UNITED 0.00 0.00 0.00 762.20 0.00 762.20 151.70 0.00 151.70 331.15 0.00 331.15 0.00% WEBSTER 24,000.00 6,000.00 18,000.00 6,921.60 6,921.60 0.00 1,377.60 1,377.60 0.00 3,007.20 3,007.20 0.00 100.00% WYOMING, FIRST 0.00 0.00 0.00 597.40 0.00 597.40 118.90 0.00 118.90 259.55 0.00 259.55 0.00% YORK 3,900.00 1,950.00 1,950.00 3,316.60 3,316.60 0.00 660.10 660.10 0.00 1,440.95 1,440.95 0.00 100.00% Misc. 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
TOTALS: 146,204.12 94,935.49 92,204.01 184,390.60 106,138.69 78,251.91 36,699.10 21,165.16 15,533.94 80,111.45 45,973.88 34,137.57 making Mission / PC Contribution:* 33 18 18 18 Stated Presbytery October 12, 2019 Page 78
Report of the Nominating Committee
Presbytery of Genesee Valley, October 12, 2019
Nominees for Commissioner to the 224th General Assembly
Teaching Elders
Colin Pritchard, PGV Moderator-Elect Pastor, Victor
Michelle Sumption Pastor, York United
Ruling Elders
Roger Estes, PGV Moderator Commissioned Pastor, Mumford
Sue Tedesco Companions On The Way
Young Adult Advisory Delegate
Adam Pederson Pittsford, First
Alternate TE
Hodong Hwang Pastor, Mendon
Alternate RE