Presbytery of Western North Carolina Minutes One

PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN

NORTH CAROLINA

MINUTES ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH STATED MEETING JULY 29, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Constitution ...... 3 Welcome ...... 3 Appointment of Standing Committees ...... 3 Attendance ...... 3-11 Approval of Docket ...... 11-13 Consent Agenda ...... 13-14 Stated Clerk's Report ...... 14-17 Service of Worship ...... 17 General Council ...... 17-20 Committee on Ministry...... 20-22 Church Leadership School ...... 22 Peace and Justice...... 22 Mission Committee –Report from Malawi Mission Committee ...... 22 Guatemala Partnership ...... 22 Christian Education ...... 22 Curriculum Workshop Offerings and Information...... 22 Youth Ministries Committee ...... 23 Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) ...... 23 Report of the General Presbyter ...... 23 Personnel Committee ...... 23 Ministry Campaign ...... 23 Prayers of Intercession ...... 23 Resolution of Thanks ...... 23-24 Benediction and Adjournment ...... 24 Next Meeting ...... 24 Appendices ...... 26

The Presbytery of Western North Carolina 113th Stated Meeting July 29, 2017 First Presbyterian Church Marion, North Carolina

CALL TO ORDER Teaching Elder Susan Denne, Moderator, convened the 113th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina at 9:01a.m. in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, Marion, North Carolina.

CONSTITUTION The Moderator, Teaching Elder Susan Denne, opened the One-Hundred Thirteenth Meeting of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, Marion with prayer.

WELCOME The Reverend Jacob Douylliez, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Marion brought greetings from their church.

Moderator Denne introduced Rev. David Young, a pastor who is a minister-member of the Church of Scotland, who is participating in a pulpit exchange with Rev. Whit Malone.

APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES Moderator Denne announced the appointment of the following standing committees: Resolution and Thanks: • Teaching Elder Harold “Hal” Bennett, Dulatown Presbyterian Church • Ruling Elder Charles Kincaid, Dulatown Presbyterian Church

Bills and Overtures: • Merri Alexander, Teaching Elder, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Chair • Susan Allred, Ruling Elder, Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church • Ken Humphreys, Commissioned Pastor, Conley Memorial and Siloam Presbyterian Churches

Tellers:  Frank Denniston, Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Marion  Robert Ayers, Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Marion  Kayle Lael, Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Marion  Catherine Douylliez, Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Marion  Joe Turnbull, Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Marion  Joshua Smith, Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Marion

ATTENDANCE The Stated Clerk, Teaching Elder Cam Murchison, declared that a quorum was present by reference to our registration data and by observation of those in attendance.

The following MINISTERS WERE ENROLLED (P = Present; E = Excused; A = Absent without excuse): Robert Abel E Wyatt Aiken, Jr. E Blan Aldridge E Merriam Alexander P Terry Alexander P Steve Aschmann P Stephen Austin A James Aydelotte P Patricia Bacon A Tony Baker E Edna Banes E Douglas Bartlett E Ashley J. Beavers E Harold Bennett P Joseph Bennett E Katherine Blankenship A Lynn Bledsoe E Samantha Gonzalez- P Block Randall Boggs A Ronald Botsford E Adam Bowling E Lee Bowman E Richard Boyce P Grace Boyer P David Bradley E Ryan Brakemeyer A Ronald Brauer E

Hayden Britton E Beverly Brock P Sandra Brown E Jason Bryant A William Buchanan A Monty Burnham E Sue Burton E Robert Busey E Connie Button P Joey Byrd A Kathryn J. Cameron E John Campbell E Kathy Campbell E William Campbell A Amy Cantrell A Pride Carson A Katherine Cashwell A Calvin Chesnutt E Dwight Christenbury E William Christian E Richard Coble P Sarah Coburn A James Cockerham E Jeffrey Coffey E James Cogswell E Evelyn Coleman A Hunter Coleman E Priestley Conyers, III E Monty Cook E Thomas Cook, Jr. E Donald Cooper E Riley Covin P John Craven E Curtis Crowther E Robert Bruce Cumming E James Dale E Black Daniel E Charles Davenport E Dent Davis A Heather Davis P Holly Davis P Eddie Deas, III E Jey Deifell, Jr. E Arthur DeJone E Susan Denne P Janet DeWater P Edward Donnell E Jacob Douylliez P Ellen Dozier P Philip Dunford E Stephen Elderbrock A Karol Farris P Lee Feero, Jr. E David Fillpot E Ragland Fletcher E Edward Forsyth E Maynard Fountain, Jr. E McCoy Franklin E Kevin Frederick P Keith Freeman P Berry French, III P John Frye, Jr. P Curtis Fussell, III A Tempe Fussell A A.W. Gaines E Paul Galbreath E David Garnett E Lisle Garrity A Tee Gatewood, III A Denise Geiger E Joanne Glaser P Jean Goodwin P Gregory Grana E Theodore Grant E Keith Grogg E Robert Gruber E George Gunn E Rebecca Gurney A Samuel Hale E Michal Hall E Terry Hanna P Patrick Hardy P Randall Hardy A Luke Harkey, III E Rebecca Harrison E William Heck P Robert Hendersn E J. Robert Hewett E J. Richard Hobson E J. Samuel Hobson, Jr. E James Holeman A J. Richard Holshouser E Samuel Hope E James Hornsby E Bryan Hovey P Carol Hovis A William Hoyt, III E George Hutchins P Donald Jafvert E William Janes E Esta Jarrett A Cecil Jividen E Wallace Johnson E Patrick Johnson A Franklin Jones A Rebecca Jones A Kimberly Justice A Dong Uk Kang A David Kaylor E David Kennedy E Ira Kennerly E Paul Kercher E William Kirk E Albert Kissling E Earl Kreisa E Lee Kruse A Michael Lamm E John LaMotte P John Laughlin E Margaret Lauterer E James Layman P Thomas Lewis E William Linde man P John Lindsay E Eugene Linton, Jr. E Deneise Deter Liss A Laura Long E Billy T. Lowe E Robert Lowry E David Lytle P *Tricia Lytle E Whit Malone E Marjorie Marsh E Joan Martin P Roberta Martin E W. Robert Martin, Jr. E W. Tyler Martin E John McCall E

Sandra McClinton A Patricia McClurg E Robert McCully, Jr. P Noah McIntee E David McKee E Michael McKee E James McPherson Lynn Michie A Beth Ann Miller P Robert Montgomery E Anne Morgan P David Morgan P Richard Morgan E Keith Morrison A David Mulford E Donald Mullen E Cameron Murchison P Carl Murray E David Nash P Wanda Neely E Thomas Nelson E Elizabeth Newman E John Newton, Jr. E John Niles P Richard Nygren E Daniel Oedy E O’Hyun Park E Katherine Parker E Thomas Parker E David Parks E Donald Patchel E Stratton Peacock E Albert Peery, Jr. E Margaret Peery E Harry Petersen E Martha Jane Petersen E Lyle Peterson E Harry Philips E James Poling E John Nelson Pope A Michael Poulos P Donald Price E Gene Price E Caroline Proctor E Allen Proctor, Jr. E Edyth Pruitt P Tamara Puffer P Jay Rabuck P Daria Ragan E Joseph Rand E Kathleen Rankin A Earl Rash E Wilson Rhoton, Jr. E Calvin Rice E Don Robb, III E Mary Katherine P Billy Robinson P Robinson Steven Runholt E Feild Russell P Richard Rustay E Donald Scofield, Jr. E Henry Scoggins E Carol Seaman E Kyle Segars P William Serjak E Albert Shaw, Jr. E Marcia Mount Shoop E Elizabeth Sigmon P Robert Singdahlsen E Wirt Skinner P Allen Smith E Kent Smith E Paul Smith A John Somerville E Margie Stansell P Becky Stanley P Mark Stanley E Carol Steele A John David Stewart E Daniel Stitt A Cynthia Strickler E Charles Swann E William Sweetser, Jr. A Joseph Taber P Christopher Taylor E Keith Thompson E Denise Thorpe A Yvonne Thurmond E Russell Tillotson, Sr. E Daniel Trapp P Robert Tuttle P Thomas Tweedie E Melissa Anne Upchurch E 6

Gary Van Brocklin A Lauren Vanacore E Dana Vaughn P Chris Vogado P Rockwell Ward E Samuel Warner P Lynn Webber A Judith Weger P Kimberleigh Wells P Barbara White P Lamar Williamson, Jr. E Parker Williamson E Emily Wilmarth A Otis Wilson, Jr. A Victor Wilson E Chris Wingared A Eugene Witherspoon E Graham Wood, Jr. E Donaldson Woods E Rebecca Young A

The following COMMISSIONED LAY PASTORS WERE ENROLLED at this meeting of Presbytery: Linda Abel E Philip Adams A Robert Ayala P John Bates A Elizabeth Hall P John Hall P Brenda Howard P Kenneth Humphreys P Bobby Justus P James Koone E Peggy Koone P Deborah Lesenger P James Millsaps A Linda Moore A Mark Osborne P Marla Patchel A Randy Patterson A John Pea P Marcia Reighley E Russell Reighley E Betty Shaw A Dennis Stamper A John Stanley A James Taylor P William Upchurch P Roger Wise P Wanda Woodby A

The following MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL, COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY and COMMITTEE CHAIRS WERE ENROLLED at this meeting of Presbytery: Katie Adams A John Auten A Mary Louise Bringle A Millie Bruns A Bill Carpenter A Betty Davenport E Dorothy Descieux P Lee Galloway A Jane Hansel A Anna Huntley A Tina Joyner A Rodney Lytle A Barbara McLean P Melvin Meares P Jackson Mott P Jerry Ragan E Charles Sellers P Jack Suddreth P Paula Wallace A Anne Wilson A

The following CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS WERE ENROLLED for this meeting of Presbytery:

Glenn Bannerman A Melinda Christian A Angela Drummond A Vivian Hare A Margarette Kennerly E Leslie McLeod P

Mary Lou Nash P Heath Rada A Lynn Thomas A Patricia Tuttle A Jane Vann A

The following CHURCHES WERE ENROLLED by the attendance of their elder commissioners:

Arbor Dale (1) A Asheville First (3) Wayne Drummond Banner Elk (1) Carolyn West Belmont First (3) Lisa Neisler David Rinehart Don Rogers Bessemer City First (1) A Black Mountain (2) Wayne Mullis Leslie Carreiro Brevard-Davidson River (2) Mary Johnson Joyce Weaver Bridgewater (1) A Brittain (1) A Brittain’s Cove (1) A Bryson City (1) Collin Caldwell Buladean (1) A Burnsville First (1) A Calvary (2) A Canton (1) A Cherryville First (2) E Clinchfield (1) A Columbus (1) A Conley Memorial (1) Pat Davis Crossnore (1) Mimi Sloop Dallas First (1) Jerry Scott Dixon (1) A Dorland Memorial (1) Mary Gahagan Dulatown (2) Charles Kincaid Duncan’s Creek (1) A Ellenboro (1) A

Etowah (1) Debby Vial Fairview (1) T. J. Rohr Fletcher (1) Denise Burleson Forest City First (1) Ron Lessard Franklin First (1) A Gastonia First (3) Anna Renfro Richard Rankin Roger Rizk Good Hope (2) A Grace Covenant (2) Denise Snodgrass Susan Meade Grassy Creek (1) A Green Mountain (1) A Green Street (2) Freddie Murphy Jackie Scott Hayesville (1) E Hendersonville First (1) Charles Snead Hickory First (3) A Highlands First (1) A Ironton (1) E Jack’s Creek (1) A John Knox (1) Lin Robinson Kenilworth (1) Elizabeth Chater Kings Mountain First (1) A Korean Presbyterian Church A of Asheville (2) Lenoir First (1) Sonny Hines Lincolnton First (1) Charles Crumley Long Creek (1) A Love’s Chapel (2) A Lowell (1) Julia Rush Marion First (2) Kyle Lael Bill Spears Marshall (2) A Micaville (2) A Mills River (2) A 9

Montreat (2) Gill Campbell Morganton First (3) Elsie Bartlett Eric LeGoullon John Gantt Morrison (2) E Mount Holly First (2) Henry Massey New Hope, Asheville (2) A New Hope, Gastonia (2) A Newdale (2) Anita Fortner Michael Fortner Newland (2) A Newton First (3) Bruce Deese Clark Strickland Donald Duncan Northminster (2) Greg VanBenschoten Oak Forest (2) A Oakwood (2) A Old Fort (2) A Olney (2) A Pine Street (3) A Pineola (2) A Quaker Meadows (2) Lelia Bruder Kathy Staton Reems Creek-Beech (2) Kerry Border Ridgeview (2) A Robinson Memorial (2) A Rutherfordton (3) Susan Allred Brenda Winker Ryburn Memorial (3) Sheila Warthen Lucretia Bell Saluda (1) A Shelby (2) Doug Boyette Brock Taylor Sherrill’s Ford (1) A Shiloh, Grover (1) A Siloam (1) Amelia Tipton Southminster (2) Steve Brown Spindale (1) A

Spruce Pine First (1) Don Baucom Sweetwater (1) Karen Spencer Sylva First (1 Marlies Owens Third Street (2) Charles Whitesides Trinity (2) Tom Karvonen Don Widmayer Tryon (2) A Union (1) Twilah Jordan Union Mills (1) Susan Ward United (1) Candace Triplett Unity (2) Frank Darden Vians Valley (1) A Waldensian (2) John Heilman Wes Garrou Walnut (1) A Warren Wilson (1) E Waynesville First (1) Ron Tingle West Asheville (1) Cheryl Miller West Avenue (1) Sylvia Sellers

The Stated Clerk later reported that the attendance for this meeting was: Teaching Elders 76 Ruling Elders 71 Certified Educators 2 General Council/Committee Chairs 6 Visitors 30 Total 185

There following corresponding member was in attendance:  The Rev. David Young, pastor at the Church of Scotland, participating in a pulpit exchange with First Presbyterian Church, Hickory.

APPROVAL OF DOCKET Stated Clerk Murchison moved the approval of the docket as distributed. The motion was made and approved. 8:30 Registration Orientation for New Elders Charles Davenport

9:00 Call to Order Susan Denne Convene with Prayer of Invocation Moderator

Welcome First Presbyterian Church, Marion Jacob Douylliez Greetings from the Presbyterian Church of Scotland David Young

Appointment of Standing Committees Susan Denne Resolution of Thanks Bills and Overtures Tellers

Certification of Quorum Cam Murchison, Stated Clerk Approval of Docket

Consent Agenda A (Consent Agenda is a consent motion. Any commissioner may pull any item from the Consent Agenda for any reason. Simply state the item to be removed from the Consent Agenda and it will be dealt with as part of the committee report from which it was drawn.)

Stated Clerk’s Report Cam Murchison B (Work of the Clerk, Presbytery Meeting Dates, Administrative Commission Reports)

Reports Submitted for Information and/or Included in the Consent Agenda Nominating Committee I Preparation for Ministry Committee K Hunger Committee R Missions Committee S Finance Committee BB Smaller Membership Church Committee GG Presbyterian Women MM

9:25 Service of Worship, including Celebration of the Lord’s Supper Preacher: Billy Robinson

10:25 Speak Out (5 minutes) (Opportunity to address the Presbytery for one minute or less, per speaker, on any suitable topic. No new business may be introduced at this point, but announcements, concerns, or opinions may be shared.)

10:30 General Council (5 minutes) Barbara McLean C (Work of the committee.)

10:35 Committee on Ministry (35 minutes) John Pea D (Work of the committee; Recommendation for Ordination of Matthew David Conner and Barrett A.Payne; welcome new ministers: Janet DeWater, Richard Coble, Matthew David Conner, Barrett A. Payne, and Stephen Edward Aschmann; commissioning of Kerry Border as Commissioned Lay Pastor; Recognition of Ministers and Service.) 25 Years Service 50 Years Service 60 Years Service 70 Years Service Dong Uk Kang James E. Layman William M. Janes John W. Craven Michael J. Poulos John H. LaMotte William B. Sweetser John C. Laughlin Samuel P. Warner Wilson P. Rhoton, Jr. Eugene D. Witherspoon John Richard Hobson Honorably Retired J. William Lindeman

Gender and Leadership in the PC(USA) Terry Alexander D

Church Leadership School (5 minutes) Kerry Border OO ( 2016-2017 Church Leadership School Graduates) 2017 CLS Graduates – Millie Bruns (Kenilworth); Reba Craft (Cherryville, First); Larry Cunningham (Davidson); Mimi Sloop (Crossnore)

Peace & Justice (5 minutes) Anne Morgan T (Peacemaking Offering)

Mission Committee (5 minutes) S (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Mission Trip to Kinston, NC – October 8-13, 2017; Malawi Mission Team Report) Report from Malawi Mission Team Billy Robinson Hal Bennett

Guatemala Partnership Report (5 minutes) Ellen Dozier S (Partnership Updates and Upcoming Mission Trips; Microloan Project Update)

Christian Education (10 minutes) Mary Lou Nash W (Pastor’s Retreat and Resource Center Update)

Curriculum Workshop Offerings and Information (5 minutes) Malinda Spencer W

Youth Committee (5 minutes) Josh Smith Y (Work of the Committee, Presbyterian Youth Council, Upcoming Events) Samantha Gonzales Block

Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) (5 minutes) Carol Brown (A network of Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association)

Report of the General Presbyter (5 minutes) Bobbi White GP

Ministry Campaign (3 minutes) Roger Rizk BH (Updates)

*12:25 Prayers of Intercession Joseph Taber (Please submit requested prayers of intercession to the Stated Clerk’s table before 11:00 a.m.)

Benediction and Adjournment

*12:30 LUNCH

1:45 Curriculum Workshops

Stated Clerk Cam Murchison explained the rules for the Consent Agenda. He then moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Items included in this motion are marked by "CA" in the margin. (Appendix A)

The following committees submitted reports to the Presbytery for information and approval. All were received and approved. • Nominating Committee (Appendix B) • Preparation for Ministry Committee (Appendix C) • Hunger Committee (Appendix D) • Missions Committee (Appendix E) 13

• Finance Committee (Appendix F) • Smaller Membership Church Committee (Appendix G) • Presbyterian Women (Appendix H)

STATED CLERK’S REPORT Dr. Murchison presented recommendations 1 thru 7 included in the Stated Clerk’s report, stating that these recommendations had previously been approved in the Consent Agenda.

Stated Clerk Murchison moved recommendation 15, which was duly seconded and approved.

He then referred to items 8-14 as items for information.

CA 1. THAT Susan Denne, Cam Murchison and Robbin Buchanan be requested to prepare the minutes of this Presbytery meeting for approval at the October 24, 2017 Presbytery meeting.

CA. 2. THAT the minutes of the April 25, 2017 Stated Meeting of Presbytery be approved as submitted.

CA 3. THAT the July 2017 report of the Administrative Commission for the New Vision, Conover New Church Development be received and entered into the permanent record of the Presbytery. (Appendix I)

CA 4. THAT the July 2017 reports of the Administrative Commissions for the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville; First Presbyterian Church of Swanannoa; First Presbyterian Church, Kings Mountain; and the First Presbyterian Church, Lenoir be received and entered into the permanent record of the Presbytery. (Appendix J)

CA 5. THAT the July 2017 report of the Board for the UKirk at WCU Cullowhee Campus Ministry be received and entered into the permanent record of the Presbytery. (Appendix K)

CA 6. THAT the Committee on Nominating/Representation, having completed their annual report for the year ending December 31, 2016 and submitted it to the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, requests that it become a part of the permanent record of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. (Appendix L)

CA 7. THAT the minutes of the ordination of the following be placed into the record of Presbytery: Lisle Gwynn Garrity (Appendix M)

FOR INFORMATION: 8. THAT reports for the following commissions were not submitted for this meeting of Presbytery. Administrative Commission for Westminster Administrative Commission for Churches Concluding Their Ministry

9. THAT the 114th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, North Carolina. 14

10. THAT the following dates have been set for 2017 and 2018 Presbytery Meetings: 2017 Saturday, July 29, 2017 ~ First Presbyterian Church, Marion Tuesday, October 24, 2017 ~ First Presbyterian Church, Asheville 2018 Saturday, January 27, 2018 – Lowell Presbyterian Church (Co-Host Union Presbyterian Church) Tuesday, April 24, 2018 – Montreat Conference Center Tuesday, July 31, 2018 – Banner Elk Presbyterian Church (Lees-McRae College) Saturday, October 27, 2018 – First Presbyterian Church, Hickory

11. THAT the following Session Records for 2016 were submitted and approved on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at a Session Records Review held at First Presbyterian Church, Morganton. Banner Elk Brevard-Davidson Bridgewater Brittain Burnsville, First Fairview Forest City Grassy Creek Green Street Hickory, First Kenilworth Marshall Morganton, First Newland Newton, First Quaker Meadows Robinson Memorial Rutherfordton Shelby Sherrill’s Ford Southminster Tryon Union United Waldensian Warren Wilson

12. THAT the following Session Records for 2016 were submitted and approved on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at a Session Records Review held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville. Asheville, First Black Mountain Clinchfield Dorland Memorial Dulatown Franklin, First Grace Covenant Hayesville Hendersonville, First Mills River Saluda Sylva, First Trinity West Asheville

13. THAT the following dates have been established for Clerk of Session Training and Reviewing Church Records: August 19, 2017 Crossnore Presbyterian Church September 30, 2017 First Presbyterian Church, Bessemer City

14. THAT the following date has been established for Sacred Trust-Relational Boundaries Training for 2017: November 4, 2017 Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Asheville

For Pastors and Elders of the Presbytery: According to our presbytery’s policy, clergy and elders involved in leadership are required to take sexual misconduct training once every four years.

For leaders of local congregations: The workshop is open for all local leaders who want to educate themselves about healthy boundaries.

Who should attend: All persons designated below are required to have an approved three-hour workshop of sexual misconduct sponsored by the WNC Presbytery or equivalent training approved by the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Team. 15

All Presbytery professionals and Presbytery volunteers are required to have the three- hour training every four years with the following exceptions: 1. Exempted from training are fully retired Presbytery professionals who have availed themselves of this option, with its associated limitations of not serving on Presbytery Committees, preaching in local churches, leading workshops or retreats, or exercising other pastoral functions such as celebrating the sacraments, or conducting weddings and/or funerals unless a “Single Event” exception has been made to Presbytery. 2. Members on the following committees, their sub-committees, and Task Forces are ineligible for exemption during the term of their membership: General Council Youth Committee on Ministry Christian Education Examinations Joint Outdoor Ministry Small Membership Church Campus Mission Permanent Judicial Commission 3. Members of all other existing committees are exempt, though changes to committee structures may require review of eligibility. 4. Interims who are working within the bounds of the Presbytery who receive comparable hours of training in their judicatory, at least as frequently as required in our Presbytery, may be exempt.

RECOMMENDATION 15. That the Administrative Commission for the First Presbyterian Church of Kings Mountain be given the responsibility to recommend to the General Council the dissolution of First Presbyterian Church of Kings Mountain.

• if in its judgment such action would be the most appropriate way finally to resolve, consistent with Presbytery’s fiduciary responsibilities, the law suit that First Presbyterian Church of Kings Mountain has filed against the Presbytery of Western North Carolina; and • if delaying such a recommendation until the next scheduled meeting of Presbytery would compromise the prospect of having the matter settled.

Rationale As previously reported, the Administrative Commission assumed original jurisdiction of the Session of FPC KM at the end of July 2016. Since then a civil lawsuit has been filed against the Presbytery by FPC KM.

Over several months, a process of court required mediation between the Presbytery and First Presbyterian Church of Kings Mountain has been taking place to see if the civil lawsuit that FPC of Kings Mountain filed against the Presbytery might reach settlement. Hopes for a resolution of the matter that could be brought to the July 29, 2017 meeting of Presbytery have not come to fruition.

However, there is reason to believe that a way forward may be found that might include actions included in this recommendation. As a reminder, the Standing Rules of Presbytery allow for the General Council “to act on behalf of Presbytery in urgent matters by a two- thirds majority vote, provided that a full report of such action is given to Presbytery at its next meeting.” Thus, this recommendation would open a path for possible resolution of the matter prior to October 2017 meeting of Presbytery. 16

While it is true that the Administrative Commission has sufficient authority to proceed along the lines of this recommendation, it has wanted to keep the Presbytery as fully informed of and involved in the process as possible. Thus, it seeks the support of Presbytery in the matter.

SERVICE OF WORSHIP AND CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Worship was led by the Reverend Billy Robinson, Associate Presbyter for the Presbytery of WNC. The Rev. Billy Robinson preached on being “Witness to the Kingdom of God,” with the scripture taken from Psalm 122 and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52. The Reverend Jacob Douylliez assisted with worship and shared his musical talents.

Worship concluded with a celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, led by the Reverends Billy Robinson and Samantha Gonzalez-Block, with communion being served by the ruling elders affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church, Marion.

GENERAL COUNCIL On behalf of the General Council, Barbara McLean presented recommendation 1 included in the General Council report. The recommendation was moved and approved.

Items 3 thru 22 of the General Council report were presented as items for information and required no action.

1. THAT the Presbytery elect Teaching Elder Eddie Deas as Moderator of the Presbytery for 2019, serving as Vice-Moderator in 2018.

CA 2. THAT the Presbytery elect the following person(s) to serve on the Nominating and Representation Committees: Nominating: Charles Kincaid (Dulatown) (E) Chair for 2018 Charlie Snead (Hendersonville, First) (C) Class of 2020 Dennis Godfrey (West Avenue) (D) Class of 2020 Mimi Martin (Shelby) (C) Class of 2019 Representation: Robert Dula (Dulatown) (E) Class of 2020 Ms. Allen Lowry (Third Street) (D) Class of 2019

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

3. THAT the General Council has reviewed the Standing Rules of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina and submits a draft copy for your review. A copy of the revised Standing Rules will be presented at the October 24, 2017 Presbytery Meeting for review and vote. (Appendix N)

4. THAT the Board of Trustees for the Presbytery of Western North Carolina shall be: President – General Council Moderator Vice-President – Moderator of Presbytery Secretary – Stated Clerk Treasurer – Presbytery Treasurer 17

5. THAT the Leadership Team of the General Council for 2017 consists of: Chair (Moderator of General Council) – Barbara McLean Vice-Chair (Moderator of Presbytery) – Susan Denne Vice-Moderator of Presbytery/Secretary of GC – Melvin Meares Two At-Large Members – Keith Grogg and Mark Stanley

6. THAT the General Council approved the following to serve on the 2017 Building HOPE Finance Committee: Jim Henderson (Chair of the Committee, Building HOPE Representative) Barbara McLean (Chair, General Council) Susan Denne (Presbytery Moderator) Melvin Meares (Presbytery Vice-Moderator, Building HOPE Representative) Otis Wilson (Administrative Division Chair) Hal Bennett (Member At-Large) Jay Crane (Member At-Large)

7. THAT the General Council reports approval of the following regional and international Nickel-A-Meal Hunger grants:

REGIONAL GRANT REQUESTS Agency Location Sponsor Church Amount Granted North Buncombe Snak Sacks Weaverville Reems Creek- $1,250. Beech The Community Kitchen Canton Canton $7,000. Swannanoa Valley CM Pantry Swannanoa Montreat $3,000. Reaching Avery Ministry Banner Elk Banner Elk $5,000. Haywood Pathways Waynesville Waynesville, First $5,500.

TOTAL $21,750.

INTERNATIONAL GRANT REQUESTS Nkhoma Hospital Malawi Presbytery’s $10,000. Malawi Team TOTAL $10,000.

8. THAT the General Council reviewed and approved the following application for Presbyterian Church (USA) Restricted Funds: Mills River Presbyterian Church - Fund Number 59239

9. THAT the General Council approved the request from the Building HOPE Finance Committee to move an undesignated donation of $50,000 to the Vital Churches Ministry. (The rational for the transaction was that the donor indicated the funds could be utilized where it was most needed. In spite of the fact that the Vital Churches Ministry was recognized as the most important of the campaign ministries during the feasibility study, the Vital Churches Ministry is significantly underfunded.)

10. THAT General Council approved the request from the Building HOPE Finance Committee to move the remaining undesignated funds as of the end of day April 12, 2017 to the following: 45% to the Malawi Ministry; 27.5% to the Camp Grier 18

Ministry; and 27.5% to the Vital Churches Ministry. This would be a one-time point in time allocation of the undesignated funds. (The Guatemala Ministries designated funds have exceeded their essential goal by 19%.)

11. THAT the General Council approved the request from the UKirk Board to negotiate a 3 to 5 year lease of the upstairs portion of the Cullowhee property, as well as some parking spaces, to a for profit health organization for the purpose of alleviating financial constraints on the campus ministries of UKirk.

12. THAT the General Council expresses its gratitude to the UKirk Board for their hard work, enthusiasm and continued passion to provide a Presbyterian Campus Ministry presence to the students on the campus of Western Carolina University.

13. THAT the General Council approved contracting with Quible & Associates for up to $2,800 for obtaining estimates to repair the Camp Woodson Dam. The General Council also approved funding up to $1,700 to resolve plumbing issues at Camp Woodson.

14. THAT the General Council approved taking up to $166,000 from Presbytery Reserves for the repair of Lake Evens standpipe and dam at Camp Woodson. (Funds are to be replaced in reserves including interest, as Presbytery receives funds through Mitigation Bank project and/or conservation easement.)

15. THAT the General Council approved taking up to $16,500 from Presbytery Reserves for a feasibility Analysis and Prospectus for the Camp Woodson Property. (Funds are to be replaced in reserves including interest, as Presbytery receives funds through Mitigation Bank project and/or conservation easement.)

16. THAT the General Council wishes to express gratitude to God and appreciation to Barbara Ross for her service and leadership to the congregations and people of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina.

17. THAT a list of upcoming events of the Presbytery can be found on the back of the Presbytery Docket.

18. THAT the following dates have been set for 2017 and 2018 Presbytery Meetings: 2017 Saturday, July 29, 2017 ~ First Presbyterian Church, Marion Tuesday, October 24, 2017 ~ First Presbyterian Church, Asheville 2018 Saturday, January 27, 2018 – Lowell Presbyterian Church (Co-Host, Union Presbyterian Church) Tuesday, April 24, 2018 – Montreat Conference Center (Co-Host, Montreat Presbyterian Church) Tuesday, July 31, 2018 – Banner Elk Presbyterian Church (Lees-McRae College) Saturday, October 27, 2018 – First Presbyterian Church, Hickory

19. THAT the General Council approved the following dates for 2019 Presbytery meetings and would welcome invitations from churches or institutions willing to host a meeting: Saturday, January 26, 2019 – Need Host Location Tuesday, April 30, 2019 – Montreat Conference Center (Co-Host - Montreat Presbyterian Church) Tuesday, July 30, 2019 – Need Host Location 19

Saturday, October 26, 2019 – Need Host Location

20. THAT the Presbyterian Foundation and the Presbytery of Western North Carolina will be sponsoring a Forum this summer hosted at the First Presbyterian Church in Morganton. During this time, we will offer two break out sessions: “Generosity & Stewardship Strategies & Techniques” “Knowing Your Neighbor: To Whom and How Do You Reach Out” The Forum will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 beginning at 10:30 a.m. and concluding by 2:30 p.m.

21. THAT the Presbyterian Women will be holding their Fall Gatherings on: September 23, 2017 (Western) – Bryson City Presbyterian Church, Bryson City September 30, 2017 (Eastern) – Green Street Presbyterian Church, Morganton

22. THAT the Christian Education Committee is sponsoring a Pastor’s Retreat at the William Black Lodge on September 25-27, 2017. The retreat will be facilitated by the Reverend Bill Carter who blends his work as a jazz composer and his calling as a Presbyterian pastor and retreat leader. He preaches sermons each week at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.

Rev. Carter is a graduate of Binghamton University and Princeton Theological Seminary, and has taught jazz piano and composition at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania for the past eighteen years. He is a faculty member for the CREDO program of the Board of Pensions, and is the founder of the Presbybop Quartet, a jazz ensemble that presents concerts and jazz worship services around the country.

CHURCHES AND PASTORS COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY I. WORK OF THE COMMITTEE Ruling Elder John Pea reported on the actions taken by the Committee on Ministry on behalf of the Presbytery. (Appendix O)

Ruling Elder John Pea reported that the following minister requested that his membership be transferred: • Luke Ponder to the Presbytery of Mississippi, as pastor at First Trinity Presbyterian Church, Laurel Mississippi, effective February 19, 2016.

John Pea thanked this minister for his ministry in our Presbytery and prayed God’s blessing on him in his future service in the Church.

John Pea, co-chair of the committee, recognized all members who have been in the ministry for 25, 50, 60 and 70 years. Also recognized at this time were ministers who have retired during the past year. Certificates were presented to those being recognized for honorable retirement and faithful service to the church. 25 Years Service 50 Years Service 60 Years Service 70 Years Service Dong Uk Kang James E. Layman William M. Janes John W. Craven Michael J. Poulos John H. LaMotte William B. Sweetser John C. Laughlin Samuel P. Warner Wilson P. Rhoton, Jr. Eugene D. Witherspoon John Richard Hobson

Honorably Retired J. William Lindeman

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY II. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MINISTERS On behalf of the Examinations Sub-Committee and Committee on Ministry Committee, Ruling Elder John Pea introduced Richard R. Coble, Stephen Edward Aschmann, Janet DeWater, and Christopher P. Vogado as new ministers in the Presbytery. They spoke briefly and signed the Book of Obligations. Their Statements of Faith and biographical statements were included in the report of the Committee on Ministry. (Appendix O) • Richard R. Coble from Salem Presbytery, as associate pastor at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Asheville, effective June 22, 2017. • Stephen Edward Aschmann from New Hope Presbytery, as honorably retired, effective July 11, 2017. • Janet DeWater from Seattle Presbytery, as pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Mount Holly, effective June 20, 2017. • Christopher P. Vogado from Charlotte Presbytery, as pastor at New Hope Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, effective September 5, 2017.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY III. ORDINATION/INSTALLATION On behalf of the Committee on Ministry and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Ruling Elder John Pea introduced Matthew David Conner (Gastonia, First) and Barrett A. Payne (Grace Covenant). As Mathew and Barret were candidates of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, they delivered sermons and were approved and recommended by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Ruling Elder Pea moved, on behalf of the Committee on Ministry and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, they be ordained by the Presbytery. The motion passed. (Appendix O)

The Rev. Bobbi White, General Presbyter, presented David Conner and Barrett Payne with Guatemalan stoles on behalf of the Presbytery.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY IV. VALIDATION OF MINISTRIES On behalf of the Committee on Ministry, Ruling Elder John Pea moved that the Presbytery validate the ministries of the following: (Appendix O) A. Joe Bennett, as Chaplain, Hospice of Yancey County, through July 29, 2018. B. David Bradley, as Pastoral Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, through July 29, 2018. C. John Campbell, as a Pastoral Counselor with Eastatoe Trail Counseling and Consultation Center, through July 29, 2018. D. Karol Farris, as Campus Minister, Ukirk at Western Carolina University, through August 4, 2017. E. Joey Byrd, as Chaplain, Executive Officer to the USACHS Lead, through July 29, 2018.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY V. COMMISSIONED LAY PASTORS On behalf of the Committee on Ministry, Ruling Elder John Pea recommended that the Presbytery approve that Kerry Border be commissioned as a lay pastor. Kerry Border will be commissioned as the Dean for the Church Leadership School of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. Following questions and answers, the motion passed. Moderator Denne then offered prayer. The commissioning for

Kerry Border is to include permission to celebrate the Sacraments. The moderator thanked the congregation of Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Church, Weaverville for sharing Kerry with another organization within our Presbytery. (Appendix O)

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SCHOOL Kerry Border reported on the Church Leadership School and recognized 4 people who graduated from CLS in May 2017. (2017 CLS Graduates – Millie Bruns (Kenilworth), Reba Craft (Cherryville, First), Larry Cunningham (Davidson), and Mimi Sloop (Crossnore). During the course of CLS there have been over 100 to graduate from the program. He encouraged people interested in growing in faith, knowledge, and leadership to join the school. (Appendix P)

PEACE & JUSTICE On behalf of the Peace and Justice Committee, Rev. Anne Morgan reported on the work of the committee. The committee expressed thanks for all who support one or all of the four special offerings collected throughout the year. The Pentecost Offering is used to support child advocacy, the denomination’s Young Adult Volunteers and various ministries with youth. The Peace & Global Witness Offering will be received during the Season of Peace, which ends on World Communion Sunday, October 1. Gifts to the Peace and Global Witness Offering enables churches to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. Twenty-five percent of the Peace and Global Witness Offering received comes back to our Presbytery and benefits our churches through Peacemaking Grants. (Appendix Q)

MISSION The Revs. Billy Robinson and Hal Bennett gave a robust report on behave of the Malawi Mission Team. The Malawi Mission Trip was organized by Tom Kilgore (Morganton, First) and Teresa Locke (Southminster). Mission teams from our Presbytery have been traveling to Malawi for over a decade and a half with trips being paid for through funds raised by the various individuals who make the trip. Through the dialogue shared by Billy Robinson and Hal Bennett, they reported that our teams are very well received, the people in Malawi are very impressive, their work is outstanding, and that they look forward to our teams returning. (Appendix R)

GUATEMALA PARTNERSHIP On behalf of the Guatemala Partnership, Ellen Dozier reported on the work of the partnership. She highlighted the trips that have been made thus far this year and those which are planned for the remainder of the year. Information was shared regarding the MicroLoan Projects and churches were encouraged to share information at their churches. Through the MicroLoan Projects the Guatemalan Women are learning that they have worth, value and that they are loved children of God. The MicroLoan Project in considered to be a women’s ministry. (Appendix S)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Ruling Elder Mary Lou Nash, of the Christian Education Committee reported on the work of the committee and the upcoming Pastor’s Retreat in September. The retreat will be led by the Reverend Bill Carter, who blends his work as a jazz composer and his calling as a Presbyterian pastor. The retreat is open to all pastors. (Appendix T)

Curriculum Workshop Offerings and Information Malinda Spencer, Associate for Curricula Training for Congregational Ministries Publishing and POINT educator, brought greetings from the Congregational Ministries Publishing and invited everyone to take part in two workshop opportunities that would be taking place following lunch and the following day. (Appendix U) 22

YOUTH COMMITTEE Rev. Samantha Gonzales Block, Rev. Dana Vaughn, Josh Smith, Paige Kemper and Ben Lowry shared their adventures and memories from their nine day journey to Guatemala. Rev. Joseph Taber shared highlights of future youth events and encouraged churches to be more involved with youth activities. (Appendix V)

PRESBYTERIANS FOR DISABLITY CONCERNS Carol Brown, Moderator for Presbyterians for Disability Concerns and her son, Alex Brown, shared how those with disabilities can participate in activities of the church. She shared that she and Alex are members of the Marshall Presbyterian Church and have been welcomed with open arms. (Appendix W)

REPORT OF GENERAL PRESBYTER Bobbi White, General Presbyter, expressed how thankful she is for the Presbytery and the people in this Presbytery. She shared goods news from our churches, from Malawi, Guatemala, and Camp Grier. Through the Building HOPE Campaign, our Presbytery has been a witness to the building of new relationships and the transformations in God’s Kingdom. As she stated in her report, “be fishers of people, feed lots of sheep!” (Appendix X)

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Rev. Becky Stanley, reported on the work of the Personnel Committee and recognized Barbara Ross for her service to the Presbytery for the past six plus years. Becky shared that Barbara Ross has been a part of the Presbytery staff for six years with the first four years as a volunteer and the last two as a quarter- time paid staff person, working on a full-time basis.

MINISTRY CAMPAIGN On behalf of the Building HOPE Ministry Campaign, Roger Rizk, a member of Building HOPE Steering Committee gave an update on the Campaign. (Appendix Y)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Rev. Joseph Taber, pastor at Lowell Presbyterian Church, led the Presbytery in prayers of intercession.

RESOLUTION OF THANKS Teaching Elder Harold “Hal” Bennett, II, pastor of Dulatown Presbyterian Church, Lenoir and Ruling Elder, Charles Kincaid, Sr. of Dulatown Presbyterian Church, submitted the following Resolution of Thanks for the 113th meeting of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina held at the First Presbyterian Church, Marion.

WHEREAS, God we bless Your Holy Name and we give You thanks and praise for Your grace and mercy, which You have granted this body to meet on such an auspicious occasion for the 113th Stated Meeting; at the First Presbyterian Church, Marion, NC, and that as our gracious host, have welcomed all that entered its doors;

WHEREAS, God we are grateful for the ability that You have granted the Moderator of PWNC, Susan Denne, and her leadership team, which have conducted a Decent and Orderly meeting;

WHEREAS, God we are thankful for Your servant, Rev. Billy Robinson, for conducting the Service of Worship and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper; may You, Lord God, continue to grant him the strength to preach the Word of the Gospel;

WHEREAS, God we who are called Your children, are thankful for the Ministers of the Word and Sacraments and Ruling Elders, who were not only present, but came to participate and fellowship in faith as a connectional body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ;

WHEREAS, God you have allowed for the preparations for such a time as this; planning, learning and sharing of information that has benefited the entire Body of our Lord, Jesus Christ as a manifestation of Your Son’s love, which has contributed immensely to a successful conclave;

WHEREAS, God we thank You for those who have answered the CALL to serve on the various ministries and committees of this Presbytery and perform their duties selflessly;

WHEREAS, God we give You thanks for allowing this body to conduct its mission activities in Malawi, Guatemala, and elsewhere that continue to allow Your servants to spread the Good News and provide for the least of those; where this body is capable;

WHEREAS, God we know that there is no retirement in the Kingdom of God for those who serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, until You, God, have released them from their ministries; we give continual thanks to You God; that we as a body were able to acknowledge the years of service and ministry of those in this Presbytery who have labored faithfully in the vineyards;

WHEREAS, God we thank You for the dedicated staff of PWNC, for the recommendations for Ordinations, for the new ministers who have come to work in and out of our bounds, out of love and joy for serving and teaching others; for the network of the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association, we are grateful and thankful.

Therefore, let it be resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that this 113th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina offers and extends its sincerest and most profound gratitude to all the churches in the Presbytery for their support and the support of the General Presbyter.

RESOLVED, further that we express our heartfelt thanks; for all that God has done for allowing the many servants of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; who is the head of the Church, in His precious name we pray.

Further Resolved, this 29th day of July 2017, that the Stated Clerk will place a copy of this resolution in the archives of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina stated minutes. Amen

BENEDICTION AND ADJOURNMENT With the business of the 113th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina completed and adjournment voted, Moderator Denne adjourned the meeting at 12:22 p.m. with prayer.

NEXT MEETING The 114th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, North Carolina.

These minutes were prepared by the following:

______Susan Denne, Moderator

______D. Cameron Murchison, Stated Clerk

______Robbin Buchanan, Assistant Stated Clerk

These minutes to be approved by Presbytery on October 24, 2017 at its meeting at the First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, North Carolina.

APPENDICES A. Consent Agenda B. Nominating Committee Report C. Preparation for Ministry Report D. Hunger Committee Report E. Mission Committee Report F. Finance Committee Report G. Smaller Membership Church Committee Report H. Report from Presbyterian Women I. Administrative Commission Report for New Vision, Conover New Church Development J. Administrative Commission Reports for First Presbyterian, Hendersonville; First Presbyterian, Swannanoa; First Presbyterian, Lenoir; and First Presbyterian, Kings Mountain. K. Administrative Commission Report for the Board for the UKirk at WCU Cullowhee Campus Ministry L. Yearly Report from the Committee on Nominating/Representation M. Ordination Minutes for Lisle Gwynn Garrity N. Standing Rules of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina O. Committee on Ministry Report P. Church Leadership School Report Q. Peace & Justice Committee Report R. Mission Committee Report S. Guatemala Partnership Report T. Christian Education Report U. Curriculum Workshop Offerings and Information V. Youth Committee Report W. Presbyterians for Disability Concerns X. Report of the General Presbyter Y. Building H.O.P.E. Ministry Campaign Report

For a copy of the Appendices, please contact the Presbytery Office. (828/438-4217 or [email protected])