DRAFT DOCKET Meeting of the Presbytery of Central Nebraska October 28, 2017 First Presbyterian Church Atkinson, Nebraska As approved by the Presbytery at the December 5, 2000, meeting, the meetings of Presbytery shall be set in the worshipful context of thanksgiving. We ask that cell phones be turned either to off or vibrate during the meeting and that people receive their calls outside of the meeting. THE PRESBYTERY GATHERS 8:30 a.m. Registration and Fellowship Provided by First Presbyterian 9:00 a.m. The Call to Order Joyce Dean 9:05 a.m. Welcome Wayne Owens THE PRESBYTERY HEARS GOD’S WORD 9:15 a.m. Worship with the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Dan Davis The offering today is designated for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. WE RESPOND TO HEARING THE WORD 10:25 Break 10:45 a.m. The Report of the Stated Clerk Raymond Meester Enrollment/Quorum pages 3-18 The Presentation of the Docket Seating of Corresponding Members Introduction of First Time Commissioners Approval of minutes for June 24, 2017 11:00 a.m. Presbytery Council, Part One Stephen Price-Gibson pages 19-20 . Executive Presbyter Search Committee Ivan Dean 11:30 a.m. Nominating Committee Linda Anthony pages 21-22 11:40 a.m. Presbyterian Women AnnabelleWells page 23 1
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DRAFT DOCKET Meeting of the Presbytery of Central Nebraska
October 28, 2017
First Presbyterian Church
Atkinson, Nebraska
As approved by the Presbytery at the December 5, 2000, meeting, the meetings of Presbytery shall be set in the worshipful context of thanksgiving. We ask that cell phones be turned either to off or vibrate during the meeting and that people receive their calls outside of the meeting.
THE PRESBYTERY GATHERS
8:30 a.m. Registration and Fellowship
Provided by First Presbyterian
9:00 a.m. The Call to Order Joyce Dean
9:05 a.m. Welcome Wayne Owens
THE PRESBYTERY HEARS GOD’S WORD
9:15 a.m. Worship with the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Dan Davis
The offering today is designated for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
WE RESPOND TO HEARING THE WORD
10:25 Break
10:45 a.m. The Report of the Stated Clerk Raymond Meester
Enrollment/Quorum pages 3-18
The Presentation of the Docket
Seating of Corresponding Members
Introduction of First Time Commissioners
Approval of minutes for June 24, 2017
11:00 a.m. Presbytery Council, Part One Stephen Price-Gibson
pages 19-20
. Executive Presbyter Search Committee Ivan Dean
11:30 a.m. Nominating Committee Linda Anthony
pages 21-22
11:40 a.m. Presbyterian Women AnnabelleWells
page 23
1
11:50 a.m. Presbyterian Council, Part Two Stephen Price-Gibson
Personnel David Boyd
page 24
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Prayers of the People with Song Karen Larson
1:15 p.m. Presbytery Council, Part Three
Business-Budget Steve Soundy
pages 25-97
1:40 p.m. Youth Committee Dan Davis
11:50 p.m. Committee on Ministry Polly Deppen-Williams
page 98
2:10 p.m. Committee on Preparation for Ministry Jill Boyd
page 99
2:30 p.m. New Business
2:45 p.m. Installation of new Moderator and Vice Moderator
THE PRESBYTERY IS SENT FORTH IN GOD’S NAME
3:00 p.m. ADJOURN WITH PRAYER Ivan Dean
2
MINUTES
PRESBYTERY OF CENTRAL NEBRASKA
JUNE 24, 2017
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HOLDREGE, NEBRASKA
The stated meeting or the Presbytery of Central Nebraska convened at 9:04 a.m. at First
Presbyterian Church, O’Neill, Nebraska, on Saturday, June 24, 2017.
PRESBYTERY ATTENDANCE
RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS
Atkinson, First – No Commissioner
Aurora, Presbyterian UCC—Mary Maul
Axtell, First—Marcia Lindau
Beaver City, First-- No Commissioner
Benkelman, First-- No Commissioner
Broken Bow, First-- No Commissioner
Campbell, Westminster United-- No
Commissioner
Central City, United-- No Commissioner
Cozad, First-- Dixie Menke
Danbury, First-- No Commissioner
Edgar, Church of the Plains -- David
Nienkamp
Ewing, Bethany No Commissioner
Ewing, UM-PC(USA) No Commissioner
Fairfield, Community-- No Commissioner
Fullerton, First-- No Commissioner
Gothenburg, First – Jan Gill
Grand Island, First – June Usrey
Hastings, First – Karen Doerr
Hastings, Second—Ve Ann Lindgren
Holdrege, First—Blake Johnson
Kearney, First – Steve Miller
Kenesaw, First-- No Commissioner
Keystone-- Mary Lou Crofutt
Lebanon, Community-- No Commissioner
Lexington, First-- No Commissioner
Lexington, Buffalo Grove-- No
Commissioner
Loup City, First-- No Commissioner
Minden, Westminster United -- Julia
Thomsen
North Platte, First – John Beggs
O'Neill, First – Bill Walters
Orleans, First-- No Commissioner
St. Paul, First-- No Commissioner
Stapleton, First-- No Commissioner
Stuart, Community-- No Commissioner
Superior, First-- No Commissioner
Sutherland, First-- No Commissioner
Valentine -- No Commissioner
Wood River, First— No Commissioner
TEACHING ELDERS
Greg Allen-Pickett-- P
Kathryn Bates-- P
Elaine Besthorn-- A
David Boyd-- P
Jill Boyd-- P
Bruce Bradley-- P
Don Canady — HR--P
James Cooke — HR--excused
Dan Davis-- P
Stuart Davis-- A
Ivan Dean-- E
Steve Deines — HR--excused
Polly Deppen-Williams-- P
Lisa Ewald-- A
John Gallentine-- A
Cynthia Harvey-- A
Cheryl Lamb-- A
Berke Landrum-- P
Karen Larson-- P
David Matheke — HR--excused
David McCarthy-- P
Joan McCarthy-- P
Doug McHargue-- A
Frank Medsker — HR--excused
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Roger Nelson — HR--excused
Steve Nofel-- A
William Nottage-Tacey--HR--P
Charles Olsen — HR--excused
Caroline Price-Gibson-- P
Stephen Price-Gibson-- P
Kirwin Stewart-- P
Robert Thom — HR--excused
H. Eldin Wells — HR--P
Karen Woo-- P
Gui-Jie Zhang--A
COMMISSIONED RULING ELDERS
Joyce Dean-- P
Mark Diehl-- E
Marcine Farmer-- A
Beth Fotinos-- A
Ethel Fox-- A
Dave Irwin-- A
Brad Jepsen-- A
David Johnson-- A
Linda Lambert-- E
Phil LaRoe-- A
Wayne Owens-- A
Gary Smith-- A
Keith Theobald-- A
C.L. Wimer-- A
CERTIFIED ASSOCIATION OF PRESBYTERIAN ADMINISTRATORS
Rose Miller
CHAIRPERSONS OF COMMITTEES
Steve Soundy, Business and Budget; Annabelle Wells, PW.
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS
Raymond Meester, Homestead Presbytery, and Rick Underwood, Presbytery of Western
Colorado.
VISITORS
Russ Barrelmann, Anne Bohlke, Pam Canady, Bette Dimon, Bill Harrold, Ramona Meester,
Sharon Rees, Judy Rothenberger, and Faye Underwood. Visitors from the Hanover Church were
Don Buhr, Joyce Harrenstein, Jan McMahon, and Phyllis O’Dey.
Teaching elder Kirwin Stewart, pastor of First Church, Holdrege, welcomed the presbytery.
WORSHIP WITH THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
The presbytery entered into worship, which was a celebration of the ministry of the Hanover
Presbyterian Church. Liturgists were teaching elders Dan Davis, Carolyn Price-Gibson, and
commissioned ruling elder Joyce Dean. Teaching elder Bill Nottage-Tacey was the preacher; and
teaching elder Kirwin Stewart officiated at the Lord’s Supper. An offering was received for the
Feed My Starving Children Ministry.
A quorum was declared.
The agenda as amended was approved as amended. By unanimous consent, the overture was
added to the docket and the standing rule requiring the reading of this motion was suspended.
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First time commissioners were introduced.
Teaching elder Rick Underwood, Presbytery of Western Colorado, was seated as a
corresponding member.
The minutes of the March 25, 2017 presbytery meeting were approved as corrected.
STATED CLERK’S REPORT
The Stated Clerk determines that the number of teaching elders having membership in good
standing and temporary members in the Presbytery of Central Nebraska totals 32; of these a total
of 27 currently reside within the bounds of the Presbytery. The number of ruling elder
commissioners and ruling elder members entitled to attend and vote at any meeting is 49.
Therefore, it is the opinion of the Stated Clerk that NO REMEDIAL ACTION is needed to
redress any imbalance in voting as required.
The following is the current roster of those members of the permanent judicial commission
whose terms have expired within the past six years (D-5.0206b):
Class of 2015 Class of 2013 Class of 2011
C. Roger Nelson Don Anthony Joan McCarthy
Ben Ellis Caroline Price-Gibson
Bill Dill
The following is the listing of the membership of the Presbytery of Central Nebraska as of
January 1, 2017
101 - Pastor or Co-pastor
Bruce Bradley
Ivan Dean
David Boyd
Jill Boyd
Dan Davis
Polly Deppen-Williams
Karen Larson
Caroline Price-Gibson
Stephen Price-Gibson
Kirwin Stewart
105 - Interim Pastor or Interim Associate
Steve Nofel
107 - Ruling Elder Commissioned to a Church
Joyce Dean
Mark Diehl
Marcine Farmer
Beth Fotinos
5
Ethel Fox
Dave Irwin
Brad Jepsen
David Johnson
Linda Lambert
Phil LaRoe
Gary Smith
Keith Theobald
Wayne Owens
108 - Temporary Relationship
Steve Deines
Doug McHargue
David McCarthy
Karen Woo
151 – Member of Another Denomination (Temporary Membership)
Stuart Davis
191 – Designated Pastor
Kathryn Bates
299 – Honorably Retired
Don Canady
James Cooke
Steve Deines
David Matheke
Frank Medsker
Roger Nelson
William Nottage-Tacey
Charles Olsen
Robert Thom
H. Eldin Wells
641 – Educational Institute-Pastor/Chaplain
David McCarthy
643 – Educational Institute-Administrative Staff
Joan McCarthy
797 – Member at Large
John Gallentine
Cheryl Lamb
Berke Landrum
Gui-Jie Zhang
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The minutes of the Administrative Commission to install teaching elder Greg Allen Picket, and
the minutes of the Administrative Commission to install teaching elder Ivan Dean and commission
commissioned ruling elder Joyce Dean, are included as Attachment A and B.
The Synod’s review of presbytery minutes took place on April 27 and 28 at the Okoboji Lakeshore
Presbyterian Center at Milford, Iowa. The review of the 2016 minutes of the Presbytery of Central
Nebraska indicated four silences:
1. It was not noted that a quorum was present at the special June 11, 2016 meeting.
2. It was not noted that the October presbytery meeting was opened with prayer.
3. No record was made of the parity between the number of teaching elder and ruling elder
commissioners.
4. A report concerning the terms of call for teaching elders was not recorded.
5. There is no record of the examination of minister candidates.
6. There was no report on the type of work in which each minister of the presbytery is engaged
GENERAL ASSEMBLY AMENDMENTS
The votes on the following General Assembly amendments for the Book of Order were: ALL
APPROVED
16-A, Child and Youth Protection Policy: Approved
16-B, Parity in Committees: Approved
16-C-1, Minister of Word and Sacrament: Approved
16-C-2, Minister of Word and Sacrament: Approved
16-C-3, Minister of Word and Sacrament: Approved
16-C-4, Minister of Word and Sacrament: Approved
16-C-5, Minister of Word and Sacrament: Approved
16-C-6, Minister of Word and Sacrament: Approved
16-C-7, Minister of Word and Sacrament: Approved
16-C-8, Minister of Word and Sacrament: Approved
16-D, Relationship to the PC(USA) of a Person Who Has Renounced Jurisdiction of the Church:
Approved
16-E, Certified Service Requirements: Approved
16-F, Ministry of Members: Approved
16-G, Access to the Lord’s Table: Approved
16-H, Directory for Worship: Approved
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
Reporting for the Committee on Preparation for Ministry was teaching elder Jill Boyd.
The Committee on Preparation for Ministry met on May 4, 2017 to discuss general processes and
begin preparing for annual consultations with Logan Ellis (Inquirer), Zach Spurgeon (Inquirer),
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David Johnson (Candidate), and Sharon Rees (Candidate). Those consultations will be conducted
on July 18, 2017.
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the presbytery approved
requiring all candidates for ministry complete 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) before
being approved to seek a call. Presbytery approved making an exception for the CPE
requirement for candidate David Johnson, as he is expected to complete his ordination
requirements in the next few months, and it would be unfair to him to add this requirement at this
time.
The following people were elected to be readers for the PCUSA ordination exams during the
weeks of August 7-11 and November 6-10, 2017. For the August, 2017 exam: teaching elder
Kirwin Stewart, ruling elder Mary Jane Whiting, and alternate teaching elder Berke Landrum;
for the November, 2017 exam: teaching elder Kirwin Stewart, ruling elder Susan Medsker-
Nedderman, alternate Carol Shackleton.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Teaching elder Polly Deppen-Williams reported for the Nominating Committee. A plea was
made for names for the various positions that need to be filled.
COUNCIL REPORT
Teaching elder Steven Price-Gibson reported for the Council.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Personnel Committee met on May 30, 2017, for the purpose of conducting the 90 day review of
the Office Administrator, Judy Rothenberger. She received a positive review and the committee
believes she has done a great job of working into the position. It was determined that the job
description was appropriate. There is a need to do some updating in terms of technology, but
some of these will wait until the new Executive Presbytery is called.
BUSINESS-BUDGET
Ruling elder Steve Miller reported. A request from Naomi Okoye, First Presbyterian Church,
North Platte for financial support to attend the 2017 Regional and National APA Conferences
was tabled for further clarification. The Committee approved a $200 donation to Karen Reiter, a
former temporary office receptionist for health-related expenses. The donation will be considered
mission. The contract with Pitney Bowes for a postage meter will be cancelled. The credit card
used by Angie Palmer, a former employee has been destroyed, and a new card will be issued for
Judy Rothenberger, the current Office Administrator.
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER SEARCH COMMITTEE
Teaching elder Kirwin Stewart reported that the committee is up and running and on schedule.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
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Ruling Elder Annabelle Wells reported on behalf of Presbyterian Women of Central Nebraska.
She reported on the Spring Gatherings on May 4 at the Church of the Plains Edgar, and on May
6, at First Presbyterian Church, North Platte. The fall meeting will be at the First Presbyterian
Church, Axtell, with the theme “Redeemed to Serve.”
YOUTH REPORT
Reporting for the committee was teaching elder Dan Davis. The Committee has awarded
camperships for fourteen campers from five churches attending five different camps, for a total
of $1,782.50. The Committee also assisted Senior high youth from First Presbyterian Church,
Grand Island to attend a Christian Youth Leadership Conference, and for the Director of Faith
Formation and youth Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Grand Island, to attend the Association
of Presbyterian Church Educators annual meeting.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
Teaching elder Polly Deppen-Williams reported.
The Committee reported the following actions taken on behalf of the presbytery:
On April 20, 2017:
1. Approved the installation for teaching elder Gregory Allen Pickett as Pastor of First
Presbyterian Church, Hastings, on Sunday, May 4, 2017 at 4:00pm at Hastings First.
Installation Commission:
Moderator: Joyce Dean, Community Presbyterian Church, Fairfield
Teaching Elder: David Boyd, First Presbyterian Church, Gothenburg
Teaching Elder: Jill Boyd, First Presbyterian Church, Cozad
Ruling Elder: Darnice Nyce, Second Presbyterian Church, Hastings
Ruling Elder: Chris Junker, First Presbyterian Church, Hastings
Guests of the Commission:
Bryce Wiebe
Chuck Sparks
Christine Chakoian
2. Approved the installation of teaching elder Ivan Dean as Co-pastor of Community
Church, Fairfield, on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 4:00pm, at Community Presbyterian
Church, Fairfield.
Installation Commission:
Joyce Dean - Moderator - Ruling Elder
Kirwin Stewart - Teaching Elder
Caroline Price-Gibson - Teaching Elder
Jan Broderick - Ruling Elder
Thomas Kluver - Teaching Elder
3. Approved Commissioning service for Joyce Dean as Co-pastor of Community Church,
Fairfield, Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 4:00pm, at Community Presbyterian Church, Fairfield
9
Commissioning Commission
Ivan Dean - Vice-Moderator - Teaching Elder
Kirwin Stewart - Teaching Elder
Caroline Price-Gibson - Teaching Elder
Jan Broderick - Ruling Elder
Thomas Kluver - Ruling Elder
4. Approved the formation of a pulpit nominating committee for First Presbyterian Church,
North Platte
5. Approved the following Moderators:
Beaver City – Polly Deppen-Williams
Keystone – Kirwin Stewart
North Platte – David Boyd
Stapleton – Karen Woo
On June 13, 2017:
6. Approved Ministry Information Forms (MIFs) for the following churches:
First Presbyterian Church Broken Bow
First Presbyterian Church Lexington
7. Approved the formation of a pulpit nominating committee for First Presbyterian Church,
St. Paul
8. Approved a request from Dean Seeger for a baptism and wedding
9. Transferred Steve Nofel to Pueblo Presbytery effective July 1, 2017
10. Approved Jill Boyd as Moderator for Buffalo Grove
11. Received a report from the congregational meeting to approve the formation of Fullerton
Community Church which is a Union congregation of First Presbyterian Church in
Fullerton, NE and First United Methodist Church in Fullerton, NE. The congregational
meeting was held on Sunday, June 4, 2017 and moderated by Stephen Price-Gibson. The
union was approved by both congregations on that day. The effective date of August 1,
2017.
Presbytery approved the formation of an Administrative Commission to help the Stapleton
church as they near the end of their agreement with Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian
Church at the end of 2017. Commission members elected were:
Kirwin Stewart, Teaching Elder
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Bob Butz, Ruling Edler, Holdrege
Betty Worrell, Ruling Elder, Cozad
Presbytery approved changes to Heartland Shared Ministries Agreement. See Attachment C.
Teaching elder Steve Price-Gibson gave an update on the Fullerton Presbyterian Church to
form a union church with the United Methodist Congregation in Fullerton. The Fullerton
congregation did vote to form the union. The United Methodist congregation also voted to
form the union. The new congregation will begin in August and will be housed in the former
Presbyterian facility.
Presbytery approved dissolving the Hanover Presbyterian Church Administrative
Commission.
OVERTURE
An overture to the 2018 GA for the addition of the APA in the Book of Order was approved to be
sent to General Assembly for their action. (Attachment D.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Presbytery entered into a period of prayer with song led by teaching elder Greg Allen-Pickett.
Presbytery adjourned at 11:48 p.m., with ruling elder Joyce Dean closing with prayer.
Teaching elder Kirwin Stewart led a prayer for lunch.
Teaching Elder Raymond Meester, Stated Clerk Approved _____________________
(Date)
Signed ___________________________________________
(Stated Clerk)
ATTACHMENT A
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION TO INSTALL
IVAN DEAN AND COMMISSION JOYCE DEAN FAIRFIELD
COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
JUNE 4, 2017
The Administrative Commission was formed for the purpose of installing teaching elder Ivan
Dean and commissioning commissioned ruling elder Joyce Dean at Fairfield Community
Presbyterian Church on Sunday June 4, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.
The members of the commission are: Joyce Dean-Moderator--Ruling Elder; Ivan Dean--Vice
Kathryn Bates is currently serving the Church of the Plains (Presbyterian, U.S.A) in
Edgar. Her call is to be the Designated Pastor of the Church of the Plains. Therefore, she and the
congregation are under a legal contract for her to serve through June 30, 2016, at which time a
decision would be made to either make the relationship permanent or to end the relationship. It is
understood that the Rev. Bates will serve the partnership as one of the two pastors through June
30, 2016, at which time the three congregations and the Rev. Bates will make a determination as
to whether to make the relationship permanent or to end the relationship.
Calling the Pastors
A Pastor Nominating Committee will consist of two (2) individuals from each
congregation. Terms of the Call will be consistent with the denominational polity of the pastor
being called. Each congregation will have a congregational meeting for the purpose of ratifying
the recommended call of the Pastor Nominating Committee. The vote totals from each
congregation will be shared with the Coordinating Council and be open to all members of each
congregation. Two of the three congregations must approve the candidate presented by the Pastor
Nominating Committee before a call can be extended. The rotation by denomination of the
pastor will be as follows: 1. (first) Presbyterian (U.S.A.), 2. (second) U.C.C. 3. (third) E.L.C.A.
It is also understood that no denomination will have two pastors for the three (3) churches at the
same time. Exceptions can be made with the approval of all participating congregations.
Compensation
The Salary and Benefits of the pastors and staff will be paid through a hired bonded
entity. Each congregation will deposit funds into the joint account to compensate its staff.
13
Each congregation's percentage of the pastors' compensation and other shared expenses
shall be based on Giving Units. “Giving Units” is understood to be those in an immediate family
(husband, wife, and children) living at home giving from December 1 to November 30 of each
year. The Coordinating Council will report the percentage due from each congregation by
January 1 of each year.
Parsonage/ Manse locations
It is recommended that a pastor live in one of the parsonages/ manses provided by one of
the congregations in the covenant.
It shall be stressed to a pastor candidate that they are to be very much part of each of the
three congregations’ communities.
The sharing of costs for utilities and maintenance will be determined for each
congregation by the Coordinating Council. This should be approved by each congregation's
council / session.
Worship Service Time / Worship Service Traditions
Worship Service times for each congregation will be established and coordinated by the
Coordinating Council and pastors with recommendations considered from each congregation’s
Council or Session. Pastors will be expected to honor each congregation’s worship traditions.
Congregation and Pastor Relations--Accountability and Discipline
If a problem arises between a congregation and a pastor, the Personnel Committee of that
congregation will address the concern. If needed, the Coordinating Council can then attempt to
pro-actively address the concern. Then if not settled or corrected, the appropriate
denominational judicature of the pastor is contacted to handle the concern. Accountability and
discipline follows the pastor’s denominational guidelines.
Coordinating Council
The Coordinating Council formed by this Covenant will consist of two (2) members from
each congregation. A term of office on the Coordinating Council will be four (4) years. Election
of each congregation’s two (2) members will alternate with one being elected every two years.
No one (1) Coordinating Council member shall hold office for more than two (2) terms in
succession. That individual must be off the Coordinating Council for at least one (1) full year
before being eligible for re-election. Each pastor will be an ex-officio member of the
Coordinating Council. The first year of the agreement, each congregation will elect one (1)
member for a four (4) year term and one (1) member for a two (2) year term in order to begin the
staggered rotation.
The Coordinating Council will determine the offices needed on the Council for effective
and inspired leadership.
The Coordinating Council will meet once each quarter and will meet in special session
called by a pastor or officer of the Council as needed.
Four (4) to include at least one (1) from each congregation will constitute a quorum. At
least one pastor will be present.
14
Specific duties of the Coordinating Council are set forth above in this Covenant. In
addition the Coordinating Council will:
a. Help coordinate common Mission efforts of the congregations.
b. Study and make recommendations for improvement and changes of the Covenant
Agreement.
c. Serve as a liaison between the congregations.
d. Consult with denominational leadership.
e. Submit a budget each year to the congregations by January 1.
A Congregation’s exit from or joining the Covenant Agreement
The exit procedure for a church wanting to leave the Covenant is:
a. At least six (6) months written notice must be given to the remaining churches.
b. Financial support will continue from the exiting church during the notice period.
Any congregation seeking to join the Covenant Agreement may apply, in writing ,
through the Coordinating Council. The Coordinating Council shall consider the request and
inform the congregations of their findings.
Any congregation joining the Covenant must be approved by all participating
congregations and denominations.
Records
Records of the Coordinating Council and of the bonded financial entity shall be kept by
each congregation.
Changes in the Covenant Agreement
Changes in the Covenant Agreement are to be approved by each congregation and by
each denominational judicature.
ATTACHMENT D
The Presbytery of Central Nebraska overtures the 223rd General Assembly to add to G.211
Certified Church Service the following:
G. 2.1104 Administrative Personnel Association (APA)
Administrative Personnel Association (APA) certified persons have been called to service within
particular churches, governing bodies, and church-related entities. These individuals endeavor to
reflect their faith through their work and to strengthen the church through their dedication with
the purpose to improve the quality of professionalism and to affirm the ministry of the lay church
professional.
Members of the Administrative Personnel Association (APA) include secretaries, administrative
assistants, bookkeepers, and support staff in church-related settings.
Certification is overseen and granted by the Administrative Personnel Association; the
requirements for certification are reported to the appropriate body of the Presbyterian Mission
Agency. A formal liaison relationship will be developed between the Presbyterian Mission
Agency and the Administrative Personnel Association.
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a. Skills and Training
Certified Administrative Personnel Assistants are persons certified and called to service
in the ministry of church administration in congregations and councils. They shall have
skills and training in church polity, church history, reformed theology, spiritual growth
and discipline, office administration, Directory for Worship, Book of Confessions,
General Assembly Entities and other areas of professional development beneficial to the
church.
b. Councils Responsibility
The presbytery shall affirm the skill and dedication of these certified persons by
providing for recognition at presbytery at the time of their certification and by inviting
certified employees to presbytery meetings, granting them the privilege of the floor with
voice only at all presbytery meetings, and in the case of Certified APA members who are
ruling elders, the privilege of voice and vote at all its meetings.
Names of those who have earned certification through APA shall be transmitted to the
Presbyterian Mission Agency, which will forward them to the Office of the General Assembly
and to the Stated Clerk of the presbyteries in which those persons labor.
RATIONALE
A request from twelve women attending a business administration course at the Presbyterian
School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA laid the groundwork for a professional
organization to be created. In 1976 the Administrative Personnel Association was founded by
Joyce Bauer and in almost 42 years APA has expanded to 8 regions which include all 50 states
with a membership of 254 representing churches of all sizes, including those denominations we
are with communion, presbyteries, synods, and the different agencies of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.).
APA defines its active members as all persons engaged in administrative work in any local
church or church-related institution, governing body or agency of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.), or those denominations with which we have communion.
APA is ruled by the body but leads by the Executive Board and Council. Our Executive Board is
made up of elected officials to include the president, president-elect, immediate past-president,
certification chair, membership chair, secretary, and treasurer. The Council is composed of the
following: The National Executive Board, all Regional Presidents, and National Conference
Planning Chair.
The mission of APA is to offer the opportunity for professional development and personal
growth for those called by God to serve as support staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and
those denominations we are with communion. The mission is accomplished by providing
continuing education events for certification, and occasions for fellowship, worship and spiritual
nurture and prayer at both National and Regional meetings, as well as, APA sponsored training
events.
We offer three levels of certification with the opportunity to receive recognition for every 50
hours of continuing education beyond level 3. Our members may also receive an additional
certificate in Concentrated Studies in Polity, Communications, Administration and Facilities
Management, Theology, Church History, and Finance after completing another 25 hours in each
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of these areas of studies. Approved instructors are required to teach the requested amount of time
for the class. Approval is given by our Certification Chair. The Council on Accreditation and
Standards reviews the levels to ensure the classes being taught are current with what is
happening in the church and office administration. Elective hours include conflict management,
designing for communication, technology classes, financial matters, and other classes that
provide professional growth and understanding of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Below
explains the breakdown for each level.
LEVEL I Core Courses
Church History (Part 1) 2.5 hours
Church History (Part 2) 2.5 hours
Polity 1 (Part 1) 2.5 hours
Polity 1 (Part 2) 2.5 hours
Office Administration 2.5 hours
Spiritual Growth and Discipline 2.5 hours
Theology – Christian Perspectives of the Church (Part 1) 2.5 hours
Theology (Part 2) 2.5 hours
Total Core Hours 20 hours
Total Elective Hours 20 hours
Total Hours Required 40 hours
LEVEL II Core Courses
Directory for Worship 2.5 hours
Legal Matters 2.5 hours
PC(USA) History Since Reunion (Part 1) 2.5 hours
PC(USA) History Since Reunion (Part 2) 2.5 hours
Polity II 2.5 hours
Office Administration 2.5 hours
Spiritual Growth and Discipline 2.5 hours
Total Core Hours 17.5 hours
Total Elective Hours 27.5 hours
Total Hours Required 45 hours
LEVEL III Core Courses
Book of Confessions 2.5 hours
GA Entities 2.5 hours
Polity III 2.5 hours
Office Administration 2.5 hours
Spiritual Growth and Discipline 2.5 hours
Total Core Hours 12.5 hours
Total Elective Hours 37.5 hours
Total Hours Required 50 hours
The current reading of the Book of Order is too vague and places us in a category of “other”.
Before the changes made to the form of government, APA had been recognized previously by
17
General Assembly, and under the former section G- 14.0740 we had been affiliated with the
Office of Vocation and had a PCUSA staff liaison. We had also been listed in the directory and
Book II. However, after NFOG was approved, we were lost in translation and had struggled
since to be specifically identified by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for our service and
dedication to the larger church.
The Administrative Personnel Association continues to struggle with being identified as a
Presbyterian Church U.S.A. organization because there is no defined line connecting us to the
larger church. Even though we are currently recognized as a certified body by the larger church,
it still does not identify that we are PCUSA. As a result, this continues to put into question the
status of our 501c3 status.
The lack of support and recognition from our leaders within the larger church that do not know
or choose not to recognize our existence has also impacted the long lasting relationship between
APA and the PCUSA church.
Therefore, we ask that after 42 years of service to the church that we are again specifically
named and recognized in the Book of Order for our support and commitment to belonging to the
Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
18
COUNCIL REPORT Council met on September 19, 2017, at the Presbytery Office Council Attendance
Council Chair Stephen Price-Gibson Present
Moderator Joyce Dean Excused
Vice-Moderator Ivan Dean Present
COM Chair Polly Deppen-Williams Present
CPM Chair Jill Boyd Present
NOM Chair Linda Anthony Excused
Personnel Chair David Boyd Present Personnel Chair Jon Beggs Present Business & Budget Chair Steve Soundy Present
PYC Chair Dan Davis Present Synod Commissioner Dennis Biehl Excused
Presbytery Women Chair Annabelle Wells Present
Member- at Large Kirwin Stewart Present
Member-at- Large Dean Seger Absent
Member-at-Large Sue Medsker-Nedderman Present
Council VOTED TO APPROVE the minutes from May 23, 2017 as presented. Council heard reports from the EP Search Committee, Personnel Committee, Business and Budget
Committee, and Committee on Preparation. A written report was read from the Nominating
Committee. The Designated Executive Presbyter Search Committee members included Ivan Dean, chair; Josh Clark, secretary; Karen Larson, David Nienkamp, Carol Skinner and Kirwin Stewart. The committee met seven times: three times at the Presbytery Office and four times via Zoom online video meetings. The position was advertised March –May, 2017. Seven candidates submitted applications; four candidates were
asked for references; three candidates were chosen to be interviewed; one candidate dropped out;
the committee unanimously voted for one candidate. The Committee recommends that Polly
Deppen-Williams be offered the position of Designated Executive Presbyter. Suggested Terms of Call are:
Hours 20 hours per week Salary $26,000 Housing $24,000 Total Effective Salary $50,000 Social Security Offset $ 3,825 Board of Pensions $18,250 Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Travel $ 3,500 (vouchered expense)
19
Continuing Education$ 3,500 GA Expense $ 5,000 Total $84,075.00
The Search Committee asked that the Council extend the call to a 3 year term beginning November
1, 2017. Council VOTED TO APPROVE the Terms of Call. Business & Budget
Presented a budget for 2018 subject to discussion and change
Council VOTED TO APPROVE the recommendation to set 2018 Per Capita as follows:
PRESBYTERY $ 18.87
GA $ 7.73
Synod $ 5.40
Total $ 32.00
Council VOTED TO APPROVE the October Presbytery docket as presented. Joyce Dean to be invited to preach Service to be put together by Stephen Price-Gibson, Joyce Dean, Ivan Dean and Wayne Owens
Offering to be designed for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in light of recent natural
disasters Other Business
Nominating Committee 2018
Council VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to be the designated committee to recruit new
members
Polly to set up Zoom meeting, October 17, 2018 at 10am
All are encouraged to have names to suggest; teaching elders are needed Future Presbytery Locations and Dates:
March 24, 2018 – First Presbyterian Church, Cozad June 30, 2018 – TBD October 27, 2018 – TBD
Next Stated Council Meetings: January 16, 2018 February 20, 2018 May 15, 2018 September 18, 2018
20
Nominating Committee Report – 2018
Moderator – Ivan Dean Vice-Moderator – Jon Beggs Council Chairperson – Joyce Dean Council at Large Class of 2020 – Dean Seger Committee on Ministry Chair – Kirwin Stewart Class of 2019 – Gary Smith Class of 2020 – Caroline Price-Gibson Class of 2020 – Dan Davis Class of 2020 – David McCarthy Committee on Preparation Chair – Jill Boyd Class of 2020 – Greg Allen Pickett Class of 2020 - Karen Woo Personnel Committee Chair – David Boyd Class of 2020 – Richard Elliot Class of 2020 – Judy Biehl Business and Budget Committee Chair – Steve Soundy Class of 2020 – Allen Philips Permanent Judicial Commission Class of 2021 – Beth Isnogle Class of 2023 – Stephen Price-Gibson Class of 2023 – Carol Skinner Sexual Misconduct Team To replace Eldin Wells – Don Anthony Youth Ministry Committee Chair – Dan Davis Class of 2020 – Jacob Hild Class of 2020 – Logan Ellis Youth Class of 2018 Aubree Warner Carter Wenburg Synod Commissioner Elder Term begins in April 2018 YAD - Logan Ellis (one year)
21
GA Commissioner TE___________________ RE - Sharon Rees Alternate – Rose Miller YAD__________________
22
Presbyterian Women Central Nebraska Presbytery
First Presbyterian Church, Axtell, Nebraska was the
setting on September 9 for the Fall gathering of Presbyterian Women.
“Redeemed to Serve” was the theme based on
2 Corinthians 5:20.
”We are ambassadors for Christ, since God
is making his appeal through us; we entreat
you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
Haley and Ross Rogers, college students from Lexington, presented a program explaining their ministry in Haiti this summer. We also had a worship service led by Rev. Steve Deines, time to fellowship, important information shared with the group, time to see or participate in mission projects, a fun activity and lunch. An offering was received for Kristin Hamner and the work she is doing for Foundation for Peace in the Dominican Republic.
Annabelle Wells, moderator
23
Central Nebraska Presbytery Personnel Committee Minutes, August 30, 2017
10:00 A.M. at Presbytery Office, Kearney, Nebraska
The meeting was called by the Chair, Rev. David Boyd for the purpose of conducting the six month review of the Office Administrator, Judy Rothenberger.
Members present: David Boyd, Jon Beggs, Richard Elliott, and Judy Rothenberger.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Boyd.
The Agenda was approved.
Minutes of the Personnel meeting on May 30, 2017 were approved.
Members of the Committee noted that they had received positive feedback concerning Judy’s job performance. Judy noted that the phone system has been updated. Further training on the phone system will take place as necessary. Judy, in consultation with Business and Budget, has recommended discontinuation of some services such as Verizon, Pitney Bowes, and ACS in an effort to cut down administrative costs. She noted that some of the costs will allow for the update of Computers, laptops and to the Website. She has been working with the Website developers to modernize the current website.
The recommended that the current Job description be used until a new Presbyter is secured. At that time any adjustments to the job description will be worked on.
The Committee believes that Judy continues to do great job of working into the position of Office administrator.
David also had a conversation with Ray Meester, our temporary stated clerk. Ray is anticipating his upcoming retirement and expressed an interest in becoming the permanent stated clerk if the new Designated Executive Presbyter was not interested in those duties. He is hopeful that this can be cleared up by the end of the year.
After discussion the Committee approved a recommendation to suspend the current cleaning service until a new Executive Presbyter is selected. At present there does not seem to be a need for regular cleaning services.
The budget for the Personnel Committee was increased slightly in anticipation of having additional meetings once the new Designated Executive Presbyter is hired.
The next meeting of the Committee will be determined at a later date.
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Beggs, Co-Chair
24
BUSINESS AND BUDGET COMMITTEE
Central Nebraska Presbytery, Kearney, NE
August 31, 2017
Meeting was opened at 9:20 a.m. by Chairman Steve Soundy with opening prayer.
Members Present: Steve Soundy, Karen Larson, Steve Miller, Doug Garey, Joyce Dean.
Members Absent: Dian Lauby, Jane Bauer
Motion made by Steve M., seconded by Karen to approve the minutes of the last meeting held on May 11, 2017. Passed unanimously.
The Committee reviewed the 2017 July Financial Reports. After discussion, reports were unanimously approved.
At 9:40 a.m., the Committee welcomed John Svehla to the meeting to provide an update on GuideOne Insurance coverage. John volunteered to write a letter, to be reviewed by the Business and Budget Committee, which will be sent by Presbytery to each Session Clerk explaining the minimum insurance coverages needed. Following discussion, this action was approved unanimously.
Old Business – Steve M. reported that Rose Miller is planning an Administrative Professional Retreat in Kearney September 27 – 29. Response from attendees has been limited. All expenses related to APA are to be presented and approved by the Business and Budget Committee. After discussion, it was recommended that APA be allotted 1 hour at a future Presbytery meeting to educate pastors on the benefits of membership for church Administrative Assistants. The Committee approved unanimously.
New Business – Steve S. reported that Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Stapleton wishes to purchase both manse and church building from First Presbyterian Church (USA), Stapleton. Kirwin Stewart, Session Moderator, informed Steve S. that the manse is now being appraised. EPC plans to submit a bid to the FPC Session. Proceeds from the sale will be distributed and the Stapleton church will then be closed.
The Committee reviewed the 2018 Proposed Budget. During discussion, several line items were revised. Per Capita was discussed. The Committee will recommend to Council that this be increased to $32.00. $18.87 – Presbytery; $7.73 – GA; $5.40 – Synod. Passed unanimously subject to Executive Presbyter unknown expenses.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m. Next meeting will be on October 27, 2018 at 1 p.m. This will be a special meeting where the audit will be discussed with both Kay Stahly, CPA, Dana F. Cole and Alex deVeyra, Director of Financial Services, Synod of Lakes and Prairies present.
Respectfully submitted by Judy Rothenberger, Office Administrator
25
Page: 1 of 2
Presbytery of Central NebraskaSummary Statement of Activities
For the Nine Months Ending September 30, 2017
Current Month Year-to-Date Annual Percentof
Year-to-Date
Actual Actual Budget Budget Last Year
Operating IncomeTotal Operating Income 8,420.63 157,928.99 248,185 63.63 179,620.98Total Designated Income 0.00 897.09 21,994 4.08 96.18
Total Operating Income $ 8,420.63 $ 158,826.08 $ 270,179 58.79 179,717.16
Current Fund BalancePeacemaking Fund 2510p $ 4,292.51 4,292.51Mission & Ministry Fund 2540p 83,987.50 84,037.50Stuckey/Next Gen Fund 2542p 253,772.69 253,772.69Leadership Development Fund 2544p 97,265.34 97,265.34Johnson Scholarship Fund 2550p 446.75 446.75Mission Development Fund 2565p 1,999.30 1,999.30Youth Triennium Fund 2570p 50.00 0.00APA Workshop/Leadership Fund 2607p 100.00 100.00
$0.00 0.00 $2,520.00 $2,520.00 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 0.00 $3,060.00 $3,060.00 FULLERTON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$380.00 2,250.00 $4,530.00 $2,280.00 GOTHENBURG FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 4,340.00 $13,020.00 $8,680.00 GRAND ISLAND FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 0.00 $19,920.00 $19,920.00 HASTINGS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHUCH
$0.00 0.00 $1,050.00 $1,050.00 HASTINGS SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 2,715.00 $5,340.00 $2,625.00 HOLDREGE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$675.00 2,025.00 $8,100.00 $6,075.00 KEARNEY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 0.00 $1,170.00 $1,170.00 KENESAW FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 300.00 $300.00 $0.00 KEYSTONE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 420.00 $420.00 $0.00 LEBANON COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 0.00 $990.00 $990.00 LEXINGTON BUFFALO GROVE CHURCH
$722.50 2,890.00 $8,670.00 $5,780.00 LEXINGTON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 2,947.50 $3,960.00 $1,012.50 MINDEN WESTMINSTER UNITED PRESBYTERIAN
$0.00 4,287.50 $7,350.00 $3,062.50 NORTH PLATTE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$(3,275.00) 2,580.00 $5,160.00 $2,580.00 O'NEILL FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 0.00 $1,110.00 $1,110.00 ORLEANS UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 (13.60)$1,980.00 $1,993.60 ST PAUL FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 450.00 $450.00 $0.00 STAPLETON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 435.00 $870.00 $435.00 STUART COMMUNITY CHURCH
$0.00 0.00 $1,860.00 $1,860.00 SUPERIOR FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 0.00 $1,290.00 $1,290.00 SUTHERLAND FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$0.00 4,410.00 $5,910.00 $1,500.00 VALENTINE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$85.00 1,240.00 $1,920.00 $680.00 WOOD RIVER FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$82,671.10 Grand Total: $(217.50)$128,940.00 $46,268.90
Page 1 of 129
Page: 1 of 4
Presbytery of Central NebraskaStatement of Activities
For the Nine Months Ending September 30, 2017
Current Month Year-to-Date Annual Percentof
Year-to-Date
Actual Actual Budget Budget Last Year
Operating IncomeUndesignated Income4003p UMS Presbytery $ 5,363.29 $ 54,854.19 $ 100,000 54.85 61,500.404101p Per Capita Income (217.50) 82,671.10 129,660 63.76 101,872.074102p Prior Year Per Capita Income 1,775.00 5,925.00 0 0.00 385.004172p Synod Support 1,441.26 13,901.19 18,225 76.28 15,187.504180p Other Income 0.00 105.61 0 0.00 0.004185p Donations 31.25 86.25 0 0.00 324.484190p Interest Income 27.33 385.65 300 128.55 351.53
Total Operating Income 8,420.63 157,928.99 248,185 63.63 179,620.98
Designated Income4138p Peacemaking Presbytery 0.00 400.09 0 0.00 96.184630p Johnson Scholarship Income 0.00 497.00 0 0.00 0.004634p Stuckey Fund Income 0.00 0.00 12,837 0.00 0.004635p Mission Developmnt Fund In 0.00 0.00 4,357 0.00 0.004636p Church Development Fund I 0.00 0.00 4,800 0.00 0.00
Total Designated Income 0.00 897.09 21,994 4.08 96.18
Total Operating Income $ 8,420.63 $ 158,826.08 $ 270,179 58.79 179,717.16
OPERATING EXPENSEGeneral Expense5101p GA Per Capita $ 2,701.25 $ 24,311.25 $ 32,415 75.00 24,782.945102p Synod Per Capita 1,908.88 17,179.92 22,906 75.00 18,273.96
If your Per Capita Apportionment is not paid in full, your prompt payment would be appreciated.
4,150.002/16/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita prior year 15378Check No:
4,150.00Per Capita prior year 4,150.00Total
0.00UMS GA 0.00Total
0.00UMS Presbytery 0.00Total
0.00UMS Synod 0.00Total
6,007.70VALENTINE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHTotal 6,007.70 5,910.00 4,410.00
VALENTINE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Page 1 of 1
If you find discrepancies in this report, please call
Jackie Palmer, @ 800-328-1880, ext. 203,
or the Presbytery office.325 NORTH VICTORIA STREET
VALENTINE, NE 69201
95
Church PINPayment Description Period Total YTD
10/3/2017Printed on: For the Period of January 02, 2017 September 30, 2017thru
Pledge Remaining
Church Statement
Presbytery of Central Nebraska 4111 4th Ave, Suite 28
Kearney, NE 68845-2884
Pledge
WOOD RIVER FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
04549PIN
85.001/31/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita 4450Check No:
85.002/16/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita 4457Check No:
85.003/30/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita 4464Check No:
85.005/18/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita 4475Check No:
85.005/18/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita 4477Check No:
85.007/27/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita 4491Check No:
85.008/17/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita 4499Check No:
85.009/21/2017Rec'd by Presbytery:Per Capita 4506Check No:
680.00Per Capita 1,920.00 1,240.00 680.00Total
If your Per Capita Apportionment is not paid in full, your prompt payment would be appreciated.
0.00UMS GA 0.00Total
0.00UMS Presbytery 0.00Total
0.00UMS Synod 0.00Total
680.00WOOD RIVER FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHTotal 680.00 1,920.00 1,240.00
WOOD RIVER FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Page 1 of 1
If you find discrepancies in this report, please call
Jackie Palmer, @ 800-328-1880, ext. 203,
or the Presbytery office.PO BOX 187
WOOD RIVER, NE 68883-0187
96
Church PINPayment Description Period Total YTD
10/3/2017Printed on: For the Period of January 02, 2017 September 30, 2017thru
Pledge Remaining
Church Statement
Presbytery of Central Nebraska 4111 4th Ave, Suite 28
Kearney, NE 68845-2884
Pledge
187,347.83Grand Total: 187,347.83 130,297.50
WOOD RIVER FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Page 1 of 1
If you find discrepancies in this report, please call
Jackie Palmer, @ 800-328-1880, ext. 203,
or the Presbytery office.PO BOX 187
WOOD RIVER, NE 68883-0187
97
COM Report to Presbytery Saturday, October 28, 2017
On behalf of the presbytery, the Committee on Ministry approved the following items:
Approved First Hastings hiring Rev. Damen Heitmann (UCC) as a part-time non called/installed Associate Pastor
COM meeting schedule for 2018:
4 in person meetings 1:00-4:00pm:
January 9
March 13
June 12
October 9
4 Zoom teleconference meetings 10am-Noon:
February 15
May 17
August 16
November 15
Appointed the following Session Moderators:
Beaver City – Dan Davis (beginning November 2017)
Grand Island – Bill Nottage-Tacey (beginning March 2018)
Kearney – Polly Deppen-Williams (beginning February 2018)
O’Neill – Martha Atkins (ELCA Pastor serving in Homestead Presbytery)
Valentine – Lisa Danielson (member South Dakota Presbytery)
Items for presbytery action:
COM recommends that the minimum effective salary for 2018 be $45,500. (This reflects a 1.1% increase. Projected median COLA increase is 2.2%.)
COM recommends that the fee for moderating Session meetings and Congregational meetings be increased from $35 to $50 per meeting plus mileage being paid at the current IRS rate.
The next COM meeting will be Tuesday, November 16, 2017 at 10:00am. Respectfully submitted, Polly Deppen-Williams COM Moderator
98
Committee on Preparation for Ministry
Presbytery of Central Nebraska Meeting
October 28, 2017
Current members of the CPM include Jim Gallentine, Dave Irwin, Karen Woo, and Jill Boyd
(chair).
The CPM met on July 18, 2017 to conduct annual consultations with Logan Ellis (Inquirer),
Zach Spurgeon (Inquirer), David Johnson (Candidate), and Sharon Rees (Candidate). Areas of
growth since our last consultations were identified, and new goals for the coming year were
established for each individual. Copies of the consultation reports were provided to each of the
inquirers/candidates, their sponsoring church sessions, and their seminary (all four attend
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary).
Over the course of the two months that followed the July 18th meeting, additional
communications with Zach Spurgeon took place. He withdrew from the process on September
25, 2017 and was released from care at that time. He is no longer an Inquirer in the PCUSA.
The CPM is undecided as to when they will next meet, but we remain available to our inquirers,