The Presbytery of The Cascades will have a Stated Meeting on Friday and Saturday, March 9-10, 2012 Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church 5441 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97215 -- 503-234-6493 This information is being provided via Cascades’ website (www.cascadespresbytery.org) and is being provided also in a single packet mailed to each congregation for use by the pastor(s) of that church and the elders of that church commissioned to attend the meeting. A packet is being sent also to chairs of standing committees and non-parish ministers without web access. It is the responsibility of presbyters to secure the information needed from either the website or from the packets mailed. Because there are a limited number of printed background papers available at the meeting, commissioners are encouraged to download both sets of background papers before the meeting to a portable electronic device for access during the meeting. Provided on the website and in the mailed packets are papers for review before the meeting and assorted information about the meeting and other presbytery events to be held in conjunction with the meeting. If additional information is needed, call Stated Clerk Cathy Quackenbush (x202) or her administrative assistant Carolee Neighorn (x201) at 503-227-5486 or 800-495-4114. A Map (and directions) showing the location of Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church in Portland is provided. Handicap Access is available to all areas of the church to be used by the presbytery. Registration will be held at the church on Friday, November 11th, beginning at 11:30AM. All presbyters (ministers and elder commissioners) are to register attendance. Visitors are always welcome to attend meetings of The Presbytery of the Cascades, but visitor registration is not required. Pre-Presbytery Workshops will be held on Friday, March 9th, from 10-11:30AM at the church. The workshops to be offered are listed on the docket page and descriptions of their content is available on the back of the docket page. Room assignments for the workshops will be posted at the church. Friday Lunch The host church will offer a Friday lunch for purchase at the church. Our host church will also provide a listing of local restaurants. A Commissioners’ Orientation Lunch will be held at the church on March 9th, beginning at noon. The room assignment for the lunch will be posted at the church. It will be a time for orientation to the presbytery, to the meeting, and to basic parliamentary procedure. New commissioners and visitors are encouraged to attend; all are welcome. Lunch will be available for purchase from the host church. To assist the stated clerk in the preparation of materials for the orientation, please let her know if you plan to attend by calling the office of the Stated Clerk at 503-227-5486 or 800-495- 4114 by not later than Friday, March 2nd. Friday Dinner Food service will be provided by the host church on Friday evening, in addition to the lunch they will provide on that day and on Saturday. Tickets for the meals will be available for purchase on an until-they-are-gone basis in the registration area at the church during the time of registration. Meals are to be acquired on your own and are not reimbursed by the presbytery except for meals en-route for those traveling long distances and for resource persons. Individual congregations are encouraged to reimburse presbyters for the cost of meals. Lodging arrangements are the responsibility of individual presbyters. Make reservations early! A listing of lodging options in the area is provided. The use of internet sites (orbitz.com, travelocity.com, expedia.com, etc. or a hotel/motel website) can often result in significant discounts. Ministers/commissioners may be reimbursed up to $12.00 per night. The host church is not to be contacted regarding housing arrangements.
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Transcript
The Presbytery of The Cascades will have a
Stated Meeting on
Friday and Saturday, March 9-10, 2012 Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church
5441 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97215 -- 503-234-6493
This information is being provided via Cascades’ website (www.cascadespresbytery.org) and is being provided also in a single packet mailed to each congregation for use by the pastor(s) of that church and the elders of that church commissioned to attend the meeting. A packet is being sent also to chairs of standing committees and non-parish ministers without web access. It is the responsibility of presbyters to secure the information needed from either the website or from the packets mailed. Because there are a limited number of printed background papers available at the meeting, commissioners are encouraged to download both sets of background papers before the meeting to a portable electronic device for access during the meeting. Provided on the website and in the mailed packets are papers for review before the meeting and assorted information about the meeting and other presbytery events to be held in conjunction with the meeting. If additional information is needed, call Stated Clerk Cathy Quackenbush (x202) or her administrative assistant Carolee Neighorn (x201) at 503-227-5486 or 800-495-4114. A Map (and directions) showing the location of Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church in Portland is provided. Handicap Access is available to all areas of the church to be used by the presbytery. Registration will be held at the church on Friday, November 11th, beginning at 11:30AM. All presbyters (ministers and elder commissioners) are to register attendance. Visitors are always welcome to attend meetings of The Presbytery of the Cascades, but visitor registration is not required. Pre-Presbytery Workshops will be held on Friday, March 9th, from 10-11:30AM at the church. The workshops to be offered are listed on the docket page and descriptions of their content is available on the back of the docket page. Room assignments for the workshops will be posted at the church. Friday Lunch The host church will offer a Friday lunch for purchase at the church. Our host church will also provide a listing of local restaurants. A Commissioners’ Orientation Lunch will be held at the church on March 9th, beginning at noon. The room assignment for the lunch will be posted at the church. It will be a time for orientation to the presbytery, to the meeting, and to basic parliamentary procedure. New commissioners and visitors are encouraged to attend; all are welcome. Lunch will be available for purchase from the host church. To assist the stated clerk in the preparation of materials for the orientation, please let her know if you plan to attend by calling the office of the Stated Clerk at 503-227-5486 or 800-495-4114 by not later than Friday, March 2nd. Friday Dinner Food service will be provided by the host church on Friday evening, in addition to the lunch they will provide on that day and on Saturday. Tickets for the meals will be available for purchase on an until-they-are-gone basis in the registration area at the church during the time of registration. Meals are to be acquired on your own and are not reimbursed by the presbytery except for meals en-route for those traveling long distances and for resource persons. Individual congregations are encouraged to reimburse presbyters for the cost of meals. Lodging arrangements are the responsibility of individual presbyters. Make reservations early! A listing of lodging options in the area is provided. The use of internet sites (orbitz.com, travelocity.com, expedia.com, etc. or a hotel/motel website) can often result in significant discounts. Ministers/commissioners may be reimbursed up to $12.00 per night. The host church is not to be contacted regarding housing arrangements.
Transportation arrangements are the responsibility of individual presbyters. The presbytery will reimburse those who travel by car at the 2009 statutory volunteer mileage rate of $.14 per mile, with an additional $.04 per mile provided for each presbyter (minister or elder commissioner) passenger. When trips exceed 350 miles round trip and presbyter passengers are not possible, reimbursement at the rate of $.16 per mile may be vouchered. Carpooling is encouraged. If you have space to take a passenger or wish a ride, contact other churches in your area. Parking is available in the church parking lot and along surrounding neighborhood streets. Child Care is available by prior reservation for children (age 5 years and under) of presbyters and
resource persons, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning and continuing through all business
and worship sessions. Reservations may be made with the Office of the Stated Clerk by no later
than Friday, March 2nd. Congregations are encouraged to assist in providing care of children older
than 5 years. Reimbursement Of Expenses will be provided by checks to be mailed within a few weeks after the meeting. Individuals are to be prepared to cover costs until reimbursement checks are received. Expense vouchers will be available at the registration table. Also available will be a receipt form for those who choose to request no reimbursement but desire a receipt for use in claiming deductible expenses when filing an income tax return. Presbyters may use either the expense voucher or the receipt form; not both. Announcements at the meeting are to be made during the docketed time of the appropriate committee (with committee chairpersons to coordinate the announcements during the committee’s report time) or by special arrangement made with the moderator. New Business will be received until 5:25PM on March 9th, at which time it will be either docketed for a later time in the meeting or for a subsequent meeting or referred for action and/or recommendation. Duplicate copies of any items presented as new business are to be provided to the Stated Clerk before the deadline for docketing or referral by the presbytery. Presbyters are reminded also of this provision A-5 in Cascades' Standing Rules: No new business proposing an overture to another governing body will be in order unless notice of intent to propose the new business, together with a complete text of the proposed overture, has been distributed to all ministers and sessions of the presbytery by the proposer of the overture not less than ten (10) days prior to the presentation of the new business before the Presbytery. That provision pertains to all overtures, not only those proposing constitutional amendment or interpretation. Necrology Report forms are to be used for reporting to the presbytery the deaths of presbyters (ministers and elders) or clergy spouses. Copies of a Necrology Report Form have been provided to all congregations and are available from The Office of The Stated Clerk or through Cascades’ website at www.cascadespresbytery.org/NecrologyReport.pdf . Congregations are to report deaths as soon as possible so that they might be included in the Stated Clerk’s report to the presbytery and deceased presbyters might be remembered in prayers during a service of worship. Offering for the PCUSA’s One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received during the Friday evening service of worship. Make checks payable to “The Presbytery of the Cascades”. Worship services planned by Cascades’ Worship Design Team will be held during the course of the meeting, with The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to be celebrated at the Friday evening service. A Book Exchange Table will be provided by Cascades’ Professional Support Committee for use in offering theological and church books no longer needed in one library but perhaps needed in another. Bring books which might be used in another church or ministerial library and take home books offered by others. Unclaimed books will be donated to a local charity. Come to the Stated Meeting of The Presbytery Of The Cascades prepared to learn, to discuss, to meet old friends, to make new friends, to deliberate, to pray, to worship, to enjoy fellowship, and to be a part of our Presbyterian process. A challenging and productive meeting is anticipated. Plan to attend the meeting from beginning to end! You are the presbyter in Presbyterian! Cathy Quackenbush, Stated Clerk 503-227-5486 x202 or 800-495-4114 X202
Map and Directions to Mt. Tabor Presbyterian 5441 SE Belmont, Portland, OR 97215
Note: Our parking lot is on the corner 54th street and Belmont. If parking lot is full, there is ample parking in the neighborhood.
From Portland Airport/Hotels 1. Head southwest on NE Airport Way toward NE Air Cargo Rd 2. The I-205 south ramp to I-84/Portland/Salem 3. Merge onto I-205 south 4. Take exit 21A onto NE Glisan St 5. Turn right onto NE Glisan 6. Turn left onto NE 60th Ave 7. Turn right onto SE Stark St 8. Take the fourth left onto SE 54th Ave (Parking lot on the right) From I-5 S (from North Portland/Vancouver) 1. After following I-5 S, take US 30/I-84 the Dalles exit on the right hand side 2. Take exit 2 for 39th Ave/Cesar Chavez Blvd 3. At the traffic circle, continue stright to stay on NE 39th Ave/Cesar Chavez Blvd 4. Turn left onto SE Stark St 5. Turn right onto SE 54th (Parking lot on the right) From I-5 S (from SW Portland/Salem) 1. Once in Portland, take exit 300 to merge onto I-84 the Dalles 2. Take exit 2 for 39th Ave/Cesar Chavez Blvd 3. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on NE 39th Ave/Cesar Chavez Blvd 4. Turn left onto SE Stark St 5. Turn right onto SE 54th (Parking lot on the right) From Downtown Portland 1. Head North on NW Couch St 2. Take 1st left onto NW Couch St 3. Take 1st left onto NW Broadway 4. Turn onto SW Alder St 5. Slight left onto SE Morrison Bridge 6. Slight left to stay on the Morrison Bridge 7. Continue onto SE Belmont 8. Turn left onto SE 54th (Parking lot will be on the left, directly after the turn)
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Motels/Hotels near Mt Tabor PC
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The Rev. Ray Jones
Ray Jones will lead a pre presbytery workshop and will give the sermon during Friday evening
worship. He will also make a presentation on the floor of presbytery
One of the things which characterizes TaborSpace is
music. Copeland Commons is a wonderful warm space in
which to gather to listen to music with friends. A little
bigger than a house concert, but with the same
intimate feel. Please join us after worship on Friday
night to listen to some jazz and enjoy a tasty bite and
a beverage (coffee - regular and decaf, tea, cocoa,
juice drinks) with friends. The jazz on tap is the Jazz
combo from Westminster Presbyterian Church –
“Westminster Jazz Ensemble”.
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Proposed Docket Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Cascades
March 9-10, 2012 – Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, Portland
Friday, March 9 10-11:30AM Pre-Presbytery Workshops 1. “Pastoral Transition in the Presbytery of the Cascades: What Can We Do Now?” (COMCC)
2. “Listening, Learning, and Sharing” Cultural Proficiency CPAT, (Mission Support) 3. “Becoming a Disciple-Making Church,” Ray Jones, (Congregational Support) 4. “POINT New Resources for Christian Education” (Congregational Support) 5. “Missional Idea Expositional Explosion” (NCD/Congregational Support) 6. “Gathering of Spiritual Directors” (Professional Support)
11:30AM Registration begins (additional background papers available for pick-up); book exchange table available; Media Resource Center Open House, meal tickets
available for purchase
NOON-1PM Luncheon available (offered by host church for purchase) Commissioner Orientation luncheon, Cascades Missional Fellowship Luncheon, Seminary Support Network Luncheon 1:30PM Convene; Welcome; Gathering Of God’s People With Worship (30) 2:00PM Introductions; Adoption of Docket; Seating of Corresponding Members (10) 2:10PM J Reports of Committees on Ministry; New Members; Retirement Recognitions, Revisions of COM Manual, Request from Peace, Klamath Falls (45) 2:55PM G Report of the Relational Support Committee, including Presbyterian Women (30) 3:25PM Break; Visit Mission Displays (30) 3:50PM Report of the Mission Support Committee (10) 4:00PM F Report of the Congregational Support Committee (60) 5:00PM I Report of the Professional Support Committee (20) 5:20PM Presbyterian Foundation (10) 5:30PM N-O Treasurer’s Report (10) 5:40PM Introduction of New Business (for docketing or referral only) (05) 5:45PM Dinner Recess, Dinner at host church, visits to mission displays (75) 7:00PM Reconvene in Sanctuary; Hearing God’s Word in Worship Celebration of Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (90) 8:30PM Evening Recess/ Coffee House Gathering Saturday, March 10 7:30AM “Uncommon Ministries” breakfast, Tabor Space 9:00AM Reconvene in Sanctuary; Beginning the Day with Worship (15) 9:15AM E Committee on Preparation for the Ministry (30) 9:45AM Seminary Support Network Committee, President of SFTS (15) 10:00AM Board of Pensions (10) 10:10AM Report of Personnel and Administration (10) 10:20AM C Report of the Board of Trustees (05) 10:25AM Report of the General Assembly Mission Council (10) 10:35AM Break, Visits to Mission Displays (20) 10:55AM B Reconvene Downstairs in Fellowship Hall; Report of Presbytery Council (60) 11:55AM A Report of the Stated Clerk (20) 12:15AM Closing; Sending Forth with Worship (20) 12:35PM Adjournment/Lunch
Items in bold indicate “orders of the day” which cannot be changed significantly without specific action by the presbytery; Other times are subject to adjustment as may be required.
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March 2012
Descriptions of workshops to be held 10 – 11:30 AM on March 9th, 2012
1.”Pastoral Transition in the Presbytery of the Cascades; What Can We Do Now?” (COM-CC) Led by two COM chairs, the Rev. Ken Evers-Hood and the Rev. Audrey Schindler, this workshop covers new options
open to churches for calling pastoral leadership that have resulted from the new Form of Government and proposed changes in Cascades Presbytery Committee on Ministry policies.
2. “Listening, Learning, and Sharing” Cultural Proficiency (Mission Support) The Cultural Proficiency Advocacy Team (CPAT) will lead a conversation for the purpose of listening with open minds and hearts and affirming the cultural difference in our congregations and our communities.
3.”Becoming a Disciple-Making Church” led by The Rev. Ray Jones. (Congregational Support) Ray Jones is the Coordinator for Evangelism for the Presbyterian Church (USA). This work shop will help participants examine the need for and the essential components of a disciple-making church. Through presentation and discussion, we will explore the following: renewal of the leader’s heart, recognizing the life-on-life ministry, and being equipped to reach your community.
4. POINT “New Resources for Christian Education” (Congregational Support) A Conversation with Pastors, Elders and Educators on Worship, Education, and Midrash Come and share.
Hear what we learned in Grand Rapids. Midrash from scripture, Worship ideas, education resources, and how to find help with Katy Ailstock, Scott Crane, Mary Wright Gillespie and Paul Quackenbush.
5. “Missional Idea Expositional Explosion” (NCD/Congregational Support) This workshop is a chance to present your idea on how your church can start to connect with the un-churched in your city or neighborhood. All ideas are welcome. $500 mini grants will be give to ideas that show promise. You will have ten minutes to present your idea. Contact Bob Pearson [email protected], 541-1408-1380 or Len Tang, [email protected], to sign up.
Special Gatherings and meetings to be held 10-11:30 AM on March 9th, 2012
“Gathering of Spiritual Directors” (Professional Support)- facilitated by Hugh Anderson
This gathering is for those who are providing spiritual direction and those who are in training to be certified as a spiritual director. It provides an opportunity to get to know others involved in this ministry and to share resources, concerns and support.
Breakfast Gathering on Saturday, March 10th at 7:30 AM in Tabor Space
“Uncommon Ministries” (Professional Support) - facilitated by Mike Gillespie. This gathering is a continuation of the conversation begun at the last meeting of Presbytery for those who are involved in non-parish ministries. It will explore common needs and opportunities for mutual support, opportunities to educate the presbytery and parish ministry colleagues and promotion of non-parish ministry
as a viable career path.
A Guide To The Papers For This Meeting
To assist presbyters with the management of the many papers for this meeting, the following is a guide. The letter designates the committee. The papers are available in electronic form on Cascades’ website
(www.cascadespresbytery.org) before the meeting. A limited number of background papers are available for pick up at registration.
PAGE(S) COLOR
Cover Letter - Map - Housing Options -- Orchid
Docket - Workshops - Papers Information (this page) A-1 White
On behalf of Moderator Mary Lou Wiliams and Presbytery Council, the Stated Clerk recommends the adoption of the docket distributed prior to the meeting.
Action: Adopt the docket as revised and authorize the moderator to make such adjustments as may become necessary.
2. NECROLOGY REPORT
The following are the names of deceased presbyters reported to the Stated Clerk since the meeting of The Presbytery of the Cascades in November, 2011. (Clerks of Session are reminded to inform the Stated Clerk as soon as possible after a death occurs that the clerk’s report might be made to presbytery in timely fashion. It is not necessary to wait until the filing of a congregation’s annual statistical report to report deaths.)
Action: Thank God for the lives and ministries of these officers and servants of the church. MINISTERS The Rev. Robert Woodcock [HR] May 4, 1924 – January 2, 2012 The Rev. John L. Reimers [HR] December 9, 1912 - January 23, 2012 The Rev. Arthur F. Dahlberg [HR] December 4, 1927 – February 25, 2012
ELDER CHURCH DATE YEARS SERVED William Patton Ashland, First 1-13-11 3
Robert Fickardt Prineville 2-10-1 6
Betty Mohan Prineville 3-8-11 9
Keith Grant Central Point, First 3-9-11 2
Earl L. Johnson Hillsboro, Tualatin Plains PC 5-14-11 ?
Violet Huntley Florence, PC of Siuslaw 7-1-11 ?
Carole Revel Ashland, First 8-1-11 5
Anna Mohney Beaverton, Southminster 8-14-11 3
Kenneth Brisbane Aurora 8-29-11 11
Robert Whittier Redmond, Community 8-30-11 3
Charlotte Close Portland, Mt. Tabor 9-6-11 2
Josephine Hanna Keizer, John Knox 9-22-11 ?
Louise Downs Redmond, Community 10-6-11 6
Russel H. Belshee Moro, Community 10-7-11 16
Joyce Dufresne Lakeside, Community 10-10-11 ?
Lawrence Alberti Portland, First PC 10-29-11 3
David Fortmiller Ashland, First 11-3-11 3
Barbara Burt Mortenson Eugene, Central 11-11-11 ?
Fred E. Bachofen Redmond, Community 11-12-11 3
Charlotte Compton Savage Florence, PC of Siuslaw 11-16-11 ?
Penny Wiley Parkdale, Community 11-17-11 3
George Berge Hillsboro, Tualatin Plains PC 11-26-11 ?
Clarence Davis Beaverton, Southminster 12-3-11 3
A. G. McCullough Lakeside, Community 12-13-11 ?
Robert, Wiley Parkdale, Community 12-20-11 7
Doris E. Bolster Portland, Rose City Park 12-28-11 10
Bettina McCuistion Trout Lake, WA, First(Clerk of Session 30Yrs.) 1-4-12 15
Alice Niemann Fraser Bandon, First 1-10-12 3
Richard Gaulke Ashland, First 1-15-12 3
Daniel Mocbee North Bend, First 1-18-12 7
Stanley D. Blair Portland, Rose City Park 2-5-12 17
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3 . REPORTS OF RESIGNATIONS FROM ELECTED SERVICE Tom Ormiston, COM-NW, Class of 2014, Ruling Elder, 11/15/11
Rex Watkins, Board of Trustees, Class of 2014, Ruling Elder, 11/22/11 Sandra Stewart, CoR, Class of 2013, Ruling Elder, 11/23/11
Denvy Saxowsky, RSC, Class of 2012, Ruling Elder, 9/8/11 Linda Johnson, CPM, Class of 2014, Ruling Elder 2/9/12
Noble Deckard, COM-C, Class of 2012, Ruling Elder, 1/18/12 ACTION: Accept the resignations with appreciation for the service given. 4. REPORTS OF APPOINTMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES Susan Freed-Held, CoR, Class of 2013, Ruling Elder, 11/23/11 Sid Birt, CoR, Class of 2014, Ruling Elder, 11/23/11
Mary Jo Emmett, CoR, Class of 2013, Ruling Elder, 11/29/11 Phyllis Hart, COM-S, Class of 2014, Teaching Elder, 1/6/12
Don Collins, COM-S, Class of 2014, Ruling Elder, 1/6/12
John Braund, P & A, Class of 2014, Teaching Elder, 1/14/12 David Hampton, COM-C, Class of 2012, Teaching Elder, 1/15/12
Josh Dunham, MSC, Class of 2014, member, 1/19/12 Weston Gray, MSC, Class of 2012, Teaching Elder, 1/19/12
Tony Van Vliet, Board of Trustees, Class of 2014, Ruling Elder, 2/2/12 ACTION: Confirm the appointment made with appreciation for the willingness to accept appointment to the service. 5. REPORT OF ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION TO ORDAIN AND/OR INSTALL The following Administrative Commissions have reported the accomplishment of the work of their Commissioning:
The Administrative Commission to install the Reverend William Sperry as Pastor of East Woods Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, Washington. The service was held November 20, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. The members of the Administrative Commission were The Rev. Catherine Quackenbush, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of the Cascades (substituting for Vice Moderator of the Northeast Region, Verne Duncan), The Rev. Mickie Drummond, The Rev. Laurel Neal, The Rev. Chris Montovino, Elder Patti Jones, East Woods, Elder Rich Adamson, East Woods. The Administrative Commission to ordain Candidate Stasia Van Buskirk as chaplain at Legacy Meridian Hospital. The service was held December 3, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, OR. The members of the Administrative commission were: Elder Lynn Royston, Vice Moderator for the Northwest Region, Elder Wade Van Buskirk, Oak Hills Presbyterian Church, Elder S. Anne Montgomery, Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church, The Rev. Dr. Greg Lund, The Rev. Jean Ellen Herzeg. The Administrative Commission to install The Rev. Dr. M. Barnabas Sprinkle as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Medford, Oregon. The service was held on January 15, 2012, at 3:00 p.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Medford. The members of the Administrative Commission were The Rev. Michael Foster, Vice Moderator Representative, The Rev. Dr. Hugh Anderson, The Rev. Constance Wilkerson, Elder Ernest Ettlich, Westminster Church, Medford, Elder Yvonne Hubbard, First Church, Medford. The Administrative Commission to install The Rev. Adam Walker Cleaveland as associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Ashland, Oregon. The service was held January 22, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Ashland. The members of the Administrative Commission were The Rev. Michael Foster, Vice Moderator Representative, The Rev. Constance Wilkerson, The Rev. Greg Bolt, Elder Brian Almquist, First Church, Ashland, and Elder Shawn Foster, First Church, Phoenix. The Administrative Commission to ordain Candidate Jennifer Pratt as Membership Relations Director for Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. The service was held February 12, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR. The members of the Administrative Commission were Elder Lynn Royston, Vice Moderator of the Northwest Region of the Presbytery of the Cascades, The Rev. Greg Flach, Elder Linda Johnson, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Salem, Oregon, Elder Janet Mills, Bethany Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR, Elder Karen Yakymi, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR. The Administrative Commission to install The Rev. Tracie Bullis as pastor of Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church, Hillsboro,
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OR. The service was held February 12, 2012, at 4:00 p.m., at Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church. The members of the Administrative Commission were Vice Moderator of the Northeast Region, Elder Verne Duncan, Elder Lori Sweeney, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Portland, Elder Russell Sterenberg, Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church, The Rev. Laurel Neal, and the Rev. Mark Rainey. ACTION: Receive the report of these commissions; consider their work the work of the entire presbytery, And dismiss the commissions with the thanks of the presbytery. 6. ADOPTION OF EQUALIZATION FORMULA FOR JUNE, 2012 THROUGH MARCH, 2013. In accordance with the provisions of G-11.0101b, the stated clerk recommends the adoption of the 2012-2013 equalization formula which is appended to this report. This formula is to redress the imbalance of teaching elders and ruling elders in the presbytery entitled to serve as presbyters at meetings of the presbytery. ACTION: Adopt the equalization formula as recommended by the stated clerk. 7. PERMISSION TO PAY PER CAPITA APPORTIONMENT ON DELAYED BASIS The following congregations have requested that the presbytery grant permission for them to pay their 2012 per capita apportionment obligations on an installment basis:
Ashland First
Astoria First
Bend First
Brookings Brookings
Cottage Grove First
Klamath Falls First
Klamath Falls Peace Memorial
Lakeview First
Monmouth Christs Church
Newberg First
Portland Colonial Heights
Portland Rose City Park
Portland Savage Memorial
Redmond Community
Roseburg First
Saint Helens Plymouth
Sandy Community NOPAY
The Dalles Gateway
Vancouver Columbia
Vancouver East Woods
Vancouver First
West Linn Emmanuel
Woodburn First ACTION: Grant the permission requested with the provision that all payments due be completed by no later than September 30, 2012. 8. REVISIONS OF THE BYLAWS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE CASCADES The stated clerk recommends adoption of revisions to the bylaws of the Presbytery of the Cascades found atteched to
this report in order to bring the by-laws up to date with the new Form of Government. Revision of the bylaws requires an
affirmative vote of presbyters.
ACTION: Adopt the bylaw revisions as recommended by the stated clerk.
FOR INFORMATION 1. REPORT ON COMMON TABLE NCD, BEND, OR, ADMISTRATIVE COMMISSION Common Table finished 2011 strong after a rocky first year, including the departure of founding pastor Zach Hancock. The Steering Committee worked hard to successfully stabilize the menu and the staff in the fall. 2012 has begun with
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CLERK’S REPORT A-2-4
March 2012
2/28/2012
much more stability but the café is struggling to make its budget due to work on the outside of the building, low tourism and new restaurants in downtown Bend. A search committee is looking for a new Executive Director and hopes to have someone in place by early April. This will hopefully give Common Table a boost in visibility, a centralized vision and strong leadership that will take it to the next level. Prayers are needed for this interim time even as we give thanks for the sustained mission of Common Table during this transition. People continue to be fed in body, mind and spirit and the radical hospitality of Christ is alive and well around the table.
2. REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR HOPE KOREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PORTLAND The Administrative Commission for the Hope Korean Presbyterian Church continues to meet regularly with the
congregation’s leadership team. Since our last report to the presbytery several positive steps have been initiated and/or completed:
● A “Covenant” between the congregation and the “Provisional Pastor” was approved by the AC, with provision for a compensation package for a half-time teaching elder at the Presbytery’s approved rate for minimum effective salary.
● The “Provisional Pastor,” the Rev. Hai Chun Jung is continuing in his process to achieve standing as a Teaching Elder in
the PC(U.S.A.) and is being encouraged to pursue appropriate educational opportunities offered by the CPM toward his
preparation for candidacy as a Teaching Elder, PC(U.S.A.)
● On Sunday, January 8, 2012, in the context of the morning service of worship, three (3) persons were received into membership by Baptism in a service officiated by the Rev. Bill Howell (Hope AC member), and three members were
ordained and installed as Ruling Elders in a service officiated by the Stated Clerk, the Rev. Catherine Quackenbush.
The Administrative Commission now anticipates the training of ruling elders and formation of the session as the next stage in its work with the leadership and congregation.
3. REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PORTLAND.
The Administrative Commission for First Presbyterian Church, Portland continues to meet with the session of First Pres.
as well as individual session members, other groups and members of the church as part of our charge to listen deeply. We have worked with session and their newly appointed transitional pastor Charles Svendsen to facilitate out reach and
communications processes in the hope that all interested members may achieve a better understanding of the issues that persist in the church and more importantly, how those issues may be overcome to move the church forward.
While we will continue to meet and listen we are about to begin to deliberate on findings and recommendations to report back to the session, COM and Presbytery.
4. REPORT ON OREGON APPELLATE COURT JUDGMENT AND PETITION FOR STATE SUPREME COURT REVIEW On March 12, 2012, the Oregon Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a petition for review filed by Hope Presbyterian Church, Rogue River, Oregon related to the judgment by the state court of appeals in favor of Cascades Presbytery in a property dispute with Hope Presbyterian Church, Rogue River. The opinion can be accessed and read in full at this link, http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/A139430.htm. The issues to be reviewed are available for information in the Stated Clerk’s Information Book at this meeting of Presbytery. 5. INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE FORMED An accusation of misconduct has been filed against a minister member of Cascades Presbytery. In accord with the provisions of Cascades’ Standing Rule I-1, an Investigating Committee (IC 2011-2) was constituted and oriented on July 27, 2011, and has determine that charges will be filed in the matter.
6. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT PREVENTION TRAINING FOR TEACHING ELDERS AND OTHER CHURCH AND
PRESBYTERY LEADERS At the June 2011 stated meeting, Cascades Presbytery acted to approve a motion from the Committee on Ministry Coordinating Council to require all active pastors to take a mandatory refresher training in misconduct prevention once every four years. In order to meet that requirement the first refresher course was conducted in the NW Region on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Tualatin Presbyterian Church, Tualatin, Oregon. The next refresher course is scheduled on January 31, 2013, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Eugene, Oregon. Other church and presbytery leaders are also encouraged to attend. More information will be available closer to the date of the training.
7. REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY MEETING TASK GROUP The Presbytery Meeting Task Group will report its findings from the On-line survey about Presbytery Meetings
Interviews conducted in January and February, 2012, at this meeting of Presbytery.
Available from the Stated Clerk at this meeting are the 2012 Minister Identification Cards issued by the General Assembly for all who are minister-members in good standing in The Presbytery of the Cascades. Also available are cards for Cascades’ Commissioned Ruling Elder.
9. MINISTER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION FORMS
Available from the Stated Clerk at this meeting are copies of the presbytery's Biographical Information Form which the clerk uses when it is the clerk’s sad duty to write a letter reporting the death of a member of the presbytery. If you are certain that the information on file with the presbytery is current and accurate (or if you are absolutely certain that the clerk will not need to write about you during the coming year), you need not complete a biographical information form. If you are not certain about one or the other, please complete a form and provide it to the Stated Clerk.
10. REGISTRATION
All presbyters (ministers and elders) at this meeting are to register attendance. Ministers and Commissioned Lay Pastors are to register in the Minister Registration Folder. Elders commissioned to service at this meeting and elders who are officers of the presbytery or chairs of standing committees are to register in the Commissioners Registration Folder. Only the number of commissioners to which a church is entitled may register and spaces are provided in the registration book for only the number of commissioners to which a congregation is entitled at this meeting. Additional names will not be accepted. Only elders of racial/ethnic heritage commissioned by the session of their church of membership as a commissioner to this meeting may register in the RE registration space provided. Guests and visitors need not register.
11. INFORMATION AVAILABLE
As is usual practice, the Stated Clerk has a notebook of information which does not require action but may be of interest to presbyters which has been collected since the Stated Meeting in November, 2011. That notebook is available near the clerk’s table. Information on the overtures coming from presbyteries to the 220th General Assembly is also available.
12. NEXT STATED MEETINGS The Stated Meetings of the Presbytery of the Cascades will be held on the following dates in the following locations: June 15-16, 2012 – First Presbyterian Church, Ashland, OR – Make your hotel reservations NOW! November 9-10, 2012 – Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, OR March 8-9. 2012 – Central region
Information about the June meeting will be available following the May 12, 2012 meeting of Presbytery Council.
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CLERK’S REPORT A-2-6
March 2012
2/28/2012
APPENDIX A 2012-2013 EQUALIZATION FORMULA
The following is the “2012-2013 EQUALIZATION FORMULA FOR COMMISSIONERS” proposed for adoption by the Presbytery of the Cascades at its Stated Meeting in March, 2012. It reports the number of commissioners to which each congregation in the presbytery is entitled at each meeting of the presbytery for the period beginning with the June, 2012 Stated Meeting and continuing through the March, 2013 Stated Meeting.
The equalization formula has been prepared by the stated clerk in accord with G-3.0301 to redress the imbalance of
Cascades having more resident teaching elders entitled to vote in the presbytery than there are ruling elder commissioners elected by and from the congregations of the presbytery or elders in service as officers or as chairs of
standing committees of the presbytery (who are enrolled as commissioners for their term of service without their having to be elected as a commissioner from a congregation). It includes also persons serving as Commissioned
Ruling Elders, and Certified Christian Educators who are elders and presently serving in educational ministry in the
presbytery
The first number listed below for each congregation is the number to which the church is entitled on the basis of membership reported as of 12/31/2011.
Congregations with the notation “+RE” are non-ethnic congregations which have reported racial/ethnic elders and who
are invited to send a racial/ethnic elder commissioner (not an additional majority commissioner) in addition to those authorized by either congregational membership or the equalization formula in an effort to redress ethnic balance. Add
all numbers to determine the number of commissioners to which a congregation is entitled. It is encouraged that
sessions elect commissioners for a one-year period (June/July, November, and March) to facilitate communication and effective service in church governance.
LISTING OF CHURCHES AND TOTAL NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE ELDER COMMISSIONERS -- JUNE, 2012 THROUGH MARCH, 2013
Albany, United 2 Aloha, Cooper Mountain 2 Aloha, Reedville 2 Ashland, First 2 Astoria First 2 Aurora 2 Bandon, First 2+RE Beaverton, Korean 2 Beaverton, Southminster 2 Bend, First 3+RE Brookings 2 Camas, St. John's 2 Cannon Beach, Community2+RE Central Point, First 2 Clatskanie 2 Coos Bay 2 Corvallis, Calvin 2+RE Corvallis, First 3 Corvallis, Korean 2 Cottage Grove, First 2 Creswell, First 2 Dallas, First 2 Eagle Creek 2 Estacada, Springwater 2 Eugene, Central 2+RE Eugene, Peace 2 Eugene, Westminster 2 Fairview, Smith Memorial 2 Florence, Siuslaw 2 Glendale, Olivet 2 Gold Beach, First 2 Grants Pass, Bethany 2 Gresham, Covenant 2+RE Hillsboro 2 Hillsboro, Orenco 2 Hillsboro, Tualatin Plains 2 Keizer, John Knox 2+RE Klamath Falls, First 2 Klamath Falls, Mt. Laki 2
Klamath Falls, Peace Mem 2 Lake Oswego, Lake Grove 4 Lakeside, Community 2+RE Lakeview, First 2 Lebanon, First 2 Lincoln City, Chapel By Sea 2 Malin, Community 2 McMinnville, First 2 Medford, First 2+RE Medford, Westminster 2 Merrill, First 2 Mill City, First 2 Milwaukie 2 Milwaukie, Oak Hills 2 Monmouth, Christ's Church 2 Moro, Community 2 Myrtle Creek, Tri-City 2 Myrtle Point, First 2 Newberg, First 2 Newport, First 2 North Bend, First 2 Oakland, Community 2 Oregon City, First 2 Pacific City, Nestucca Valley 2 Parkdale, Community 2 Phoenix, First 2 Portland, Bethany 2 Portland, Calvary 2 Portland, Calvary Korean 2 Portland, Chinese 2 Portland, Colonial Heights 2+RE Portland, Eastminster 2 Portland, First 3 Portland, Grace 2 Portland, Hope Korean 2 Portland, Kenilworth 2 Portland, Kenton 2 Portland, Laurelhurst 2 Portland, Moreland 2
Portland, Mt. Scott Park 2 Portland, Mt. Tabor 2+RE Portland, Multnomah 2 Portland, Northminster 2 Portland, Piedmont 2 Portland, Rose City Park 2+RE Portland, Savage Memorial 2 Portland, St. Andrews 2 Portland, St. Mark 2 Portland, Valley 3 Portland, Westminster 3 Prineville 2 Redmond, Community 2 Reedsport, United 2+RE Roseburg, First 2+RE Salem, First 3+RE Salem, Westminster 3+RE Sandy, Community 2 Shedd, Oakville 2 Sherwood 2 St. Helens, Plymouth 2 The Dalles, Gateway 2 Tigard, Calvin 3 Troutdale, Cherry Park 2 Trout Lake, First 2 Tualatin 2+RE Tulelake, Community 2+RE Vancouver, Cascades 2 Vancouver, Columbia 3 Vancouver, East Woods 2 Vancouver, First 2 Vancouver, Korean 2 Waldport, Community 2 Walterville, McKenzie Valley 2 Warm Springs 2 Warrenton, Clatsop Plains 2 West Linn, Emmanuel 2+RE Woodburn, First 2 Yachats, Community 2
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CLERK’S REPORT A-2-7
March 2012
APPENDIX B HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESBYTERY MEETINGS SURVEY
January-February 2012 – Presbytery Meetings Task Group A total of 123 people took part in the surveys. Only 30 of these had participated in the appreciative interviews at the June 2011 meeting. So with the 125 interviews and the 93 new people taking the survey, 218 presbyters have provided input. The survey confirmed much of what was learned in the interviews, and provided additional important themes. CATEGORIES OF PRESBYTERS The presbyters who took part in the survey are from these categories:
38% Ruling elder commissioners 20% Honorably retired ministers 18% Pastors 13% Presbytery officers or committee members (ruling elders) 10% Teaching elders in uncommon ministries (non-parish) 1% Commissioned ruling elder (serving as lay pastor)
So 52% are ruling elders and 48% are teaching elders. REGIONS REPRESENTED From the four regions of presbytery: 35% Central 28% Northeast 24% Northwest 13% South ACCESS TO METRO AREAS 57% live 1 hour or less from Portland/Vancouver 17% live 1 hour or less from Eugene/Springfield 5% live 1 hour or less from Medford/Ashland 21% live more than 1 hour from any of these metro areas AGE GROUPS OF RESPONDENTS 29% 65-74 27% 55-64 21% 75-84 12% 45-54 7% 35-44 3% 25-34 1% 85+ So 79% are in the 55-84 age group. 10% are between 25 and 44. None are under 25.
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CLERK’S REPORT A-2-8
March 2012
ATTENDANCE PATTERN 30% 3 times a year (every meeting) 26% Twice a year 14% Once a year 19% Occasionally 11% Not at all The ratio of presbyters who attend regularly (1-3 times a year) vs. those who only come occasionally or never (about 70:30) was pretty similar among ruling elders and teaching elders. However, 16% more of the ruling elders than of the teaching elders come to every meeting; whereas “regular attending” for teaching elders tends to mean two times or one time a year. RESPONSES TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS The following answers were chosen by a majority of respondents, listed in order of frequency chosen. [Answers in brackets were additional ones chosen by a majority of those who attend only occasionally or not at all]
INTERESTING AND ENGAGING ASPECTS OF MEETINGS
Connecting personally with others as colleagues, old friends, new friends Opportunities to learn Interesting / inspiring speaker Being a part of something bigger than ourselves – the mission of the wider church Hearing stories of God’s actions in lives and ministries of others Worship [Church speaking to the community/nation/world] [Inclusiveness of all sorts of people] [Small group conversations on practical ministry methods and resources]
SPIRITUALLY NOURISHING WORSHIP
High-quality, inspiring preaching Singing Communion Instrumental music with variety [Emphasis on faithful discipleship]
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Hearing reasonable debate on controversial issue (e.g. constitution amendments) Hearing inspiring or informative reports on special issues or ministries Workshops on practical and theological topics [Useful information for my congregation or my work]
DECISION-MAKING
Participation in healthy debate
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CLERK’S REPORT A-2-9
March 2012
CELEBRATIONS
The start or progress of a new church development Commissioning of those called to particular service Honoring individuals for their service Ordination exam Honoring retiring ministers of the Word and Sacrament (teaching elders) Recognizing the end of a ministry or a congregation’s life [Ordination service held in the meeting ]
CONNECTING PERSONALLY OR SPIRITUALLY WITH OTHERS
Off-the-floor, break-time, or meal-time conversations Reuniting with friends over the years Singing as with one voice Respectful treatment of opposing speakers in debate [Small group discussion during meeting] [Lifting up one another’s concerns and the church in prayer]
RECOGNIZING DIVERSITY
Presentations, reports, storytelling, or worship leadership by folks with varied racial ethnic backgrounds, educational levels, gender, age, differently abled, geographical roots, or theological perspective A portion of the music, poetry or art used in worship coming from a different cultural/racial/ethnic heritage [Special assistance such as sign language interpretation or large print versions of important papers]
POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE TO CONSIDER
An all-day Saturday meeting (41% say that would make them more likely to attend, 16% less likely, and for 43% it would make no difference,)
ATTENDANCE HINDRANCES Travel distance and time EASING ATTENDANCE EXPENSE Host homes in congregations in the local community Congregation helping elder commissioners and pastors with costs MEETING IN GEOGRAPHIC CENTER OF PRESBYTERY 83% would be more likely to be able to attend if meetings were usually held at a centrally located church that 90% of presbyters in the South, Central, Northwest and Northeast regions could drive to in two hours or less.
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CLERK’S REPORT A-2-10
March 2012
ENHANCEMENTS THAT WOULD GIVE THOSE WHO SELDOM ATTEND A STRONGER DESIRE TO DO SO 91% if they knew that presbytery meetings were invigorating, enlightening and stimulating, and that they could expect to get practical demonstrations / training / resources for improving leadership/mission/growth in their congregation or their own work & ministry
Copies of the detailed 16-page survey results are available from the Presbytery Meetings Task Group. Please email John Goff (below) if you would like to receive the document by email.
Presbytery Meetings Task Group
John Goff, Chair ([email protected]) Ian Doescher Anna Grewe Sharon Hasenjaeger
Jackie Hill Ric Neese Cathy Quackenbush John Salmon Linda Shaw Mary Lou Williams
PURPOSE OF PRESBYTERY MEETINGS TASK GROUP:
Seeking God's will, our purpose is to provide guidance
on ways for Presbytery meetings to become more engaging and fulfilling for attendees
and appealing to those who are not attending.
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Page 1 of 7
BYLAWS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE CASCADES Adopted By 2/3 Vote By The Presbytery of the Cascades on November 13, 2004 10 March 2012
Effective on January 1, 200510 March 2012
ARTICLE I - IDENTITY AND AUTHORITY
The Presbytery of the Cascades (“the Presbytery”) is a particular presbytery and regional governing body”) is a council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) subject in all respects to the provisions of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Constitution, these Bylaws, and other such authorities as the Presbyterypresbytery may establish for itself shall govern the structure and proceedings of the Presbytery.presbytery. The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be consulted on matters of parliamentary and meeting procedures. The Presbyterypresbytery shall possess all inherent authority and power to fulfill its responsibilities.
ARTICLE II - MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Presbytery of the Cascades is to serve God by nurturing, supporting and celebrating our common ministries. Guided by the Holy Spirit and in order to glorify God and follow Jesus Christ: • ● We will encourage and support congregations to grow in their particular ministries. • ● We will support and care for our ministers of Word and Sacramentteaching elders and other
professional staff. • ● We will create resources and programs to develop supportive relationships within the Presbytery
presbytery and with other sisters and brothers in Christ. • ● We will initiate, encourageinspire, equip and supportconnect churches for mission beyond the
capabilities of the local congregationand ministry.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP Section A. Definition of the Presbytery
The Presbyterypresbytery is a corporate expression of the Church consisting of all the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches congregations within its bounds and the ministers of the Word and Sacrament[1]teaching elders on its rolls.
Section B. Powers of Voting Members of the Corporation
The Voting Members of the Presbyterypresbytery shall have the right to vote in elections of the directors of the corporation to serve on the Board of Trustees and in elections of the officers of the corporation. The Voting Members shall also have the right to vote on the removal of directors or officers of the corporation and the right to vote on any amendments of the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws. “Voting Members” of the Presbyterypresbytery is defined in Article VI, Section D, of these Bylaws. For purposes of civil law, however, the corporation does not have “members” as that term is used in Chapter 65 of the Oregon Revised Statutes.
ARTICLE IV - BOUNDARIES
The Presbytery of the Cascades encompasses an area of approximately 65,000 square miles in western and central Oregon and in sections of southern Washington and northern California following the geographical boundaries as established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) within the Synod of The Pacific.
ARTICLE V - REGIONS
The Presbytery of the Cascades is to accomplish its mission, to the extent possible, in four geographic regions, i.e., the South, Central, Northeast, and Northwest areas within its boundaries.
ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS OF PRESBYTERY
Section A. Required or “Stated” Meetings of Presbytery
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Page 2 of 7 Stated meetings of the Presbyterypresbytery shall be held three times each year at times and places to be determined by the Presbyterypresbytery, ordinarily within the month of March, within the months of either June or July, and within the month of November. The Required or “Stated” Meeting held in either June or July of each year shall be the annual meeting for the election of directors of the corporation to serve on the Board of Trustees. At the annual meeting the Voting Members shall also elect one of the directors to serve as President of the Board of Trustees and also as President of the corporation. The date and location of each stated meeting shall be announced in advance as may be required. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper may be celebrated by the Presbyterypresbytery at any or all of its stated meetings.
Section B. Special Meetings Special meetings of
The moderator shall call a special meeting at the Presbytery may be called in accordance request, or with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The date, location and purpose of each concurrence, of two teaching elders and two ruling elders, the elders being of different congregations. Should the moderator be unable to act, the stated clerk shall, under the same conditions, issue the call. If both moderator and stated clerk are unable to act, any three teaching elders and three ruling elders, the elders being of different congregations, may call a special meeting. The synod may direct the presbytery to convene a special meeting for the transaction of designated business. Notice of a special meeting shall be announcedsent not less than ten days in advance as required by civil and/or ecclesiastical lawsto each teaching elder and to the session of every congregation. The notice shall set out the purpose of the meeting, and no other business than that listed in the notice shall be transacted.
Section C. Quorum
The quorum required for the lawful transaction of business at a meeting of the Presbyterypresbytery, whether stated or special, shall be that specified in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).not fewer than seven teaching elders who are members of the presbytery and seven ruling elder commissioners from seven different congregations[2].
Section D. Definition of Voting Members
Persons eligible to vote at meetings of the Presbyterypresbytery shall include all ministers of the Word and Sacramentteaching elders on the active roll or member-at-large roll of the Presbyterypresbytery, all ruling elders commissioned to a particular meeting by the session of the particular churchcongregation of their membership, all ruling elders who serve as members of Presbytery CouncilLeadership Commission or as chairs of committees listed in Article VIII of these bylaws, whether or not elected as commissioners to presbytery by the session of their congregation, all commissioned to the meeting by their particular church, and all elders serving as commissioned lay pastorsruling elders when their commission includes having the right to vote at meetings of the Presbytery.presbytery and Certified Christian Educators serving in an educational ministry within the presbytery.
Section E. Persons Eligible To Have Voice
The Presbyterypresbytery grants voice, but not the right to vote, to all Certified Christian Educators and the privilege of the floor to Certified Associate Christian Educators who are officially enrolledat all its meetings with voice only, and, in the Presbytery. The Presbyterycase of Certified Christian Educators who are ruling elders, voice and vote under the provisions of G-2.1103b during the term of service in an educational ministry under the jurisdiction of the presbytery. The presbytery may act to grant voice, but not the right to vote, to presbyters in good standing in other governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or in any other Christian church who are present at any meeting and who may be seated as corresponding members.
ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS AND DUTIES
Section A. Chair of the Board of Trustees and President of the Corporation
The Chair of the Board of Trustees shall be the President of the corporation and shall be elected by the Voting Membersvoting members of the Presbyterypresbytery.
Section B. Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Secretary of the Corporation
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Page 3 of 7 The Secretary of the Board of Trustees shall be the Secretary of the corporationCorporation and shall be elected by the Board of Trustees.
9/29/2008 Section C. Moderator
The Presbytery shall annually elect a Moderator to fulfill the duties of that office as described in the Constitution, Robert’s Rules of Order, and in these Bylaws. A Moderator shall serve for one year and may not succeed to the office. In the event of the inability of the Moderator to fulfill his or her term of service, the Presbyterypresbytery shall elect one of the Vice-Moderators to fill the unexpired term.
Section D. Vice-Moderators
There shall be one regional Vice-Moderator for each geographic region. The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect each year, as necessary, regional Vice-Moderators to serve for a two-year term. The duties of a Vice- Moderator are to perform those duties delegated by the Moderator, to fulfill the duties of the Moderator in the absence of the Moderator, and to represent the Presbyterypresbytery at installations, ordinations and other events in the Vice-Moderator’s region. One of the Vice-Moderators, ordinarily the Vice- Moderator of the region in which a meeting is being held, is to preside at a meeting of the Presbyterypresbytery in the absence of the Moderator.
Section E. Stated Clerk
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Stated Clerk to fulfill the duties of that office as described in the Constitution, Robert’s Rules of Order, and in these Bylaws. The Stated Clerk is to be elected for a term of office of five years, with reelection possible to an indefinite number of terms possible.
Section F. Treasurer
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Treasurer to provide oversight and management of the finances of the Presbyterypresbytery and ensure that accurate financial reports are regularly provided to committees, the Presbytery CouncilLeadership Commission, the Board of Trustees, and the Presbytery.presbytery. The Treasurer is to be elected for a term of office of three years, with reelection to an indefinite number of terms possible.
ARTICLE VIII - ORGANIZATION
Section A. Structure.
The Presbyterypresbytery shall be structured in such ways as may be required or necessary for the accomplishment of its mission statement. The organization of the corporation shall include a Board of Trustees, which shall serve as the board of directors of the corporation. As required by the Constitution, (See Article IX). Insofar as possible and unless otherwise specified, each committee and commission of the presbytery shall consist of an equal number of members from each region of the presbytery.
Section B. PresbyteryCommittees and Commissions
The presbytery shall have the following committees and commissions: a CommitteeCommission on Ministry (which in the Presbytery of the Cascades shall be one for each of the Presbytery’spresbytery’s regions), a CommitteeCommission on Preparation for Ministry, a Nominating Committee, a Committee on Representation, a Permanent Judicial Commission, and a Presbytery Council for the coordination of mission and program. For implementation of its mission, the Presbytery shall have the following committees: a Congregational Support Committee, a Professional Support Committee, a Relational Support Committee, and a Mission Support Committee. For the administration and management of the Presbytery’s personnel functions, the Presbytery shall have a Personnel and Administration Committee. Insofar as may be required by civil law, all these committees are advisory in nature and do not have the authority to exercise the legal powers of the Board of Trustees. Insofar as possible and unless otherwise specified, each committee shall consist of an equal number of members from each region of the presbytery. a Personnel & Administration Committee and a Presbytery Leadership Commission for the coordination of mission and program. There shall also be a subsidiary domestic corporation known as the Westminster Foundation of Oregon, as addressed in Article XIII, Section B, of these Bylaws.
1. CommissionSection A. Committees on Ministry
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Page 4 of 7 The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a CommitteeCommission on Ministry for each region to perform the duties and responsibilities mandated in the Constitution. Each regional CommitteeCommission on Ministry shall consist of sixteen persons including the chair, all from the region, in equal numbers of teaching and ruling elders and ministers. All authority and responsibility which the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) allows to be delegated to a CommitteeCommission on Ministry is granted by the Presbyterypresbytery to its regional CommitteesCommissions on Ministry. Each regional CommitteeCommission on Ministry is empowered to establish administrative commissions for the purposes of ordination or installation of ministers.teaching elders. Each regional CommitteeCommission on Ministry is to report its actions taken to the next stated meeting of Presbyterypresbytery.
9/29/2008 2. Commission
Section B. Committee on Preparation for the Ministry The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect, in accord with the Constitution, a CommitteeCommission on Preparation for the Ministry consisting of sixteen ministersteaching and ruling elders, including the chair. The committeecommission is to provide for the recruitment, nurture, care and oversight of inquirers and candidates for the ministry as provided for in the Constitution, and with the care and oversight of candidates for certification as church educators.
educators. The committeecommission is given authority by Presbyterypresbytery to dismiss candidates as provided in the Constitution and is to report actions taken to the next stated meeting of Presbyterypresbytery.
Section C. 3. Nominating Committee
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Nominating Committee of twelve personspersons including the chair. The Committee shall be broadly representative of the member churches of the Presbyterypresbytery with a membership of one-third ministers, one-third laywomenequal numbers of teaching and one-third laymen.ruling elders There shall be at least one person from each region of the Presbyterypresbytery.
4. Section D. Committee on Representation
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Committee on Representation to consist of eight persons including the chair to meet the requirements and fulfill the responsibilities specified in the Constitution.
Section E. 5.. Permanent Judicial Commission
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Permanent Judicial Commission of seven persons, chosen in accordance with constitutional provisions, to perform the duties of a Permanent Judicial Commission as specified in the Constitution.
Section F. 6. Personnel and Administration Committee
The presbytery shall elect a Personnel and Administration Committee to consist of eight persons, including the chair. The committee shall have responsibility for developing and implementing personnel policies, conducting performance reviews of employees of the presbytery, and dealing with personnel and administrative matters on behalf of the presbytery.
7. Presbytery Council Leadership Commission
The presbytery shall have a Presbytery shall have a Presbytery CouncilLeadership Commission composed of the following persons with voice and vote: the Moderator of the Presbytery, the Vice-Moderators of the Presbytery, the Treasurer, the chairs of the Congregational Support Committee, Professional Support Committee, Relational Support Committee, Mission Support Committee, Personnel and Administration Committee, Board of Trustees, and the immediate past Moderator of the Presbytery, who shall serve as Chair of Presbytery Council.Leadership Commission. The Stated Clerk and other executive staff as the Presbyterypresbytery may employ shall serve as ex- officio members with voice but without vote. The Presbytery CouncilLeadership Commission shall function in accord with the Constitution and these Bylaws as a coordinating body for the program committees of Presbyterypresbytery, for advising the Presbyterypresbytery on budgeting, for meetings of the Presbyterypresbytery, and for amendments and overtures. The Presbytery CouncilLeadership Commission shall have responsibility for strategic planning and management, for personnel matters on the
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Page 5 of 7 recommendation of the Personnel and Administration Committee, and for action on behalf of the Presbyterypresbytery between meetings of the Presbyterypresbytery on recommendations of the Board of Trustees or as directed by the Presbytery.presbytery. The Presbytery CouncilLeadership Commission shall have authority to appoint such sub-committees is it deems necessary to accomplish its responsibilities.
Section C. Programmatic Committees
For implementation of its mission, the presbytery shall have the following committees: a Congregational Support Committee, a Professional Support Committee, a Relational Support Committee, and a Mission Support Committee. All these committees are advisory in nature and do not have the authority to act independently on behalf of the presbytery or to exercise the legal powers of the Board of Trustees. There shall also be a subsidiary domestic corporation known as the Westminster Foundation of Oregon, as addressed in Article XIII, Section B, of these Bylaws.G. Congregational Support Committee
1. Congregational Support Committee
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Congregational Support Committee to consist of nine ministers and church memberspersons, at least one from each of the Presbytery’spresbytery’s regions plusincluding a chairperson chosen without respect for region. The committee shall have responsibility for the congregational support ministries of encouraging and supporting congregations to grow in their particular ministries.
Section H. 2. Professional Support Committee
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Professional Support Committee to consist of nine ministers and church memberspersons, at least one from each of the Presbytery’spresbytery’s regions plusincluding a chairperson chosen without respect for region. The committee shall have responsibility for the professional support ministries of supporting and caring for the Presbytery’s ministers of Word and Sacramentpresbytery’s teaching elders and other professional staff
Section I. 3. Mission Support Committee
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Mission Support Committee to consist of nine ministers and church memberspersons, at least one from each of the Presbytery’spresbytery’s regions plusincluding a chairperson chosen without respect for region. The committee shall have responsibility for the mission support ministries of initiating, encouraging and supporting inspiring, equipping and connecting churches for mission beyond the capabilities of the local congregation.and ministry.
Section J. 4. Relational Support Committee
9/29/2008 The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Relational Support Committee to consist of nine ministers and church memberspersons, at least one from each of the Presbytery’spresbytery’s regions plusincluding a chairperson chosen without respect for region. The Moderator of the Presbyterian Women of the Cascades shall serve as a tenth member of the committee. The committee shall have responsibility for the relational support ministries of creating resources and programs to develop supportive relationships within the Presbyterypresbytery and with other sisters and brothers in Christ.
Section D.Section K. Personnel and Administration Committee The Presbytery shall elect a Personnel and Administration Committee to consist of eight ministers and church members, including the chair. The committee shall have responsibility for developing and implementing personnel policies, conducting performance reviews of employees of the Presbytery, and dealing with personnel and administrative matters on behalf of the Presbytery. Meetings and Voting.
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Page 6 of 7 A quorum of the committees and commissions of the presbytery shall be one half the elected membership of the committee or commission plus one. Any committee or commission may permit any of its members to participate in any meeting of that committee or commission, or may conduct the meeting through the use of communication technology by which all members participating may simultaneously hear each other and participate in discussion and voting during the meeting.
ARTICLE IX - BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section A. Powers
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect a Board of Trustees to consist of twelve ministersteaching elders and church members, including the Chair of the Board of Trustees, who shall be the President of the corporation. The Board of Trustees shall manage the property, legal and financial affairs of the Presbytery of the Cascades and shall serve as the board of directors of the corporation. The Board of Trustees shall manage and dispose of the affairs and property of the corporation under and subject to the direction of the Presbyterypresbytery so far as such directions shall be lawful, with the exception that the Presbyterypresbytery delegates authority to the Board of Trustees to approve routine requests incidental to maintenance and management of real property, but which authority excludes any requests relating to purchase or disposition of real property. The Board of Trustees shall report actions taken at the next stated meeting of the Presbytery.presbytery.
Section B. Term of Office
The term of office of each Trustee shall be three years. No trustee shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating to more than six years. Any Trustee having served a total of six consecutive years shall be ineligible for reelection to the Board of Trustees for a period of not less than one year thereafter.
Section C. Meetings and Voting
A quorum of the Board of Trustees shall be seven. A majority of those present at any duly called and conducted meeting may act on behalf of the Board of Trustees. If notice of any meeting is given in person or by telephone, a meeting may be called upon forty-eight hours advance notice, but if notice is given by any other method, one week advance notice is required. The Board of Trustees may permit any Trustee to participate in any meeting by, or conduct the meeting through, use of communication technology by which all Trustees participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting. A Trustee participating in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.
ARTICLE X - COMMISSIONERS TO SYNODS AND GENERAL ASSEMBLIES
Commissioners from the Presbyterypresbytery to meetings of the Synod of the Pacific and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and their alternates and YouthYoung Adult Advisory Delegates shall be elected by the Presbyterypresbytery in number and qualification and for terms as may be specified by the body to which the commissioner or delegate is to be elected. The Presbytery Nominating Committee shall make nominations to the Presbyterypresbytery of persons for election, giving due consideration to all appropriate criteria for election.
ARTICLE XI - INCORPORATION
The Presbytery of the Cascades shall be incorporated under Oregon Nonprofit Corporation law to receive, hold, encumber, manage and transfer real and personal property, and to facilitate the management of its civil affairs in such manners as may be directed by the Presbyterypresbytery from time to time and according to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This Corporation shall have no seal. The Stated Clerk shall be the Registered Agent of the Corporation. The Registered Office of the Corporation shall be the address of the office of the Stated Clerk.
ARTICLE XII - INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
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Page 7 of 7 The Presbytery of the Cascades shall defend and hold harmless any trustee, any officer, any staff person, the Chair of Presbytery CouncilLeadership Commission, and any other person in an official capacity acting for and authorized by an officer and shall indemnify him or her on every claim, action, suit, or proceeding brought of any nature, whether groundless or not, arising out of or as alleged to be related to or in any way connected with any negligence or intentional wrongful act, breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement or omission, or other act done or wrongfully attempted by any such officer, trustee, or person in his or her capacity acting for the Presbytery.presbytery. The Presbyterypresbytery shall have authority to select legal counsel and to decide in all cases whether the matter is defended or settled. The Presbytery of the Cascades shall reimburse or pay for all legal costs or expenses actually and necessarily incurred in defending the indemnitee, and shall reimburse or pay all judgments, amounts and expenses paid in settling any such claim, action, suit or proceeding when settling is deemed to be appropriate and in the interest of the Presbytery.presbytery. These provisions shall not be applied to hold harmless or indemnify any trustee, officer or other person deemed guilty by the Board of Trustees or by the Presbyterypresbytery of any illegal or wrongful act made in bad faith, or the misuse of trust funds from which he or she personally benefitted. This indemnification provision is invalid and excluded for any individual who would normally come within the scope of those covered herein, in the event he or she is or would be covered under any other existing valid and collectible type of indemnification agreement or insurance protection regardless of the source up to the maximum coverage provided.
ARTICLE XIII - SUBSIDIARY DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS
Section A. General Whenever a domestic corporation is created for the purpose of accomplishing one or more of the objectives of the Presbyterypresbytery, the Presbyterypresbytery is and shall be responsible for approving the Bylaws and for the election of the Board of Directors of the corporation through the presbytery’s nominating and election process. Each corporation, through its Board of Directors, shall make an annual report, including its financial statement, to the Presbyterypresbytery, through the avenues designated by Presbyterypresbytery policy, and shall make interim reports as may be required by the Presbyterypresbytery in consultation with the officers of such subsidiary corporations.
Section B. The Westminster Foundation
The Presbyterypresbytery shall elect twelvenine persons, including a president, to serve as the Board of Directors of the Westminster Foundation of Oregon. The Westminster Foundation of Oregon shall carry out Presbyterypresbytery objectives of developing, supporting and supervising campus ministries in universities and colleges within the bounds of the Presbytery.presbytery.
ARTICLE XIV - AMENDMENTS AND SUSPENSION OF RULES
These Bylaws may be amended at any stated meeting of the Presbyterypresbytery upon a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting, provided that notice of intent to amend, together with the proposed amendment or amendments, shall have been distributed at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. These Bylaws may be amended only; they shall not be suspended.
Revised: 07/11/0810 March 2012
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Presbytery Council B-1-1
March, 2012
DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING OF CASCADES PRESBYTERY COUNCIL
Held January 28, 2012, Southminster Presbyterian Church, Beaverton, OR
A meeting of the Presbytery Council of the Presbytery of the Cascades began at 9:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Beaverton, Oregon. Council Chair, Ric Neese convened the meeting with worship, storytelling, and prayer. Council members present. Ric Neese, Mary Lou Williams, Janet Wylie, Sandra Collins, Bruce Cameron, Ann Bartsch, Pam Fogg, Ted Envela, Verne Duncan, and Lynn Royston. Staff present: Cheryl Anderson, Hugh Anderson, John Mahon, Cathy Quackenbush, and Aleida Jernigan. Also present at the meeting was Eileen Parfrey, representing the Church Growth and Vitality Task Force, and Rodger Clawson, working with the clerk on the 2012-2013 Equalization Formula for Presbytery Representation. Rev. Peg Pfab, pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church welcomed the Council and introduced them to the mission and ministry of the host church. The REPORT OF THE CHURCH GROWTH AND VITALITY TASK FORCE was led by Rev. Eileen Parfrey. She reminded the Council of the purpose of the task force; to be an incubator, and resource for the growth and vitality of congregations, and to report back to Council and Presbytery at each meeting. Three words also describe their task: observe, interpret, invite. The task force continues to ask the question, “What is church growth?” Eileen reported some of the insights achieved during the study of Matthew’s parables of the Kingdom of Heaven in small groups at the November 2011 meeting of Presbytery. These insights were: Go out into the community, respond to a variety of people, notice that God is doing a new thing, ask how can we cooperate with God, and if there is treasure hidden within us for the growing of the kingdom? The task force will bring these insights to the next presbytery meeting as well as stories of two congregations’ engagement with these questions. Commissioners will be encouraged to consider how these stories might apply to their own congregations. The task force has posted a number of resources on line for churches to use. Elder Lynn Royston reported on the PRESBYTERY COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE FOR PRESBYTERY RESTRUCTURE. This subcommittee is in the beginning stages of its work. Their concern is on moving the presbytery away from a programmatic focus to a congregationally based focus. They are asking the four major support committees to consider where they fit in to this change in approach. This work has implications for a change in Presbytery Council’s role; from a coordinating body to a visioning body. Questions also arise as to who should be represented on Presbytery Council. Elder Ann Bartsch, representing the BOARD OF TRUSTEES brought the following action item for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, West Linn, Oregon: to allow an additional permanent utility easement of 445 square feet across the church property with STC Five LLC to install, replace and maintain utility wires, cables, conduits and pipes within the easement area for an existing cell phone tower, and to appoint Ann Bartsch to act on behalf of the Presbytery of the Cascades in signing the easement agreement document. The Council voted to approve the recommendation.
These are draft minutes and will not be official until after review, possible modification, and approval by Presbytery
Council on May 12, 2012.
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Presbytery Council B-1-2
March, 2012
The TREASURER’S REPORT was presented by Treasurer, Pam Fogg. She shared a draft report of the year-end financial situations. Fund 1 (Administration) ended with a surplus of $3,200.00. However the concern for the coming year, 2012, is that per capita has been raised and the Sunset parting gift of per capita payments is concluded. For Fund 2 (Program) there is a deficit for 2011 of $13,000. While this is a considerable amount, it is the lowest deficit experienced in the last few years. The trend is that the presbytery continues to decline in Mission Partnership Funds at about $100,000 less contributed each year. Cutting personnel helped to balance the loss for 2012. Churches continue to give more to designated mission rather than general mission partnership. Elder Janet Wylie presented the report of the PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION. She recommended to Council revisions to the Employment Policies and Procedures Manual. The first revision is a revised Sabbatical Policy for Exempt Called and Installed Staff so that the Committee on Ministry policy and the Cascades employment policy will be congruent. The second revision replaces the phrase “Minister of the Word and Sacrament” with “Teaching Elder,” in order for the manual to be congruent with the new Form of Government. These revisions are Appendix A in these minutes. The Council voted to approve the revisions. REPORTS OF THE VICE MODERATORS The Rev. Bruce Cameron, Vice Moderator of the Central region reported that one congregation in the Central Region has expressed desire to depart from the PCUSA. He is sensing that the financial situation in churches is somewhat better this year. There are very few openings for pastoral positions at this time. First Church, Corvallis has launched a once a month coffee house ministry, appealing to the community, the university, and featuring the Gratitude Jazz Band. The theme for their stewardship campaign this year was “Support the 4 G Network: Gospel, Grace, Gratitude, Generosity.” Elder Verne Duncan reported that he has represented the presbytery at two installations recently and he will be doing the same at Tracie Bullis installation as pastor of Tualatin Plains Church on February 12. Elder Lynn Royston reported that he represented the presbytery at the ordination of Stasia Van Buskirk on December 3, and will be doing the same on February 12, at Valley Community Church for the ordination of Jenny Pratt. Elder Ted Envela, Chair of the MISSION SUPPORT COMMITTEE submitted a written report. The committee’s report at the March Presbytery meeting will feature the Rev. Don Shaw sharing about the Joining Hands with Bolivia partnership. The Rev. Hugh Anderson reported on behalf of the PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE that the Media Resource Center and the Presbytery of the Cascades Camping Program are loosing their shared site at Mt. Tabor, Portland Church. The Board is searching for another suitable site to house these presbytery resources. CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE had submitted a written report and had no additional reports for Council. The Rev. Sandra Collins of the RELATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE reported that the new Presbyterian Women’s Moderator is Connie Brenner. The Theological Reflection Group is working on putting together a Presbyterian Pilgrimage retreat to bring people together for worship, Bible study, and faith development. She also announced that churches participating in this year’s pulpit exchange will be matched at the March Presbytery meeting. The Relational Support Committee is concerned about helping churches share resources for ministry and thinking about an online sharing board.
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Presbytery Council B-1-3
March, 2012
Sandra presented a proposal to Council that beginning in 2013, the Presbytery feature one of the confessions from the Book of Confessions at each meeting of Presbytery until the General Assembly in Portland, in 2016, where the adoption of the Confession of ’67 will be celebrated. The Council voted to approve this proposal. It was also moved and seconded and approved that the Presbytery of the Cascades send a similar overture to the 220th General Assembly. The text of the overture which is to come to the March Presbytery meeting is Appendix B in these minutes. STAFF REPORTS The Rev. John Mahon reported that the Rev. Liz Levitt was commissioned as Interim Pastor at Peace Church, Eugene. Congregational Support will be sponsoring a transformation conference at Columbia, Vancouver on February 11, featuring Tony Robinson as speaker. The Leadership Fair will take place on February 25 at First Presbyterian, Portland with keynote speakers, Cynthia Campbell and Fred Halper. Elder Cheryl Anderson reported that the 2011 financial reports will be completed before the February 9, Board of Trustees’ meeting. She is working with Personnel and Administration on records retention policy, especially electronic retentions. The annual audit of presbytery will take place in April this year rather than March, with the final results presented at the June Presbytery meeting. The Rev. Aleida Jernigan enjoyed a joyful sabbatical in October through December. She reported several Northwest and Northeast pastoral transitions. Two churches in these regions have requested participation in the dismissal process. She attended an anti-racism conference led by Sid Birt and Judith Mowry. She serves on the Justice and Compassion Committee and the Strategic Committee to Restructure the GAMC at the General Assembly level. She is Cascades’ representative to the Oregon Bishops and Executives group. She represented Cascades presbytery with Occupy Portland, and is current President of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. She will also attend a conference on “The Spiritual and Practical Aspects of Negotiation in Church Conflict in Louisville in February. The Rev. Hugh Anderson reported two recent installations in the Southern region: The Rev. Barnabas Sprinkle to Pastor, Westminster Church, Medford, and the Rev. Adam Walker Cleaveland as Associate Pastor, First Church, Ashland. STATED CLERK’S REPORT The minutes of the September 23-24, 2011 meeting and the November 11-12, 2011 Stated Meeting were approved with corrections. The proposed 2012-2013 Equalization Formula for numerical parity of teaching and ruling elders was presented to Council and will be appended to the Clerk’s Report for approval at the next meeting of Presbytery. This formula would be in effect from June 2012 through March 2013. The Clerk presented proposed By-Laws revisions to the Council, who voted to recommend them to the Presbytery in March. These revisions, are mostly changes in terminology to reflect the new Form of Government. A two thirds majority of Presbytery is required for By-Laws changes. The Council voted to rename itself the Presbytery Leadership Commission. (The term “Council” is now used instead of “Governing Body.”)Revisions in the Standing Rules of the Presbytery will be presented to Presbytery in June. On behalf of the Presbytery Meetings Task Group, the clerk presented the preliminary results of the on-line survey about Presbytery meetings to the Council. More complete results will be presented by the task group at the March Presbytery meeting.
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Presbytery Council B-1-4
March, 2012
The Council received a request through the Committee on Ministry, Central Region, from Oakville – Shedd Church for a resolution team to negotiate that congregation’s withdrawal from the PCUSA and dismissal to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. A conversation team has met with representatives of this congregation and recommended this resolution. The Council approved the formation of that resolution team and asked that the Chair of Council appoint the members. The Council received a request through the Committee on Ministry, Northeast Region from Gateway, The Dalles, for a resolution team to negotiate the withdrawal of that congregation from the PCUSA, and eventual dismissal to the newly forming reformed denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians. A conversation team has worked with this congregation during the fall and feels comfortable with the recommendation. The Council voted to approve the formation of this resolution team and asked that the Chair of Council appoint the members. MODERATOR’S REPORT Elder Mary Lou Williams presented and the Council approved the proposed docket for the March 9-10, 2012, stated meeting of Presbytery, which is Appendix C in these minutes. Moderator Williams expressed concerns for the membership and work of the Council Sub Committee on Presbytery Restructure. A significant number of the members will be rotating off their leadership positions in June and the work of the sub committee will take longer that that, perhaps another 12 to 18 months. It was agreed that the current officers would stay on the sub committee and three new officers will be added in June. Presently there is no representative from the South region. Moderator Williams also reported on the November national moderator’s conference, “Shifting Sands, a Changing Church in a Changing Time.” A quote worth pondering that she brought back from the conference is, “We are not being called as leaders just to preserve the PCUSA. Our task is to transform ourselves into a connectional church.” The meeting of Council was adjourned with prayer at 2:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted Catherine Quackenbush Stated Clerk
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Presbytery Council B-1-5
March, 2012
APPENDIX A
Recommendations to Presbytery Council from the Personnel & Administration Committee
regarding changes in the Employment Policies and Procedures of Cascades Presbytery.
Action Item #1 – Revise Section 5.03b to make it more in line with the sabbatical policy found in the
Committee on Ministry manual.
New wording is added in italic.
Eliminated wording is marked by strikeout.
5.03b Sabbatical Leave for Exempt Called and Installed Staff
A sabbatical leave is an extension of the biblical concept of a Sabbath day and Sabbath year for renewal.
Among the called and installed employees it is an opportunity to disengage from regular and normal
tasks so that values and directions may be seen in a new light and adjusted as that light may reveal.
An extended sabbatical leave, with pay, may be granted within the following guidelines: to enable called
and installed employees to study subjects that will contribute to the work of the Presbytery and to their
own technical or professional development. 1. The employee must have completed seven (7) years of service.
2. Since an employee is not ordinarily eligible for study leave and sabbatical leave in the same year, it is
suggested that at least one year must have elapsed since any previous two-week study leave was taken.
3. A detailed general written plan of study with clearly identified goals and expected end product outlining
the scope and desired personal objectives of the sabbatical leave must be approved by the Personnel and
Administration Committee in sufficient advance time so that budget and staffing needs may be met.
4. The maximum length of the sabbatical leave is four months. It may be taken in conjunction with earned
vacation within a particular year but may not be combined with annual study leave.
5. The ongoing work of the particular position and the total functions of the Presbytery and its program are
factors to be considered in approving an extended study leave.
6. The assumption is that a staff person will continue in his/her current position for at least six months upon
completion of the sabbatical leave.
Action Item #2 – Replace the phrase Minister of Word and Sacrament with the new terminology in
the Book of Order of Teaching Elder in sections 3.04, 3.05, 5.03a and 11.02. There is no change of
meaning in the seven citations.
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Presbytery Council B-1-6
March, 2012
APPENDIX B
Proposed Overture from the Presbytery of the Cascades to the 220th
General Assembly
Whereas the222nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will be meeting in Portland,
Oregon in 2016,
Whereas Portland, Oregon was the site of the 1967 General Assembly at which the Confession of 1967
and the concept of a Book of Confessions were approved,
And whereas the Presbytery of the Cascades is preparing for this 2016 meeting of General Assembly by
setting aside the next three years to study each of the confessions found in our Book of Confessions,
Therefore, the Presbytery of Cascades overtures the General Assembly to encourage every presbytery to
set aside time to study the Book of Confessions in preparation for the grand celebration in 2016.
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Presbytery Council B-1-7
March, 2012
APPENDIX C
Proposed Docket Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of The Cascades
March 9-10, 2012 – Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, Portland Recommended to Presbytery Council
Friday, March 9 10-11:30AM Pre-Presbytery Workshops 1. “Pastoral Transition in the Presbytery of the Cascades: What Can We Do Now?” (COMCC) 2. “Listening, Learning, and Sharing” Cultural Proficiency CPAT, (Mission Support) 3. “ Becoming a Disciple-Making Church,” Ray Jones, (Congregational Support) 4. “POINT New Resources for Christian Education” (Congregational Support) 5. “Missional Idea Expositional Explosion” (NCD/Congregational Support) 6. “Gathering of Spiritual Directors” (Professional Support) 11:30AM Registration begins (additional background papers available for pick-up); book exchange table available; Media Resource Center Open House, meal tickets available for
purchase NOON-1PM Luncheon available (offered by host church for purchase) Commissioner Orientation luncheon Cascades Missional Fellowship Luncheon Seminary Support Network Luncheon 1:30PM Convene; Welcome; Gathering Of God’s People With Worship (30) 2:00PM Introductions; Adoption of Docket; Seating of Corresponding Members (10) 2:10PM J Reports of Committees on Ministry; New Members; Retirement Recognitions, Revisions of COM Manual, Request from Peace, Klamath Falls (45) 2:55PM G Report of the Relational Support Committee, including Presbyterian Women (30) 3:25PM Break; Visit Mission Displays (30) 3:50PM Report of the Mission Support Committee (10) 4:00PM F Report of the Congregational Support Committee (60) 5:00PM I Report of the Professional Support Committee (20) 5:20PM Presbyterian Foundation (10) 5:30PM N-O Treasurer’s Report (10) 5:40PM Introduction of New Business (for docketing or referral only) (05) 5:45PM Dinner Recess, Dinner at host church, visits to mission displays (75) 7:00PM Reconvene in Sanctuary; Hearing God’s Word in Worship Celebration of Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (90) 8:30PM Evening Recess/ Coffee House Gathering Saturday, March 10 7:30AM “Uncommon Ministries” breakfast, Tabor Space 9:00AM Reconvene in Sanctuary; Beginning the Day with Worship (15) 9:15AM E Committee on Preparation for the Ministry (30) 9:45AM Seminary Support Network Committee, President of SFTS (15) 10:00AM Board of Pensions (10) 10:10AM Report of Personnel and Administration (10) 10:20AM C Report of the Board of Trustees (05) 10:25AM Report of the General Assembly Mission Council (10) 10:35AM Break, Visits to Mission Displays (20) 10:55AM B Reconvene Downstairs in Fellowship Hall; Report of Presbytery Council (60) 11:55AM A Report of the Stated Clerk (20) 12:15AM Closing; Sending Forth with Worship (20) 12:35PM Adjournment/Lunch
Items in bold indicate “orders of the day” which cannot be changed significantly without specific action by the presbytery; Other times are subject to adjustment as may be required.
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COUNCIL REPORT B-2-1 March, 2012
–DRAFT– Joint Agreement of Dismissal –DRAFT– For the Oakville Presbyterian Church
In November 2011, The Oakville Presbyterian Church, Shedd, OR requested to be dismissed from the Presbyterian Church (USA) [PCUSA] to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church [EPC]. This decision came after a long and thorough exploration into the theology, polity, and actions of the PCUSA and several other reformed denominations by an Exploration Team appointed by the Oakville Session. After a complete report of their findings to the congregation, a survey was conducted and 98% of the members indicated their desire to transfer their denominational affiliation to the EPC.
Following the “Process for Congregations Considering Leaving the Presbyterian Church (USA),” adopted at the June 2007 meeting of the Presbytery of the Cascades, a Conversation Team from the Presbytery met with a group from Oakville. Those conversations indicated that the Oakville congregation is very grateful for its Presbyterian heritage. There are many positive things about the PCUSA which Oakville Church embraces and appreciates. However, at this juncture, they see themselves in a Paul and Barnabas circumstance. There are such significant differences in views that they must reluctantly part company and do ministry in different venues. The goal of both groups is to further the kingdom of God and they feel Oakville Church can do this best in association with EPC.
The Conversation Team reported to the Committee on Ministry Central Region that it is in the best interest of both parties that a Resolution Team be appointed to facilitate the dismissal of Oakville to the EPC. The Committee on Ministry Central Region agreed with the Conversation Team and recommended to Council to form a Resolution Team. Council approved and appointed a Resolution Team. The Resolution Team met with leaders from the congregation and saw to it that all the steps in the “Process for Congregations Considering Leaving the Presbyterian Church (USA)” were followed and the following dismissal agreement was approved.
Oakville’s History Oakville has had a rich heritage in the Reformed Tradition and ministry in the Willamette Valley. The “Willamette United Presbyterian Church” was founded in a log cabin schoolhouse in 1850 at the location of the community cemetery. It was part of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After a fire in 1854, a new sanctuary was built on a hill near its current site in 1856. The current sanctuary was built in 1878, and the current manse is a remodeled schoolhouse it received in trade for land to build a new school. In the late 1950’s, the word “Oakville” was added to the front of the church name to distinguish it from the Willamette Presbytery, one of the predecessors of Cascades Presbytery. About ten years ago the words “Willamette United” were dropped from the name, making it simply “Oakville Presbyterian Church.” Over the past fourteen years, the Oakville congregation has renovated the basement, expanded the size of the sanctuary, doubled the size of the fellowship hall, expanded the kitchen and built new office space. Each project was commenced after the funds were in hand, fulfilling their commitment to never go in debt. Throughout the history of the Oakville Church, the operating expenses every year have been met without a pledge drive or stewardship campaign.
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COUNCIL REPORT B-2-2 March, 2012
Throughout its history, Oakville Presbyterian Church has ministered primarily to the farming community in the mid-Willamette Valley. However, their country setting, strong sense of community, rich evangelical theology with a traditional and reformed view of Scripture has drawn members from Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, and Salem. The congregation has been active in mission in the local communities and throughout the world.
As the Oakville Presbyterian Church moves into the next chapter of their ministry, they are thankful for the association with the Presbytery of the Cascades and the PCUSA. They are grateful for the denomination’s polity, structure, benefits program and call system providing educated clergy. The congregation has fond memories of the many work projects at Santiam Lodge and the involvement of their youth in the camping program. The congregation has supported mission causes through the PCUSA such as One Great Hour of Sharing, Medical Benevolence Foundation, Disaster Relief funds, and Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship. The church has hosted a number of Presbytery evangelism workshops and other events. Rev. Carpenter has served on the Self Development of People Committee, Committee on Ministry and has chaired the Evangelism Team.
The entire process for dismissal from the PCUSA to the EPC has been surrounded in prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit. The overall goal is to allow all to faithfully follow Jesus Christ where He is leading. It is our prayer that the ministry of Oakville and the Presbytery may thrive in each of their ministries. The goal should be to further the Kingdom of God as each are called, equipped and sent.
To this end, the Presbytery agrees to accept the following commitments from the Oakville Church:
1. The church shall perform whatever actions are necessary to remove the Presbytery from any obligations or liabilities.
2. The church, together with the Presbytery, shall develop a Membership Care Plan that provides a safe, confidential and orderly process for church members to declare their desire to remain in the PCUSA. All Oakville members will be offered a written declaration on which they may declare in writing their desire to remain with the PCUSA. Those who submit such a declaration will be contacted by a designated team member representing Oakville and the Presbytery so that appropriate pastoral care and membership actions may be provided.
3. No later than thirty (30) days after the dismissal date, the Oakville Presbyterian Church shall deliver to the Presbytery of the Cascades a full and complete copy of all known and available rolls, registers and minutes of meetings of session, trustees, and congregation since the inception of the church.
4. As a token of its historical connection to the Presbyterian churches in the Willamette Valley, and reflecting 161 years as part of the Presbytery and its predecessors, and to lessen any financial impact to the Presbytery, the Oakville Church will make an offering to the Presbytery of $12,500 to be paid within thirty (30) days after the dismissal date.
5. The Oakville Church is responsible to file the necessary papers with the state and the county as a religious nonprofit corporation. It is also the responsibility of the Oakville Church to take care of any insurance matters. The Oakville Church is responsible for all expenses involved.
6. The Oakville Church will provide the Trustees of the Presbytery with a statement of the fair market value of all real property of the Oakville Church before the dismissal date.
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COUNCIL REPORT B-2-3 March, 2012
7. The real property of the church will revert to the PCUSA if the Oakville Church does not continue to be a part of a reformed denomination for the next ten years.
In exchange for Oakville’s commitments as set forth above, the Presbytery of the Cascades agrees to the following:
1. To dismiss the Oakville Church to the Presbytery of the Pacific of the EPC. 2. To dismiss the Rev. John Carpenter, through the Committee on Ministry, to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. 3. To release any and all claims, whether for real property, personal property or other
property of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, of the Oakville Presbyterian Church, but not limited to, the title to all property and assets, and to release any and all claims in law or equity for possession, ownership or title to all such real property, or other property including money, of the Oakville Presbyterian Church, whether such claims are presently known or unknown.
The Oakville Presbyterian Church will be dismissed to the EPC effective March 31, 2012 and recognized in worship at Oakville on Palm Sunday, April 1 as a celebration of a new chapter in the journey of its ministry in the mid-Willamette Valley.
This Joint Agreement constitutes the terms of agreement for the final resolution between the Oakville Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of the Cascades. This resolution is the product of the best efforts of the team that has chosen to compromise and err on the side of grace as a witness to others of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Members of the Oakville Resolution Team: The Rev. Bruce Sexton, First Presbyterian, Mill City – Chair The Rev. John Carpenter, Oakville Presbyterian Ruling Elder Merle Bottge, Central Presbyterian, Eugene Ruling Elder Mike Coon, Oakville Presbyterian The Rev. Stephen Dietrich, Member at Large Ruling Elder Louis Gerber, Oakville Presbyterian The Rev. David McCracken, HR Ruling Elder Jerry Peterson, Oakville Presbyterian Deacon Laura Sinkbeil, Oakville Presbyterian Ruling Elder Sue Walker, Westminster Presbyterian, Eugene Amorita Wirth, Oakville Presbyterian Ruling Elder Don Wirth, Oakville Presbyterian The Rev. John Mahon, Co-Executive Presbyter – Presbytery Staff Support, ex officio
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES C-2-1
March 2012
I. BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDATIONS TO PRESBYTERY—February 9, 2012
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Fund 1 Surplus Transfer Request
Libby Boatwright presented request for approval to transfer Fund 1 – Administration surplus
of approximately $32,000 to the Fund 3 – Administrative Reserves account.
MP: Approved request from the Budget and Finance committee to recommend to
Presbytery to transfer Fund 1 surplus to Fund 3 – Administrative Reserves
B. Fund 2 Deficit Funding Transfer Request
Libby Boatwright presented request for approval to fund the Fund 1 deficit of approximately
$13,000 from Fund 3 – Program reserves account after estimated $32,000 transfer of Fund
4 – Endowment Fund 2011 earnings.
MP: Approved request from the Budget and Finance committee to recommend to
Presbytery to fund the Fund 2 deficit of approximately $13,000 from Fund 3 –
Program Reserves account.
C. Transfer request between Fund 3 Reserve Accounts
Libby Boatwright presented request for approval to transfer $100,000 accumulated reserves
from the Fund 3 – Administrative Reserves account to the Fund 2 – Program Reserves
account to be available for potential future deficits in Fund 2.
MP: Approved request from the Budget and Finance committee to recommend to
Presbytery to transfer $100,000 from the Fund 3 – Administrative Reserves account
to the Fund 3 – Program Reserves account to be available for potential future deficits
in Fund 2.
D. Newberg, First
Del McAmis presented a request for approval to convert balance of existing Line of Credit
loan with the Synod in the amount of $127,412 to a Synod amortized loan for 60 months
with a 20 year amortization schedule.
MP: Approved request to convert balance of existing Line of Credit loan with the Synod in
the amount of $127,412 to a Synod amortized loan for 60 months with a 20 year
amortization schedule.
E. Portland, First
Del McAmis presented a request for approval to consolidate the existing balance of
$162,184 on Synod amortized loan #1602120 with the existing balance of $387,917 on
Synod amortized loan #1602030 to a new Synod amortized loan in the amount of $508,000
for 60 months with a 20 year amortization schedule.
MP: Approved request to consolidate the balances on two existing Synod amortized loans
with a new Synod amortized loan in the amount of $508,000 for 60 months with a
20 year amortization schedule.
F. Vancouver, Cascades
1. Del McAmis presented a resubmitted request for approval of a Synod Line of Credit
loan in the amount of $550,000 for construction of improvements to current
facilities, including new sanctuary. Combined with Muzzy loan request is a total debt
amount of $800,000. Line of Credit loan is secured by the buildings.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES C-2-2
March 2012
MP: Approved revised request for a Synod Line of Credit loan in the amount of $550,000
for construction of improvements to current facilities, including new
sanctuary.
2. Del McAmis presented a request for approval of a Synod Muzzy loan in the amount of
$250,000 for construction of improvements to current facilities, including new
sanctuary. Combined with Line of Credit loan request is a total debt amount of
$800,000.
MP: Approved revised request for a Synod Muzzy loan in the amount of $250,000
for construction of improvements to current facilities, including new sanctuary
for a total approved debt amount of $800,000.
3. The two Synod loans’ allowable debt ratio is more than twice the allowable debt
indicator of $3,000 at $6,557 per member. Synod Mission Finance Committee will
request that the Presbytery sign as Guarantor of loan payments, with any missed
payments by the church being deducted from the Presbytery’s custodial money
market account with the Synod.
MSP: Approve Presbytery as Guarantor if Vancouver, Cascades’ miss loan payments
with loan amount deducted from the Presbytery’s custodial money market
account with the Synod.
G. Genesis Community Fellowship Church
Sue Walker presented request for approval to loan Genesis Community Fellowship Church
approximately $12,000 at a 2% interest rate up to five years to assist in payment of
delinquent 2009-2010 Multnomah County Property Taxes due. The new loan will be
subordinate to the contract mortgage loan initiated upon sale of the property to Genesis in
2008. The renewal of the contract mortgage loan will come up for review before the payoff
of the subordinate loan. At renewal of the contract mortgage loan a subordination clause
will need to be added for the new loan.
MP: Approved Genesis Community Fellowship Church loan amount of approximately
$12,000 at a 2% interest rate up to 5 years to assist in payment of delinquent 2009-
2010 Multnomah County Property Taxes due.
H. Eugene Peace
Sue Walker presented request for approval of lease renewal with Eugene Korean United
Church for the church sanctuary, kitchen, and Sunday School classrooms. Lease is for
space for worship services, fellowship, Christian education, practice space, small office and
restroom facilities for 1½ hours on Sunday after 12:00 pm and kitchen/classrooms on
Friday’s for 2 hours, commencing on January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
MP: Approved lease renewal with Eugene Korean United Church with recommendation to
obtain a Certificate of Insurance from the lessee with the addition of the church
being named as additional insured.
I. Portland, Calvary
1. Sue Walker presented request for approval of lease renewal with the New Zion
Ministries for the church sanctuary, kitchen, fellowship hall, two classrooms, storage
room, and nursery. Lease is for space for worship services on Sunday afternoon and
Wednesday evening commencing on January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
MP: Approved lease renewal with New Zion Ministries with recommendation to
obtain a Certificate of Insurance from the lessee with the addition of the
church being named as additional insured.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES C-2-3
March 2012
2. Sue Walker presented request for approval of lease renewal with the Russian
Seventh Day Adventist Church for the church sanctuary, five classrooms, and one
classroom in the north wing to be used as a library. Lease is for space for worship
services on Friday evening, Saturday morning and evening, and Tuesday evening
commencing on January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
MP: Approved lease renewal with Russian Seventh Day Adventist Church with
recommendation to obtain a Certificate of Insurance from the lessee with the
addition of the church being named as additional insured.
J. Portland, Savage Memorial
Sue Walker presented request for approval for lease with Emanuel Romanian Church of God
for the church sanctuary, parking lot on east and north of building, and use of two
restrooms near kitchen. Lease is for space for worship services on Sundays from 6:00 pm
to 8:00 pm and Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm commencing on March 1, 2012
through February 28, 2013.
MP: Approved lease with Emanuel Romanian Church of God.
K. Gresham, Covenant
Sue Walker presented request for approval to allow the City of Gresham a construction
right-of-way easement for construction of sidewalk and planter strip along frontage of
church property with access from existing church driveway.
MP: Approved request to allow the City of Gresham a construction right-of-way
easement.
L. Resolution request to set insurance requirements by church facilities outside users
John Mahon presented request from the Property Maintenance and Sales Committee
requesting a resolution approval to recommend to Presbytery that outside users of church
facilities be required to submit a Certificate of Insurance with minimum liability coverage of
$1,000,000 with the church named as additional insured.
MP: Approved recommending the following resolution to set insurance requirements by
church facilities outside users to church with both church and Presbytery named as
additional insured.
Whereas member churches of the Presbytery of the Cascades desire to open
up church facilities for use from outside users,
Now, therefore be it resolved on this 10th day of March 2012 that all
member churches of the Presbytery of the Cascades are required to obtain from
outside user of church facilities a Certificate of Insurance with minimum liability
coverage of $1,000,000 with the church and the Presbytery of the Cascades
named as additional insured.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
Budget and Finance Committee
A. December 2011 Financial Statements
Libby Boatwright presented the Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activity,
Operations Financial Reports, Special Funds Report, and Cash Flow Report as of December
31, 2011. The Presbytery finances are healthy with the market value at December 31, 2011
showing the current volatility of market activity resulting with the end of the year market
returns generally flat for the year.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES C-2-4
March 2012
Operations Financial Report – Fund 1 - Administration:
At December 31, 2011, the amount of per capita payments is lower than the per capita
revenue projection through December 2011. At December 31, 2011 the per capita deficit to
budgeted projection is $28,592. Other revenue is also lower than the December 31, 2011
projections by $5,552. All regional offices and committees are currently under budget. No
expenditures have been made for capitalized equipment; however a refurbished
replacement workstation for the Media Resource Center was purchased with total equipment
and installation costs less than $1,000 and is expensed for Media Resource Center in Fund
2. A transfer from Fund 1 was made to Fund 2 – Media Resource Center to cover the cost
of the expensed equipment. The equipment line is over budget due to the transfer of
computer equipment and support costs for the Media Resource Center and additional
unexpected administrative expenses for the purchase and installation of a new network
server router to replace one that failed. Fund 1 ended the year 2011 with a net surplus of
approximately $32,417, which is based primarily upon receipt of the Sunset PC $41,000
gift.
Operations Financial Report – Fund 2 - Program:
At December 31, 2011 the Program Fund had a deficit of $45,663 with Partnership Giving
$110,938 less than budgeted. Directed Mission Support is $19,913 less than budgeted with
lower than anticipated directed giving year-to-date. The expense overage in Professional
Support Committee is due to clergy assistance grants which are funded by Fund 3 transfers.
The balance in Transfers to Other funds is a balance transfer of unspent directed giving
revenue to Fund 3 for the Joining Hands in Bolivia program account. All transferred revenue
from Fund 3 has been made timely to offset program expenses using Fund 3 funds. The
year end transfer from Fund 4 – Endowment Fund has not been made, but is expected to be
approximately $32,000, leaving a deficit in Fund 2 of approximately $13,000.
Special Funds Report – Fund 3: Market value at December 31, 2011 is still recovering from
prior years’ market value loss, but recovery is subject to the volatility in the market and
results for the end of the year market returns is generally flat for the year. For comparison
purposes a second column shows YTD Prior Year.
The Financial Statements through December 2011 were received.
B. 2011 Cascades Mission Treasury Service Report
Final 2011 pledged Presbyterian Partnership Giving is $840,901 from 71 churches,
representing 78.6% of the 2011 budget. This compares with $854,995 in pledged
Presbyterian Partnership Giving from 70 churches, representing 77.7% of the 2010 budget
at the end of last year. The overall trend the last several years has been less being pledged
from year to year.
Cascades Mission Treasury Service report through December, 2011 was received.
C. 2012 Cascades Mission Treasury Service Report
Presbyterian Partnership Giving pledges have just started to come in. Pledges from 40
churches totaling $351,230 have been received. This represents 38.3% of the 2012
budget. This compares with $462,505 in 2011 pledged Presbyterian Partnership Giving
from 45 churches, representing 43.2% of the 2011 budget at this same time last year.
Cascades Mission Treasury Service report through January, 2012 was received.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES C-2-5
March 2012
D. Endowment Committee Investment Update
Libby Boatwright presented information on the endowment investment with Fidelity
Investments (through investment managers Headwater Investment Group) as of December
31, 2011 4th quarter end. The Endowment Fund is doing well against industry benchmarks
with only a 1.5% market value loss from January 1, 2011 to December, 2011. The market
and the endowment investments have shown a continued recovery trend during 2011.
However, due to market volatility in August and September, the Endowment Fund lost
ground in September 2011, but made up some of the loss in the 4th quarter with the market
value decreasing in the Presbytery’s Fidelity investments to a year-to-date total loss of
$27,505 at December, 2011. As compared with the year 2010 ending with a 13.8% gain,
the year 2011 was the year of no return. However, January 2012 did show a recovery
upswing with a $60,000 gain in the Fidelity funds. Since inception of the Fidelity account in
September 2006, the Fidelity account has averaged an annualized 2.6% increase in market
value. Following the established investment policy, the Fidelity investments through
Headwater are still at a 50-50 ratio between stocks and bonds. The committee is
rebalancing the portfolio with additional diversification of approximately $100,000 as
investments are heavy in some funds. The committee has given Headwater Investments
the authorization to proceed with rebalancing the investment portfolio within the next 90
days.
Endowment Committee Investment report through December, 2011 was received.
Contractual Agreements and Loans
A. Loan Reports
Cheryl Anderson presented the Loan Report as of December 31, 2011. Synod and GA
balances are current as of December 31, 2011. Reports of commercial loan balances are
current as of the beginning of January 2012. All loan balances are current except for
Portland, Multnomah and Portland, St. Mark which are one month behind in payments. The
only Presbytery church loan now outstanding is Hope Korean Presbyterian Church and they
are still four months behind in payments for 2009, but have paid each month currently in
2012. This has been brought to the attention of the church and they are working to make
up missed payments. Total outstanding loan balance is $9,947,009 with potential loan
liability to Presbytery of $11,363,266. Several new and renewal loan applications have
been submitted for approval, but loans have not been initiated. The note receivable from
Genesis Community Fellowship for sale of the former Vernon PC property is current.
The Loan Report at December 31, 2011 was received.
B. CPIP Update
John Mahon reported that no new information on CPIP’s bankruptcy filing has been received
to date. The process is still waiting for a written notice from the Synod.
The CPIP insolvency and bankruptcy action report was received.
Property Management and Sale
A. Rogue River, Hope
Cathy Quackenbush presented report that the Oregon Supreme Court decision will hear oral
arguments on the review of Appellants’ judgment petition from Hope Presbyterian Church
on March 12, 2012.
The report on the Supreme Court scheduled to hear oral arguments on review of judgment
petition from Rogue River, Hope was received.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES C-2-6
March 2012
B. Cook, WA, Evergreen
Sue Walker presented report on the final agreement and disposal of church property
agreement between church and Presbytery on dissolution of church to an independent
community with payment of $5,000 in exchange for all rights, title and interest in property.
Final signing took place on October 25, 2011 with church taking signed agreement to a title
company in the area for property title transfer processing. As of January 31, 2012 no
confirmation of agreement filing with Skamania County for agreed payment of $5,000 has
been received by the Presbytery.
Report on Cook, WA, Evergreen’s final agreement and disposal of church property
agreement was received.
C. Milwaukie, Oak Hills
Sue Walker presented report on copy provided by church on AIA document of Standard
Form of Agreement between Owner and Contractor on church’s approved construction
project.
Report on AIA document of Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Contractor
was received.
D. Portland, Westminster
Sue Walker presented report on copy provided by church on church’s construction project
building master plan and current process.
Report on church’s construction project building master plan and current process was
received.
E. Vancouver, Columbia
Sue Walker presented report on copy provided by church on church’s construction project
building conceptual design from BCRA Architects in Tacoma, WA for remodel and
enlargement of church building.
Report on church’s construction project building conceptual design from BCRA Architects in
Tacoma, WA was received.
F. Corvallis, Korean
John Mahon presented request for approval for assistance from the Presbytery of the
Cascades’ Korean Ministry Capital Fund in the amount of $20,000 with cost of purchasing a
van to provide transportation for congregation needs, and OSU students, professors, and
immigrant Koreans.
MP: Request was denied as Corvallis, Korean received grant from Korean Ministry Capital
Fund in September 2010 and the church is not eligible to receive another grant until
September 2012 and to resubmit request for September Trustees meeting.
G. Portland, Hope Korean
John Mahon presented request for approval for assistance in the amount of $3,258.50 from
the Presbytery of the Cascades Barnabas Fund with cost of repairs to fix water leaks in
basement during heavy rains.
MP: Approved request for Barnabas Fund grant in the amount of $3,258.50.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES C-2-7
March 2012
H. Portland, Eastminster
John Mahon presented request to appoint a Trustee member to assist church in the
development and preparation of a counter lease proposal to Parkrose Community United
Church of Christ’s lease proposal of church building and property to be in place prior to the
church being dissolved.
The report of Portland, Eastminster’s request to appoint a Trustee member to assist church
in the development and preparation of a counter lease proposal to Parkrose Community
United Church of Christ’s lease proposal of church building and property prior to church
being dissolved was received with request for a Trustee member willing to serve as an
advisor.
Administrative Commissions
Portland, Hope Korean
Cathy Quackenbush presented report on the progress the Administrative Commission is making
with Hope Korean. There has not been any recent activity by the Administrative Commission.
However, in January the church elected and ordained one Ruling Elder, and baptized two adult
members.
Report of the Hope Korean Administrative Commission was received.
II. BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL—January 18, 2012:
ITEMS APPROVED BY COUNCIL—JANUARY 28, 2012
West Linn, Emmanuel
The Board of Trustees approved recommending approval to allow an additional permanent utility
easement of 445 square feet across the church property with STC Five LLC to install, replace and
maintain utility wires, cables, conduits and pipes within the easement area for existing cell phone
tower.
Recommend to Council: Approve additional easement with STC Five LLC to install, replace and
maintain utility wires, cables, conduits and pipes within the easement
area and appoint Ann Bartsch to act on behalf of the Presbytery of the
Cascades in signing the easement agreement document.
III. SCHEDULE FOR LOAN AND PROPERTY MATTERS--Board of Trustees, Council, Presbytery,
Synod Loans
Presbytery dates pertaining to application for Synod Loans:
March 9 & 10, 2012 -Presbytery Meeting
April 16, 2012 -Paperwork Deadline
May 3, 2012 -Trustees Meeting
May 12, 2012 -Council Meeting
June 15 & 16, 2012 -Presbytery Meeting
August 20, 2012 -Paperwork Deadline
September 6, 2012 -Trustees Meeting
September 21 & 22, 2012 -Council Meeting
October 8, 2012 -Paperwork Deadline
October 25, 2012 -Trustees Meeting
November 9 & 10, 2012 -Presbytery Meeting
Synod dates pertaining to application for Synod loans:
April 10, 2012 -Synod Application Deadline
May 2012 -Synod Finance Meeting
July 10, 2012 -Synod Application Deadline
August 2012 -Synod Finance Meeting
September 10, 2012 -Synod Application Deadline
October 2012 -Synod Finance Meeting
January 10, 2013 -Synod Application Deadline
February 2013 -Synod Finance Meeting
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES C-2-8
March 2012
When requested by Presbytery, Synod will often act on loan requests pending approval by Presbytery.
III. REPORT ON PRESBYTERY’S CURRENT LOAN INDEBTEDNESS
General Assembly Loans $ 1,552,242
Synod of the Pacific Line of Credit $ 2,870,718
Synod of the Pacific Mortgage Loans $ 4,739,089
Synod of the Pacific James M Muzzy Loan Fund $ 443,622
Loans from Commercial Sources $ 341,338
Approved, but not yet drawn $ 1,416,257
Total Presbytery Indebtedness/Liability $11,363,266
Churches with loans from Presbytery $ 193,267
GA Grant Mortgages $ 257,454
IV. INFORMATION FROM THE SYNOD OF THE PACIFIC
The Presbyterian Church relies on the connections between congregations, Presbyteries,
Synods, and the General Assembly to nurture and support each other's mission, and to make
possible mission work that would be beyond the resources of any one body. The Synod of the
Pacific supports the connectional nature of the church by providing loans and other financial
services at favorable rates and terms, and by being a net funding resource to our churches and
Presbyteries. Investments by congregations provide funds for loans with the interest returned to
the investors. Should your congregation be interested in investment or a loan, we ask that you
contact the Business Manager in the Portland Office for more information.
1. Synod Custodial Fund/Mission Development Investment Service. The products in this
Service range from Custodial Demand Accounts to Three-Year Mission Development
Certificates (MDC), paying at rates of interest tied to the prime interest rate.
2. Rates and Terms for Loans
a. Line of Credit Loans. Line of Credit Loans provide funds for construction and
renovation projects and other needs. Funds are drawn as needed, and only
interest payments are required. Lines are granted for a 2 year term, with
renewal possible for an additional two year term.
b. Synod Mortgage Loans. Mortgage Loans provide funds for site and building
purchases, and are also used to refinance Line of Credit Loans after project
completion, or to refinance commercial debt. Principal and interest payments are
fixed for the 5 year term of the loan, and are based on a 20 year amortization,
with renewal possible for three additional 5 year terms.
c. James M. Muzzy Loans. James M. Muzzy Loans provide capital funding for
congregations with special financial needs, including small congregations, new
church developments, racial/ethnic congregations, and churches with
catastrophic uninsured losses. Fixed rate loans of up to $125,000 are available
for up to 15 years.
3. Mission Giving Discounts: Discounts of up to 0.75% off usual lending rates are available for
churches demonstrating an excellent history of supporting Presbyterian causes through
General Mission Giving. For details, and to determine what discount your congregation may
qualify for, contact the Synod's Loan Coordinator.
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COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY E-1-1
March 2012
For Action:
1. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry having met on January 13-14, 2012 at Lake Grove
Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon, recommends that Presbytery enroll as an Inquirer for
ordination as a Teaching Elder Scott T. Crane, member of First Presbyterian Church, Portland,
Oregon.
2. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry having met on January 13-14, 2012 at Lake Grove
Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon, recommends that Presbytery enroll as an Inquirer for
ordination as a Teaching Elder Lillian Pak, member of Vancouver Korean Presbyterian Church,
Vancouver, Washington.
3. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry having met on January 13-14, 2012 at Lake Grove
Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon recommends to Presbytery that it request the
Presbytery of San Joaquin to “transfer the covenant relationship” [G-2.0608] of Certified Candidate
Susan A. Graham from the Presbytery of San Joaquin to the Presbytery of the Cascades and
pending approval by the Presbytery of San Joaquin and enroll Susan Graham as a candidate
certified reedy to receive a call.
For Information:
1. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry, having met on January 13-14, 2012 at Lake Grove
Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon, reports that an annual consultation was held with
Candidate Jill J. Holseth, member of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, West Linn, Oregon.
Explanation of Process
The Book of Order outlines a process for individuals seeking to become Teaching Elders in the
Presbyterian Church (USA) which requires a minimum of two years and contains eighteen separate steps.
It involves the individual, the session of the individual’s home congregation, the Presbytery’s Committee
on Preparation for Ministry [CPM], the presbytery of call and the presbytery of care. Specific details can
be found in the Book of Order G-2.06.
Applicant Process: The individual must be a member of a congregation for at least six months.
The individual informs the session of his or her desire to pursue ordained ministry. The session notifies
the Committee on Preparation for Ministry who then meet with the session for orientation on the
candidacy process. The session meets with the individual and makes a recommendation to CPM. This
recommendation, along with the individual’s application, references, and a psychological assessment is
shared with the CPM who then interviews the individual and makes a recommendation to presbytery to
enroll the person as an inquirer. Currently there are 4 persons in Cascades Presbytery who have
expressed interest in starting this process. See Action Items #1 & 2.
Inquiry Process: Currently there are 4 persons in Cascades Presbytery who are enrolled as
inquirers. This phase of the process is a time for exploration of the vocation of ministry and the sense of
one’s call to ordained ministry. Each person is assigned a liaison from the session of the home
congregation and from the CPM. Once enrolled as an inquirer, an annual consultation is held for as long
as the individual remains in the candidacy process with goals set in five key areas: education for ministry,
spiritual formation, interpersonal relations, personal growth and professional development.
See Information Item #1.
Candidacy Process: After a minimum of one year, the inquirer can request to be moved to the
candidacy phase of the process. The individual again officially meets with the session of the home
congregation which makes its recommendation to CPM. CPM also meets with the candidate, reviews the
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COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY E-1-2
March 2012
progress made in the inquiry process, and receives the individual’s one page statement of Christian
Experience. CPM then makes its recommendation to Presbytery to enroll the individual as a candidate.
Currently there are 13 individuals in Cascades Presbytery who are enrolled as candidates. This
phase lasts a minimum of one year. During this time the individual is given permission to take the five
ordination examinations required by our denomination.
Certified Candidacy Process: Once the individual has passed those examinations, has taken a
field experience and clinical pastoral education credit and is close to graduation from a Presbyterian
seminary [or granted an exemption from the CPM on a case-by-case basis], the candidate appears before
the CPM to be examined as certified ready to receive a call. This final assessment of the individual
reviews all pertinent information from the entire candidacy process. The individual is also required to
produce an exegetical paper and preach before the committee a sermon based on that text as well as
defend a one page Statement of Faith. CPM then is granted the power by operating procedures of
Cascades Presbytery to approve a person certified ready to receive a call. Currently 6 of the 15
candidates under care of Cascades Presbytery are certified ready to receive a call. They are given
permission to circulate a Personal Information Form and pursue a call.
Once a call has been extended to a validated ministry, the individual must appear before the
presbytery to be examined on his or her Statement of Faith. This is the final step in the “trials for
ordination” and is ordinarily conducted by the presbytery in which the call has been issued.
Once a call has been extended to a validated ministry, the individual must appear before the
presbytery to be examined on his or her Statement of Faith. This is the final step in the “trials for
ordination” and is ordinarily conducted by the presbytery in which the call has been issued. Once
examined and approved for ordination, the presbytery of call then ordinarily sets the time and place for
the candidate’s service of ordination.
Anyone wishing to pursue ordination as Teaching Elders or having a question concerning the
candidacy process is encouraged to contact Janet Mills, Moderator of the Committee on Preparation for
Ministry [503-645-3192] or Hugh Anderson, staff resource to the Committee [800-701-7313].
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COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY E-2-1
March 2012
For Action:
1. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry having met on February 10-11, 20121 at Lake Grove
Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon recommends that the Presbytery of Cascades, with the
required ¾ vote of those present, according to Book of Order [G-2.0610], waive the passing of the
standardized Bible Content exam for Candidate Jill J. Holseth, and that the Presbytery administer the
following alternative assessment plan:
Alternate Exam Process for Bible Content*
The Rationale:
a. The Book of Order [G-2.0610] provides for an alternative assessment process, if approved by a three-
fourth vote of the presbytery of care.
b. The CPM is satisfied with the progress made in all other areas.
c. There is precedent in the Presbytery of Cascades to approve alternative methods for examination:
Biblical Exegesis [approved 2002; reaffirmed in 2005 and 2010]
Polity [approved 2006, reaffirmed in 2011]
Worship and Sacraments [approved 2006]
d. To accommodate individuals who have not successfully completed the Bible Content exam after several
attempts, the following plan is proposed as an alternative. This exercise is intended to not only
demonstrate a familiarity with content of the Bible but to also serve as the foundation for a useful
resource to remember and access specific passages.
The Plan:
a. After approval by the Presbytery, the candidate is to:
Write and submit a comprehensive portfolio surveying the content of the Bible. The portfolio
must include a brief summary of the content of each book with identification of at least one
reference of scripture/story in each book that would be useful in the pastoral context in which
you expect to work. Besides citing the reference and providing a quotation of the verse(s),
provide a paragraph of explanation as to how the passage is relevant in your life and/or work.
In addition at least two such references shall be included for one book of each of the major
divisions of scripture (Law, Former Prophets, Wisdom Literature, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets,
Gospels & Acts, Pauline Epistles, Non-Pauline Epistles, and Revelation). For example, your
portfolio piece for the Law Portion might include 3 references from Genesis and one reference
from each of the remaining books in that portion.
The portfolio must be completed on the computer so that it may be the beginning of a life-time
work that may be added to as you continue your study of scripture and insight into ministry.
b. An evaluation panel would be composed of three persons from the Presbytery of Cascades. (NOTE:
Current CPM members would not be members of this panel.)
c. The examination panel will provide oral feedback to the candidate following their completion of the
grading process and recommendation to CPM regarding successful completion of this exam.
* “A full account of the reasons for exception shall be included in the minutes of the presbytery and
communicated to the presbytery to which an inquirer or candidate may be transferred.” [Book of Order, G-
2.0610]
For Information:
1. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry, having meting on February 10-11, 2011 at Lake Grove
Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon, certified Candidate Amanda C. Golbek, member of Rose
City Park Presbyterian Church, Portland, as ready to receive a call, pending graduation from seminary.
She was granted permission to circulate her PIF.
2. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry, having met on February 10-11, 2012 at Lake Grove
Presbyterian Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon, reports that an annual consultation was held with Inquirer
Aaron L. Pratt, member of Central Presbyterian Church, Eugene, Oregon.
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REPORT OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE F-1-1
March 2012
Action
Eco-Justice—Heartland Presbytery’s Overture to the 220th General Assembly
The Congregational Support Committee of the Presbytery of the Cascades recommends Presbytery concur
with the request from Eco-Justice to ask that the Presbytery of the Cascades vote to concur with the
Heartland Presbytery’s overture to the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) below.
Background from the Eco-Justice Team
The Apostle Paul wrote, “From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky
and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So
they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20. We are only stewards and “The
Earth is the Lord's and fullness thereof. “Psalm 24:1
The Presbyterian Church, (USA) has taken these scriptures to heart and addressed our call to care for
God's creation thoughtfully and actively. Consider the long history of General Assembly resolutions and
policies (listed in the attached Heartland Presbytery overture to the 220th General Assembly) that reflect
the commitment of our denomination to protecting the air, water, and land as an essential part of the
Christian discipleship.
The Eco-Justice Team of the Cascades Presbytery now asks that Cascades Presbytery vote to concur with
the Heartland Presbytery’s overture to the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) below. The overture supports the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by
affirming its authority to take action to safeguard our health and the environment and by advocating for
adequate funding to assure EPA's ability to carry out its responsibilities for all of us.
As Christians, we are charged with “loving your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31). A tangible way to do
this to keep the air the air they breathe, and they water they drink, clean. A key health safeguard is the
Clean Air Act which was energized by EPA’s guidance and direction in 1970, which has prevented much
illness and premature deaths. To overly restrict and greatly under-fund this agency would bring suffering,
especially among infants, children and the elderly and people with low-incomes. Recently, there have
been attacks on our nation's health safeguards that cause us deep concern.
In 1990, the 202nd General Assembly’s Affirmation of Faith noted that “Restoring Creation is God’s own
work in our time”,….and that “The love of neighbor, particularly “the least” of Christ’s brothers and
sisters, requires action to stop the poisoning, the erosion, the wastefulness that are causing suffering and
death. The future of our children, and their children, and all who come after is at stake”.
Caring for our neighbors' health and well-being is vital to our witness as Christians in this day and time.
We ask that you please consider, and vote to concur with, this timely overture.
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REPORT OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE F-1-2
March 2012
The Overture
Heartland Presbytery
Mission Outreach and Social Justice Division
Overture. ______________ overtures the 220 General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) to do the following:
1. Reaffirm the statements of the 183rd, 187th, 192nd, 193rd, 195th,
REPORT OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE F-1-3
March 2012
An amendment sponsored by Rep. Ted Poe (R) of Texas would prohibit EPA use of funds to implement or
enforce any statutory or regulatory requirement pertaining to emissions of greenhouse gases.
Rep. Morgan Griffith (R) of Virginia proposes an amendment to prohibit the use of funds by the EPA, the
Army Corps of Engineers, or the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to carry out or
enforce any policy set forth in a recent water-quality memorandum issued by the EPA. The Obama
administration has been withholding permits for surface mining operations – which environmentalists call
mountaintop-removal mining – in order to study the effects of the process on streams and wetlands.
Rep. David McKinley (R) of West Virginia proposed an amendment that would prohibit the EPA
administrator from using funds to carry out Section 404(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. If it
becomes law, environmentalists say, the EPA would lose oversight authority to revoke or veto permits
granted by the Army Corps of Engineers to allow coal-mining companies to put fill and other debris into
streams.
This paragraph is part of the series of paragraphs that precede it. Make it uniform in format. On January
31, 2011, John Barrasso of Wyoming introduced a new bill making it impossible for the federal
government to do anything about climate change under any of the nation's existing environmental laws.
Specifically, the Barrasso's bill, "Defending America’s Affordable Energy and Jobs Act," would block federal
regulations under the Clean Air Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species
Act.
“A Social Creed for the Twenty-first Century”, 2008, and calls for a renewed social ethic. It states, in
part:
“In faith, responding to our Creator, we celebrate the full
Humanity of each woman, man, and child, all created in the divine image as individuals of infinite worth,
by working for:
Full civil, political, and economic rights for women and men of all races...
In hope sustained by the Holy Spirit, we pledge to be peacemakers in the world and stewards of God’s
good creation by working for:
…Access for all to clean air and water and healthy food, through wise care of land and technology...
We – individual Christians and churches – commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that
embraces non-violence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a
spirituality of inner growth and outward action. We make this commitment together – as members of
Christ’s body, led by the one Spirit – trusting in the God who makes all things new.”
In that same vein, we bring this Overture, seeking, a fuller social and environmental ethic for the
21st Century.
We in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have of a long history of supporting actions that would protect the
environment.
Historical References
In 1954, the Presbyterian Church stated:
“We call upon the Christian conscience to recognize that our stewardship of the earth and water involves
both a land-use program that recognizes the interdependence of soil, water and man and the development
of a responsible public policy which will resist the exploitation of land, water, and other natural resources,
including forests, for selfish purposes and maintain intelligent conservation for the sustenance of all living
creatures through future generations (PCUSA, 1954, p. 198).”
This stewardship commitment has been repeated and reaffirmed by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and
its predecessors, as follows:
1967 The Confession of 1967 stresses the justice of sharing resources and the interdependence of
resources and living creatures.
1971 The 183rd General Assembly accepted the Christian Responsibility for Environmental Renewal
statement that calls for a new order of values based on an "eco-ethic" and a Statement on Environmental
Renewal. (UPCUSA, 1971, pp. 578-583)
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REPORT OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE F-1-4
March 2012
1975 A recommendation is made to the 187th General Assembly to affirm advocacy of the protection of
wildlife areas and parklands. (UPCUSA, 1975, p.59)
1980 The 192nd General Assembly votes to (1) develop educational resources on the adverse impact
that careless technology has on the environment and health of the unborn; (2) instruct the Board of
Investment Committee to review corporate responsibility regarding manufacture of dioxins. (PCUS, 1980,
p.56)
1981 The 193rd General Assembly pledges support of the United Nations Drinking Water and Sanitation
Decade, 1981-1990, calling upon Presbyterians to develop lifestyles that are consistent with the necessity
to conserve water. (UPCUSA, 1981, p. 254)
1983 The 195th General Assembly urges the session of each congregation in the Presbyterian Church
(USA) to consider making a "Commitment to Peacemaking" that included "making peace with the earth --
involve the congregation in efforts to protect and restore the environment."
1984 The 196th General Assembly calls upon Congress of the United States to reduce the emissions of
sulfur dioxide and the oxides of nitrogen to a level that will protect the most sensitive environment and
states that human stewardship is not a "dominion of mastery" and calls us to exercise respect for the
integrity of natural systems and for the limits that nature places on economic growth and material
consumption. (PC(U.S.A.), 1984, p.349)
1987 The 199th General Assembly votes to urge the United States government to assure acceptable
disposal sites for high-level nuclear waste. It also votes to urge each Presbytery and local church to
encourage and support alternatives to pesticides and support the victims of pesticide poisoning.
(PC(U.S.A.), 1987, p. 796)
1988 The Environmental Justice Office is created to study past environmental policies of the United
Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Church in the United States to create a combined report
of environmental concerns for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Environmental Justice Office is a ministry
of the General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), lodged in the National Ministries
Division, Social Justice Program Area, and is now actively involved in creation care and environmental
justice issues.
1989 The 201st General Assembly calls for governments to strengthen regulations and enforcement
regarding transportation of oil and hazardous substances, in response to the Exxon-Valdez tanker spill in
1989. (PC(U.S.A.), 1989, p. 642)
1990 The 202nd General Assembly passes "Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice" affirming
"creation cries out in this time of ecological crises," calling the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to respond to
this cry and engage in an effort to make the 1990s the "turnaround decade," providing the foundation for
the work of the Environmental Justice Office. Also, the 202nd General Assembly calls attention to the
problem of global warming and encourages the United States government to take steps toward
incorporating environmental damage and depletion into "full-cost pricing." (PC(U.S.A.), 1990, p.646-670).
The Affirmation of Faith from that General Assembly noted that “Restoring Creation is God’s own work in
our time”,….and that “The love of neighbor, particularly “the least” of Christ’s brothers and sisters,
requires action to stop the poisoning, the erosion, the wastefulness that are causing suffering and death.—
The future of our children and their children and all who come after is at stake. In this critical time of
transition to a new era, God’s new doing may be discerned as a call to earth-keeping, to justice, and to
community.”
1992 The 204th General Assembly directs all future General Assemblies to print all official reports on
recycled and recyclable paper and to direct all related bodies to use recycled and recyclable paper for all
reports and publication. (PC(U.S.A.), 1992, p.846)
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REPORT OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE F-1-5
March 2012
1993 The 205th General Assembly reaffirms the "Call to Restore Creation", receives the document
"World Scientists' Warning to Humanity" as a prophetic word to the church, urges President Clinton to
follow new policies from the Earth Summit and directs the Social Justice and Peacemaking Unit to
advocate for policies that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. (PC(U.S.A.), 1993, pp. 896-897)
1994 The 206th General Assembly, within the context of its "Resolution on the United States in Its Asia-
Pacific Relations", listed five basic principles by which past General Assemblies have been guided related
to international affairs. One of the principles, and the resolution that follow it, relates specifically to the
environment. "The General Assembly has advocated new understanding of the relationship among human
life, institutions, and the total stewardship and care for the planet, which is the common heritage of all
peoples . ."(PC(U.S.A.), 1994, pg. 310)
1996 The 208th General Assembly adopts the paper Hope for a Global Future: Toward Just and
Sustainable Human Development as policy for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Just and sustainable
human development is the comprehensive enhancement of the quality of life for all, present and future; it
necessarily involves the integration of economic, social, political, cultural, ecological, and spiritual
dimensions of being.
1998 The 210th General Assembly calls upon the United States to ratify the protocol negotiated in Kyoto
and urges Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and institutions to pursue energy efficiency and
conservation in their buildings and property.
1999 The 211th General Assembly again calls upon the U.S. to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, urges the
United States to go beyond Kyoto targets for carbon dioxide emission reductions, directs the Presbyterian
Center in Louisville and all other properties of the General Assembly to minimize fossil fuel energy (along
with urging local congregations to do the same), and directs the General Assembly to promote education
regarding global warming and other environmental concerns. (PC(U.S.A.), 1999, pp. 669-670)
2001 The 213th General Assembly calls to issue and disseminate the Call to Halt Mass Extinction. The
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) calls Presbyterians, other citizens, governments, and societal institutions to
face the severity of this threat and to take steps to prevent mass extinction and preserve the biodiversity
essential to the flourishing of life. (PC(U.S.A.), 2001, pp. 473-475)
2003 The 215th General Assembly calls on the United States government to join the world effort to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to develop and enact a national emergency response, underwritten
by law, with adequate financial support, and economic enforcement mechanism, to be fully functioning by
2005, with targeted reductions by that time. (PC(U.S.A.), 2003, p. 617)
2006. The 216th General Assembly asked its members to “make a bold witness by aspiring to carbon
neutral lives”. It was noted that “without significant changes in public policy and corporate behavior to
complement actions of personal discipleship, massive and irreversible climate changes will only accelerate
over the next century.” (PC(U.S.A.) Memorandum; Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy Dec 4,
2006)
2008. The 218th General Assembly approved the study and recommendations of “The Power to Change:
US Energy Policy and Global Warming” along with urging individuals and families in the PCUSA to conserve
energy and promote energy efficiency through changes in behavior.
2010 The 219th General Assembly approved an overture from the Presbytery of Charlotte entitled "On
Lifting Up the 'Call to Restore' Creation" reaffirming the Call to Restore Creation from the 1990 policy
"Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice"; commends churches that are working to care for God's
earth; and encourages churches, members, and institutions to "adopt institutional and individual lifestyles
reflecting greater stewardship of resources, particularly in energy consumption." The overture was
amended to include the affirmation that "concern for God's creation is, for every Christian, an essential
way of living faithfully"; to affirm that the best available science should shape the direction of
environmental programming and policy; and that access to potable water is a human right.
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REPORT OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE F-2-1 March 2012 Information EcoJustice FAMILY NATURE WALK AT MENUCHA, Saturday, May 19th The EcoJustice Team of Cascades Presbytery invites families and individuals to learn about and experience a beautiful piece of God's creation during a nature walk at Menucha Retreat Center on Saturday May 19th. Menucha is a 100-acre conference center located 22 miles east of Portland that is a mission of First Presbyterian Church. It sits dramatically atop Chanticleer Point, the westernmost vantage point in the Columbia River Gorge. Its 180-degree view sweeps from the Sandy River Delta and Willamette Valley on the west to Crown Point and Bonneville Dam on the east. During this nature walk we will go to some spectacular viewpoints, marvel at an old growth stand of Douglas-fir, and splash in Chanticleer Creek where it gurgles down into the gorge. We will see and learn about the effects of ancient lava flows that covered this area millions of years ago, the more recent Missoula Floods, how native peoples lived in this area, what Lewis and Clark saw, its forest fire history, and what we can see now in the way of native flora and fauna. We will also learn how Menucha is performing a stewardship role on this property by minimizing adverse human effects, controlling invasive species, and providing habitat for native species. There will be some scripture and other readings inspiring gratitude for, and stewardship of, God's creation. Our walk will total about 2 miles in the morning and another 2 miles in the afternoon -- rain or shine. The current plan is to start from The Barn at 10 a.m., return to The Barn for lunch, and complete our afternoon walk back at The Barn by about 3 p.m. For more information contact Jenny Holmes at [email protected] or Warren Aney at [email protected] (phone 503-539-1009). There will be a $10 fee for lunch (and let us know of any special dietary requests). Older Adult Ministries Team The Older Adult Ministries Team is a sub-team of the Congregational Support Committee. We have four goals:
1) To make visible the existence of the Older Adult Ministries (OAM) program in Presbytery of the Cascades.
2) To partner with congregations and the national network, Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries network (POAMN).
3) To research techniques and provide guidance so congregations can do their own research relevant to their needs.
4) To train (a) our OAM Team and (b) our Older Adult Ministries Congregational Representatives. During 2012, we will support and participate in the Joint ARMSS/POAMN Conference at the Red Lion Hotel in Portland, Oregon on October 16-19, 2012. During 2011, we:
Held an OAM retreat at Menucha on May 16-18 that included 23 participants from across the Presbytery [see goal 4]
Took part in an OAM Planning Meeting at Milwaukie Presbyterian Church on May 22. [see goals 2 & 3]
Wrote, hand-addressed and sent out an informal Older Adult Ministries Newsletter to our OAM Congregational Representatives and to each Head Minister in Cascades Presbytery in February and again in October. [see goal 1]
Participated in the 2011 Joint ARMSS/POAMN Conference in San Antonio on October 11-14. [see goal 2]
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REPORT OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE F-2-2 March 2012
Edited the national newsletter, POAMN Network News (PNN), which goes out to some 2,000 people
and all of the Presbyteries in the USA four times each year. [see goal 2] Included an article by The Rev. Phyllis Hart (HR) about The Senior Committee at First Presbyterian
Church in Central Point, OR in the most recent issue of PNN. [see goal 1] Many older adults are in our congregations. With our warmth, plus our faith, and our faithfulness we can reach out to them. Thanks be to God! Opening Doors Funding support for physical and programmatic barrier removal efforts is available to churches in the Cascades Presbytery through the Presbytery’s Opening Doors Task Force on disabilities. Examples of projects that are eligible include the purchase of large print materials, assistive listening systems, power-assist door openers, ramps, hardware replacement, elevators and lifts, specialized curricula for individuals with intellectual challenges, restroom modifications, special education teaching tools for Christian Educators, signage, architectural planning fees, etc. Other, less conventional projects are encouraged. The amount of money available varies in any given year. However, the maximum amount of grant monies available for any one project is limited to no more than 50% of the total cost of the project. Applications for multiple projects by a church in a year will be considered as will barrier removal efforts that may be part of a larger project. Applications for matching funds must be received by the Cascades Presbytery Central Region Office by May 15th. Visit the Presbytery website at www.cascadespresbytery.org for more information on this program. POINT (Presbyterians Organized in Nurture & Teaching) Our four POINT representatives attended the training and the APCE conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan the beginning of February. They are Katy Ailstock, Scott Crane, Paul Quackenbush and Mary Wright Gillespie. We heard a preview of the new Presbyterian hymnal sampler with David Gambrell, associate for Worship for the General Assembly Mission Council. We received the new revised Ministry Guide. At the pre-presbytery workshop we will share some of what we learned. On April 19, following the Educator’s Retreat at Mt Angel, Candace Hill, coordinator of Educational Ministries, will lead a workshop on Feasting on the Word curriculum at First Presbyterian Church in Medford. Transformation Team The Transformation Team is active in resourcing and supporting pastors and congregations toward greater missional vitality in their local contexts. Several churches have applied for and obtained Vitality Grants through the Transformation Team, and the team takes an ongoing interest in these projects and their impact. The Transformation Team is also proactive in initiating, sponsoring, and organizing learning opportunities for pastors and church leaders around church vitality and transformation. Recent events include: Leading in Times of Discontinuous Change with Alan Roxburgh and Mark Lau Branson, a transformation workshop with Kevin Ford, and a 1-day workshop with Anthony Robinson entitled, The Power of Purpose. All such events seek to stimulate and encourage faithful missional thinking, networking, and ministry in our presbytery.
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PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE I-2-1 March 2012
For Information: 1. Administrative Personnel Association:
The Professional Support Committee is pleased to recognize at the March Presbytery meeting the following individual who has accomplished Level II certification through APA: Marjorie Robinson, Administrative Assistant, Northeast/Northwest Region, Cascades Presbytery.
2. Book Exchange: The Professional Support Committee once again invites ministers, educators and church librarians to bring any appropriate books, videos or DVDs to the March meeting of Presbytery. A table will be set up in the display area for people to set out their books, making them available free for the taking to those attending Presbytery. Any material remaining will be donated to the local public library for its book sale.
3. Cascades Lay Institute: The Cascades Institute is a program of the Commissioned Ruling Elder Certification Committee, a sub-group of the Professional Support Committee. The Institute is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about what it means to be Presbyterian or who wishes to receive training in order to develop skills in the following areas of leadership: Biblical Exegesis, Reformed Theology, Polity, Preaching, Leading Worship, Pastoral Care, Teaching and Church Administration. The schedule for 2012 is as follows:
May 18-19: Worship October 19-20: Pastoral Care
More information will be available on the Presbytery’s website, www.cascadespresbytery.org, at least one month prior to each event.
4. Commissioned Ruling Elders: The Commissioned Ruling Elder Certification Committee having met on February 9, 2012 took the following actions: Ruling Elder Linda Barker, Community Presbyterian Church, Redmond: Qualified to Serve Ruling Elder Tracy Cerri, Community Presbyterian Church, Malin: Qualified to Serve
The CRE-CC also reports the following commissionings:
Ruling Elder Michial Hubbard was commissioned on November 27, 2011, serving Community Presbyterian Church, Tulelake
Ruling Elder Barbara Dehlinger was commissioned on December 11, 2011, serving First Presbyterian Church, Merrill
Ruling Elder Tracy Cerri to be commissioned on March 4, 2012, to serve at Community Presbyterian Church, Malin
5. Educators Event:
The 2012 Educator’s Event will be held on Tuesday-Wednesday, April 17-18 at Mt. Angel Abbey, Mt. Angel. The keynote speaker is Candace Hill, Coordinator of Educational Ministries Publishing for the Presbyterian Church (USA). Please see the Presbytery’s website, www.cascadespresbytery.org, for more information.
6. Feasting on the Word:
On Thursday, April 19, Candace Hill, director of educational ministries for the Presbyterian Church (USA), will offer a Feasting on the Word Curriculum Workshop in the south region of the Presbytery. The workshop will begin at 11:00 am and end at 2:00 pm and will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 85 S. Holly Street, Medford. Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch. This event is open to educators and pastors and anyone interested in the educational life of the congregation. Any pastors who preach using the lectionary are invited to attend. Please contact either the church office (541-779-1711) or the South Presbytery Office (800-701-7313) if you plan to attend.
The 2012 Lectionary Retreat will be held on Monday-Tuesday, September 24-25 at the Shalom Prayer Center, Mt. Angel. Please see the Presbytery’s website, www.cascadespresbytery.org, for more information.
8. Media Resource Center: Be sure to check out the Media Resource Center at Mt. Tabor and talk with Maureen O’Rourke, Media Resource Center Director to find out what’s new at the Center.
9. Uncommon Ministries:
Uncommon Ministries, a group for those Teaching Elders who serve outside of a congregation, will have a gathering at Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 10, at 7:30 am, before the start of the Presbytery meeting that day. The group will meet in the Commons area of Tabor Space at the corner of 55th and Belmont. Anyone interested in learning more about this group is invited to attend.
The newly revised Form of Government in our Book of Order describes the work of Presbytery to include
being “pastor, counselor, and advisor to teaching elders and congregations.” Thus:
“Presbyteries shall be open at all times to communication regarding the life and ministry of their
congregations.”
“Each presbytery shall develop and maintain mechanisms and processes to serve as pastor and
counselor to teaching elders, ruling elders commissioned to pastoral service, and certified Christian
educators of the presbytery; to facilitate the relations between the presbytery and its congregations,
teaching elders, ruling elders commissioned to pastoral service, and certified Christian educators;
and to settle difficulties on behalf of the presbytery where possible and expedient.” [G-3.0307]
The design for the Presbytery of the Cascades creates an organization that is unique in our Presbyterian
Church.
“The Presbytery shall elect a Committee on Ministry for each region to perform the duties and
responsibilities mandated in the Constitution. Each regional Committee on Ministry shall consist of
sixteen persons including the chair, all from the region, in equal numbers of elders and ministers.
All authority and responsibility which the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) allows to be
delegated to a Committee on Ministry is granted by the Presbytery to its regional Committees on
Ministry. Each regional Committee on Ministry is empowered to establish administrative
commissions for the purposes of ordination or installation of ministers. Each regional Committee on
Ministry is to report its actions taken to the next stated meeting of Presbytery.” [Bylaws of the
Presbytery of the Cascades, Article VIII, Section A.]
Coordination: “The chairs of the four COMs, together with the three Co-Executive Presbyters, and
the Stated Clerk act as a coordinating council (COM-CC) to coordinate the work of the regions and to
deal with any Presbytery-wide issues related to ministry, such as budget, policies, procedures,
retreats, training, and new pastor orientation. The COM-CC also acts as a clearing board for appeals
on decisions of regional COMs. The chairs of the four COMs elect one of their number as chair of the
Coordinating Council each year.” [COM Manual, Chapter 1, Section 4].
COM-Central COM-Northwest
Teaching Elder Audrey Schindler, Chair Teaching Elder Ken Evers-Hood, Chair
COM-Northeast COM-South
Teaching Elder David Dornack, Chair Ruling Elder Vera Morrell, Chair
In their work and recommendations, the Committee on Ministry is guided by the provisions of the Book of
Order and Committee on Ministry policies as approved by the Presbytery of the Cascades.
Reports on actions relative to ministerial changes approved by the regional Committees on Ministry follow.
Typically, reports to Presbytery include:
I. Action items for Presbytery’s consideration;
II. New Ministerial members of the Presbytery of the Cascades, (listed by region with their Work
History and Statement of Faith);
III. Actions of the regional Committees on Ministry.
Because some COM actions happen after the deadline for submitting reports for mailing prior to
Presbytery, there will always be a supplementary Committee on Ministry report on the table at the
Presbytery meeting.
The Committee on Ministry Report comes in two parts: mailed background papers are labeled J-1; materials available at the Presbytery meeting are labeled J-2.
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COMMITTEES ON MINISTRY J-1-2
March 2012
I. COM-CC ITEMS FOR ACTION
For Action from COM-S:
1. Klamath Falls, Oregon; Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church:
Recommend to Presbytery that the temporary pastoral relationship between The Rev. Bruce Silver
and Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, Klamath Falls, Oregon be converted to an installed
pastoral position pending approval of a congregational vote.
II. NEW MINISTERIAL MEMBERS IN THE PRESBYTERY OF THE CASCADES
All Teaching Elders who seek to become members of Cascades Presbytery undergo the following process:
The finalist or finalists (up to three) in any pastor or associate pastor search are examined at the
time they are brought by the Pastor Nominating Committee or Associate Pastor Nominating
Committee for a face-to-face meeting with the PNC or APNC.
Those seeking to join the Presbytery in a non-pastoral position, as Member at Large, or as
Honorably Retired, are examined at a time mutually convenient to the individual and the
committee.
Each individual provides a one-page personal Statement of Faith and a one-page Work History for
the interview team; these papers are subsequently printed in the report of the Committees on
Ministry at the next Presbytery meeting.
An executive reference check and a criminal background check are made on each individual by the
Co-Executive Presbyter of the region.
The examination is generally conducted by an interview team made up of at least two teaching
elders and two ruling elders. Sometimes the examination is conducted by the entire Regional COM
at a regular meeting of the committee.
The examination typically begins with discussion of the individual’s Statement of Faith and Work
History, which the team members have received in advance.
The examination covers the following topics: personal faith experience, theology and sacraments,
polity and program, mission and constitution, and ministry. Sample questions for each of these
areas are provided in the COM Manual (pp. 2-29 through 2-31).
The individual provides the original sign-off form for Cascades Presbytery’s Revised Policy and
Procedure on Sexual Misconduct.
As of the November 2007 meeting of the Presbytery, the individual is also asked “if he or she has a
departure from ordination standards as described in G-6.0108 of the Book of Order [now found in
G-2.0105 of the newly revised Form of Government]. That departure may be a matter of doctrine,
discipline, or governance. In the event that a candidate. . .declares a departure, the authority of a
regional COM to act as a commission of the presbytery [ends] and the remainder of the
examination of the minister seeking admission must be done at the next stated meeting of the
presbytery.”
If the individual does not declare such a departure, the interview team makes its recommendation
to the Regional Committee on Ministry as to whether the person should or should not be admitted,
and the decision of the committee becomes the action of the Presbytery.
A full description of the process, as approved by the Presbytery, can be found in the Committee on
Ministry Manual, Chapter 2, Appendix D and its Exhibit 1 (pages 25-31 of the chapter). Copies are
available at each regional office.
The following individuals have successfully completed this process since the last Presbytery meeting:
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COMMITTEES ON MINISTRY J-1-3
March 2012
Central:
The Rev. David A. Mote, transferring from the Presbytery of San Francisco, serving as interim
pastor of United Presbyterian Church, Albany, beginning February 1, 2012
Northwest:
The Rev. Dr. Gretchen Janssen, transferring from the Presbytery of Palisades
The Rev. Dr. Charles Svendsen, transferring from the Presbytery of the Pacific, serving as interim
pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Portland, beginning January 1, 2012
South:
The Rev. David O. Bales [HR], transferring form the Presbytery of Boise
The Rev. David A. Mote
Statement of Faith
I believe the one eternal God is far beyond what our minds can comprehend. Everything we say
about God falls short of the glorious reality, and yet God calls us to speak.
I believe in God, creator of the whole universe, giver of life, awesome beyond my imagining.
I believe in Jesus Christ, sent by God to teach (in words of course, but mostly in action) God’s
great love for us and to reconcile us sinners to God by dying on the cross. Jesus tells us that the same
God who created the galaxies invites us into an intimate family relationship, so that we are bold to
address God as “Father.”
I believe in the Holy Spirit who kindles faith within us, strengthens and inspires us for the Christian
life, and guides the Church.
I accept the Scriptures as God's word to me and to the Church. I believe God inspired people of
faith to write the witness of their faith and their lives, so that through their words God could speak to
people in every age. Through the Scriptures God's word comes to me, encouraging and inspiring, guiding
and correcting me. The Scriptures are also God's word to the Church. Week by week the Church listens to
God's word in the Scriptures, receiving nourishment from it and seeking to live by its guidance. The
Church's program and organizations, and its use of all its resources (building, money, time), must always
be judged in the light of the Scriptures.
The Church is composed of people who come together for all sorts of reasons, so it could be viewed
as hardly different from many other voluntary organizations. But the Church is called into being by God.
God works through our own imperfect desires to draw us together. Though we think we come for our
reasons, God calls us together to be part of God’s grand project to redeem the world.
Through baptism we are incorporated into the church. Baptism is a sign of God’s grace, a sign that
we are cleansed from sin and born into new life. In baptism God claims us, teaching us that we don’t
belong to ourselves, but to the One who created and redeemed us. In baptism God commissions us to a
life of service as disciples of Jesus Christ. Every Christian has a contribution to make as the Church
carries out the mission God has given it.
Through the Lord’s supper the people of God are nourished for their life as disciples of Jesus Christ.
In the sacrament Jesus offers himself to his people and invites us to receive him anew.
I believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting. I look forward to the day God will
wipe away every tear, when I can finish all the unfinished grieving for the losses this life has brought, and
there will be no more death, no more grieving. Then the grace and peace God gives in great measure in
this world, will fill everything.
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COMMITTEES ON MINISTRY J-1-4
March 2012
The Rev. David A. Mote
Work History
Ecclesiastical Status:
PC(USA) Presbyterian Minister of Word and Sacrament, Honorably Retired
Member of San Francisco Presbytery
Ordained: June 28, 1964
Formal Education:
1960-1964 Union Theological Seminary, New York, New York, B.D.
1956-1960 Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, B.A. in Physics
Continuing Education:
April 26-29, 2001 National Conference for Multicultural Congregations PC(USA), Houston, Texas
January 7-10, 2002 Conflict Management in Congregational Life, Alban Institute, Malibu, California
July 21-26, 2002 Interim Pastors’ Training, Level 1, Zephyr Point, Nevada
August 10-15, 2003 Interim Pastors’ Training, Level 2, Issaquah, Washington
April 5-9, 2010 First Response Ministry Training, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Work History:
9/10-10/10 First Response Minister, Celebration Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach, South
Carolina; 120 members; resort-retirement community
2007-2010 Interim Co-Pastor, Presbyterian Church in Chinatown; 240 members; urban
1/05-6/05 Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Richmond, California; 170 members;