Winnebago Presbytery Stated Meeting September 11, 2012 First Presbyterian Church, Winneconne, WI

Transcription

1 Winnebago Presbytery Stated Meeting September 11, 2012 First Presbyterian Church, Winneconne, WI Opening Worship The meeting opened with worship at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Winneconne, Wisconsin. Worship was led by the Rev. Mara Rivera. Other participants were: Ruling Elder Cindy Doughty, Commissioned Ruling Elder Richard Kreager, and the Rev. Sara ver Burg. Worship included the celebration of Holy Communion. Convening the Meeting The Moderator, the Rev. Ted Sperduto, declared a quorum present and the meeting was called to order at 10:40 a.m. Roll Call Present Excused Absent Craig Alwin Randal Argall Thomas Beck John Billings Sid Bouldin Kevin Buchanan Marion Conditt C. Nelson Craig Robert Everhard Michael Goodwin Jack Harrison Clifford Haskins Nicholas Hatch Donald Heeringa Richard Hill Paul Huxtable Roy N. Johnson William Kamke Donald King Ray Larson Cynthia Little Michael Lukens John Lyford Sherwood McKay Richard Manny Richard Marcy Peter Markey Paul Martin Patricia Matthew Julie Meadows Richard Moore Sarah Moore-Nokes Jon Nelson Joy Nelson-Jeffers Barbara Peterson Susan Phillips William Plank Rebecca Proefrock Mara Liz Rivera Matthew Sauer JoAnn Schoblaski Edward Slusser Michael Spangler

2 Roll Call Present Excused Absent Ted Sperduto Lois Swanson Wilfred Tabb Dee Talley Marcia Thomas Sara Ver Burg Colin Webster Tom Willadsen Janet Wolfe Wright, Stephen A.H. Margaret Zedan Susan Zencka 12/43 It was VOTED to excuse those so listed. Churches Represented Abbotsford Amberg Appleton Arpin Athelstane Crivitz De Pere Fond du Lac Forest Larger Parish Gleason Green Bay First Green Bay Wequiock Kiel Kimberly Manitowoc Marinette Marshfield Melnik Merrill Neenah New Franken Oconto Omro Oshkosh Pembine Pickett Schofield Shawano Sheboygan Stevens Point Wausau Wausaukee Weyauwega White Lake Wild Rose Winneconne Paul Knautz Matt Mattison Bonney Reese Anneliese Waggoner Roy K. Johnson and Jennifer Zander Nancy Siewert Not Reprsented Théo Lynne Hoffman Don Zais Ruth Prochazka Paul Yee and Gina Struensee Margaret Dakins Cindy Doughty Sharon Engel Kay Smith John Ackermann David Arey Jerry Rowley Sherry Brownlow Jean Swick 12/44 It was VOTED to excuse those so listed. Commissioned Ruling Elders: Max Ballard, Dick Kreager, Cheryl Lepak, Jess Wakefield, and Lina Wittmann CREs Excused: George Buchanan, Phil Kinzel, and Warren Kraft Council Members: Alice Ackermann, Bette Hoytink, Howard Kidd, Jeanne Nymoen, and Jim York Presbytery Committee Members: Barbara Jordanger, Jan Nelson, and Ginger Selle Page 2 of 10

3 Presbytery Staff: Nancy Barczak Visitors: Appleton DePere Manitowoc Omro Waupaca Beverly Craig Anne Dropp Laura Fries Brenda Ellis Bonnie Conditt Early Leave: 12/45 It was VOTED to grant early leave to the Rev. Julie Meadows and the Rev. Stephen Wright. Corresponding Members 12/46 It was VOTED to seat Commissioned Ruling Elder Alyson Janke, Wild Rose Church pastor, as a corresponding member (John Knox Presbytery). Adoption of the Docket: 12/47 It was VOTED to adopt the docket as distributed. Report on Arrangements: The Rev. Mara Rivera welcomed presbyters to the First Church, Winneconne, and noted the meeting was being co-hosted by First Church, Omro. Ms. Rivera reported on the arrangements for the day. Introduction of New Elders and Visitors New Ruling Elder Commissioners were introduced from Abbotsford and Wild Rose; new Teaching Elder Dee Talley, Interim Pastor at First United DePere, was introduced. Laura Fries was introduced as a visitor from Manitowoc. STATED CLERK S REPORT (Dr. Michael Lukens) 12/48 It was VOTED to approve the minutes of the May 1, 2012, Presbytery Stated Meeting with correction that Ruling Elder Cindy Doughty was not present and that the Commissioner from Omro was Helen Jepsen. 12/49 It was VOTED to transfer the following members of the former Preble Park Presbyterian Church, Green Bay, by their request: First United Presbyterian Church, DePere: Jo Edwards and Laurel Edwards; First Presbyterian Church, Green Bay: Robert Jarvie, Donald Kelley, and Fern Kelley; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee, MI.: Michelle Jarvie Eggart. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION REPORTS Preble Park Presbyterian Closure Commission The Clerk presented an update on the status of the closure process, reporting on actions for repair and maintenance of the facility, negotiations regarding a lease to another church, and indicating that the Commission is not yet prepared to make a final report. Page 3 of 10

4 Amberg, Crivitz, Pembine Disaffiliation Commission The Clerk reported that an agreement has been reached, but all legal elements have not been completed. It is hoped this will occur within the next days. Aniwa Hogarty Disaffiliation Commission The Clerk reported an agreement has been reached and a monetary settlement was agreed upon (this was not a property sale). A Quit Claim deed was drawn up. The Presbytery received $11,000. All documents were signed and delivered. The Aniwa Hogarty Presbyterian Church was dismissed to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church on July 25, /50 It was VOTED to receive the final report of the Commission and to place the written report in the permanent minutes of the Presbytery. (Appendix A) 12/51 It was VOTED to dismiss the Administrative Commission with gratitude. REPORT AND DISCUSSION FROM THE 220 TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY Commissioners to the 220 th Assembly in Pittsburgh were Teaching Elder Randy Argall (Green Bay First), Ruling Elder Anneliese Waggoner (DePere), and Young Adult Advisory Delegate Sarah Johanek (Abbotsford). Since Dr. Argall was unable to attend the meeting, his written report with reflections was made available to presbyters. Ms. Waggoner gave an in-depth report reflecting on her experiences as a commissioner in committee and in plenary. She highlighted the major actions taken during the Assembly. In addition to all the hard work, Ms. Waggoner was able to attend several of the special gatherings that were of interest to her personally. She brought greetings to the Presbytery from retired Mission Worker, the Rev. Alice Winters, who served for many years in Colombia. Stated Clerk Michael Lukens reported that 20 proposed amendments will be coming to the presbyteries for action no later than June Part I is the revised Heidelberg Catechism and Part II are 19 proposed amendments to the Book of Order. The printed amendment booklets will be available at the December Presbytery meeting. The documents are available online from the Office of the General Assembly (OGA). Presbytery will deal with the amendments over the course of the February and May meetings in RECESS FOR LUNCH The Moderator offered prayer prior to the luncheon recess. Presbyters enjoyed a delicious meal prepared and served by members of the church. SPEAK OUT Alyson Janke announced that Wild Rose will host its 5 th Annual Gymanfa Ganu on September 16. Marcia Thomas announced the Abbotsford Bible Spelling Bee November 11. Margaret Zedan encouraged both ruling elders and teaching elders to consider becoming ordination exam readers. Tom Willadsen announced he is conducting Bible Exploration evenings on the 2 nd Monday of each month at the New Moon Café in Oshkosh. The next one is October 8. Page 4 of 10

5 Matt Sauer encouraged presbyters to come to Manitowoc s Dakota Road weekend September He also encouraged congregations to support the Theological Education Fund, noting Theological Education Sunday is September 16. Craig Alwin announced the Oconto 117 th Annual Chicken Pie Supper on October 20. Page 5 of 10 Margaret Dakins from Oconto thanked Presbytery for the scholarship support and subsidizing a motor coach to Synod School. Anneliese Waggoner noted that the Green Bay area Habitat for Humanity challenged 12 churches to raise $7500 each and work on a common project (Faith Build). DePere was one of only 4 churches that participated and it raised $7700. The new home will be dedicated on September 25. Mara Rivera announced the Winneconne Church Block party September 15. Susan Phillips reminded presbyters that the fall youth camp will be October and that there will a National Youth Triennium in Ruth Prochazka announced the Melnik Church Pork, Dumpling and Sauerkraut dinner on September 26. Richard Manny announced a potluck and program on September 23 at the Sheboygan Church that will focus on the federal budget and possible consequences, led by an assistant professor from Lakeland College. PRESBYTERY COUNCIL (Ruling Elder Howard Kidd) (Appendix B) Dr. Kidd reported that Council had determined that the next Presbytery meeting should be extended to include Friday evening, November 30, in addition to Saturday, December 1. Friday will feature the keynote speaker, the Rev. Landon Whitsitt, former Vice Moderator of the General Assembly. Saturday morning will include business and worship, followed by an afternoon of educational workshops for church leaders. Council authorized the Rev. Cynthia Little to celebrate the Lord s Supper at the Presbyterian Women s Fall Retreat on September 29, /52 It was VOTED to establish the 2013 Presbytery Meeting dates and sites: Saturday, February 9, at First United DePere; Tuesday, May 14 at First Oconto; Tuesday, September 10 at Covenant Community Schofield; and Friday-Saturday, November 15-16, at Memorial Appleton. COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY (Ruling Elder Bette Hoytink) Ms. Hoytink reported the following actions taken by the Committee on behalf of the Presbytery since May 1, Committee approved a six-month extension of the interim contract between Rev. Sara ver Burg and First Presbyterian Church, Omro for the period July 17, 2012 through January 17, Terms of the contract remain as originally negotiated. 2. Committee reviewed the annual reports of Non-Parish and Honorably Retired Teaching Elder members of Winnebago Presbytery. 3. Committee voted to require Teaching Elders and Commissioned Ruling Elders to attend boundary training every three years. Wisconsin Council of Churches will begin offering two training opportunities annually beginning in Committee completed triennial visits with Sessions of First Presbyterian, Abbotsford and Covenant Community Presbyterian, Schofield.

6 5. Committee completed exit interviews with pastors and sessions at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church - Schofield, Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church Lakewood, Wabeno, Laona, and First Presbyterian Church - Weyauwega. 6. Committee completed one-year check-in with Jon Nelson and Session at Pioneer Presbyterian, Marinette. 7. Committee completed six-month check-in with Michael Goodwin at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton. 8. Committee reviewed annual reports of the following Commissioned Ruling Elders: Max Ballard Phil Kinzel Warren Kraft Alyson Janke Richard Kreager Cheryl Lepak Dennis Mannering Wendy Mannering Jess Wakefield Lin Wittmann Jean Hamersky Committee reviewed annual reports of the following Certified Ruling Elders: Charles Brownlow Bonnie Weideman No reports were submitted by CRE George Buchanan, and certified ruling elders Rosangela Berbert, Tamara Cox-Burnett, Ned Grossnickle, and Jessica Harrison. 9. Committee appointed temporary Moderators as follows: a. Nelson Craig as Moderator for First, Weyauwega for one year beginning May, 2012 b. Jon Nelson as Moderator for Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian on June 4, 2012 c. Julie Meadows as Moderator for Covenant Community, Schofield on June 25, 2012 d. Craig Alwin as Moderator for Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian on August 6, 2012 e. Wil Tabb as Moderator for First United, DePere on August 20, 2012 f. Extended the appointment of Craig Alwin as Moderator for Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian for one year, effective August 23, Committee granted permission for Rev. Linda Kuhn, member of John Knox Presbytery, to labor within the bounds of Winnebago Presbytery to assume the position of interim senior pastor at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill, beginning 9/1/ Committee granted permission for Rev. Michael Spangler, Honorably Retired, to labor outside the bounds of Winnebago Presbytery from December 2012 through February 2013 as an interim pastor at the International Church of Vilnius, Lithuania. 12. Committee dismissed Rev. Richard Marcy to Evangelical Presbyterian Church Presbytery of Rivers and Lakes, pending finalization of the disaffiliation agreement between the Winnebago Presbytery (Administrative Commission) and Faith Presbyterian Church, Crivitz. 13. Committee received Rev. Dee Edward Talley (Milwaukee Presbytery) into membership, effective August 23, 2012 as the interim pastor for First United Presbyterian Church, DePere. Rev. Talley began his ministry on August 26, (faith statement and bio available at meeting) Page 6 of 10

7 14. Committee approved the terms of the interim contract for Rev. Dee Talley. (Presbytery policy prohibits posting of this information in the online edition of the Minutes, but it is available upon request.) Ms. Hoytink introduced Mr. Talley, who then provided a brief introduction of himself. 12/53 It was VOTED to receive the 2012 Pastoral Terms of Call Report. (Appendix C) 12/54 It was VOTED to grant permission for Certified Ruling Elder, Jim York, to officiate at communion at Abbotsford First on Sunday, October 7, /55 It was VOTED to grant permission for Ruling Elders Linda Mentz and Suzanne Bell to officiate at communion at the three sites of Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church for up to one year, effective September 11, 2012, with appropriate training arranged by the Presbytery staff. 12/56 It was VOTED increase the 2013 Winnebago Presbytery minimum pastoral salary by 1.5% over 2012, so that the minimum effective salary for in-coming, full-time pastors will be $36,128 with a manse and $47,028 without a manse. Ms. Hoytink reported that Travis James Shafer has accepted his first Call to First Presbyterian Church, Omro. The Presbytery of Great Rivers has certified Mr. Shafer ready for ordination. Members of the Winnebago Committee on Ministry and Committee on Preparation for Ministry met with him on August 9, 2012 and found everything in order for examination at this meeting. It was MOVED to approve the Terms of Call for Travis J. Shafer as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Omro 20 hours per week, effective November 1, 2012: (Presbytery policy prohibits posting of this information in the online edition of the Minutes, but it is available upon request.) It was MOVED to amend the Terms of Call (Presbytery policy prohibits posting of this information in the online edition of the Minutes, but it is available upon request.). The Moderator called for a brief recess so that involved parties could confer. The meeting was called back to order. 12/57 It was VOTED to give voice to Travis Shafer, so he might speak to the amendment. 12/58 It was VOTED to amend the Terms of Call. (Presbytery policy prohibits posting of this information in the online edition of the Minutes, but it is available upon request.) 12/59 It was VOTED to approve the Terms of Call as amended. Mr. Shafer was officially introduced and spoke briefly to his faith journey. Presbytery then proceeded to the examination for ordination. 12/60 It was VOTED to arrest the examination. Mr. Shafer was excused for the following discussion. 12/61 It was VOTED to sustain the examination and to request that Great Rivers Presbytery ordain Mr. Shafer on our behalf. Page 7 of 10

8 12/62 It was VOTED to enroll Travis J. Shafer as a member of Winnebago Presbytery pending congregational approval of the Call on September 16, 2012, and ordination by Great Rivers Presbytery. FINANCE COMMITTEE (The Rev. Susan Zencka) Ms. Zencka reminded presbyters that Sessions had received a request to review their insurance and report to the Finance Committee by October 1. Committee has met with the auditor (Erickson and Associates) regarding the report of the 2011 financial review of the presbytery s financial statement. It was found to be in order and the report will be made a part of the permanent minutes (Appendix D). Ms. Zencka presented the proposed 2013 Operations Budget for a first reading and invited questions. She indicated that the Committee will make recommendations regarding 2013 mission pledges at the December 1 meeting. (Appendix E) 12/63 It was VOTED to set the Presbytery per capita rate at $19.20, which will bring the total per capita to $ /64 It was VOTED to approve the Emergency Congregational Loan Policy: The Winnebago Presbytery Finance Committee recognizes there are occasions when emergency loans are needed by particular churches within the presbytery (who don t have the necessary funds to address the problem). This may be in response to emergency maintenance issues not covered by insurance such as, but not totally inclusive of, boilers failing in the middle of winter, water damage from broken pipes and roof damage due to falling trees or others acts of nature. Therefore in order for the Presbytery to respond quickly to the emergency needs of a particular church, we propose that Winnebago Presbytery commission its Council with the authority to act on its behalf in response to emergency requests for funds. This authority would be used when waiting for a regularly scheduled Presbytery meeting is not reasonable. The emergency loans, limited to $50,000 or less, will ordinarily be secured from the Dave Jones Trust Fund and are to be repaid under terms set by the Council. The Dave Jones Trust Fund is to provide assistance to small churches in the Presbytery, those with 100 members or less. When appropriate, loans from other institutions, such as Synod or the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program will be considered for approval. PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN (Ruling Elder Alice Ackermann) Ms. Ackermann reported that the 2013 Spring Gathering will be April 27 at Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church. The Synod Presbyterian Women will gather in RESOURCE AND PROGRAM COORDINATING TEAM Gina Struensee reported that the Presbyterians in Education (PIE) summer Bible study involved people. There are tentative plans for one to be held next summer. Lin Wittmann reported that the Faith Formation event in August was successful and offered information she found quite valuable as a Commissioned Ruling Elder. Jennifer Zander provided information about the upcoming fall youth camp, noting the cost has been reduced and that scholarships may be available. Registration deadline is October 15. Page 8 of 10

9 It was announced that confirmation classes are being invited to the December 1 presbytery meeting. They will run on a separate track and attend a portion of the presbytery s business meeting in the morning. Richard Manny reported that the Rev. Mamie Broadhurst, who until recently served as a longterm accompanier in Colombia, will be in the Presbytery October 3-8. Her schedule was announced. The Global Partnership Task Group is hosting a joint worship service with Urabá Presbytery via Skype on October 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the UW-Fox Valley Theatre in Menasha, WI. Persons interested in the choir or volunteering in some other capacity were asked to contact him or the presbytery office. NOMINATING COMMITTEE (The Rev. Tom Willadsen) Dr. Willadsen presented the slate of nominees for Presbytery Offices beginning January 1, The Moderator called for nominations from the floor; none were received. 12/65 It was VOTED to elect the following officers to terms beginning January 1, 2013: Moderator (1 yr) Vice Moderator (1 yr) Treasurer (3 yrs) Stated Clerk (3 yrs) Ruling Elder Howard Kidd (Neenah First) Teaching Elder Mara Rivera (Winneconne First) Ruling Elder Robert Merriam (Neenah First) Teaching Elder Michael Lukens PERSONNEL COMMITTEE (The Rev. Mara Rivera) Ms. Rivera reported that the annual personnel reviews had been successfully conducted for all staff members. The committee has written a complete position description for the Committee on Ministry Coordinator and revised the position description for the Associate Executive. She reported that the transitional office assistant position will end as of December 31, /66 It was VOTED to grant a 2% salary increase to staff for ASSOCIATE EECUTIVE PRESBYTER REPORT The Rev. Sarah Moore-Nokes noted that the effort to put a Wisconsin strategy for presbyteries into place is a 150 step process and steps are being taken very slowly. The Committees on Preparation for Ministry have met together three times and made great strides toward working cooperatively. The John Knox and Winnebago Presbytery Councils will gather on September 29 in DeForest, and the John Knox and Winnebago Personnel Committees are also in conversation. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS No additional business was brought before the body. ADJOURNMENT WITH PRAYER AND BENEDICTION 12/67 It was VOTED to adjourn the meeting following the benediction. Page 9 of 10

10 Moderator Ted Sperduto closed the meeting with prayer and benediction at 3:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michael B. Lukens Stated Clerk Nancy Barczak Associate for Administration Appendix A: Final Report of the Aniwa Hogarty Disaffiliation Administrative Commission Appendix B: Presbytery Council Minutes (August 21, 2012) Appendix C: 2012 Pastoral Terms of Call Report Appendix D: 2011 Financial Review of Presbytery Financials Appendix E: 2013 Proposed Presbytery Operations Budget Page 10 of 10