Presbytery of Genesee Valley STATED MEETING November 18, :15am Penfield Presbyterian Church 1881 Jackson Rd, NY 14526

Transcription

1 Presbytery of Genesee Valley STATED MEETING November 18, :15am Penfield Presbyterian Church 1881 Jackson Rd, NY Elder Hezekiah Simmons, Moderator Rev. Sue Thaine, Moderator-Elect Elder Susan Orr, Stated Clerk Elder Bob Mecredy, Treasurer MAILED DOCKET 8:30 - ON-SITE SIGN IN OPENS 9:00 - PRE-MEETINGS BEGINS 10:15 - BUSINESS MEETING TO BEGIN PROMPTLY 12:00 - LUNCH WITH NEIGHBORHOOD CONVERSATIONS & AGENCY MISSION FAIR 3:00 - ADJOURNMENT! Please read the ROC SALT Mission Center Report (page 53) in preparation for the meeting. New Commissioners: Please contact Beth Weaver (officeadmin@pbygenval.org) or ) in the Presbytery Office to request a name badge and a Welcome to Presbytery resource booklet. Resource Center: The Resource Center comes to you at every Presbytery meeting. Please visit the display and check out all the great resources available for borrowing! Minutes of previous Presbytery meetings are available on the web site at They will be mailed to presbyters who do not have access. Attendance: Since ministers and elder commissioners are required to attend presbytery meetings, presbyters who do not request excuses will be marked absent. Corrections to attendance from previous meetings will be made in the permanent record. Table of Contents Directions & History of Penfield Presbyterian Church... Page 2 Docket... 3 Consent Agenda Committee on Ministry Report Pastoral Care & Development Committee Council Report Board of Trustees Report Budget Development and Oversight Committee Committee on Preparation for Ministry Report Administrative Commission for the Rochester Korean Presbyterian Church Report Nominating Committee To avoid distraction, please silence your cell phone when you are in the meeting. Thanks! Know Christ, Live Christ, Share Christ Presbytery of Genesee Valley, 1190 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY

2 Page 2 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting A Brief History of Penfield Presbyterian Church On October 13, 1957, the new congregation met for worship in a local conservation league clubhouse. Curtains were drawn to shut off the bar area in the back. A young congregation with young children prompted the development of Sunday School classes held in the old Town Hall building. Reverend Ralph Miller was the first full-time pastor in April, In May, 1958, the church purchased 7.5 acres on Jackson Road for the mere price of $10,000. Following a 1-day campaign to raise $29,000 to kickstart a $100,000 project, a ground-breaking ceremony for the new church took place on April 5, The new church was opened and dedicated on April 10, 1960, about one year from the ground-breaking. The church continued to grow through the 1960s. By 1964, the congregation numbered 336. With an average of two new families attending worship each Sunday, the facility soon was too small to accommodate all the children in Sunday School. The new Christian Education wing was completed in 1968 with a very non-traditional design by architect James Johnson. Designed to imitate an upside-down flower, the new wing was circular in design with an open courtyard in the center. A large mound of dirt was built, support pillars were installed, then the dirt was covered with concrete. Once the concrete was set, the dirt was dug out from under the concrete cap to form the roof. By 1980, the Christian Education wing developed numerous roof leaks due to the unusual construction techniques used. The new roof was finished in August This is also the same year that a day care was started in our church, which still meets a very critical need in our community today. The first decade of the new century also saw the significant Capital Campaign that raised money for a major renovation that provided handicap parking, full access and a handicap bathroom facility, all under our New Doors to Fellowship campaign. Directions from Rochester 1881 Jackson Road, Penfield, NY (585) Take I-490 EAST Take Exit 21 onto I-590 North go 0.5 mi I-590 NORTH becomes RT-590 NORTH go 0.8 mi Take Exit 7/RT-286 toward Browncroft Blvd go 0.2 mi Turn Right on Browncroft Blvd/RT 286 go 2.3 mi Browncroft Blvd becomes Atlantic Ave/RT 286 go 2.5 mi Turn Right on Jackson Road go 1.0 mi Turn Right to stay on Jackson Road, do not continue straight onto Jackson Road Extension. Church is on the right.

3 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 3 Saturday, November 18, 2017 Stated Meeting Page Reference Mailed Taken MAILED DOCKET For the Meeting of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley Penfield Presbyterian Church Penfield, New York 10:10 AM Announcements Greetings from the Host Church Greetings from David Staniunas, Presbyterian Historical Society Call to Order and Opening Prayer Introductory Business Approval of Docket Appointment of Tellers Greeting New Commissioners Enrollment of Corresponding Members Privilege of the Floor 4-5 Consent Agenda Lifting of Motions for Discussion Call for New Business Report from the Presbytery Leader 10:30 AM 5-12 Committee on Ministry Examination of Rev. Jeffrey Weenink for Transfer of Presbytery Membership Commissioning of Ruling Elders to Particular Service (Commissiond Pastors) Honorable Retirement Celebration for Rev. Jim Widboom and Rev. Steven Becker Pastoral Care and Development Committee Honoring Ordination Anniversaries 11:00 AM Service of Prayer and Celebration Hymns Commissioning Service for Commissioned Pastors 11:30 AM Healthier Congregations Visioning Team Grants Working Group - Distribution to congregations and agencies Tools and Training Working Group- Church Leadership Development Day Relationships Working Group - Intentional Prayer for Congregations Survey on Essential Qualities of Congregation Development 12:00 PM Lunch with Neighborhood Conversations and Agency Mission Fair In groups of 2 or 3: - What is one thing your congregation does so well it could teach others? - What is one thing your congregation would like to learn? - (Optional) What support from the Healthier Congregations Team does your congregation need to continue its good work? Sue Thaine Amy Williams Fowler Melissa DeRosia Deb Swift 1:00 PM Good News from Churches Good News from Neighborhoods 1:15 PM Council Report Categories of Membership - First Reading Revised Policies and Procedures Manual - Second Reading and Vote Concurrence to Overture ROC SALT 93 Trustees Report Sale of Lakeside Property Budget Development and Oversight Committee Approval of Budget for Committee on Preparation for Ministry Examination of Laura Bachmann from Inquirer to Condidate Status Report of the Administrative Commission for the Rochester Korean Presbyterian Church Request Dismissal Brandi Wooten Ron Hansen Ed Orman Bob Mecredy Elaine Borduin Vanderzwan Sue Thaine 2:45 PM 110 Nominating Committee Ralph Carter Three Key Things to Take Home and Share Twyla Boyer 3:00 PM Adjournment

4 Page 4 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting CONSENT AGENDA for November 18, 2017 Presbytery of Genesee Valley Penfield Presbyterian Church, Penfield, NY The purpose of a Consent Agenda is to enable a governing body to deal with routine business expeditiously, thus freeing up time for other activities. How to lift items for discussion or debate: An opportunity will be given for presbyters to request that action items be lifted from the Consent Agenda. Simply go to the microphone and when you are recognized, request the item you wish to lift out. Items lifted out for discussion will be handled during the committee report associated with that particular item. The remaining items (those not lifted out) will be approved in one motion. Stated Clerk Action Items The stated clerk moves that the presbytery: CONSENT AGENDA: Items for Presbytery s Action (Minutes, September 26, 2017) 1. Approve the Minutes of the September 26, 2017, stated meeting of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley held at First Presbyterian Church, Honeoye Falls, NY. (Treasurer s Report) 1. Receive the Treasurer s Report, month ending October 31, [Reports provided in the Mailed Docket.] (Proposed Correction of Imbalance between Clergy and Elders for 2018) Current Imbalance Report Minister members of presbytery (as of 9/30/17) 125 Average ministers in attendance in Elder Commissioners from congregations (one per) 61 Add l Elder Commissioners from large congregations (over 500) 4 Perinton (534) 1 additional Pittsford (864) 1 additional Third (1225) 2 additional Average number of churches not represented by elder comm. 38 Average elder commissioners (inc. add l) in attendance in IMBALANCE TO BE CORRECTED IN MOTION: Invite the following persons to serve as additional elder commissioners with voice and vote for calendar year 2018: Presbytery Officers: Bob Mecredy (Pittsford) Treasurer Susan Orr (Laurelton) - Presbyter for Healthier Congregations/Stated Clerk Hezekiah Simmons (Pittsford) - Moderator Certified Christian Educators: Linda Badger Becker Commissioned Pastors / Temporary Student Supplies in current service:

5 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 5 Roger Estes (Mumford) David Fish (N. Bergen) Cathy Foerster (Lima) Erin A.S. Jacobsen (East Bethany) Martha Mitchell (Stone Bergen) Brad Smith (Attica) Jerry Swain (Mt. Morris) Committee Chairs: Barb Bruins (Pittsford) Personnel Co-Chair Ralph Carter (Third) Nominating Mary Cowden (Third) Committee on Ministry Ron Hansen (Third) Trustees Ed Orman (York) Budget Development an Oversight Rose Peet (Third) Personnel Co-Chair Synod and General Assembly Commissioners: Ruth Stewart (Stone Bergen) Synod Barbara Crane (Covington) Synod (General Assembly Commissioner Hezekiah Simmons) (General Assembly Commissioner Ralph Carter) Former Moderators: Fred Denson (Webster) Betty Minemier (Dansville) Nancy Sprenkle (Pittsford) Kay VanNostrand (Lyndonville) Additional Commissioners from our Racial Ethnic Congregations: Rochester Korean Trinity Emmanuel Additional Commissioners from each church within a neighborhood: one neighborhood per meeting, on a rotating basis TOTAL INVITATIONS = 37 (total invitations in 2017 = 31) CONSENT AGENDA: Items for Presbytery s Information Stated Clerk Information Items (Anniversaries) The following are the significant anniversaries of congregations that will occur in 2017 (listed in 25-year increments): 50 years (1967) Trinity Church of Nunda, NY 200 years (1817) Brighton Presbyterian Church Corfu United Presbyterian Church East Bethany Presbyterian Church Wyoming First Presbyterian Church (Ordinations / Installations) The ordination of Rev. Katrina Hebb was held on September 30, 2017 at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, Rochester NY with one change to the approved administrative commission: Rev. Susan Thaine (Moderator Elect, Penfield) co-officiated with Moderator Hezekiah Simmons. (Necrology) The Rev. James R. Marlett, 75, died on June 2, No further information was available regarding a memorial service.

6 Page 6 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT for November 18, 2017 Penfield Presbyterian Church, Penfield, NY [Meetings of 10/3/17 & 11/7/17] ITEMS FOR PRESBYTERY S ACTION The Committee on Ministry VOTED to recommend that the presbytery: (Transfer of Membership / Rev. Jeffrey Weenink) 1. Approve, upon examination, enrolling the Rev. Jeffrey Weenink as a member of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, and request transfer of his membership from the Presbytery of Lake Huron to the Presbytery of Genesee Valley effective November 15, Rev. Weenink is serving the First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, NY as Interim Pastor. (Commissioning of Ruling Elders / Commissioned Pastors (CP)) 1. Approve the re-commissioning of the following ruling elders to pastoral service: Roger Estes to First Presbyterian Church, Mumford NY David Fish to North Bergen Presbyterian Church Cathy Foerster to Lima Presbyterian Church Martha Mitchell to Stone Bergen Church Presbyterian Church Brad Smith to First Presbyterian Church, Attica NY Jerry Swain to United Church of Mt. Morris 2. Approve the commissioning of the following ruling elders to the Pulpit Supply List: Tim Bucknam (Perry Brick) Dean Cornwell (Victor) 3. Approve the re-commissioning of the following ruling elders to the Pulpit Supply List: Lynn Burdick (Caledonia First) Carl DelleFave (Laurelton) Bill Ellis (Wyoming) John Goehle (Ogden) Mark Ross (Batavia) Marsha Wenhold (Lyndonville) (Honorable Retirement / Rev. Steven Becker) 1. Grant the status of Honorably Retired to Rev. Steven Becker, effective December 1, (Honorable Retirement / Rev. James Widboom) 1. Celebrate the status of Honorably Retired previously granted to Rev. James Widboom (see pg. 14 June 20, 2017 Minutes) effective February 26, ACTIONS TAKEN ON BEHALF OF PRESBYTERY Acting on behalf of the presbytery, the Committee VOTED to: (Moderator Appointments) 1. Appoint Rev. J.D. Jackson (via Formula of Agreement, United Church of Christ) as moderator for the session of Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY for the remainder of his contract (January 2018). 2. Appoint Rev. Katrina Hebb (Temporary Supply, New Life) as moderator of session of New Life Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY for the remainder of her contract (May 2018). ACTIONS TO BE REPORTED TO PRESBYTERY AS INFORMATION (Pittsford First / Rev. Jeffrey Weenink) 1. Approve the Interim Pastor Covenant Agreement (full time) between the session of First Presbyterian Church, Pittsford, NY and Rev. Jeffrey Weenink effective November 15, 2017 at the following terms: Cash Salary $26,500 Deferred Compensation $14,000

7 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 7 Housing Allowance $34,500 Effective Salary $75,000 Social Security Offset $ 4,666 Benefits Plan PC(USA) $27,375 Death Benefit PC(USA) $ 1,838 Flexible Spending Acct $ 2,500 Deferred Comp Match $14,000 Travel/Expenses $13,621 Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 30 days including 5 Sundays; 2 wks study leave Sick leave: 1 day/mo. Cumulative (East Bethany / Elder Erin A.S. Jacobson) 1. Approve the Covenant Agreement for Temporary Student Supply Pastor (33% time) between the session of East Bethany Presbyterian Church, East Bethany, NY and Elder Erin A.S. Jacobson effective January 1, 2018 at the following terms: Cash Salary $ 2,450 Housing Allowance $ 2,450 Fair Rental Value of Manse $ 9,000 Utilities $ 1,000 Effective Salary $14,900 Social Security Offset $ 1,140 Benefits Plan PC(USA) $ 1,788 Cont Ed/Study $ 300 Travel/Expenses $ 1,570 Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 30 days including 5 Sundays; 2 wks study leave Sick leave: 1 day/mo. cumulative (Honeoye Falls / Rev. David Ashby) 1. Approve the Interim Pastor Covenant Agreement (full time) between the session of First Presbyterian Church, Honeoye Falls, NY and Rev. David Ashby effective October 15, 2017 at the following terms upon clarification of the Annual Leave and Vacation Time: Cash Salary $43,671 Housing Allowance $19,000 Effective Salary $62,671 Social Security Offset $ 4,794 Benefits Plan PC(USA) $22,875 Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 800 Travel/Expenses $ 7,000 Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 30 days including 5 Sundays; 2 wks study leave Sick leave: 1 day/mo. cumulative (Elba / Rev. Barbara Tipton) 1. Approve the Stated Supply Covenant Agreement (50% time) between the session of First Presbyterian Church, Elba, NY and Rev. Barbara Tipton effective November 1, 2017 at the following terms: Cash Salary $18,000 Fair Rental Value/Utilities $12,000 Effective Salary $30,000 Social Security Offset $ 2,295 Benefits Plan PC(USA) $10,950* Cont Ed/Study $ 400* Supplemental Ins (death) $ 884 Travel/Expenses $ 2,358* *half provided by covenant with Barre Center Presbyterian Church, Albion, NY Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 44 days including 8 Sundays; 2 wks study leave Sick leave: 1 day/mo. cumulative

8 Page 8 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting (Barre Center / Rev. Barbara Tipton) 1. Approve the Stated Supply Covenant Agreement (50% time) between the session of Barre Center Presbyterian Church, Albion, NY and Rev. Barbara Tipton effective October 1, 2017 at the following terms: Cash Salary with manse $24,000 Housing Allowance $ 6,000 Effective Salary $30,000 Social Security Offset $ 2,295 Benefits Plan PC(USA) $10,950* Cont Ed/Study $ 400* Travel/Expenses $ 2,358* *half provided by covenant with First Presbyterian Church, Elba, NY Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 44 days including 8 Sundays; 2 wks study leave Sick leave: 1 day/mo. Cumulative (Lima / CP Catherine Foerster) 1. Approve the Stated Supply Covenant Agreement (50% time) between the session of Lima Presbyterian Church, Lima, NY and Commissioned Pastor (formerly known as Commissioned Ruling Elder) Catherine Foerster effective November 1, 2017 at the following terms: Cash Salary $15,000 Housing Allowance $14,400 Effective Salary $29,400 Cont Ed/Study $ 800 Travel/Expenses $ 2,300 Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 6 wks including 6 Sundays plus 3 add l Sundays; 2 wks study leave; Sick leave: 1 day/mo. cumulative (New Life / Rev. Karina Hebb) 1. Approve the updated Covenant Agreement from Temporary Student Supply to Temporary Supply Pastor (50% time) between the session of New Life Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY and Rev. Katrina Hebb effective October 1, 2017 at the following terms: Cash Salary $18,000 Housing Allowance $ 4,654 Utilities $ 700 Effective Salary $23,374 Social Security Offset $ 1,788 Benefits Plan PC(USA) $ 8,532* Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 400* Travel/Expenses $ 2,668* *half provided by covenant with South Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 30 days including 5 Sundays; 2 wks study leave Sick leave: 1 day/mo. Cumulative (Scottsville Union / Rev. Ed Hoener) 1. Approve the Interim Pastor Covenant Agreement (full time) between the session of Union Presbyterian Church, Scottsville, NY and Rev. Edmund Hoener effective October 1, 2017 for a period of nine months at the following terms: Cash Salary $28,500 Housing Allowance $ 4,500 Effective Salary $33,000 Social Security Offset $ 2,525 Benefits Plan PC(USA) $12,045 Cont Ed/Study Leave $ 600 Travel/Expenses $ 3,537 Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 30 days including 5 Sundays; 2 wks study leave Sick leave: 1 day/mo. Cumulative

9 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 9 (Laurelton / Rev. Katie Styrt) 1. Approve the Stated Supply Covenant Agreement (50% time) between the session of Laurelton Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY and Rev. Katie Styrt effective January 1, 2018 at the following terms, upon clarification of the annual leave: Cash Salary $16,760 Housing Allowance $ 5,580 Utilities $ 240 Medical Deductible $ 1,000 Effective Salary $23,580 Social Security Offset $ 1,727 Benefits Plan PC(USA) $ 8,725* Cont Ed/Study $ 400* Travel/Expenses $ 2,358* *half provided by covenant with Gates Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY Annual Leave and Vacation Time: 30 days including 5 Sundays; 2 wks study leave Sick leave: 1 day/mo. cumulative (Pulpit Supply List) Add the following name(s) to the Pulpit Supply List: 1. Rev. Michael Stuart (Presbytery of the Cascades) (Ministry Information Forms) 1. Receive the Vision and Mission Statement of the Parkminster Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY, as adopted by Session on October 24, Receive the Ministry Information Form for Union Presbyterian Church, Scottsville, NY. (Exit Interviews) 1. Receive the report of the Exit Interview with Rev. Steven Becker, Pastor (Perinton) held on September 6, 2017 conducted by Rev. Viktoria Berlik. 2. Receive the report of the Exit Interview with Rev. Alan Dailey (United Church of Christ), Interim Pastor (Brockport) held on July 10, 2017 conducted by the Brockport Transition Team members Diana Kruger, Gerry Maar, Scott Maar, and Dan May. (Ministerial Transactions) 1. Dismiss Rev. Robert L. Morgan Jr to Savannah Presbytery effective 5/19/ Change status for Rev. Tim Luddy to minister serving another denomination effective immediately until such time as paperwork is completed by the Presbytery of the Alleghenies (EPC) for transfer of membership to another denomination (approximately Feb 2018) (COM Handbook Revision) 1. Approve Addition to the Policy for Examinations : addressing the protocol for examination on the floor of Presbytery for transparency and understanding. Also clarifies that Candidates may not schedule the service of ordination, or ordination/installation, until the Presbytery has acted to approve the candidate. See Appendix A: Addition to the Policy for Examinations 2. Approve the addition of Communion to the list of responsibilities for Supply Pastor Covenant Agreements, Temporary or Stated.

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12 Page 12 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Addition to the Policy for Examinations For all examinations: The Mailed Docket for the Presbytery meeting at which the examination will take place shall include the report of the clearance interview process, a statement of faith and a one-page biographical statement. The following docket parameters are to be maintained by the Moderator: 1. The Moderator recognizes the COM Chair or designee who introduces the candidate. The candidate comes forward alone and takes his or her place at the podium, next to the COM Chair. 2. The COM chair asks the first question, and the candidate responds. If the candidate is under care of our CPM, the CPM chair may be asked to give the first question. It has been the practice of our presbytery to inform the candidate ahead of time what the question might be. 3. A minimum of two questions is asked of each candidate and the maximum time for the examination is 20 minutes. The Moderator recognizes those who are seeking to ask questions from the floor. They identify themselves by the congregation or ministry they are a part of, and their role ruling or teaching elder (minister of word and sacrament), and ask the question. 4. If a motion to sustain or suspend the examination is made and seconded, the Moderator calls for a vote. If the examination is not sustained, the examination continues. If the examination is sustained, the following motions may be made by the Committee on Ministry: i. To ordain the candidate ii. To welcome the candidate into membership into the presbytery iii. To request transfer of membership from another presbytery 5. If the candidate will be serving in an installed position, two persons elected by the congregation to present and prosecute the call are invited forward to attest to the congregational meeting at which the pastor was elected, and to describe briefly attributes which the church was seeking and has found in this candidate. 6. The Presbytery votes on the terms of call, and, if available for a previously ordained candidate, the plan for installation. 7. If the candidate will be serving in a non-installed position, the Presbytery celebrates the successful examination with prayer. The Moderator designates who will lead the prayer, and may invite those who are present in support of the candidate to come forward for the prayer. 8. Candidates who will be ordained may not the schedule the service of ordination, or ordination/installation, until the Presbytery has acted to approve the candidate. Accordingly, invitations to such services should not be distributed on an if the way be clear basis.

13 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page Significant ordination anniversaries of ministers (listed in 5-year increments): 5 years (2012) The Rev. William Wilkinson (December 9, 2012 Presbytery of Genesee Valley) 10 years (2007) The Rev Martha Langford (May 27, 2007 New Covenant Presbytery) The Rev Tedd Pullano (September 30, 2007 Presbytery of Genesee Valley) 15 years (2002) The Rev. Kathryn Bindig (October 27, 2002 Presbytery of Western New York) The Rev. Jeanine Haven (June 30, 2002 Presbytery of Kiskiminetas) The Rev. Carrie Mitchell (August 25, 2002 Presbytery of Greater Atlanta) 20 years (1997) The Rev. Philip Benier (September 21, 1997 Maumee Valley Presbytery) The Rev. Nancy Overgaard (June 8, 1997 Presbytery of Boston) 25 years (1992) The Rev. Christine Baker (October 4, 1992 New Castle Presbytery) The Rev. Ed Hoener (February 2, 1992 Presbytery of Elizabeth) The Rev. Jamie Kenyon (February 2, 1992 Presbytery of Boulder) 30 years (1987) The Rev. Alfreda Morse (May 17, 1987 Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Encie Stevens (March 1, 1987 Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Barbara Therese (December 12, 1987 Presbytery of Monmouth) The Rev. Laurie Tiberi (February 15, 1987 Presbytery of Western New York) 35 years (1982) The Rev. Robert Farnsworth (1982 American Baptist Church) The Rev. Charles Roberts (June 13, 1982 Presbytery of Albany) The Rev. Kavin Rossman (August 22, 1982 Presbytery of Kiskiminetas) 40 years (1977) The Rev. Elizabeth Beckhusen (July 10, 1977 Presbytery of Elizabeth) The Rev. Ann Evinger (September 11, 1977 Presbytery of New York City) The Rev. Rosemary Mitchell (October 9, 1977 Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley) The Rev. Jane Watt (October 9, 1977 Presbytery of Genesee Valley) 45 years (1972) The Rev. Bruce Boak (June 25, 1972 Presbytery of Shenango) The Rev. Roderic Frohman (June 7, 1972 Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Neil Frood (May 7, 1972 Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Anthony Ricciuti (October 1, 1972 Presbytery of Monmouth)

14 Page 14 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting 50 years (1967) The Rev. Andrew Chalmers (October 22, 1967 Presbytery of Elizabeth) The Rev. Ray Lindquist (October 10, 1967 Presbytery of Newton) Over 50 years The Rev. Linda Brebner (52 years, February 21, 1965 Presbytery of Riverside) The Rev. Jack Heister (52 years, June 1, 1965 Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Jerrold Paul (52 years, July 27, 1965 Presbytery of Monmouth) The Rev. Merl Galusha (53 years, February 1, 1964 Presbytery of Albany) The Rev. J. Donald Glover (53 years, July 26, ) The Rev. Bob Booher (55 years, October 14, 1962 Presbytery of Genesee Valley) The Rev. Bob Kaiser (56 years, May 1, 1961 Central NY Conference, United Methodist Church) The Rev. Chuck Leport (56 years, June 21, 1961 Presbytery of Utica) The Rev. Frank Ichishita (57 years, February 21, 1960 Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Bruce Billman (57 years, October 1, 1960 Presbytery of Steuben-Elmira) The Rev. Dane Gordon (59 years, November 30, 1958 Presbytery of Rochester) The Rev. Don Roth (59 years, May 17, 1958 Presbytery of Lackawanna) The Rev. Ron Sallade (60 years, May 1, 1957 Presbytery of Pittsburgh) The Rev. Walter Wenhold (61 years, May 1, 1956 Presbytery of Philadelphia) The Rev. Bob Geyer (61 years, May 16, 1956 Presbytery of Upper Ohio Valley)

15 Page 15 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting PRESBYTERY COUNCIL REPORT for November 18, 2017 Penfield Presbyterian Church, Penfield, NY [Meeting held on 10/23/17] ITEMS FOR PRESBYTERY S ACTION The Council VOTED to recommend that the presbytery: (Presbytery of Genesee Valley Categories of Membership) Approve revisions to the Categories of Membership in Our Presbytery, currently located in the COM Manual, including: Definition of Temporary Member (voice & vote; requires examination by Presbytery) and Corresponding Member (voice, no vote; no examination) Creating sub-categories under Honorably Retired for: a) those actively engaged in the life of the Presbytery and b) Members Beyond Active Service those not able to serve due to health or location These recommendations are based upon the intentional desire for parity of pastors and elders at business meetings, to clarify who has vote/voice and requires examination by Presbytery, and which committee provides oversight. This document will also be included in the revised Policies & Procedures Manual. See Appendix A: Categories of Membership in Our Presbytery (Personnel Committee) Approve a proposal to revise the Personnel Committee membership requirement from six people to at least four members, with the Presbytery Leader serving ex officio. [NOTE: This action will be incorporated into Appendix L of the revised Policies & Procedures Manual.] (Policies & Procedures Manual) Receive for second reading and vote - the Policies and Procedures Manual for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley (as collected and approved in 2011 and amended through 2017) as revised based upon recommendations to the first reading on September 26, 2017 including: clarification regarding the Presbytery s Nominating Committee, language in the Principles of Representation, and Campus Ministries under the purview of the Interfaith and Ecumenical Relationships Working Group of the Big Picture Team. See Appendix B: Policies and Procedures Manual (General Assembly Request for Overture Concurrence) Refer OVT 006: On Directing the Board of Pensions and the Foundation to Divest from Fossil Fuel and Actively Invest in Securities that Focus in Renewable Energy from the Presbytery of Hudson River to the Presbytery for their consideration and possible concurrence. This overture has received endorsement from Gates Presbyterian and Laurelton Presbyterian. See Appendix C: Overture 006: On Directing the Board of Pensions and the Foundation to Divest from Fossil Fuel (ROC SALT Mission Center) Establish the ROC SALT Mission Center, to be located at 68 Ashland St. (at the former Calvary St. Andrews building) in the city of Rochester. The ROC SALT Mission Center will be a designated mission of the Presbytery, who will exercise final responsibility, delegating oversight to a board of directors. The initial term for this initiative will be three years, from December 1, 2017 to December 31, The Presbytery, through its Mission Linkages Working Group of the Big Picture Team, will conduct regular reviews of the Center s mission and operations. The Presbytery will commit financial support, including: $300,000 in capital support from designated funds $10,000 in funding from the operating budget for 2019 and 2020 and available funds from 2018 See Appendix D: Council ROC SALT Proposal

16 Page 16 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting ITEMS FOR PRESBYTERY S INFORMATION The Council VOTED to: (Designated Fund #3101C Christian Educator) Rename Designated Fund #3101C Christian Educator to Scholarships. This fund was originally established with PC(USA) grant monies to underwrite coursework for those working towards educator certification in the PC(USA). It has been nearly seven years since these funds have been accessed and there are currently no persons in PGV working on educator certification. (Conflict of Interest Policy) Approve the Conflict of Interest Policy for the Trustees of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley as required by New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation Law. This will be included in the Financial Policies section of the Policies & Procedures Manual. See Appendix E: Conflict of Interest Policy (Whistleblower Policy) Approve the Whistleblower Policy for Presbytery Staff to ensure that an environment exists that promotes prevention, detection, and resolution of instances of conduct that do not conform to federal or state statutory and regulatory requirements and prohibitions. This will be included in the Personnel Manual. See Appendix F: Presbytery Whistleblower Police (Batavia) 1. Authorize the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, New York, (the Church ) to lease real property located at 304 West Main Street, Batavia, New York to the County of Genesee for a period of 15 years for the purposes of the Justice for Children Advocacy Center, for the annual rent of $12, with tenant being responsible for all utilities, repairs and capital improvements. 2. This authorization shall be subject to approval of a Supreme Court justice for the judicial district in which the property is located. [NOTE: The lease of the property as described above, was approved by the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia on September 21, 2017.] (Dansville) 1. Authorize the First Presbyterian Church of Dansville, 3 School Street, Dansville, New York, (the Church ) to use Church assets to replace the roof on the Church, with details as to the type of construction to be used to be decided by the Session of the Church, and provided that the Church is directed to: a. investigate the documentation of the ownership of the Church building and land b. investigate cooperation with other Dansville churches on the use of the building c. investigate making the church handicapped accessible, and d. investigate and document restrictions on their invested funds.

17 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 17 PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE VALLEY COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY Categories of Membership in Our Presbytery A teaching elder is typically a member of presbytery and shall be engaged in a ministry validated by that presbytery, a member-at-large as determined by the presbytery, or honorably retired. I. ENGAGED IN A VALIDATED MINISTRY - Upon examination and approval of Presbytery, entitled to speak and vote at Presbytery meetings and to hold office. Attendance at Presbytery meetings is expected and affects the balance for parity. This category of membership has primary oversight by the Committee on Ministry. 1. PASTOR in a Congregation A. A call or invitation or temporary contract to serve as Pastor or Co-Pastor, Designated Pastor, Associate Pastor, Stated Supply, Interim Pastor, Interim Associate Pastor, dual role or in a part time pastoral relationship of at least 15 hours per week, in a church within this presbytery and based upon a call or salaried position as approved by this presbytery. B. Evidence of regular participation in the life of the Christian community beyond the local congregation in the following ways: a. Attendance at Presbytery meetings. b. Participation in the work of the Presbytery. c. Willingness to fill other ministerial rolls when called upon to do so. C. Temporary Members from Formula of Agreement denominations are entitled to voice and vote. NOTE: Corresponding Members from other Presbyteries are granted voice, no vote at Presbytery and committee meetings, except the Self Development of People committee. 2. MINISTERS IN OTHER SERVICE OF THE PC(USA) This includes all ministers employed by Presbytery, or by some other governing body or agency of this denomination. May be excused from expected meeting attendance if serving in another locale and will not affect parity. 3. MINISTERS IN SERVICE BEYOND THE JURISDICTION OF THE PC(U.S.A.) - Validated Ministers are subject to review and renewal annually by Committee on Ministry The term ministry as used in this section shall apply to the primary thrust of a person s occupation, employment or work responsibility. Such calls will be validated according to the provisions of Guidelines for Ministers in Validated Ministry. II. MEMBERS-AT-LARGE - Entitled to speak and vote at Presbytery meetings and to hold office. Subject to review and renewal annually by Committee on Ministry. Attendance at Presbytery meetings is expected; membership affects parity. Members-at-large are those ministers who, without intentional abandonment of the exercise of ministry are no longer engaged in a ministry that complies with all the criteria in G a. A teaching elder may be designated a member-at-large because he or she is limited in his or her ability to engage in a ministry fulfilling all of the criteria for a validated ministry due to family responsibilities or other individual circumstances recognized by the presbytery. A DRAFT Revision November 2017

18 Page 18 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting member-at-large shall comply with as many of the criteria in G a as possible including responsible participation in the deliberations, worship, and work of the presbytery and in the life of a congregation of this church or a church in correspondence with the PC(USA). and shall actively participate in the life of a congregation. III. HONORABLY RETIRED- Entitled to speak and vote at Presbytery meetings and to hold office. Attendance at Presbytery meetings is encouraged but not required. This category of membership has primary oversight by the Pastoral Care and Development Committee. Upon request of a member of presbytery, the presbytery may designate the member honorably retired because of age or physical or mental disability. A. Honorably Retired Members actively participating in the work and life of the Presbytery will be expected to attend Presbytery meetings and will be included in the parity. B. Honorably Retired Members may choose the designation Members Beyond Active Service and will not be expected to attend Presbytery meetings and will not be included in the parity. IV. INACTIVE MEMBERS NOT entitled to speak or vote at Presbytery meetings or to hold office. Subject to review and renewal annually by the Committee on Ministry. Inactive members are ministers who voluntarily engaged in an occupation that does not comply with all criteria in section 1, 2 or 3 above or are declared inactive by the Presbytery. The following apply: A. An inactive member is entitled to speak to their status change through the COM. The continued status of each inactive member shall be reviewed annually up to three years. If at the end of three years the minister has not been restored to validated ministry or membership-at-large, the presbytery shall delete that person s name from the appropriate roll of presbytery and may give that person a certificate of membership to a particular church. It is strongly recommended that the minister confer with the Stated Clerk and request a Release from Exercise of Ordained Office. This is a release from the office of Teaching Elder but upon beginning a service that could be validated, restoration to the office can occur.. B. Restoration to the ordained office can occur in the following ways: a. In the case of Release from Exercise of Ordered Ministry that person shall apply through the presbytery which granted the release, and upon approval of that presbytery, the reaffirmation of the ordination questions, and the resumption of a ministry that qualifies that person for membership in the presbytery, shall be restored to the exercise of the ordered ministry as a teaching elder without re-ordination. [G ] b. In the case of restoration subsequent to censure of temporary exclusion, the person would apply for restoration through the stated clerk of the presbytery of censure. The COM would be responsible for making recommendation to the presbytery, upon examination and being fully satisfied that the restoration is justified. [See D i and D ] c. In the case of restoration subsequent to a person s renunciation of the jurisdiction of the PCUSA, the only route back to restoration to office is the candidacy process.

19 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 19 Report of the Presbytery Council Revision of Policies and Procedures Manual, as revised in light of feedback from September Presbytery Meeting 1. The Preface has been revised with respect to dates, and the list of Appendices has been expanded to add the Neighborhood List, the Guidelines for Host Churches of Presbytery Meetings, and the Position Descriptions for Presbytery Staff 2. Part I: Mission and Vision (pp. 2-4). The sections Our Vision and Gathered in Neighborhoods have replaced the Strategies for Knowing, Living and Sharing Christ (2009), pp Part II: Organization (pp. 5-12). The sections Presbytery Design, Presbytery Teams have been added. The section Presbytery Officers has been amended to provide that the Moderator and Moderator-Elect will both serve on the Big Picture Team and that their terms of service begin on the day they are installed. 4. Also added since the First Reading: Members of the Nominating Committee are nominated by the Big Picture Team and elected by the Presbytery (p. 10). 5. Language in the Principles of Representation has been updated to current practice (gender identity, gender expression) (p.5). 6. Interfaith and Ecumenical Relationships (p. 10,) now includes campus ministries within our bounds. 7. The Presbytery Staff section has been added. 8. The Job Descriptions of Committees are now contained in Appendix F. 9. Part III: General Policies and Procedures terminology has been amended in accordance with the Presbytery design. a. The Accessibility Policy approved in 2016 replaces the older policy. b. Presbytery Representation and Sharing of Information has been amended to delete the following language regarding committees: Only persons authorized by a committee of Presbytery may speak on behalf of the committee regarding particular issues on which the committee has taken action, and which is not contrary to Presbytery policies or actions Committee persons who speak publicly on issues without committee authorization are urged to make it clear that their views do not necessarily represent the views of the Presbytery committee, the Presbytery, or its member churches. Rationale: Because people will be serving the Presbytery both by election and by volunteering for Work Groups, it is recommended that all public statements come through the Big Picture Team, and/or the officers of the Presbytery. The Presbytery Leader continues to be a primary spokesperson for the Presbytery, communicating actions taken by the Presbytery and the General Assembly. Presbytery Operations a. The section Presbytery Meetings has been amended to reflect current practice. Guidelines for Host Churches Presbytery Meetings has been moved to Appendix M, and amended to reflect current practice. b. Presbytery E-News and Web Site Editorial Policy have been amended to reflect current practice.

20 Page 20 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting c. The section Resource Center has been amended to reflect the Presbytery design and current practice. d. The section Services to Presbytery Teams, Committees and Working Groups has been amended to reflect the current Presbytery staff design and the Position Descriptions of staff persons. 10. Part IV: Financial Policies and Procedures. This section has been amended to reflect the Presbytery design and the current governance structure for Camp Whitman.

21 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 21 SECOND READING AMENDED IN LIGHT OF FEEDBACK FROM THE PRESBYTERY MEETING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL THE PRESBYTERY OF GENESEE VALLEY (As collected and approved in 2011, and amended through 2017) [approved by Presbytery Council on ] 21 Page

22 Page 22 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting PREFACE The Presbytery of Genesee Valley of the Synod of the Northeast and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is comprised of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations in the New York State counties of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, and Wyoming and also includes the Victor Presbyterian Church in the county of Ontario. The Presbytery has adopted this policy with regards to a Manual of Administrative Operations: Presbytery shall have a Manual of Administrative Operations, which will include the Manual of Organization and Personnel Policies. Presbytery shall attach appendices to its manual of administrative operations as it shall, from time to time, deem appropriate. The manual of administrative operations shall be amended by a consultative process in conformity with Book of Order. This Policies and Procedures Manual provides a common understanding of the ways whereby we have agreed to order our life together. Completed in 2011 and revised in light of the new Form of Government adopted in 2013, it is a consolidation of policies, guidelines and procedures already contained in the following documents: Manual of Organization Presbytery Committee and Council policies, procedures and guidelines Presbytery operating policies and guidelines It is further revised in 2017, in accordance with the Design of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, described below in Sections I. and II. The policies, listed below, which appear as appendices are incorporated into this Manual. A. Neighborhood List, as updated B. Committee on Ministry Handbook and Transition Manual C. Operations Manual for the Committee on Preparation for Ministry D. Pastoral Care Support and Procedures Manual E. Consolidated Financial, Investment and Funding Policies F. Job Descriptions for Standing Committees/Commissions of the Presbytery G. Position Descriptions for Presbytery Staff H. Presbytery Sexual Misconduct Policy I. Presbytery Child Safety Policy J.. Guidelines for Writing a Session Sexual Misconduct Policy K. Policy on Automatic Administrative Leave L. Presbytery Personnel Policies and Practices M. Guidelines for Host Churches for Presbytery Meetings First and foremost, the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is governed by the Book of Order (Part II of The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)). In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between these Policies and the Book of Order or applicable New York State law, the provisions of the Book of Order or State law shall control. Specific instances of possible conflict or inconsistencies of previously-enacted policies, procedures or guidelines not expressly addressed in these Policies, should be brought to the attention of Presbytery Leader in writing. The Presbytery Leader and Big Picture Team shall report any such occurrences to Presbytery, together with a recommendation as to any action. In addition to the Book of Order, for procedural purposes the Presbytery uses the most recent edition of Robert s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (Scott Foresman edition). Amendments to this document shall be done according to the procedures outlined herein.

23 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 23 PART I: MISSION AND VISION OUR MISSION: KNOW CHRIST, LIVE CHRIST, SHARE CHRIST Preamble We lift up our understanding of the mission of God for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. This mission begins with the faithfulness of those who have preceded us. It emerges in a context of turbulence and rapid change in church and society. Our understanding of God s mission for us grows in the hearts of our diverse people as we commit to serve Christ together. Mission Statement The Presbytery of Genesee Valley glorifies God by Knowing Christ, Living Christ, and Sharing Christ. What does this Mission look like? We Know Christ when we worship God through Scripture, prayer, songs, and preaching; when we live as disciples of Jesus Christ within a faithful community of congregations; and when we experience the Holy Spirit leading us into the world with purpose and conviction. This mission calls for the Presbytery to train and equip the people of God for faithful service in the life of our churches and surrounding communities. We Live Christ when we model the truth and integrity of the Gospel as we build trust and work with one another and our neighbors; when our elders, pastors and church leaders feel strong spiritual encouragement and support for their vocation; and when we demonstrate our calling in ways that capture the attention of people who live throughout the Genesee Valley. This mission calls for the Presbytery to demonstrate the wonder and joy of Christian faith as we eat, work, play and reach out together. We Share Christ when we initiate emerging faith communities, develop new churches, and support existing churches; when our congregations join hands for shared mission endeavors; and when we engage in ministries of healing, comfort, renewal, justice, and peace. This mission calls on the Presbytery to be a gathering of faithful congregations in which we mourn our defeats, celebrate our successes, and seek God s confidence and strength as we embrace the future. Our Vision: Healthy, Vital, and Sustainable Congregations and Leaders In light of the changes in our culture and demography, and the challenging environment in which the Church lives in the 21 st century, we assert that the primary focus of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is not the preservation of itself as a governing body or an institution. The focus of our Presbytery is now the landscape of possibilities and challenges facing our congregations in the places they are serving. Our primary goal is the encouragement and empowerment of healthy, vital, and sustainable congregations and leaders: active in the mission of serving God and neighbors; engaged with partners within the presbytery and beyond it. These partners may include other churches, community organizations, and mission agencies. Our vision is aspirational. Just as the Kingdom of God is dawning in our midst but not yet fulfilled, we are working to promote healthier, more vital, and sustainable congregations as we move into God s future. We seek to encourage, resource and empower leaders, pastoral leaders and congregational leaders, in their ministries. We seek to enable partnerships in which congregations can build on shared strength to be effective in their mission fields. We seek to practice that we are better together, as we support the missions and ministries of our churches with grants, tools and training, and resources. 23 Page

24 Page 24 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting We use the word Healthy, not just to connote the absence of visible illness or trouble, but as a dynamic condition of strength, nourishment, effective functioning and well-being. We use the word Vital to connote active engagement in worship and mission; care for members, neighbors and strangers; and the work of justice and peace. We use the word Sustainable to connote the ability to gather resources necessary to continue and grow in mission and ministry. This may include a critical mass of energetic people, a vision for faith and mission, trained leadership, sufficient finances, and buildings or other locations, that enable ministry. The role of the Presbytery is to provide tools and resources to evaluate and enhance sustainability in times of change and to plan with congregations regarding their future. How will we know that we are fulfilling our Vision? When congregations, either singly or in partnerships, feel energized and purposeful. When congregations work together. When the Presbytery functions as a facilitator of successful relationships. When people enjoy working together and have stories to tell about it. When we know Christ, live Christ, and share Christ here. Gathered in Neighborhoods To begin this work the Vision and Strategy Committee of the Presbytery Council has encouraged the development of six Neighborhoods within the Presbytery. Pastoral leaders and congregations are gathered to initiate conversations about the realities of mission and ministry in their region of the Presbytery; what they may want to address or learn together; how they may support each other; and whether they will be active in mission together. For the current Neighborhood Grouping list see Appendix A. Relationships between congregations across Neighborhoods, existing or yet to be formed, are also encouraged. Anticipated Outcomes: A growth in the number of mission partnerships, either regionally or project-based A stronger network of support for all pastoral leaders Churches deepening relationships with each other and supporting each other through prayer, shared mission and gatherings Churches and leaders learning new skills together that will strengthen their life and ministry

25 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 25 Presbytery Design Part II: Organization The Presbytery Design seeks to provide a variety of ways to serve the Presbytery. Some groups will continue to be nominated by Nominating Committee, elected by the Presbytery, and serve three-year terms. Other groups will be brought together less formally, and will organize around passion, interest, skills and experience. These Teams and Working Groups may be short or long-term, focused on a particular shared concern or event, or an ongoing function of serving congregations (such as the Resource Center). Participants may be self-identified, or invited through Presbytery communications and by personal invitation. These groups may design a meeting schedule and structure scaled to the work they are doing. They will form and re-form as needed. Definitions: Team: A Team is a group of people linked in a common purpose to equip, empower and support congregations and neighborhoods, or the work of the Presbytery. Working Groups: Working Groups are small groups of persons who agree to work together to accomplish identified responsibilities, objectives and goals within a Team Standing Committees of the Presbytery: Committees serve the Presbytery by doing the work assigned to them by the Presbytery. Members of Standing Committees are nominated by the Nominating Committee, elected by the Presbytery, and ordinarily serve three-year terms on a rotational basis. Members of the Nominating Committee are nominated by the Big Picture Team and elected by the Presbytery. The Committee year begins each July 1. Persons may be re-nominated and elected for a second term of 3 years. No committee member should serve longer than six consecutive years. Chairs of the Committees will be elected annually by the Committee. Principles of Representation: Presbytery, through the work of the Nominating Committee and it Teams, shall give expression to the rich diversity within in its membership, and provide means to increase inclusiveness leading to wholeness in its emerging life. Persons of all racial and ethnic groups, different ages and sexes, gender identity, gender expression, and orientation, varied abilities, geographical areas and theological understandings consistent within the Reformed tradition, as well as different marital conditions (single, married, widowed, divorced) shall be guaranteed full participation and access in the decision-making of the Presbytery. (Book of Order F , G ) The Big Picture Team shall review annually the diversity of representation within the Teams, Working Groups, and Standing Committees of the Presbytery. 25 Page

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27 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 27 Presbytery Teams Healthier Congregations Team During 2016 and 2017, four standing Committees of the Presbytery (Resource & Education, Congregational Development, Mission & Advocacy, Stewardship Development & Interpretation) came together to form the Healthier Congregations Team. Their task is to work directly with congregations and neighborhoods to bring the services of the Presbytery to them as needed or requested. 27 Page

28 Page 28 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Healthy Pastoral Leaders Team The Healthy Pastoral Leaders Team is comprised of three Standing Committees of the Presbytery. Members of these Committees are nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Presbytery: Committee on Ministry see Appendix B, Committee on Ministry Handbook and Transition Manual, for the description of its work. Committee on Preparation for Ministry see Appendix C, Operations Manual for the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, for a description of its work. Pastoral Care and Development Committee: see Appendix D, Pastoral Care Support and Procedures Manual, for a description of its work Leaders and members of these teams are encouraged to communicate regularly with each other on matters of common interest and concern. Leaders are encouraged to meet at least annually to discuss an overview of the work in which the Committees are engaged, identifying overlapping responsibilities and concerns, and developing a plan to coordinate their work. In addition, leaders of all Standing Committees will meet annually with the Big Picture Team, ordinarily in August or September. Healthy Presbytery Team The Healthy Presbytery Team is comprised of five Standing Committees of the Presbytery. Members of these Committees are nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Presbytery: Board of Trustees: see Appendix E: Consolidated Financial, Investment and Funding Policies, for a description of the Board s work Permanent Judicial Commission: See Appendix F, Standing Committees/Commissions of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, for a description of its work Budget Development & Oversight Committee: See Appendix F. Personnel Committee: See Appendix F. Nominating Committee: See Appendix F. Leaders and members of these teams are encouraged to communicate regularly with each other on matters of common interest and concern. Leaders are encouraged to meet at least annually to discuss an overview of the work in which the Committees are engaged, identifying overlapping responsibilities and concerns, and developing a plan to coordinate their work. In addition, leaders of all Standing Committees will meet annually with the Big Picture Team, ordinarily in August of September. Big Picture Team

29 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 29 The Big Picture Team is responsible for the work of the whole Presbytery. The Big Picture Team includes many of the functions of the prior Presbytery Council including when necessary, acting on behalf of the Presbytery between its meetings, primarily with respect to recommendations from the Board of Trustees regarding a congregation s property. The primary foci of the Big Picture Team are: Dreaming and Discerning: strategizing and making recommendations to the Presbytery, longer range planning, identification and initial support of the New Worshipping Communities Engaging the three others teams in processes of evaluation and, where necessary, coordination Communication, both listening and sharing, with Presbytery members, commissioners, church members, the Neighborhoods and the wider community, through social media and face-to-face gatherings 29 Page

30 Page 30 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Presbytery meetings and gatherings: for decision-making, education, building relationships, and spiritual nurture The structure of the Big Picture Team will be designed by the Team to best accomplish its functions. The Team will bring its design to the Presbytery for approval, allowing for experimentation, pilot projects, and collaborative work across Teams and Neighborhoods of the Presbytery. Members of the Big Picture Team will include both elected and appointed persons: A Convener nominated by the Moderator and Moderator-Elect from among its members and elected by the Team Officers of the Presbytery: Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Immediate Past Moderator, Treasurer (Ex-Officio), Stated Clerk (Ex-Officio) Representatives from the Healthier Congregations Team (appointed by the Healthier Congregations Team s Coordinating Council), the Healthy Pastoral Leaders Team, and the Healthy Presbytery Team One representative appointed annually by each Neighborhood, serving up to 3 consecutive years Two at-large Members for Discerning and Dreaming (appointed annually by the Moderator, serving up to 3 consecutive years Presbytery Leader (Ex-officio) The Big Picture Team will include these Working Groups: Mission Linkages relationships with designated Presbytery Missions including, but not limited to, Rochester Presbyterian Home; Cameron Community Ministries; People s Ministry in Christ; Camp Whitman; our Commissioners to the Synod of the Northeast and Synod s Mission and Ministry Council; the General Assembly, including our Commissioners; Self-Development of People; and campus ministries within our bounds? Advocacy working with Neighborhoods, Congregations and the Presbytery to claim our call as partners in the global and local mission of justice and peace; advocate and work for systemic change to promote justice and challenge forces that oppress people and the environment Interfaith and Ecumenical Relationships through covenant agreements with groups such as the Greater Rochester Community of Churches, the Rochester Interfaith Network Alive, campus ministries within our bounds, and others to participate in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and life, and mission opportunities within the wider community A member of the Big Picture Team will convene each Working Group of that team and serve as the liaison to the Team. Other participants will be included as described above. PRESBYTERY OFFICERS Elected officers: In the election of officers of the Presbytery, opportunity shall always be given for nominations from the floor. The Moderator of Presbytery shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee. Ordinarily, the Moderator is elected at the March meeting, installed during the May meeting, and assume the position immediately upon installation for a term of approximately one year. In addition to the duties and powers given by the Book of Order (G ), the Moderator may be given special responsibilities as approved by Presbytery. The Moderator (or his or her designee) shall preside at all installations of ministers, propound the constitutional questions, and declare the

31 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 31 minister installed. The Moderator shall be a member of the Big Picture Team and continue to serve on that team, with voice and vote, during the year after leaving office. The Moderator-Elect of presbytery shall ordinarily be elected at the March meeting, installed during the May meeting, and assume the position immediately upon installation for a term of approximately two years, one as Moderator-Elect and one as Moderator. The Moderator-Elect shall preside over the meeting of presbytery at the request of, or in the absence of, the Moderator. If the office of Moderator becomes vacant, the Moderator-Elect shall fill the unexpired term. If the Moderator-Elect is unable to serve, the most recent available Moderator shall serve. The Moderator-Elect shall be a member of the Big Picture Team, and with members of the team, coordinate worship for the Presbytery meeting. In addition, for each meeting the Moderator-Elect will appoint tellers to serve, including serving as the New Business Committee, when needed. The Stated Clerk shall ordinarily be elected at the January meeting of Presbytery for a term of three years starting on February 1 of that year. The presbytery may elect the Stated Clerk for successive terms. The Stated Clerk shall receive such compensation as the Presbytery shall direct. In addition to fulfilling the constitutional duties, the Stated Clerk shall advise the committees of Presbytery, as appropriate or as requested, with reference to the rules and procedures of the Presbytery and of the denomination. The Stated Clerk shall be an ex-officio member of the Presbytery Big Picture Team and the Committee on Ministry, and shall serve as secretary to both bodies. The Stated Clerk is to be available to pastors and church officers for consultation on questions concerning the Book of Order and Presbytery policies. A Stated Clerk Nominating Committee, comprised of a representative of the Presbytery Nominating Committee, a representative of the Personnel Committee, and a person appointed by the Chair of the Presbytery s Big Picture Team, shall be convened by the Chair of the Big Picture Team. The committee will make a nomination to the presbytery. Near the end of a term, applications for the position may be accepted from interested persons for consideration by the Stated Clerk Nominating Committee. Annual reviews by the Personnel Committee and the Big Picture Team will be conducted according to the Personnel Policies and Practices of the Presbytery. A summary of Annual Reviews for a Stated Clerk seeking re-nomination will be provided to this committee by the Personnel Committee. The Treasurer shall be elected at the January meeting of Presbytery for a term of one year starting on February 1 of that year. After six successive one-year terms, a Treasurer shall be ineligible to serve until one year has elapsed. The Treasurer provides supervision and oversight for the reception of all funds payable to the Presbytery and likewise provides supervision and oversight for the disbursement of all funds within the adopted budget of the Presbytery. Extra-budget disbursements shall be made only with the approval of the Presbytery. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Big Picture Team, Budget Development and Oversight Committee, and the Trustees. The Treasurer shall provide oversight for the annual financial review of the Presbytery's financial records. The Journal Clerk, Pro Tem assists the Stated Clerk by keeping a record of the meeting of the Presbytery and transmitting it to the Stated Clerk. The Journal Clerk Pro Tem is also the first reviewer of the draft meeting minutes. Journal Clerks Pro-Tem are volunteers elected by the Presbytery at the beginning of each meeting, and generally have experience as Clerks of Session. Persons who are interested in serving in this capacity are encouraged to contact the Stated Clerk. Appointed officers: Tellers shall be appointed by the Moderator of the Presbytery at the beginning of each stated meeting of Presbytery, and will serve as the New Business Committee. The committee shall be comprised of four (4) members: two (2) teaching elders and two (2) ruling elder commissioners. Tellers will be responsible for assisting with votes and receiving the offering. Following the appointment of the Tellers, the Moderator shall call for any new business. Such items shall be referred to the New Business Committee which will meet either during the meal or be excused to consider the 31 Page

32 Page 32 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting proposed item(s). The New Business Committee shall make any report at the conclusion of the Presbytery meeting. The New Business Committee shall be dissolved upon the adjournment of the meeting during which they were elected. The Presbytery Attorney shall be appointed upon recommendation of the Big Picture Team, in consultation with the Board of Trustees of the Presbytery. The Presbytery Attorney shall serve as legal counsel to the Presbytery with regard to matters related to Presbytery property and the relation of the Presbytery and its activities to civil law. The Presbytery Attorney shall receive such retainer as may be provided annually in the Presbytery budget, upon recommendation by the Board of Trustees and the Big Picture Team. Presbytery Staff In addition to the Stated Clerk elected by the Presbytery, the Presbytery may employ other staff persons to assist the Presbytery in work guided by the Mission and Vision of the Presbytery. A Presbytery Leader and any other Presbyters will be nominated by a committee formed for that purpose, and elected by the Presbytery. Administrative staff persons will be employed by the Big Picture Team, upon recommendation by the Presbytery Leader and the Personnel Committee. Position descriptions will be prepared by the Personnel Committee and approved by the Big Picture Team. See Appendix G, Position Descriptions of Presbytery Staff. Corporations and Other Relationships Relationship to Presbyterian Homes and Residences Historically a single corporation, the Rochester Presbyterian Home, the Presbyterian Residence Center (Valley Manor), and the Genesee Valley Presbyterian Nursing Center (Kirkhaven), separated from the Presbytery of Genesee Valley in The Presbytery of Genesee Valley continued to relate to the Rochester Presbyterian Home and Seniors First (Valley Manor and Kirkhaven) through the Mission & Advocacy Committee of the Presbytery. In 2014 Valley Manor was acquired by Episcopal Senior Services. Beginning in January 1, 2018, the Rochester Presbyterian Home and Seniors First (Kirkhaven) relate to the Presbytery through the Mission Linkages Working Group of the Big Picture Team, for purposes of promotion and interpretation of their services and volunteer organizations.

33 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 33 Policy Development Part III: General Policies and Procedures A policy of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is a course of action or a principal of action which is intended to apply broadly to the decisions and actions of the Presbytery, its committees, and other entities of the Presbytery. Guidelines and procedures are not as broad as Presbytery-wide policies. Guidelines and procedures define the manner in which certain courses of action are followed or implemented, consistent with Presbytery-wide policies. Guidelines and procedures may inform and instruct the work of committees or other entities, as they serve to enact or bring to fruition the decisions made by the Presbytery. Committees and other entities of the Presbytery may develop guidelines and procedures for the work of their particular group, consistent with Presbytery-wide policies. (For example, the Committee on Ministry has approved policies for Pastor Nominating Committees). These guidelines and/or procedures are communicated to the Presbytery through the Appendices of this Manual Enactment of a Presbytery Policy 1. Policies of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley shall be enacted by the Presbytery, in a duly called meeting, by a 2/3 vote of presbyters who are present for the particular meeting. 2. Proposed policies shall come to the floor of Presbytery through the Big Picture Team of Presbytery. Procedures for Proposal of Policies to the Presbytery 1. Those who wish to propose a policy (a congregation, a committee, a ministry team, an individual or a group) shall prepare the proposed policy in the following format: a. Part 1 The text of the proposed policy, including a recommendation for when the policy, if approved, shall be reviewed by the Presbytery. Every policy should be reviewed at least every five years. b. Part 2 A description of who is proposing the policy. c. Part 3 A clear, succinct rationale for the policy. 2. The author(s) of the proposed policy shall submit the above document to the Big Picture Team for its deliberation. The Team will provide for full consideration of the proposed policy, including the opportunity for advocates of the policy to be heard. 3. The Team shall determine when the policy shall come to the Presbytery, and shall make a specific recommendation to the Presbytery (approve, disapprove, approve with amendment). The rationale for the Team s recommendation shall be clearly stated. 4. The Team shall place the proposed policy, with all supporting rationales, in the Mailed Docket for the Presbytery meeting during which the proposed policy will be considered. Under no circumstances will the proposed policy be placed in the Taken Docket for a particular meeting. 5. It will be the Team s responsibility to keep a record of the review dates of Presbytery policies, and to conduct the review of the policy. The Team will bring to the Presbytery the recommendation as to continuing, discontinuing, or amending the policy. This will ensure that policies remain applicable and up-to-date. With the exception of this paragraph, any policy (including provisions of this Policies and Procedures Manual) of the Presbytery of the Genesee Valley may be temporarily suspended at any Stated Meeting of the Presbytery by a three-fourths vote of the members present, providing that thereby no provisions of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are violated. 33 Page

34 Page 34 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Accessibility Policy The Presbytery of Genesee Valley strives to make full inclusion a priority. To this end the Presbytery encourages its constituent congregations to: 1. Continually work to remove all barriers, physical and otherwise, to full inclusion in the life of the church of all persons with disabilities. 2. Provide children and adults with disabilities the opportunity for a Christian education. 3. Provide persons with disabilities the opportunity for church membership, even when requirements and activities for membership must be modified to meet their special needs and challenges. 4. Intentionally and continually build awareness and understanding of all types of disability and of the issues that people with disabilities confront. 5. Promote advocacy for justice for people of all ages with disabilities. The Presbytery of Genesee Valley makes a commitment to: Recommendation Suggestion for Implementation 1. Continue to hold stated meetings and Presbyterywide events in settings that are accessible for worship, business, fellowship, and dining (Provide information on building accessibility in the call to the meeting). 1a. Churches will make accessibility information available to the Office Administrator. 1b.The Office Administrator will create a compilation of church accessibility information. 1c.All meeting registrations will include questions regarding accessibility needs. 2. Provide sign language interpreters when requested in a timely manner. 2. Request for ASL interpreter will be submitted to the Presbytery Office two weeks before the scheduled meeting. 3. Provide printed materials in alternative formats (e.g., large print or braille) as requested. 3. Requests for alternative formats will be submitted two weeks before the event. 4. Encourage speakers to read aloud projected materials that have not previously been made available. 4. The Moderator will lead this effort to make new information available to all who are present. 5. Urge that requests for Revolving Loan Funds or PiLP endorsements for funding new construction or remodeling of church property include provision for accessibility. 5. The requestor will submit provisions for accessibility to the Trustees. 6. Encourage speakers and leaders to use personfirst language when referring to persons with disabilities. For example, use a woman who is blind, rather than a blind woman. Use inclusive language. For example, use a statement like Please rise in body or in spirit rather than Please rise. 6. The Council will model the person first language. The Presbytery will make available resource materials to churches via the Resource Center.

35 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page Encourage the nominating committee to seek out persons with disabilities for leadership positions in Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. 7. The Presbytery Leader will provide this encouragement, accessing information from annual church statistical reports as needed. 8. Encourage inclusion of people with disabilities in worship leadership. 9. Take feasible steps to ensure that Presbytery offices meet ADA requirements for accessibility. 8. The Moderator and worship planners will seek out participants with the help of pastors. 9. See Minutes of Stated Presbytery Meeting of November 29, 2005, for decisions regarding the offices attached to Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church. Approved November 2016 Electronic Meeting Policy 1. Electronic meetings may be held when a Team, Committee, or Working Group of the Presbytery must conduct business that is time-sensitive and in need of action before the next traditional meeting, or when the cost of a traditional meeting is not justified for the business at hand when electronic alternatives are available. A traditional meeting is a face-to-face meeting for members of any such group. 2. Electronic meetings are permissible if every member of any such group has access to adequate technology that allows participation in the meeting. 3. Electronic meetings must provide for simultaneous audio communication among all participants in order to allow for discussion of the issue being considered. Collaborative technologies, such as the web-based Go To Meeting or Skype conference calls, and interactive video teleconferences fit the necessary requirements for maintaining the deliberative character of meetings held in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. 4. Only the moderator, chair, or convener of any such group, and the Presbytery Moderator may call an electronic meeting. 5. Notice of an electronic meeting shall be given by the moderator, chair, or convener at least 3 days before the meeting and shall include the purpose of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate shall accompany the call for the meeting. Reasonable care shall be taken to ensure participation in the selection of the date and time for the meeting. 6. A quorum of an electronic meeting shall be the higher of one-third of the members, or 3 members, of any such group, and shall be declared at the beginning of the meeting. 7. Just as in a traditional meeting, electronic meetings shall open and close with prayer. 8. The same rules regarding participation apply in electronic meetings as in traditional ones: the body may, but is not obligated to grant the privilege of the floor to a guest, who may not vote or speak to an issue once debate closes. A guest in an electronic meeting is someone who is not a member of the group. 9. Minutes of the proceedings shall be recorded and added to the Minutes record. 10. Motions shall be processed in the same manner as in a traditional meeting. The chair shall also give careful consideration to technological issues that could impact a person's ability to participate fully and shall give opportunity for adjustments before business is taken up. Before a vote is taken, the chair will determine whether any members are no longer present due to a technological disruption. 35 Page

36 Page 36 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting 11. The chair shall give attention to insuring that all persons are included in the discussion and have the capability to hearing and participating fully in the meeting. Approved 11/2013 Rationale There are times, on account of the timeliness of an action, distance or inclement weather, when the Presbytery Council or a committee of the Presbytery may be unable to meet face-to-face. We now have the technology for real-time audio and/or video meetings to use in these circumstances. This policy clarifies that it is our policy for an electronic meeting to be just that - a meeting - rather than a serial exchange of communications which may not provide for full participation or simultaneous discussion of a motion. Committee chairs may contact Beth Weaver at the Presbytery office to schedule such a meeting. PRESBYTERY REPRESENTATION AND SHARING OF INFORMATION Greetings and Endorsements on Behalf of the Presbytery The Presbytery Leader, the Stated Clerk, and the Moderator of the Presbytery, are authorized to send greetings to various organizations on behalf of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley at their own discretion. Other persons may be authorized by the Big Picture Team to bring such greetings in specific circumstances. Offering greetings does not imply endorsement of a particular organization s ideology or theological stance. To endorse means to approve or ratify. Endorsement or ratification requires the approval of Presbytery, or the Big Picture Team acting on behalf of Presbytery. Only persons authorized by Presbytery or Big Picture Team (when required by time constraints) may speak on behalf of Presbytery regarding particular issues, and then only on issues on which Presbytery has taken specific action. It is advisable for those who address particular issues to present a written statement of the Presbytery s stance upon which the speaker would elaborate. Executive staff persons, and elected leaders of Presbytery who speak publicly on issues without official authorization are urged to make it clear that their views do not necessarily reflect the view of the Presbytery and its member churches. Adopted 7/23/96, Edited 10/25/10, Amended 11/17 P3P Privacy Policy P3P (Platform for Privacy Preferences Project) is an industry standard providing a simple, automated way for internet users to gain more control over the use of personal information on web sites they visit. The Presbytery of Genesee Valley follows the P3P Privacy Policy. P3P enhances user control by putting privacy policies where users can find them, in a form they can understand, and, most importantly, it enables users to act on what they see. The full text of the privacy policy is available on at GUIDANCE FOR CHURCHES Chemical Dependency/Other Disorders Affecting Church Employees and Their Families 1. This policy recognizes that alcoholism and other forms of harmful chemical dependency, mental or emotional illnesses, financial, marital or other family distress or legal problems are treatable and as such they should not be approached in a punitive fashion, but rather in a pastoral manner. We seek to enlist the support and cooperation of the entire governing body in pastoral approaches to these problems. It is, therefore,

37 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 37 recommended to member churches of the Presbytery that this policy be adopted as part of their personnel policies. 2. The purpose of this policy is to assure that any church employee or their family members having such problems will receive the same careful consideration and offer of treatment that is presently extended to church employees or their family members having any other illness or behavioral disorder. 3. The goal of this policy is to assist the church employee or family member having trouble with alcohol and any other form of harmful chemical dependency, mental or emotional illnesses, financial, marital or other family distress or legal problems to remove these problems as a source of trouble. 4. No employee with alcohol or other form of chemical dependency, mental or emotional illness, financial, marital or other family distress or legal problems will have his/her job security jeopardized by a request for diagnosis and treatment, or for seeking and accepting treatment. However, an employee s continued refusal to seek help and treatment, or continued failure to respond to treatment, will receive the same response that similar refusals or treatment failures receive for other illnesses which affect job performance. However, it is most important that the person recovering from such problems has equal job opportunity following successful treatment. 5. When church personnel go for treatment of their problem, they should be granted leave with pay as necessary for treatment, whether residential or outpatient. 6. The role and importance of confidentiality apply to treatment of these disorders (stated in #1 and #3 preceding) and their treatment just as to any other health and/or behavioral condition. 7. It is most important that personnel committees, the Committee on Ministry and church Sessions be knowledgeable and sensitive to persons in need of help with these disorders (stated in #1 and #3 preceding). We recognize that the staff and committees of governing bodies do not ordinarily have the necessary qualifications to diagnose alcohol and other drug dependencies, mental or emotional illnesses, financial, marital or other family distress or legal problems, just as they are not usually qualified to diagnose other diseases. Evaluation, referrals and diagnostic intervention will need to be made in cooperation with qualified consultants such as the Employee Assistance Program provided by the Board of Pension to its members,, or other qualified health professionals. Since the affected person, especially chemically dependent persons, by the very nature of the illness/disorder often denies the problem, the consultant should be open to requests for help from spouses or family members, so that some kind of creative and therapeutic intervention can be initiated to help the afflicted person. It is expected that through this policy employees who suspect that they may have such a problem, even in its early stages, will be encouraged to seek evaluation and, when indicated, follow through with prescribed treatment. This policy applies not only to personnel employed by the Presbytery, but also applies to pastors employed by member churches of the Presbytery, staff members of member churches of the Presbytery, and clergy in non-parish service. Guidelines for Writing a Session Sexual Misconduct Policy See Appendix J. GUIDANCE WITH REGARD TO MINISTERS, COMMISSIONED RULING ELDERS, AND INQUIRERS OR CANDIDATES FOR MINISTRY Policy on Access, Confidentiality, Participation and Voting (COM) Adopted 10/22/85 1. As an instrument of Presbytery for promoting the peace and harmony of the churches, and especially in regard to matters arising out of the relations between ministers and churches, the Committee on Ministry shall be open at all times to direct access by, or communications from, all ministers in the Presbytery, all elders who are members of sessions, and the sessions of Presbytery through the Leadership Team of the Committee or the Presbytery Leader. (G ). 2. At the Committee s discretion, materials presented to the Committee may be available to the Presbytery and may be used for decision-making, recommendations and explanation, unless specifically given in confidence. 37 Page

38 Page 38 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Where such confidential information appears to be necessary for a decision or recommendation the person given such information will be requested to release that information from confidentiality. If that person does not so agree, then no decision or recommendation can be based upon that information. The information cannot form the basis or any part of the basis, for a decision or recommendation by the committee. A copy of this policy shall be provided to any person who presents information or materials to the Committee in advance of the use by the committee of that information or materials as any part of a basis for a decision or recommendation and in advance of its release by the committee to the Presbytery or any other party. 3. When assessments have been made to the Committee on Ministry about an individual, session or congregation, the committee may offer an opportunity for response. The committee shall offer an opportunity for response to an individual, session or congregation when an assessment provided to the committee is to be used as the basis for a decision. 4. When the Committee is dealing with matters concerning the church of one of its members, the member shall absent himself/herself from that part of the business. 5. When assessments have been made to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry about an inquirer or candidate, the committee may offer an opportunity for response. The committee shall offer an opportunity for response when an assessment provided to the committee is to be used as the basis for a decision. In other situations where a committee member or staff person believes that his/her relationship to a church is biased by close personal involvement or confidential information, that committee member will be expected to absent himself/herself from that part of the business. Adopted 4/25/89, Edited 10/25/10, Amended Automatic Administrative Leave Policy See Appendix K. Candidate Indebtedness Policy When the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is the Presbytery of Care: 1. In order to assess net worth, and to make a plan for financing the cost of seminary, inquirers are required to: attend a Board of Pensions Fiscal Fitness workshop held annually at each of the 11 Presbyterian seminaries during inquiry, or meet with the Board of Pensions regional representative or the Presbyterian Foundation representative during inquiry, or attend a local bi-annual Fiscal Fitness workshop sponsored by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. 2. The Presbytery of Genesee Valley will share the cost, with the congregation of which the candidate is a member, of attending a Career and Counseling Center for career guidance in pursuit of ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA). 3. A designee of the Presbytery s Committee on Preparation for Ministry will make available annually the median income for the denomination reported by the Board of Pensions, and the minimum effective salary established by the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. 4. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry will be an advocate with the congregation of which the inquirer or candidate is a member, and with other congregations of the Presbytery as appropriate, in order to generate financial support for the inquirer or candidate in the form of grants. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry will make available upon request a list of options for pursuing grants and interest free loans and other funding that may be available through the Financial Aid for Studies Office of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and PC(USA) seminaries. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry may suggest that Inquirers and Candidates work with a financial advisor on their own to evaluate or anticipate indebtedness and assets.

39 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 39 When the Presbytery of Genesee Valley is the Presbytery of Call: 1. When a minister serving a first call following graduation from seminary comes with educational indebtedness and wishes to access assistance from the Board of Pensions, he/she shall be asked if they have attended a financial planning workshop such as a Fiscal Fitness workshop sponsored by the Board of Pensions, or other financial planning workshop. If the minister has not attended such a workshop, he/she shall be required to do so within twelve months of start-up, the cost of registration fee, accommodation and travel for such a workshop to be considered legitimate reimbursable expense from study leave allowance. 2. The Committee on Ministry shall encourage calling congregations to utilize further educational debt reduction as a point in negotiating salary with a prospective pastor who is a recent seminary graduate. 3. Processing of applications to the Seminary Debt Assistance Program shall be the responsibility of Presbytery s Board of Pensions liaison, through the Pastoral Care and Development Committee. Ministers interested in applying to the Board of Pensions Seminary Debt Assistance Program should be referred to the liaison. 4. The Committee on Ministry shall advise ministers being called to churches in the Presbytery of Genesee Valley of the availability of this program. Those who meet the qualifications to apply for the Board of Pension s Seminary Debt Assistance Program will be referred to the Presbytery s Board of Pensions liaison. Adopted April 2008 PRESBYTERY OPERATIONS Policy on the Use of Copyrighted Material Any use of a computer or copier owned by the Presbytery of Genesee Valley for infringing use of copyrighted works is subject to civil remedies and criminal penalties provided by federal law. Background Information: Copyright law exists to promote the progress of the useful arts. A copyright in a particular work is a property right created by law. A copyright can be sold, donated, leased, inherited, and divided into parts. Law against wrongful use protects it. IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANYONE TO VIOLATE ANY OF THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS OF A COPYRIGHT OWNER. The COPYRIGHT ACT describes the limitations, qualifications, and exemptions, which apply to the exclusive rights of the owner. Copying, displaying and distributing copyrighted works may infringe the owner s copyright. The Essential Guide to Copyright Law for Churches by Richard R. Hammar (2010) is available for borrowing from the Resource Center, can help you determine whether your use of a copyrighted work is a fair use or requires permission. Policy Statement: The Resource Center of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley follows the copyright laws of the United States for theological reasons as well as legal reasons. We believe that we as the body of Christ have the responsibility to uphold the moral principle of honesty and integrity and to serve as a model in this respect to the secular community. The copyright laws protect the owner of the copyright (who is often but not always the creator of the resource) from financial loss resulting from unauthorized use. Most of the resources in the Resource Center (including but not limited to: books, curriculum, videos, and periodicals) are protected by the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 that limits public use of a resource. 39 Page

40 Page 40 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Non-Smoking Policy The Presbytery Office has established a non-smoking policy, including electronic cigarettes, for its facilities. 10/22/85, amended 11/17 Inclement Weather Policy The Presbytery Office and the Resource Center will be closed when the Brighton Central School District closes because of travel-related weather. Presbytery Meeting and Event Cancellation Policy In the event of a severe weather forecast which would make traveling hazardous, Presbytery Meetings and Presbytery-wide events may be cancelled and rescheduled for another date. A decision to cancel will normally be communicated to participants no later than three hours before the time when the meeting or event is scheduled to begin. Special or Stated Presbytery Meetings: The Presbytery Moderator, in consultation with the Moderator-Elect and the Presbytery Leader, will make this decision. Normally, the meeting will be rescheduled for one week later than the originally scheduled date. Other Presbytery-wide events: A decision to cancel other Presbytery-wide events will be made by the person or group with responsibility for the event. If a snow date has been established, the event will be held on that date. Notification of Cancellation Notification methods may include the following, as appropriate to the event being cancelled or postponed: ing groups and/or individuals Posting the notice on the Presbytery web page ( Posting an announcement on the 13WHAM web site, as well as on their TV and radio stations ( Posting an announcement on additional media web sites and TV and radio stations as may be determined to be effective Telephone calls to persons without Recording the cancellation information on the Presbytery Office voice mail The Presbytery Office will also notify the host church of the cancellation and/or postponement of a Presbytery Meeting. Committees, Teams and Working Groups Decisions to cancel will be made by the convener of the group. The convener will be responsible for notifying members of the group and for making sure that the Presbytery Office knows about the cancellation and rescheduled date. This policy will be posted on the Presbytery web site and will be widely distributed to the Presbytery. Approved by Council 3/10/08 Presbytery Meetings Dockets and Other Logistics Setting Dates and Locations Stated Presbytery meetings are normally held five times a year in the third or fourth week of January, March, May, September, and November. Meetings are held either on Tuesdays or Saturdays. The presbytery will hold the third or fourth Tuesday in July for a special meeting, in case one is needed.

41 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 41 Occasionally there will be special called meetings to deal with business which cannot wait until the next stated meeting. There is often a special meeting in the summer to act on recommendations from the Committee on Ministry regarding calling pastors to churches. Special meetings are usually held on a Tuesday evening and do not include a meal or special events. The Presbytery staff solicits host churches for Presbytery meetings. Churches who are asked to host Presbytery meetings need to have adequate facilities to host a gathering of this size. They must be able to meet the responsibilities outlined in the Guidelines for Host Churches for Stated Presbytery Meetings (see Appendix M). The selection of host sites take into consideration the diversity of location and expected weather conditions for winter meetings. The Presbytery staff contacts churches to see if they would be willing to host a particular meeting. When the list is finalized, it is approved by the Big Picture Team and communicated with the Presbytery. Setting deadlines The Mailed Docket Request deadline is approximately three weeks before the meeting. The deadline for materials to go into the Mailed Docket is usually a couple of days later than the request deadline. The Mailed Docket is posted on the web and mailed about seven days before the meeting. The deadline for the Taken Docket is usually about a week before the meeting. Since this docket is not mailed, there is more flexibility. All materials to be included in the docket must be submitted electronically. All docket material should be submitted electronically to officeadmin@pbygenval.org. Docket Requests The Presbytery Leader receives all requests, in writing, for time on the Docket for the Meeting. The draft docket is presented to the Big Picture Team, and finalized by the Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Stated Clerk, and Presbytery Leader. The Mailed Docket The Mailed Docket is referred to in this manner because it is posted on the web and mailed in advance of the meeting so that participants have an opportunity to read it. Materials requiring Presbytery action are usually the only materials included in this docket. A brief history of the host church and directions to the church are included in the Mailed Docket. A copyrighted map may not be used. The Mailed Docket is posted on the website and mailed to those who request it about seven days before the date of the meeting. The Taken Docket The Taken Docket is so-named because it is taken to the meeting and distributed to persons as they register. This usually contains only information items, although occasionally there are items requiring action. The material must be sponsored by a Presbytery committee or agency. Printed copies of the Taken Docket are distributed at the Presbytery meeting. It is posted on the Website at the time of the meeting. Pre-Presbytery Meetings Opportunities for learning and discussion usually are offered about an hour and half before the Presbytery Meeting begins. These gatherings focus on an item of business to be acted on at the Meeting, a Pastoral Care and Development topic, or another offering from a Team, Committee, Working Group. All requests for Pre-Presbytery time are made in writing to the Presbytery Leader, and approved by the Big Picture Team. If equipment is required for a pre-meeting presentation, a request must be made to the program secretary by the Mailed Docket Material Request deadline (usually 2 weeks prior to the meeting date). 41 Page

42 Page 42 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Display Space and Handouts at Presbytery Meetings Persons wishing to distribute materials at Stated Presbytery meetings must have the approval of the appropriate Presbytery Committee, Team or Working Group or Presbytery staff member. There are two ways in which materials may be displayed: As part of the general handout display: These materials are due in the Presbytery Office no later than one week prior to the day of the Presbytery meeting. As part of a larger display for a specific activity or issue: Persons setting up displays should arrive at the Presbytery meeting site at least 1 hour in advance of the start of the meeting. If there are pre-meetings being offered, persons should arrive 1 hour prior to set up so that displays will be set up before participants begin arriving. To request display space, please make a request to the Presbytery Leader in writing. If a separate display space is being requested, the requests should be received no later than the Mailed Docket Material Receipt Deadline, and preferably sooner. It is very helpful to have the requests before staff goes on a site visit to the host church (about a month before the meeting); knowing what the space needs are in advance helps greatly in determining which space to assign to a group. Meal A meal is offered at most Stated Presbytery Meetings, and a vegetarian option is always offered. The host church provides the meal. It is necessary to pay for a meal at the time that on-line registration for the meeting is completed. Child care Child care is offered to commissioners free of charge at all Stated Presbytery meetings. Presbyters need to request child care when they register for the meeting on-line, and complete required forms. See Appendix I, Presbytery Child Safety Policy. Sign Language Interpreter and Alternate Forms of Written Materials If needed, sign language interpretation is offered at Stated Presbytery meetings, and large print dockets can be provided. Requests may be made through on-line registration. Please let the Presbytery Leader know if there is a request for Braille materials. The Slide Show The Office Administrator is responsible for putting together the PowerPoint presentation which is used at all Presbytery Meetings. Presenters who wish to provide slides for insertion in the slide show should submit them electronically no later than the deadline for the Taken Docket. All submissions are subject to editing. Participants in the Meeting Minister members of Presbytery Teaching elders in good standing of the PC(U.S.A.) and Commissioned Ruling Elders who are serving churches, honorably retired (HR), members-at-large (MaL), or serving in validated ministries (VM) are members of the Presbytery with voice and vote. Corresponding Members Teaching elders or ruling elders in good standing in other governing bodies of the PC(U.S.A.) or in any Christian church who are invited to participate in the meeting. Corresponding Members currently serving congregations in temporary, non-installed pastoral relationship have voice and vote. All other Corresponding members may be granted the privilege of voice. Elder commissioners representing churches Each church is permitted to designate elder commissioners to participate in meetings of presbytery. The number of commissioners from each church is based on the membership size of the congregation. Additional elder commissioners Additional elders may be appointed by the presbytery as commissioners in order to maintain a balance of minister members and elder commissioners as required in the Book of Order, and

43 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 43 also to allow elders who are committee chairs and others with similar responsibility access to the floor. Additional elder commissioners will be appointed for one-year renewable terms as recommended by the Stated Clerk and approved by the Presbytery. Visitors Attendees who do not fit one of the above categories. An elder who is not a commissioner is considered a visitor. Visitors do not have the privilege of the floor and shall not vote. Attendance All Pastors and elder commissioners, including HR, MaL and VM, are required to attend Presbytery meetings. Ministers and elder commissioners may request an excuse from attending a Presbytery meeting. Presbyters who do not request excuses may be marked absent. Minutes of Presbytery Meetings Minutes of Presbytery Meetings are available on the website. Only those people who specifically request paper copies will receive them by US mail. Worship Services at Presbytery Meetings The Big Picture Team, with the coordination of the Moderator-Elect, is responsible for the order of worship, which may take many forms. The Moderator-Elect is responsible for the preparation of the bulletin, which is given to the Office Administrator for inclusion in the Taken Docket. All worship services conducted by the presbytery in session shall be a model for corporate worship, shall make full use of the whole range of biblical images when referring to God, and shall use inclusive language when referring to the people of God in the selection of hymns, prayers and liturgies. The worship service should ensure that issues of social justice and moral concern, including poverty, racial and ethnic equality and domestic violence, are lifted up in joint prayer. Full participation in worship leadership, drawing on the breadth of resources within the presbytery from non-host as well as host churches, is strongly encouraged. The use of a variety of musical resources for worship, such as inviting choirs from smaller churches unable to host presbytery and including a variety of hymn or musical styles within the same service, is encouraged. Participation in the Presbytery meeting and/or the worship service by the church organist is voluntary. The Presbytery will not pay for this service; the church may compensate the organist for this service if they wish. An offering is received at each Stated Meeting. Unless otherwise designated by the Big Picture Team, the offering received is income toward the operating budget of the presbytery. January: The worship service in January shall include a reading of the necrology of ministers and elders for the preceding year. May: The May meeting shall include a sermon by the outgoing moderator and the installation of the incoming moderator and moderator-elect. September: The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper shall be celebrated at the September meeting. Guidelines for Host Churches for Stated Presbytery Meetings See Appendix M. Presbytery E-News Background Compiled February 6, 2007, Amended 2017 In April 2011 the Presbytery began publishing the Presbytery of Genesee Valley E-News. The E-News includes additional information such as reports from Presbytery meetings, highlights on missions of the Presbytery, Comings 43 Page

44 Page 44 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting and Goings of Clergy in the Presbytery, denominational news, book reviews, and new Resource Center acquisitions. Submission Guidelines Submissions are welcomed and encouraged. Items to be included must be relevant to a congregation within the Presbytery, a Presbytery committee, a special mission supported by the Presbytery, or a Presbytery corporation. We will also publish information about opportunities for clergy and lay people being offered by local, regional and national groups as appropriate. Please follow these guidelines for submissions: Electronic submission only Documents in MS Word format Book titles in italics Times formatted as am or pm; use noon instead of 12 pm Pictures of events are welcome Links are encouraged We are looking in particular for information from churches, including: Church Happenings upcoming events and reports on past events Help Wanted Job openings in churches Give and Take Items needed by churches and ministries and items to be given away Special stories that you think might be of interest to the Presbytery All submissions are subject to gentle editing. Send submissions to the Office Administrator (officeadmin@pbygenval.org). The deadline for each issue is the first of the month; the publication date is the tenth of the month. E-News will be posted on the Presbytery website on the 10 th of the month and a link will be sent to the distribution list (clergy, commissioned lay pastors, committee chairs, clerks of sessions, church offices, newsletter editors, and others who request that their names be added). Broad distribution within the Presbytery is encouraged. Here are some ways it might be shared: Post the link in your church s newsletter. Copy selected articles for your church s newsletter. Forward it to your congregational list. Post it on your bulletin boards. Encourage people to request that they be added to the distribution list. Web Site Editorial Policy Editorial Policy Items to be posted on the Presbytery web site must be sponsored by: a congregation within the Presbytery a Presbytery committee a special mission supported by Presbytery or a Presbytery corporation Items requiring committee approval should be directed to the chair of the appropriate group.

45 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 45 Employment Postings Congregations may post brief descriptions (25 words or less) of available church related positions on the Presbytery web site In addition, the posting should provide a contact name and information. Links to or church web sites will gladly be posted. Material should be submitted to the Office Administrator (officeadmin@pbygenval.org). Presbytery Directory The Presbytery Office maintains a database from which it produces a Presbytery Directory. The Directory contains the following sections: Reference pages Churches Summary of individuals Ministries Supported by the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. An updated Directory is distributed electronically twice a year to all clergy and CREs, clerks of session, churches, and others who have requested this type of distribution. Persons wishing to be placed on the electronic distribution list should contact the Program Secretary. Presbytery members may also request printed copies. Sharing Directory Information Presbytery Directories are distributed to persons in the Presbytery for their use for Presbytery-related activities and should not be used for other purposes or shared with individuals or groups outside the Presbytery. The Presbytery s Policy on the Use of Presbytery s Directory is placed in a prominent place in the Presbytery Directory. Policy Statement: Presbytery will not distribute mailing lists of the Presbytery or its churches to any outside agency. Adopted January 1997 Resource Center Mission Statement The Resource Center supports, equips, and encourages the congregations and neighborhoods of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley and the Genesee Valley Association of the United Church of Christ. As a partner in ministry, the Resource Center offers a wide variety of materials to be borrowed free of charge, as well as services of personal assistance, research and guidance. Holdings The Presbytery of Genesee Valley s Resource Center contains over 3000 items which may be borrowed for personal and church use. We provide a wide selection of theological and practical resources. Included in the collection are books, equipment, DVDs, periodicals, spirituality center including two labyrinths and curricula. How to Use the Center Come in and browse or visit our website at Access the on-line catalog at Call, write or your request for resources to be mailed. Please reserve materials as far in advance as your planning allows. Borrow any number of resources for up to three weeks. Visit the Resource Table at Presbytery Meetings and special events of the Presbytery to borrow display materials, pick up resources, or return borrowed materials. Items may be returned 7 days a week/24 hours a day using the drop-box located in the door facing Winton Road. 45 Page

46 Page 46 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Policies Governing the Use of Audio-Visual Equipment 1. Audio-visual equipment is available in the Resource Center at the Presbytery office for use by the churches and all units of the Presbytery. Wide use of this equipment is encouraged. 2. A responsible adult should check out all equipment and accessories. The procedure includes adequate training in use, filling out the appropriate form (noting all equipment taken and dates of borrowing, use and expected return) and the signing of an agreement, accepting full responsibility for the equipment. 3. Equipment should be returned promptly according to the arrangements made in advance. Borrower should use the enclosed checklist to be sure all parts of the equipment is being returned. 4. Covering repair or replacement cost resulting from damage or loss of equipment while away from the Presbytery office will be the responsibility of the borrower. Equipment should be carried on air flights. Please call the Resource Center to reserve your equipment needs as soon as they become known to you. All equipment must be picked up and dropped off in person according to the agreed lending time. A release agreement must be signed before borrowing equipment. Resource Center Lending Policy Lending is open to all interested individuals or organizations. There is no usage fee charged for borrowing resources. All materials, excluding equipment, are due three weeks from when they are borrowed. If you intend to use the material for an extended time, please reflect this information on the sign-out card. If possible, give a specific time when you expect to return the material. If resources become more than six weeks overdue, you will be sent a postcard to remind you to return the overdue resources. If a resource has been lost, please contact the Resource Center immediately. If resources are lost or not returned after several reminders have been sent, you may be billed for their replacement. If you wish to pass along a resource, contact the Resource Center first! Remember, resources checked out in your name are your responsibility. If you plan on making a donation of new or used books, kindly consult with the coordinator prior to the purchase or delivery of materials. If you are interested in purchasing a resource for personal use, please call or the Resource Center for purchasing information. If you wish a resource to be shipped to you, you will not be charged shipping and/or handling. Borrowers are always responsible, however, for the cost of return shipping. A NOTE ABOUT DONATIONS: If you plan on making a donation of new or used books, kindly consult with the coordinator prior to the purchase or delivery of materials. Services to Presbytery Teams, Committees, and Working Groups Staff Support The Presbytery staff may assist Teams, Committees, and Working Groups, as requested, in sharing information with other groups of the Presbytery. Requests are made by to a Presbytery staff member. The Presbytery staff will also maintain a record of activity if agendas and minutes are forwarded to the Office Administrator or Financial Administrator/Program Secretary. Every group has an address (listserv) by which members can communicate with one another. This list is kept up to date by the support staff person assigned to each group. Anyone on the listserv may communicate with the

47 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 47 entire group by sending an to the listserv. Committees are encouraged to use this method for distributing agendas, minutes, and other documents. Space Reservations The conference room in the Presbytery Office may be reserved by calling or by contacting Notice of meeting cancellations or changes helps the office staff let others know of changing plans. Many meetings are held in churches within the Presbytery. Scheduling of these meetings is the responsibility of the Chair or convener of the group Presbytery Database The Presbytery Office maintains a database of clergy, elders, committee members and others involved in the life of the Presbytery. Presbytery support staff are responsible for keeping the database up to date. Therefore, changes in information about churches and persons in the Presbytery should be communicated to the office staff as soon as possible. If changes affect committee lists, a new list should be ed to the members. 47 Page

48 Page 48 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting PART IV: FINANCIAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CAMP WHITMAN FUNDING The Presbytery will contribute a fixed amount in support of Camp Whitman, as a mission outreach program, which will be reviewed annually by the Big Picture Team. Opportunity will be given to the Presbytery of Geneva to come annually to Presbytery, through Council, to request permission to solicit additional mission funding for Camp Whitman from churches and individuals within the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. Adopted 2/27/02 (replaced 10/5/94 policy) The Presbytery elects four persons to serve on the Camp Whitman Advisory Board. Approved by Presbytery 5/30/00, amended 2016 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT AND FUNDING POLICIES See Appendix E. See Appendix L. PART V: PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

49 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 49 Presbytery of Genesee Valley Neighborhood Groups Group 1: First PC, Medina First PC, Albion First PC, Holley Barre Center PC First PC, Elba Lyndonville PC First PC, Brockport Ogden PC, Spencerport Group 2: Riverside Neighbors Laurelton United PC Gates PC South PC New Life PC Third PC Trinity Emmanuel PC Downtown PC Summerville PC Bethany PC Twelve Corners PC Irondequoit PC John Knox PC Parkminster PC Westminster at RPH Companions on the Way (NWC) Group 3: North Bergen PC Stone Church PC, Bergen First PC. Byron First PC, Batavia United PC, Corfu First PC, Leroy East Bethany PC First PC, Attica Seekers Community, Batavia Group 4: Valley Neighbors Union PC, Scottsville First PC, Mumford First PC, Caledonia Central PC, Avon First PC, East Avon United PC, York Central PC, Geneseo First PC, Livonia Lima PC First PC, Honeoye Falls United PC, Covington First PC, Chili First PC, Wyoming

50 Page 50 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Group 5: Webster PC Christ Clarion, Pittsford Penfield PC First PC, Pittsford First PC, Victor Mendon Church Perinton PC John Calvin PC, Henrietta Rochester Korean, PC, Rush Group 6: United Church, Warsaw Brick PC, Perry Dansville PC Pike Community Church United PC, Mt. Morris Groveland Federated Parish First PC, Sparta First PC, Tuscarora First PC, Ossian Trinity Church, Nunda

51 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 51 Ovt 006 On Directing the Board of Pensions and the Foundation to Divest from Fossil Fuel and Actively Invest in Securities that Focus in Renewable Energy From the Presbytery of Hudson River. The Presbytery of Hudson River overtures the 223rd General Assembly to 1. Commend the Board of Pensions and Presbyterian Foundation for creating fossil free options for participants, and the Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee for increased engagement with companies in the Fossil Fuel industry-- actions that embody the beginning of a faithful response to the devastating and urgent reality of climate change. 2. Recognize that by continuing to hold investments in the fossil-fuel companies that most egregiously contribute to the climate crisis, the PC(USA) is complicit in harming God s creation and the least of these who are disproportionately affected by climate change. 3. Direct the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Foundation to divest from the fossil fuel industry. 4. Direct the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Foundation to actively seek out and invest in securities of companies whose predominant focus is in renewable and/or energy efficiency. 5. Direct the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Foundation to report to the 224 th General Assembly (2020) about their progress in effecting recommendations 3 and 4. Rationale People on the front lines of climate change, particularly people of color, are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Countless individuals and organizations among "the least of these" have prophetically called upon the world to divest from fossil fuels. Earlier this year, for example, Ladonna Brave Bull Allard, one of the Native Water Protectors at Standing Rock said, 'We will be everywhere to let people know that there s a better way to live, there s a better way to live with the Earth, with green energy, and that it s time for us now to start divesting from fossil fuel, because we must save the water. We must save the water." We are thus called to take prophetic action in light of these voices and the imminent dangers on which they shed light. The PC(USA) has debated divestment from the fossil fuel industry during the last two General Assemblies (221st in 2014 and 222nd in 2016). In 2014, the Presbytery of Boston sent the overture On Divestment from Fossil Fuel Companies with 11 presbyteries concurring. In 2016, the Presbytery of San Francisco sent the overture On PC(USA) Fossil Fuel Divestment with 31 presbyteries concurring. Prior to the 222 nd Assembly, nine former moderators signed a letter urging the commissioners to support the overture to divest. 1 Their reasoning included, because of the grave and urgent threat of climate change and the fossil fuel sector s well-documented and unyielding refusal to change, it is no longer morally or ethically right for the PC(USA) to profit from companies that are creating ecological destruction and human suffering on such a monumental scale. Our denomination has already recognized the moral mandate for humanity to shift to a sustainable energy plan in a way that is both just and compassionate, not least of which includes the support of carbon neutrality in These statements have all been founded on the biblical call to love and care for creation. 1

52 Page 52 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting We have actively worked as a denomination to reduce our use of fossil fuels and shrink our carbon footprint in our congregations and individual lives. These biblical and denominational mandates compel us to look at our collective investments. As a denomination, we have long held that we cannot profit from the companies whose policies are harmful to any living thing. For nearly a century, the church has not invested in companies producing alcohol, tobacco, gambling, the military, or those that contribute to violations of human rights. The General Assembly thus declared in 1968, the [Church s] power to spend and to invest includes the power to refrain from spending or investing. The church has not only the right but the responsibility to be selective in the use of its funds. The General Assembly reinforced this form of stewardship in 1992, affirming that it does not and will not invest in any sin stocks. In addition to these broad industries, General Assemblies have also divested from the Duke Energy coal mining company because of its treatment of its workers, Chevron after it sold fuel to the South African apartheid government, Talisman Energy for building a pipeline in Sudan that threatened human rights, and Hewlett Packard, Caterpillar, and Motorola for profiting from human rights abuses in the occupied Palestinian territory. Some of these divestment actions came after a long process of corporate engagement by the church s Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) committee. Other divestment decisions were made outside the realm of MRTI. Climate change represents deep harm to the whole biosphere, including especially marginalized people, so it is imperative that we would divest from the industry most responsible for that harm, as outlined in the Carbon Underground list And already as a denomination we are taking some steps. The Foundation has introduced financial products that provide comparable return on investment without supporting fossil fuel companies, and the Board of Pensions has a fossil-free option for their 403-B plan. Synods, presbyteries, congregations and individuals have moved their investments to such funds, and we commend them for doing so. But while these actions among individuals and various Presbyterian entities are faithful responses to the growing crisis of climate change, they fall far short of the institutional actions necessary to make a significant difference. It is time for fossil free investments to be the norm instead of the option. 2 The Carbon Underground 200 is an annually updated listing of the top 100 public coal companies globally and the top 100 public oil and gas companies globally, ranked by the potential carbon emissions content of their reported reserves. The list is produced and maintained by Fossil Free Indexes, LLC.

53 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 53 ROC SALT Mission Center (Rochester Serving and Learning Together) A Proposal to Council October 23, 2017 You are the salt of the earth. - Matthew 5:13 Presbytery of Genesee Valley Revised November 9, 2017

54 Page 54 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Contents Proposed Action 3 Part I -- Mission and Program What is ROC SALT, anyway? What will a mission experience at ROC SALT look like? How is God calling the Presbytery, Riverside Neighbors, and our congregations to faithfully engage in the mission of ROC SALT? Why will this work? Why Rochester? Why the 68 Ashland building? Why should we own the building? How will the building be maintained? How else is the building going to be used? How will ROC SALT be funded? How will governance happen? Who can participate and how do we get involved? I m from a rural congregation. How am I connected to the mission of ROC SALT? Who else is doing this model of mission? Part II Financial Vision Next Steps and Final Thoughts..21 Appendices A. 68 Ashland and South Wedge Food Program Committee Members B. Recent timeline C. Map of Riverside Neighbors D. Neighborhood Statistics E. The South Wedge Food Program F. Friends of Calvary-St. Andrews G. Rochester Poverty Statistics H. ROC SALT Organizational Chart I. Riverside Neighbors Endorsement Letter

55 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 55 October 23, 2017 TO: Council, Presbytery of Genesee Valley FROM: 68 Ashland Committee (See Appendix A) RE: Proposal for ROC SALT Mission Center The 68 Ashland Committee, a committee of Council, respectfully, prayerfully and enthusiastically submits this proposal to the Council and seeks your prayerful response. The 68 Ashland Committee recommends: That the Council recommend to the Presbytery of Genesee Valley the establishment of the ROC SALT Mission Center, located at 68 Ashland St. (at Averill) in the city of Rochester. The ROC SALT Mission Center will be a designated mission of Genesee Valley Presbytery, who will exercise final responsibility, delegating oversight to a board of directors. The initial term for this initiative will be three years, from December 1, 2017 to December 31, The presbytery, through its Mission Linkages Team, will conduct regular reviews of the Center s mission and operations. The presbytery will commit financial support as outlined in the proposal. If the presbytery approves this proposal, it will be committing itself: To support ROC SALT as a designated mission of the presbytery for an initial three-year period To retain ownership of the property at 68 Ashland To commit $300,000 in capital support from designated funds To include $10,000 in annual operating budget for 2019 and 2020, and to seek available funds from the 2018 budget To pray for and participate in ROC SALT s mission efforts 55 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

56 Page 56 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting PART I Mission and Program What is ROC SALT, anyway? MISSION STATEMENT: Committed to God s vision of justice, ROC SALT (Rochester Serving and Learning Together) Mission Center invites diverse groups of people across generations into immersive mission that engages urgent needs in our community. ROC SALT is a Mission Center That So that o Of Genesee Valley Presbytery, managed by a board of directors and staff o Located at the former Calvary-St. Andrew s site (68 Ashland) o Provides a setting where visiting groups youth, adult, in-town, out-oftown, faith-based and other can have a residential, immersive, reflective mission experience and apply their learnings back home o Provides emergency food to the South Wedge community (See Appendix E) o Connects with other South Wedge institutions, as well as faith-based and social service organizations throughout the city and region o Engages the presbytery in a creative, vital new mission initiative o Repurposes a strategic presbytery asset o Human need may be met o Relationships may be forged o Lives may be transformed o Faith may be deepened o Jesus Christ may be served o God may be glorified ROC SALT Mission Center will combine direct service on-site (through the existing South Wedge Food Program) and throughout the city and region (by leveraging the work of local partners), and a location to host visiting mission and service teams. It can become a model for presbytery-wide, ecumenical and interfaith missional collaboration, reenergizing our congregations with a clear purpose, repurposing a historic facility, and most importantly, sharing Christ s love by meeting the needs of our most at-risk neighbors. As the program continues to develop from its initial pilot phase, we expect to draw participants from youth mission and intergenerational outreach teams; adult Bible study or prayer groups that seek to add a service and experiential learning component to their time together; those gathering for leadership, all-church, or spiritual renewal retreats; teams from other faith traditions who desire to partner with us in this work;

57 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 57 and groups from local school and other community organizations who may wish to connect with each other and their city in new ways. Once the project is fully operational (following a ramp-up of 3-5 years), as many as mission participants could be engaged annually. As the pilot program gains traction, the board, along with community and presbytery partners, will begin to explore new mission opportunities (i.e., worship, Bible study, community action), so that ROC SALT can serve as a mission incubator for the presbytery and its witness. What will a mission experience at ROC SALT look like? Envision a youth group coming to Rochester from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for a week If they are present on a Sunday, they would worship with a ROC SALT-affiliated congregation. Their week would include: orientation and tour of the city to understand the week s particular missional context participation in an immersion experience to engage the challenges of living with poverty working with the South Wedge Food Program located on-site, building relationships directly with volunteers and guests across racial and socioeconomic lines As the week progresses, they would share their time and energy as volunteer staff at one or more partner organizations. This might include helping with a local urban congregation s summer day camp experience for at-risk children; providing hands-on service to a local feeding ministry (such as Cameron Community Ministries); attending a camp with children of migrant workers to learn about rural food issues; or sorting donations in the Foodlink warehouse. Every evening when they return to their home base at ROC SALT, they will be led in ageappropriate worship and theological reflection on the day s experience. At some point in the week, they will enjoy Rochester s recreational opportunities (such as Lake Ontario, Seabreeze, or a Red Wings game). Their trip does not end in Rochester, however, as we hope that these youth will return home with a new understanding of what it means to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God, and what it might look like to live that vision out in their own communities. 57 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

58 Page 58 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting How is God calling the Presbytery, Riverside Neighbors, and our congregations to engage in the work of ROC SALT? Presbytery: Know Christ, Live Christ, Share Christ God is calling the Presbytery of Genesee Valley to a new season of boldness, creativity and faithfulness. Drawing on our Reformed and Presbyterian touchstones, and committed to collaborative mission that links service and theological reflection, ROC SALT provides an innovative and timely opportunity for the presbytery to embrace its call. The Riverside Neighbors: The churches participating in the Duke Grant process of the Riverside Neighbors enthusiastically endorse ROC SALT Mission Center and its location at the former Calvary- St. Andrews site. (See Appendix I) The emerging Riverside plan includes a neighborhood committee that will work with the ROC SALT board to provide support. Each of our congregations will be able to see how they would be involved in the operations of the program through volunteer participation, site hosting, programming, and leadership. Our congregations: ROC SALT emerged from collaborative, strategic conversations regarding the future of metropolitan ministry in Rochester. Congregations in our presbytery already have a solid history of collaborating to meet the pressing needs of the city, living out our call to be a connectional Church. This project allows our congregations to fulfill their part in our collective mission. A variety of leadership and volunteer opportunities will be available to members of our presbytery s congregations. You may want to serve on the board or a program committee. You may want to share your time with the food program. You may want to help shepherd visiting groups. Whatever your gifts and passion, there s a place for you in the ROC SALT vision. Why will this work? A crucial aspect of this project s sustainability is that it builds on many already-existing relationships. This is a project deeply embedded in the relational fabric of the presbytery, with many congregations and members providing leadership. These plans have been embraced by many throughout the presbytery, at formal and informal levels. We have well-established community connections centered on social justice and a deep base of hands-on mission experience. Furthermore, the proposed mission site has historically been a widely-recognized beacon of hope and source of direct service to those who are poor.

59 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 59 Further, our local Episcopal Diocese and Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have approached us about collaborating on ROC SALT Mission Center. At this point, we have communicated with them the need for presbytery approval of this project first. Pending that, we will move forward with discussions and plans with them and other denominational entities for active collaboration. We are also anticipating a formal letter of support from First Unitarian Church of Rochester. Additionally, in public town-hall forums in June 2016 and March 2017, and in numerous written and verbal communications, the surrounding community and its leadership have expressed a strong preference for us to offer renewed ministry and mission opportunities in service to those in need. As evidence of their commitment, a group called Friends of Calvary St. Andrew s has been formed (see Appendix F) to support ROC SALT s mission by committing itself to the preservation and promotion of the historic building, including assistance with fundraising, tenant recruitment and grant-seeking. We are mindful that the South Wedge provides an extraordinary laboratory for this work, because it intersects with a diverse cross-section of people and issues. As the future of the South Wedge continues to unfold, we are eager to see how ROC SALT s strategic location will play a role in the community s development. Why do this in Rochester? The need is great, the calling is compelling, and there are no other programs like this in the state of New York. The sheer magnitude and complexity of poverty and justice issues in our community are daunting. According to the September 2016 poverty report by the Rochester Area Community Foundation and ACT Rochester: Poverty continues to grow not just in Rochester, but in our nine-county region. The most current regional poverty rate is 14.3% (up from 13.2% noted in the December 2013 report). The region is now home to more than 167,600 people living below the federal poverty level. The poverty rate within the City of Rochester continues to be crushingly high at 33.8%. Rochester is the 5 th poorest city in the United States, among the top 75 metropolitan areas. Within the South Wedge neighborhood specifically, the child poverty rate ranges somewhere between 50-66%, according to data obtained from the City of Rochester. (See Appendix G for additional poverty statistics.) An estimate prepared for this report found that about 24% of our region s residents who are above the federal poverty level have incomes that are too low to be considered self-sufficient. For the City of Rochester, that estimate is about 31%, which when added to those living below the federal poverty level, yields the reality that about one third of all City of Rochester residents can be 59 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

60 Page 60 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting considered self-sufficient. Given the size of our region, we have easy access to various rural communities and have the opportunity to make connections to the challenges they also face. Rochester is facing serious and unique poverty challenges, in part because of the decline of Eastman Kodak. Other large companies such as Xerox are downsizing or moving elsewhere. At the same time, greater Rochester is also a resilient community made up of hard working people committed to the common good. Why the 68 Ashland building? The presbytery owns it It s a recognized landmark in the presbytery, city, and neighborhood Location it's a strategic and well-known asset of our presbytery for mission outreach The neighborhood has embraced the building as a de facto community center The long-established food program continues to serve a need, with a growing demand Friends of Calvary-St. Andrews, henceforth referred to as Friends of CSA, is a grass-roots neighborhood group committed to the preservation and promotion of the site. (See Appendix F). They have actively rehabbed and refurbished the facilities in order to market the building for potential use Why should we own the building? After extensive deliberation, the 68 Ashland Committee strongly believes that retaining building ownership is missionally compelling and fiscally sound. The proposed threeyear pilot phase will provide the opportunity to bear that belief out. The committee does not believe that selling the building and leasing back the space is advisable. The rental rate to a new owner and lost rental income would deplete any financial resources gained from a sale (estimated at $300,000) in a short three years. One prospective purchaser suggested a monthly rental rate of $6,000. That equals an annual rate of $72,000, or $216,000 over the initial three years. That rent, added to a payout of the PILP loan (balance of $65,408), would virtually eliminate any ability for the mission center to operate. Furthermore, we estimate that the annual building operating costs (see Part II) are less than the suggested rental rate. We compared the annual budget impact of leasing versus owning, including the loss of Verizon income under a sale/leaseback scenario. We estimate additional net operating expenses of $35,000 annually to lease back the building compared to retaining ownership.

61 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 61 Additionally, to be a tenant limits control and access to the building and hinders program development. We are doubtful that potential funders will be eager to support building improvements for a facility owned by a commercial, for-profit developer. We are reasonably certain we will also lose the support of the activist South Wedge community if we were to sell the building. Finally, we believe that the program s success and identity will be symbolically enhanced if the presbytery itself retains ownership. By doing so, we will communicate to local communities of people in need as well as those watching us -- that we are committed over the long term to extending Jesus love and working towards God s vision of justice. How will the building be maintained? The board will recruit a volunteer building manager to oversee building use, scheduling, and work with the board on major building issues. This will include regular interaction with Friends of CSA. The board will hire part-time building maintenance staff for cleaning and routine maintenance. The building faces some structural improvement needs, which we anticipate meeting through a combination of presbytery grants and fundraising, supported by sweat equity from the presbytery s congregations. (See Part II) We also anticipate conducting a capital campaign to undertake renovations to the education building that will support the housing component of the mission program. Because the proposed mission use falls under current understandings of church programming, it has been confirmed to us that no change in insurance policy will be needed for our proposed uses. As construction projects are planned and implemented, they will include appropriate and timely consultations regarding code and zoning requirements. How else is the building going to be used? A thriving community-based food program and community garden already operate on site. (See Appendix N) Community organizations along with arts and cultural groups will use and/or rent facilities. Already the Friends of CSA have identified enthusiastic potential building users, and preliminary discussions are underway with congregations who would share building use and provide an anchor presence. 61 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

62 Page 62 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting How will ROC SALT be funded? (See our projected three-year budget in Part II for details) ROC SALT will be funded by a combination of visiting group participation fees, denominational grants (we have received a $33,000 grant from the Synod of the Northeast to support the first two years of personnel costs), congregational and individual support, and building use fees by outside groups (including an ongoing Verizon contract for cell tower use). Congregations in the presbytery have already pledged financial support. The South Wedge Food Program will collaborate on fundraising initiatives and will provide income for building use. We will also seek funding from ecumenical partners who have expressed interest in joining this mission effort. How will governance happen? The ministry shall be guided by a Board of Directors which shall include representatives from the presbytery, food program, congregations, neighbors, and members of the ecumenical and interfaith community. The board shall have the power to carry out the business of the ministry, oversight of the budget, resource development, and evaluation and employment of the staff positions. To direct the hands-on mission work, ROC SALT will hire a part-time (for now) Mission Center Director who will design and implement the initial pilot program. ROC SALT will also hire a part-time Food Program Coordinator to oversee volunteer coordination and food program operations, as well as grow donor and community connections. We will develop a rigorous evaluation process, seeking input from both guest and mission partners, after each immersion experience. We will use those evaluations to improve the mission and its ongoing implementation. We will also share our learnings with all of our partners, including funders, partner agencies, churches, the presbytery, and more. After the initial pilot program is established, the board, in consultation with the presbytery, will begin to address long-term governance issues. Who can participate and how do we get involved? Anyone with a sense of call, and the gifts of time or energy or passion, can get involved. Perhaps you can swing a hammer, or fill a grocery bag, or read a spreadsheet, or write a blog post. We need you to help shape this mission and make it succeed! Members from the presbytery s congregations, and other volunteers, can support ROC SALT in several significant ways.

63 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 63 There will be active program committees to support the work of the Mission Center (including mission immersion weeks), as well as the South Wedge Food Program. The sweat equity of volunteers will provide a significant portion of the labor required to renovate the facilities; when the time comes, this will be a vital volunteer opportunity for the whole presbytery. Communications will be a crucial component of the center s success. We will establish and maintain an active website and social media presence. This will enable our story to be told and will also provide ways for volunteers to stay connected. Volunteers staff the many programs of the South Wedge Food Program: Service on the Food Program committee to provide organizational, fundraising, and grant-writing support The Emergency Food Cupboard, which serves guests three days per week (with hopes for expanded services) The Foodlink Mobile Food Pantry which operates twice per month The Alison Clarke Community Garden I m from a rural congregation. How am I connected to the mission of ROC SALT? Since its inception in the 1960 s, the Presbytery of Genesee Valley has maintained a holistic, connected commitment to mission in our region rural, suburban and urban. The ROC Salt Mission Center will provide an opportunity for that commitment to deepen. While located in a Rochester neighborhood, the center will provide ways for rural congregations to learn and serve, by: Offering a near-by setting for youth and adult groups to learn about issues of poverty and justice Offering avenues for gifts to be shared in the hands-on work of building renovation, in volunteering at the South Wedge Food Program, in serving on a committee or board Offering a connection between the important farming and agricultural practices in our region and the needs of our hungry neighbors, a truly integrated approach to issues of food justice Who else is doing this model of mission? This proposal is the result of work begun by the CSA Administrative Commission and then handed off to the 68 Ashland Committee. While this program is unique in the state of New York and surrounding region, we have been inspired by others within the denomination who are engaged in this work: 63 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

64 Page 64 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting The Pilgrimage in Washington, D.C. has welcomed groups to explore the connection between faith and urban poverty since The Pilgrimage now welcomes almost 1,400 people, or 60+ groups, per year ( The Center in Baltimore started inviting groups to their 40-bed facility in 2011 and has engaged their local congregations in transforming Baltimore neighborhoods ( There are similar programs in Asheville, NC (Asheville Youth Mission and Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia ( Members of the planning team have visited and spoken to leaders of these programs.

65 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 65 PART II Financial Vision Projected Operating Budget as of (See explanatory notes following) LINE Total Total Total ANNUAL OPERATING INCOME 1 Verizon Cell Tower Contract 14,300 15,800 16,400 2 Verizon Tax Reimbursement 9,700 9,700 9,700 3 Third Presbyterian Church Contribution 10,000 10,000 10,000 4 Gates Presbyterian Church Contribution 1,100 2,000 2,000 5 First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford 4,000 2,000 2,000 Contribution 6 Additional Church Contributions 0 2,000 2,000 7 Synod of the NE Innovation Grant 18,000 15, Food Program Donations & Grants 12,000 23,600 23,600 9 Mission Center Registration Fees 0 5,000 16, Proposed Duke Grant Allocation 2, Proposed Presbytery Designated Mission 0 10,000 10,000 Support 12 Building Use Fees - Projected 1,000 12,000 12, Fundraising 0 15,800 36, Total Annual Income 72, , ,200 ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES: Shared Staff Support 15 Back Office /payroll 2,000 2,000 2, Subtotal Shared Staff Support 2,000 2,000 2,000 Mission Center Expenses: 17 Mission Consultant (part-time) 4,200 21,900 33, Seminary Intern - summer 0 0 3, Consultant travel 700 1,500 1, Consultant continuing education 0 1,000 1, Hospitality expenses Books/Resources Computer/Tech. Equip. & Supplies 1,000 1,000 1, Database Office Supplies 300 1,000 1, Program Committee Expenses ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

66 Page 66 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Total Total Total 27 Honorarium for Program Speakers , Fundraising, Marketing & Publicity 200 4,000 6, Subtotal Mission Center 7,400 32,700 50,000 Food Program: 30 Food Program coordinator 2,500 10,900 10, Office & Administrative Expenses 1,300 1,300 1, Volunteer Support Purchased Food 5,000 7,000 7, Purchased Personal Care Items 2,000 2,000 2, Foodlink Membership Food cupboard supplies & equipment 2,000 1,200 1, Community Garden Subtotal Food Program 13,900 23,600 23,600 Building Expenses 39 Custodian (part-time) 7,000 10,000 10, Mortgage Principal & Interest 8,600 8,600 8, Building repairs & maintenance (ongoing) 3,000 12,000 12, Insurance 10,000 10,000 10, Taxes 12,000 12,000 12, Utilities 10,000 12,000 12, Subtotal Building Expenses 50,600 64,600 64, Annual Expenses 73, , , Net Operating Income (Shortfall) (1,800) 0 0 Notes to Operating Budget Line 1: Line 2: Verizon leases space for a cell tower in the building s steeple. The actual contract payment rate for 2017 is $1,287.74/month, with a contractual increase of 3.5% every year in May. Per the contract, Verizon reimburses for taxes assessed on the building due to the cell tower ($9,700 per year related expense is included in Line 42 Taxes).

67 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 67 Line 3: Third Presbyterian Church s Outreach Committee has approved a contribution of $10,000 for 2017 (pending presbytery approval of this proposal), and anticipates an equal annual contribution in 2018 and Line 4: Gates Presbyterian Church has contributed $1,100 to ROC SALT for 2017, and approved a contribution of $2,000 for amount is estimated based on prior year. Line 5: First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford has contributed $4,000 to ROC SALT for We have conservatively estimated a contribution of $2,000 annually in 2018 and Line 6: We have conservatively estimated additional contributions from presbytery churches at $2,000 annually in 2018 and Line 7: The Synod of the Northeast awarded ROC SALT a two-year innovation grant totaling $33,000 ($18,000 in 2017 and $15,000 in 2018) for its pilot programming. Line 8: Food program donations for 2017 are estimated to be $12,000. Actual year-todate donations through September 2017 are $8,600. An additional $2,000 grant in 2017 to help hire a part-time food program coordinator has been awarded by the Grants Working Group of the presbytery. The remaining $1,400 for 2017 is estimated to be received from fundraising for the holiday basket program. One of the food program coordinator s primary responsibilities will be to solicit increased community donations (assisted by Line 9: the food program committee) for 2018 and 2019 to cover staffing costs. One source of income for the mission center programming includes participant fees. We have conservatively estimated a per person fee of $250 during the initial pilot phase, which does not include meals. If meals were to be provided for participating groups, we would charge an additional fee to cover the cost of food and meal preparation. (For reference, full week fees at other immersive mission sites: The Center in Baltimore, $450 per person, including meals; Broad Street Ministry, $500 per person, including meals; The Pilgrimage, approximately $300 per person, NOT including meals). One of the essential tasks during the three-year pilot will be to determine adjustments to the fee structure to sustain programming over the long term. Line 10: A portion of the grant to Riverside Neighbors from Leadership Education at Duke Divinity encompasses collaborative mission. We will propose a $2,000 allocation from that grant, pending approval by the Duke Grant Action Team of the Riverside Neighbors. Line 11: As a designated mission of the presbytery, we are requesting annual operating support of $10,000 from the presbytery. Line 12: 2017 building use income is from a theater group. Projected 2018/19 building use fees are based on a modest estimate of $1,000/month from congregation and other rental of sanctuary and chapel. The Friends of CSA group has included in its mission the task of helping to search out and market to potential users of the sanctuary and chapel, to help support ongoing operating costs. 67 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

68 Page 68 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Line 13: The ROC SALT board will form a fundraising committee to solicit additional donations from individuals and organizations, and host fundraising events to support operating costs not covered by fees, especially in the pilot phase. Additionally, ecumenical partners have already expressed interest in becoming part of ROC SALT, and we will seek financial support from them as well. Line 15: Amount is primarily for expenses of bookkeeper, and is based on the prior actual expense of Calvary St. Andrew s church. It assumes the present bookkeeper, Colleen Allen, continues. Line 17: Contracted rate for the part-time mission consultant is $21 per hour, based on 12 hours per week in 2017 and 20 hours per week in Budget for 2019 tentatively includes an increase in hours to 30 hours per week and a 2% raise. Increase in actual contracted hours for 2019 will be based upon a sufficient level of traction gained by the first year of the pilot phase. Line 18: We have tentatively included the cost to hire a part-time seminary intern to help with program implementation in Similar to Line 16, this hire would be based upon a sufficient level of traction gained by the first year of the pilot phase. Line 19: Includes Fall 2017 travel to The Pilgrimage, The Center in Baltimore, and Broad Street Ministry to research models for the pilot program and 2019 amounts are estimates for ongoing consultant travel and mileage to local mission sites. Line 20: We have included an allowance for the mission program consultant s continuing education. Line 21: Hospitality expense budget covers cost of meals and planning meetings with potential mission partner organizations. Line 22: Books/resources expense includes materials purchased to develop program curriculum. Line 23: Estimated amount to purchase computer and ongoing tech equipment and supplies for mission program use. Line 24: Estimated amount to support database software and support. Line 25: Paper, office supplies, and postage. Line 26: Estimated amount to support expenses of the volunteer Mission Center Program Committee. Line 27: Budget is for guest speaker honorariums for visiting groups during mission immersion weeks. Line 28: For reference, the estimated marketing and publicity expense for full capacity programming at The Center in Baltimore is $8,000 per year. Line 30: Expense for the food program coordinator is based upon $21 per hour for 10 hours per week. Line 31: Office and administrative expenses for the food program are based on 2016 actual expenses. Line 32: Budgeted expense for thank you gatherings for volunteers.

69 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 69 Line 33: Purchased food provides only a portion of the food that is given out at the food program. The remainder is donated through food drives or acquired via a HPNAP grant in the form of a line of credit (not included in income or expense). Line 34: The food program also provides personal care items for children and adults. Many are donated, such as diapers through ROC City Bottoms; the remainder are purchased as funds are available. Line 35: Foodlink charges an annual membership fee of $300. Line 36: Expenses for food cupboard supplies and equipment in 2017 included one-time purchase of new shelving. Amounts are expected to be reduced in 2018 and Line 37: Expenses for seeds and plants for the community garden are based upon 2016 actual expenses. Line 39: Compensation for part-time custodian is based upon CSA actual prior to closure. Reduced amount in 2017 is due to a change in personnel. Our plans include recruiting a volunteer building manager; thus, the budget includes no compensation for that position. Line 40: Mortgage principal and interest assumes the PILP loan is not paid off. (Balance of PILP loan is $65,408). Line 41: Kenron Associates estimates ongoing building repairs and maintenance at $1,000 per month. For reference, during the last few years prior to the closure of the CSA congregation, annual expense was approximately $3,000 per year. Line 42: Insurance expense is based on CSA actual prior to closure. Insurance agent Chris Williams estimates that under this proposal, the annual cost would not change. Line 44: Budget is based upon CSA actual. It includes $9,650 per year in taxes that are assessed due to the Verizon cell tower, which are reimbursed by Verizon (corresponding income is included in Line 2). Line 45: Budget for utilities is based upon CSA actual expense prior to closure. Kenron Associates estimates that with a new boiler, budget will not change significantly as energy cost savings will be offset by increased usage from active programming. MEMO: Cash & Investments as of Checking & Savings Accts $11,788 Investments Lightheart Fund $10,413 Rippey Fund $39,568 Total Cash & Investments as of $61, ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

70 Page 70 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Projected Capital Expenditures Current State of the 68 Ashland Building: The facility was constructed as an Episcopal church in 1873 and includes a single-story Gothic sanctuary and two-story education wing. The sanctuary has an unfinished basement area with dirt floor, and the education wing has a basement that is finished and contains a kitchen and storage areas. The South Wedge Food Program, including the Mobile Pantry, Emergency Food Cupboard and Community Garden, continues to serve the South Wedge and Rochester community. Formerly housed in the basement level of the education wing, these programs are now housed on the 1 st floor so that they are accessible to people with mobility challenges. Both construction firms that inspected the building commented in general that the building is in remarkable shape. Proposed Use: We propose using the education wing to house the South Wedge Food Program and create multi-use space on the second floor for visiting ROC SALT mission groups and other mission programming at other times. While these programs may utilize the sanctuary and chapel at particular times during the week, these spaces will also be available for community use, which has the potential to create additional income. Should the proposed use be approved, the facility requires 1) immediate repairs, 2) long-term repair and maintenance, and 3) renovation of the 2 nd floor education wing to align with the program goals and objectives. Action to Date: Representatives of the 68 Ashland Committee have reached out to two design-build contractors (Navalis Construction and Nichols Construction Team) to obtain a scope of work and costs for the three requirements above. Both are known design-build contractors with relevant and successful experience. Both teams have visited the facility and developed their preliminary list of recommendations and cost estimates. It should be noted that each contractor s scope of work and estimate varies significantly. For example, the Nichols Team started with an expansive scope that included aspects of historical preservation not required for the mission programming, but excluded 2 nd floor renovation needed for mission programming. We then asked the Nichols Team to reduce its scope to exclude preservation items that didn t impact the mission or building safety and functionality. That estimate was $460,000, excluding

71 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 71 education wing renovation costs. The Nichols Team asserted that this estimate erred on the high side, and could be reduced under alternative bid proposals. The Navalis Team presented a scope and estimate of approximately $320,000, which includes the renovation of the 2 nd floor of the education wing and immediate repairs, but excludes many of the items contained in the Nichols proposal. Due to the lack of detailed scope that both companies can bid on, at this point a direct comparison of their proposals is not feasible. Recommendation: After a summary-level consultation with an architectural/structural engineer who is a member of Third Church, the recommendation to the Presbytery is to approach the facility repairs and renovations in the following staged efforts: 1. Immediate repairs The hot water boiler has been red tagged and must be replaced as we enter the winter months. Recommend funding in the range of $45,000 to $55,000 for: a. Removal of the existing boiler and flue piping b. Allowance for abatement of possible asbestos pipe insulation c. Replacement of boiler with 2 new high efficiency boilers with side wall venting d. Connection to existing controls, piping, gas and power 2. Engage architect & engineer As the design builders provided varied scopes of work and estimates, we recommend funding in the range of $20,000 to $30,000 for: a. Condition assessment of facility b. Code analysis of proposed use and impact to facility c. Recommendation for prioritization of repairs and upgrades (multi-year plan) d. Identification of potential repairs where grant funding may be available as a separate effort examples below. i. Stained glass window repair and restoration ii. Exterior brick repair and repointing iii. Chimney repair iv. Entry Stair rebuild/repair v. Other 3. Develop program including priorities, cost and schedule for multi-year repair and renovation efforts a. Year 1 (2018) critical repairs, maintain weather tight enclosure, priority safety items 71 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

72 Page 72 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting b. Year 2 (2019) to be determined c. Year 3 (2020) to be determined 4. Identification of demolition and other simple repairs where Presbytery members can volunteer to perform work and reduce cost a. Kitchen and dry wall demo in basement b. Demo on second floor to prepare for renovation c. Other 5. Develop and issue a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) to at least 3 designbuild contractors for Year 1 (2018) efforts a. Based on architect & engineer report with defined scope of work b. Multiple scope items with break out pricing for flexibility c. Include option of reduced cost if executed at one time Until the extent of the efforts are determined by the Architectural Study it is difficult to fully estimate the funding required, available grants and requirements for matching funds, etc. However, it is our recommendation to start with a budget of the following: 1. Boiler Replacement (immediate) $ 55, Architect/Engineer $ 30, Year 1 repairs * $ 55, Year 2 repairs ** $ 90, Year 3 repairs *** $120, Subtotal Repair Allowance $350, nd floor build out $185, Fire Protection 2 nd Flr $ 55, Subtotal Renovation Allowance $240, Total Est. Capital Expenditures $590,000 * Assumes critical repairs, maintain weather tight enclosure, priority safety items ** Assumes repair of limestone retaining wall and steps restoration *** Assumes plumbing, drainage, and electrical upgrades We propose to fund these three-year expenditures as follows: Proposed Capital Funding from Presbytery (Grace, Acquired Assets) $300,000 Funding from ROC SALT Capital Campaign (primarily for renovations) $290,000 Estimated Total Capital Funding $590,000

73 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 73 Next Steps If the ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal is adopted, the 68 Ashland Committee, in consultation with the Presbytery, will immediately begin the transitional work of implementing the plan. That will include forming a board, recruiting program, facilities, construction, and fundraising committees, and continuing plans for the February and summertime pilot programs. We will also establish effective communications processes to keep the presbytery updated on our progress. Final Thoughts We walk by faith and not by sight We are grateful for the presbytery s consideration of this proposal and we covet your prayers and participation as we move ahead. While the success of ROC SALT Mission Center will be measured in some traditional terms persons participating and persons served, as well as a sustainable business plan at a deeper level our plumb line will be lives touched, perspectives changed, and relationships built. We embrace God s vision as articulated by the prophet Isaiah: I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it? Yes, this is a risky plan, requiring a significant commitment of presbytery human and financial resources. But more than a risky plan, it represents a bold leap of faith. We believe that the presbytery is hungry for something new a new, collaborative mission experience that addresses the very real needs of the city of Rochester. Though there are no guarantees, we are hopeful that the challenging work of planning and the commitment of so many individuals and congregations will lead us toward success. We have the vision and energy, and a thoughtful business plan. As a member of our 68 Ashland Committee recently remarked: The partners are there, the building is there, the need is there. We just need to ignite our power to make a difference. This project could connect not only city and suburbs but also the spiritual and secular; learning, dreaming, and doing. Let s dream big! 73 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal

74 Page 74 November 18, 2017 Stated Presbytery Meeting Appendices A. 68 Ashland and South Wedge Food Program Committee Members 68 Ashland Committee Keith Hadley (Gates), Lea Kone (Downtown), Ruth McNamara (Summerville), Richard Sprenkle (Pittsford), Laurie Tiberi (University of Rochester), John Wilkinson, moderator (Third Church) Melissa DeRosia (Gates), Lynette Sparks (Third Church), project consultants Laura Bachmann, Mission Consultant (part-time) South Wedge Food Program Transition Committee Judy Bennett (neighborhood), Linc Spaulding (Third Church), Lawrence Jones (Artisan Church), Karen Walker (Third Church), Martha Cuthbert (former CSA member), Gregg Hamberger (Third Church), Lynette Sparks (Third Church) Katie Jo Suddaby, Program Coordinator (part-time) B. Recent timeline A Calvary-St. Andrews Administrative Commission (AC) was appointed in October 2015 to explore the future of congregational ministry. The AC deliberated for nearly two years. It ultimately recommended to the presbytery that the congregation be dissolved, which happened on Easter Sunday, April 16, The AC encouraged continuing operations of the food program, with an expanded volunteer and funding base. The AC explored several alternatives for building use and agreed to list the property for purchase while continuing to consider other options. In June 2017, the presbytery established the 68 Ashland Committee to take up the work of the AC, specifically focusing on developing the ROC SALT proposal and addressing the issue of building ownership.

75 Stated Presbytery Meeting November 18, 2017 Page 75 C. Map of Riverside Neighbors 1. ROC SALT Mission Center 2. Downtown 3. Trinity Emmanuel 4. Third 5. Twelve Corners/ Companions on the Way (NWC) 6. South/ New Life 7. Laurelton 8. Irondequoit 9. Summerville 10. Bethany 11. John Knox 12. Gates 13. Parkminster 75 ROC SALT Mission Center Proposal