Page 1 of 31

173rd Stated Meeting

of the Presbytery of Southern New England

Noroton Presbyterian Church

Darien, Connecticut

May 5, 2018

CALL TO ORDER:

Moderator Elder Lisa Baker called the 173rd Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Southern New

England to order at 9:35AM in the sanctuary of the Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien, CT,

with a prayer for the meeting and the Presbytery.

FORMING OF THE ROLL:

Stated Clerk Bill Thomas reported that a quorum was present. The roll was being formed through

the registration for the meeting.

ADOPTION OF THE DOCKET

Presbytery VOTED to adopt the amended docket. (Appendix 1)

ENROLLMENT AND INTRODUCTIONS Rev. John Seiders welcomed us to Noroton church. The

following clergy were seated as corresponding members and/or guests: Rev. Lynda Clements,

Hudson River Presbytery; Rev. Michael Gehrling, Pittsburgh Presbytery; Rev. Margaret Mitsuyasu,

Elizabeth Presbytery; Rev. Christa Swenson, Hudson River Presbytery; Rev. Nancy Talbot, New

York City Presbytery; Rev. Charles Via, Hudson River Presbytery; Rev. Art Woolverton, SE Illinois

Presbytery; Candidates Shelly Donaldson and Andre Castillo; Joshua Narcisse (guest preacher),

and former executive presbyter Elder Jim Bennett.

Consent Motion

• That the Presbytery grant excuses from attendance at the 173rd Stated Meeting to those

needing the same, but that the Presbytery suspend the reading of their names.

• That the Presbytery grant excuses for early departures from the 173rd Stated Meeting for

those requesting the same by signing their names on a list maintained at the Clerks' desk,

but that the Presbytery suspend the reading of their names.

• That the Presbytery seat as Corresponding Members those ministers for whom a request

is made at the beginning of the meeting.

• That the Presbytery receive the Treasurer’s report as listed in Appendices 2 thru 5.

• That the Presbytery receive, with regret, the resignation of the Rev. Georgia Ann Snell as

member of the Board of Trustees.

• That the Presbytery approve the minutes of the 172nd Stated Meeting held on February

10, 2018, as printed in the “Minutes” section of the PSNE website.

WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION AND NECROLOGY REPORT

Worship was held in the sanctuary. Worship was led by Revs. Chris Tate, Julie Emery,

Candace Whitman, Ruth Smalt, Mary Thies, Jenny Peek, and Elders Lisa Baker, Joshua

Narcisse, Bill Thomas and Barbara Riihimaki. Worship included:

• Laying on of hands and prayers for Bill and Ann Thomas;

• Installation of Moderator Chris Tate and Vice Moderator Ruth Smalt;

• Communion;

• Reading the names of deceased clergy and elders over the past year.

After worship, Rev. Michael Gehrling of 1001 New Worshiping Communities gave a video

presentation.

TEACHING ELDERS PRESENT: 45 Cadwallader, Jocelyn Hawkins, Thomas Smalt, Ruth Herron

Hawkins, Thomas Jung, Johanna Johns Smanik, Virginia

Caton, Christine Kim, Do Hoon Tate, Chris Crawford, Adele LaSala, Maria Thies, Mary Marple

Curry Avery, Terrlyn Lindsley, Dana F. Trucksess, Susan Power

Dacunha, Alonso F. McLaren, Nancy Van Dyke, David

Dannenfelser, Richard McPherson, Jimmy Vance-Ocampo, Shannan

Davis, Jennifer Merz, John Webster, John

Doll, Greg Meyerhoffer, Anne Marie White, Kevin

Duffy, Edward Miller, Sean Tate, Chris Whitman, Candace

Eberly, Wayne Opsahl, Laura Wright, Heather P. Emery, Julie Peek, Jenny R.

Epperson, Eileen Pfeil, Susan M Fuller, Julia Priest, Joan Withers

Goettler, William Ribeiro, Paulo de Tarso

Glenn, James R Santalucia, Jason

Hager, Barbara G Seiders, John

MEMBERS OF THE ROUNDTABLE: 9 Elder Lisa Baker Elder Art Riihimaki

Elder Anne Carney Elder Barbara Riihimaki

Elder Judy Cunningham Elder Tom Taylor

Elder Dick Hasbany Elder William Thomas

Elder Doug Ray

COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER: 0

TEACHING ELDERS EXCUSED: 12

Clark, Stephen Reifsnyder, Richard Epperson, Eileen Rohr, Lin

Foster, Christine Schreiner, Sam

Hoover-Mulvany, Bea Unsell, Frances A.

Kim, Sandra White, Shannon

Laird, Kathryn Kibbie

Mehr-Muska, Tracy

COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER EXCUSED: 0

Jan D.

Hawkins, Thomas

Hoover-Mulvany,

Byeta

Keller,

James P.

Kim, Do

Hoon

Kim, Ik

Tae

Lindsely,

Dana F.

Meyerhoffer, Anne

Marie

Olson,

Susan

Peek,

Jenny R,

Pfeil,

Susan Priest,

Joan

Withers Ramos,

Jovelino

Sandel,

John S.

Elder

Arthur Riihimaki

Elder Barbara

Riihimaki

Elder Tom Taylor

Jan D.

Hawkins, Thomas

Hoover-Mulvany,

Byeta

Kellar,

James P.

Kim, Do

Hoon

Kim, Ik

TAe

Lindsley,

Dana F.

Meyerhoffer, Anne

Marie

Olson,

Susan

Peek,

Jenny R,

Pfeil,

Susan Priest,

Joan

Withers Ramos,

Jovelino

Sandel,

John S

Elder

Arthur Riihimaki

Elder Barbara

Riihimaki

Elder Tom Taylor

Trucksess, Susan Power

Vance-Ocampo, Shannan

Webster, John

White, Kevin

Whitman, Candace

.

Schreiner, Sa Seiders, John

Shippee, Arthur

Terry, Paul

Trucksess, Susan Powser

Unsell, Frances White, Shannon

Whitman, Candace

RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS

FROM CHURCHES: 33

Ashaway: Babcock

Not represented

Barrington

Not represented

Brookfield

Michael Garcia

Cumberland

Lillie Koney Nancy Boyd

Valerie Lange

Darien: Noroton

Louis DeLoma

Fairfield: First

William Schimpf

Clare Schimpf

Fall River: Calvary

Not represented

Granby: Pioneer Valley

Not represented

Greenwich: First

Charlene Roberson

Christine Zadik

Terry Lohmeyer

Kelly Thomas

Hellen Kim

Cal Pandolfino

ATTENDANCE:

Teaching Elders Present 45

Commissioned Elder 0

Ruling Elders 33

Elder Officers 9

Certified Lay Employee 1

Corresponding Members 7

Visitors 15

Total attendance: 110

Groton: St. Andrew

Jean DeGrooth

Hamden: NH Korean

Insoo Kang

Hartford: First

Not represented

Milford: United

Bob Heerema

Stephanie Brackett

New Canaan: First

Armin Thies

New Haven: CT Korean

Charles Kim

New Haven: First

Ralph Jones

Nancy R. Woodington Mary Webber

Providence

Monica Vander Baan

Springfield: MLK

Joyce Davis

Stamford: First

Mike Parry

Stephen Hart

David Vargas

Mark Leatherman

Stamford: Turn of River

Not represented

Warwick: Greenwood

Not represented

Warwick: Woodbury Union

Doug Ray

Waterford: Crossroads

John Succo

W. Hartford: Westminster

Not represented

Westerly: Dunn’s Corners

Not represented

Wilton

Not represented

William

Thomas

Kim, Sandra

Koons,

Patricia McPherso

n, Jimmy Merz,

John

Notley, Patrick

Opsahl,

Laura

William

Thomas

Kim,

Sandra Koons,

Patricia

McPherson, Jimmy

Merz, John

Notley,

Patrick Opsahl,

Laura

Santalucia

, Jason

OPEN SPACE

• 1001 New Worshipping Communities Rev. Michael Gehrling

• Healing the Wounds of Religion

• Synod Innovation Partnerships & Grants

• Drum Circle (bring a drum!)

• Low- to no-cost technology for ministry

Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery

Rev. Margaret Mitsuyasu

Rev. Chris Tate & Rev. Jenny Peek

Rev. Jimmy McPherson

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND LUNCH

Our PSNE authors displayed and talked with folks about their books during registration and

during lunch. We were called back to order 12:45PM by Moderator Elder Chris Tate.

CELEBRATION OF STATED CLERK ELDER BILL THOMAS

Rev. Jenny Davis opened the celebration for Bill Thomas’s 16 years of ministry in PSNE. Those

offering tributes to Bill were Rev. Julia Fuller, Elder Jim Bennett, Pam Garner, Rev. Dana Lindsley,

Elder Charles Kim, New Haven: CT Korean church, and Rev. Paul Terry. Rev. Nancy Talbot brought

greetings and a gift from the Synod, and Rev. Shannan Vance-Ocampo read a letter from Rev. Dr.

J. Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk of the PCUSA as well as a beautiful PCUSA vase. Shannan

presented Ann Thomas with a bouquet of flowers thanking her for her years as the main support

person to our Stated Clerk. Cards from PSNE members were presented along with a large check in

Bill’s honor made payable to the Ghana Maternity Ward. Bill gave thanks to the Presbytery for his

time with us and thanks to God for this call! Rev. Chris Tate lead a litany of thanksgiving for Bill’s

years with PSNE.

New Moderator Rev. Chris Tate continued the meeting with ’s report.

REPORT OF THE ROUNDTABLE (COUNCIL) • Rev. David Van Dyke gave the report.

Presbytery Roundtable moved the following persons be elected to the Nominating Committee

and/or Roundtable:

Committee Chairs:

Elder Art Riihimaki, Nominating Committee Chair, class of 2019

Committee Members:

Elder Pat Wales, Nominating Committee member, class of 2021

Rev. Anne Fuhrmeister, Nominating Committee member, class of 2020

Presbytery VOTED to elect these persons to the offices with the terms listed.

• Rev. John Merz reported that the Stated Clerk Search Committee is still working their

assigned task of discerning a new PSNE Stated Clerk.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

Rev. Mary Thies presented the report.

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry recommended that the Presbytery enroll

Inquirer Dale Green (Groton: St. Andrew) as a Candidate.

Mr. Dale Green has successfully fulfilled requirements thus far. Dale discussed his

journey of faith. Questions were asked by the Presbytery.

The Presbytery VOTED to enroll Mr. Green as a candidate. Rev. Jason Santalucia,

Groton: St. Andrew, offered a prayer of celebration.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

Rev. John Merz gave the report. The following motions were presented.

1. Moved to dissolve the pastoral relationship between The Rev. Erin Keys, Associate

Pastor, and the First Presbyterian Church, Greenwich, CT effective December 15,

2017. Presbytery VOTED to approve.

2. Moved that Shelley Donaldson be approved for ordination to the Ministry of Word

and Sacrament, approved to be Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church,

Stamford, CT, and received into membership of the Presbytery of Southern New

England. Ms. Donaldson spoke to the group and answered Presbytery’s questions.

Her compensation is as follows:

Salary $ 33,800

Housing Allowance $ 31,200

TOTAL EFFECTIVE SALARY $ 65,000

Benefits Plan Dues $ 24,050

SECA Tax Allowance $ 4,973

Medical Deductibles/Coinsurance $ 1,300

Professional Expenses $ 4,000

(Auto, Cont. Ed., etc)

TOTAL COMPENSATION $ 99,323

Presbytery VOTED to approve Ms. Donaldson for ordination as a Minister of

Word and Sacrament and her position as associate pastor at Stamford.

A charge and prayer of celebration was offered by Rev. Dick Dannenfelser.

3. Moved that Andre Castillo be approved for Ordination to the Ministry of Word and

Sacrament, approved to be Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church,

Greenwich, CT, and received into membership of the Presbytery of Southern New

England, if the way be clear. Mr. Castillo spoke to the group answering

Presbytery’s questions. His compensation is as follows:

Salary $ 55,000

Housing Allowance $ 35,000

TOTAL EFFECTIVE SALARY $ 90,000

Benefits Plan Dues $ 33,000

SECA Tax Allowance $ 6,885

Continuing Education $ 2,000

Automobile Expenses $ 1,500

Professional Expenses $ 2,250

Other Vouchered Expenses $ 3,050

Medical Deductibles/Coinsurance $ 1,300

TOTAL COMPENSATION $ 139,985

Presbytery VOTED to approve Mr. Castillo for ordination and be associate pastor at

Greenwich and Minister of Word and Sacrament. A charge was offered by Rev. Susan

Trucksess and a celebratory prayer was offered.

4. Moved to approve the transfer of The Rev. Lynda Clements, Honorably Retired,

from the Presbytery of Hudson River to the Presbytery of Southern New England,

effective May 5, 2018.

5. Moved to approve the transfer of The Rev. Arthur Woolverton, Honorably Retired,

from the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois to the Presbytery of Southern New

England, effective May 5, 2018.

6. Moved to approve the transfer of The Rev. Christa Swenson, Specialized Clergy,

from the Presbytery of Hudson River to the Presbytery of Southern New England,

effective May 5, 2018. COM has verified her Specialized Clergy position of

Associate Pastor, Mystic Congregational Church, Mystic, CT.

7. Moved to approve the transfer of The Rev. Charles Via, Specialized Clergy, from

the Presbytery of Hudson River to the Presbytery of Southern New England,

effective May 5, 2018. COM has verified his Specialized Clergy position as Pastor,

Talmidge Hill Community Church, Darien, CT and as Executive Director, Crossing

Thresholds, Port Chester, NY.

Each above person said a few words. Referencing Motions 4, 5, 6 and 7 Presbytery

VOTED to approve all four persons to be admitted to Presbytery.

There was a celebratory prayer offered by Elder Doug Ray.

8. The first reading of the Presbytery of Southern New England Policy on Regular

Background Checks for Clergy was presented. Appendix IX

9. The first reading of updates to the Presbytery of Southern New England Sexual

Misconduct Policy and Procedures was presented. Appendix X

10. Moved to approve the following persons to serve on the Sexual Misconduct

Response Team: Elder Lisa Baker, Rev. Richard Dannenfelser, Rev. Eileen Epperson,

Rev. Susan Pfeil, Rev. John Sandel, and Rev. Heather Wright. Presbytery VOTED to

approve.

11. The first reading of the Presbytery of Southern New England Child Protection

Policy was presented. Appendix XI

There was no vote necessary for the first-reading of 3 policies.

12. Moved to approve the terms of call for The Rev. Michael S. Piazza as Interim

Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, New Canaan, CT effective May 5, 2018. His

compensation is as follows:

Salary $ 108,000

Housing Allowance $ 48,000

TOTAL EFFECTIVE SALARY $ 156,000

Medical Insurance $ 11,563

Dental Insurance $ 433

Medical Deductible $ 1,200

SECA Tax Allowance $ 11,934

Continuing Education $ 3,000

Automobile Expenses $ 3,756

Professional Expenses $ 3,000

TOTAL COMPENSATION $ 190,886

Presbytery VOTED to approve terms of call.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE/TRUSTEES

Art Riihimaki presented the report.

Roundtable Co-Chairs o Elder Anne Carney, West Hartford: Westminster o Rev. David Van Dyke

Committee Chairs

• Committee on Ministry: o Rev. Sean Miller, co-chair o Elder Barbara Riihimaki, West Hartford: Westminster, co-chair

• Committee on Preparation for Ministry: o Rev. John Sweet

• Personnel Committee: o Rev. Jennifer Davis

• Representation: o Rev. Julie Emery, co-chair o Rev. Jocelyn (J.C.) Cadwallader, co-chair

• Trustees o Elder Ralph Reynolds, Darien: Noroton

• Social Justice Committee: o Elder Lisa Baker, Springfield: MLK

• Church Development: o Rev. Paulo Ribeiro

• Stewardship & Mission Committee: o Elder Judy Cunningham, Brookfield: Valley

Presbytery VOTED to approve all Committee Chairs as stated above.

Committee Nominations

• Committee on Ministry o Elder Mary Webber, New Haven: First, class of 2021 o Rev. Sandra Kim, class of 2021 o Rev. Nancy McLaren, class of 2021 o Elder Clare Schimpf, Fairfield: First, class of 2021 o Rev. Kibbie Laird, class of 2021 o Rev. Candace Whitman, class of 2021 o Rev. Johanna Johns Jung, class of 2020 o Rev. Pamela Spence Bakker, class of 2019

• Committee on Preparation for Ministry o Elder Nancy Woodington, New Haven: First, class of 2021

• Permanent Judicial Commission o Elder Ellen Sisson, New Canaan, class of 2023 o Elder Christina McIntyre, Stamford: First, class of 2023

• Social Justice o Elder Lisa Baker

• Representation: o Rev. Julie Emery, class of 2020 o Rev. Jocelyn (J.C.) Cadwallader, class of 2020

• Personnel o Rev. John Seiders, class of 2021 o Rev. Laura Opsahl, class of 2019

• Trustees o Rev. Georgia Ann Snell, class of 2021 o Rev. Shannon White, class of 2021 o Elder Ralph Reynolds, Darien: Noroton, class of 2019

• Roundtable At-Large o Elder Dick Hasbany, New Haven: First, class of 2021

• Social Justice o Elder Lisa Baker, Springfield: MLK

• Ordination Exam Readers o Rev. Susan Olson o Rev. Tiffany Nicely Holleck o Elder Anne Carney, West Hartford: Westminster o Elder Nancy Woodington, New Haven: First

The Presbytery VOTED to approve the above nominations.

Presbytery thanked those faithful individuals who were finishing terms:

Moderator: Elder Lisa Baker, Vice-Moderator: Rev. Chris Tate

COM: Rev. Dick Dannenfelser

Elder Christina McIntyre

Rev. John Merz

Elder Tom Taylor

Rev. Joe Miller

Rev. Chris Delmar

Rev. Wayne Eberly

CPM: Rev. Mary Thies

Trustees: Elder Ralph Reynolds

Elder Bob Heerema

Rev. Paul Terry

Nominations: Rev. Anne Marie Meyerhoffer

Personnel: Elder Christina McIntyre

Elder Ann Carney

Rev. Paul Gilmore

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Elder Ralph Reynolds informed the Presbytery that there were no particular concerns facing the Trustees at this time and said all is well.

Moderator Rev. Chris Tate recessed the Presbytery meeting.

MEETING OF THE CORPORATION Elder Ralph Reynolds opened the meeting.

Old Business None New Business None Meeting Closed

Moderator Rev. Chris Tate re-opened the Presbytery meeting.

STEWARDSHIP AND MISSION. Elder Judy Cunningham presented the report and reminded people of grants available to assist churches with mission-related projects.

PRESBYTERIAN IMMIGRANT MINISTRY Rev. John Webster gave report. John introduced Rev. Alonso Dacunha, Rev. Paulo Ribeiro, and Katia Dacunha who are working with Presbyterian Immigrant Ministry.

REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK The Stated Clerk’s report was covered in the Consent Motion, as amended as Ref. B.

The Presbytery Report for 2017 is Appendix VI. Synod approved the Presbytery’s 2017 minutes without exception.

The 2018-2019 Equalization report changed commissioners for six churches. (Appendix VIII)

The Stated Clerk is required by the Book of Order, D-5.0206b, to keep a current roster of those members of the Permanent Judicial Commission whose terms have expired within the past six years and is required to report the roster annually to Presbytery. Terms that expired in:

2013 Rev. Gerson Roca 2015 Elder Jim Whitney 2015 Elder Mark Carta 2016 None

OLD OR NEW BUSINESS Old Business: None New Business: A prayer was given for our commissioners going to General Assembly.

ADJOURNMENT

The next Presbytery meeting will be held on June 5, 2018, at 1:00PM at the First Presbyterian

Church, New Haven, CT. This is a special called meeting. Ref. B-3 announced the call to this

meeting as listed below.

May 5, 2018

Call to a Special Presbytery Meeting

This is the official call to a Special Meeting of the Presbytery of Southern New England to

be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 704 Whitney

Avenue, New Haven, CT, for the purpose of electing a Stated Clerk and any other business

deemed necessary to come before the body. This call provides the required 30-day notice.

Presbytery adjourned at 3:25 after Moderator Rev. Chris Tate led us in prayer.

Attested:

William G. Thomas, Stated Clerk

Appendix I

173rd Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Southern New England

Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien, CT

Saturday, May 5, 2018

PROPOSED DOCKET

8:45 Registration/Gathering time with ‘coffee and’

Books & Authors

9:30 We Gather in God's Name Welcome and arrangements

Call to Order, Prayer and Forming the Roll

Elder Lisa Baker, Rev. John

Seiders

Docket, Enrollment, Introductions, Arrangements Elder Lisa Baker

Consent Motion Elder Bill Thomas

Nomination of Moderator and Vice Moderator

Election and Installation of Moderator and Vice Moderator

Elder Arthur Riihimaki

Elder Lisa Baker

9:45 Worship with Communion & the Necrology Report

10:30

11:00

New Worshipping Communities in the PC(USA)

Open Space

Rev. Michael Gehrling

• Michael Gehrling, 1001 New Worshipping Communities, Northeast Region Associate

Rev. Michael Gehrling

• Healing the Wounds of Religion

• Synod Grants

• Drum Circle (bring a drum!)

• Low to no cost tech for ministry

Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery

Rev. Margaret Mitsuyasu

Rev. Chris Tate & Rev. Jenny

Peek

Rev. Jimmie McPherson

12:00

12:30

1:30

Announcements and Lunch

Books & Authors available during lunch

Celebration of our Stated Clerk, Elder Bill Thomas

Mission and Ministry of the Presbytery

Special Guests

2:00

• Roundtable Report (Ref. A) o Report of the SC Search Team

• Order of the Day o CPM o Committee on Ministry (Ref. H) o Committee on Nominations (Ref. O) o Report of the Trustees o Meeting of the Corporation o Stewardship & Mission (Ref. M) o Presbyterian Immigrant Ministry

Rev. David Van Dyke Rev. John Merz

Rev. Mary Thies Rev. John Merz

Elder Art Riihimaki Elder Ralph Reynolds Elder Ralph Reynolds

Elder Judy Cunningham

Rev. John Webster

3:15 Stated Clerk’s Report (Ref. B) Elder Bill Thomas

Old or New Business

3:30 Adjournment

Appendix II

Appendix III

Appendix IV

Appendix V

Appendix VI

Appendix VII

Appendix VIII

Appendix IX Ref. H-7

Policy on Regular Background Checks for Clergy

FIRST READING

POLICY

Active Clergy Members of the Presbytery of Southern New England are required to undergo a

background check at least once every three years. Background checks include an independent

investigation of the person’s background, references, character, past employment, education,

credit, motor vehicles, criminal or police record, sexual abuse registry records, including those

maintained by both public and private organizations, and all public records for the purpose of

confirming information and/or obtaining other information which may be material to their

qualifications for serving as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbytery of Southern New

England.

Active Clergy Members are considered parish clergy and non-parish clergy including specialized

clergy, members-at-large, and honorably retired clergy who are active in some form of ministry,

e.g. funerals, weddings, Bible study, preaching, pastoral associate, volunteering in other forms of

service where their pastoral skills may be seen or used. Clergy who are Honorably Retired and

inactive are excluded from this requirement.

PROCEDURE

1. Background checks are conducted by the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery as scheduled and paid for by the Presbytery of Southern New England.

2. Each clergy scheduled for a background check will be notified by the Presbytery when they are due for a check.

3. Each clergy scheduled for this process must complete an Authorization for Background Check form and send it to the Stated Clerk upon notification.

4. Results of background checks: a. For “clean” results, the Stated Clerk will notify the clergy person of the results. b. For results where an issue has been identified, the Stated Clerk will confer with the

General Presbyter to determine who will speak with the candidate and determine a further course of action.

4/5/18

Appendix X

Appendix XI

Ref. H-9

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

THE PRESBYTERY OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

General Purpose Statement

The Presbytery of Southern New England (PSNE) seeks to provide a safe and secure environment

for the children who participate in our programs and activities. By implementing the below

practices, our goal is to protect the children who participate in our programs and activities from

incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our employees and

volunteers from false accusations.

A. Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the terms “child” or “children” include all persons under the age of

eighteen (18) years. The term “employee” includes paid persons who work with children. The

term “volunteer” means an unpaid person who works with children.

For purposes of this policy, “child abuse” is any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms

a child’s physical, psychological or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in

different ways and includes the following:

1. Physical abuse - any physical injury to a child that is not accidental, such as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.

2. Emotional abuse - emotional injury when the child is not nurtured or provided with love and security, such as an environment of constant criticism, belittling and persistent teasing.

3. Sexual abuse - any sexual activity between a child and an adult or between a child and another child at least four years older than the victim, including activities such as fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest, online (Internet, cellular telephone, tablet) inappropriate pictures, solicitation (“sexting”) or abusive remarks, and pornography.

4. Neglect - depriving a child of his or her essential needs, such as adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.

B. Requirements for Working with Children

All persons who desire to work with the children participating in our programs and activities will

be screened. This screening includes the following:

1. Six Month Rule

No employee or volunteer will be considered for any position involving contact with minors until

she/he has been involved with the PSNE for a minimum of six (6) months. This time of interaction

between our leadership and the applicant allows for better evaluation and suitability of the

applicant for working with children.

2. Written Application

All volunteers seeking to work with children must complete and sign a written application in a form

to be supplied by us. The application will request basic information from the applicant and will

inquire into their previous experience with children, prior church affiliation(s), references, and

employment information, as well as disclosure of any criminal convictions. The application form

will be maintained in confidence on file at the PSNE offices.

3. Personal Interview

Upon completion of the application, a face-to-face interview may be scheduled with the applicant

to discuss his/her suitability for the position.

4. Reference Checks

Before a volunteer is permitted to work with children, at least three of the applicants’ references

will be checked. These references should be of an institutional nature, preferably from

organizations where the applicant has worked with children in the past. An additional reference

should be a personal reference of someone who can speak to how well the applicant works with

children. Reference checks will be performed every three years. Documentation of the reference

checks will be maintained in confidence on file at the PSNE offices.

5. Criminal Background Check

A national criminal background check is required for all employees (regardless of position) and

volunteers as defined above.

Before a background check is run, prospective workers will be asked to sign an authorization form

allowing the Presbytery to run the check. If an individual declines to sign the authorization form,

s/he will be unable to work with children.

A disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with children will be determined

by an Executive Staff Member or the Stated Clerk on a case-by-case basis in light of all the

surrounding circumstances. Generally, convictions for an offense involving children and/or for

offenses involving violence, dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency and any conduct contrary to

our mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with children. Failure to disclose

a criminal conviction on the application form will also be a disqualifying event.

The background check authorization form and results will be maintained in confidence on file at

the PSNE offices.

C. Two Adult Rule

It is our goal that a minimum of two unrelated adult workers will attend always when children are

being supervised during our programs and activities. Some youth classes may have only one adult

teacher in attendance during the class session; in these instances, doors to the classroom should

remain open and there should be no fewer than three students with the adult teacher. We do not

allow minors to be alone with one adult on our premises or in any sponsored activity unless in a

counseling situation.

D. Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse

Childcare workers may have the opportunity to become aware of abuse or neglect of the children

under our care. In the event that an individual involved in the care of children at a PSNE event

becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under his/her care, this should be reported

immediately to the Executive Staff Member for further action, including reporting to authorities as

may be mandated by state law.

In the event that an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at a PSNE event or

during our sponsored programs or activities, the following procedure shall be followed:

1. The parent or guardian of the child will be notified.

2. The worker alleged to be the perpetrator of the abuse or misconduct will immediately be placed on leave from working with children, pending an investigation, and instructed to remain away from the premises during the investigation.

3. Civil authorities will be notified, and the PSNE will comply with the state’s requirements regarding mandatory reporting of abuse, as the law then exists. The PSNE will fully cooperate with the investigation of the incident by civil authorities.

4. Our insurance company will be notified, and we will complete an incident report. Any documents received relating to the incident and/or allegations will immediately be forwarded to the insurance company.

5. Our Executive Staff Member will be our spokesperson to the media concerning incidents of abuse or neglect unless he or she is alleged to be involved. We will seek the advice of legal counsel before responding to media inquiries or releasing information to the Presbytery. All other representatives of the Presbytery should refrain from speaking to the media.

6. A pastoral visit will be arranged for those who desire it.

7. Any person who is not found innocent of the alleged abuse or misconduct will be removed from their position working with children or youth.

Additional Provisions Regarding Child Protection

E. Open Door Policy

Classroom and daycare doors should remain open unless there is a window in the door or a side

window beside it. Doors should never be locked while persons are inside the room.

F. Teenage Workers

We recognize that there may be times when it is necessary or desirable for babysitters (paid or

volunteer) who are under age 18 to assist in caring for children during programs or activities. The

following guidelines apply to teenage workers:

1. Must be at least age 13.

2. Must be screened as specified above.

3. Must be under the supervision of an adult and must never be left alone with children.

G. Sick Child Policy

It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all the children at our activities.

Parents are encouraged to be considerate of other children when deciding whether to place a child

under our care. In general, children with the following symptoms should NOT be dropped off:

1. Fever, diarrhea, or vomiting within the last 48 hours;

2. A runny nose with a green or a yellow color;

3. Eye or skin infections; and/or

4. Other symptoms of a communicable or infectious disease.

Children who are observed by our workers to be ill will be separated from other children and the

parent or guardian will be contacted to ask that the child is picked up for the day.

H. Medications Policy

It is the policy of the PSNE not to administer either prescription or non-prescription medications to

the children under our care. Medications should be administered by a parent at home. Parents

are reminded of our sick child policy.

Exceptions to the medications policy may be granted to parents of children with potentially life-

threatening conditions (such as asthma or severe allergic reactions). Parents of such children

should address their situation with the adult childcare leader to develop a plan of action.

I. Discipline Policy

It is the policy of the PSNE not to administer corporal punishment, even if parents have suggested

or given permission for it. There should be no spanking, grabbing, hitting, or other physical

discipline of children. Workers should consult with the Executive Staff Member if assistance is

needed with disciplinary issues.

J. Restroom Guidelines

Children five years of age and younger should use a classroom bathroom if one is available. If a

classroom bathroom is not available, workers should escort a group of at least two children to the

hallway bathroom. They should always go in a group, never taking a child to the bathroom alone.

The workers should check the bathroom first to make sure that it is empty, and then allow the

children inside. The workers should then remain outside the bathroom door and escort the

children back to the classroom. If a child is taking longer than seems necessary, the worker should

open the bathroom door and call the child's name. If a child requires assistance, the workers

should prop open the bathroom door, and leave the stall door open as they assist the child.

For children over the age of five, at least one adult male should take boys to the restroom and at

least one adult female should take girls. The worker should check the bathroom first to make sure

that the bathroom is empty, and then allow the children inside. The worker should then remain

outside the bathroom door and escort the children back to the classroom.

For the protection of all, workers should never be alone with a child in a bathroom with the door

closed and never be in a closed bathroom stall with a child. Parents are strongly encouraged to

have their children visit the bathroom prior to each class.

K. Accidental Injuries to Children

In the event that a child or youth is injured while under our care, the following steps should be

followed:

1. For minor injuries, scrapes, and bruises, workers will provide First Aid (Band-Aids, etc.) as appropriate and will notify the child’s parent or guardian of the injury at the time the child is picked up from our care.

2. For injuries requiring medical treatment beyond simple First Aid, the parent and/or guardian will immediately be summoned in addition to the worker’s supervisor. If warranted by circumstances, an ambulance will be called.

3. Once the child has received appropriate medical attention, an incident report will be completed in the case of injuries needing treatment by a medical professional.

L. Training

The PSNE shall provide training on this policy to all volunteers on an annual basis. All volunteers

shall be required to attend these training events.

Appendix A

Volunteer Application Form

Application Date: / / (yyyy/mm/dd)

Your Information

Name

Telephone ( ) - [home] ( ) - [cell]

( ) - [work] ( ) - [spouse]

Address

Address line 2

City

State

Zip

In which Children/Youth Program (s) are you seeking to become involved?

What skills or interests would you bring to the Children/Youth program?

What experience with children/youth have you had in the last 5 years?

Organization Program Dates, Contact, Phone, and Organization Name.

Date

(yyyy/mm/dd) Contact Phone Organization

/ / ( ) -

/ / ( ) -

/ / ( ) -

/ / ( ) -

/ / ( ) -

/ / ( ) -

/ / ( ) -

/ / ( ) -

Have you at any time ever …

□ Yes □ No … been arrested for any reason?

□ Yes □ No … been convicted of, or pleaded no contest to, any crime involving children?

□ Yes □ No … been convicted of, or pleaded no contest to, a moving violation in the last

three (3) years? ?

□ Yes □ No … engaged in, or been accused of, any act of child molestation and/or

exploitation, abuse, or neglect?

Are you aware of …

□ Yes □ No … having any traits or tendencies that could pose a threat to

children, youth, or others?

□ Yes □ No … any reason you should not work with children, youth, or

others?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please explain in detail here and

continue, if necessary, on an attached sheet.

Church Activity

What church or churches have you regularly attended in the past 5 years?

Church Name

Start Date

(yyyy/mm/dd)

End Date

(yyyy/mm/dd) Phone Pastor

/ / / / ( ) -

/ / / / ( ) -

/ / / / ( ) -

/ / / / ( ) -

/ / / / ( ) -

References (other than family members)

Name Relationship Address Phone

( ) -

( ) -

( ) -

( ) -

Applicant verification and release:

I recognize that the Presbytery of Southern New England is relying upon the accuracy of the information contained

herein. Accordingly, I attest and affirm that all the information that I have provided is completely true and correct.

I authorize the Presbytery of Southern New England to contact any person or entity listed in this application and I

further authorize any such person or entity to provide Presbytery of Southern New England with information, opinions,

and impressions relating to my background or qualifications.

I further authorize the Presbytery of Southern New England to conduct a criminal background investigation and /or

child abuse investigation if the check is deemed necessary.

I voluntarily release the Presbytery of Southern New England and any such organization or entity listed herein by me

from liability involving the communication of information relating to my background or qualifications.

I have carefully read the Presbytery of Northern New England Child Protection Policy.

Signature Date /

/

Witness Date /

/

Approved by the Committee on Ministry – April 11, 2018