Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The 152nd Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Charlotte Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 9:30 am
Theme for 2021: “What Now? What Next?: Exodus. Exile. Return. Rebuild.”
THE DOCKET Call to Order and Opening Prayer 2021 Moderator, Rev. Dr. Joseph Clifford
Declaration of a Quorum 2021 Moderator, Rev. Joseph Clifford
Acknowledgement of the Indigenous Community that Occupied the Land on Which We Are Gathered
Approval of the Docket (All new business must be in the hands of the Stated Clerk at this time)
Communications / Omnibus Motion Tamara Williams, Stated Clerk
WORSHIP: Preaching: Rev. Dr. Joseph Clifford, Pastor, Myers Park Presbyterian Church
Report from Associate General Presbyter Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgill *Special Recognition of our Military Veterans
Report from General Presbyter Rev. Dr. Jan Edmiston
Minute for Mission from the Presbyterian Historical Society David Staniunas, Records Archivist
Committee on Representation Report Rev. Katie Harrington and Harry Greyard
Committee on Preparation for Ministry Rev. Deborah Conner Examination for Candidate: Serenitye Taylor (First United)
Update from the Board of Pensions Elizabeth Little, BOP Church Consultant
Administration Committee Report Edna Wigfall-Cruté
Ministry Resource Committee Report Elder Donna Fair and Rev. John Magnuson
Committee on Ministry Report Rev. Dr. Neal Carter and Elder Katie Dunlap Honorable Retirement Recognition:
Rev. Rob Blumer, retiring as Pastor of Sharon Church
Transfers: Rev. Allysen Schaaf, Associate Pastor-Elect, Sardis Church Rev. Julie Walkup Bird, Interim Pastor, Sharon Church
Commissioning of Ruling Elder Kim Stamey as Temporary Pastor (CLP) to Star Presbyterian Church
The 152nd Stated Meeting is adjourned and closed with prayer
*153rd Stated Meeting – Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 9:30 amHosted by Covenant-Charlotte Church
10/21 PBY 1
10/21 PBY 2
THE 152nd STATED MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY OF CHARLOTTE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021
PASTORAL CONCERNS:
Family of the Rev. George Campbell, who passed on September 17th at age 89. Rev. Christine Conrath (HR), health concerns. Rev. Herb Shackelford (HR), health concerns.
OMNIBUS MOTION
1. That the report of the Sessional Minutes Review Task Force be received as information.
2. That the final report of the Administrative Commission to dissolve Turner Presbyterian Church,
appointed at the August 17, 2019 Stated Presbytery Meeting, be received as information and that the Commission be dismissed with the Presbytery's thanks. (attached)
3. That the final report of the Administrative Commission to merge First-Mt. Gilead and Pee Dee Presbyterian Churches, appointed at the February 10, 2018 Stated Presbytery Meeting, be received as information and that the Commission be dismissed with the Presbytery's thanks. (attached)
4. That an Administrative Commission be appointed to Meadowlake Presbyterian Church with the following charge:
Administrative Commission to Meadowlake Presbyterian Church When a presbytery is especially concerned about and interested in the well-being and future of a particular church, it may appoint an Administrative Commission (G-3.0109b). During its service, the Administrative Commission acts as and on behalf of the Presbytery in fulfilling its responsibilities for the Presbytery’s churches. During the past few months, the Presbytery of Charlotte’s Committee on Ministry, the Stated Clerk and the General Presbyter have advised and consulted, formally and informally, with the Moderators and the Session of Meadowlake Presbyterian Church regarding several areas of concern. The issues include the departure of their called and installed pastor and issues surrounding that decision. Because of the critical nature of the situation, the Committee on Ministry, voted to ask that an Administrative Commission be appointed to Meadowlake Presbyterian Church. Therefore, it is recommended that the Presbytery elect on October 26, 2021, an Administrative Commission for the Meadowlake Church consisting of four members (2 ordained elders and 2 ordained ministers), pursuant to G-3.0109b. The quorum shall be any 3 members, pursuant to G-3.0109b. The General Presbyter, the Stated Clerk, and the Committee on Ministry, have compiled the slate of nominees for the Administrative Commission. They are:
Ministers: Elders: Jim Bramlett (Cornelius)
10/21 PBY 3
This Administrative Commission shall represent the Presbytery of Charlotte in carrying out the Presbytery’s responsibility to provide guidance and pastoral care to the session, the congregation, and its staff. (G- 3.0109b) The Commission shall represent the Presbytery in conversations with the Session and the congregation in order to discern the future ministry of this church. The Administrative Commission shall have the authority to call Session meetings, congregational meetings and forums, and to contact the membership directly. The Administrative Commission shall have the opportunity to speak at any and all meetings. The Administrative Commission shall have the authority of original jurisdiction over Meadowlake Presbyterian Church, meaning that it assumes all the functions and responsibilities of the existing Session (G-3.0303e). At its discretion, the Administrative Commission may relinquish original jurisdiction to the Session without further action by the Presbytery. The Presbytery asks that an initial report of its work be made to the May 17, 2022 meeting of the Presbytery of Charlotte. At the appropriate time, a final report by the Commission shall include a thorough summary of the Commission’s discoveries and its recommendations for the Presbytery’s actions regarding Meadowlake Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery of Charlotte commits itself to prayer on behalf of the Administrative Commission and members of Meadowlake Presbyterian Church and to provide such resources as are reasonable and needed for the Commission’s work. The General Presbyter and Stated Clerk are to provide such help as the Commission requests and is to recommend resources for its assistance. The Presbytery of Charlotte calls upon all parties to practice fairness and seek openness to the movement of God’s Spirit during this process. Adopted this day the twenty-sixth of October in the year of Lord, Two Thousand Twenty-One.
10/21 PBY 4
Sessional Records Review Committee 2020 Sessional Records Report
The following churches submitted their 2020 Session Records for review by the Sessional Records Review Committee and will receive feedback. Minutes will be returned to the Clerks of Session by mid-November.
Amity Avondale Bethany Bethpage CN Jenkins Caldwell Carmel Catawba Cedar Grove Central Steele Creek Christ Cook’s Memorial Cornelius Covenant-Charlotte Covenant-Kannapolis Davidson Davidson College First-Albemarle First-Charlotte First-Concord First-Hamlet First-Mount Gilead First-Norwood First-Pageland First-Rockingham First-Wadesboro First United Gilwood Good Shepherd Grier Heights H.O. Graham Henderson Grove Hopewell Macedonia Mallard Creek Marks Creek Matthews Matthews-Murkland
McClintock Memorial MorningStar Mount Olive Myers Park Paw Creek Philadelphia Plaza Providence Quail Hollow Ramah Robinson Rocky River Saint Andrews Saint Paul Sardis Selwyn Avenue Sharon South End Star Statesville Avenue Steele Creek at Pleasant Hill Sugaw Creek the Fellowship place The Grove Williams Memorial Woodland
10/21 PBY 5
The following churches did not submit their 2020 Session Records for review by the Sessional Records Review Committee:
Bellefonte Ben Salem Bethpage United Beulah Black’s Memorial Covenant-Concord Derita Ebenezer First-Monroe First-Waxhaw Flow Harris Harrisburg Indian Trail Kirkwood Locust Meadowlake Morven New Friendship New Hampton Newell Pleasant Grove Poplar Tent Seigle Avenue Smallwood South Mecklenburg Stephenson Third Trinity
10/21 PBY 6
Administrative Commission to Merge First-Mount Gilead and Pee Dee Presbyterian Churches
Final Report to Presbytery of Charlotte October 26, 2021
The Sessions and Members of the yoked congregations of First Presbyterian-Mount Gilead and Pee Dee Presbyterian Churches agreed to pursue the process of merging the two churches and the Presbytery of Charlotte appointed an Administrative Commission on February 10, 2018 to accomplish the merger. The charge to the Administrative Commission included several actions to account for the property included in the merger, a plan of union to be developed and the transfer of assets to the church resulting from the merger. It was the desire of the two churches that after the merger they adopt the name First Presbyterian Church, Mount Gilead. The property of Pee Dee Church was transferred to First Presbyterian Church. As all requirements of the merger have been accomplished, the Administrative Commission submits this as its final report and requests that the Commission be dismissed as of October 26, 2021. Submitted by Jesse Hite, Administrative Commission Moderator Administrative Commission Members:
Ministers: Rev. Julie Hill (First-Norwood), Rev. Matt Drumheller (First-Albemarle) Elders: Gary McRae (First-Mt. Gilead), Jesse Hite (First-Charlotte)
10/21 PBY 7
Administrative Commission to Dissolve Turner Presbyterian Church Report to Presbytery
October 26, 2021 The Administrative Commission to dissolve Turner Presbyterian Church was appointed at the August 17, 2019 Stated Presbytery Meeting. Turner Presbyterian Church held its final regular worship service at the church on May 26, 2019. Following proper notice, a Congregational Meeting was held on June 23, 2019 at which time a resolution asking the Presbytery to dissolve Turner Presbyterian Church was adopted. The Administrative Commission began its work by meeting with representatives of the church and touring the building and cemetery. Member concerns were discussed including the reclaiming of items donated to the church, giving of assets to other churches, the future use of the cemetery and the tenant current leasing a house adjacent to the church. An offer of assistance in finding another church home was made. The Commission authorized the reclaiming of donated items and giving of certain assets to other churches. The Commission also arranged for the tenants to remain in the house until they could find other housing. Bank Accounts and utility bills were transferred to the Presbytery for future processing as were all church records and files. Following the meeting, a realtor, Ty-Par Commercial Realty, familiar with area was retained to sell the property. An offer was subsequently received from Deliverance Christian Fellowship for a purchase price of $250,000. The purchaser did agree that they would maintain the cemetery in good condition and provide for the right of families of the deceased to visit and would also honor the rights of those holding the right for additional burials. The sale of the property was closed in November, 2020. The Administrative Commission to Dissolve Turner Presbyterian Church submits this as its final report and requests that the Commission be dismissed as of October26, 2021. Submitted by Jesse Hite Commission Moderator Administrative Commission Members:
Ruling Elders: Jesse Hite (First Charlotte), Joe McCollom (First Monroe) Ministers: Rev. British Hyrams, Rev. Stephen Ratliff (Indian Trail)
10/21 PBY 8
10/21 PBY 9
Report of the Committee on Representation October 26, 2021
The Committee on Representation has reviewed all assignments needed for committee vacancies in the Classes of 2022 and 2023. The names of persons to fill committee vacancies, as well as persons recommended to serve in the Class of 2024, are submitted in this report. The Committee on Representation therefore, recommends to Presbytery for action: 1. That Rev. Sonya McAuley-Allen (Bellefonte) be elected to serve as Presbytery Moderator for 2022. 2. That Rev. Steve Lindsley (Trinity) be elected to serve as Presbytery Vice-Moderator for 2022. 3. That Ruling Elder Tamara Williams (First United) be elected to serve as Stated Clerk for 2022. 4. That Ruling Elder Adrian Boyd (Sardis) be elected to serve as Recording Clerk for 2022. 5. That Rev. Sally Herlong (member at-large) and Elder Sharon Carnes (Indian Trail) be elected to serve as
Commissioners to the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic in the Class of 2024.
6. That Rev. Gloria Bolden (honorably retired) be elected to serve on the Synod Jubilee Fund Committee in the Class of 2024.
7. That Elder Gwen Vinson (First-Waxhaw) be elected to serve on the Synod Committee on Representation in
the Class of 2023.
8. That the following persons be elected to serve on Presbytery Committees:
ECCLESIASTICAL COMMITTEES Committee Name: Council 2022 Moderator: Elder David Sanders Moderator Elect: Rev. Erika Funk Committee Member Church/Organization Name Presbytery Meeting Start Date End Date Cluster
Class of 2022
Lawson, Tommy Covenant-Charlotte Church 132nd 1/1/2017 12/31/2022 West
*Boyd, Doris CN Jenkins Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 West
*Sanders, David Grier Heights Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2021 West
Class of 2023
*Beard, Natalie First United Church 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2023 West
Galloway, Rev. Robert First-Charlotte Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 West
Funk, Rev. Erika Myers Park Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 South
Class of 2024
Martin, Rev. Joe B. Sardis Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South
Hill, Rev. Julie First-Norwood Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 East
*Busby, Rev. Gregory McClintock Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 West
Total Committee Members: 9, MINISTERS AND ELDERS IN NUMBERS AS EQUAL AS POSSIBLE; *with at least 25% people of color (2)
COLOR KEY FOR COMMITTEES: BLACK = MALE MINISTER BLUE = FEMALE MINISTER
RED = MALE ELDER/NON-CLERGY GREEN = FEMALE ELDER/NON CLERGY
* DENOTES PERSONS OF COLOR
10/21 PBY 10
Committee Name: Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) 2022 Moderator: Rev. Katherine Kerr
Class of 2022 *Harris, Bobbie South End Church 132nd 1/1/2017 12/31/2022 West
Raftelis, George Davidson College Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2022 North
*Rodawla, Rev. Laldinpuia Providence Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2022 South
Class of 2024
Kerr, Rev. Katherine Covenant-Charlotte Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 West Brown, Rev. Matthew South Mecklenburg Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South Durham, Joshua Trinity Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South
Class of 2026
*Wade, Debbie Catawba Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2026 North
Davis, Rev. Rebecca Minister at Large 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2026 South
*Moses, Rev. Albert Matthews-Murkland Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2026 South
Total Members: 9; MINISTERS AND ELDERS IN NUMBERS AT EQUAL AS POSSIBLE; *with at least 25% people of color (2) No more than one member from any one church; 3 classes serving one six year term each
Committee on Representation (Nominations) 2022 Moderator: Rev. Katie Harrington
Class of 2022
*Haygood, Phyllis Matthews-Murkland Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 South
Greyard, Harry Avondale Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 South
Nelson, Rev. Ron Sharon Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2022 South
Class of 2023
*Cannon, Rev. Jerry CN Jenkins Church 132nd 1/1/2017 12/31/2023 West
Dickson, Rev. Anna First-Charlotte Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 West
*Canada, Rev. Arthur Catawba Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 North
Class of 2024
*Vinson, Gwen First-Waxhaw Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South
Harrington, Rev. Katie Sardis Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South
Ratliff, Rev. Stephen Indian Trail Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South
Total members: 9; MINISTERS & NON-CLERGY IN NUMBERS AT EQUAL AS POSSIBLE
*with at least 25% people of color (2)
10/21 PBY 11
Committee Name: Committee on Ministry (COM) 2022 Co-Moderators: Elder Georgia Pressly and Rev. Valerie Hicks Committee Member Church/Organization Name Presbytery Meeting Start Date End Date Cluster
Class of 2022
Cannon, Barbara Hopewell Church 132nd 1/1/2017 12/31/2022 North
Hicks, Rev. Valerie Minister at Large 137th 2/10/2018 12/31/2022 West
Maybry, Rev. Luke Matthews Church 141st 2/09/2019 12/31/2022 South
McIntyre, Rev. Heather First-Wadesboro 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 East
Skidmore, Rev. Ardith Locust Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 East
Vernon, Pamela First-Wadesboro 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 East
Raymaker, Lisa Caldwell Church 145th 2/8/2020 12/31/2022 West
*Grier, Clorena Bethpage United Church 145th 2/8/2020 12/31/2022 North
Wilson, Diane Central Steele Creek 145th 2/8/2020 12/31/2022 West
Lyon, Rev. Larry Davidson College Church 145th 2/8/2020 12/31/2022 North
Magee, John Avondale Church 146th 5/19/2020 12/31/2022 South
*Blackmon, Gary Black’s Memorial Church 148th 10/27/2020 12/31/2022 South
Class of 2023
McLennan, Rev. Lisa Union Presbyterian Seminary 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2023 South
Smith, Vickie Myers Park Church 142nd 5/21/2019 12/31/2023 South
Hankins, Ron First Charlotte Church 146th 5/19/2020 12/31/2023 West
Peery, Rev. Pen First Charlotte Church 146th 5/19/2020 12/31/2023 West
*Lee, Rev. Mark Central Steele Creek Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 West
Weigel, Rev. Jay Third Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 South
Watkins, Neal First-Rockingham Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 East
*Killian, Rev. Dot Member at Large 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 West
*Starling-Louis, Rev. Shavon Member at Large 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 North
Hovey, Rev. Bryan Quail Hollow Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 South
Buie, David Carmel Church 149th 2/6/2021 12/31/2023 South
ONE ELDER VACANCY _____________________________________________________________________________________
Class of 2024
*McAuley-Allen, Rev. Sonya Bellefonte Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 North
Henry, Rev. Peter Davidson College Church 145th 2/08/2020 12/31/2024 North
Spaulding, Barbara Catawba Church 149th 2/6/2021 12/31/2024 North
Pressly, Georgia Sardis Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 South
*Cunningham, DeAnn Smallwood Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 West Ward, Shannon Ramah Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 North *Nelson, Walter Matthews-Murkland Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 South
*Faust, Bryant McClintock Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 West
*Reid, Henderson Woodland Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 West
Buckner, Rev. Alan Honorably Retired 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 North
Swicegood, Rev. Terry Cornelius Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 North
Whitley, Barbara First-Albemarle Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 East
Total Committee Members: 36 MINISTERS AND ELDERS IN NUMBERS AS EQUAL AS POSSIBLE; *with at least 25% persons of color (9)
10/21 PBY 12
Committee Name: Preparation for Ministry (CPM) 2022 Co-Moderators: Rev. Deborah Conner and Elder Kathy Pilkington Committee Member Church/Organization Name Presbytery Meeting Start Date End Date Cluster
Class of 2022
Bryant, Rev. Lynn Thompson Hopewell Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 South
Blasdell, Rev. Charles Gilwood Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 North
Conner, Rev. Deborah Myers Park Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 South
Harris, David Selwyn Avenue Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2022 South
Thompson, Deborah Trinity Church 149th 2/6/2021 12/31/2022 South
Heilman, Rev. Rebecca Trinity Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2022 South
Lyon, Rev. Fred Providence Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2022 South
ONE ELDER VACANCY _____________________________________________________________________________________
Class of 2023
*Cannon, Rev. Veronica First-Waxhaw Church 135th 1/1/2018 12/31/2023 West
Mills, J. Roger Myers Park Church 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2023 South
Conner, Rev. Matthew Newell Church 137th 2/10/2018 12/31/2023 North
Dillard, David First-Charlotte Church 137th 2/10/2018 12/31/2023 West
*Nelson, Sherry Matthews-Murkland Church 145th 2/08/2020 12/31/2023 South
McGregor Simmons, Rev. Lib Honorably Retired 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 South
Martin, Mary Avondale Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 South
Lindvall, Rev. Grace Covenant-Charlotte Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 West
Class of 2024
Miller, Waldo Quail Hollow Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South
Ryan, Rev. John Davidson College Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 North
*Shelton, Deloris First-Waxhaw Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South
Pilkington, Kathy First-Concord Church 142nd 5/21/2019 12/31/2024 North
Grills, Dennis Sharon Church 145th 2/08/2020 12/31/2024 South
Trapp, Rev. Danny Robinson Church 145th 2/08/2020 12/31/2024 South
Hart, Rev. John Honorably Retired 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 South
*Jones, Hilda Black’s Memorial 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 South
Total Committee Members: 24; MINISTERS AND ELDERS IN NUMBERS AS EQUAL AS POSSIBLE; *With at least 25% people of color (6)
10/21 PBY 13
PROGRAM COMMITTEES Committee Name: Ministry Resource Committee (MRC) 2022 Co-Moderators: Rev. John Magnuson and Rev. Whitney Bayer
Committee Member Church/Organization Name Presbytery Meeting Start Date End Date Cluster
Class of 2022
Winchip, Tammy Member at-Large 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2022 West
*Sanders, David Grier Heights Church 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2022 West
Magnuson, Rev. John Myers Park Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 South
Jones, Sarah Dianne Sardis Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 South
Class of 2023
Sloan, Katie Philadelphia Church 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2023 South
Testerman, Dennis Caldwell Church 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2023 West
*Fair, Donna First United Church 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2023 West
Alexander, Rev. Robert Davidson College Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2023 North
Argabrite, Rev. Megan Amity Church 148th 1/1/2021 12/31/2023 South
Class of 2024
Bayer, Rev. Whitney South Mecklenburg Church 140th 1/1/2019 12/31/2024 South
Hart, Rev. John Honorably Retired 152nd 1/1/2022 12/31/2024 South
Sellers, Rev. Rodger Christ & Mulberry Churches 152nd 1/1/2022 12/31/2024 West
Stinson, Scott Indian Trail Church 152nd 1/1/2022 12/31/2024 South
13 members: MINISTERS AND NON-CLERGY IN NUMBERS AS EQUAL AS POSSIBLE; *with at least 25% people of color (3)
Committee Name: Administration (fiduciary: property, stewardship, personnel, and finance) 2022 Moderator: Edna Wigfall Cruté Committee Member Church/Organization Name Presbytery Meeting Start Date End Date Cluster
Class of 2022
*Wigfall Cruté, Edna CN Jenkins Church 136th 1/1/2018 12/31/2022 West
Shoaf, Edwin Sardis Church 144th 1/1/2020 12/31/2022 South
Class of 2023
*Glover, Kenneth Henderson Grove Church 137th 2/10/2018 12/31/2023 South
*Carr, Olanda First United Church 150th 5/18/2021 12/31/2023 West
Class of 2024
*Bolden, Rev. Gloria Honorably Retired 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 West
Remsburg, Rev. Clark Poplar Tent Church 152nd 1/1/2021 12/31/2024 North
Total members: 6; MINISTERS & NON-CLERGY IN NUMBERS AS EQUAL AS POSSIBLE;
*with at least 1/3 people of color (2)
10/21 PBY 14
Committee on Preparation for Ministry Report to the Presbytery of Charlotte
October 26, 2021
Candidates for Ministry (26)
Candidate Sponsoring Church Seminary *Thomas Agbemenou Sugaw Creek Union-PS, Charlotte (grad) Ashlee Anderson Covenant-Charlotte Union-PS, Charlotte Katherine Atkins Myers Park Austin (grad) Lia Benton Caldwell Union-PS, Charlotte *Julia Burkley Davidson College Austin Grace Cain Davidson College Columbia Lucy Crain Covenant-Charlotte Union-PS, Charlotte Liz DeNittis Sharon Union-PS, Charlotte *Marcy Doak Sharon Union-PS, Charlotte (grad) Cindy Fisher South Mecklenburg Union-PS, Charlotte (grad) *Leslie Fuller South Mecklenburg Columbia (grad) Sarah Godbey South Mecklenburg Columbia (grad) Maeve Hammond DCPC Harvard Selina Malherbe First-Charlotte Union-PS, Charlotte Sara Martin Sardis Union-PS, Charlotte Mary Kate McAlister Covenant-Charlotte Columbia Gwen Pearson Matthews-Murkland Union-PS, Charlotte (grad) Susan Pierson Caldwell Memorial SFTS Bill Prestwood Myers Park Union-PS, Charlotte (grad) Dana Purdom C.N. Jenkins Union-PS, Charlotte Natalie Raygor First-Charlotte Union-PS, Charlotte (grad) Donna Singletery C.N. Jenkins Union-PS, Charlotte ^Serenitye Taylor First United Union-PS, Charlotte Bill Watkins Amity General Theological Seminary (grad) Laetisha Wells C.N. Jenkins McCormick (grad) ^*Emily Wilkes Davidson College Princeton
*Certified ready to receive a call ^Pending Presbytery approval
Inquirers (16)
Inquirer Sponsoring Church Seminary Aaron Alexander C.N. Jenkins Union-PS, Charlotte Allyson Anderson Myers Park Union-PS, Charlotte Ryan Atkinson Statesville Avenue Union-PS, Charlotte Dwayne Brown Black’s Memorial Dubuque Tammy Davis C.N. Jenkins Union-PS, Charlotte Shardae Henry The Grove Union-PS, Charlotte ^Van Herring DCPC Columbia Sarah Dianne Jones Sardis Union-PS, Charlotte Bryce Lapping First-Charlotte Union-PS, Richmond Jonathan Lee Sardis Yale Sarah Mayer The Grove Princeton Lindsey Odom South Mecklenburg Union-PS, Charlotte Sarah Scoggin Hopewell Union-PS, Charlotte TJ Shirley Sardis Columbia (grad) Kim Stamey First-Concord Union-PS, Charlotte (grad) Melissa White South Mecklenburg Union-PS, Charlotte
^Pending Presbytery approval 10/21 PBY 15
For Information:
1. Since the last Presbytery Meeting, Annual Consultations were sustained for Maeve Hammond (DCPC), Sarah Godbey (South Meck), Donna Singletery (CN Jenkins), and Bill Watkins (Amity).
2. Emily Wilkes (Davidson College) has been approved certified ready to receive a call.
3. Lindsey Odom (South Mecklenburg) has transferred as an inquirer from Foothills Presbytery.
Recommendations:
1. The CPM recommends that Van Herring (DCPC) be enrolled as an Inquirer in the preparation for ministry process.
2. The CPM recommends that Serenitye Taylor (First United) be enrolled as a Candidate in the
preparation for ministry process.
Rev. John Earl, Co-Moderator Rev. Deborah Connor, Co-Moderator
10/21 PBY 16
Serenitye Taylor Statement of Faith
I believe in the Creator God, who knit and formed all things. God created the heavens and earth, the plants and vegetation, the waters and land, and human beings in God’s own image. God breathed life into creation and God intended all these things to work together to the glory of Almighty God. Humans in God’s image are to care for creation, nurturing and sustaining all of creation. And all creation submits to the will of the Universal God.
I believe in Jesus Christ who lived among us as fully man and fully divine. Through Christ’s
teaching and ultimate sacrifice, we see how we are to model our own lives. Through Christ’s teaching we are to practice love for neighbor, for the outsider, and for the outcast. I believe Jesus Christ was without sin and died for our sins to be taken away. Christ suffered and was nailed to a cross. Christ gave us his life. In three days, he rose from the grave, defeating death for good. Jesus Christ took on a horrific death and was able to take on the sins of the world and defeat death so that humankind would have the opportunity to live eternally. Jesus Christ is Son of God. Christ is Man. Christ died. Christ rose. Christ is.
I believe in the Holy Spirit which was graciously given to humankind to provide comfort and
guidance. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God spoke life into creation, endured the cross, and leads all humankind in ways that continuously works toward the will of God, serving God and one another. The Holy Spirit is fully at work, in and through our lives, helping, guiding, and directing us to live in ways that proclaim the good news.
I believe in the Trinity. God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are fully God, all present from the
beginning. Scripture speaks to the Trinity, and it is through scripture that we come to understand the Triune God.
I believe salvation came to humankind as a free gift from the Triune God. Salvation is a gift that
we cannot earn with good works or deeds. Salvation is the action taken by Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit during his crucifixion and resurrection that allows us to be in relationship with the Triune God.
I believe that the church is the body of believers that work towards fulfilling God’s will on Earth.
The church answers to the Word that has been given to us and works to bring glory to God. When we talk about the Word, we talk about what God has shown through God’s Word. Justice, peace, care, love for neighbor, those things are acted out by the church. What we confess, what we believe, and how we live out our faith is our response to the authority of scripture and response to God’s grace. I believe the church is also about universal Church, a community that comes together for a common goal, brings honor to God, and ultimately the Church Triumphant.
Through the sacraments, baptism, and communion, we believe and confess our faith. Through
baptism, we are invited into new life with the Trinity. We who were dead because of sin, now rise with Christ through baptism. We are welcomed into a community of believers and are children of God. Through communion, we are invited to reflect on the blood and body of Christ, shed for our sins. When we partake of the elements, we proclaim that we believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that all are welcome at the table.
10/21 PBY 17
10/21 PBY 18
I hope all are healthy and well. I wish we could be together in person, but as the
coronavirus pandemic prevents that from happening, I write to share these key updates
from the Board of Pensions. If you have questions, my colleagues in Philadelphia and I
are happy to assist.
Blessings,
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – As a national agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Board of Pensions shares the PC(USA)'s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to dismantling structural racism. We are taking tangible, intentional steps to ensure a workplace culture that inspires a sense of belonging. And we are continuing to actively engage throughout the Church to ensure access to benefits plans and programs that provide wholeness.
Minister’s Choice
Minister's Choice is a new benefits package that provides important financial protection for non-installed ministers working at least 20 hours a week and includes pension, death and disability, temporary disability, and the Employee Assistance Plan. The cost is 10% of effective salary, also fully employer paid. Through this program more ministers will have access to the Board's education and assistance programs.
Other Notable Headlines
• Annual Enrollment – This year's annual enrollment — the time when employees can make changes or elect new benefits coverage for next year — will be Monday, October 25 through Friday, November 12, 2021.
• Annual Enrollment Toolkits – Employers can use the materials in this toolkit to engage employees and educate them
about the benefits available to them effective January 1, as well as what they need to do during this important time.
• Temporary Disability – The Temporary Disability Plan provides employees with the financial protection of a partial
income if they are unable to perform regular work duties because of sickness or injury. • Employee Assistance Plan – The Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is a confidential resource provided at no cost to
employees enrolled in medical coverage through the Board of Pensions or the Pastor's Participation or Minister's Choice benefits package.
Elizabeth Little Church Consultant M: 252-723-8653
Member/Employer Services 800-773-7752 Mon-Fri 8:30-7:00pm EST
10/21 PBY 19
10/21 PBY 20
Administration Committee Report October 26, 2021
Recommendation:
• That First Presbyterian Church of Waxhaw be allowed to sell a parcel of land that was left to the church in an estate, for the amount of $160,000, pending a vote at a called congregational meeting on October 31, 2021.
10/21 PBY 21
10/21 PBY 22
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT TO PRESBYTERY
OCTOBER 26, 2021 ACTIONS TAKEN ON BEHALF OF PRESBYTERY:
A. Approved the attached Temporary Pastoral Relationship/Moderators Report
B. Approved the Installation Commission of Lisa Hickman, Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 4:00 pm at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. MINISTERS: Joe Clifford (MPPC), Moderator; Valerie Hicks (At Large), Jason Hickman (First-Monroe), Lorenzo Small (First United), ELDERS: Emily Tindel (Myers Park), Rogers Magee (Avondale), Anne Hollowell (Sardis), Donna Fair (First United), GUEST MINISTER: Lee Nichols (Pittsburgh Presbytery), GUEST ELDERS: Kim Romig (Shenango Presbytery), Olivia Magee (Avondale), Margaret Bradley (Myers Park), John Kirkland (Myers Park).
C. Approved the Installation Commission of Ellen Crawford True, Sunday, October 24, 2021 at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church – Concord. MINISTERS: Joe Clifford (MPPC), Moderator; Pen Peery (First-Charlotte), John Kuykendall (Honorably Retired), Alexander Porter (Bethpage United, Concord); EL-DERS: Betsy Liles (First – Concord), Doug Ottati (DCPC), Helen Hull (Caldwell), Susan Flynn (Selwyn); GUEST MINISTER: Chris Tuttle (New Hope Presbytery).
D. Approved the Ordination and Installation Commission of Margo Richardson, Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Selwyn Presbyterian Church. MINISTERS: Lori Raible (Selwyn), Moderator; Matt Connor (Newell), Sonya McAuley Allen (Bellefonte), Lisa McLennan (Union Seminary), Veronica Cannon (First Waxhaw); ELDERS: Andy Bentley (Selwyn), Jordan Schriefer (Covenant), Olanda Carr (First United) Libby Bell (First-Charlotte); GUEST MINISTERS: Bob Dunham (New Hope Presbytery), Shelby Baxter-Andrews (Presbytery of Florida); GUEST ELDER: Kim McNeil (New Hope Presbytery).
E. Dissolved the relationship between Shavon Starling-Louis and Meadowlake effective December 31, 2021.
F. Dissolved the relationship between Cathy George and First-Mt Gilead effective September 30, 2021.
G. Dissolved the relationship between Lynne Keel and First Concord effective November 30, 2021.
H. Dissolved the relationship between Rob Blumer and Sharon Presbyterian effective October 31, 2021.
I. Granted honorable retirement to Jane Mitchell effective June 26, 2021.
J. Granted honorable retirement to Rob Blumer effective October 31, 2021.
K. Dissolved the relationship between Walt McCanless and Providence Presbyterian effective December 31, 2021.
L. Granted honorable retirement to Walt McCanless effective December 31, 2021.
10/21 PBY 23
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. That Allysen Schaaf be received from Greater Atlanta Presbytery to accept the call as Associate Pastor Sardis Presbyterian Church with the following terms of call and Installation Commission:
INSTALLATION COMMISSION: To be approved by COM and announced at the February Presbytery Meeting TERMS OF CALL: Cash & Housing $ 65,000 SECA $ 4,972.50 Board of Pensions $ 24,050 Moving Expenses $7,000 3 Weeks Study Leave (during DMin) Auto Allowance $4,000 4 Weeks Vacation Continuing Education $2,000 Sabbatical b/t years of service 2-4 and then every seventh year (3 months)
B. That Julie Bird be received from Trinity Presbytery as Interim Pastor at Sharon Presbyterian.
C. That Kim Stamey be commissioned to serve as a CLP (Commissioned Local Pastor) to Star Presbyterian Church. Commissioning Service: October 26, 2021 at the Stated Presbytery Meeting, with the following Commission: MINISTERS: Ardy Skidmore (First-Locust), Lynne Keel (First-Concord); RULING ELDERS: Katie Dunlap (Star), Neal Watkins (First-Rockingham); GUEST ELDER: Carol Stuart (Star)
10/21 PBY 24
TEMPORARY PASTORAL RELATIONSHIPS/MODERATORS REPORT As of October 20, 2021
INTERIM PASTORS
TEMPORARY NAME CURRENT MODERATOR Orig. CONTRACT First Albemarle Cathy George 10/3/21-10/2/22 Cathy George 10/3/21-10/2/22 Hopewell Lynn Thompson Bryant 7/26/21-7/25/22 Lynn Thompson Bryant 7/26/21-7/25/22 Providence Fred Lyon 8/1/21-7/31/22 Fred Lyon 8/1/21-7/31/22 Quail Hollow Bryan Hovey 10/1/21-9/30/22 Bryan Hovey 10/1/19-9/30/20 Sharon Julie Bird 12/13/21-12/12/22 Julie Bird 12/13/21-12/12/22
TEMPORARY PASTORS
TEMPORARY NAME CURRENT MODERATOR Orig. CONTRACT EAST CLUSTER Candor David Speering 7/1/21-6/30/22 David Speering 1/1/16-6/30/16 Ebenezer Marilyn Pride (CLP) 9/27/20-9/26/21* Marilyn Pride 7/21/19 First-Hamlet Belinda Rice (CLP) 5/1/21 – 4/30/22 Belinda Rice 8/1/12 – 7/31/13 First-Mt Gillead _______________ ______________ Steve Mitchell 10/1/21 First-Rockingham John Earl 9/1/21-12/31/21 Belinda Rice 4/2021- Locust Ardy Skidmore 6/1/21-5/31/22 Ardy Skidmore 6/1/19 Marks Creek Ken Goins (CLP) 5/1/21-4/30/22 Ken Goins 10/1/02 – 10/1/03 Morven ________________ ________________ Heather McIntyre Star ________________ ________________ Lynne Keel 8/1/21 NORTH CLUSTER Bellefonte Sonya McAuley-Allen 7/1/21-6/30/22 Sonya McAuley-Allen 7/1/18-6/30/19 Bethpage-Kannapolis _______________ _______________ Peter Henry 1/15/2020- Catawba Arthur Canada 1/1/21-12/31/21 Arthur Canada 10/1/12 - 9/30/13 Cedar Grove Calvin Lewers 9/1/21 - 8/31/22 Calvin Lewers Cornelius Terry Swicegood 8/1/21-7/31/22 Terry Swicegood 8/1/21 Covenant-Concord Scott Simpson 5/1/21-4/30/22 Scott Simpson 5/1/04 – 4/30/05 Covenant-Kannapolis Herbert Hill 1/1/21 – 12/31/21 Herbert Hill 1/1/15 – 12/31/15 Davidson ________________ _______________ Herbert Hill 2/1/2020- Flow Harris Bill Jolley (CLP) 3/8/20-3/7/21* Bill Jolley Harrisburg Meg Shaw Skidmore 6/1/21-5/31/22 Meg Shaw Skidmore 6/1/2020 Kirkwood ________________ _______________ ________________ Meadowlake _________________ _______________ Sonya McAuley-Allen 10/1/2021 New Friendship ________________ _______________ Reggie Tuggle New Hampton Shelia Council 4/1/20-3/31/21* Shelia Council 9/1/12 - 2/28/13 Pleasant Grove Robert Breed 10/15/20-10/14/21* Robert Breed 10/14/13 – 10/13/14 Ramah ________________ _______________ Peter Henry 1/1/2021 Statesville Avenue ________________ _______________ Edward Newberry 3/2019- Williams Memorial John-Nelson Pope 4/1/21 – 3/31/22 John-Nelson Pope 4/9/18 – 4/8/19
10/21 PBY 25
WEST CLUSTER Christ Rodger Sellers 12/9/20-12/9/21 Rodger Sellers Grier Heights Reggie Tuggle 7/8/21-7/8/22 Reggie Tuggle Hickory Grove (The Grove) Kate Murphy 10/1/20-9/30/21* Kate Murphy 7/8/18-7/8/19 H.O Graham Metropolitan Dennis Funderburk 8/13/21-2/13/22 Dennis Funderburk 9/5/16 – 9/5/17 Memorial Strauss Shiple 8/1/21-2/28/22 Dot Killian 8/1/19 - Mulberry Rodger Sellers 4/1/21-3/31/22 Rodger Sellers Plaza Admin Commission ______________ Robinson Danny Trapp 3/1/21-2/28/22 Danny Trapp 3/1/21-2/28/22 Saint Paul Brad Humphrey 1/1/21-12/31/21 James Shelton Smallwood ______________ ________________ Elliott Hipp 5/1/21 South End Billy Grier (CLP) 5/1/21-11/30/21 Arthur Canada 3/1/21 Sugaw Creek ______________ ________________ Jay Weigel 10/1/18-12/31/18 The Avenue Dana Purdom (Student) 4/1/21-4/1/22 Lorenzo Small 9/1/21 Woodland ______________ ________________ Gloria Bolden SOUTH CLUSTER Bethany Urla Eversley 4/14/21-10/16/21* Urla Eversley 4/14/21 Beulah Hunter Roddey 10/1/21-9/30/22 Hunter Roddey 2/1/20-8/1/20 First-Pageland _______________ _______________ Wilbur Maxwell 10/1/2021 First-Waxhaw Veronica Cannon 6/1/21-5/31/22 Veronica Cannon 6/1/20- Henderson Grove Michael Marsh 4/1/21-3/31/22 James Shelton 9/1/10 - 9/1/11 MorningStar Jeff Paschal 3/5/21-2/28/22 Jeff Paschal 3/5/21-2/28/22 Philadelphia (Assoc CLP) Katie Sloan (CLP) 5/22/21-5/21/22 Herbie Miller Saint Andrews _______________ ______________ Steve Mitchell 12/9/19- Stephenson ________________ ______________ Bryan Hovey *contract expired
PARISH ASSOCIATES CHURCH NAME PAID NON-PAID RETIRED NON-RETIRED Caldwell Memorial Diane Mowrey X X DCPC Larry Lyon X X First-Charlotte Mary Margaret Porter X X First-Charlotte Chuck Williamson X X Myers Park Allison Messick-Watkins X X Selwyn Avenue Lisa McLennan X X South Mecklenburg Diane Giannola X X
PASTORAL RESIDENTS CHURCH NAME Myers Park Savannah Demuynck
10/21 PBY 26
Allysen Schaaf Statement of Faith
In life and in death we belong to the triune God, creator, redeemer and sustainer of all things. God created the beautiful diversity of the world and made humans in the divine image. God is a mystery beyond human comprehension and yet, we are invited to model the Trinitarian community where all are loved and equally important. Humans struggle to follow God's word and are unable to refrain from sinning. Even still, God's steadfast love pursues us every day; like a shepherd who knows each sheep by name; like a parent who welcomes their lost child home; like a loving parent who will never forsake their child. Christ is God incarnate and the greatest display of God's gift of love and salvation for the world. In response, all are invited to live their lives as a doxology to God, loving God who first loved us. Christ embodied a boundary-crossing faith which beckons all to live as disciples who extend God's love and mission across borders. The Holy Spirit is the life and breath of God within and around us. Through the Spirit, God empowers us to do God's work in the world. The Holy Spirit blows where it will. The beauty of this unpredictability is that there is always room for hope, creativity and new life. While God's knowledge and power surpasses our own, Scripture witnesses to the nature, promises and work of God. From creation to revelation, psalms to parables, prophets to apostles, Scripture, through the Holy Spirit, reveals God's word and we are subject to its comfort, challenge and teaching. The Church is the body of Christ. Its sole purpose is to serve and worship God. It consists of all believers and children of God across the world. All are one in Christ and the Church is called to live out this belief through the ministries of hospitality, worship, service and reconciliation. The Christian life cannot be lived alone. It is a personal commitment to follow and serve Christ and also to support, pray for and join with other Christians striving to do the same. Our mission as Christians is ultimately rooted in God's initiative and God's gifts; not by our own authority do we participate in the Christian life, but by God's call, Christ's authority and the presence of the Spirit. Through the Sacraments we experience God's grace and are reminded of the forgiveness of sins through Christ. In Baptism we affirm that before we know God, God knows our name and claims us as God's own. In the Lord's Supper, a sign of Christ's death and resurrection, Christ meets us at the table as the Church receives and practices the radical hospitality of Christ. Christ will come again. Scripture proclaims that new life in God's kingdom awaits us. Only God knows the time and outcome of Christ's return but until he comes, Christians are called to prayerfully discern how they can join in the building of God's kingdom on earth. Though the journey may contain many unknowns, we rely on the promise that nothing in heaven or on earth can ever separate us from· the love of God.
10/21 PBY 27
Julie Walkup Bird Statement of Faith
In the beginning was the Word. God birthed creation in God’s own image to reflect God’s love. From chaos came order and beauty and relationship God’s mystery is beyond our grasp and God’s presence is as close as our breath From the beginning God offered a covenant relationship of trust and compassion but humankind turned away from God and has remained in constant need of God’s redemption. God continues to call us into relationship with creation and one another that will reflect love, justice, and mercy. God has always gone ahead of us, making a way out of no way breaking down walls and offering hope through doubting individuals and broken communities. When it was time, God gave us the Word Incarnate in Jesus Born of human flesh with a beating heart, Jesus was fully love, fully human and fully divine. In the vulnerable messiness of the manger Jesus showed us what love looks like. In his ministry Jesus showed us how to offer radical hospitality and generous inclusion. Jesus offers relentless justice and assumption-shattering forgiveness. He gives us a new way of being community together, calling a diverse group of disciples. He teaches that God’s grace is sufficient for everyone. He points to a kingdom not yet fulfilled where rich and poor, female and male, enemy and friend are all one through his love. Jesus’ death on a cross revealed the depth of human sin and the beauty of divine redemption Jesus’ resurrection from the dead proved that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We are saved by grace through faith. God gave us the grace-filled, surprising, life-giving Spirit, who ignited a fire in the hearts of Jesus’ followers and all who heard the gospel truth. The Holy Spirit, who is as gentle as unexpected tears and as bold as the rush of a wind led the early disciples to tell God’s story to the ends of the earth. The faithful, ancient story continues to be told in fresh, vibrant ways around the baptismal font as we recall God’s gift of grace around the table through bread and cup as we recall God’s gift of forgiveness around the Bible, as we grow to understand what it means to be a disciple through God’s Word. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s story becomes intertwined with our story empowering us to be the church, enabling us to become witnesses of God’s light and love. In every time and place, God’s Spirit continues to nudge us gently and boldly to love our neighbor as ourselves, enable justice to roll down like waters and to make disciples of all nations. The church does not exist for itself, but for Jesus who calls to be Easter people until the end of time, proclaiming hope, light, and love. Because when the end time comes, even then, there will be God’s love.
10/21 PBY 28
Kim Stamey
Statement of Faith I believe and trust in the sovereignty of the one triune God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I affirm the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as God’s Word; a unique and Holy source of our knowledge of God’s self-revelation as it teaches and inspires believers in the way God wants us to live. In the Scriptures God makes known who God is from the perspective of faithful believers and is the means by which God continues to speak to us in this time and place. God, the Father is the creator of the world in which we exist and live. God spoke the world into existence and created humankind in God’s image, entrusting God’s good creation into the care of all humanity. As a parent, God loves us and longs to be in relationship with us. God knows our heart and loves us even though we fall short of living our lives as God desires. God gifts us with the saving grace of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who is my Lord and Savior. God, the Son, enters human history as God’s true revelation of God’s self, the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ. Jesus engages God’s children in relationships, calling believers to repent, offering forgiveness and inspiration of hope. Jesus proclaims God’s reign and love through preaching, teaching, caring for the poor and oppressed, healing the sick, inspiring and consoling the poor in spirit, and by sharing hospitality with outcasts and sinners. Jesus, who is sinless, obediently suffered, died on a cross, and after three days rose in glory to affirm God’s grace, forgiveness and reconciling love to sinful humanity, including me. I believe that the risen Christ does not leave us, he dwells with us, uniting us as his Church, the Body of Christ, gifting us with the Holy Spirit, who engages and governs all things by Word and Spirit. Out of love, through Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, God takes away the sin of the world, and sets the Church apart to witness to God’s love and grace. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church works to be inclusive of all of God’s children for the benefits of the entire community of faith in all times and places. God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, inspires and calls us, as God’s children, to worship God, living joyful lives of gratitude for God’s amazing grace and love in Christ. As such we are to be the Body of Christ for one another, witnessing and using the gifts of ministry that God has given to each for the nurturing of faith and wellbeing of all. The Holy Spirit gives us courage for living, reminding us that God claims us with baptismal water, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and engages us through the Word proclaimed. I believe that the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are God’s gracious gifts, given by Jesus Christ, for the nurture of faith. As we participate in the sacraments, the benefits of God’s salvation in Jesus Christ is sealed in our hearts, minds, and being, by the mysterious power of the Holy Spirit. In the waters of baptism, God’s children are lovingly drawn into the family of God, with believers of all times, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In response to God’s gift of salvation, the gathered community of believers, affirm and promise to support each child of God in the way and life of faith. As the gathered community of faith, we are also nourished in the celebration of the joyful feast of the Lord’s Supper, which is a sign and seal of God’s grace given to us. The bread of life and the cup of salvation, symbolize and present the body and blood of Christ to us, God’s new covenant with us in Jesus Christ. In this shared meal, we remember the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the real events that bring salvation and give our lives of faith meaning throughout the fullness of time. I believe that God is faithful; abiding with us, loving us, forgiving us, and sustaining us in the life of faith. I believe that our lives belong to Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and Savior. In this I trust and live.
10/21 PBY 29
10/21 PBY 30
Report of Presbytery’s Council Presbytery of Charlotte
October 26, 2021 For Information: 1. Council approved the minutes of the August 21, 2021 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery.
2. Council granted approval to recognize military veterans during the 152nd Stated Presbytery Meeting in
honor of Veterans’ Day.
3. Council received reports from the Comptroller/Treasurer summarizing the Presbytery’s Financial Statements through September 2021.
4. Council heard updates on the work of the committees and ministries of the Presbytery.
5. Council received updates on plans for the 2022 Presbyterian Youth Triennium in Indianapolis, IN. A
steering committee has begun to seek youth pastors and other leaders to assist in organizing and recruiting participants.
6. Council made plans to hold its annual retreat on November 16, 2021.
10/21 PBY 31
10/21 PBY 32
10/21 PBY 33
10/21 PBY 34
10/21 PBY 35
10/21 PBY 36
While the Presbyterian Youth Triennium is several months away, registration will begin January 1, 2022. So NOW is the time for congregations in Charlotte Presbytery to identify at least one or two youth members who have shown leadership skills and who might be interested in attending. The Triennium is the largest Presbyterian-sponsored event for our youth members. Several thousand youth participants from across the United States – with a sprinkling from other countries – will attend. Next year’s Triennium will be July 24-27, 2022 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. High school students who will be in the 9th-12th grades in the upcoming school year are eligible to be nominated by your congregation. The 2022 PYT Theme is “When Did We See You?” Taken from Jesus’ Judgment of the nations as depicted in Matthew 25:31-46, the theme is designed to engage young people with seeing, acting, awareness and a number of justice qualities. The mission priorities at the heart of the Matthew 25 invitation - dismantling structural racism, eradicating systemic poverty and building congregational vitality Charlotte Presbytery will provide transportation for a delegation from the presbytery. The registration fee per participant will be around $750-$800. The fee includes food, lodging and T-Shirt. Watch the Presbytery website and future communications for more information. If you have questions, please email Harry Greyard at [email protected]
10/21 PBY 37
